Opelika Observer 3-13-19 E-Edition

pelika O bserver O Vol. 11, No. 23

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

President Trump, First Lady visit Survey tornado damage, meet victims’ families and volunteers from Lee County

Photo by Observer Staff

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce and Michelle Key President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania traveled to Lee County Friday to tour the devastation caused by the March 3rd tornadoes.

The Trumps arrived via Marine One Friday morn-

ing at the Auburn University Regional Airport.

They shook hands with a delegation that included Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, Sen. Doug Jones, Adjutant Gen. Sheryl Gordon, AEMA director Brian Hastings, Sheriff Jay Jones, Lee County Commission Chairman Judge

Bill English and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller.

In caravan-like fashion, the Trumps, staffers and media in attendance traveled into the heart of the Beauregard community which was hardest hit by an EF-4 tornado March 3.

Along with Lee County Emergency Management

Agency director Kathy Carson, the president evaluated the damage on Lee Road 38, which he described as horrendous.

“Well, I saw this (devastation) from the air and it’s hard to believe actually. Kathy has done an incredible job and Governor Ivey has done

an incredible job and we really appreciate what they’ve done (during this time),” the president said.

There, he also spoke with the family of Marshall Lynn Grimes, who was one of the 23 individuals who lost their lives during those storms which is pictured above.

The next stop was at Beauregard’s Providence Baptist Church, which is operating as a recovery operations center.

Other dignitaries including Housing and Urban Development secretary Ben Carson, Ivey, Sen. Richard Shelby and ConSee President, page A15

What to expect after applying Yongsan Automotive plans to open first U.S. location in Opelika for disaster assistance Special to the Opelika Observer

Lee County survivors of the March 3 severe storms and tornadoes should file a claim with their insurance company immediately and begin cleaning up. Disaster damage should be documented through photos/ videos, and all receipts for

disaster-related purchases should be kept.

If you have uninsured or underinsured losses from the storms, contact FEMA for disaster assistance by visiting disasterassistance. gov or calling 800-6213362 (TTY 800-462-7585).

If disaster-related damage is insured, FEMA may not send a home inspector

right away. You will need to submit insurance documentation to show your coverage doesn’t meet your disaster-related needs or you have exhausted the Additional Living Expenses provided by the insurance company. FEMA cannot pay for damage covered by See FEMA, page A2

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A9 RELIGION..............................A13

Special to the Opelika Observer

During last Tuesday’s Opelika City Council Meeting, Mayor Gary Fuller announced that Yongsan Automotive USA, Inc. will be establishing its first U.S. location in Opelika.

The company will

SPORTS................................B1 CALENDAR....................................B5 LEGALS ......................................B6 ENTERTAINMENT......................B14

Photo by Michelle Key/Opelika Observer

See Industry, page A3

pelika O Observer.com

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A2 March 13, 2019

FEMA,

Self-employment business tax considerations

from A1

Don’t miss out on tax deductions for business owners

By Justin Smith For the Opelika Observer Do you own a small business, either as your full-time job or as a side hustle? If so, taxes for your business are generally covered under selfemployment tax laws.

The IRS defines a trade or business as an activity carried out with the objective of making a profit.

You do not actually have to make a profit in order to be in a trade or business as long as there is a profit motive, with the reasonable expectations of profits at some point in the future.

Several types of selfemployment options exist. The simplest form is a sole proprietorship.

Business owners do not have to file incorporation or organization documents with the state, apply for a Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN), or report selfemployment taxes using a separate tax return. You can start out small and grow your business with minimal administrative overhead. All you really need to do is track and categorize your income and expenses. While many people rely on bank statements or credit card statements, this isn’t really the best option – you should always retain evidence of your income and expenses, preferably

Smith in the form of receipts, invoices, etc. Preparing a basic income statement (profit and loss) will also help keep your accounting fees low if you engage a professional tax preparer.

Your sole proprietorship taxes will be filed on Schedule C, which is an extra form on your individual income tax return.

Income typically includes sales or commission revenues (but not personal contributions to start the business), and expenses often include advertising, business licenses, materials and supplies, insurance, rent, home office expenses, cell phone/ internet costs and mileage. When you own and operate a small business, most expenses directly related to operating the business will be deductible. It’s not unusual to lose money in your first year or two, which can actually save you money on your personal taxes.

Many individuals desire to organize a Limited Liability Company

(LLC) and obtain a FEIN as part of their business startup. While this is valuable in shielding you from legal liability and protects your Social Security Number, there is no actual tax benefit to creating the LLC. The IRS considers LLCs to be “disregarded entities,” which simply means the income and expenses will be taxed to the individual taxpayer and not to the company. Additionally, most states (including Alabama) charge a fee for creating an LLC, along with an annual franchise tax (in Alabama, this is referred to as the Business Privilege Tax, with a minimum $100 annual payment to keep your LLC in force).

Simplicity is one of the key benefits for sole proprietorships, but selfemployment tax is one of the key costs. Specifically, self-employed individuals must pay 15.3 percent of their profits as self-employment tax to cover Social Security and Medicare. Employees who work for a company only pay half of this through payroll deductions, and the employer pays the other half. This tax is on top of federal and state income taxes, and often results in sticker shock for first-timers who are unprepared to pay the tax. I often advise self-employed

insurance or duplicate benefits from another source.

If you register for disaster assistance, a home inspector may contact you to schedule an appointment seven to 10 days after registration. During that call, write down: • The inspector's name.

• Date of call.

• Date and time of appointment.

• Inspector’s telephone number.

The inspection generally takes 30 to 40 minutes and consists of looking at disaster-damaged areas of your home and reviewing your records. Inspectors can only verify your loss.

They do not decide the outcome of your application for disaster assistance nor condemn property.

FEMA inspects damaged property for disaster-recovery program purposes only. Inspectors will never ask for money.

The inspector will ask to see: • Photo identification.

• Proof of ownership/ occupancy of damaged residence such as homeowners insurance, a tax bill, mortgage-payment book or utility bill.

• Insurance documents: home and/or auto (structural insurance/auto declaration sheet).

• List of household occupants living in residence at time of disaster.

• Disaster-related damage to both real and personal property.

Your inspector will

individuals to set aside approximately 30 percent of their profits for taxes.

The amount sounds high and is actually often less, but it helps to avoid a massive tax bill. It’s also very important to pay estimated taxes throughout the year to minimize penalties, interest, and massive tax bills in the spring.

Other forms of small business structures include Partnerships (often established as multi-member LLC businesses) and S Corporations (which provide tax benefits including passing through income both in wage form and in dividend form – which reduces your overall tax liability). However, both Partnerships and S Corporations required completely separate tax returns and add complexity to your business, which may negate the value of any tax savings.

These are more complicated topics and should be discussed with a professional tax preparer.

As I have often heard, your tax is your tax – so minimize it!

Justin Smith is a licensed certified public accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting. He can be contacted at 251-2092579 or Justin@JSmithCPA.net. His website is www.jsmithcpa.net.

have FEMA identification in the form of a badge with a photo. If the inspector does not show you photo identification, do not proceed with the inspection.

You may receive a visit from more than one inspector during the recovery process. In addition to FEMA-contracted housing inspectors, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration as well as state and local officials may also visit neighborhoods in affected areas.

Survivors should receive a determination letter with their eligibility decision and the reason for it by regular mail or email, typically within seven to 10 days after the inspection.

For those who are eligible, the letter states the dollar amount of the grant and how the money must be used. If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, the letter explains how you can appeal the decision.

Read your determination letter carefully.

FEMA may need additional information or documentation from you—such as an insurance settlement showing you may not have been covered for all your essential needs—before you can be reconsidered for federal assistance.

If you have any questions, you can always contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Find more details about the FEMA inspection process by visiting www.fema.gov/whathappens-inspection.

FEMA’s mission: Helping people before, during, and after disasters.

WE KNOW HOW TO GET YOU HOME “Our Mission is Your Health”

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pelika Observer

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

O

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

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pelika O Observer

KOB to host free Recycle and Shred Day March 16 at Northside Recycle Center Special to the Opelika Observer Keep Opelika Beautiful will host a free Recycle and Shred Day on March 16 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Northside Recycle Center.

The document shred will be held in conjunction with River Mills Shredding Service of Columbus.

All shredding for this event will be done onsite.

Following the event, River Mills

will mix the shredded paper with paper from other clients.

Paper clips and staples do not have to be taken out, but paper will need to be removed from binders. There is a 10-box limit.

Other items accepted at the Northside Recycle Center include electronics, aluminum cans, cardboard, newspaper, plastic and steel cans.

At this time, the center is open 24 hours a day.

Americares is delivering cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, bottled water and other essential supplies for survivors of the deadly tornadoes that tore through Alabama on Sunday.

Twenty-three people were killed, including children, when an EF-4 tornado touched down in Lee County Sunday afternoon, leaving a path of destruction nearly a mile wide. The county coroner reported some families suffered multiple fatalities in one of the worst tornado outbreaks in years.

“Our hearts go out to the families who lost

homes and loved ones in this devastating storm,” said Americares Director of Emergency Response Brian Scheel. “We are working closely with food banks serving as aid distribution centers in hard-hit communities and are prepared to provide additional supplies as needed.”

Americares Emergency Response team is coordinating with Feeding America to send relief supplies to the Food Bank of East Alabama in Auburn and the Feeding the Valley Food Bank in Columbus. The shipments include more than 2,000 hygiene kits for survivors displaced by the disaster.

Americares has pro-

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

For more information, contact Keep Opelika Beautiful at 334-749-4970 or

fessional relief workers ready to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice and stocks emergency medicine and supplies in its warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis.

The organization has a long history of responding to emergencies in the U.S., including hurricanes Sandy, Harvey, Irma and Maria.

Americares responds to nearly 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes longterm recovery projects and brings disaster preparedness programs to vulnerable communities.

Donations to Americares Worldwide

Area medical community mourns loss of EAMC’s Maggie Robinson

By Morgan Bryce Editor

A beloved figure in Opelika’s medical community was one of the 23 individuals who lost their lives from the tornadoes that hit Lee County March 3.

Maggie Robinson, 57 years old, was at her Beauregard residence when the EF-4 tornado struck. Employed nearly 40 years with East Alabama Medical Center, her passing left many of her colleagues in shock, including volunteer transporter

Robinson Cody Ritchie.

“Maggie was one of my best friends. She really lit up the room and really had a heart

March 13, 2019

USPS seeking to reconnect Beauregard, Smiths Station Special to the Opelika Observer

tipi@keepopelikabeautiful.com. The facility is located at 600 8th Ave.

Americares delivers supplies to Lee County residents affected by March 3rd tornadoes Special to the Opelika Observer

A3

for God,” Ritchie said.

“People need to know how important she was See Robinson, page A7

Disaster Relief Fund will support its response to the storm. To make donations, visit americares. org/worldwide About Americares Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster. Each year, Americares reaches more than 90 countries, including the United States, with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies. Americares is the world’s leading nonprofit provider of donated medicine and medical supplies. For more information, visit americares.org

Industry,

from A1

lease an existing building on Jeter Avenue in the Fox Run Business Park. This announcement comes with an investment of more than $5.5 million for manufacturing equipment and building improvements and will create 150 new jobs during the next three years. The company is expected to begin operations mid-April of this year.

“We welcome Yongsan to Alabama as a great addition to our vibrant auto industry, which continues to grow at a rapid pace in Opelika and other

The U.S. Postal Service is reconnecting tornado victims with their mail.

A vast majority of deliveries are being made where it is safe and accessible to do so.

If your mailbox was badly damaged or destroyed, please provide a secure receptacle with your address clearly displayed in order for your letter carrier to leave your mail at your residence. Mail cannot be delivered unless a receptacle is provided.

Or with proper identification, you may pick up your mail at your local post office.

Our letter carriers deeply care about their customers and are concerned about their welfare. Please help our carriers by limiting your questions and allowing them to deliver the mail to the community. Remember they are diligently working through many obstacles. For more information regarding mail delivery, they can call the USPS hotline at 1-800-ASK-USPS (275-8777).

Local Post Offices are open for mail pick up and retail transactions as follows: • Opelika Post Office, 500 S. 7th St. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 pm; Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon

and closed on Sundays.

• Smiths Station Post Office, 2720 Lee Road 430 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and closed on Sundays.

• Salem Post Office, 5153 Lee Road 145 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, 9 to 10 a.m. and closed on Sundays.

Customers who may temporarily or permanently move to a new address are encouraged to fill out a Change of Address (COA) card available from your letter carrier or at the local post office. COA requests also may be filed at usps.com, the U.S. Postal Service’s website that is available to customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A temporary change of address is designed for customers who plan on returning to their residence within six months. If you are not planning to return to your current address, please submit a permanent COA request.

About the USPS The postal service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. For more information, visit usps. com and usps.com/ postalfacts.

communities across the state,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “We know that Yongsan will find success in Alabama, and we are grateful they chose to invest and create new jobs in our state.”

Yongsan Automotive USA, a supplier to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing of Alabama, produces automotive interior parts, sun visors, seat parts, and luggage trims. Yongsan Automotive USA is solely invested from Yongsan Co., based in Ulsan, South Korea. Yongsan is a tier-one supplier to Hyundai and Kia Motors. Yongsan is the leading company in the manufacturing of sophisticated leather covering

interior trims for seats, arm rest, head rest, crash pad, and sun visors. For more information on Yongsan, visit www. yong-san.co.kr.

“I am excited to welcome Yongsan to the Opelika community.

We want businesses to grow and be successful here and we are glad to support them,” Fuller said. “We look forward to building a long-term relationship with Yongsan’s leaders and its employees.”

For more information, contact Deok Rae Kim, president of Yongsan Automotive, USA, Inc. at 334-704-4563 or City of Opelika economic development project manager John Sweatman at 334-705-5115.

pelika O Opinion

A4 March 13, 2019

Baby boomers reach out and touch

I

grew up in a family where the gift of healthy touch was expressed openly and daily. Hugs and love were a part of our family.

As a child, I felt loved and secure.

I still reflect on the hugs and love my grandmother openly shared with all she met including her grandchildren. I was so blessed to have a grandmother who truly understood the importance of hugs and touch which expressed heartfelt love and acceptance.

Whatever season of life we are in, human touch is time spent with another person. Time spent with another person spells love. Touch makes you who you are in friendships, relationships, emotionally and spiritually. It shows other people and the world what matters most in our lives. Compassion is a light of care.

As baby boomers in a highly technological society, we have to be careful not to let our fastpaced world, demands and schedules add distance between us and those we care for. For the elderly, lack of touch can contribute to feelings of isolation, pain, anxiety, helplessness, depression and boredom.

We baby boomers are setting new trends. We have been described as the sandwich generation in taking care of our grandchildren and our elderly parents. From the time a baby is born, a caring touch creates a bond that shapes us for the rest of our lives.

A gentle touch calms young children, a pat on the back encourages

O

By Beth Pinyerd

them to do their best, and a hug gives them security.

In spending time with my elderly friends, they have shared with me that touch is perhaps the most important sense for them.

Touch is an understanding and communication that transcends age and time. We see this in the intergenerational environment between young and old. Touch to the elderly says you are important to me, you are not alone.

In serving the elderly, health care professionals have shared some important guidelines with me in respecting the elderly.

To give an elderly family member or friend their personal space, simply ask permission if you can give a hug, a hand massage or a back rub. Too, assess and determine if they feel well. Discern if they really want a hug or touch.

Keep touch very simple by extending your hand to your elderly friend. A pat on the hand or giving a hand massage with lotion are simple gestures of showing care.

I’d like to share benefits of touch that have been shared with me by health care professionals, elderly friends, and through activity experiences.

1. Touch increases reality of the surrounding environment and increases interaction orientation.

As we grow older the basic need for touch may fade, but as we grow older, the feelings that touch present and invoke does not fade.

2. In interacting one-on-one with the elderly, touch increases sensory stimulation and too increases a sense of companionship.

3. Touch takes an elderly person out of a sense of isolation. When one feels secure and not alone, hope, trust and reassurance are expressed and conveyed to the elderly person. This contributes to the emotional stability of the elderly person. Emotional stability contributes to overall good health.

4. Medical professionals have reported that touch enhances the feelings of well being which can decrease blood pressure, help to promote rest, sleep and general feelings of well-being.

5. One of my elderly friends who was a hospice nurse before she retired shared the importance of touch to a person who is ill or dying.

Conversation is minimal when one is passing away. Too, there is not much more you can do to bring comfort. The gentle power of touching a face or holding hands with a dying love one communicates much love, care and peace.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta is a humanitarian whose life is full of love and humility. She said “let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely, and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.”

By Wendy Hodge

we were going to grill. I could already feel his hand in mine. I’d been looking forward to this for days.

And then my best friend texted. Plans had changed at the last minute, the way plans sometimes do. I stood in the shower and felt sorry for myself. I’m ashamed to say that I had a pity party.

Hadn’t I worked hard all week? Weren’t we both entitled to some time to relax together?

Didn’t the universe know I had plans?

And then I began getting texts and calls – friends and family checking to see if we were safe. I curled up on the couch and opened Facebook. Only then did I realize just how tragic things had become. Homes gone. People missing.

Fatalities.

It got very still and quiet in that living room as I sat and read and let it all sink in. That’s how it is with storms. So much noise and

omen to my left. Women to my right.

Pastel colors everywhere. Enough conflicting perfume scents to make my head swim.

This might be the largest female gathering on planet earth.

And I’m in their hotel lobby.

If you want to know what I’m talking about, visit town during a Mary Kay convention.

You’ll see women of every shape, size, and hair-color—too many different Southern accents to count.

Such as the eightyyear-old woman who sits next to me while I’m eating a lukewarm complimentary breakfast. Her daughters are with her— granddaughters too.

“We ah from Marietta,” the elderly lady says, using eleven syllables.

Then, instead of shaking my hand, the lady extends her wrist.

Kind of like the Queen of England does when she blesses a NASCAR race.

Anyway, I’m not sorry about my strong affections for the women of Dixie. There’s something special about them, and I’ll die believing that.

They are well-behaved, and unpredictable. Using only one breath, they can cuss

panic and fear. But in the midst of it there is profound silence.

As if we need to be brought to that moment to regain our perspective.

Yes, we had plans, my best friend and I. But I was reminded, on that late afternoon, that our plans are not really our own. They are an attempt to control the chaos that is life itself. I am ashamed of my self-pity.

I didn’t get the dinner I wanted or the time with my best friend. But I was alive on Monday morning to make new plans. And 23 of my neighbors were not.

As the next few days unfolded, we all learned the death toll. We read the stories of loss and terror.

