Opelika Observer - Merry Christmas - 12-25-19 E-edition

Vol. 12, No. 12

Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

From our hearts to yours, we hope that your holidays are merry and bright.

RSM Custom Cabinetry offers Alabama Rural Ministry provides quality workmanship, products update for Lee County residents on home-replacement process for customers, homeowners

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer By Morgan Bryce Editor Tucked away in the woods just outside the borders of the small

town of Waverly, RSM Custom Cabinetry may be one of the area’s best-kept secrets for those looking for handcrafted

cabinets, countertops, doors and more. Founded and owned by Camp Hill naSee RSM, page A3

Index

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

Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama Rural Ministry, in partnership with MEND and other missionoriented organiza-

COMICS.....................................A14 SPORTS..................................B1 POLITICS...................................B5 PUBLIC NOTICES............................B6

tions, is beginning the next phase for assisting the remaining survivors of the March 3rd tornado in replacing their destroyed homes. ARM will provide case

management to guide survivors through the application and qualification requirements, followed by oversight of the

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See ARM, page A3

A2 Dec. 25, 2019

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Reindeer Express held at Municipal Park Dec. 14 and 15

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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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 Dec. 25, 2019

A Mother’s Rest opening second respite inn for caregivers; Lee County is in service area Special to the Opelika Observer A Mother’s Rest Charitable Respite Foundation is bringing its revolutionary health initiative and respite program for parents and caregivers to the mountains of North Georgia. The historic “Lawton Place Manor” in Mt. Airy, the former home of legendary baseball player Ty Cobb and most recently a popular wedding event venue, will soon serve as AMR’s second year-round respite inn location. The benefits of proac-

tive self-care have been long overlooked in the disability community. Acknowledging the emotional and physical strains parents and caregivers face is imperative in ensuring the best long term care to their loved ones. AMR’s flagship respite inn, The Terrace Guest House in New Market, Maryland, was the first of its kind in the nation to offer affordable, year-round respite opportunities for caregivers. After only 13 months of operation, it has served nearly 300 weary caregivers. Lawton Place Manor will

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer be open nearly every weekend and is free of charge to all parents and caregivers who have loved ones with disabilities and/or chronic illness. AMR hosts moms/ women, dads/men and couples retreats. Parents of children

Dr. Darrell Childress joins East Alabama Medical Center Special to the Opelika Observer There are 10 Division I football coaches in Alabama, and seven living Alabama governors, including current Gov. Kay Ivey. However, there are only six Board Certified Infectious Disease Pharmacists (BCIDP) in Alabama and the newest one resides at East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC). Darrell Childress, Pharm. D., BCPS, BCIDP, recently passed the strenuous testing to earn this prestigious certification. Childress, who has worked at EAMC for 12 years, graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and followed that by earning his pharmacy doctorate at Auburn University. Prior to his BCIDP, Childress earned a MAD-ID Advanced Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate and also became Board Certified in Pharmacotherapy (BCPS). But, before mislabeling Childress as an overachieving student with no useful skills, it’s important to know how those who work closely with him describe his talents. “Darrell is very passionate about what he does. He meets daily with Dr. Maldonado (EAMC’s infectious disease physician) and others who are actively involved in daily care of patients,” said Brooke Bailey, EAMC’s

RSM, from A1 tive Michael Sharman, RSM originally opened on Stage Road in Auburn before relocating to its present location off U.S. Highway 280 near Waverly in 2014. Sharman boasts a vast wealth of experience in manufactur-

with disabilities and chronic illness, all adoptive and foster parents, spouses of wounded veterans, special educators and those caring for their own aging parents are eligible to attend. Guests typically come for three night respite

weekends where they can achieve recuperative rest, decompression and fellowship with other caregivers who understand their life challenges. AMR retreats are completely free-style, without scheduled activities or programming. Their theme is #SLEEPMATTERS. A Mother’s Rest is seeking public support to fully fund the purchase, prep, furnishing, and part-time staffing of this respite sanctuary that will serve 500-plus families throughout Georgia and the southeast annually. Once

fully funded, they hope to be open for guests by March 2020. All donations are tax deductible and can be made online through this Charity GoFundMe link. Donors can also send a check to: A Mother’s Rest, 32 West Main Street, New Market, MD 21774 (with a note for GA Capital Campaign). AMR relies entirely on donations from private individuals, churches, businesses, and foundations to provide these critical health services to caregivers. For more information about AMR, visit www. amothersrest.org.

Second phase of ‘Southside Opelika’ development to start in early 2020

Childress infection control director and a colleague of Childress’s on the hospital’s antimicrobial stewardship team. “He visits patients, calls patients and works with my department as well as microbiology, ICU, social work and other departments to help find solutions for the betterment of patients.” “The commitment Darrell has shown to his field and to EAMC’s antimicrobial stewardship team enables us to provide the best clinical and evidencebased therapies, and to more rapidly resolve infections and provide better patient outcomes. Employees like Darrell help us provide highquality, compassionate care,” said Chris Clark, EAMC’s vice president of clinical services. Childress thinks his added certification will continue to give providers trust in the hospital’s antimicrobial stewardship efforts. “Overuse of antibiotics has led to bacterial resistance and adverse patient outcomes,” Childress

ing, quality control and plant management. Deanna Blackwell, an Auburn resident with interior/ project designer background, joined RSM in summer 2018 and assists customers from start to finish. Blackwell explained that the process begins with a free estimate or on-site measuring from she or Sharman. Through her business Blackwell Digital

stated. “Combating this epidemic requires proper knowledge and training. With relatively few pharmacists in the state having this certification, it reflects that EAMC is working hard to combat antimicrobial resistance in our community and improving patient outcomes.” The knowledge and passion of Childress not only helps patients in the east Alabama area. Childress is a founding member of the Alabama Infectious Disease Society (ALIDS) and works in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Alabama Quality Assurance Foundation (AQAF) to offer antimicrobial stewardship statewide. “Through education and sharing of protocols and successes, Darrell assists rural hospitals which have fewer resources with stewardship efforts that help treat patients and also helps decrease antibiotic resistance,” Bailey said. For more information, visit www.eamc.org.

Interiors, which partners exclusively with RSM, she is able help conceptualize each project and bring it to life. While they stock popular wood like cherry, hickory, mahogany and poplar, Blackwell said they are able to source markets or suppliers to provide any type of wood desired for a project. The only items that RSM out-

By Morgan Bryce Editor The construction of the “Southside Opelika” subdivision is expected to move into its second phase in early 2020. According to Richard Patton, one of the project’s co-developers, three of the planned seven houses to be built along South 8th Street and Avenue D are completed and have

ARM, from A1 rebuilding process. Survivor households will be able to select their home models from several options, qualify with a financial lender for an affordable housing sources are doors and drawers, items that Blackwell said “are associated (and made by) well-respected manufacturers,” which are the most affordable and feasible options for customers. “No project is too small! The timeline (for completion of projects) is dependent on scope of project but RSM is scheduleoriented and pride ourselves in meeting

residents. Recent weather has bogged down progress on the other four houses, but he said that they plan to break ground on the next two in early January, conditions permitting. Phase two of the Southside project will include the construction of four town homes, which will be located behind the houses off Avenue D. They will be landscaped

like the houses and equipped with fencing for privacy. The third and final phase of the project has changed since the Observer’s last interview with Patton. Instead of condominiums, there will be 16 cottages constructed to mirror the community’s needs. “With these cottages, we’re taking what we’re doing

product, and make their own decisions regarding the options that best fit their financial ability. All survivor homeowners are able to apply and may be eligible for other assistance where they may not fully qualify with a lender. Those who were renting can also

receive assistance from case managers to explore their options for replacement housing. To begin the home replacement application, contact Alabama Rural Ministry at tornado@arm-al. org or by phone to 334-501-4276, extension 500.

proposed schedules,” Blackwell said. “We respond in a timely manner to phone calls, texts and emails, provide estimates quickly, and deliver a quality product on schedule ... (and we want people to know that all) RSM cabinets are made inshop with the highestquality wood and lacquer finishes.” RSM’s hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Fri-

day and Saturday by appointment only. To schedule an appointment or consultation, call 334821-3488 or Blackwell by email at dblackwellrsm@gmail.com or phone at 706-6279931. Like and follow both business’s Facebook pages for more information and updates. The shop is located at 2641 Loblockee Ave.

See Patton, page A6

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A4 Dec. 25, 2019

A

Christmas Lights

trailer park. I am 16. I am a dummy. Lots of 16-year-old boys are. Today, there are three dummies here to help Johnnie Miller’s mother decorate her trailer for Christmas. His mother goes all out for Christmas even though his house is—how should I put this?—a dump. It’s an ugly, brown, 60-foot mobile home, with a rusted roof and a hot water heater in the backyard. She has lights, giant lawn figurines, a plastic Santa with reindeer. She owns a lifetime’s worth of Christmas junk, and her collection only seems to grow each year. Johnnie has been putting up these decorations each December since he was old enough to sprout armpit hair. This year he’s recruited help. We boys climb on ladders. We deck the halls and decorate every square inch of the ugly house. The windows, trim, gutters, eves, porch posts, even the steps. And his mother doesn’t use modern Christmas lights. These are the kind from 1951, with thick bulbs and aluminum wiring you often hear about on the evening news. (“And in local news tonight, a 16-year-old boy electrocuted from faulty Christmas lights, police used fingerprints to identify the melted body. Back to you, Lisa.”) Johnnie and I and two other boys are working from noon until night. And after several hours of work, it occurs to one of us: “Hey! Why doesn’t your mom just leave the decorations up year round?” Johnnie’s mother

By Sean Dietrich

overhears this. She is standing on the lawn, smoking a cigarette. “It ruins the excitement,” she says. “There’s nothing special about decorations if you leave them up.” She is older than other mothers. She has white hair, she looks like she’s lived a hard life. Her voice is like a tuba, and she always wears embroidered sweatshirts. We work on the house until dark. We are ready to go home because we think we’re finished. But we discover that we aren’t even close to being finished. Because now it’s time to decorate the inside of the trailer. “The inside?” we all say in unison. (Cue “Jaws Theme Song.”) His mother brings dozens of cardboard boxes from storage. And just when you think this woman couldn’t possibly have any more Christmasthemed junk, you realize you haven’t even scratched the tip of the holiday-crap iceberg. She has boxes of porcelain figurines, Mr. and Mrs. Claus saltshakers, advent calenders out the wazoo, throw rugs, disco balls, inflatable elves, flame throwers, etc. We apply garland to every surface, we decorate her mantle into the world’s busiest nativity scene. At the end of the day, the house is so gussied up that you could charge admission to

Holiday Helpers

see it. Johnnie’s mother turns off the living room lamp and we see nothing but flashing lights, twinkling tinsel, and little elf dolls that stare at you with creepy “Children-of-the-Corn” eyes. That night, Johnnie’s mother feeds us. And we all end up sleeping over. We do what all sixteen-year-old boys do when they have sleepovers. We watch old movies. Before Johnnie’s mother goes to bed, she thanks us for our help, and tells us she doesn’t know what she’d do without us. We blush. We mumble a “you’re welcome” that sounds about as sincere as a kazoo playing the national anthem because we are sixteen, and, like I said, we are dummies. That night, we all decide to go for a walk. Once we are outside, Johnnie fumbles a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He asks if I want one. I refuse because I can’t smoke, it breaks out my tongue. I never could get past half a cigarette without feeling like I licked a porcupine. The trailer park has one big paved main road that makes a loop. We meander along the, acting like grown men talking about meaningless things. Johnnie starts talking about how much he loves his mother. He talks about what a saint she is. Which is a little unusual for kids our age. Most boys complain about their mothers. But not him. “She adopted me,” he finally admits. “She ain’t even my real mom.”

Six ways you can support a family with a

See Dietrich, page A6

See Moseley, page A6

special needs child during the holidays

T

he holidays are a time to celebrate, relax, and make special memories. But for families with a medically fragile child or children, there’s little time left for fire gazing, gift wrapping, or attending parties or school plays. Why? Because special needs kids need constant care and attention, and the arrival of the holidays doesn’t change that. This is why one of the best ways you can commemorate the season of giving is by becoming a “holiday helper” to families who may desperately need a hand. The holiday season can be an exhausting and overwhelming time for families with a medically fragile child. Between work, rushing their child or children to school or doctor’s visits, and the demands of everyday life, parents’ lives are filled to the max. They have almost no extra time to make this time of year special. Often, the holidays pass in a blur and are over before they ever began. If you know a family in this situation, the greatest gift you could offer is your time and support. Families probably won’t ask for it, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need it. And for a medically fragile child going

through the struggle of their life, anything you can do to brighten his or her day is absolutely worth doing. My daughter RayAnn is one such child. Now a thriving teenager, RayAnn spent many years severely ill and hovering near death. After being diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy since birth, she began experiencing a drastic increase in her seizure activity and was hospitalized many times with status epilepticus—when seizures follow one another without recovery of consciousness in between. After many years of trying every possible treatment, my husband and I discovered “Charlotte’s Web,” an oil produced from a high-CBD/low-THC cannabis plant. The CBD-rich oil significantly reduced and eventually eliminated the seizures and allowed RayAnn to start making huge strides in her health and happiness. During RayAnn’s most difficult years, I was always so grateful for help from others. A small gesture of caring can go a long way to help a family find the balance they need during such a hectic time of year. If you’re inspired to support a family with a special needs child during the holidays, here are some

ways to be a holiday helper. Ask, “How can I help?” The simple act of reaching out and asking, “What can I do?” or, “What do you need?” is meaningful in itself—especially since people may feel uncomfortable or unsure of what to say around families with special needs children. Showing up and offering assistance of any kind will always be appreciated. You may be asked to pick up a few stocking stuffers for the kids, drive a child to their physical therapy appointment, help repair a broken garage door, or rake up the last of the fall leaves from the yard. These are small kindnesses, but they lighten the load for stressed-out and worn-out parents. This is one easy way to make a difference to a family that might be struggling under the load of responsibilities they face each day. By offering, you are making it clear that you are their ally. And if you catch them off guard with your offer, let them know that they can think about it for a few days and that you will check back in to ask again. Then, be sure to follow up. Deliver a meal. A hot holiday meal can make all the difference to a rushed

Lanterns Light Paths to Christmas Pastime

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limbing to the terrace plateau, sun pierces dense morning clouds as I gaze out over expansive vistas. In the stillness, a quiet echoes beyond stone -sculpted walls. Gently sloping canyons of grey caress rising ridges; mist thins revealing lagoons and riverscape. Birds sing their praises to the day. Their sound is different, only in this place. Beams of honey hues pour ‘cross entangled vines of wisteria, springtime’s verandah canopy long since faded. Through iron gates I step, as enormous doors of walnut open. The footman bids me a welcomed hello, and my romance with the past continues. I promenade along spacious corridors and explore ornate places. Velvet ribbons of green trace each foot step. Ferns and luminous plant life of every kind envelope lantern light sconces. Paired with towering columns of masculine design, feminine embellishments enchant the eyes. Amidst walls of wooden

panels, hidden passages and the finest of Italian leather aroma draws me hither. Passing from one threshold into the next, a giant of evergreen is suspended. Adorned with lights of white, ornaments in size larger than life, she towers towards the height of this Renaissance cavern. Ropes secured reach beyond the organ loft, the weight impress the senses. A steady roar rumbles through the home as carols pumped through grand pipes play above the big tree’s star. Exquisite collections of artifacts and antiquities present new discoveries. I walk in silence as my eyes dance upon new sights including some pastime favorites. Hand cut paper girls dance too, along chairs and tree boughs, nestled between icicles of crystal in the music chamber. In this rose hue room, 12 apostles stand guard; their reflections reside only in the Vatican. Tapestries, portrayals of virtues illustrated and

By Sarah West gothic vestry designs line my walk, making my way towards a favorite scene of admiration. Above me are the works of Sargent and Boldini, elegant brushstrokes I have studied and adore. Draped hues of red pour forth, a passion for literature drips from each library bookcase and ladder step. Aurora enraptured in embellished sky, her torch casts Venetian light. Wreaths and trees of evergreen adorned with holly and gold flank a fire of glowing embers. Upon a small, handcrafted table lay a box of glass, encasing a rare treasure.

Beneath beveled crystal panes sits George Washington Vanderbilt’s, Charles Dickens First Edition, A Christmas Carol. I explore this treasure from a distance, and am filled with childlike Christmas Magic. 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, 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. To learn more about her work and activism visit, www. thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com.

YOUR DESTINATION for CONTINUED FINE ARTS EDUCATION STUDIO CLASSES | DRAWING, PAINTING & MORE for ALL AGES www.thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com

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A5 Dec. 25, 2019

Samford Court Community Outreach Fellowship Group hosted seventh annual Christmas celebration earlier this month

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer The Samford Court Community Outreach Fellowship Group celebrated their seventh annual Christmas party earlier this month, with Carolyn Morton serving as the host. The Opelika Fire Department, Opelika Housing Authority and Ward 2 Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts contributed to this event.

Lee County Farmers Federations holds meeting earlier this month

Photos and report submitted to the Opelika Observer The Lee County Farmers Federation received the Award of Excellence Dec. 9. during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 98th annual meeting in Montgomery. To earn the distinction, counties must score at least 80 points out of 100 on the award application, which covers involvement in agricultural programs, governmental

affairs, and county Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees. Pictured top left, outgoing Lee County Farmers Federation President Mahlon Richburg, right, accepted the award from Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. Pictured top middle, Lee County’s Ellie Watson won the Young Farmers Discussion Meet Contest during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 98th

annual meeting in Montgomery. Watson is Executive Director of Sweet Grown Alabama. She received a four-wheeler, courtesy of sponsor First South Farm Credit and an iPad from the Alabama Farmers Federation. She will also compete in the National Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet during an expense-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention in Austin, Texas

in January 2020. Pictured far right, Ann Whatley was elected secretary of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s State Women’s Leadership Committee during the organization’s 98th annual meeting in Montgomery on Dec. 8 and 9. The ninemember committee works to improve communities across Alabama through farming education and activities. She also represents Alabama At-Large.

She is pictured with Federation Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood. Pictured bottom left, Garrett Dixon was reelected to the State Young Farmers Committee during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual meeting. He is pictured with Federation Young Farmers Division Director Jennifer Christenberry. Pictured bottom middle, new Lee County Farmers Federation President

Jamie Lazenby and outgoing President Mahlon Richburg were recognized during the Presidents Luncheon. Richburg, center, received a plaque for his five years of service, and Lazenby, right, received a pin to commemorate her election. The two are pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. For more information, visit www. alfafarmers.org.

2-in-3 seniors have been victims to online scams By Nolan Rogers Special to the Opelika Observer Senior citizens are losing roughly $2.9 billion becuase of cyber-scams each year. Reclaiming accounts, dealing with the fraud departments and resetting passwords is a complicated and stressful process that no one should have to experience. Use strong passwords - Do not use the same password over and over. - Make sure it is at least 12 characters long. - Use two-factor authentication. This security setting sends a PIN number to your phone when you sign in to a website. This helps verify your identity. Store your passwords

safely - It is best to use password management software. If you write passwords down, do not store them somewhere where a visitor or family member can easily access them. - Be wary of “phishing.” It is common for criminals to send emails that appear to come from friends, relatives, or companies asking for personal information. Do not share personal information such as credit card numbers over email. Don’t enter login or payment information to unsecured sites. Secure website will display a green “padlock” icon and the text “https” in the top left of your browser window.

Avoid clicking links in emails Clicking links in emails can download malware onto your computer. Backup your computer Backup your computer to the cloud or a physical external hard drive weekly so that you can recover files if your computer is compromised or stolen. Don’t trust pop-up windows. Windows that pop up unexpectedly asking for login information or encouraging you to

download something are almost never legitimate. Keep your computer updated Software updates are important for “patching” holes in your computer’s security. Don’t share personal information on social media Criminals often look to social media for personal information they can use to impersonate you online. Do not share location, birthdays and similar information on social media.

Reporting elderly scams If your loved ones are or have been victims of elderly scams, it’s important to have them report the crime as soon as possible. We recommend contacting: - The AARP Fraud Watch Network Hotline (1-877-908-3360) - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by visiting www.ftccomplaintassistance.gov - The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting https:// www.ic3.gov/complaint/

default.aspx/ - The AARP Fraud Watch Network Hotline can help you figure out what steps to take to help your situation. Reporting to the FTC and IC3 is important because these government agencies, along with others, use statistics from reported crimes to guide how they allocate their resources to prevent further crimes. InMyArea.com specializes in local data, cybersecurity, internet usage, streaming services and media viewership. Rogers is an outreach and technology specialist at InMyArea.com with a special interest in cybersecurity. His goal is to ensure everyone has the tools they need to stay safe online.

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A6 Dec. 25, 2019

Sisters of Promise Chapter #442 Order of the Eastern Star make Christmas donations

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Earlier this month, the Sisters of Promise Chapter #442 donated toys and other items to the Macon County DHR for less fortunate children this Christmas season.