We saw the faces of the missing. Being the small community we are, everyone knows someone who knows someone who lost a home or a father or a friend or a child. The numbers are staggering. The pictures are heartbreaking. We will never know the true measure of what we lost…. the unrealized potential of each person who is gone in an instant or the depths of sorrow that the countless survivors will carry with See Hodge, page A7

By Sean Dietrich

you blind, then turn around and preach a full-blown sermon.

Sometimes they do both at once, using so much charm you end up writing them a thank-you card for it.

They dress to the nines, often spending upwards of six hours before a bathroom mirror. Like the lady I saw in the lobby wearing ten-inch heels, a puffpink suit, and fourteen feet of hairspray. It must’ve taken her a week to get ready.

Or the young girl in the hoop-skirt and bonnet—it took three grown men to get her out of the hotel elevator.

My tenderness for these females runs deep.

This might have a lot to do with the food they make. They can whip up cornbread, crank out biscuits, and deep fry a hundred chicken livers before you’ve even brushed your teeth.

They’re not ashamed to eat what they make, and by God, they don’t expect you to be either.

They are all beautiful. Short, tall, round, skinny, well-bred, or

just a little red in the neck. But they are something else.

They can convert church bulletins into a hand-fans, take sermon notes on an old envelope, and won’t hesitate to tan the hide of a sassmouth—even if he’s is in his forties.

She’ll watch football, out-scream you at a tailgate party, open beer bottles with car keys, and stink up your house with a fresh pot of collards.

She’s a single mother, a widow, a full-time employee, craftswoman, housecleaner, church lady, crackerjack bridge player, expert bedmaker, Mary Kay sales associate, and church pianist.

She can pay her own taxes, cut her own grass, train your bloodhound, sew her own clothes, hold Bible study in her living room, and can flat throw a baby-shower.

She is confectioners sugar on the outside; one hundred percent black powder underneath.

Take a good look at her, this isn’t the perfect woman. She’s even better than that. She is Southern.

And she’s all mine.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South.

Spring Break on the Redneck Riviera:

I

Plans

n Sunday, March 3, I woke up ready to tackle the day.

A long list of chores that I had been putting off was on my mind…. cooking, laundry, cleaning out, cleaning up…. a check-list a mile long. The payoff?

A quiet Sunday night date with my best friend. It was a cloudy day, but this girl had plans!

Within minutes, the washing machine was chugging, the dishwasher was humming and the oven was heating up. Etta James played from my phone, and I danced my way from chore to chore. By noon, I noticed how dark the sky was getting. Thunder began to rumble, and shortly after that, the bottom fell out.

Rain poured and the wind blew.

I was so focused on my plans for the evening that I didn’t even check my weather app. I was not oblivious to the storm, but I had no idea how serious things were becoming right outside my window.

I heard no alarms…. only Ms. James singing ‘At Last.’

By 3 o’clock I was exhausted and ready for a long, hot shower. I was already tasting the steaks

W

Southern

No country for old men

t started out cold, so everyone with a car decided to drive around. You took your life in your own hands if you tried to cross the street.

Then the sky cleared and, with the sun, the breakers left the roads and began wandering to the beach. It was still windy so their numbers were not great.

I decided to go down, sit by the water, read, and maybe let the sound of the gulf lull me into a nap. I found a spot appropriately away from the few folks that were there and settled comfortably with my book.

For about 30 minutes, I enjoyed my solitude, and then what seemed to me to be an entire sorority from one of our fine Southeastern Conference schools descended on my little spot, ignoring the fact that I was already there.

Now I understand the desire of the young to congregate in a bumble – the girls spread their towels so close to each other that you could walk across the beach without

By Hardy Jackson

touching the sand – however, somewhere someone neglected to teach these children about the territorial rights of folks they don’t know who have already laid claim to a bit of shoreline.

Put simply, on the beach you don’t get any closer than 10 feet unless you are invited.

They weren’t invited.

Not invading the space of someone already there is a traditional beach courtesy observed by we older veterans. The tradition is ignored

by Yankees who are used to packing together on the Jersey Shore and, apparently, by young women who could not imagine that an old guy with a book would mind them giggling all around him.

Besides, they were cute. Trim, lovely hair and skin, smiles that were tributes to the orthodontist’s art and daddy’s pocket

book.

Almost immediately six or seven young men arrived. Wearing swim trunks in a variety of florescent colors and t-shirts that proclaimed that they had attended some sorority function, they began throwing a Frisbee. The girls coyly joined, making a point to emphasize their lack of skill, which was apparent, and their need for instruction -- “Please Rhett, show me how it’s done.”

If young women invading my space were not distraction enough, young women awkwardly throwing things near me meant that my eyes were on flying objects and not my book.

I began to consider moving.

Though the girls were wearing baggy t-shirts that they euphemistically call “cover-ups,” it was apparent that there were tiny bikinis beneath, though the boys seemed hardly to notice. (An observation. Girls coming to the beach in the spring prepare by going to the tanning See Jackson, page A7

pelika O Observer

Around Lee County

Aldi’s holds ribbon cutting, welcomes customers to new facility

Goodwill of the Southern Rivers to host job fair in Opelika March 20 Special to the Opelika Observer Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc. (GoodwillSR) is hosting a multi-employer job fair in Opelika March 20 from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Sixteen top employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance, including

BORBET, Briggs & Stratton, CSL Plasma, East Alabama Medical Center, Easterseals, Grifols, Joann, PeopleReady and Sparkle Window Cleaning, among others, will be in attendance.

More than 200 positions will be available.

Goodwill’s mission for hosting these event

is to “help people to find sustainable employment is an essential part of GoodwillSR’s mission of ‘developing people, building communities and changing lives.’’’

Attendees should come ready to interview with copies of their résumés in hand.

For more information,

contact marketing and communications director for GoodwillSR Julie Bennett by email at commservices@GoodwillSR. org or by calling 706580-8427.

The event will be held at the Goodwill Career Center, which is located at 3740 Pepperell Parkway.

The Springs of Mill Lakes receives national recognition for design Special to the Opelika Observer The 55+ Housing Industry Council of the National Association of Home Builders (www.nahb.org) honored The Springs of Mill Lakes (www. thespringsofmilllakes.com), the Auburn-Opelika area’s bucolic masterplanned community for 55+ active adults, with four Gold and three Silver Awards, including “Best 55+ For- Sale Community up to 200 Homes” at its annual 55+ Housing Awards Celebration Feb. 19, 2019.

The Best of 55+ Housing Awards are the industry’s only national awards program honoring excellence in building de-

entry pool, pickleball court, event lawn and Clubhouse with a fitness center, catering kitchen and ballroom dance floor. Homeowners enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful natural setting just minutes away from Auburn and Opelika’s shopping and dining Special to the Opelika Observer districts, as well as excellent medical Lakes includes 134 sign, marketing and facilities and Auburn single-family custom lifestyles in housing University. homes specifically for the mature adult.

The NAHB honThe awards serve as a designed to appeal to ored The Springs of the active 55+ homeshowcase for quality Mill Lakes with the owner. The 80-acre housing, innovation following awards: community is borand emerging trends Gold Awards: dered on the west by that appeal to the • Best For-Sale a perpetually protect55 and above demoCommunity up to 200 ed wildlife sanctuary, graphic. The awards Homes and encompasses are presented each • Best Universal two 3.5-acre mature year in conjunction Design Home for 55+ with NAHB’s annual lakes, a wandering New Construction International Builders creek and waterfalls.

The resort-style ameShow.

See Springs, page A14 The Springs of Mill nities include a zero-

March 13, 2019

Airbnb launches Open Homes program for Lee County residents Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Michelle Key/Opelika Observer Aldi’s opened their doors in Opelika with a ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday morning. More than 150 people were lined up waiting to enter Opelika’s newest grocer. Daniel Johnson was one of the first 100. He said that he likes Aldi’s for the quality of the food, the convenience of getting in and out and the prices. Store manager Brianna Gerber spoke to the crowd before the ribbon was cut. “I am so glad to open up this store. My staff and I have worked really hard to provide you with the lowest prices. We are going to be the best grocery store here in Opelika, Alabama,” Gerber said.

The store handed gift cards with values ranging from $5 to $100 to the first 100 people in line. Hazel Cooper was one of the winners of a $100 card. She said that she the new store is great inside, especially the fresh fruits and vegetables. The store is located at 2400 Frederick Road. For more photos of the new store, turn to A10.

A5

Airbnb has started its Open Homes Program to help displaced Lee County residents and deployed relief workers as a result of the damage caused by recent tornadoes.

The program recruits hosts who are willing and able to provide free housing in the area for any length of time between March 4 and March 25 and is active in Southeast Alabama and Southwest Georgia, including Columbus, Albany, Montgomery, Greenville and Selma.

Airbnb’s goal is to ensure those able to open their homes, as well as anyone who is affected and in need of temporary accommodation, know of the program’s availability.

The Open Homes Program is currently available through from March 4 through March 25. To those interested in providing

housing or options for housing, go to airbnb. com/leecountytornadoes.

Background: This concept began organically back in 2012 in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and has since grown into a global disaster response initiative that makes it easy for Airbnb hosts to provide space for people in need when disasters strike.

Below, please find an official statement from Kellie Bentz, Airbnb's Head of Global Disaster Response and Relief: “Airbnb’s Open Homes Program has been activated to assist residents displaced by and relief workers deployed to respond to the devastating tornadoes in Alabama and Georgia yesterday. Through the program, those in need of temporary accommodations can connect with Open Homes hosts in the area free of charge,” Bentz said.

Red Cross sends aid, support to Lee County tornado victims Special to the Opelika Observer

On Sunday afternoon, an EF-4 tornado ripped through East Alabama like “a giant knife scraping the ground,” leaving a path of destruction 24 miles long and a mile wide.

This EF-4 was one of numerous tornadoes reported across Alabama, Georgia and Florida on March 3, leading to the deadliest tornado outbreak in the United States in the last six years.

The Red Cross took immediate action in Beauregard and Smiths Station.

Currently, a team of more than 50 Red Cross responders are in Eastern Alabama responding to the tornados – and more are ar-

riving every day. These individuals include Integrated Disaster Care Teams (IDCT) consisting of disaster mental health, health services and disaster spiritual care volunteers – who will be meeting individually with affected families.

Donated items The Red Cross does not need donated items or household goods.

The Lee County Community has been so generous that donated items have taken over some of the spaces that would be allotted for people in need of safe shelter.

People who have lost their homes do not need clothing and household items – they have no home to take them to and no place to store See Red Cross, page A14

Lee County building official offers advice for homeowners affected by recent tornadoes Special to the Opelika Observer Each year, homeowners and business people lose thousands of dollars to unlicensed individuals posing as contractors.

Unfortunately, these unscrupulous individuals tend to prey on victims during their most vulnerable times; such as in the aftermath of the catastrophic tornadoes that struck our communities on March 3.

The Lee County Building Inspections Department is committed to

doing all we can to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Lee County. One way we do so is by requiring building permit applicants to provide verification showing they have the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work in addition to possessing the proper license.

Our office, along with the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board, the Alabama Licensing Board for General Contractors, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Department is further committed to protecting

our citizens from illegal contractors by offering the following suggestions: • Newspaper, social media, or other advertising where only the telephone number appears and there is no business address.

• No license number on the vehicle, business card, or advertising.

• A large down payment is requested before work begins.

• You are asked to obtain the building permit.

• The individual or company provides only a “Local Business License” and not a contractor license.

(A “Local Business License” is simply a license granting an individual the privilege of engaging in or managing a business, profession or occupation. It is not a contractor license.)

• A permit is obtained by someone other than the person or company contracting to do the work.

• You are informed by the individual or company that the job does not require a permit or inspections.

• You are offered a verbal contract only, the individual or company is not willing to put all terms

in writing.

• The individual or company is only willing to work on weekends or after hours.

• You receive many requests for money (draws) during early phases of construction.

• You are asked to make checks payable in the individual’s name when it should be in a company name, or asked to make payment in cash, or to make a check payable to “cash.”

• The individual does not have proof of General Liability or Worker’s

Compensation insurance.

Lee County Building Inspections 100 Orr Avenue PO Box 362 Opelika, Alabama 36804 Phone: 334-737-7014 Fax: 334-745-9813 Did You Know • That if you hire an unlicensed individual or company, you may have limited or no legal remedies if something goes wrong, even if you have a contract?

• That if you hire an unlicensed contracSee Advice, page A6

pelika O Observer

A6 March 13, 2019

Community Foundation of East Alabama receives donations from CFWA, AmerisourceBergen Foundation Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer The Community Foundation of West Alabama has issued a grant of $10,000 from its Disaster Recovery Fund to the East Alabama Community Foundation to help with the recovery efforts in Lee County.

“Tuscaloosa remembers all too well the storms of April 2011,” said CFWA president Glenn Taylor. “When that tornado ravaged our community, our peer institutions from around the country rallied to our aid. This is the least we can do to help our friends in Lee County.”

The Disaster Recovery Fund is one of

nearly 80 funds managed by the CFWA. These accounts are funded by donors to support a variety of charitable causes from arts to education to social services to disaster recovery, among many others. “Community Foundations are a great way to build a culture of philanthropy in a community,” said Bryant Bank president and CFWA’s Board Chair Claude Edwards.

“Donors can give to established funds like the Disaster Recovery Fund or start their own Fund through which they can recommend gifts to charities. There are tax advantages of giving through a community founda-

tion, our board and staff have knowledge of the area’s nonprofit community and our procedures provide for an added level of vetting to ensure grant recipients meet certain standards.”

Anyone wishing to give to CFWA’s Disaster Recovery Fund to help Lee County can contact the Community Foundation of West Alabama by calling 205-3660698. To learn more, visit www.thecfwa. org.

Pictured above are Glenn Taylor, Mary Bess Paluzzi, Cynthia Johnson, and Claude Edwards of the CFWA as they met to discuss the gift for disaster recovery.

The AmerisourceBergen Foundation, a notfor-profit charitable giving organization focused on supporting healthrelated causes that enrich the global community, has committed $25,000 to support relief efforts in communities affected by the tornadoes that recently swept through the Southeast United States.

The foundation has made a donation to the Community Foundation of East Alabama, a regional organization focused on identifying community needs, solving regional issues and improving the lives of those who reside in the local area. The CFEA recently established the Lee County Tornado Recovery Fund to help address the widespread damage in the wake of the tornadoes in the surrounding counties. During the coming days and weeks, the AmerisourceBergen Foundation will maintain a strong focus on closely monitoring all impacted areas with the goal of identifying additional opportunities to support organizations and local communities in need.

In addition, the foundation also continues to work closely with national organizations focused on supporting relief efforts across the U.S.

and abroad. Longstanding partners of the foundation including, Americares and Healthcare Ready, are each dedicated to building healthy communities and improving patient outcomes and continue to address pressing needs, such as the delivery of critical medications, establishment of temporary housing and support of long-term disaster relief needs.

“AmerisourceBergen has a significant presence in Alabama and our thoughts are with our teams and all those impacted during this weekend’s devastating events. As individuals and families turn their attention to rebuilding, we hope to enhance the relief efforts by supporting community organizations on the ground,” said AmerisourceBergen Foundation president Gina Clark. “In working with regional partners like the Community Foundation of East Alabama, we hope the Foundation will have a positive impact during this critical time in line with our constant objective of improving the wellbeing of the communities around the globe.”

As the philanthropic arm of AmerisourceBergen Corporation, the Foundation is aligned in its mission to support efficient and safe access to pharmaceutical care

around the globe. In the aftermath of tragic natural disasters, and during these times of need, it is the collection of AmerisourceBergen, its associates and the foundation that come together to effectively support relief efforts. Together, these organizations work tirelessly around the clock to expand access to quality healthcare, improve patient outcomes and ensure that healthcare providers are able to receive the products they rely on to treat those who are immediately impacted.

About the AmerisourceBergen Foundation The AmerisourceBergen Foundation is an independent not-forprofit charitable giving organization established

by AmerisourceBergen Corporation to support health-related causes that enrich that global community. The foundation aims to improve the health and well-being of its patient populations – both human and animal – by investing in its communities. Through strategic partnerships and community collaboration, the foundation works to expand access to quality healthcare and provide resources to ensure prescription drug safety. For more information, visit www.amerisourcebergenfoundation.org.

Veteran-led team Rubicon supporting response and recovery efforts in the wake of the recent tornadoes Special to the Opelika Observer Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization, has launched an operation in Lee County to assist in on-going tornado response and recovery efforts. Operations began on March 6 and are anticipated to last at least 10 days.

Working in conjunction with state and local authorities, Team Rubicon volunteers are providing damage assessments, route clearance, chainsaw operations, debris removal and spontaneous volunteer management to affected communities.

Advice,

from A5 tor who does not have Workers’ Compensation insurance, you may be financially responsible if any employees are injured while working on your premises?

• The hiring of an unlicensed individual could cause you to pay more for the job, than if you had hired a licensed contractor, especially if the work

Residents affected by the Alabama tornadoes may request assistance through Crisis Cleanup at 833-5562476. Services requested through Crisis Cleanup are not guaranteed to be completed by Team Rubicon, but volunteers with the organization are manning the hotline and routing requests to vetted, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) relief agencies in the affected area.

“The tornadoes that struck Alabama left behind severe damage in their path,” said Team Rubicon senior manager of operations support William Porter. “Our teams are

ready to put their disaster response skills to use assisting Lee County residents to get them on the road to recovery and rebuilding.”

Team Rubicon boasts a 90,000-strong, highly skilled volunteer force that helps communities stabilize and recover after a devastating natural disaster. Since its inception following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Team Rubicon has responded to 325 disasters, including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, Florence and Michael.

Through a strong communications infrastructure supported by our cutting-edge technological

is done incorrectly or never finished. You may have to pay twice or more for the same job to be corrected or finished.

• If the unlicensed individual fails to pay his sub-contractors or suppliers, you may be required to pay them, even though you have already paid the “contractor”.

• That any construction or repair work in Lee County that cost more than $1,000 must be permitted and can only be performed by a licensed contractor if the

amount exceeds $10,000.

In addition, any work subcontracted out (plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc.) must also be performed by licensed contractors. Never let an individual or company convince you to act as your own contractor and pay them to do the work.

• That as the property owner, you are ultimately responsible for making sure that the proper permits are obtained for the job.

• That you may be held liable for any damage

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

solutions, Team Rubicon volunteers efficiently and effectively respond to natural disasters and help families return to their homes as soon as possible.

By giving military veteran volunteers the opportunity to continue their service through disaster response, Team Rubicon provides them an avenue to gain a

renewed sense of purpose, community, and identity.

About Team Rubicon Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. Team Rubicon is a nonprofit organization offering veterans a chance to continue their service

by helping those affected by disasters, and also themselves. Programs and services are made possible by the support of individual donors, corporate partners, and the dedication of volunteers across the country. To join or support Team Rubicon’s mission, visit www.teamrubiconusa. org.

to other property if the unlicensed individual has no insurance.