Patton,

Moseley,

from A3

from A4

on South 8th Street and (Avenue) D and doing it on a smaller scale. We felt like individual homes fit the neighborhood better and would be in bigger and better demand,” Patton said. Each cottage will be approximately 1,200 square feet, and feature either two or three bedrooms and two baths. Construction on these is expected to take place sometime next year. They will be located at the dead end of Avenue D between 9th and 10th Streets. The history of the Southside neighborhood can be traced to 1854. Many old homes were deemed “as too far beyond repair” by Patton and city officials, which led to his vision of creating a vibrant community within walking distance of downtown Opelika. “We’ve got a lot of great things going on in downtown Opelika, but I think we

and frazzled family. Therefore, when you prepare your own holiday dinner, make extra amounts of each dish, package it all up along with a bottle of sparkling cider, and deliver it to the family’s home. In fact, it doesn’t even need to be homemade to be special and very appreciated; a bucket of chicken and a few sides from a restaurant or grocery store is always a big hit as well. Include them. Families with a medically fragile child are busy, but they still want to be invited to attend neighborhood potlucks, holiday parties, caroling, and other seasonal outings. Keep inviting them to things. They will miss events when they need to but will attend others and always welcome the chance to have fun and socialize. Treat parents to a night out (for a date, or holiday shopping, or anything else!). Having a child with special needs can place strain on a marriage (about 22% of parents of kids with disabilities divorce), and parents need to make time to nurture the relationship. Volunteer to come by and babysit all the children in the household so parents can have a long-overdue evening to themselves. Gather up your own kids too, and head over with some kid-friendly movies, board games, and ingredients for homemade cookies or s’mores. Be sure to offer up this very generous gift ASAP so parents can get dinner reservations or order tickets to a holiday concert or movie in advance. Parents also need

Dietrich, from A4 We all sort of look at our shoes. Because what do you say after that? “She’s not your real mom?” says one. “Nope,” Johnnie goes on. “She found me, I was a baby, screaming in an empty apartment, nobody knew where my parents disappeared to, they said I was alone for days. But I don’t remember it. She took me home.” It is all he says about the matter. And neither of us have the guts to ask him anything else about it. Because when a 16-year-old boy shares something deeply personal, you just

Patton need to add a lot more residential walkability. That’s the main focus or selling point of this project: living in downtown,” Patton said. “People ask me who we’re marketing this to, and I tell them, ‘it’s not an age graphic, it’s a demographic of people who want to be able to walk downtown, eat out, shop or get a drink.’ We want to market to downtown people, so it doesn’t

matter if you’re 20 or 90; if you’re a person that likes walkability and getting out and your backyard is the downtown, that’s who this product is for.” For more information or to inquire more information about pricing and availability, Patton said he can be reached by email at richpatton23@gmail.com or contacting Denson Group realtors at 334759-7525.

let him alone. Then, after the appropriate amount of time passes, you clear mucus from your throat, spit, and say something about a professional sports franchise. Which is what I do. The other boys thank me for this because it breaks the tension. We finish the loop around the trailer park and we finally get close to Johnnie’s house. We stop walking. Because we are overcome with admiration. In the center of a sea of ugly mobile homes is one little trailer in the distance. Sixty feet long, brown, rusty roof, a water heater in the backyard. But you can’t see those things in the darkness. All we see is a little house, lit up multicolored in

the night, brighter than anything around for miles, and lovely. We slap each other’s backs like a bunch of dummies. “Hey, the house looks really good,” says one boy. “Yeah,” says another. “It really does.” Silence. “You know, you’re wrong, Johnnie,” another boy adds. “She is your real mom.” 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.

Former Opelika football coach visits Opelika Lions Club at recent meeting

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Former OHS head football coach Spence McCracken, current color announcer for Opelika High School football games, was a recent guest of the Opelika Lions Club. He discussed building good character and fairness in young people at OHS. He was introduced by Lion Doug Hicks pictured right.

kid-free time to shop for holiday gifts. During the holidays, RayAnn was always with me, even when I was shopping for her presents. Luckily my mother could sometimes step in and watch her so I could run some shopping errands, but not every family has this resource. Offering to pick up the kids from school and entertain them for a few hours gives parents time to grab some gifts or stocking stuffers or wrap presents. Don’t forget about siblings. Caring for a differently abled child can be a fulltime job for the whole family, and despite everyone’s best efforts, siblings may sometimes feel neglected, jealous of the attention their brother or sister receives, or resentful that they must help out in their daily care. So, volunteer to take the siblings out on a special “kids date.” You can take them to a museum or aquarium, or go ice skating, or take them shopping for holiday presents for mom and dad. (A siblings outing may be best in situations when the medically fragile child is occupied with other activities. Work with the parents to ensure that they do not feel excluded!) Brighten up the hospital room. If a child can’t be home for the holidays due to hospitalization, you can help make their hospital room merry and bright— and it’s one less thing the parents have to worry about. Schedule a time to meet the family there for a visit and bring a mini tree or light-up menorah, a string of colored lights, festive wall hangings, tinsel, stockings, and instant hot cocoa. In no time at all, the room—and your own heart—will feel

warm and cozy. It takes real courage to reach out and offer help to special needs parents—especially if you’re unsure of how the parents will react to your offer. You may worry that you’re intruding or crossing an inappropriate boundary, but this is usually not the case. Push past the momentary discomfort and let a family know you see them and that you would love to help. Your selfless gift helps families find that elusive balance that makes their holidays merry and bright. And that is a gift worth giving, every time. About the Author: Holley Moseley is the author of A Ray of Hope: A Mother’s Story of Love, Healing, and the Miracle of Medical Marijuana. A University of South Alabama graduate, she has over 14 years of nursing experience, specializing in pediatrics and clinical research. She worked as the executive director for the Epilepsy Society of Northwest Florida and continues to be a dedicated advocate for epilepsy awareness. Holley was instrumental in passing the first cannabis legislation in the state of Florida, known as the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014. She lives with her husband and three children in Gulf Breeze, Florida. For more information, please visit www.arayofhopebook.com. About the Book: A Ray of Hope: A Mother’s Story of Love, Healing, and the Miracle of Medical Marijuana (Hope Grows Publishing, 2018, ISBN: 978-0-692-13847-2, $14.95) is available from Amazon and www.arayofhopebook.com.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve Bash at the Bottling Plant Event Center Jan. 7 - Empower Women’s Leadership Breakfast Jan. 10 - The Rough and Tumble in concert at Sundilla Jan. 15 - Dan Navarro at The Sound Wall Jan. 16 Liz Brasher at The Standard Deluxe

Providence music ministry presents ‘A Cup of Christmas Tea’ Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

T

wo Christmas trees covered in sparkling white lights flanked the entrance to the West Campus of Providence Baptist Church in Beauregard for “A Cup of Christmas Tea” event on Sunday night, Dec. 15. In the kitchen, ladies are busy arranging trays of homemade cookies and candies to place on every table in the sanctuary, which was festively decorated with several trees with white lights situated around the room. Suzanne Harris, Gayle Smith and Pam Morris, chairmen of the tea, named the event after the

book “Cup of Christmas Tea.” Harris read the book after her sister-inlaw gave a copy to her mother. The heartwarming story became special to her family. Written by Tom Hegg and illustrated by Warren Hanson, the book tells the story of a man who reluctantly decides to visit his elderly great-aunt during the Christmas season. During the visit, he recalls past holidays, finds peace and the Christmas spirit. “The story is a reminder,” Harris said, “that people need people at Christmas.” When Harris, who is

the church pianist, and other ladies in the church Photo by Ann Cipperly were on a trip for music, Chairmen for the third “A Cup of Christmas Tea” at Providence Baptist Church in Beauregard are they talked about needfrom left, Pam Morris, Gayle Smith and Suzanne Harris. The event featured homemade cookies and ing another tradition at candies, beautifully decorated tables and a program of joyful Christmas music. the church. They decided mint topped confections was offered without ments embellished with to have a tea and name it filled the Christmas candy charge. greenery, white flowers after the book. trays. Youth in the church and red roses. A hurriThis year was the Dr. Rusty Sowell, served the beverage cane shade in the center third year for the event minister of the church, choices of hot spiced tea, of each held a flickering presented by the church welcomed everyone and hot chocolate, coffee or candle. The Blossom music ministry, with Dr. opened with the invocamilk. Shop donated the lovely Thomas Smith as the dition. Platters of Christmas rector of music. Smith has centerpieces. Directed by Gayle cookies included sugar Every place was served as the director for cookies, snowballs, short- Smith, the East Alabama marked with a Christmas more than 45 years and mug and a cloth napkin in bread cookies and molas- Children’s Choir presentwas also the director of ed “Hurry to Bethlehem” ses spice. Cheese straws a Christmas color. the AU Singers for many and “Rudolph, the Redwere also served with the Bowls of seasoned years. Nosed Reindeer.” cookies. crackers and mixed nuts Round tables were covJeremy Pyles followed Peanut butter fudge, were on each table. ered in white cloths and Oreo balls, chocolate Soon, the tables filled centered with arrangeSee Cipperly, page A9 covered nuts and pepperwith all ages. The event

J.W. Darden Foundation’s 8th annual ‘Black Tie Legacy Gala’ slated for Feb. 1, 2020 By Morgan Bryce Editor Dr. William Whatley III of Opelika’s Family Medicine Associates will be the recognized physician at the 8th annual “Black Tie Legacy Gala” Feb. 1 at the AuburnOpelika Marriott at Grand National. Members of the J.W. Darden Foundation, Inc. help organize this event each year, which includes a reception, dinner and awards ceremony to honor Whatley’s contributions and recognize this year’s scholarship recipients. More than $27,000 in scholarships have been gifted to students in medical school, including aspiring doctors, nurses and pharmacists. Named after Opelika’s first black physician Dr. J.W. Darden and his wife Maude, the foundation carries on his legacy through the Darden Wellness Center, which provides free health screenings and access to other medical resources. Events like the gala help sustain those efforts, scholarship

Bottling Plant Event Center to host two events to start 2020 Special to the Opelika Observer The Bottling Plant Event Center in downtown Opelika will be the area’s destination to ring in 2020. The festivities kick off with a New Year’s party starting at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. At 9:30 p.m., the Atlantabased funk, motown and soul group “The Answer Band” will take the stage, followed by a

Dr. William Whatley III

provision and the necessary funding for the upkeep of

Darden’s historical home at 1323 Au-

See New Years, page A13

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

See Gala, page A13

Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

pelika Observer O

A8 Dec. 25, 2019

Alabama’s Bicentennial Parade held in Montgomery on Dec. 14

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Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer According to a post on the Alabama200 webpage, “the free, day-long celebration began at 10 a.m. with a parade of Alabama people, places and history. From Court Square Fountain, a cavalcade of marching bands, city floats, living history on wheels—such as the USS Alabama Battleship Park and US Space and Rocket Center—elected officials, cute kids, beauty queens, and special Alabama Notables will travel Dexter Avenue toward the State Capitol.” The parade also featured a 200-member marching band comprised of the best high school musicians in the state. To learn more about other portions of the Alabama200 festivities that day, visit www.alabama200. org.