Just So You Will Know There are three classifications for licensed home builders in Alabama: Unlimited, Limited, and Roofers. Any contract amount more than $10,000 requires a Home Builders License. If the project consists of work in more than one trade or involves the structural integrity of the building, an Unlimited Home Builders License is required. If the project does not involve

more than one trade or any structural work, a Limited Home Builders License is required. If the project is a roofing job that costs more than $2,500, a Home Builders Roofing License is required. Please be sure to check that the individual has the correct license.

You Can Help By • Obtaining a second quote for the work to be done. Require references and call to verify those references.

• Contacting the Lee County Building Inspec-

tions Department at 334737-7014 to confirm that the contractor is licensed, to find out if a permit is required, or to answer any questions you may have.

• Contacting the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board at 800-304-0853 if you are having problems with your contractor or need assistance.

Please Remember We are here for you and we will do everything in our power to help you through these trying times.

pelika O Observer

A7 March 13, 2019

Matilda Irene Boutique finds a new home on Pepperell Parkway

By Auburn Chason For the Opelika Observer The Matilda Irene Boutique, an installment near downtown Opelika, has now expanded and moved to 3900 Pepperell Pkwy, formerly the home of the Firing Pin. Matilda Irene is a boutique for the everywoman, carrying various styles from sizes small to 3X and accessories including shoes, handbags and gift items, and is owned by Angela Hunt.

“I love sharing my story with others, opening them up to tell me theirs. I lost my middle son in September of last year, and the support I have gotten through this time has been amazing with my customers who have become my friends,” Hunt said.

“They now come by sometimes just to talk and pray together. It has become so much more than just a boutique.”

Hunt opened the store in March 2018 and has received endless support from friends and stranger alike who

Robinson,

from A3

and how much she influenced us. I’ve lost a great friend.”

In a Facebook post last Tuesday, the hospital commemorated Robinson’s service and spoke to other employees who knew her.

“Everybody loved Maggie because she made it easy to love her, and like her. The Bible says the righteous will be remembered forever; I would like to say I believe that to be true about our Maggie,” said Chona Lane, a coworker of Robinson’s in the hospital’s post-anesthesia care unit. “She had a heart of compassion and was so loving to us and to

Hodge,

from A4 them until they die.

But we do know exactly what Beauregard and Opelika and Auburn are made of. We know what kind of people live here. We are, above all our differences, neighbors. In the truest sense of the word.

Churches filled, literally, to the rafters with donations.

Blood donations to full capacity.

Outpouring of funds and necessities from huge

want a boutique look at a reasonable price, as nearly everything offered in house is less than forty dollars. The boutique gets new shipments weekly, so styles change quickly to keep customers in the freshest styles and keep them returning to the store.

She noted that her key to staying inspired in business stems from her customer’s needs.

“I love helping women feel beautiful,” Hunt said. “I love seeing women who may not ever step foot in a boutique come in and

her patients.”

Former coworker and personal friend Willie Lewis said he spoke with Robinson an hour before the storms struck, discussing Galatians 6:0 which reads “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” “...she told me that verse appeared in her devotionals three or four times during the week. She also told me ‘I’m in a good place; God is first and foremost in my life,’” Lewis said.

Robinson began her career at EAMC as a nursing assistant in the progressive care unit before working as an administrator and member of the hospital’s PACU unit.

Funeral services were held Sunday at Union Grove Baptist Church.

corporations and struggling individuals alike.

One woman who lost five family members came out to serve hot food to the rescue workers. An elderly woman on social security made fresh biscuits for law enforcement – and carried those platters of food in her wheelchair. Local veterinarians and animal shelters have opened their doors and offered free boarding for displaced pets. Person after person on Facebook has offered baby clothes, furniture, food, even a room to stay in to anyone who needs it.

The country has been

feel welcome and be able to afford a boutique look.”

Hunt said that her story began with just a monogramming machine and making clothes for her granddaughters and turned into a haven for women looking for affordable clothes. She said she had many requests for plus-sized clothing after she first opened, so she made it her mission to bring trendy and affordable plus-sized clothes to Opelika as well, a missions that will expand as they move to

Jackson,

from A4 bed. The guys do not. So girls are tanned and boys are pasty white until they burn, which does not take long.)

Then off came the “cover-ups” and everyone lined up for pictures – the girls making sure that the boys were arranged so that the colors of their swimsuits did not clash. Then someone suggested that they go swimming. After the required “it’s too cold, no it isn’t, don’t be a wus,” one of the girls took the dare and into the Gulf she went. The rest, male and female, followed, though some more enthusiastically than others.

Coming out, the guys

watching Lee County, and they have seen what it means to love your neighbor as yourself.

Many years ago, when my sister died, the first thing I saw when I entered her empty house was a calendar hanging on the wall.

It was full of appointments and reminders for herself and her boys. Plans. Plans she never got to fulfill. My best friend has a calendar he keeps that belonged to someone he loved. It was the only thing she wanted for her last Christmas on earth. She never got to turn past January. Plans. Plans she never got to witness

their new location.

Matilda Irene gets its name from family.

Hunt found it fitting to give the name of her business a name with a story behind it. Matilda was Hunt’s great-grandmother’s name, and Irene was her mother’s middle name. The store is a fitting tribute to her mother, who passed away in January. With the support she has garnered from the community, she pours it back into the world.

“I pray that… I can be there for a smile even when it’s hard—you

were red from the cold while the girls looked tanner and trimmer than before. Then it was “lay-out” time for the girls, and the boys drifted away for more Frisbee.

Had I been younger I might have thought the whole thing was some sort of elaborate mating ritual, and maybe it was. However, what struck me was the innocence of it all. Though I could not help but wonder how the guys could seem so blasé with so many bikinied bodies around them and how the girls could wear so little without the hint of a self-conscious blush, but they could and they did.

Cousin Benny and I have marveled at this. Though we are both on the downhill slide from 70, we still retaining our memory -- most of it – and we recall the beauties of our youth.

unfolding.

A few weeks ago, a coworker gave me a wooden cube. It’s painted black, and each of the six sides has a message in white script painted on it. It sits on my desk, and my favorite of the messages is this one: “She’s got plans!” I look at that block differently now. I’m wiser, I hope.

Certainly humbled and grateful. Plans are good, but gratitude for the gracious bounty of our lives is what makes us better humans. Better neighbors.

I am proud to be from Opelika. Always have been. The last few days

never know who needs one. I can be an ear to listen. I may be the only one that does that day. I can help someone who doesn’t feel so pretty walk out with confidence from the inside out,” Hunt said.

Matilda Irene is now open at their new location 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit the Matilda Irene Boutique group on Facebook or stop by the new location and see the selections for yourself.

However, we agree there were never so many as there are today.

Eventually, the girls lost interest in Frisbee flinging and went for a walk – which next to “laying out” seemed to be why they came to the beach.

The boys continued to toss the Frisbee until someone noticed that the girls were gone, so the boys went walking as well.

And I was alone. Just as I had been before they all arrived.

The beach is many things to many people, but during Spring Break young folks make it their own. When they are around, it is no country for old men.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Eminent Scholar in History at Jacksonville State University. he can be reached at hjackson@ cableone.net.

have only deepened my love for this place and the people who live here. I plan to stay a while longer, if the universe allows.

Wendy Hodge is an Opelika native, an empty nester and lover of all things Ope-

lika. She previously had a column titled A Word or Ten, which was featured in the Tennessee Star Journal and is currently awaiting release of her first novel with Harper Collins Publishing Company.

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pelika O Observer Illinois man gifts 23 hand-crafted crosses to Beauregard community A8

March 13, 2019

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce ​and Robert Noles An Illinois man has gifted 23 hand-crafted wooden crosses to the Beauregard community as a way of commemorating and honoring the lives lost during Sunday’s tornadoes.

Aurora resident Greg Zanis, founder of the nonprofit Crosses for Losses, made the more than 12-hour drive and arrived this afternoon, distributing the crosses to family

members and friends of the victims.

One of those family members was Rosalind Tolbert, who lost seven relatives during Sunday’s storms. Living only a few minutes away from one of the most affected areas, she said she is still processing the events of the last 72 hours and what it will mean for the community moving forward.

“I’m going to miss seeing the kids play (out there). Looking at everything, it just seems so

different … it looks like somebody shredded our neighborhood and made confetti out of everything,” Tolbert said.

Since 1997, Zanis and his team have “placed more than 26,000 white wooden crosses and other memorials for the public and the families of crime victims as well as accident victims,” according to the nonprofit’s website.

For more information about the organization, visit www.crossesforlosses.net.

Where there's always something happening!

3/14 Exclusive VIP Realtor Tour / Lunch 8:15 a.m. - 12 Noon | Opelika High School 3/14 MAX Business After Hours 5-7 p.m. | 3021 Frederick Road 3/18 Trip to Ireland Informational Meeting 12 noon or 5 p.m. | Opelika Chamber 3/19 Small Business Workshop: How to Maximize your Chamber Membership 8 - 9:30 a.m. | Opelika Auburn News Community Room 3/26 Women's Business Council Expert Series: Bikes 8 a.m. | 113 S. 9th Street | James Bros. Bikes 3/26 Package of 4 Golf Clinics with John King March 26 / April 2, 4, 9 | Robert Trent Jones at Grand National 3/28 Business Over Breakfast with Dr. Joe Sumners 7:30 a.m. | Saugahatchee Country Club All events can be registered for online at www.opelikachamber.com or by contacting the chamber.

3/12 Staffing Connections 4 p.m. | 2107 Pepperell Parkway, Suite C 3/19 SUSCC Library Ribbon Cutting 4 p.m. | 1702 Lafayette Parkway 3/26 First South Farm Credit 4 p.m. | 1613 Frederick Road

New Members Better Bodies Massage Institute TherapySouth Dyna-Lift Resting Pulse Brewing Company Bethesda Learning Academy Miracle-Ear Craftmaster Printers, Inc. J. Dean Insurance

The Warehouse Bistro Hughston Homes Expressions Design Gallery Groome Transportation of Alabama Ogletree Deakins Firing Pin Shooting Sports SMG Lake Harding Tru by Hilton Auburn

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS: march 22 - bo porter, matt prater at the sound wall april 2 - going blue for autism awareness april 2 - tine thing helseth and her orchestra at opac april 23 - taste of the town

Give a homemade dish to let someone know you care Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

W

ith so much devastation and tragedy in our community, we all want to find ways to help others in caring and loving ways. When you don’t know what else to do, sometimes a hot meal or homemade dessert can let someone know you are thinking about them. Here are some ideas for taking food to hurting families and those helping.

First, find a suitable throw-away container.

Look for aluminum containers that will fit the dish you are taking. When baking sheet cake recipes in containers smaller than 9-by-13 inches, you may

need to bake a few minutes longer. Check with a toothpick near the center of the cake until it comes out clean. Don’t forget to coat aluminum pans with nonstick spray.

Sometimes pick up desserts, such as brownies and cookies, are better than cakes.

For these treats, you can fill disposable plastic containers with lids or line a sturdy paper plate with foil and then cover the cookies or brownies with foil, sealing it well.

You can tape a note to the top of the foil with a Bible verse and your name.

I think pound cakes are

good comfort food and easy to wrap. You can also slice them and wrap in individual servings.

Since pound cakes are easy to prepare, I will sometimes get a batter going while cooking dinner. I generally use unsalted butter in baking pound cakes. If the recipe calls for milk or cream to add alternately with flour, begin and end with flour.

Instead of baking the cake in a Bundt pan, I often bake the batter in two loaf pans. This way, I will have two cakes to give.

Sometimes I line the loaf pans with foil and coat with spray. After baking, I can pull the foil

Photo by Ann Cipperly While you may not be able to help with the tornado cleanup, you can prepare homemade cakes, cookies, breads or meals to take to hurting families, first responders and volunteers.

Everyone will appreciate the effort that shows you care and are praying for them.

up to remove cakes from the pans and know they will look attractive.

While pound cakes can be prepared days ahead, they also freeze well. You can bake several ahead and freeze. When you hear of a need, you can quickly thaw and deliver the cake.

Quick breads, such as banana or pumpkin, are easy to mix and bake.

They are also easy to wrap for giving and will last several days.

For an entrée, chicken casseroles and pasta dishes are hearty for families. You can also make

these ahead and freeze until needed.

Whatever you are able to prepare and give will be appreciated. When people are going through difficult times, they forget to eat and don’t feel like going to the grocery store and cooking. Anything you can give will be heartwarming to somebody.

I have been so proud of how my hometown has come together to help others. The outpouring of items, food, gift cards and other helping ways have been beyond amazing.

I remember years ago

when Don and I lived in the northeast how much I missed the caring people in my hometown. We lived in a few different places, but there was no place like my home.

I prayed every day for years asking God to find a way for us to return.

There is just something special about the people here that you don’t find any place else. I will forever be grateful that we are here.

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com See Recipes, page A11

Seventh annual ‘Taste of the Town’ event to return April 23

By Ann Cipperly Opelika Observer

The 7th annual Taste of the Town will provide an entertaining evening at the Museum of East Alabama with delectable food from area restaurants and assorted beverages April 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. From appetizers to desserts, chefs will showcase a tasting of their best dishes, while a silent auction will feature a variety of items and packages.

Restaurants and caterers participating in this year’s event include: Café 123, Zazu, Outback Steakhouse, Chicken Salad Chick, Long Horn Steak House, Niffer’s, Irish Bred Pub, Acre, Amsterdam Cafe, O’ Town Ice Cream, Ursula’s Catering, La Cantina, Jefferson’s, Butcher Block Barbecue, Cup and Saucer and Crepe Myrtle Café.

Along with wineries and John Emerald Distillery, Mama Mocha’s will be serving specialty coffee. Toomer’s Lemonade, sodas and bottled water will also be served throughout the museum on the upper and lower levels.

Sponsors for the fundraiser, which benefits the museum, are AuburnBank, Opelika Observer, Henry J. Stern Family Foundation, Smith T Building Supply and Glynn Smith Chevrolet.

Tables for attendees will be arranged inside the museum and outside

on the sidewalk. Outdoor tables have candles for a soft light when the sun sets.

While tasting superb dishes and sipping wine, attendees can browse the silent auction on the lower level, featuring treasures from local merchants, as well as trips and golf packages.

Proceeds from the fundraiser provide for repairs and upkeep of the museum. Every year visitors from around the globe visit the museum to view the history of East Alabama.

Located at the site of the old Clement Hotel on 9th Street, the museum contains more than 5,000 artifacts from Lee and surrounding counties. The museum was founded in August 1989 by the late Eleanor and John T. Harris. Volunteers kept the museum operating until funds were available to hire a director.

The Harrises’ son, Bert Harris, who is a member of the board, reflects on the museum today, “The museum truly owes its existence to so many wonderful people who have been willing to donate their family treasures, their time and money to make the museum a success.”

“The museum is preserving our heritage intact with funds from the Taste of the Town,” Harris said, “as restaurants and wineries donate, and the community supports the event.”

Among the permanent exhibits are World War II POW Camp collection, John Herbert Orr collection, Pepperell Post Office and other items from Pepperell mill, a covered bridge exhibit and antique doll collection.

Lee County’s business, rural and architectural heritage are also displayed. Other exhibits include Civil War, collection of arrowheads, World War II exhibit, local fire and police exhibits, vintage apparel, exhibit on Roy Lee Jackson, Billy Hitchcock, a pioneer frontier kitchen with a wood burning stove and much more.

“We thank the restaurants and sponsors for their continued support of the Taste,” said board president Jim Hardin. “It is our major fund raising effort for the year and is critical for our service efforts to preserve the history of East Alabama.”

Tickets for the event are $30 and are available at the museum or online at eastalabama. org. Membership is also available on various levels. Glenn Buxton is the museum director.

The Museum of East Alabama is located at 121 S. 9th St. Hours are Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 2 to 4 p.m.

The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Admission is free and donations are accepted.

For more information, call 334-749-2751.

Photo by Ann Cipperly Café 123 in downtown Opelika is set to serve at last year’s Taste of the Town at the Museum of East Alabama. This year’s event will be April 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Restaurants and caterers will serve a tasting of their best dishes, while wineries, John Emerald Distillery and Mama Mocha’s offer beverages. A silent auction is also offered.

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

A10 March 13, 2019

pelika O Observer

Photos by Michelle Key/Publisher

pelika O Observer My Favorite Pound Cake for Giving 2 sticks unsalted butter 3 cups sugar 6 eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup whipping cream 2 or 3 tsp. vanilla Cream butter and sugar well. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour and cream alternately, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in vanilla.

Pour into a Bundt pan, tube pan or two loaf pans. That have been coated with nonstick spread.

Sometimes on the loaf pans, I line them with foil and coat with spray.

This way I can pull the cakes from the pans and know they will look attractive.

Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the stove. Start checking with a toothpick at 1 hour and 20 minutes by placing the toothpick near the center to see if it comes out clean.

Cool a few minutes before removing from pan.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Judy Sellers 4 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken breasts (can use rotisserie chicken) 2 cups cooked Minute Rice Three 10 ¾ oz. cans cream of chicken soup 8 oz. carton sour cream 2 cups chicken broth Pinch of salt and pepper 1 sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers mixed with ¼ cup melted margarine Place cream of chicken soup, sour cream and chicken broth in a boiler and heat until hot and smooth.

Remove from heat and add chopped or shredded cooked chicken breasts, cooked Minute Rice and pinch of salt and pepper.

Place in 9x13 casserole dish and sprinkle Ritz Cracker and margarine mixture to cover the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole An oldie that is always popular.

3 whole chicken breasts, cooked and chopped or rotisserie chicken10 ½ oz. can cream of chicken soup, undiluted8 oz.

(1 cup) sour cream

4 tsp. poppy seeds, divided 1 stack Ritz crackers, about 30, crushed 1 stick butter, melted Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine soup, sour cream and 2 tsp. poppy seeds; mix well.

In a greased 13 by 9 inch pan layer half soup mixture; cover with chicken and then top with remaining soup mixture. Combine crushed crackers, other 2 tsp. poppy seeds and butter; mix well. Spread crumbs over top of chicken dish. Bake 30 minutes.

Easy Chicken Casserole Connie King 3 lb. flash frozen chicken tenderloins (or can use rotisserie chicken)1 tsp. salt 32 oz. sour cream 2 small cans cream of chicken soup 1/4 tsp. paprika 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper Topping* 2 sticks butter 2 stacks saltine crackers (unsalted tops) Boil chicken tenders with 1 tsp. salt until cooked. Cut chicken into bite sized pieces.

Spray 9 by 13inch casserole dish with Pam and cover bottom of dish with chicken.