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pelika O Observer Cipperly, from A7 with a poem “Christmas” by Valeria Brown and sang “The Work of Christmas.” Tim Senn led the audience in singing “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.” Afterwards, the “Roving Reporter” asked the audience to share Christmas memories. John Reid and John Strong both shared Christmases that

Recipes Hot Spiced Tea 18 oz. Tang 1¼ cups Nestea 2 cups sugar 1 tsp. cloves 1 tsp. cinnamon Mix well in large container. Add more tea if needed. In one cup of water put 1½ tsp. of mixture. Cranberry Tea 4 cups tea (Milos or homemade) 4 cups cranberry juice 3 cups orange juice 2 cups pineapple juice Little lemon juice Combine ingredients; serve warm or cold. Perfect Pot of Tea When making hot tea, use 1 tsp. loose tea or 1 tea bag for every cup and one extra for the pot. Bring the water to a full boil, but do not allow it to continue to boil. While the water is heating, pour hot tap water into the teapot to warm, which will help keep the boiling water hot. Once water is boiling pour out tap water in teapot, add tea and boiling water. Let steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on strength desired. Serve with milk, not cream, lemon slices and sugar or sugar cubes. Darjeeling is a smooth black tea to serve. Peanut Butter Fudge 1½ cups sugar 2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) evaporated milk 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine 1/4 tsp. salt 2 cups miniature marshmallows 1½ cups (9 oz.) semisweet chocolate morsels 1 cup chunky or regular peanut butter 1 tsp. vanilla extract Line an 8-inch-square baking pan with foil. Combine sugar, evaporated milk, salt, and butter medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows, morsels, peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir

were meaningful to them. As guests sipped tea and savored the cookies and candy, Jim Chaffin read the book “A Cup of Christmas Tea.” Kate Senn followed with the reading of the Christmas story in Luke 2. “Somewhere in Your Silent Night” was sung by Ben Ingram, and then the audience sang “Joy to the World” led by Tim Senn. Terry Harris continued the music with “Christmas Isn’t Christmas.” After Sowell gave closvigorously 1 minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into prepared baking pan. Chill for 2 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; remove foil. Cut into squares. Oreo Balls 1 pkg. Oreo cookies 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 24 oz. almond bark Crush Oreos in Ziplock bag and place in mixing bowl with cream cheese. Mix with mixer. Roll into balls. Chill. Dip in melted almond bark. Makes 3 dozen. Chocolate Peanut Clusters 16 oz. salted peanuts 16 oz. unsalted peanuts 12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips 24 oz. pkg. block almond or chocolate bark 1 container German sweet chocolate Place in crock-pot in order listed. Do not stir. Heat 3 hours on low. After 3 hours, stir and drop by teaspoons on wax paper. Cool. Store in airtight container. Lemon Meltaway Cookies 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/3 cup powdered sugar 3/4 cup butter 1 tsp. grated lemon peel 1 Tbsp. lemon juice Frosting 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 tsp. grated lemon peel 1 tsp. lemon juice In large mixer bowl, combine all cookie ingredients. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed (2 -3 minutes). Divide dough in half. Shape each half into 8x1 inch roll. Wrap in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate until firm (1-2 hours). Heat oven to 350 degrees. With

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ing thoughts, the Harris/ Reid Ensemble closed the evening with “Sleigh Ride.” Shirley Dismukes has attended all three teas. This has been an exciting time,” says Shirley. “It has been something we look forward to attending. It gets you in the Christmas spirit with the music, beautiful table settings and decorated trees.” “A Cup of Christmas Tea” is a popular event that brings all ages together to celebrate the true meaning of the seasharp knife, cut each half into 1/4 inch slices. Place 2 inches part on cookie sheets. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until set. Cookies will not brown. Cool completely. In small mixer bowl, combine all frosting ingredients. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until fluffy. Frost cooled cookies. Makes 4 dozen cookies. Chocolate Covered Cracker with Crushed Peppermint 1 box Ritz crackers 3-4 bags chocolate melts Crushed candy canes Pour all chocolate melts into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes on half power. Stir, then microwave at half power for 30-second intervals until totally melted when stirred. Line baking sheets with wax paper. Using a fork, dip Ritz crackers in chocolate, flipping to coat both sides. Tap fork on side of bowl to smooth out top and then skim bottom on side of bowl. Place carefully with fork onto wax paper and sprinkle with crushed candy cane. Let cool several hours before removing from wax paper. Firecrackers 2/3 cup vegetable oil 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. black pepper Two 1 oz. envelopes ranch dressing mix 3 Tbsp. crushed red pepper flakes Box cheese or saltine crackers Place vegetable oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, ranch dressing mix and crushed red pepper flakes in a 2-gallon plastic zipper bag. Seal the bag and smooth with your hands to thoroughly combine the oil and spices. Place crackers into bag, seal, and turn the bag over to cover crackers with the spice mix. Let bag sit for about 1 hour, then turn again.

A9 Dec. 25, 2019

Photo by Ann Cipperly Among those helping with “A Cup of Christmas Tea” event at Providence Baptist Church are, from left, Kathi Pierce, Dianne Smith, Anne Yarbrough, Wayne Smith and Bonnie Henderson.

Repeat several more times until the crackers are well-coated with spice mix, and allow the bag to sit overnight. Remove crackers and serve. Southern Snowballs 1 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar, plus more for coating cookies 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup finely chopped pecans Preheat oven to 270 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Using an electric mixer at low speed, cream butter and sugar until smooth; add vanilla. At low speed gradually add flour. Stir in pecans. With floured hands, take out about one tablespoon of dough and shape it into a ball. Place the cookies one inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly done. Roll in additional confectioners’ sugar while still warm. Cool completely on wire racks and store in airtight containers. Sugar Cookies 1 cup margarine or butter 1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cream of tartar Mix margarine, sugar, egg and flavorings. Sift dry ingredients together and blend into above mixture. Cover and chill 2 to 3 hours. Roll dough into 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters dipped in flour. Cookies may be sprinkled with granulated sugar (white or colored) if desired before baking. Bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes or until edges are light brown.

son and to share a time of fellowship, as the book resonates that people need people, especially at Christmas. While some are surrounded by their families at the table, others are lonely at Christmas and would feel blessed beyond measure to be included in a gathering or meal. Following is a selection of recipes for a tea to plan your own special event for those who need others this season. Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com.

omit sprinkling with granulated sugar noted above.) Cool and frost with icing. 2 cups confectioner’s sugar 3 Tbsp. margarine, softened 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. almond extract 1 to 2 Tbsp. milk or light cream Mix ingredients and tint with desired food coloring. Spread cookies with frosting and allow to dry before storing in cookie tins.

1 tsp. vanilla 1/8 tsp. salt 2 cups all-purpose flour Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease 9 by 13-inch pan. In a large bowl, beat butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and salt. Gradually add flour on low speed until just blended. Pour dough into pan; press to cover bottom. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool 10 minutes; slice into bars. Cool before removing from pan.

Molasses Spice Cookies ¾ cup shortening 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 large egg 1/4 cup molasses 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. ground cloves 1/2 cup sugar Beat shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer until soft and creamy; gradually add brown sugar, beating well. Add egg and molasses, mixing well. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients; add flour mixture to shortening mixture, mixing well. Cover; chill 2 hours. Shape dough into 1-inch balls, and roll balls in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheets; bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool.

Lemon Poppy Seed Shortbread 1 stick unsalted butter, softened ½ cup confectioner’s sugar 1½ Tbsp. grated lemon zest 1 tsp vanilla 1½ Tbsp. poppy seeds 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt Extra confectioner’s sugar for dusting on bars Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in remaining ingredients until just blended. Press dough into greased 8-inch square pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; cut into bars. Cool completely before removing from pan. Dust with confectioner’s sugar.

Brown Sugar Shortbread 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Butter Cookies 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup cold water 1 tsp. vanilla ¼ tsp. soda Cream butter and sugar; add flour. This will look crumbly or coarse. To the ¼ cup water add vanilla and soda. Sprinkle liquid over crumb mixture; blend into mixture. Chill until dough is easy to handle. Divide dough into two. Roll each into a log and freeze. While still frozen, slice cookies very thin. Bake at 350 degrees on ungreased cookie sheets.

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pelika O Observer

A10 Dec. 25, 2019

Opelika resident Doug Horn uses Bigfoot display to spread Christmas joy Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Located at 908 Geneva St., the Bigfoot display on Doug Horn’s property is a way he said he wants to help spread some Christmas joy and cheer. “I want to put a little smile on their faces when they pass by it,” Horn said. After recently acquiring the property he said he is working to transform the property into attractive location because of the road’s importance as a gateway into the city. Horn added that the Bigfoot display will be changed to reflect the seasons.

OBITUARIES Myrtle B. Holt Myrtle B. Holt of Society Hill, Alabama was born in Deatsville, Alabama on December 2, 1944 and passed away at East Alabama Medi-

cal Center on Dec. 16, 2019. She was 75 years old. She was a Member at Marvyn Parkway Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Lewis

Haywood, Sr. and Margie Nabors Haywood; sister, Margaret Hussey; brother, Jimmy Haywood; sister, Jeanie Whaley; nephew, Billy “Roho” Haywood. She is survived by

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her husband of 57 years, Melvin Holt; son, Jimbo “Bubba” Holt; sister, Donna Rudd (Wayne); niece, Teresa Haywood, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and

other family members. Visitation was held Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. A funeral service

was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 at 1 p.m. with Brother David Floyd officiating. Interment followed at Holt Family Cemetery.