Mix sour cream, cream of chicken soup, paprika and cayenne pepper in mixing bowl: mix well. Spread over chicken.

Crush saltine crackers. Melt butter and pour over cracker crumbs.

Mix well. Pour butter/crumb mixture on top of cream sauce.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake 1 hour or until sides are bubbling. Can freeze unbaked. *Note: Can cut topping in half.

Spaghetti Casserole Annette Lovett 1 lb. ground beef (chuck, round, sirloin, your choice) 1/2 lb. pasta noodles of choice (1/2 of a 16-oz. pkg) 8 oz. sour cream 1 jar (1 lb. 10 oz.) spaghetti sauce of choice 8 oz. small curd cottage cheese 8 oz. bag of mozzarella cheese, divided 1 lb. ground beef (chuck, round, sirloin, your choice) Spray a 9x13 glass casserole dish with Pam. Brown and drain the meat.

Cook pasta ac-

cording to package directions.

While pasta cooks, add spaghetti sauce, cottage cheese and all but 1/3 cup of the mozzarella cheese to the meat. Mix well.

Drain noodles and mix in the sour cream. Spread the noodle mixture in the bottom of casserole dish. Spread the meat mixture on top of the noodle layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup of the mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake at 350 degrees uncovered for 30-40 minutes, making sure cheese does not get too dark on top. Cover with foil if it starts to brown too much.

(I baked an 8x8 dish for 30 minutes – that seemed long enough.)

Can double ingredients for two 9x13 dishes.

Easy Mac and Cheese Leigh Whatley 8 oz. grated Monterey jack cheese 8 oz. grated sharp cheddar cheese 4 oz. Parmesan 1 quart cream 1 box rigatoni pasta, cooked Mix all together.

Bake at 350 degrees 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Caramel Brownies 2 sticks butter 1 box light brown sugar 2 tsp. vanilla 2 eggs 2 cups self-rising flour 1 cup chopped nuts, optional Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Beat the butter until fluffy. Add brown sugar and vanilla; cream together. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Mix nuts with flour until coated. Add flour and nuts to batter; blend well. Pour into a greased 11 by 7 inch pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until done. Cool in pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Freezes well.

Double Deluxe Brownies 2 cups sugar 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 1 cup butter or margarine, melted 4 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped nuts, optional Line 13x9x2 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and grease lightly. Stir sugar, flour, cocoa, soda and salt; set aside. Mix melted butter or margarine,

eggs and vanilla until smooth. Add to flour mixture and stir until moistened.

Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.

Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted one inch from center comes out barely moist. Do not over bake. Cool on wire race.

When completely cool remove from pan, peel off foil and cut into squares.

Makes about 2 dozen.

Easy Peanut Butter Bars ½ cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy ½ cup butter or margarine 1 ½ cups sugar 2 eggs 1 cup self-rising flour 1 tsp. vanilla Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 13 by 9 inch baking dish.

Melt peanut butter and butter over low heat. Add remaining ingredients and stir until smooth.

Pour into greased baking dish; bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool and cut into squares. Makes 2 dozen squares.

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

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

Fold in nuts.

Pour into greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until bread tests done.

Toffee Crunch Cookies Barbara Arrington 1 cup sugar or ½ cup Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking ¾ cup butter, softened 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. baking soda ½ cup English tof-

A11 March 13, 2019 fee bits or chips Sugar Heat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl combine sugar, butter, egg and vanilla.

Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Reduce speed to low; add flour, baking powder and baking soda. Beat until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes). By hand, stir in toffee bits.

Shape dough into 1½ -inch balls.

Roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on parchment lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly with bottom of glass.

(If glass sticks, dip glass in sugar) Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until edges just begin to turn light golden brown. (Do not over bake.) Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheet.

Sprinkle with additional sugar if desired. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Mom’s Chocolate Pound Cake 2 sticks butter or margarine ½ cup shortening 3 cups sugar 5 eggs 3 cups plain flour ½ tsp. baking powder 4 Tbsp. cocoa 1 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream butter and shortening; add sugar and eggs. Sift dry ingredients; add alternately with milk to creamed mixture. Stir in vanilla.

Bake in a greased tube pan or two loaf pans for about 80 minutes or until tests done. Cool and frost.

Frosting ¾ stick butter or margarine, softened 5 Tbsp. cocoa 6 Tbsp. milk 1 box confectioners’ sugar Cream butter and cocoa; add sugar alternately with milk. Mix until blended and smooth.

Sour Cream Pound Cake 2 sticks butter or margarine, softened 3 cups sugar 6 eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1 cup sour cream (8 oz.)

1 tsp. vanilla Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and beat well. In a separate bowl, place 3 cups flour and baking soda. Sift twice. Add sour cream to batter; add

half of flour and mix well. Add remaining flour; add vanilla.

Bake in greased pan for 1 hour or until tests done.

Almond Sour Cream Pound Cake with Almond Icing Prepare Sour Cream Pound Cake as directed, except omit vanilla and add 1 tsp. almond extract.

When cool, pour Almond Glaze over cake.

Almond Icing 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar 2 Tbsp. butter, softened 2 to 3 tsp. almond extract 2 Tbsp. hot water Combine all ingredients; blend until smooth.

Chocolate Sour Cream Sheet Cake 2 cups sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. soda ½ tsp. salt 2 sticks butter or margarine ¼ cup cocoa 1 cup water 2 eggs, slightly beaten ½ cup sour cream 2 tsp. vanilla Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9 by 13 inch pan with nonstick spray; set aside.

Combine sugar, flour, soda and salt a large bowl and set aside. Combine butter, cocoa and water.

Bring to a boil.

Gradually stir hot mixture into sugar/ flour mixture and mix well. Stir in eggs, sour cream and vanilla.

Pour into the greased 9 by 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Frosting 1 stick butter or margarine 4 heaping Tbsp. cocoa 6 Tbsp. milk 1 box powdered sugar 1 or 2 tsp. vanilla Combine butter, cocoa and milk. Bring to a boil. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.

Add vanilla. Spread over warm cake.

Mom C’s Old Fashioned Pound Cake 1 cup butter, softened 1 2/3 cups sugar 5 eggs 2 cups cake flour 1 ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1/8 tsp. mace, optional Cream butter, beat in sugar and eggs one at a time until light.

Combine flour, salt and mace, if using.

Fold in flour gradually. Bake in a greased and floured loaf pan at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until tests done.

See Recipes, page A14

pelika O Observer

A12 March 13, 2019

OBITUARIES Marshall Lynn Grimes Funeral services for Mr. Marshall Lynn Grimes, 59, of Opelika, were Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 2:00pm, at Cornerstone United Methodist Church. Rev. Rusty Hutson is officiating. Visitation was Wednesday, March 6, 2019 from 5:00 until 7:00 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Mr. Grimes, who

passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019, was born February 16, 1960, in Lee County, Alabama. He lived in Opelika most of his life. Mr. Grimes was a member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church and a member of CMA. He is survived by his mother: Peggy Grimes of Opelika, Alabama; two sons, Christopher (Kristen) Grimes of

Mamie Elizabeth Koon Memorial services for Mrs. Mamie Elizabeth Koon, 67, of Opelika, Alabama were Friday, March 8, 2019 at 4:00pm at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation following.

Burial was in LaDonia Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Koon, who died Sunday, March 3, 2019, at her resident, was born July 5, 1950, in Crenshall County, Alabama. She was a residence of Smith Station and Opelika, Alabama most of her life. She retired from ABC Board.

She was survived by her son: Ernest Gene Holmes of Smith Station, Alabama; six grandchildren; one brother: Gilbert Roberts of Smith Station, Alabama; one sister: Elaine Owens of Pine Mountain, Georgia.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Maggie Robinson Funeral services for Maggie Robinson, 57, of Opelika, AL (Beauregard Community), were at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 10, 2019, at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 650 Jeter Avenue, Opelika, AL with interment in Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 908 Huguley Road, Opelika, AL 36804, Jonathan Bowen, Jr. Funeral service for Jonathan Bowen, Jr., 9, of Auburn, AL, was at 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 11, 2019, at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 650 Jeter Avenue, Opelika, AL with interment in Pine Level Cemetery, Reverend Clifford E. Jones officiated, and Bishop Clarence Manly served as the Eulogist.

Mykhayla Waldon Funeral services for Mykhayla Waldon, 8, of Opelika, AL (Beauregard Community), were at 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 11, 2019, at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 650 Jeter Avenue, Opelika, AL 36801 with interment in Pine Level Cemetery, Reverend Clifford E. Jones officiated and Bishop Clarence Manly served as the Eulogist.

Little Miss Waldon, who passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Opelika, AL, was born July 29, 2010 in Lee

Clinton, South Carolina and John Bryant of Panama City, Florida; two daughter, Kayla Grimes of Opelika, Alabama and Brooke Waldrop of Opelika, Alabama; five grandchildren; three brothers, David (Denise) Grimes of Opelika, Michael (Carla) Grimes, and Keith Grimes.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Armando Aguilar “A.J.” Hernandez, Jr Armando Aguilar "A.J." Hernandez, Jr. of Beauregard, Alabama formerly of Spartanburg, South Carolina was born May 24, 2012 at 3:05 p.m. in Spartanburg, South Carolina and entered into paradise on March 3, 2019 with Jesus answering, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Luke 23:43. He was 6 years old.

He attended Providence Baptist Church. He was known as "Pootie".

He liked to have nerf

Timothy “Tim” Paul Chambley Timothy "Tim" Paul Chambley of Opelika was born to the late Regina and Richard Chambley in Lee County, Alabama on July 28, 1958 and passed away at his home on March 3, 2019.

He was 60 years old.

He was of the

gun fights with his brother Jordan, riding his bicycle, inventing things and Alabama Football.... Roll Tide!

A.J. was a happy child that touched the lives of all he met.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Jason Franklin Atkins, Jr. He is survived by his parents, Steven Griffin and Kayla Melton; biological mother, Amanda Melton; brother, Jordan Griffin; fur babies, Mia and Bella; maternal grandmother, Barbara Melton; paternal grandparents, Bobby and Leanne Kidd, and Chuck Crisp (PaPa);

Baptist Faith.

He is survived by his wife, Deeanna L. White; daughters, Kristy Chambley and Marie Chambley; step-children, Courtney Yielding (James) and T.J. White (Amber); grandchildren, Jamie Lyn, Jayden, Jordyn, Madison, Jaimeelynne, Karter, Kyleigh, Iden,

aunts, Lolo Melton, Sara Crisp; uncles, Jonathan Thomas (Melissa), Jack Crisp, Sam Crisp "NeNe", as well as numerous cousins and other family members.

Visitation was held Friday, March 8, 2019 in the Sanctuary at Trinity United Methodist Church from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m.

Funeral service was held in the Sanctuary at Trinity United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2019.

Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Reverend Clifford E. Jones officiated with Reverend John Pink serving as the Eulogist.

Ms. Robinson, who passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Opelika, AL, was born November 10, 1961 in Lee County, Alabama.

Public viewing was Saturday, March 9, 2019, from 1:00 p.m.

– 7:00 p.m. Ms. Robinson lied in repose at the church one prior to the

service.

Maggie graduated from Beauregard High School Class of 1979 and was a long time proud employee of East Alabama Medical Center. She was a member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Opelika, AL (Marvyn Community).

Survivors include: three brothers, Fernando Robinson, Define Robinson and Reginald

(Bridget) Robinson all of Opelika, AL; a devoted cousin as a sister, Cynthia D. Heard of Opelika, AL; four aunts, Eldora Darby of Chicago, IL, Katie Hawkins, Mary Frances (Charles) Heard of Opelika, AL and Virginia (Emmitt) Vaughn of Crawford, AL; a host of nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.

Harris Funeral Home directed.

Master Bowen, who passed away Sunday, March 3, 2019 in Opelika, AL, was born July 15, 2009 in Lee County, Alabama.

Public viewing was Sunday, March 10, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Master Bowen lied in repose at the church one prior to the service. Jonathan was a 4th grader at Loachapoka Elementary School.

Survivors include:

mother, Shamel Hart of Loachapoka, AL; father, Jonathan Bowen, Sr. of Tuskegee, AL; one brother, Jaylen Hart of Auburn, AL; two sisters, Jyra Bowen and Kyra Bowen both of Opelika, AL; maternal grandparents, Tewonder Hart of Auburn, AL and Elder Melvin (Emma) Newsome of Opelika, AL; paternal grandfather, Will Bowen of Little Texas, AL; three

aunts, Anneka (Forrest) Hughley of Mobile, AL, Adrienne Bowen of Tuskegee, AL and Tonya (Richard) Willis of Middletown, CT; four uncles, Corey Hart, Antron Hart (Brenda Harris) of Auburn, AL, Anthony (Yashica) Frazier of Tuskegee, AL and Gregory (Wendy) Frazier of Fayetteville, NC; a host of great aunts, great uncles, other relatives and friends.

County, Alabama.

Public viewing was Sunday, March 10, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Little Miss Waldon lied in repose at the church one prior to the service. Mykhayla was a 3rd grader at Beauregard Elementary School.

Survivors include: mother, Tyesha Hart (Shane Wilbanks) of Opelika, AL; father, Michael Waldon (Brittney Dowdell) of Loachapoka, AL; two sisters, Kamorah Palm and Ariel Palm both of Opelika, AL; one brother, Kyron J. Waldon of Loachapoka, AL; two step-brothers,

Kane Willis and Justin Marshall, Jr. both of Loachapoka, AL; maternal grandparents, Doris and Terrance Bynum of Opelika, AL; paternal grandparents, Mike and Joanne France of Loachapoka, AL; great grandparents, Charlie and Lavonnia France of Auburn, AL and Nancy Bynum of Opelika, AL; aunts, Kareesa (Carnillious) Tables of Opelika, AL Tameika (Vandrell) Carter of Valley, AL and Marilynn Waldon of Opelika, AL; uncle, Adrion J. Lowe of Auburn, AL; great aunts, Tewonder Hart, Myrtis

Simmons, Frederica Gaddis, Vesta Bynum, Brandy Bynum, Sherrell Bynum, Priscilla Lowe, Linda (Willie) Smith, Mattie (Larry) Black, Emma France, Kathy (Eric) Zellars, Waydean (Terry) Haynes and Priscilla France; great uncle, Victor Bynum, Willie (Caroline) Waldon, Jerry (Tamekia) Waldon, David (Sharon) France, Charlie (Arnita) France, and Patrick France; god fathers, Corey Hart, Rod Melton, Broderick France and Jacolby Chatman; a host of other relatives and friends.

Tripp, and Finley; brother, David Chambley (Lydia), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Memorial services were held Thursday, March 7, 2019 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 3:30 p.m.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

David Wayne Dean Mr. David Wayne Dean, 53, of Opelika, born May 25, 1965, passed away March 3, 2019, at his residence.

Mr. Dean was survived by his wife: Carol Dean; two sons: Theo (Stacey) Dean and Gary (Veronica) Dean; daughter: Mechelle (Jamey) Baker; bonus sons: James, David, and J.P. Stephens; goddaughter: Elizabeth “Nugget” Chambley; grandchildren: Chase Dean, Haylee Spinks, Blake Dean, Abbygail Ballman, Eli Baker, Sophia Dean, Raylan Baker, Macey Dean, and Kaitelyn Baker.

“RoadDog” often imitated never duplicated. He loved everybody. Every time I ride, you will be with me. He loved life to the fullest. There was never a dull moment with him around.

He loved his Harley. He was one of a kind. Drive it like you stole it.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directing.

Taylor Lillian Thornton Taylor Lillian Thornton, age 10 walked into the arms of the Lord on March 3, 2019 at the young age of 10. A celebration of life service was held 11:00am, Friday March 8, 2019 at First Baptist Church, Opelika, Alabama with burial following in Garden Hills Cemetery.

Visitation was Thursday, March 7, 2019, from 5:00pm8:00pm at First Baptist Church, Opelika, Alabama.

Taylor was born on October 28, 2008 in Opelika, Alabama to David Nolan Thornton and Ashley Lynn Thornton. Taylor attended Lee Scott Academy where she was a 4th grader. She loved her school, teachers, and fellow students.

Taylor’s life may have been short on this earth, but her impact was GREAT! She was loved by everyone that knew her.

Taylor loved her family and was known as “Sweet Taylor” to everyone she knew. Her favorite things to do was attend church, camp, and hang out with her family and friends around a fire. Taylor loved to ride horses, rollerblade, ice skate, and hang out with her best friend Kayla. Taylor was

proud to be a big sister and loved her baby brother McCrae. When Taylor entered a room her sweet spirit and smile lit up the room! Taylor loved like the Lord - without boundaries!

Taylor is survived by her parents; brother: McCrae Nolan Thornton; Uncles: Curtis Thornton (Kay), Anthony Lee Thornton (Lisa), A. James Thornton (Dana), Allen Blythe (Priscilla), Jenny Blythe (Cindy Pearce), Joe Blythe; maternal grandparents: Bill and Jean Blythe and God appointed grandparents: Dean and Tracey Hornaday, along with a host of cousins and special friends.

Taylor was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Daniel Walter Thornton and Patsy Jane Thornton.

Taylor’s memory will be forever imprinted on the hearts of those that knew her and were taught by precious Taylor to Love deeply without judgement.

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Memorials may be made to Gateway Family Church.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Directed.

See Obituaries, page A14

Opelika

A13

Family & Religion

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March 13, 2019

Learning how to tell time I t is important to know what time it is. No one recognizes this more (to the point of obsession,) than we do today. I stopped wearing a watch years ago because there was no need to—clocks are everywhere! They are in our cars, computers, phones, televisions, etc. There are few places you go where you don’t have access to a clock.

However, it’s possible to know what time it is according to the clock and not know what time it is in life. That’s what the familiar story of Jesus’ visit to two sisters who lived in Bethany is about (Luke 10:3842). You remember that Martha wanted Mary to help her with the “preparations” (a meal it seems), while Mary wanted to sit at the feet of Jesus

41). All of while He this would taught. The suggest sisters were that this at an imissue that passe and prompted Martha the sisters’ appealed

By Bruce Green dispute was to Jesus to Teaching Minister at too imporarbitrate the 10th Street Church of tant not to matter.

Christ in Opelika be directly At first addressed. blush, Jesus’ Ultimately, tension answer is surprisbetween the sisters had ing. We might have expected Him to refuse to do with time, specifically, knowing what to get involved or to time it was. I’m sure give some diplomatic answer that didn’t come Martha wasn’t against people sitting at the down on either side— feet of Jesus any more but He didn’t. Instead, than Mary was against He commended Mary the practice of hospitalfor choosing “what is ity. No, their concerns better,” (v. 42). This were about whether that is all the more surprisparticular moment was ing since Luke singled the right time for those out Martha as the one who “opened her home things. Their argument was about what it was to Him,” (v. 38). Furthermore, Jesus doesn’t time for—sitting at His feet or setting the table? just give His approval Since Jesus was there to Mary’s choice, He and He was teaching, it chides His host for bewas time to listen and ing “worried and upset about many things,” (v. learn. There would be

Church calendar

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

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

• First Baptist Church of Opelika’s Womens Ministry will hold an event titled “A Night to Proclaim II: Salt and Light” March 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

There will be a salad supper served.

Tickets cost $10. For more information or to register, call 334-745-5715 or visit www.fbcopelika.com.

• March 21 - The JOY Group from Grace United Methodist Church will celebrate Alabama’s bicentennial

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

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

March 21. The group will hear from ASCA director/folklorist Joey Brackner as he shares his passions surrounding Alabama history on “Discovering Alabama Culture.” There will be a covered-dish luncheon at noon in the church’s fellowship hall followed by Brackner’s presentation. The church is located at 915 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

• The third annual Sing to Remember event benefitting the Alabama Alzheimer’s Association will be held March 30 at the Roanoke City Auditorium. This year’s musical acts include The McKamey’s and The Exhorters. Tickets will cost $12 and can be purchased at the door on the day of the event. Children six years old and under are free. For more information, call Jerry Waldrep at 256-357-4147 or 770-359-9641. The venue is located at 100 Tiger Circle.

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

fuels everything else we do. Yet so many times with our busy schedules and crowded lives, this is the first thing to go when we get “busy.” The result: we end up like Martha, “worried and upset about so many things.”

(Luke’s placing of this story right before he shows us Jesus teaching the disciples to pray hardly seems coincidental). We fail to understand that whatever time we put into our time with God will more than come back to us through clarity, peace, and contentment that will enable us to be more effective in whatever we do.

We don’t have time not to spend time sitting at the feet of our Lord!

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

Verse of the Week “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

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

time for the other things later, but Mary was correct in her assessment and Jesus defended her choice. Furthermore, His words to Martha suggest that if she would join Mary to listen and learn, the end result would be that she could approach her activities with a calm she didn’t presently possess.

From this, we should learn what’s actually involved in telling time. It isn’t about possessing the skill set to locate the sun and approximate the time or the ability to read a clock; it’s about knowing who we belong to and what we should be doing. Specifically, it’s about recognizing that the time we spend sitting at the feet of Jesus (i.e., through time in Scripture and prayer) is prime time.

In many ways, it is the most important time we have since it

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

Galatians 6:9 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

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

pelika O Observer

A14 March 13, 2019

Obituaries, from A12 Johnny C. Parker Johnny C. Parker of Opelika was born in the family home behind Spring Villa Grocery to the late Fannie and L.C. Parker on March 4, 1948 and passed away in Beauregard due to an accident on March 8, 2019. He was 71 years old.

He attended Providence Baptist Church growing up as his family was one of the families that started the church. He was an active member of Fountain Gate Church.

Jimmie Lee “Shag” Jones Funeral service for Mr. Jimmie Lee “Shag” Jones, 89, of the Beauregard Community was held at 1:00 pm Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Peterson and Williams Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Union Grove Church Cemetery. Pastor Quincey Dorsey officiated.

Mr. Jones passed away Sunday,

The Springs, from A5 • Best Online Marketing Campaign • Best Clubhouse or Amenity Center in an Under 200 Homes Community Silver Awards: • Best Indoor Common or Amenity Space (Clubhouse) • Best Interior Merchandising of a Model (2,001-2,500 Square Feet) • Best Landscape Design The Springs of Mill Lakes is under development by Alabama native Allen C. Harris, founder of Chapman H LLC and CEO of Baily-

Recipes,

from A11 Buttermilk Pound Cake 3 cups sifted flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 cup shortening 3 cups sugar 5 eggs, separated 1 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. almond extract, optional Combine flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; mix well. Beat shortening and sugar in large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.

Beat in egg yolks one at a time.

Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.

Johnny was wellknown and loved being part of the Beauregard community. He was a 1966 graduate of Beauregard High School and maintained a close relationship with his classmates. He was a people person, never met a stranger, and lived his life to the fullest.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Clayton Parker, James Parker, and Donald Parker.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Janet Parker; daughters, Suzanne Callahan (Joey), April Smith (Dave), and Sarah “Katie” Wallace (Jacob); grandchildren, Blake and Josh

Rogers, Jack and Eden Smith, and Emily and Cameron Edwards; great grandchildren, Ryleigh and Kensley Rogers; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Visitation was held Monday, March 11, 2019 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.

Funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Monday, March 11, 2019 at 12:00 noon.

Dr. Dan Lane and Pastor Joe May officiated.

Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

March 3, 2019. He was a member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he was a Deacon.

He is survived by: three sons, William (Ruby) Jones, Benjamin Jones and Bobby Jones all of Opelika, AL; three daughters, Jackie Jones, Barbara Jones and Cora Jones all of Opelika, AL; nine grandchildren, Termekia, William Jr., William Daniel,

Demetria, Kenneth, Robert, Cordarrly, Demetria and Roderick; seven great grandchildren, Kenzie, Zae, Payton, Paris, Mariah, Jalaiyha, and Kadence; a sister, Nellie Mae Wilson of Opelika, AL; two sisters-inlaw, Mary Frances (Charles) Heard of Opelika, AL and Virginia (Emmett) Vaughn of Crawford, AL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Harris Construction.

The building team is comprised of Homeworks of Alabama and Harris Doyle Homes. L. Mitchell Ginn & Associates is the architect and the interior designer referenced is Homeworks of Alabama.

The Land Planner is Barrett-Simpson and the Landscape Architect/Designer is Environmental Design Studio. The Springs of Mill Lakes is marketed

by Gilbert & Sheppard/Immersion Active. For more information, call (334) 887-3601, or visit www.thespringsofmilllakes.com.

About the National Association

of Home Builders Founded in the early 1940’s, the Washington, D.C.based NAHB serves as the voice of America’s home builders. Through education and advocacy, the organization works to ensure that housing is a national priority and that all Americans have access to safe, decent and affordable housing, whether they choose to buy a home or rent.

A federation of more than 700 state and local associations, NAHB represents more than 140,000 members. About a third of the members are home builders and remodelers,

Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.

Beat eggs whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Spoon into greased Bundt pan.

Bake at 325 degrees for about 1½ hours or until tests done.

Brown Sugar Pound Cake 3 sticks butter, softened 16 oz. pkg. plus 1 cup light brown sugar 5 eggs 3 cups sifted cake flour ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. baking powder 1 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup chopped pecans, optional Cream butter;

Davis Ray, Jr. Davis Ray, Jr., of Opelika was born on December 19, 1943 and passed away at EAMC on March 6, 2019. He was 75 years old.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Dunbar Ray and Davis Ray, Sr., and his brother, Bobby Ray. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy Cook Ray; daughter, Michelle Ray Newman; son, Craig Ray (Tracy); grandchildren, Brandon Ray and Kelton Welborn; and sister, Donna Ray Lindsey Mary Louise “Lois” Jones Funeral service for Mrs. Mary Louise “Lois” Jones, 83, of the Beauregard Community was held at 1:00 pm Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Peterson and Williams Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Union Grove Church Cemetery.

Pastor Quincey Dorsey officiated.

Mrs. Jones passed away Sunday,

while the remaining two thirds work in closely related specialties such as sales and marketing, housing finance, and manufacturing and supplying building materials. NAHB provides its members with numerous educational opportunities, including the International Builders’ Show, considered the single most important event of the year for the home building industry and the world’s largest show of its kind for the residential and light commercial construction industry.

For more information, visit www. nahb.org.

gradually beat in sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift flour, salt and baking powder. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Stir in vanilla. Add pecans.

Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees for about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until tests done.

Best Pumpkin Bread 3 cups sugar 3 cups flour ½ tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. soda 1 ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground

cloves 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 cup oil 1 cup water 16 oz. or 15 oz. can solid pack pure pumpkin (2 cups) 4 eggs Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine all ingredients; beat for 3 minutes. Pour into two greased loaf pans.

Bake for one hour or until test done. Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes before removing from pans. Freezes well.

Banana Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze 1 cup butter or margarine, soft-

(Charlie) of Phenix City, AL. He retired from Auburn University as supervisor of the Facilities Division.

He was also the former Scoutmaster of Troop 353 in Opelika.

His greatest joy in life was his family, especially his two grandsons. He loved to camp and cook his famous Brunswick stew that he shared with many people along the way. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him as he has touched many lives.

The family would March 3, 2019.

She was a member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she was the Mother of the Church.

She is survived by: three sons, William (Ruby) Jones, Benjamin Jones and Bobby Jones all of Opelika, AL; three daughters, Jackie Jones, Barbara Jones and Cora Jones all of Opelika, AL; nine grandchildren, Termekia, William Jr., William Daniel,

Red Cross,

from A5

these items. Financial donations are what is really needed now to help the Red Cross serve our neighbors.

Other ways to help - Become a Red Cross volunteer at http://redcross.org/volunteer.

- Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for expert advice at your fingertips, on what to do before, during and after disasters strike.

- Take Red Cross training and learn how to save a life with first aid and CPR. - Give blood – the need is constant – find a blood drive at redcrossblood.org. ened ½ cup shortening 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup sugar 5 eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt ½ cup milk 1 large ripe banana, mashed 1 cup chopped pecans, optional 1 tsp. vanilla Caramel Glaze Beat butter and shortening until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Combine flour,

like to thank Dr. Hiram Patel, Dr. Ryan, and Dr. Thomas for their excellent care.

Visitation was held Sunday, March 10, 2019 in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home from 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m.

Funeral service was held in the Chapel at FrederickDean Funeral Home Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.

Pastor Billy Short officiated. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Demetria, Kenneth, Robert, Cordarrly, Demetria and Roderick; seven great grandchildren, Kenzie, Zae, Payton, Paris, Mariah, Jalaiyha, and Kadence; two sisters, Mary Frances (Charles) Heard of Opelika, AL and Virginia (Emmett) Vaughn of Crawford, AL; a sister-in-law, Nellie Mae Wilson of Opelika, AL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

- Make a financial donation to help people affected by this and other disasters at: www. redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members and their families.

The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org. baking powder, soda and salt. Add alternately to mixture with milk.

Stir in banana, pecans and vanilla.

Pour into a greased and floured 10 inch tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 5 minutes until tests done.

When cool, drizzle with Caramel Glaze.

Caramel Glaze ¼ cup butter or margarine ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup whipping cream 1 tsp. vanilla Combine all ingredients except vanilla in a saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring often and boil one minute without stirring.

Add vanilla. Will thicken as it cools.

pelika O Observer

A15 March 13, 2019

President Trump’s visit through the lens of a photographer

By Robert Noles Photojournalist Last Friday was a long but wonderful day, which included a lot of personal firsts.

I woke up at 3 a.m.

C.S.T to make the deadline to be able to meet a bus at 6 a.m. E.S.T at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus.

At 6:30 a.m., the shuttle bus departed for Lawson Army Airfield.

Travel was slow once we got on base.

There were a number of troops out running along the road, so that meant the bus driver did special things such as turning on his blinkers and going slower than the speed limit of 15 mph as he passed the formations and their full backpacks. As the 22-member media group

President,

from A1

gressman Mike Rogers were present.

Before meeting with volunteers inside the church’s sanctuary, the president spoke to Smiths Station Mayor Bubba Copeland about the damage his city received.

Raucous cheers greeted the Trumps as they entered the sanctuary. For nearly 15 minutes, the Trumps signed autographs and spoke to the gathered crowd, even posing for photographs.

As they were leaving, amidst the chanting of “USA, USA!” by the crowd, the president offered a final piece of encouragement to those helping lead the commu-

334-528-6191

arrived, we were carried to the tarmac where we set up our equipment and claimed our space.

We were moved inside where we stayed until we were asked to go back outside so they could execute a security sweep.

Upon our return, we were checked again, given our White House Press Pool badges and sent back to the tarmac to wait for Air Force One. Everyone had to recheck their equipment and get ready for the arrival.

As 11:35 was approaching, everyone was scanning the sky for Air Force One. Around 11:40, I saw a dot coming from the east over the tree line.

Then the awesome site of Air Force One was overwhelming as it approached the tarmac to land.

nity’s recovery efforts.

“We love you all and thank you all. We love the state of Alabama,” the president said.

State dignitaries expressed their gratitude for the president’s visit and expedition with the FEMA emergency declaration process.

“It’s wonderful that the President and the First lady would come and show the importance of standing up to help fellow Alabamians and Americans. It shows the importance of everybody getting strong and helping these folks,” Ivey said.

Prior to the president’s arrival, Senator Jones spoke of his tour of the damage in Smiths Station Thursday, praising the efforts of first responders and volunteers through difficult circumstances.

“I’d like to show my

This huge Boeing 747-200B with the code 28000 on the tail of the plane landed, and all I could focus on was the big seal with the words “United States of America” on the side of the plane. The rear door opened to let support personnel onto the tarmac, and then the moment came.

Through the open front door, President Donald J. Trump stepped out, greeting the personnel and receiving line in front of him.

Before his foot touched the third step, the soldiers on the base of the stairs gave the salute. The president waved and called out to the crowd that had gathered. Some of those in the crowd was Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill, Georgia Gov.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Brian Kemp and his wife Marty, three of many there to greet the president.

Then the president and his party moved from Air Force One to the Marine One helicopter. They taxied down the runway then flew off to the west to Auburn

Photo by Opelika Observer Staff

support for the president coming down here, expediting that emergency declaration the way that he did. When you can show support for a community, you need to go all out as best you can,” Jones said. “We can talk about different things in our history and heritage, but when you boil it down, what sets Alabama apart is how we treat each other in times of need.

People are always there for each other. This is

www.eamcfoundation.org

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

not Republicans versus Democrats, not black or white, no Christian or Muslim, they’re just Alabamians. That’s what we do best.”

Sheriff Jones stated that local law enforcement and volunteers will transition into the recovery phase as early as Monday of next week.

Follow the Observer for updates on recovery relief efforts across Lee County as they develop.

University Regional airport, where they would take a motorcade to the Beauregard area to see damage caused by the March 3rd tornadoes.

Those that traveled on Air Force one to Fort Benning were President of the United States Donald Trump,

Wife Melania Trump, Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, Alabama Rep. Mike Rogers, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and FEMA Deputy Administrator Peter Gaynor.

A16 March 13, 2019

pelika O Observer

Photos by Morgan Bryce, Michelle Key and Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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

OPELIKA BASEBALL SCHEDULE March 15 - v. Bryant at 4 p.m. and Tuscaloosa County at 7 p.m.

March 18 - @ Oxford at 6:30 p.m.

March 19 - v. Austin at noon March 20 - v. West Morgan at 4:30 p.m.

Character in Action award ceremony held last week

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Spring sports in full swing for Opelika City Schools system

O

pelika City School’s spring sports teams are in the middle of their season, with an eye cast toward the post season.

The Opelika boys and girls tennis teams lost to Chelsea last week. The Opelika Lady Netters lost 8-1. Laney McTier (no. 1 seed) won her match 8-3 while teammates, Kathlene Trotter and Readen Gagliano lost close matches.

Opelika’s boys lost 6-3 despite a gritty performance. Grey Walker (no. 1 seed) won his match in sudden death, 7-0 and Brad Estes (no.

2 seed) won 9-7. The doubles team of Grey Walker and Jack Whatley won 8-6.

SOFTBALL The Opelika Lady Dawg softball team beat Woodland 8-7 at a cold and windy West Ridge Park. Makai Gagliano earned the win in the circle, allowing a walk while striking out 10 batters. Offensively, Raelee Fenn hit a double, single with two RBIs, including the game winner. Jade Motley and Kayla Foutanbary both hit triples.

Chloe Clark and Gaglia-

no each added singles.

Opelika stole 10 bases on the night.

Dadeville outlasted Opelika in a 13-11 slugfest. Fourtanbary was a home run shy of hitting for the cycle. She singled, doubled and tripled and doubled in four plate appearances. Clark connected on her first homerun and notched three RBIs. Every player singled but the Bulldogs could not score enough to win.

The Opelika Middle School softball team split a pair of games last week, beating Floyd Magnet 6-4 and falling 5-1. McKay Yountz struck out 12 batters in two games in the circle.

Ava Parker struck out three in relief. K.D. Lee led with three hits and Yountz and Nylen Thomas added two hits apiece.

The OMS softball team finished 4-1 in the Sanford Middle School Invitational, beating Auburn, Central, Russell County and Sanford.

The Opelika girls and boys Soccer teams swept Central and Russell County last See Sports, page B4

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer The Family Court of Lee County held an awards ceremony last week for members of its Characters in Action program.

This program recognizes children from Lee

County who, by their own actions, make a positive contribution that is above and beyond normal expectations to their home, school, or community.

Receiving awards from Judge Mike Fellows were: Elmer Bonilla, Amaud Kincy,

Bryson McGlynn, Abigail Morgan and Omkar “Joe Joe” Shil.

Bonilla is the son of Elmer Bonilla and Maria Elena Cruz Yates, and is a fourth-grade student at Wrights Mill Road Elementary. He was nominated for the Character in Action

award by Ms. McCord, Mrs. Pace, Ms. Keith and Ms. Thrailkill.

Bonilla brings a strong work ethic and positive attitude to school every day. He is always respectful, and seeks out ways that he can help in See Awards, page B3

Opelika Middle School softball falls to Auburn 5-1 last week

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured above is an Auburn Middle School batter swinging and missing a pitch during last week’s game versus rival Opelika. The Bulldogs would eventually fall to the Tigers 5-1. Turn to B2 for more photos.

pelika O Observer

B2 March 13, 2019

Opelika splits tennis matches with Benjamin Russell Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika High School boys and girls tennis teams hosted Benjamin Russell last week. The boys went 8-1 in their respective matches and Lady Netters finished 3-6.

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

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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

Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic products and services.

We look forward to serving you at the new Tiger Town Branch.

ICK RD.

FREDER

Tiger Town

Lowe’s

R.

D AY TEW GA

Kroger

Our New Location

Visit us here: www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

I-85

1851 Frederick Road Opelika

Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

pelika O Observer Sports,

from B1 week. The girls blanked Central 6-0 and Russell County 11-0 on the road. Erica Mathews led the Bulldogs offensively, scoring three goals to earn a hat trick. Estefany Alba, Amiya Brown and Kaitlyn Goodman added goals.

Brown, Goodman and Eleanor Wilson each recorded assist. Emily Lux and Phoebe Darcey combined for the shutout.