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eligion

From God’s point of view

aul speaks about weapons of divine power capable of “demolishing strongholds” in 2 Corinthians 10:3. He alluded to them earlier in his letter (6:7 – “with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left”) and gives his fullest exposition of them in Ephesians 6:10-18. But we shouldn’t make the mistake of getting caught up trying to identify the exact weaponry he is referring to here. The bigger point to see is that they were weapons of mass destruction. They brought no harm to humans but absolutely obliterated the sinful facades and structures fabricated my man and utilized by demonic powers (1 Corinthians 10:18-22). When Paul arrived in Corinth—a city not far removed from Athens and its rich philosophical tradition of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, he encountered the specula-

tive wisdom of the world that exalted and magnified humans. The gospel of Jesus destroyed this and pointed people away from themselves and toward God (see 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 2:1-5). Also present in Corinth was idolatry and the immorality that went with it. The message of Jesus laid waste to its underpinnings and showed them the holiness that came through Christ (1 Corinthians 8-10). What of the imperial worship of Rome that declared emperors gods upon their death? Paul brought it nothing by proclamation of the One who was declared the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:3-4). In all of this Paul was demolishing “arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God” and taking “captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ” (v. 5). And it

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

still works today, as it brings people out of the darkness of materialism, addiction, worldliness or whatever false structure they have built their life around. And in its place, God brings about new creation in Christ. I heard someone recently promoting an outdoor public event that was about to take place. This individual wanted a big crowd to be there so a drone could take an overhead shot to give people a view of what things looked like from above. I think that’s exactly what disciples need. We need to see things from God’s point of view! We need to understand

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, call 334745-3108. • Dec. 24 - First Baptist Church of Opelika will be holding a number of Christmas-themed performances and services to celebrate and welcome in the holiday season. For more information, call 334-745-5715 or visit www. fbcopelika.com. • Dec. 24 - First United

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

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

Methodist Church of Opelika will host its annual Christmas candlelight and communion services on Dec. 24, with three service times set for 3, 5 and 11 p.m. • Jan. 17-19 - Disciple Now 2020, a retreat for students in the 7th through 12th grades at First Baptist Church Opelika. Registration is available via www.fbcostudents.com.

of hearts, long to give themselves to something bigger than themselves. They want to experience sacrifice and commitment at deep levels. But they’re not going to do this for just anything—it must be something worthy. We need to bring them face-to-face with the living, breathing Lord Jesus and His call for us to be involved in demolishing strongholds and building new creation with God. We need to help them see that whether it’s being a good husband or wife, loving your family, working hard on your job or in school or whatever we do, or sharing the good news of Jesus, we are called to live at a level that touches the eternal and has cosmic significance. That’s the way it looks from God’s point of view! Green has written a book on the model pray called Praying in the Reign. It is available through 21st Century Christian.

Verse of the Week “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

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

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

we’re part of a kingdom that cannot be shaken. We’re part of the tearing down strongholds and structures utilized by the “powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil.” We’re being used by God to build a new creation. But, the alarming fact is that too many of us live lives uninformed of these truths. Instead of having a view from above, we see things in a flat, one-dimensional way. Too often, our status quo is to see ourselves as a nice group of nice people doing nice things. Instead of seeing God at work through us in staggering, cosmic ways, we yawn our way through life. And then we wonder why our churches struggle to keep young people. They want nothing to do with such an anesthetized existence! Maybe the better question is how we hang on to anyone at all. I believe that most people, in their heart

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

1 John 4:7 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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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

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

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A12 Dec. 25, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

Jan. 8 - Connections Breakfast at Newk’s Eatery Jan. 9 - Himmelwright, Huguley and Boles Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. at Resting Pulse Brewery Jan. 14 - Ribbon-cutting ceremony for DaySpring Nature Shop Jan. 23 - 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 of every month at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika. • The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike. • The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at deborahowen@ eamc.org. • The fourth Monday of each month, a community grief support group meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information, call 8261899 or 502-0216. • T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday from 5:30 to

7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584. • The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m. • The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in com-

mercial 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 Alabama Highway 51. • A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone

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

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

or racial discrimination. • Jan. 7 - Junior League of Lee County;s Empower Women’s Leadership Breakfast • Jan. 10 - The

Rough and Tumble in concert at Sundilla • Jan. 15 - Dan Navarro at The Sound Wall • Jan. 16 - Liz Brasher at The Standard Deluxe

Upcoming Events • Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. Kids eat for 99 cents at Niffer’s • Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. Brains and Brews Trivia at Red Clay Brewing • Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. - Burger Night with half-pounder burgers and a side for $6.99 at Niffer’s • Dec. 31 - New Year’s Eve Bash at the Bottling Plant Event Center • Jan 6 - All interested citizens are called upon to attend a meeting to reacti-

vate the Lee County Chapter of the NAACP at 5 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church which is located at 201 South 4th St. in Opelika. Current NAACP members are encouraged to attend and applications will be available for those who wish to (re)join in determining the reinstatement committee to serve for approximately three months before electing long term officers. The current contacts are as

follows: - Billy U. Allen: 678458-9688/bundray54@ gmail.com (Lead Facilitator) - Oscar Penn: 334663-5498 (Local Coordinator)

Lung, Throat, Stomach, Colon Cancer or Breathing Problems? Asbestos exposure in the Military, Iron/Steel, Construction, Papermill, Shipyard, Manufacturing etc. may be the cause. $30 billion set aside for asbestos victims.

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

CALL THIS NEWSPAPER’S AD DEPARTMENT TO PLACE YOUR AD Or call 1-800-264-7043

- John Andrew Harris: 334-734-3302 (Liaison to NAACP) The NAACP’s goal is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights and there is no racial hatred

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A13 Dec. 25, 2019

Holiday food safety important for cooks By Victoria Dee Special to the Opelika Observer “Do not let foods linger during preparation,” said Angela Treadaway, an Alabama Extension food safety and quality regional agent. “Cook them thoroughly and serve them promptly.” Using warming trays, chafing dishes and crock pots can ensure hot foods stay at the correct temperature. Placing serving dishes on crushed ice can keep cold food cold. According to Treadaway, it is crucial to keep food out of the “danger zone” be-

New Years, from A7 breakfast buffet at 11 p.m. Once midnight strikes, everyone will have the opportunity to participate in a champagne toast. Advance tickets can be purchased for $30 at www.bottlingplant-

tween 41 and 135 degrees. This is important to remember, especially when entertaining with a large meal or buffet. Do not let perishable foods remain longer than two hours in this temperature danger zone. “Do not add new food to a serving dish that has been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours,” Treadaway said. Prepare new trays or serving dishes rather than adding to a dish that has been out for more than two hours. Serving utensils should be provided for every dish served, even finger foods.

This can prevent cross contamination between guests. Holiday Food Safety on the Road It is important to maintain a food’s temperature when travelling with it to a holiday party or event. Wrap hot food in foil and heavy towels, or carry it in an insulated container. Ensure that it maintains a temperature of at least 135°F. Cold foods can be kept in a cooler with freezer packs to maintain a temperature of 41°F or below. Full coolers keep temperature best, so add extra insulation in unoccupied space. This can

eventcenter.com or $40 on the day of the event and at the door. Tables can also be reserved for groups of four or eight, cosing $150 and $300, respectively. The event is open to those 21 years old and older. On Jan. 3 from 7 to 11:30 p.m., DM Entertainment will host “Soul Bash 2020,” which will feature performances

from Calvin Richardson with Tonio Armani, DJ Chip of Magic 101.3 FM, DJ Costee J and DJ Marc Da Prime. Advance tickets for this event cost $25 and can be purchased on the venue’s website. For more information, call 334-705-5466 or visit their website. The venue is located at 614 N. Railroad Ave.

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

also prevent the cooler from leaking. Storing and Reheating Leftovers Refrigerate leftover meat promptly in shallow, uncovered containers. This allows them to cool quickly. When steaming stops, place the lid on or wrap loosely. “Avoid overstocking the refrigerator to allow cool air to circulate freely,” Treadaway said. “Remember to store fresh meat in your refrigerator under food that will not be further cooked or reheated. This helps to prevent the possibility of raw meat juice dripping on ready-to-eat foods.”

Gala, from A7 burn St. 2013 – Dr. Wendell Gaillard and the late Dr. William Lazenby 2014 – Mrs. Lillie Hall, BSN, RN and Dr. James P. Himmelwright

Giving and Receiving Gifts of Food When sending or receiving perishable food through the mail, ensure that it has been delivered as soon as possible- ideally overnight. The package should be marked “KEEP REFRIGERATED.” If you are sending a gift of food to someone, tell them to be expecting it so they can store it promptly. According to Treadaway, if you receive cold food in the mail, open the box immediately and check the temperature. “It should be at least refrigerator cold to the

2015 – the late Dr. Howard Kennedy and Dr. Robert C. Patton 2016 – Dr. William Stephen Russell 2017 – Dr. William Garrett 2018 – Dr. Michael Williams. Tickets cost $100 per person. Sponsorships are also

touch and ideally still partially frozen with visible ice crystals,” Treadaway said. When shipping frozen food that you have prepared, pack it with dry ice or a frozen gel pack. Fill air space in the package with crushed paper or foam packing peanuts. Label the package “PERISHABLEKEEP REFRIGERATED.” More Information For more information concerning holiday food safety, contact your local Extension office and ask to speak to a food safety agent or learn more online at www. aces.edu.

available for this event: • Gold – $3,000 • Silver – $2,000 • Bronze – $1,000 For more information or to purchase tickets, call foundation members Peggy Hansen at 334-6631833 The venue is located at 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail in Opelika.

A14 Dec. 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

Opelika High School Basketball Schedule Boys - Jan. 3 v. Auburn Jan. 7 @ Russell County Girls - Jan. 3 v. Auburn Jan. 7 @ Russell County

Nine Smiths Station High School student-athletes sign scholarships By Morgan Bryce Editor

On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to our followers and readers!

I

wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I wanted to say a special “thank you” to Doug Horn for asking me to write a weekly sports column years ago, the entire group of original investors and current owner Michelle Key. My “On the Mark” column has been in the Opelika Observer since day one. The only exception was June through August 2018 when Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors demanded I leave as “Voice of the Opelika Bulldogs” after 37 years. I appreciate Morgan Bryce’s patience and his friendly, helpful attitude. I am thrilled for the sponsors, staff and support from our community. You, the readers, are the boss until pay day! AHSAA NEW CLASSIFICATIONS (2020-2022) The Alabama High School Athletic Association released new classifications

for football, cross country, swimming and volleyball after the organization’s Central Board voted to accept during their board meeting last Wednesday. The new numbers will take effect in fall 2020 and extend through the end of the 2022 school year. Every two years, the AHSAA reclassifies schools based on average daily enrollment for the first 20 school days after Labor Day. Public school numbers are reported to the ASDE while private schools supply school data to the AHSAA. The AHSAA added the seventh class in 2015 after using six classes from 1984 to 2014. The new competitive balance factor caused Mars Hill Bible (1A to 2A), Mobile Christian (3A to 4A) and UMSWright (4A to 5A) to jump up a class. Two schools dropped a classification because of this competitive factor, Madison Academy (5A to 4A) and St. Paul’s (6A to See Sports, page B4

Smiths Station High School’s baseball and softball programs are churning out elite talent, as evidenced by nine student-athletes inking collegiate scholarships during a signing ceremony held inside the school’s main gym last See Signing, page B3

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

Auburn’s Derrick Brown Named The Winner of the 2019 Lott IMPACT Trophy Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown has been named the winner of the 16th Annual Lott IMPACT Trophy. The announcement came last Sunday night at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach, California. at the Lott IMPACT Trophy Annual Award Show. Ronnie Lott made the presentation. The award goes to the defensive player who has the biggest IMPACT on his team. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity. Brown was part of a dominant defensive line that upset Alabama this season. he graduated this month, is a member of the AFCA Good Works Team, and was a Wuerffel Trophy semifinalist, Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the year finalist and part of the SEC StudentAthlete Council. The Pacific Club

Photo courtesy of AuburnTigers.com IMPACT Foundation will present a $25,000 check to the general scholarship fund at Auburn in recognition of Brown’s achievement. Runnerups were Jordan Fuller of Ohio State, Isaiah Simmons of Clemson and Evan Weaver of Cal. Each of those schools will receive a check for $5,000 for its general scholarship fund. Previous Winners of the Lott IMPACT Trophy

2004 – David Pollack, Georgia 2005 – DeMeco Ryans, Alabama 2006 – Dante Hughes, Cal 2007 – Glenn Dorsey, LSU 2008 – James Laurinaitis, Ohio State 2009 – Jerry Hughes, TCU 2010 – J.J. Watt, Wisconsin 2011 – Luke Kuechly, Boston College

2012 – Manti Te’o, Notre Dame 2013 – Anthony Barr, UCLA 2014 – Eric Kendricks, UCLA 2015 – Carl Nassib, Penn State 2016 – Jabrill Peppers, Michigan 2017 – Josey Jewell, Iowa 2018 – Josh Allen, Kentucky See Award, page B3

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B2 Dec. 25, 2019

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika High School’s James Dawson signs scholarship with Kennesaw State University

Late run sparks No. 12 Auburn in 79-73 win over N.C. State

Photos by Todd Van Emst/AuburnTigers.com

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

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B3 Dec. 25, 2019

Hope met a need at Christmas

Beth Pinyerd

I

t was Christmas 2017. My son Gus had recently moved from Mobile to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because he was new at his engineering job, he knew he would not be able to fly home to join me and extended family for Christmas. We decided it was best for me to fly to Grand Rapids for Christmas. After I arrived, putting on layers of clothes and snow boots right after I got off the airplane, we decided to drive around my son’s new

One Christmas Eve night, The Classroom Observer author had mistakenly thought their visitor was Santa Claus, but instead it was Santa Squirrel. I hope your children enjoy the modification of “TwasThe Night before Christmas” by Clement Clark Moore to pay tribute and Merry Christmas to our animal friends. This is a simple gift to you!

Santa Squirrel

T

was the night before Christmas and all through the oak tree, the squirrel family was a stirring and couldn’t seem to sleep, The acorns and nuts were buried deeply

Award from B1 2019 – Derrick Brown, Auburn About the Lott IMPACT Trophy: Named after Pro Football Hall of Fame member, Ronnie Lott, The Lott IMPACT Trophy is awarded to college football’s Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. Founded in 2004 by The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, The Lott Trophy is the first and only college football award to equally recognize athletic performance and the personal character attributes of the player. The Lott IMPACT Trophy is given to the player who exhibits the

town by looking at Christmas decorations at different homes in snow covered neighborhoods. As we drove around from our car, we were met looking through open home windows of families gathering around tables and their Christmas trees. That is when reality and honesty hit us like a cold snowball that this Christmas we would be celebrating Christmas just the two of us because his father and my husband Carl had passed away just a few months earlier.

in the nest, waiting to be eaten when the sun rose abreast, The baby squirrels were deeply sleeping in the nest made of straw, while papa squirrel kept guard on all four paws. And mama squirrel was so proud, and papa was so loud as the baby squirrels slept soundly under a sky full of clouds. When up in the oak tree there arose a strong breeze, that papa squirrel held tightly to the branch with a squeeze. Up to the top, Papa scampered with a flash, he was jumping branch to branch but he held on fast! The stars in the sky twinkled gladly on the ground, But a strong wind blew, and papa fell

same characteristics Lott embodied during his distinguished career. Voters for the award include selected members of the national media, previous finalists, the Board of Directors of the Pacific Club IMPACT® Foundation and a distinguished group of former college football head coaches. To date, the Foundation has donated more than $1.5 million to various charities throughout the country. The 16th Annual Lott IMPACT Trophy Award Ceremony will be held Dec. 15 at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, California. For more information about the trophy, visit: www.LottImpactTrophy. org.

In feeling our heartbreak that first Christmas, I prayed to God to help us just to get through this first Christmas without our loved one. After returning to my son’s home, one of my son’s new friends called him and invited both of us to join their family for Christmas. This was so unusual and strange for us, because for 32 years, we had always celebrated Christmas in South Alabama gathered close to family. We both decided it best to accept the invitation. As we drove out in the country toward Nunica, Michigan, the snow was so beautiful and sparkling on the ground as the moon and stars shone brightly. We drove up to a small cottage home with cozy bright lights and smoke coming out of the chimney. Warmth was truly inviting on this cold night. As our new friends opened the door of

their home, we were greeted with hugs and welcomes just like our own extended family would greet us. We enjoyed fellowship over a delicious meal then we were guided to the living room to enjoy a time of gift giving around the beautifully lit tree. Gus and I really weren’t expecting any gifts because we were new friends, but our Michigan family showered us with needed gifts to keep their Alabama friends warm with hats, scarves, gloves, etc. As we opened our gifts and shared, we realized that this precious young couple, along with their parents had invited many friends, neighbors, etc. who they knew needed family this Christmas. God had answered my prayer for our son and myself on family connection. This one simple heartfelt gesture of inviting a mom and son from Alabama gave us

hope. As a teacher, I was taught by the Lord that HE is always with us even when we are adjusting to a new normal whether it be in the loss of a loved one, living in a new place or adjusting to a new life situation. How can we give our children hope whether we teach children or giving hope to our own children or grandchildren? This Christmas, we can worship God with hope. Hope is contagious in the hearts of our children. When they see hope in our lives then they know and feel loved. God’s Word tells us in Romans 15:13,“now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” The Classroom Observer wishes you a Merry Christmas. By the way, my son and I will be spending our third Christmas with our newly found

‘Santa Squirrel’ down, down, down! With a grasp of cold brick, so fast and quick, papa squirrel in a moment felt like he had been kicked. Down, down the chimney his bushy tail came. And he screeched and shouted for mama squirrel by name. Now squirrel one, Now squirrel two, Now squirrel three, and squirrel four! Hey squirrel five, squirrel six, squirrel seven and eight! To the top of the chimney, to the top of the roof! Now scamper down, scamper down the chimney and roof. As the squirrel family bounded before the winter flakes flew, they met with a warmth only human families knew.

So out the fireplace doors they flew, With the excited squirrels full of curiosity, and skepticism too! And then in a swoosh, I heard the full group, The screechings and pawings of ten Santa squirrels’ boots! As I viewed the squirrel clan and was turning around, Down the Christmas tree came with a very loud bound. The ten Santa squirrels with their bushy tails, had scampered the tree branches round and round. A bundle of wrapping paper stuck on their furry backs, And they looked like a Christmas ornament that the tree now lacked! Their eyes how they twinkled, their little

Michigan family this year! 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

paws how merry! Their cheeks grew like roses, their noses like black cherries! Their busy little mouths were drawn up like a bow. As they engorged in the gift walnuts which would cause them to grow! The stump of a broken Christmas light one held tight in his teeth, And the flashing light encircled his head like a wreath; He had a cute little face and a little round belly, That shook, when he scampered like a bowl full of jelly, Papa squirrel was happy and plump from gift cans, He bravely led his clan to the ceiling fan; A wink of his eye

and a twist of his head, soon gave me foresight I had a whole lot to dread! The Santa squirrel spoke not a word, but went straight to the mantle, and he hopped in all the stockings, then knocked down our candle! And laying his front paw aside of his nose, And giving a quick nod, up the chimney he rose! Papa squirrel sprang back into the old oak tree, To his squirrel family gave a whistle, And up they all scampered like the quickness of a thistle But I heard them screech out, as they scampered out of sight, Merry Christmas from us, and to all a Santa Squirrel night!

College Carson Swilling Auburn University Softball Casey Ballou Coastal Alabama Alexis Cosgrove - Chipola College Cassidy Culpepper East Georgia State

Summer Lawrence - Southern Union State Community College Savannah Taylor Southern Union State Community College For more information on Smiths Station Athletics, visit www.smithsstationathletics.com.

Signing, from B1 Wednesday. Male Sports Athletic Director Brian Nelson began the ceremony with an introduction of the athletes and sharing how much work led up to this special moment in their lives. “Our goal as coaches is to make them better each day, better than they were yesterday and to be better tomorrow than they are today,” Nelson said. Following short introductions from softball coach Matt Stonbraker and baseball coach Michael Ferry, the student athletes gathered for a group picture then signed their letter of intent.

Following is a full list of athletes and the schools they signed with: Baseball Christian Bryan - Lawson State Hunter Donaldson South Alabama Zane Faulk - WallaceDothan Community

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B4 Dec. 25, 2019

Alabama 4-H exists to create excitement for learning for the state’s children By Brittney Kimber Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama 4-H needs your help. Each year, young people across the state pack their suitcases to attend 4-H Camp. However, for some students, this may not be an opportunity they will be able to experience. “Right now we’ve reached our capacity at camp,” said Molly Gregg, Alabama Cooperative Extension System assistant director for 4-H. “It’s hard as a youth development professional to think there are children who cannot come to camp because we don’t have the room for them.” Alabama 4-H has achieved recordbreaking enrollment for several years. Almost 180,000 young people are involved in 4-H. The program is so large that students are sometimes put on a wait-list to participate in signature overnight events. To respond to these challenges, the Alabama 4-H Foundation announced “The Center of It All” capital campaign for Alabama 4-H in October. It focuses on expanding

Sports from B1 5A). Opelika High

the infrastructure at the 4-H Center. This will help the program fulfill its mission of providing hands-on learning experiences for all Alabama youth. The campaign has raised more than 76 percent of its $9.9 million goal. However, the Alabama 4-H Foundation needs public support to raise the remaining $2.5 million to ensure there is a spot for everyone at the 4-H Center. Campaign Projects Three projects will provide more opportunities for 4-H members and help build sustainable revenue to support programs. • Project 1, expanded dining and new kitchen. To maximize efficiency in dining for both group seating and food preparation, this addition will expand seating availability by 65 percent. • Project 2, new dormitories. More young people want to attend 4-H Camp. New dormitories would allow more youth to have an opportunity for a sleepaway experience. • Project 3, Alabama 4-H Fund for Excellence. Gifts to this fund will give the foundation

the capacity to launch special initiatives, meet pressing 4-H needs as they arise, provide scholarship support and also capitalize on emerging opportunities to strengthen 4-H programs. How You Can Support Opportunities made available to them as young people shape tomorrow’s leaders. Alabama 4-H and the Alabama 4-H Foundation are building on a 40-year tradition of day and overnight youth programs to bring hands-on learning to the next generation of young leaders. “Generous donations to the 4-H Foundation capital campaign will help shape the future leaders of Alabama,” said Gary Lemme, Alabama Extension director. “It is an important investment in both young people’s and the entire state’s future.” Support Alabama 4-H during the end-of-year giving by making a gift online at www.thecenterofitall.org or by texting AL4H to 41444. Contact the Alabama 4-H Foundation at (334) 750-7087 or sethtuttle@auburn.edu for more information.

remained in 6A with 953.70 students in grades 9 to 11. The Bulldogs are the eighth largest in their classification, with Mountain Brook

being the largest 6A with 1039.365 students, followed by R.E. Lee (1037.10), Helena (1032.90), Robertsdale (1022.85), Chelsea

We would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring one or more of our newspaper boxes and racks around Lee County

• Better Bodies Massage Institute • Interim HomeCare • Opelika Theatre Company • Three Keys Properties, LLC To have your company’s logo placed on a box email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com

Opelika City Schools receive statewide award from Attorney General Steve Marshall last week

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer Opelika High School and Opelika Middle School received the Attorney General’s 2019 Certificate of Building a Culture of School Safety recognitions last week. Pictured top, OHS Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore and Assistant Principal Kelli Fischer. Pictured bottom, OMS Assistant Principal Matthew Kendrick and Principal Keith York.