Coach Button took her team to Seale for an 11-0 area win over Russell County. Five players scored goals, including four from Amiya Brown. Erica Mathews scored three, Madi Rush added two goals and Estafany Brown and Abby Noon contributed a goal each. Noon and Rush also recorded two assists each. Alba, Mathews, Noon and Wilson each recorded an assist.

Opelika’s boys soccer team shutout Central 8-0 in Phenix City last week. Marshall Meyers led the Bulldogs by scoring a hat trick. Jose Cruz scored twice, and Osmar Perez, Charlie Garcia and Caleb Rujana all added goals.

Meyers recorded two assist along with an assist from Cruz.

The Bulldogs blanked

Awards,

from B1

and out of the classroom.

In class, he was recently paired with a non-English speaking student from Guatemala, and willingly tends to that student’s needs throughout the school day.

Kincy is the son of Anthony Kincy, and is a first-grade student at Richland Road Elementary. He was nominated for Character in Action award by Mrs. Traylor.

Kincy is a positive influence in everyone’s day.

He always chooses to lift up those who need extra encouragement with his time, resources and supportive words. Recently, a classmate was struggling with reading and behavior. and Kincy took it upon himself to become the student’s “guide,” using his own time and abilities to help his classmate.

McGlynn is the son of Mike McGlynn and is a first-grade student at Jeter Primary. He was nominated for Character in Action award by Ms. Fleming. McGlynn is a seven-year old with a heart of gold and strives to help children and adults both in and out of the classroom. His best friend in Ms. Fleming’s class is a child with selective mutism. McGlynn helps the student and Ms. Fleming every day by assisting the student with conversations and understanding the expectations of the class. He is patient, kind and thoughtful with

Russell County 2-0, winning the area opener.

Ethan Souphanthong and Yordy Rujuana scored goals with assist from Rujana and Meyers. Nolan Billingsley earned both shutouts as goalie. Coach Hovell expressed his pride in his team’s defensive efforts which were led by Adam Cason, Alberto Cordova, Axel-AnjelGonzalez and Cruz.

The OMS baseball team beat Auburn Junior High 12-4 last week.

Caleb Chisum and Jake Cummings pitched for the Dawgs and catcher Jake Smith, played a solid defensive game behind the plate.

The Opelika High School baseball team (39) went 2-3 last week.

The Bulldogs started the week with a 7-1 loss at Auburn. The Tigers scored one run in the first, two in the second and four runs in the fourth. Micah Christian singled for Opelika.

Opelika beat Valley 5-1 at Bulldog Park last Thursday. Andrew Parr pitched six innings, allowing one run and one hit while striking out six Rams batter to earn the win. Hooney Oh and Jace Rhodes closed the game in relief.

Offensively, Trent Fields hit a grand slam, Brooks Bryan and Parr added two hits apiece while Christian, Colton Dunson, Brayden

Thomas and Brody Davis added hits. Opelika did not charge admission to the game, opting to take donations for the families affected by the March 3rd tornadoes.

A total of $1,311 will be given to the EAMC Disaster Relief Fund.

The Bulldogs won their second-straight game, beating Sylacauga 6-4 at Bulldog Park.

Will Ingram pitched five innings, allowing a hit and run to earn the win. Jackson Harris pitched the final two innings. Christian led at the plate with two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored. Kory McCoy, Fields, Parr and Davis all singled.

Northside and Smiths Station swept Opelika Saturday. Northridge won 13-7 behind 12 hits.

Christian went 3-for-5 at the plate to lead the Bulldogs. Parr and Jase Rhodes recorded two hits each while McCoy and Julian Duke singled.

Smiths Station mercy ruled OHS 14-4 in 5.5 innings. Opelika’s Colton Dunson and Brooks Bryan led at the plate with two hits apiece. The Panthers scored runs in five of the six innings.

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

all his classmates and makes sure to treat everyone with respect.

Morgan is the daughter of Wayne and Rebecca Morgan, and is a seventhgrade student at Opelika Middle School. She was nominated for Character in Action award by Joni W. Smith and Alice Ann Glasgow. Morgan is an amazing young lady that displays great leadership skills both in and out of the classroom. Involved in multiple sports as well as student council, it is her caring heart and willingness to help her peers with special needs that inspired her nomination for Character in Action.

For the last two years, Morgan has escorted the school’s special needs students to and from PE on a daily basis. She always does this with a smiling face and makes a point to ensure that all of them feel included.

Shil is the son of

Swarnali Ghosh Dastdicler and is a second-grade student at Cary Woods Elementary School.

He was nominated for the Character in Action award by Principal Karen Snyder. Shil has gone above and beyond to help those in need.

Before he was born, he and his mother spent six weeks in Missouri Baptist Children’s Home in St. Louis. He wanted to give back to the place that took such great care of his mom and him during their stay. To say “thank you,” he organized a sock collection at Cary Woods, where he collected more than 100 pairs of socks for the children being treated there.

Missouri Baptist Children’s Home was incredibly grateful for the generous donation and the Cary Woods community is so proud of Shil for his generosity.

OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES WON’T FIX THEMSELVES.

SUPPORT GOVERNOR KAY IVEY’S BILL TO REBUILD ALABAMA.

REBUILDALABAMA.COM @REBUILDAL

Paid for by The Business Council of Alabama

B3 March 13, 2019

OLLI at Auburn spring term registration opens March 25 Special to the Opelika Observer The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will begin its spring term on April 8.

Term catalogs will be available across the Auburn and Opelika areas approximately March 21.

Course registration for the term will begin on March 25 and close on April 4.

OLLI at Auburn offers academic not-

for-credit programs for adults aged 50 years or older through program sites at Auburn University, its campus in Montgomery and at the Chambers County Public Library in Valley.

Membership includes benefits like participation in social engagements, a lecture series, day trips and other programming initiatives.

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Out-

reach at Auburn. Administrative offices and select classes are located at the Sunny Slope property at 1031 S. College St. For more information regarding these events, or if you would like to assist the organization as a volunteer faculty member, service assistant or sponsor, please contact OLLI director Dr. Ileeia A. Cobb at 334-8443105, olli@auburn. edu, or www.olliatauburn.org.

Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library receives donation from Auburn-Opelika Emblem Club Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn-Opelika Emblem Club #280 presents a donation to Lewis Cooper Memorial Library to further promote children's literacy.

Pictured left to right: Rosanna McGinnis, library director; Kay Spriggs, Emblem member and Tim Cooper, children's specialist.

pelika O Observer

B4 March 13, 2019

Big Swamp Harley Davidson welcomes back Bike Night

By Rick Lanier For the Opelika Observer Opelika’s Big Swamp Harley Davidson officially kicked off the 2019 riding season as family members from across the region gathered for the monthly reunion known as Bike Night at the Swamp presented by KISSIN’ 99.3 FM and Steele Horse Law. Outside, the crowd of more than 80 riders enjoyed live

music by Neil Tyrell, pizza, cold beverages and raffle giveaways, while inside Service Manager Scot Brewster and HD clothing representatives Sara Bryan and Heather Hendrix treated patrons to a 10-percent discount and double reward points on all parts/accessories, clothing and merchandise purchases.

Opelika resident and Big Swamp family member Bobby Teal has been coming to Bike Night for years.

“It just keeps getting better and better!

I really enjoy meeting up with friends, checking out the really cool bikes, and the fellowship with some really good people.” Mike Eurell, a retired naval officer and Opelika resident has experienced bike nights all over the country ranks Big Swamp as one of his all-time favorites.

“I’ve crisscrossed America in the seat of a Harley Davidson, I love it, but having the opportunity

and a place to kickback with family and friends, sharing stories and planning new ones, that’s what it’s all about really.”

General Manager Katrina Pennington’s Bike Night philosophy is simple: “No matter what you ride or drive, or what you do for a living, or why you came or how you got here, our doors are open to you and the community.

This is a way for all of us here to recognize our Big Swamp family and to let them

know just how much we appreciate them.”

Overcome with emotion, Pennington went on to say “especially tonight, after what this community has been through, and the loss we feel – for the first time in so many years, I want be able to talk to my dear friend Lynn Grimes who was so involved with our Bike Night events, and who unfortunately perished in the tornado.

My heart just goes out to his beautiful

daughter Kayla who is recuperating from her injuries and to the rest of his family. He was a really special and tonight, in honor, we take pause to remember how fragile life is and to dedicate this evening to Lynn, Kayla and their family.”

Bike Night at the Swamp is held from 5 to 8 p.m.at Big Swamp Harley Davidson, 1201 Fox Run Parkway in Opelika on the first Friday of each month.

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

pelika O Observer

B5 March 13, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• March 14 - MAX Credit Union Business After Hours • March 19 - SUSCC Library Ribbon Cutting at 4 p.m.

• March 22 - Cakeitecture Ribbon Cutting at 10 a.m.

• March 26 - Women’s Business Council Expert Series: Bikes • March 28 - Business Over Breakfast - Dr. Joe Sumners • March 28 - Lifestyle Group Business After Hours • April 11 - Genesis Health Business After Hours Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 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 Street, Opelika • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika.

• The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room.

Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

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

• The 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 Cen-

ter, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-528-4197 or deborahowen@eamc.org.

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

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 7491584.

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects.

Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email.

The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more.

To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces.edu/anr/ beginningfarms/webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann

Chambliss, thameae@ auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn. edu.

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday.

Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

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

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

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

• Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6 to 8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions.

There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122.

• The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets

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

• East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika.

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 8261899 or 502-0216.

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

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

Thursdays: • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika.

• The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway.

For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/ Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants.

Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334737-5215 or cheri. paradice@gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month.

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

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m.

at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends.

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

New Events • March 19 - The March meeting of NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will take place at 7 p.m. March 19 at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce which is locate at 714 East Glenn Avenue in Auburn. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited.

• March 30 - The third annual Sing to Remember event benefitting the Alabama Alzheimer’s Association will be held March 30 at the Roanoke City Auditorium. This year’s musical acts include The McKamey’s and The Exhorters. Tickets will cost $12 and can be purchased at the door on the day of the event. Children six years old and under are free. For more information, call Jerry Waldrep at 256-357-4147 or 770-359-9641. The venue is located at 100 Tiger Circle.

• April 12 - East Tennessee singer/ songwriter Emi Sunshine will perform at the River Center for the Performing Arts April 12. She is noted for both her vocals and instruments which are deeply rooted in the heritage of Appalachian music. Tickets range in cost from $25-$75 and can be purchased by visiting www.rivercenter.org.

• Wildlife in Watercolor An exhibit featuring local art students will be held at the Smiths Station Government Center. Exhibition is open daily, is free, family friendly, open to the public • Sketches from Local History An exhibit featuring recent acquisitions

by the City of Smiths Station curated by The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art A Center for Cultural Arts At Smiths Station City Hall Art Galleries Exhibition is Open Daily Free, Family Friendly, Open to the Public •After School Art Classes for Children & Youth Weekly Studio Classes featuring Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 •Afternoon Art Classes for Adults featuring Studio Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided Thursdays at 3 p.m.

Eastern Standard Time The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Evening Art Classes for Adults Fundamental Drawing Studio - Every Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Portrait Drawing Studio - portrait drawing classes for beginners, Every Wednesday 2 p.m. EST *all fine art supplies are provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Senior Studio Art Classes Every Wednesday 11 a.m. EST *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided - Enroll Today- 334480-2008 Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

On-the-job training

is building a SKILLED workforce TODAY! allows employers to HIRE NOW! allows you to EARN while you LEARN!

Visit your local career center and ask about the On-The-Job Training Program!

pelika O Observer

B6 March 13, 2019

LEGALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL March 19, 2019 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the southwesterly right-of-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) located at the corner of West Point Parkway and Sportsplex Parkway. All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing.

The portion of the right-of-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) proposed to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land containing 0.18 acres located in Section 34, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East; thence N83°23’32”E 5950.38 feet to a point on an old highway right-ofway limit, the point of beginning; thence leaving said right-of-way limit N33°02’34”E 74.48 feet to the southwest right-of-way limit of Sportsplex Road; thence along said southwest right-of-way limit S56°57’26”E 23.15 feet; thence continue along said southwest right-of-way limit S13°11’19”E 79.37 feet to the northwest rightof-way limit of West Point Parkway; thence along said northwest right-of-way limit S33°00’10”W 100.00 feet to point on old highway right-of-way limit; thence along said old highway right-ofway limit N11°59’50”W 113.81 feet to the point of beginning.

A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5131 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

DATED this the 20th day of February, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 2/20/19, 2/27/19, 03/06/19 & 3/13/19

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA FAMILY COURT DIVISION: DOMESTIC RELATIONS IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: KENYETTA LASHAE FOREMAN,Plaintiff, VS. CASE NO. DR-19-900061 EDDIE LEWIS FOREMAN, Defendant.

NOTICE OF ACTION Notice is hereby given that Eddie Lewis Foreman, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Complaint for Divorce of Kenyetta Lashae Foreman within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication of this notice, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against his in Case No. DR-19-900061, Circuit Court of LEE County.

This notice shall run once per week for four (4) consecutive weeks.

Done the 26th day of February, 2019. /s/Mary Roberson Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County Benjamin H. Parr Rice, & Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 Legal Run 03/06/19, 3/13/19, 3/20/19, 3/27/19

No.: 2018-C-077; NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to KATRINA THOMPSON, personal representative, on the 18th day of December, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Katrina Thompson Legal Run 3/6, 3/13 & 3/20/19

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Wednesday April 3, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

1N4AL11D25N53104 - 2005 NISSIAN ALTIMA 1G1JH12F847204605 - 2004 CHEVROLET CAVALIER 1G2PG9792GP259047 - 1986 PONTIAC FIERO 4T1BF18B2WU228811 - 1998 TOYOTA AVALON LEGAL RUN 03/06/19, 03/13/19

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Friday April 5, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

KMHDN45DX1U035267 2001 HYUNDAI ELANTRA LEGAL RUN 03/06/19, 03/13/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; IN THE MATTER OF PAULA ANN GARNETT RUSSELL, Deceased; Case

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL March 19, 2019 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the northwesterly right-of-way of Anderson Road and a portion of the northwesterly right-ofway of Sportsplex Parkway. All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing.

The portions of the rights-of-way of Anderson Road and Sportsplex Parkway proposed to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land containing 0.56 acres located in Section 34, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: CV-2018900331.00 MIKEL THOMPSON and JENNIFER THOMPSON, Plaintiffs, v.

WILLIE JAMES WATSON, and SHARON D. McFARLEY, and DERRICK BRISKEY, and ENGLAND BRISKEY, and JAMES BRISKEY, and WILBUR WATSON, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 4th day of June, 2018, a Complaint for Easement by Necessity was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Mikel Thompson and Jennifer Thompson as Plaintiffs; Willie James Watson; and, Sharon D. McFarley; and Derrick Briskey; and England Briskey; and James Briskey; and Wilbur Watson, all as Defendants, whose heirs, executors and/or administrators, registered agents, successors, and assigns are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence All persons having an interest in said case or any portion thereof, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this 28th day of February, 2019.

at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East; thence N81°16’14”E 5991.60 feet to a point on an old highway right-of-way limit, the point of beginning; thence along said old highway right-way-limit N32°54’33”E 104.55 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-way-limit S57°23’58”E 112.20 feet; thence continue along said old highway rightway-limit N77°36’02”E 141.42 feet to a point on the northwest right-of-way limit of Anderson Road; thence along said northwest right-of-way limit S33°55’21”W 136.02 feet to the northeast right-of way limit of Sportsplex Road; thence along said northeast right-of-way limit S79°09’19”W 101.25 feet; thence continue along said northeast right-of-way limit N56°57’26”W 136.12 feet to the point of beginning.

A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5131 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

DATED this the 20th day of February, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 2/20/19, 2/27/19, 03/06/19 & 3/13/19

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL Mach 19, 2019 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council mee ing on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S.

Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Plaintiff 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika AL 36801 Legal Run 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 & 3/27/2019

ESTATE OF JO ELLEN RICE BROWNING Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of February, 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 estae 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 20th day of February, 2019.

GAYLE ELIZABETH BAKER Legal Run 02/27/19, 03/06/19 & 03/13/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF EMMA FLEMING FARR COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 22nd dy of February, 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 22nd day of February, 2019. MARION WALLACE FARR, JR. Legal Run 02/27/19, 03/06/19 & 03/13/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLIE PAGE, DECEASED - CASE NO.: 2016-A-120 NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that Penny Holland, Guardian and Conservator of the Estate of CHARLIE PAGE, deceased, has filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, a Petition for a Final Settlement of the Estate of CHARLIE PAGE. A hearing has been set for the gth

7 th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the southwesterly right-of-way of Sportsplex Parkway and a portion of the southwesterly right-of-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29). All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing.

The portions of the rights-of-way of Sportsplex Parkway and West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) proposed to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land containing 0.20 acres located in Section 34, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East; thence N83°23’32”E 5950.38 feet to a point on an old highway right-ofway limit, the point of beginning; thence along said old highway right-of-way limit N11°59’50”W 27.61 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-of-way limit N56°59’50”W 93.03 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-ofway limit N32°54’33”E 77.04 feet to the southwest right-of-way limit of Sportsplex Road; thence along said southwest right-ofway limit S56°57’26”E 112.74 feet; thence continue along said southwest right-of-way limit S33°02’34”W 20.00 feet; thence leaving said right-of-way limit S33°02’34”W 74.48 feet to the point of beginning.

A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5131 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

DATED this the 20th day of February, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 2/20/19, 2/27/19, 03/06/19 & 3/13/19

day of April, 2019 at 10 o’clock a.m. central time in the Court Room of the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Done this the 13th day of February, 2019.

Bill English Judge of Probate Legal Run 02/27/19, 03/06/19 & 03/13/19

DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Tiasha Simone Fuller, f/k/a Tiasha Simone Sullivan, as Executrix of the Estate of Marjorie B. Sullivan, deceased, on the 1st day of March , 2018, by the Honorable Bill English NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

Tiasha Simone Fuller, f/k/a Tiksha Simone Sullivan, Executrix Of the Estate of Marjorie B. Sullivan, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 03/06, 3/13, and 3/20/2019

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF CHARLIE THOMAS PAGE, Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Penny Lynn Holland on the 17th day of January 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Penny Lynn Holland Legal Run 02/27/19, 03/06/19 & 03/13/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET V. KING, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of February, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

MICHAEL ANGUS THOMAS, JR. Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 02/27/19, 03/06/19 & 03/13/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARJORIE B. SULLIVAN,

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL March 19, 2019 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the easterly right-of-way of Anderson Road and a portion of the northerly right-of-way of U.S. Highway 29 (West Point Parkway). All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing.

The portions of the rights-ofway of Anderson Road and U.S. Highway 29 (West Point Parkway) proposed to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T-20-N, R-27-E, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE RUN N 00º00’00” W,754.92 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN S 90º00’00” E, 938.10 FEET TO A FOUND CONCRETE MONUMENT LYING AT THE BEGINNING OF A RIGHT OF WAY FLARE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE EASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF ANDERSON ROAD (ROW VARIES) AND THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 29 (300’ ROW);

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA E.L. a minor child (DOB: 4.30.2015), Case No. 2019A-83 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any alleged or unknown father of E.L. born at East Alabama Medical Center on 4.30.2015 to Xiaojuan Laura Liao.

Any alleged or unknown father must answer the Petition for Adoption of the alleged or unknown father filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Law office of Alsobrook Law Group or thereafter, a final judgment may be entered in Case No. 2019-A-83 terminating his parental rights and allowing the adoption to proceed.

Alsobrook Law Group Hon. Zachary D. Alsobrook 126 South 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 737.7318 Legal Run 3/13/19, 3/20/19 and 3/27/19

CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

THENCE RUN ALONG SAID FLARE S 11º17’08” E, 140.79 FEET TO A FOUND CONCRETE MONUMENT LYING AT THE END OF SAID RIGHT OF WAY FLARE; THENCE CONTINUE ALONG SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 29 S 57º07’29” E, 224.90 FEET TO A FOUND CONCRETE MONUMENT LYING AT THE BEGINNING OF A RIGHT OF WAY FLARE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 29 (300’ ROW) AND THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF INTERSTATE NO. 85 (ROW VARIES); THENCE LEAVING SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY, RUN S 32º52’31” W, 75.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN N 57º07’29” W, 256.61 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN N 11º17’08” W, 95.71 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN N 33º02’19” E, 107.34 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID DESCRIBED PARCEL LYING AND BEING SITUATED IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 34, T-20-N, R-27-E, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA AND CONTAINS 0.618 ACRES (26,925 SF.) MORE OR LESS A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5131 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

DATED this the 20th day of February, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 2/20/19, 2/27/19, 03/06/19 & 3/13/19

that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday , March 26, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in the Public Works Administrative Building located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: 1. A public hearing on a request

by Blake Rice, authorized representative for East Alabama ENT Properties, LLC, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the East Alabama ENT Properties SD, Resubdivsion of Lots 3 & 4 of Lot 1A of Medical Plaza Subdivision, Second Addition consisting of 3 lots accessed at 1965 1 st Avenue.

2. A public hearing on a request

by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Gulf State Development Group, LLC, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Eagle Ridge Townhomes SD, Phase 2 subdivision consisting of 16 lots accessed at the intersection of Veterans Parkway & Academy Drive 8115 Highway 29 North.

3. A public hearing on a request

by Arthur R. Nettles, authorized representative for FTC Investments, LLC, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the E.B.B. subdivision, Third Revision of Parcel B, Redivision of Parcel B-3-A of a Redivision of Parcel B-2 of a Revision of Parcel B consisting of 2 lots at 1207 Columbus Parkway.

4. A public hearing on a request by Joshua L. Howard, authorized representative for Phillip Vernon, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Buck Ridge subdivision consisting of 2 lots at 2607 Old Columbus Road.

5. A public hearing on a request

by James D. Miller, authorized representative for Loren C & Elouise C. Sutton, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Sutton on Renfro SD, First Addition subdivision consisting of 4 lots at 1011 Renfro Avenue.

6. A public hearing on a request

by James L. McCrory, authorized representative for Joyce C. Delamar, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Delamar Orr Avenue subdivision consisting of 1 lot at 204 Orr Avenue.

7. A public hearing on a re-

See Legals, page B8

pelika O Observer

B7 March 13, 2019

Opelika baseball hosts Valley Thursday, beats Rams 5-1

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Looking for a four-leaf clover and a rainbow

Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer

E

cclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”

Spring is a time for waking up! We see this in the flowers, birds singing morning praises and green clover beginning to grow everywhere.

“St. Patrick's Day is here, you see, We'll pick some shamrocks, one, two, three.”

Every year, this early childhood teacher has to remind herself to wear green on St. Patrick's Day so I don't get pinched. I have to remind myself tonight to pull out something green tomorrow to avoid those little fingers giving their teacher a kidding pinch.

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated each year on March 17. In Ireland, the Irish honor Saint Patrick with both a holy day and a national holiday. The Irish cherish their beautiful green countryside and remind themselves of the beauty of their country by wearing green. Although it began in Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in countries around the world with parades and other festive traditions.

Key symbols that stimulate a lot of early childhood fun and curiosity are rainbows, four leaf clovers, shamrocks and leprechauns.

I can remember as a child my fascination with beautiful rainbows. On late summer afternoons after a mid-afternoon rain, I can still remember running my little feet off through my grandfather's field to catch that rainbow at what I thought was just at the end of the field only to run into a prism of beautiful sunlit dewy colors.

Rainbows are symbols of hope. We see this when Noah and his family are met by a rainbow of promise that there will be no more floods after stepping out of the ark where they had been protected from the earth being flooded forty days and forty nights. Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz knew there was a hope and future Somewhere over the Rainbow. On St. Patrick's Day, we see a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow on bulletin boards, crafts and greeting cards.

Children are so fascinated by the rainbow

and even try to catch a rainbow in a variety of ways. The scientific definition of a rainbow is “a curved arc of light of many colors across the sky.” Rainbows are caused by the sun's shining rays through drops of water during or after a rain.

An experiment I have done over and over in the classroom is to take a clear glass fill it to the top with water and put it in my classroom window sill. Place a white sheet of paper on the floor in front of the window. Presto! A rainbow will be captured and reflected on the paper depending on how bright the sun is that day.

Another simple experiment that children enjoy is using a water hose.

The sun must be shining with your back facing the sun. Have your little one hold the hose where you can make a fine mist and find the rainbow! So many other neat lessons are found on the web with preschool lesson plan activities.

An inside project I

have done in making rainbows is simple to do.

It's so easy to gather and show. You will need to have red, blue, and yellow food color, one cup of milk, dish soap and a shallow bowl.

1) Pour the one cup of milk into the bowl; 2) Add three drops of red food color to one edge of the bowl; 3) 1/3 of the way away, add three drops of blue food color; 4) 1/3 of the way add three drops of yellow food color.; 5) Don't bump. mix, or jiggle the bowl; 6) squeeze a drop of dish soap in the center of the bowl; 7) your little scientist needs to record what they see and 8) see a rainbow appear in the middle. This is a rainbow experiment that many early childhood teachers share with each other as a rainy day science project.

I know each of you recall the desire to frantically find the rare gem of a four-leaf clover.

Many a child sits in the middle of a clover-leaf bed to find that special four-leaf clover to make a wish on. I allow my

young students to take out magnifying glasses and nature bags if they cannot find that one special four leaf clover, they can gather other nature items to share back in the classroom or at home.

Other delightful ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is to make Shamrock Ice Cream sandwiches.

Just make some green sugar cookie dough or to make it easier by using refrigerator rolls and mix it in green food coloring, roll out the dough, cut out shamrock shapes with a cookie cutter or a pattern. Bake as you would cookies.

Take some green ice cream, vanilla with green food coloring, mint chip, green sherbet, or whatever is your child's favorite ice cream. It needs to soften, then spread on the flat sides of the cookies, join the cookies together, wrap each sandwich in

foil and freeze for two hours. These are yummy treats for your child to enjoy!

I know my young students really enjoyed this treat as we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. Also pick up green gum for your little ones to enjoy for a brief treat as well as green lollipops, green jellybeans, etc.

Remember the child you're entertaining is like the symbol and meaning of the rainbow which is a hope and a promise. I hope you find your fourleaf clover.

Pinyerd has taught young children in the Early Childhood Classroom for 34 years as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings. If you have photos or events you would like to have featured in our education section, please send emails to donnapinyerd@att.net.

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pelika O Observer

B8 March 13, 2019

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Legals,

from B6

quest by Harris Gray, LLC, authorized representative for Greater Peace Baptist Church c/o Clifford Jones, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Greater Peace Baptist Church subdivision consisting of 4 lots at the southeast corner of the intersection of Jeter Avenue & Dover Street.

8. A public hearing on a request

by Nathan McBride, authorized representative for Mike Osman c/o Osman Investments LLC, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Osman Property Division subdivision consisting of 2 lots at 3385 Lee Road 158.

9. A public hearing on a request

by Arthur R. Nettles, authorized representative for Elizabeth Kay Jolly Trust (Gail Longbotham, trustee), property owners, for preliminary plat approval of the Priester SD, Phase 1 subdivision, consisting of 14 lot at 2013 Waverly Parkway.

10. A public hearing on a request by Bolt Engineering, Inc., authorized representative for WP Properties Opelika, LLC, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Pepper Mill Creek subdivision consisting of 47 lots accessed from Lowndes Street.

11. A request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Broadview Properties Family,

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Guaranteed Lowest Prices! Call the Oxygen Concentrator Store: 1-866-811-0108 ATTENTION: VIAGRA and Cialis UsLP, property owner, for final plat approval of The Estates Subdivision, Phase 2, consisting of 53 lots accessed from Hampstead Lane. Tabled at February 26 th PC meeting.

12. A public hearing on a request by Bolt Engineering, Inc., authorized representative of WP Properties Opelika, LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for a Multi-family development (Duplexes) located on the east side of Lowndes Street.

13. A public hearing on a request by Mario Mitchell, authorized representative of Sonny Samnani, property owner, for conditional use approval for a lounge and pool hall at 300 Columbus Parkway, Unit 4.

14. A public hearing on a request by Amber Kirby, authorized representative of John D. Harris, property owner, for conditional use approval for a body art business (tattoo & piercing) at 100 North 7 th Street.

15. A public hearing on a request by Beverly Brady (Market Street Properties, LLC), property owner, for conditional use approval for retail sales and a coffee shop with drive-thru at 1801 Market Street.

16. A public hearing on a request by Stephen Benson, authorized representative of SCALF, LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for a transitional housing facility “Northridge Project” at 801 Morris Avenue.

17. An agenda item is included as “Other Business” at the March 26 th Planning Commission meeting: Veterans Commercial Park subdivision,

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HELP WANTED

REAL ESTATE

15 lots, 200 block of Veterans Parkway, Alva T. Webb II, Requesting extension of preliminary plat approval for one year or March 26, 2020.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/ public hearings and be heard.

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

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council.

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 03/13/2019

are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. No bid will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Principal items of work include but are not limited to: asphalt and concrete removal, excavation, roadbed processing, installation of curb and gutter, installation of sidewalk, installation of storm drainage inlets, and erosion and sediment control. The Opelika Engineering Department will make every effort to have work located, prioritized, schedule, and grouped in order to optimize the mobilization of the contractor. Work shall begin within 10 days of each “Notice to Proceed”. The total contract length shall not exceed 360 calendar days.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. Phone number: 334-705-5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids

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INVITATION TO BID BID# 19013 Sealed bids for the construction of the City-Wide Roadway Improvements Project shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on day, March 12, 2019, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties

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Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope lika, Alabama, 36803-0390.

Attn: City-Wide Roadway Improvements Project LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 03/06/19 & 03/13/2019

INVITATION TO BID BID# 19014 Sealed bids for the construction of the City-Wide Intersection ADA Improvements Project shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on day, March 12, 2019, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered.

At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. No bid will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Principal items of work include but are not limited to: removal of existing sidewalk, ramps, storm inlets, and curb sections, preparation of subbase; installation and finishing of new ADA compliant ramps and sidewalk; installation of storm inlet units and tops; and restoration of adjacent right of way. All work shall meet ADA requirements. Work will be prioritized into four zones and a “Notice to Proceed” will be issued for each zone

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The completion time for each zone is 90 days from the commencement of work. The total contract length shall not exceed 540 calendar days.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. Phone number: 334705-5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope lika, Alabama, 36803-0390.

Attn; City-Wide Intersection ADA Improvements Project LILLIE FINLEY-PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 7055120 Legal Run 03/06/19 & 03/13/2019

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Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Inside the Statehouse

Alabama House of Representatives, Senate pass Infrastructure Program

G

ov. Kay Ivey made infrastructure improvement in the state her cornerstone issue for this year, and more importantly for her term as governor. Within three months in office, she and the legislature have successfully accomplished this mission.

Last Friday, the Alabama House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed monumental legislation on an 84-20 vote. It was a remarkable victory for the governor and the house leadership. It was a bipartisan coalition of support. Only 18 of the 77 Republicans voted against the bills and only two of the 28 Democrats voted no. It is expected to pass in the Senate this week. (On Tuesday, the Senate passed this legislation with 28-6 vote.)

The leaders in the house were the sponsor, Rep. Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa), Speaker Mac McCutchen (R-Madison), Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark), and Rep. Anthony Daniels (DHuntsville).

The Senate leaders are

By Steve Flowers Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Prattville), who is the Senate leader-sponsor, Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston), Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia), Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) and Sen. Greg Reed (RJasper).

These legislative leaders, along with Governor Ivey, threw down the gauntlet and clearly dug in to make this Infrastructure Initiative their No. 1 priority. These leaders recognized the need to improve our roads and bridges and the longterm economic expansion of our state. They are truly thinking about the next generation, not the next election.

Huntsville is projected to grow faster than any city in America during the next decade. The job growth will continue to be in high paying, high tech jobs.

The new Toyota-Mazda plant there will be the largest in the world. They were promised roads and highways as part of their incentive to locate in North Alabama.

Our port city, Mobile, could be as large as Houston but our Mobile docks are outdated and need widening and deepening, as well as proper facilities built to handle large vessels and transport barges.

It is geographically better located than Houston or New Orleans. If the port was deepened and widened, it could accommodate exponentially more cargo ships. Currently, it is too small and shallow for the Mercedes vehicles manufactured in Tuscaloosa to be shipped out of our Alabama port.

The primary reason that the legislature needs to act now is because there is more than likely a See Flowers, page B12

Photo by Michelle Key/Publisher

Opelika City Council, Mayor Gary Fuller honor OMS’s 6th grade quiz bowl team

By Michelle Key Publisher Mayor Gary Fuller and the City Council recognize the Ope-

lika Middle School 6th grade Quiz Bowl Team for their win at the State Championship. Henry Evans was also recognized

for being selected as the state MVP for the event.

In other business, See Council, page B11

Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall encourages generosity, urges vigilance when donating to groups to aid storm victims Special to the Opelika Observer In the wake of the horrific tornadoes that took nearly two dozen lives in eastern Alabama last week, many Alabamians are struggling to recover, while others are looking for ways to help those who lost everything. At-

torney General Steve Marshall joined Gov. Kay Ivey and local officials in Beauregard last week to survey storm damage.

Marshall urged the public to exercise caution before giving money to charities, to ensure that their money really goes to help tornado victims.

He also reminded the public that Alabama’s price-gouging laws are in effect because of the state of emergency declared by Governor Ivey.

“Alabamians are blessed with an indomitable spirit of compassion to help others,” Marshall said. “ThereSee Marshall, page B12

Mike Rogers to hold town-hall meeting March 19 in Opelika Special to the Opelika Observer Congressman Mike Rogers will hold a town-hall meeting for Lee County residents March 19 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Southern Room on Southern Union State Community College’s Opelika campus.

Rogers Those who wish to attend must secure a

ticket through www.

Eventbrite.com and have a state-issued ID with an address in the Third Congressional District which will be checked at the door.

For more information, visit mikerogers. house.gov. The community college is located at 1701 Lafayette Parkway.

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pelika O Observer

B11 March 13, 2019

Commission votes to activate storm debris removal, monitoring contracts

By Michelle Key Publisher On Monday night, the Lee County Commissioners and Commission Chairman/Judge Bill English thanked Sheriff Jay Jones, Lee County Emergency Management Director Kathy Carson and the Lee County Highway Department for their efforts and perserverance in aftermath of the devastating tornadoes that hit Lee County March 3.

Jones took the opportunity to recognize his staff and praised them for the swift response to the

disaster.

“They were on the way without having to be called,” Jones said.

“I’ve never been prouder of a group of people as I was Sunday night. I am humbled and extremely honored to recognize them.”

“I don’t know anybody that could have made us any prouder and I don’t know anyone that could have represented Lee County better than you did,” English said.

Carson presented a digital presentation with photographs that showed the difference in the landscapes

of the areas most affected by the tornadoes . The presentation demonstrated just how wide-spread and severe the destruction was.

The next step in the recovery process is to open two disaster recovery centers later this week. These centers will be a “onestop-shop” for citizens that citizens can visit to speak to FEMA, the Red Cross, and other relief organziations. The centers will be located in Beauregard and in Smiths Station.

The commission also received an update from FEMA regarding the relief efforts for the storm

victims. Gerard Stolar told the commission that as of Monday afternoon, FEMA had registered 376 households for federal assistance and $512,000 approved for housing assistance. FEMA has nearly 200 members of its staff working in the area to assist those in need.

Stolar stressed that the most important task is to get people registered for assistance.

In other business, the commission: • approved the minutes of commission meeting held February 25 • approved a motion to ratify and approve claims

and procurement card transactions from February • approved the activation of storm debris removal and monitoring contracts – The bids for these contracts are administered by the Alabama County Commissions Association (ACCA) in compliance with the Alabama competitive bid law, Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines and regulations.

During the meeting, the highway department re-

quested the commission to authorize the chairman to sign the Notice to Proceed to activate the contracts for KDF Enterprises, LLC as the debris removal contractor and Tetra Tech, Inc, as the debris removal monitor.

• received a request from Wendy Swann asking each of the commissioners to recommend two members from their districts to serve on the Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census.

The Lee County Commission meets on the 2nd and last Monday nights of each month.

Who is the real Michael Cohen?

I

’m not sure what to make of Michael Cohen.

The country watched two weeks ago as he testified before Congress, making his case to elected officials (as well as the American people) that the president is guilty of far more than the current occupant of the Oval Office is admitting. Yet Cohen is far from the most reliable witness, in light of his three-year prison sentence on charges of “financial crimes and lying to Congress,” as reported by The Washington Post.

In the aftermath of his testimony, both sides of the aisle espoused their preferred viewpoint.

Republicans painted him as a liar, while Democrats praised his candor. Yet what inevitably was lost in the chatter following Cohen’s testimony was the humanity inherent in this odd episode in our country’s history. A hus-

Council,

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the council: • approved a request from ALDI Inc Alabama for a retail beer and wine off premise license • approved a request

by Opelika Main Street for the closure of 9th Street between South Railroad and Avenue A on St. for an event to be held March 16 during the

band, father and former lawyer has been brought to his knees, paying for his misdeeds in the most public of ways. Those watching his testimony saw a man laid bare, completely devoid of any of the external qualities many humans attempt to utilize in disguising the essence of who they are from public view.