(1022.40), Buckhorn (997.15) and Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (996.20). Opelika’s football region changed drastically and will have a total of eight teams. Joining the Bulldogs are Carver (Montgomery) R.E. Lee,

Sidney Lanier, Park Crossing, Russell County and Valley. The new region helps Coach Erik Speakman with the schedule. Opelika will have seven region games on top of rival games against Central and

Auburn. The Bulldogs will only need one game to have a 10-game schedule. Opelika’s volleyball area will have four teams instead of three. Eufaula, Valley and Russell County join the Lady Bulldogs in the area. The AHSAA will re1 OUT OF 10 lease the area for ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS the other sports WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING: in January. I expect OpeAbused, Neglected or Exploited lika, Eufaula, If you suspect this is happening to someone you Russell County know, please report it to Adult Protective Services and Valley will by contacting your local DHR office or calling the make up the ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214 teams in the baseball, socHELP STOP THE ABUSE cer and softball IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT areas. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and Thereʼs no excuse for vice president of ELDER ABUSE the A-O Sports “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 recomCouncil. mendations 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.”

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

Inside the Statehouse Mayor Gary Fuller, Opelika City Those we lost in 2019 Council present resolution to honor the late Clarence Harris Jr. A

s is my tradition, as the old year comes to a close, I like to pay homage to legendary Alabama leaders who have passed away. We lost some legends in 2019. Although he was a nonpolitical leader, Bart Starr passed away this year at 85. Starr was best known for being the quarterback of the great Green Bay Packers teams that won the NFL Championship perennially. Starr was the leader of Coach Vince Lombardi’s dynasty teams. Starr died during Memorial Day weekend in Birmingham. He left an indelible legacy that was vast and greater than just being a pro quarterback. He was a Packer and Alabama Football legend. However, Starr’s grace, humility and love for his wife Cherry is what made him a great man. Starr grew up in Montgomery. He was a successful businessman after his NFL career. Legendary State Rep. Pete Turnham of Auburn died in his beloved city in September. He was three months away from being 100. He served 40 years in the Alabama House of Representatives and during that tenure he made sure that Auburn University was taken care of in the state budget. Mr. Pete was one of my best friends. We sat together in the House for 16 years.

By Steve Flowers A lion and giant of the Alabama House of Representatives, Rick Manley, passed away in January at 86. Rick served the people of Demopolis and west Alabama in the Legislature more than 25 years. He was one of the most astute parliamentarians to ever serve in the legislature. Rick Manley served as chairman of both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. He was also an outstanding attorney and served in a leadership role within the Alabama Law Institute. Manley served a term as Speaker ProTem of the Alabama House. Rep. Jimmy Martin of Clanton died in May of cancer on the last day of the 2019 Regular Legislative Session. He was 80. He knew almost everyone in Chilton County. He and his brother ran their family funeral home. State Rep. Dimitri Polizos of Montgomery passed away in March at 68. He was a longtime Montgomery restaurant owner. He was very well liked and respected in the Capitol City. Polizos was typical of many of today’s Republican legisla-

tors. He was a small business owner and a conservative. Polizos was not only a successful restaurateur, he also was very active in and an integral part of the Greek community and the Greek Orthodox Church. He served six years in the Legislature prior to that he served six years on the Montgomery County Commission. Chris McNair passed away in May at 93 in Birmingham. He was a former Jefferson County Commissioner. McNair was a first-class gentleman. We served together in the legislature. We became good friends. He loved photography. He was always taking pictures, in fact it was his business/profession. His daughter Denise was one of the four little girls who were killed by a bomb at the 16th Street Baptist Church in downtown Birmingham in the 1960s. The girls were attending Sunday school. Chris served 15 years on the Jefferson County Commission. He loved his family and his community. Legendary former Tuscaloosa mayor Al Dupont passed away in July at age 94. He served as mayor of the Druid City for 25 years, retiring in 2005. He was colorful and beloved by many. He was a decorated veteran of World War II and won two Purple Hearts. He was among the first wave See Flowers, page B10

By Michelle Key Publisher

Mayor Gary Fuller presented a memorial resolution honoring former city councilman Clarence Harris, Jr.who passed away last week. In other business, the council: • held public hearings for weed abatement assessments and subsequently voted to approve said abatements for the following locations: - 101 Spring Hill Ave. - 311 S 3rd St. • Held a public hearing regarding the Amend-

Clarence Harris Jr. ment of the Wyndham planned unit development (PUD) Master plan • approved a change order request regarding residential building de-

molitions for the inspections department • approved a resolution for emergency repairs for the WW Pump See Council, page B10

Alabama Secreatary of State John Merrill makes visit to Israel last week

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer Last week, Secretary of State John H. Merrill joined a bipartisan delegation of Secretaries of State in Jerusalem to discuss cybersecurity policies and

best practices at the local, state, and federal levels as they relate to business services and election administration. The American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) Project Interchange has made possible a week-long educational

seminar to strengthen U.S. – Israel relations at the state level. “As key executives, Secretaries of State are uniquely on the forefront of today’s most complex issues, See Merrill, page B10

pelika O Observer

B6 Dec. 25, 2019

Ending an 18-year battle, Senate passes Military Widow’s Tax Repeal Sens. Doug Jones, Susan Collins led bipartisan effort to end the unjust policy that has hurt surviving military spouses for four decades Special to the Opelika Observer Last week, Sens. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced that their legislation to repeal the Military Widow’s Tax has passed the United States Senate as a part of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill now goes to President Donald Trump to be signed into law. Legislation has been repeatedly introduced

in the Senate for nearly two decades to roll back the Military Widow’s Tax, which was enacted in 1972. Since introducing the Widow’s Tax Elimination Act of 2019 in March, Senators Jones and Collins have worked tirelessly to gain support among their colleagues in both the Senate and House and to make the case on behalf of the 67,000 surviving spouses – including more than 2,000 in Alabama – who are impacted by the Mili-

Jones tary Widow’s Tax. Under their leadership, the bill earned a record-high 78 total cosponsors in the Senate and 384 in the House of Representatives.

“When we introduced this legislation, we knew we were fighting an uphill battle on behalf of these surviving spouses. But together, we were undeterred by the task and committed to them that this was the year it would finally get done. There is no more noble cause than to do the right thing for military families who have lost their loved one in service to our country. We took up this fight for those surviving spouses and

their families, and I’m honored to be standing with them as we finally put this injustice behind us,” Jones said, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee said. “This provision we secured in the NDAA is a major victory for surviving military and retiree spouses to whom we are deeply indebted. The Military Widow’s Tax was an unfair offset that prevented as many as 67,000 surviving spouses—including

more than 260 from Maine—from receiving the full benefits they deserve,” said Senator Susan Collins. “This problem goes back decades, but this year we finally solved it once and for all. I appreciate the overwhelming support we received from our colleagues as well as veterans advocates who helped make this possible.” “This is an exciting day for more than 67,000 military widows and widow-

the City of Opelika for furnishing all labor and materials and equipment necessary to provide: Right of Way Vegetation Management within the city limits of Opelika, Alabama. This project consists principally of the following items: The bidder is required to attend the Mandatory PreBid Meeting to be held at 2:00 PM on January 7, 2020 the Opelika Power Service Building at 600 Fox Run Pkwy. No bids will be accepted by a company or vendor that does not attend the meeting All Contracts are to be signed and returned to the City of Opelika Purchasing Department within 10 days of the contract being awarded by City Council. A Contractor’s ability to perform all of the work within the required time shall be a primary consideration in the awarding of the Bid. Copies of the Proposal Documents may be requested from the City of Opelika Purchasing Department, which is located at 204 South 7th Street. Please contact Lillie Finley at (334) 7055121 for information on obtaining these specifications. Technical questions regarding the proposal may be directed to Mr. Brent Poteet, Opelika Power Services Asst Director, City of Opelika, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama 36803. Phone: (334) 705-5570. Guarantee will be required with each bid as follows: At least five (5) percent of the amount of bid in the form of a certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama.

A Contract Bond and Labor and Material Bond shall be required when the Contract is awarded. A copy of the State of Alabama General Contractor license for ADM: NEW ADMINISTRATIVE, HS: HIGHWAYS AND STREETS, MU: MUNICIPAL AND UTILITY The right is reserved, as the interest of the Owner may require, to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality in bids received. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing Agent, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803. Attn.: Right of Way Vegetation Management. Attention of bidders is called to the License required by Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, as last amended, relating to the licensing of General Contractors. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-88(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall bedocumented on the outside of the sealed bid. LILLIE FINLEY PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMALegal Run 12/25/19, 01/01/20 and 01/08/20.

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PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF RUTH THOMAS DUTTON A/K/A MARGIE THOMAS DUTTON COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undresigned on the 4th day of December, 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. Witness my hand, and dated this the 4th day of December, 2019. JACKIE YOUNG COFIELD Legal Run 12/11, 12/18 & 12/25

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LEONARD HAYWARD JERNIGAN, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 8th day of June, 2017, 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. AUDIE HUFF JERNIGAN Administrator Robert H. Pettey

Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 12/11/19, 12/18/19 & 12/25/19

Turnham, this 10th day of December, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred. Timothy N. Turnham, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030. Legal Run 12/18/19, 12/25/19 & 01/01/2020

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARTHA J. MAXWELL, Deceased Case No. 2019-C-027 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration on the Estate of MARTHA J. MAXWELL, deceased having been granted to the undersigned, LARRY H. MAXWELL, on the 14th day of November, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. /s/ LARRY H. MAXWELL Larry H. Maxwell, Adminsitrator Legal Run 12/11/19, 12/18/19 & 12/25/19

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2019-C-105 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF PETE B. TURNHAM, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Pete B. Turnham, deceased, having been granted to Timothy N.