“You know I’ve sat here, and listened to all of this, and it’s very painful,” Rep. Elijah Cummings, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, said in his closing remarks. An undeniable statement, no matter what political ideology one espouses.

Cohen himself was equal parts strong and defeated. He offered clever retorts at times, while in other moments appeared to be genuinely apologetic. He was humbled, even becoming emotional during Rep. Cummings closing statement. In such

hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• approved a request for the annual Unity Stampede Walk/5K to be held at the Opelika Sportsplex on April 27 • approved the purchase of two (2) 15 foot folding rotary cutters for the public works department the low bid was from Hall Manufacturing Inc. for $19,990 • approved expense reports from various departments.

• approved the pur-

moments, it was hard not to think about his family, and the hurt they were enduring as a result of the illegal acts this man committed. “…One of the saddest parts of this whole thing is that some very innocent people are hurting too…that’s your family,” Cummings said. Few of us likely understand the experience of watching a family member testify before Congress while the country looks on. What does it feel like for a child to watch their father admit to breaking the law? Not to mention Cohen’s father Maurice - a Polish-born Holocaust survivor – who

likely felt pained at the sight of his son’s testimony. A cautionary tale for all of us as we travel through life. The actions we take affect those we love, sometimes in unanticipated ways.

Cohen’s appearance on Capitol Hill caused many pundits to point out that Cohen’s rather apparent character flaws – his illegal activity, coupled with his penchant for lying - may immediately call his testimony into question. “Michael Cohen is a bad man,” wrote Adam Davidson in The New Yorker. “He was a bad man before he met Donald Trump, he remained a bad man afterward, and he became…even worse after Trump starting running for President.” Perhaps it’s right to possess a healthy skepticism regarding Cohen based upon his track record; however, if someone told lies in the past, does that mean that every subsequent

word they offer should be automatically deemed to be untrue?

“I don’t know where you go from here,” Rep. Cummings said in his closing remarks in reference to Cohen. It appears Mr. Cohen may have some ideas. He refused to rule out a possible book or movie deal, even after being repeatedly pressed by lawmakers regarding his future money-making ventures at multiple points throughout the public hearing. Paradoxically, Cohen could still have much to gain from this undoubtedly painful episode. Despite his jail sentence, Mr. Cohen may still benefit from this national kerfuffle, at least monetarily. A set of circumstances seemingly ensuring Michael Cohen may get the last laugh.

Except for the fact that Cohen will likely always be viewed as a person lacking scruples. As a child, my mother used

to periodically repeat a phrase she once heard Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia say, which was apparently passed down to him by his father. “Brains are like muscles, you can rent them by the hour. But at the end of the day, all you have left is your character.” Mr. Cohen can hire a lawyer to advocate on his behalf, an accountant to manage his finances, even work with a publisher or movie director on a future project. He cannot, however, hire someone to have good character for him. The name Michael Cohen will likely always be synonymous with scandal and moral failure. An excellent reminder of the insignificance of money in comparison to a sterling reputation. For, character is truly “more than worth its weight in gold.”

Samuel Moore-Sobel is a freelance writer. To read more of his work, visit www.holdingontohopetoday.com.

chase of 624 Toter 96 Gal EVR II Universal/ Nestable Carts for Opelika Environmental Services for the amount of $31,751.76 • approved refund request Steve Decker and William Jackson for overpayment of occupational license fees • approved a project agreement with Yongsan Automotive.

• approved a tax abatement agreement, Yongsan Automotive.

• approved a special appropriation to

Lee County Commission decoration of entrance, foyer and interactive area of the C.S.M. Bennie C. Adkins Meeting Center for $10,000 • approved a resolution to support alabama legislation for additional motor fuel taxes • approved a transition extension agreement between Opelika Power Services and Point Broadband for an additional 60 days • approved the purchase of furniture

for the Opelika Police Department headquarters building in the amount of $70,280.40.

• appointed Steve Chapman to the Industrial Development Authority for a term that expires March 8, 2020 • re-appointed David Hudmon to the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals for a term that expires March 16, 2022 • re-appointed Auzzie Comer to the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals for

a term that expires March 16, 2022.

City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of every month.

The next scheduled meeting will be March 19 and will be held at City Hall which is located at 204 S. 7th St. in Opelika.

Minutes of the meetings and the agendas can be accessed through the city’s website www. opelika-al.gov.

Meeting are open to the public.

By Samuel MooreSobel

OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES WON’T FIX THEMSELVES. AlabamaWorks: Opportunity-Innovation-Accountability-Inclusion

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B12 March 13, 2019

White | Yellow | Blue T

he white bowl, paint of sunflower yellow, little hands swirl paint brushes turning clear water yellow.

From sunny hues to colors like creamy butter, children relate the colors to things found in familiar places, their garden, their room or cupboard. Then, our conversation addresses how we mindfully use the water. “Do you know what nature conservancy means?”

I ask. Some raise their hands and offer their best thoughts on the subject. We share in fruitful discussion related to our paintings, studio workspace, the arrangement of our palettes and ways we might make the most of just one bowl of water, and most importantly, why we must protect our natural resources. Painting continues, as we make notes of the color values, their evolution from one shade to another. Bright yel-

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

By Sarah West low becomes ochre then naples then early spring green.

The white sea mist billows inland. Salty clouds sweep low to the ground and tousle my hair. My eyes are closed, face tipped towards the sun which peeks through in passing intervals. I sit on a rattan chair amid grey pebbled pathways, and pristinely designed garden scapes. Ferns of that early spring green sprout from nearby palm trees. I hear a thump, I turn

Mobile Registration Intake Center locations Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama tornado survivors in Lee County may visit a Mobile Registration Intake Center to register for disaster assistance.

Centers are open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. C.S.T.

MRIC #2 Cannon Construction 12422 AL Hwy 51 Opelika, AL 36804 MRIC #3 Lakeside Church of God 3295 Lee Road 54 Opelika, AL 36804

MRIC #1 Smiths Station Fire and Rescue 50 Lee Rd 430 Smiths Station, AL 36877

**MRIC #4 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166 Beauregard, AL 36804

Marshall,

Consumers may find tips for careful and wise giving at www. ftc.gov/charity. Marshall recommends that consumers take the following precautions: Do your research • Search the Alabama charities database on the Attorney General’s website.

• Search the charity’s name online with words like “complaint” and “scam.”

• Check out the charity’s ratings with groups like the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, and Charity Watch.

Ask questions • What are the charity’s website, address, and mission?

• How much of your donation will go directly to services, rather than fundraising?

• If you wish your donation to be used for Alabama’s tornado victims, ask if the money will be spent for this in particular

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fore, it’s not surprising that many want to contribute to their neighbors’ recovery from the recent devastating tornadoes. Sadly, criminals often seek to profit from others’ tragedies, therefore we must be vigilant in our charitable giving.

Before contributing, please take steps to verify that your money will go to help storm victims and not to fund fraudsters. Know and use the resources available to check the legitimacy of charitable organizations so that your donations really do go to help those in need. And if you do suspect someone is trying to illegally solicit contributions, notify law enforcement or my office.”

Resources for Consumers

to look, a lizard of the same green jumped from the palm’s shade.

A water spigot leans out from a white washed wall. Its green patina reflects the emerald shoreline seen in the near distance. A gentle drip yields melodic notes while small finches drink morning rain from the gutter.

When clouds part the sky reveals an abyss painted in pale cerulean and smalt blue.

I meditate in the stillness, bathe in the sunlight, take a walk,

Flowers,

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federal infrastructure program on the horizon.

If we are to participate in garnering federal funds, we undoubtedly will have to have state revenues to match and draw down the federal funds.

Twenty-eight states have already raised their fuel tax to match the anticipated federal money. Let me tell you a little secret, ain’t any of those 28 states going to get to the federal trough ahead of us. None of them have the chairman of the United States Senate Appropriations Committee.

and not for the charity’s overall purposes.

Be careful how you pay • If someone asks you to send them cash, wire money, donate by gift card, or leave money under your front doormat for pickup, don’t do it!

That’s how scammers often ask you to pay.

It’s safer to pay by credit card or check.

• If you’re donating online, check that the webpage where you enter your payment information has “https” in the web address.

That means your information is transmitted securely.

• Legitimate charities will give you a receipt with the amount of your donation. Keep that record and check your credit card and bank statements to make sure you’re only charged for the donation you wanted to make.

Watch out for scammers’ tricks

take a picture or three and consider what paintings of this might mean.

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 founder of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A CenOur senior Sen. Richard Shelby chairs the Appropriations Committee. He writes the federal budget.

Therefore, he controls the United States federal checkbook. If we become the 29th state to get the ability to match federal funds, we don’t become the 29th state in line. We move to number one on the list.

Alabama has a treasure in Richard Shelby. He has not only been the longest serving U.S. senator in Alabama history, he is also the most powerful U.S. senator in Alabama history.

His prowess and adroitness at bringing home the bacon to Alabama is legendary.

In my book “Six Decades of Colorful Alabama Political Stories,” I have a

• Scammers spoof caller ID to make their fundraising calls look like they are from your local area code, or from an organization you know.

• Scammers pressure you into donating immediately before you have time to do research. Reputable charities do not use coercive tactics and welcome your donation at any time.

• Scammers will thank you for a donation you don’t remember making. Scammers do that to trick you into thinking you actually made a pledge and to guilt you into sending money.

Donation Requests Through Social Media and Crowdfunding Sites While many requests for donations through social media and crowdfunding sites are legitimate, some are scams. For example, there are people who misuse real pictures

ter 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 Chapter titled Alabama’s Three Greatest U.S. Senators. My suggestion was that U.S. Senators Lister Hill, John Sparkman and Shelby have been Alabama’s greatest. However, if I was writing that chapter today, Shelby would be in a league of his own as the most powerful senator in Alabama history.

Senators Hill and Sparkman were powerful and left a legacy, Hill in medical research and rural hospitals throughout the nation and Alabama.

Sparkman was the Father of the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville and delivered hallmark legislation that afforded housing for Americans as Chairman of the Banking Committee.

and stories to get you to donate, but the money goes into their own pockets. Crowdfunding sites often have little control over who uses them and how donations are spent. Research before you give.

Don’t assume that solicitations on social media or crowdfunding sites are legitimate – even when they are shared or liked by your friends. Do your own research. And call or contact your friends offline to ask them about the post they shared.

State of Emergency/ Price-Gouging Laws The governor’s recent declaration of a State of Emergency activated Alabama’s price-gouging laws.

As people recover and rebuild from storms, they should be wary of those who would prey upon them through crimes such as price gouging and homerepair fraud. Although

of the Smith Station Historic Commission.

She is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board- Cary Center, Auburn University College of Human Science. She is an elected member of the Society of Illustrators- NYC. She mentors art students of every age through weekly classes at her studio located in the heart of Smiths Station, Alabama. To learn more about her work and activism visit Sarah West Fine Art Gallery During Shelby’s 32-plus year career in the Senate, he has chaired the U.S. Senate Banking Committee, Intelligence Committee and Rules Committee.

However, his current perch as chairman of the Appropriations Committee is unparalleled. Alabama has never had a chairman of the United States Senate Appropriations Committee and more than likely never will again.

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.

what constitutes an unconscionable price is not specifically set forth in state law, a price that is 25 percent or more above the average price charged in the same area within the last 30 days—unless the increase can be attributed to a reasonable cost—is a prima facie case of unconscionable pricing. The penalty is a fine of up to $1,000 per violation, and those found to have willfully and continuously violated this law may be prohibited from doing business in Alabama.

Consumers and officials can report concerns of alleged fraud or illegal price gouging to the Attorney General’s Consumer Interest Division by calling 1-800-3925658, by writing to 501 Washington Ave. in Montgomery, Alabama 36130, or by visiting https://ago. alabama.gov/ConsumerComplaint.

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B13 March 13, 2019

Poarch Creek Indians donate $184K Special to the Opelika Observer

Last week Lee County Coroner, Bill Harris received word that the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Poarch wanted to help cover the funeral costs for the tornado

victims. Harris made contact with themand their first commitment was for $50,000.

Later in the week, they spoke with Harris again and asked what it would take to cover the costs of the funerals for all 23 tornado victims

that were killed on March 3.

Harris gave them a number and they made the decision to donate the full amount.

The donation totals $184,000 and will be deposited with the East Alabama Medical

Center Foundation to be dispersed to the funeral homes to cover the cost of the funerals.

“I am so thankful for them to step up in this manner and help the families of this tragedy,” Harris said in a press release.

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Sen. Doug Jones helps introduce SAME Act of 2019 Special to the Opelika Observer Sen. Doug Jones a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced the States Achieve Medicaid Expansion (SAME) Act of 2019 last week, legislation that would ensure that states that chose to expand Medicaid after 2014 are eligible for the same level of federal matching funds as states that expanded Medicaid earlier. Alabama, along with 13 other states, has yet to expand Medicaid.

For years, leaders at Alabama’s rural hospitals have been warning public officials about the financial cliff they are facing, in large part as a result of the state’s refusal to expand Medicaid. Since 2011, 13 hospitals have closed in Alabama, and seven of those hospitals have

been in rural areas. Even now, nearly 88 percent of rural Alabama hospitals are operating in the red.

The Alabama Hospital Association estimates that some 326,000 Alabamians would gain health care coverage if Medicaid was expanded in the state.

“By refusing to expand Medicaid, Alabama has turned away $14 billion of our own taxpayer dollars.

For years, those dollars could have helped keep our hospitals open, support good jobs in our communities, and provide health coverage for hundreds of thousands of Alabamians.

This isn’t a partisan issue – expanding Medicaid is the right thing to do,” Jones said. “Alabama can no longer afford not to expand, and our SAME Act legislation would ensure that states will get a fair deal when they do. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and on both sides of Capitol Hill, to support

this common sense bill.”

Numerous studies have shown that expanding Medicaid benefits states economically by increasing jobs and earnings growth, generating federal revenue, increasing gross state product, increasing state and local revenues and reducing uncompensated care and hospital costs. If Alabama had expanded Medicaid five years ago, it could have yielded a $935 million net increase in tax revenue for the state and could have led to approximately 12,000 new jobs across all sectors of Alabama’s economy in 2016 alone.

“It’s crazy that for so many years, Virginia taxpayers were footing the bill for states that had already expanded Medicaid.

Today, Medicaid expansion is bringing billions of tax dollars back home to Virginia, and more than 400,000 Virginians have gained access to quality,

low-cost or no-cost Medicaid coverage,” said Senator Warner, a former governor of Virginia. “This bill will bring even more federal dollars back to Virginia by making sure that we get the same deal from the federal government as states that expanded back in 2014.”

The States Achieve Medicaid Expansion (SAME) Act of 2019 is co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).

The bill was recently re-introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and co-sponsored by Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07).

Background Medicaid is a joint federal and state insurance program that covers medical costs for eligible low-income Americans.

In 2010, states were given the option to expand their Medicaid programs to cover people who earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.

Under this deal, the federal government would cover the full cost of the expansion for the first three years, and gradually step down to cover 90 percent permanently.

The SAME Act would ensure that any states that choose to expand Medicaid get a second chance to receive these same levels of federal funding. Under this bill, a state would receive three years of full federal funding, phasing down to a 95 percent Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) in year four; a 94 percent federal contribution in year five; 93 percent in year six; and, 90 percent for each year thereafter.

Alabama alone would receive $2 billion in federal dollars the first year after expansion.

Thirty-three states and D.C. have already expanded eligibility for Medicaid, and three more states – Idaho, Utah and Nebraska – have passed ballot initiatives to expand Medicaid. Fourteen states, including Alabama, have not yet expanded their programs. In states that have failed to expand Medicaid, more than two million lowincome adults fall into a “coverage gap,” because of incomes that are too high to be eligible for Medicaid, but are too low to meet the limit that would allow them to receive tax credits to purchase affordable coverage in the health care marketplace. Without Medicaid expansion, most of these individuals are likely to remain uninsured, as they have limited access to employer coverage and frequently find the cost of unsubsidized marketplace coverage to be prohibitively expensive.

tenTHING

BRASS APRIL 2, 2019 Foll ow i n g h e r wa r m ly re c ei ve d a p p ea ra n c e w i t h t h e O r p h e u s C h a m b er O rc h es t ra d u r i n g t h e Pe r f o r m a n c e S er i es 2 0 1 7 - 1 8 s ea s on , T i ne T h i n g H e l s et h r et u r n s t o i n t r od u c e h er f u n a n d e xc i t i n g t en - p i ec e, a l l - f em a l e b ra s s e n s e m b l e t e n T h i n g . H av i n g f i r m l y es t a b l i s h ed i t s e l f o n t h e i n t er n a t i on a l s c en e t o grea t a c c l a i m , t e n T h i n g c el eb ra t es i t s c om m i t m en t t o o u t r e a c h a n d a c c es s t o m u s i c t h r ou gh a d i v e r s e r e p e r t o i r e t h a t s p a n s f r om M oz a r t t o W i e l , G r i eg t o B er n s t ei n , a n d L u l l y t o B a r t ok.

UPCOMING SHOWS aT The OPeLIKa CeNTeR FOR The PeRFORMING aRTs To pu rc h as e t i cke t s , ca l l 3 3 4 . 7 4 9 .8 105 o r v i s i t ea sta la bam a a r t s .o r g

B14 March 13, 2019

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Last week’s answers:

3-06 Scramblers Answers: 1. Debate, 2. Acumen, 3. Normal, 4. Spread Solution: DOBERMAN

TOP 5 THINGS NOT TO MISS AT SIP & SAVOR SPRING

March 28 – 31, 2019 Tickets Available at SipandSavorSpring.com

Weekend Getaway with an All-Inclusive Food + Drink Ticket!

5

Tastings Under the Big Top

BBQ ALLEY

The South’s best BBQ superstars in one place – with wine, spirits and beer tastings all included with your ticket for Saturday!

4

3

Callaway Resort & Gardens

Ski Pavilion on Robin Lake

WHERE SPRING BEGINS!

SIP & SAVOR ON THE LAKE

Over 20,000 varieties of azaleas, tulips, dogwoods and more in bloom! The recently renovated resort boasts scenic beauty at every turn! Garden admissions included with all tickets!

2

Bryan Furman, B’s Cracklin’ BBQ

Friday evening culinary and wine, spirits and beer tasting stations with a souvenir glass

1 TASTINGS UNDER WAFFLE HOUSE SHOWDOWN THE BIG TOP Kicking things off on Saturday at 11:30 am with a lively Waffle House celebrity chef competition, breakfast, Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas included O FFI C I A L S P O N S O RS

M E D I A S P O N S O RS

Saturday afternoon, 2 - 5 pm main event with live music, all you can eat and drink with souvenir glass

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COMICS

A good laugh heals a lot of hurts. — Madeleine L’Engle