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 1/08/2020 at 2:00 p.m. Brianne Laureen Atkinson Unit# B25 420 N Dean Rd Apt 106 Auburn, AL,36830 Boxes,totes,couches, furniture,clothing Brian Thompson Unit# 207 128 Springfield Lane Madison, AL,35758 3 king beds tables boxes furniture Quinton Foster Unit# F85 539 Boykin St. Auburn, AL,36832 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 12/18 & 12/25/2019

NOTICE PRINTED IN OPELIKA OBSERVER DISSOLUTION OF CORPORATION In accordance with 10A5A-7.05 of the Code of Alabama, notice is hereby given that Sherrell Family Properties, LLC was dissolved on December 17, 2019. Any persons with claims against the limited liability company should send written notice to Teresa Sherrell. Johnson, 1159 Town Creek Drive, Auburn, AL 36832. Such claim should set forth the name of the claimant, the address and telephone number of the claimant, the nature of the claim, including, but not limited to, all facts supporting your claim and the date such claim arose. Any claim against the Corporation will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within two years after the publication of this notice. Legal Run 12/25/2019

INVITATION FOR BIDS 20007 Sealed bids, subject to the conditions contained herein, will be received by the City of Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., Local Time, February 3, 2020 and then publicly opened and read at the Office of the Purchasing Agent of

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pelika O Observer Jones, from B6 survivor benefits they are owed,” said Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “When brave men and women pay the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation, it’s our duty to provide economic security for their loved ones. Our Widow’s Tax Elimination Act follows through on this important obligation, and ensures that military families who have sacrificed the unimaginable are provided more

financial certainty.” “Surviving family members of fallen servicemembers have already lost an important part of their lives. Denying them access to the full benefits earned by their loved one’s sacrifice creates an undue burden on their finances. No surviving spouse should have to face this unexpected and unfair cut to their benefits. Congress’ bipartisan action to fully repeal the military widow’s tax is a much-needed improvement,” said Sen. Mike Crapo (RIdaho). “For 26 years, I have been denied the full benefits that my hus-

band earned and paid for to help take care of his family in the event of tragedy. The long fight to repeal the Military Widow’s Tax has been difficult and none of us want to talk repeatedly about the deaths of our spouses, but that has been necessary to inform our public officials and ask for their help. Though I will be 76 when my husband’s benefits are fully reinstated, I am happy to know that those who sadly become military widows and widowers in the future will no longer have to fight this battle year after year. My own senator from Alabama, Sena-

tor Doug Jones, has championed our cause with passion and persistence and led with bipartisanship to see this bill finally passed! In Alabama terms, he carried the ball into the end zone!” said Cathy Milford, a surviving military spouse from Mobile, Alabama. “On behalf of the 67,000 widows across the United States, I want to say thank you to Senator Jones for his stellar leadership in the elimination of the Widow’s Tax. We in Alabama are so proud of our Senator Doug Jones, who has been the catalyst to coordinate the bipar-

B7 Dec. 25, 2019 tisan support for this legislation. Many people have worked tirelessly for almost 20 years, and finally with the leadership of Senator Jones, this is happening. What a gift and we want to thank him,” said Anne Hartline of Vestavia Hills who serves as Chair of the Surviving Spouse Advisory Committee to the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). “The reality is, this probably would not have happened without Senator Jones’ unbelievable spirit of getting things done. The entire House and Senate have come together to produce something

that is going to change the life of the widows of the men and women who’ve passed serving their country. My wife and I have been involved in this for almost 20 years, and we have lost many friends who have lost their lives over the years. This particular bill is going to make a huge difference to the widows who are surviving. It would have never happened without Senator Jones and the bipartisan effort that we’ve seen take place over the past year,” said retired General Charles Krulak, 31st Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

pelika Observer O

B8 Dec. 25, 2019

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pelika Observer O

B9 Dec. 25, 2019

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pelika O Observer

B10 Dec. 25, 2019

Attorney General Steve Marshall announces 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals victory for state of Alabama in minimum-wage lawsuit Special to the Opelika Observer Attorney General Steve Marshall announced last week that the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the State of Alabama, deciding that plaintiffs challenging the Alabama Uniform Minimum Wage and Right-toWork Act lacked standing to file their racial discrimination claim against the Attorney General. “I am pleased with the

11th Circuit’s ruling today, which agreed with the State of Alabama that the plaintiffs had no standing to sue the Attorney General over their complaints about Alabama’s minimum wage law,” Marshall said. “I also think the substance of the plaintiffs’ challenge lacked merit, but the court withheld judgment on that question because the plaintiffs failed to show that the Attorney General ever harmed them.” In 2016, the Alabama

Legislature passed a law that sets a uniform minimum wage for the state, which means that any local law setting a higher wage is preempted. At least 22 other states have enacted similar laws. But Alabama’s law became the first to be attacked in court as racist. Plaintiffs argued that this legislation was an attempt to “perpetuate … political white supremacy” because (1) it preempted a Birmingham ordinance that had set a higher minimum wage, (2) Birmingham

Rogers hails house passage of NDAA Special to the Opelika Observer Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement last week after the House passed the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. The NDAA establishes the U.S. Space Force in Title 10 as the sixth Armed Service of the United States, under the U.S. Air Force. This was a top priority not only for Rogers, but for President Trump and is the first new branch of the military since 1947. It also recognizes space as a warfighting domain and authorizes the transfer of Air Force personnel to the newly established Space Force. “I was ecstatic that the project my friend Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tennessee) and I have been working on for several years is finally becoming a reality. This is an important step for our national security. Our adversaries are moving

Flowers, from B5 of troops who stormed Normandy on D-Day. He epitomized the greatest generation. Former 1st District Congressman Jack Edwards passed away in September at 91. Edwards was one of

Rogers quickly in space and this new service will allow us to quickly realign our resources and efforts towards countering them.” “I am also pleased we continued the 58year streak of passing a NDAA to ensure our military is fully funded. This year’s NDAA includes many other significant policy provisions that are important not only to our national security, but also our brave men and women in uniform,” Rogers said. This bill includes a 3.1% pay increase for our warfighters and doubles the reimbursethe first Republican congressmen elected from Alabama in 1964 since Reconstruction. Congressman Edwards served his Mobile/Baldwin County District for exactly 20 years from 1965 to 1985. Edwards was a stalwart advocate for a strong military. He was a ranking member

ment amount for state licensure expenses incurred by military spouses because of frequent moves. It also includes a three-year phased repeal of the “Widow’s Tax,” a fix Rogers has long supported. “The original Housepassed NDAA, that every Republican opposed, included a number of open-border provisions that would have undermined our efforts to secure the Southwest border. I’m pleased Democrats dropped their unreasonable demands that would have tied President Trump’s hands by limiting funding for the border wall and restricting the use of DoD assistance,” Rogers added. Rogers serves as Ranking Member on the Committee on Homeland Security and a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. He also served as a conferee for the NDAA this year.

of the Defense Appropriations Committee. 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.

is majority-black and (3) white legislators voted for the law while black legislators opposed it. The federal district court dismissed the suit, but a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit reversed, holding that plaintiffs’ racial discrimination claims could move forward. Marshall then asked the entire 12-judge 11th Circuit to rehear the case, and the court agreed. Marshall further argued that the case should be dismissed because plaintiffs sued

Council, from B5 Truck #882 • approved the Purchase - Uniform Purchase and Rental - Omnia Partners Contract #R-BB-19002 -ADM • approved the purchase of one (1) godwin cd 150s open unit pump • approved the purchase of (1) 2019 schwarze hypervac sweeper • approved a resolution to amend the CDBG Action Plan PY2017 and PY2018 budgets • approved tax abatement agreements, Golden State Foods and Wells Fargo • approved a resolu-

Merrill, from B5 including election cybersecurity. My fellow Secretaries and I are excited to partner with AJC Project Interchange to not only relay our important work to the region, but also learn from their leaders and compare notes,” stated Paul Pate, National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) President and Iowa Secretary of State. As the co-chair of the NASS International Relations Committee, Merrill has

the wrong defendants. Plaintiffs alleged that they had been harmed because their employers are not paying what they are entitled to under the Birmingham ordinance. But as Marshall argued, that dispute should be litigated between employees and employers, not between employees and the attorney general, who cannot force employers to boost wages. The federal appeals court decision today agreed with the State of Alabama and concluded that the plaintiffs

lacked standing to sue the attorney general as a way to challenge the act. Because the court held that the plaintiffs lacked standing, the court did not address the merits of their claim. Marshall commended members of his staff, including Alabama Solicitor General Edmund LaCour and Deputy Attorney General Jim Davis, as well as former Assistant Attorney General Will Parker, for their hard work in handling this important case.

tion to retain law firms to prosecute anti-trust claims • approved an employment contract with Guy F. Gunter, III • approved a resolution authorizing job description for city clerk/ treasurer position • approved a resolution pertaining to the compensation and benefits of the city clerk/ treasurer position • approved a special appropriation to J. W. Darden Foundation for the 8th annual Black Tie Gala • approved a resolution to cancel contract with Alabama Power, pertaining to the rightof-way vegetation • approved a special appropriation to the Dream Day Foundation. • approved an ordinance to amend city

code to add Chapter 4.5 Entitled “Art and Culture” • voted to Amend the Wyndham PUD Master Plan • approved an ordinance to amend city code Chapter 2, Office of City Clerk/Treasurer • suspended the rules on two readings and voted to approve ordinances for the GO Warrants, Series 2019 - A and GO Taxable Warrants, Series 2019 - B. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday nights of every month. The next scheduled meeting will be Jan. 7, 2020 at 7 p.m. Worksessions usually begin between 6 and 6:45 p.m. Meetings are held at city hall which is located at 214 S. 7th St.

worked tirelessly to increase U.S. alliances through various meetings and visits with foreign leaders. “I look forward to working with government and business leaders from across the political and social spectrum, including representatives from Israel’s National Cyber Directorate, to identify proactive steps we in America can take to protect the integrity of our elections,” Merrill said. The seminar will provide Secretaries with an in-depth understanding of Israel, its democracy, diverse population and eco-

nomic and technological innovation. Joining Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill will be: Alaska Lieutenant Gov. Kevin Meyer, Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapleton, Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way, West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner and Wyoming Secretary of State Ed Buchanan.

This week’s puzzle answers: