Opelika Observer 9-12-18 E-Edition by OpelikaObserver

pelika O Observer

Vol. 10, No. 49

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Opelika, Alabama

The second-annual ‘O Day in the Village’ event was held last weekend at Opelika’s Covington Park. Food, fun and games without the presence of alcohol, drugs or violence was the focal point of the event. Turn to A12 for more photos by Robert Noles from the event.

“By local people, for local people.”

Second annual ‘Shine Prom’ registration opens Sept. 17

‘30K in 30 Days’ raising funds for Curtis House additions, renovations By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Opelika native Jeremy Gray is holding a “30K in 30 Days” fundraiser during the month of September for his nonprofit community center, The Curtis House. With assistance from members of the Auburn University Building Science department and Third Lens Ministries, Gray said that the fundraiser proceeds will be used to rebuild the house from top to bottom as well as construct a pavilion. “The effort to raise the money is, in a sense, a collective effort to demonstrate our commitment to the establishment of The Curtis House in the Opelika community and the willingness of the community to help the organizers behind the The Curtis House do our part to bring our vision to full fruition, (and with)

the additions and expansions, allow it to operate at its optimum capacity,” Gray said. “ (It) will provide a safe haven that will service the entire community; the elderly, adults, and children. Some of the activities and resources will consist of health and wellness services, handson workforce development training, and educational programs.” According to Gray, the Curtis House serves as both a tribute to his great-grandfather Lottie B. Curtis and gift to the Jeter community that he calls home. Donations of any amount are accepted. As of last Friday, slightly more than $5,000 had been raised. Following are sponsorship packages available for the event: - Platinum Presenting Sponsor, $5,000

See Curtis House, page A3

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Arnecia Walker For the Opelika Observer An unforgettable night of dancing, food and limousine rides will be had during the second annual “Shine Prom” for area teens and

adults with special needs. Shine Prom will be held Nov. 17 from 6-9 p.m. at the Opelika Sportsplex. Registration for guests and volunteers to participate in this free event begins Sept. 17.

See Shine, page A10

Opelika residents propose project to increase overall city connectivity By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Increasing the connectivity of various Opelika parks and points of interest within the city is the goal of “The Creekline Project,” an initiative led by the husband-andwife team of Rocky and Shealy Langley.

Butcher Paper BBQ celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

The couple addressed members of the Opelika City Council with their idea during its regular meeting last Tuesday night, proposing the construction of more than 13 miles of shared-use, ADA-accessible paths. By working in tandem with existing

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller cuts the ribbon for Butcher Paper BBQ last Friday in a ceremony at the new restaurant located at 128 Columbus Parkway.

and proposed bike paths, Shealy said the project would provide Opelika residents a safer means to exercise and explore their city. “At the heart of this project is (a desire) to connect the city. By foot or by bike, it’s not easy to get around Ope-

lika,” Shealy said. “What is different about this project than a bicycle plan for the city are those shared-use paths, essentially nature trails, that will run through wooded areas and along some of Opelika’s beautiful creek systems.” See Creekline, page A12

‘Think Pink Walk’ returning to downtown Opelika Oct. 6 By Vanessa Poulson For the Opelika Observer Think Pink, an annual event to celebrate breast cancer survivors and raise awareness of the ongoing fight against this disease, is returning to downtown

Index OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 CALENDAR................................A10

Everyone is encouraged to dress comfortably. From glitzy and glamorous dresses to pants, skirts, jeans or tuxedos, guests and volunteers are welcome to

SPORTS.......................................B1 LEGALS ......................................B5 RELIGION..............................B11 ENTERTAINMENT......................B14

Opelika Oct. 6. Registration for the event starts at 9 a.m. and costs $15, which includes water, snacks and a Think Pink T-shirt. Activities for this year’s event include a breast cancer survivor’s tent, where survivors are given a special gift and

chance to sign the annual survivor’s banner. There will also be a breast cancer survivor’s recognition ceremony in which each survivor has the opportunity to share their story. Live music, entertainment, and games See Walk, page A3

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A2 September 12, 2018

City Council honors local youth sports teams By Michelle Key Editor

event and both items were approved by the council. During the work session, Opelika residents Rocky and Shealy Langley presented the council and audience with a presentation for a project called “The Creekline Project,” which is a proposed development of 13 miles of shared use paths along creeks and various Opelika parks. In other business the council: • approved El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant’s request for a restaurant retail liquor and on-premise beer license • approved a weed

“I am just so proud of these kids,” said Fuller. “We’re proud of the way you represented our community.” The council also received a request from Opelika Main Street requesting use of the downtown area for “On the Tracks,” which is an annual wine and food event. The event will be held Oct. 19 from 6-11 p.m. Opelika Main Street also requested that the organization be permitted for the annual “Christmas in a Railroad Town” event on Dec. 7 from 6-9 p.m. Both events will require some road closures during the

Mayor Gary Fuller and the Opelika City Council recognized members of Dixie Boys baseball team for winning the Alabama State Championship in Enterprise, Alabama and the Opelika Swim Team for wining the ARPA State Swimming Championship in Birmingham on July 27. Swimmers ranged from ages 5-17 years old. The Opelika Swim Team won the Medium Team Division. This is the secondstraight championship for Opelika.

abatement assessment, Parcel #1 017 Williamson Ave. in the amount of $123. 06 • approved a weed abatement assessment, Parcel # 034 Orr Ave. in the amount of $134.17 • approved expense

report submitted by city employees • approved a resolution to set date for public hearing to fix assessment of Demolition - 207 Raintree Street in the amount of $6,386.10 • approved a resolu-

tion to Set Date for Public Hearing to Fix Assessment of Demolition - 1106 Magnolia St. in the amount of $6,535.10 • approved Contract with AU for Game See Council, page A3

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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Editor: Michelle Key Associate Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Woody Ross, Doug Horn and Emily Key Photographer: Robert Noles

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 Pink,

from A1 will be provided by DJ Ozz. Starting at 10:30 am, there will be a walk for event attendees through the streets of downtown Opelika. Downtown merchants are encouraged to cheer for walkers on as they pass by the businesses. Different door prizes will be given away and there is a photo booth opportunity for participants. “What this event means to me is the ultimate opportunity to recognize and celebrate our breast cancer survivors.

Personally for me, I’m in this position for my sister who I lost to breast cancer 15 years ago," said Karen Calton, an EAMC Breast Health Navigator and Breast Health Advocate. “She and all the others who fight or have fought this battle are why I am truly honored to have my position. My job is a blessing when I get see someone come out on the other side on their diagnosis, go through chemotherapy and I’m able to meet with them at the end of their treatment for survivorship.” For more information and updates on the event, visit the Think Pink Opelika Facebook page.

Curtis House,

from A1

Gold VIP Sponsor, $1,000 Silver Sponsor, under $1,000. Gray noted that the organic garden “is still functioning” and will continue to “feed many in the community” during the construction process. For more information about sponsorships, email thecurtishouse125@ gmail.com. To learn more about the Curtis House, it mission and list of services, like and follow the nonprofit’s social media pages or visit www.thecurtishouse. org. The Curtis House is located at 125 Jeter Ave.

A3 September 12, 2018

Council,

from A2

Day Servcies with Opelika Police Department • approved the annual renewal of the excess loss insurance contract - H/R. monthly Excess Loss insurance premiums are to be paid to Cobbs Allen & Hall, Inc., the City’s insurance Broker. • approved the FY2019 City Budget. • approved a resolution adding a head swim coach job classification • approved a resolution for the

Head Swim Coach Employment Contract with Tyler T. McGill. • approved a resolution to amend organizational chart of P&R - Building Service Worker. This resolution changes the number of authorized positions in the existing job classification of building service worker at pay grade 7 from two to four. • approved a resolution to add fitness trainer job classification • approved a resolution to add ADA compliance officer job classification • approved a resolution to add a new assistant police

chief job classification. This resolution removes the part-time contractual position of Assistant Police Chief and adds a new full-time position of Assistant Police Chief at pay grade 24 in the Opelika Police Department • approved an Ordinance for the East Central Alabama Highway Safety Office Lease in the amount of $1900.00 monthly for a term of one year • heard the first reading of an ordinance regarding the Annexation of Property at 465 Lee Road 174.

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pelika O Opinion

A4 September 12, 2018

Hot air and grease Tough Guy I T

Peetsy B have been f you didn’t know it, converted to run on used alternative energy efvegetable oil. forts are being underTalk about your circle taken in the region. of life. Well, as our late PresiBuffett fries up fish and dent Richard Nixon was shrimp at his Margarifond of observing, I’ve got taville restaurants, sister this to say about that. By Hardy Jackson Lucy fries ‘em up at her Putting eight big-old Lulu’s at Homeport in windmills with 120-160 Gulf Shores, the cafeteria at the refoot blades up on a ridge in north search lab fries ‘em up, then they take Alabama seems a super dandy idea to the oil, pour it into the tank, and the me. The wind will blow, the blades boat goes out to get more shrimp and will turn, the generators will gin, the energy will be sold to TVA which will fish to start the process all over again. Now think about it folks. sell it back to customers at, I suppose, Two things that Alabama has plenty TVA rates and half of the homes in of – hot air and grease – both available Cherokee County will be lit without any greenhouse gases expelled into the for alternative fuels. Forget fracking, forget pipelines goatmosphere. ing hither and yon, forget greenhouse Now admittedly, some folks don’t gases. As for oil spills, I am not sure like the idea. They think the big how biodegradable used vegetable oil windmills will visually pollute the is, but it is “vegetable” which has gotta countryside. be better than petroleum. I can see their point, but the region Of course this is not the first time is already crisscrossed with power Alabamians have recycled to solve a lines carrying electricity near and far, problem. so what will a few more ugly towers Back during the Civil War, the Conmatter. Truth be told, I find it amusfederate munitions works at Selma was ing that folks can become overnight aesthetic environmentalists and ignore running short of nitre – a necessary ingredient in the making of gunpowthe pollution they can’t see. Down der. John Harrolson, local agent for the south of there a few years ago some Nitre and Mining Bureau, knew that lake-front property owners got their one of the readily available sources of panties in a wad when brown sludge appeared in the water. When the com- nitre was urine. So, he put an announcement in the pany dumping the stuff cleaned up the local paper calling on Selma women to color of the discharge (though not the save their “chamber lye” and deposit discharge itself) the uproar faded. it in the barrels being sent round to The water was still dirty, but you collect it. couldn’t see it. It is unclear how successful this On the other hand, we could declare approach was, however, the effort the windmills to be windmills, like inspired a series of randy poems that they have in Holland, only modern, rank as some of the era’s best. (If you plant some azaleas and camellias and want to read them Google up Harrolpretty soon people will come around to see them and a whole new windmill son or rush out and get yourself a copy of Rivers of History and contribute tourist industry will be born. to the Will and Anna Jackson college Maybe the windmill company can fund.) set up a few in Montgomery. The hot air from the legislature could surely If Alabama women could contribute generate power a-plenty. thusly to Southern cause, why can’t Meanwhile, down on the coast Southern fry cooks do their part to another form of alternative energy is free us from dependence on foreign making its appearance and promising oil? to solve all sorts of energy problems. And if Alabama innovators could A couple of years ago Jimmy Buffett take the discarded and useless and and his sisters Lucy and Laurie, doturn it into something of value, why nated a 33-foot boat to the University can’t they harness the exhaling from of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast the legislature to turn the turbines to Research Laboratory. The Miss Peetsy light our homes? But why limit this to Alabama? B is named for Buffett’s mother, Throughout the region, folks are “Peets,” who passed away in 2003. frying all sorts of things, meanwhile, Buffett is a USM alum and “Peets” everywhere politicians gather, the hot was a 1940 graduate of what was then air rises. Now is the time to make use Gulf Park College for Women, which of both. is where the research lab is located Isn’t it? today. Harvey H. Jackson is Professor What makes the donation unique is Emeritus of History at Jacksonville not the vessel, but how it is powered. State University. He can be reached Grease. at hjackson@cableone.net. Yessir, the engines of The Miss

ife didn’t get easier. It got harder. I had a very abusive stepfather and rebelled in my teenage years. The harder he hit me with his cruel words, the further I traveled down a deep, dark path (Think; blue hair, heavy metal music, and anger.) I ended up graduating high school with a GED and then partied for nearly a year before college. I was a mess. I was angry. I was confused. I was searching for myself. The only thing that saved me during those years was Mama’s constant prayers and my love of horses. Sometimes when things got tough, Mama would take me driving. We would go get icecream and drive into the

doing, I’d never owned helma Lou sleeps a dog, and there was no on my lap. She YouTube back then, you is 70 pounds of know?” bloodhound. She is So, he held them. wearing a handkerchief He read somewhere around her neck. that holding orphan Tomorrow is a special newborn puppies was day for her. By Sean Dietrich important. The sounds The handkerchief is of human lungs, body warmth, a red. We call this her “blanky” because she carries it wherever she thumping. These remind newborns of their mother. So, he held them. goes. It used to be my everyday “It sounds ridiculous,” he says. handkerchief. Now it’s hers. “But they were my kids. You I know what you’re thinking: know, sometimes instinct just takes “Oh, boy. Here we go again. Not over.” another sentimental dog story.” They looked more like hamsters No. That’s not what this is. The than puppies. But in only seven last thing I would ever write is a days, they doubled in size. In ansentimental dog story. Those are other seven days, their eyes opened dumb. and they were walking. And makI’m writing an adventure. It’s ing noise. about a tough guy named John. The landlord threatened to kick John emailed me. He told me a him out if he didn’t get rid of the story. John was a wayward young man, with a criminal record, and a animals. “I couldn’t,” John says. “They knack for falling in with the wrong weren’t ready. I was the only mom crowd. they knew.” John worked at the liquor store. So. The tough guy moved in with Late one night, after closing shop, his sister, in Columbus. He raised he was taking out the trash. He them until they were a few months heard noise. He saw someone digold, he vaccinated them, he sang to ging in the dumpster next door. them. He loved them. “Who’s there?” he hollered. He took out an ad in the classiJohn heard quick footsteps. He saw silhouettes leap into a vehicle. fieds. He even turned down a few He heard the engine roar. He saw a applicants who didn’t seem like good fits. car drive away. It took a week to find eight ownThen, whimpering came from the ers for the puppies. And the anidumpster behind the supermarket. mals disappeared from John’s life. He peeked inside. A few weeks ago, a young A trash bag. It was covered in stale bread, rotting vegetables, and woman messaged John. The young woman told him she had been six shredded paper. years old when she got a puppy John removed the bag. It was lumpy. And squirming. He opened from him. She’s 21 now. The girl was calling to tell John it with a pocket knife. And, as the last of the litter had died. John puts it: “Those puppies were The dog was 15 years old when no bigger than your hand.” he passed. The girl thought John Newborns. Nine. Only eight would want to know. were living. One puppy was not. John says, “I started crying, They were black and white. They ‘cause I still remember those little had pig-like faces. They made guys running around my apartment, squeaking noises. and how much they meant to me. “Those guys left them to die,” I guess I’m not such a tough guy says John. “I mean, the puppies anymore.” were living, and those guys willI guess not. ingly wanted to change that.” Anyway, I told you I wasn’t goJohn took the puppies home. ing to write another sentimental He washed the deceased puppy dog story. with dish soap—she was covered Oh, well. You can’t win them all. in stink and urine. He gave her Happy six-month birthday, the name “Mary,” then buried her Thelma Lou. behind his apartment. John wasn’t allowed to have Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and animals in his building, so he told novelist, known for his commentary nobody about the puppies. He cov- on life in the American South. His ered his closet floor in plastic. work has appeared in Southern He bought heat lamps. He fed Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, them canine milk replacement Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer liquid. News, the Bitter Southerner, the “I didn’t think they’d survive,” Mobile Press Register and he has he says. “I didn’t know what I was authored seven books.

Chasing Sunsets- Part 2 sunset. Sometimes, we would talk. Sometimes, we would just listen to music. The sunset was always there. So was mama’s hand. She always knew when we needed to “go for a drive.” Other days, when life presented a challenge, I would retreat to the barn and watch the sunset from my horse’s back. It always brought me back to reality. Even to this day, aside from music and ice-cream, horses have always been healing to me. The best medicine I have ever had was a warm muzzle on my shoulder and a cool breeze in my hair. Horses understand what humans don’t. They are the best listeners and they never tell your secrets. Horses

By Lucy Fuller

and sunsets became my “go-to” therapy. It’s amazing how certain situations never leave your memory. You learn to accept the hard times because you realize that you will never begin to make sense of it. Trust me, I’ve spent over 30 years trying to make sense of my life as well as understand the “whys” and imagine the “what if’s.” It’s not necessarily a waste of time; it’s more of a waste of energy. It’s a lot easier to just accept that stuff

happens, because there is nothing you can do about it. Period. There are many seasons of life. Life isn’t composed of only four seasons like the world we live in. It’s composed of birth, growth, regrowth, setbacks, humbleness, hardships, journeys, battles, overcoming, achievements, more growth, and the list goes on. I’m learning to appreciate and accept these seasons. I’ve had my share of storms in life but I’ve learned that if I stay strong and keep moving forward I will find the sun again. I guess that’s the key. Keep moving forward. In my mind, I picture the term “moving forward” as galloping

my horse bareback in a beautiful meadow, breeze in my hair, chasing the sunset. The simple image of that instantly calms me and brings me back to the light once more. I may not be galloping my horse bareback, but I do chase the sunset daily. I don’t even have a horse to look at let alone gallop into the sunset on. Hopefully one day that will change, but until it does, there are always rides in the car. Jody and I load up Abigail and my trusty Jack Russell and we go driving. He has asked me from time to time “which way should we go.” I always say “in the direction of the sunset.” I never fail to get completely lost in the beauty of the sun

and the promise of life it gives. The setting sun is very special to me and something that I will never take for granted. The sunset symbolizes another day that I have “made it.” It’s proof that I lasted another day. “I did it” and here’s my reward. Sunsets never disappoint. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never seen an ugly sunset. Sunsets are always glorious but, here in the South, they are something to behold. The way I look at it is this; I have a choice every morning if I want to continue “living” or just “being.” Anyone can just be present in this life and not really live it. I choose See Fuller, page A10

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Around Lee County

A5 September 12, 2018

Alabama’s Most Haunted Local students receive ‘Character in finds success at Spring Villa Action’ awards at recent ceremony

By Robert Noles For the Opelika Observer Photo by Michelle Key/Opelika Observer By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor The cast and crew of Alabama’s Most Haunted reported a successful hunt from their visit to the Spring Villa Mansion last weekend. Kevan Walden of Alabama’s Most Haunted said he and his team were able to confirm some of the rumored su-

pernatural happenings in the home and surrounding property. “We got there early Saturday morning to start filming, and you could just feel a difference as it got closer to nighttime than it did when we arrived. Once we got going that night, we had some stuff happen (on the 13th step,) but just for a few minutes at a time,”

Walden said. Many details from the investigation will be unveiled once the episode is released later this year. Walden said fans will be able to preview a trailer of the episode in the coming weeks on their social media pages. Like and follow Alabama’s Most Haunted on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

“Character in Action” is a program sponsored by the Family Court of Lee County and presented by Judge Mike Fellows to recognize students making a positive contribution that is above and beyond normal expectations to their home, school or community. Each of the following students were nominated by their school to receive the CIA award. Grace Kay, an Auburn Junior High student, has

Photo by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer for her compassion and been a mentor and friend for many years to students considerations for others, especially her friends who with disabilities at her have special needs. Her school. Grace’s parents parent is Taylor McDonare Kyle and Katie Lindald. seuy. Being a friend and Theo Jamal Hubbard, an Opelika Middle School showing a high level of student, received an award compassion and encouragement to a fellow for his actions when his student with severe autism mother passed out at the earned Rece Edstrom from wheel of a car because of Yarbrough Elementary an allergic reaction. He School the CIA award. secured the car and got His parents are Reid and help for his mother. His Stephanie Edstrom. mother is Veronica HubThe CIA Award is prebard. Kellie Kate Warnock, a sented during the school year those nominated by student at Drake Middle their schools. School, was recognized

County Commission continue discussion on LR 79 By Michelle Key Editor In Monday night's Lee County Commission meeting, commissioners continued discussion of Lee Road 79. Several residents of Lee County that live along Lee Road 79 spoke during the meeting, expressing their concerns regarding the roadway and acknowledged that they use the dirt road on a regular basis. Judge Bill English recited information provided by Attorney Stanley Martin. A public road may be established by one of the following ways: 1. By dedication of the road by the owner and subsequent acceptance by the proper authorities. 2. A road that has been used by the public for a period of 20 years. 3. By prescriptive right of way. The commission has asked County Engineer Justin Hardee to determine the center line of

the road in question and measure from the entrance of Young's Plant Farm, which is the end of where the county maintains the road, to the East side of Bird Creek. Further more, they have requested that Hardee determine the width of the prescriptive right of way along this stretch of roadway. Hardee stated that this will be a labor intensive take and it is unlikely to be completed by the next commission meeting. This precise documentation will assist the commission in being as specific as possible in making a final determination about whether the road should be affirmed as a public road by prescriptive right of way. The commissioners also heard from Hardee regarding the Access Management Policy Variance Request/Lee Road 158 that was discussed at the Aug. 27 commission meeting. It was Hardee's recommendation that the

commission not approve the requested variance due to safety concerns. The commission voted unanimously to deny the request. In other business, the commission: • Roger Rendleman recognized Lee County’s Human Resources/Safety Manager Erica Norris for completing the course and receiving a Certificate in County Administration by the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA). Accounts Payable Representative Belinda Smith also was recognized but Smith was unable to attend • approved claims and procurement card transactions from August • received a collection site policy update from Commissioner Robert Ham • received a target zero report from Commissioner Shelia Eckman. Eckman shared parts of her conversation with the leadership of animal control

in Huntsville, Alabama regarding their experience with undergoing a target zero assessment. • disapproved the retail beer license application for Papis Music Mix and Mingle D4. The matter was disapproved due to safety concerns and the number of negative responses received by property owners near the business. Out of the owners polled, 13 of the 22 objected to the business being granted a beer and wine license, two offered no opinion and seven stated no objection. • approved an increase in the compensation for Beulah Utilities District Board Members brought forth by Commissioner Robert Ham. The compensation for board members will increase from $125 to $175 per month plus $25 a month per committee the member serves on. Compensation for the director will increase from $200 to $400 per month.

• approved and award the bid and contract for Inmate Phone Services by NCIC Inmate Communications • approved Sheriff's Jay Jones Request for variance on compensation due to the qualifications of certain applicants • approved the access management policy variance request for Lee Road 10 by Bailey-Harris Construction Company, Inc. • approved the request from Lee County Emergency Management Agency Director Kathy Carson for a storm shelter grant proposal for Smiths Station Senior Center. The total project will cost an estimated $69,096, with the grant from FEMA providing 75 percent or $51,822 and the county providing the remaining 25 percent or $17,274. Out of the local match, $12, 911.23 will be an "inkind" match that includes site prep/ADA Parking and sidewalk preparations by the Lee County High-

way Department. This leaves only $4,362.77 to be pulled from county funds. This safe room will be placed at the Smiths Station Sports Complex and will provide a safe location for those using the facility in the event of unexpected weather emergencies. • approved the signing of the ACCA’s Safety Incentive Discount Program Verification Form • Approved the use of contingency funds request for the Benefits Fair Funding. The Health and Benefits Fair will be held on Oct. 17. • Held a discussion on the future Land Purchase for Loachapoka Recreation brought to the commission by Commissioner John Andrew Harris and several members of the community The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Monday nights of every month and the meetings are open to the public.

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pelika O Observer

A6 September 12, 2018

Mayor Gary Fuller proclaims Sept. 17-21 ‘Constitution Week’ in Opelika

Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller met with several members of the Martha Wayles Jefferson Daughters of the American Revolution last week to proclaim Sept. 17-21, “Constitution Week.” Sept. 18 will mark the 230th Anniversary of the Signing of the Constitution. Pictured left to right: Kathy Penton, Libby Herring, Mary Rudd, Nancy Adams, Mayor Gary Fuller, Carol Wilbanks (Regent, Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter,) Linda Shabo, Betty Johnston and Jean Martin.

Terling speaks to Opelika Rotary

Special to the Opelika Observer Anthony Terling, Sports and Event Development Manager with the Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau, explained the importance of sports to members of the Opelika Rotary Club at a recent meeting. Terling focused on sports and facility development and also reviewed opportunities in the bureau’s sports volunteer program. Pictured, from left: Nate Kastner, club president and Anthony Terling.

LCERA holds meeting Aug. 14

Special to the Opelika Observer Lee County Education Retirees Association's President Dot Strickland met with the Board members pictured at Bancorp South Bank in Opelika on Aug. 14. The purpose of the meeting was to schedule meetings and speakers for the coming year. The first scheduled meeting, a "Meet and Greet" reception, will be today at 11 a.m. at Saugahatchee Country Club. All recent retirees are invited to attend.

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Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

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Southern

Hospitality

hen Brenda and Bob Boteler decided to move to Opelika, they were looking for a friendly neighborhood. After talking to various folks, they found the perfect place for them with all the elements they desired, as well as being a great neighborhood. Brenda enjoys cooking healthy dishes in the spacious kitchen and sharing with neighbors. I was interested in meeting the Botelers for several reasons. One was that they live in our former house on West Col-

linwood Circle where we lived for more than 14 years, raising our children. Brenda and Bob were smitten with the house for the same reason we were, with the large screened back porch, overlooking a stunning wooded view and a creek. The house has been updated with hardwood floors throughout, granite countertops and new appliances. I have wonderful memories of preparing meals for my family in the large kitchen. Now, Brenda is enjoying cooking in the updated kitchen.

When I arrived, she was baking Jalapeño Poppers in the oven that filled the house with a savory aroma of sausage and spices. While Brenda grew up in Montgomery, she spent her summers with her grandmother Royall in Elkin, North Carolina, which was her father’s home. Her grandmother taught her to cook on a wood burning cast iron stove. Brenda enjoyed watching her grandmother put her apron on and pin her hair back as she prepared to cook. Her grandmother’s

Photo by Ann Cipperly After Brenda Boteler took medical classes in nutrition, she began to adapt and create healthier recipes. She enjoys cooking healthy meals to share with friends and her neighbors in Collinwood. Brenda and husband Bob, who are newcomers to Opelika, enjoy walks with their dog, Molly, and meeting others in their neighborhood. entire backyard was a garden with apple trees in the middle. Together they canned vegetables and made applesauce and apple jelly. Brenda also milked the cow and churned milk to make butter. After attending Auburn University and finishing her education in Lexington, Kentucky, Brenda worked in bank mergers and acquisitions for several years, as

well as consulting in Washington, D.C. and New York. “Then, I decided I wanted to be a cowgirl,” she says. “I wanted to get back to things I love, including a farm, gardening and cows.” Her sons, Grif and Tom, were in junior and senior high school when she purchased land in Kentucky. She owned and operated a registered cattle and quarter

horse farm. She had a one-acre vegetable garden. One year she canned over 200 quarts of green beans. She was able to share with neighbors who did not have a garden. “It was a beautiful, peaceful chapter in my life,” she says. Brenda felt she needed to work more before retiring. She went to work at ToySee Recipes, page A9

Twenty-One Acres of Auburn to Claude Bourbon returns host murder mystery dinner Oct. 11 to Sundilla Sept. 21 By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

A night full of food, fun and intrigue will be had during the inaugural “Midnight at the Masquerade,” a murder mystery dinner that will be hosted by the Auburnbased event venue TwentyOne Acres on Oct. 11. Located at 5505 Wire Road in Auburn, TwentyOne Acres is a new venue that opened this summer

that hosts weddings coporate and team-building event, Christmas parties and more. According to Emily Ellis of Twenty-One Acres, the dinner will serve as an introduction of themselves and their business to the Auburn-Opelika area and beyond. “We wanted to do something fun and unique as well as bring the community together in a different way,” Ellis said.

Guests will gather at the venue’s 3,200 sq. ft pavilion, and enjoy a three-course meal catered by Christine’s Unlimited, beverages and door prizes which will be drawn throughout the evening. Following is a menu for the event: - Christine’s Salad with toasted almonds, feta cheese and grape tomatoes with

See Mystery, page A8

Special to the Opelika Observer Claude Bourbon will return to Sundilla on Sept. 21. Showtime at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is 7:30 p.m. and advance tickets are available for $12 each at Spicer's Music, Blooming Colors, World Cup Coffee, and online at sundillamusic.com. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be avail-

Bourbon

Celebrating Breast Cancer Survivors and Raising Awareness of the Ongoing Fight Against This Disease

14TH ANNUAL

1 - M I L E WA L K

October 6, 2018 / 10:00 a.m.

Courthouse Square, Historic Downtown Opelika Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. (day of event only) Walk begins at 10:30 a.m. / T-shirt for each participant / Registration Fee: $15

For more information, visit eamcfoundation.org or call Karen Calton with questions | 334.528.4370

pelika O Observer

A8 September 12, 2018

BurgerFi to celebrate ‘National Cheeseburger Day’ Sept. 18

Special to the Opelika Observer On Sept. 18, BurgerFi locations nationwide will be offering $1 BurgerFi Cheeseburgers, with the purchase of a BurgerFi Cheeseburger. The burger features two all-natural Angus beef patties, with double American cheese, lettuce, tomato and BurgerFi sauce.

Concert,

from A7

able, and attendees are welcome to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer. Bourbon “dazzled the crowd at his first Sundilla performance" said Sundilla organizer Bailey Jones, "and since then, we have made a point of getting him back here every five years or so. We would bring him in more often but he has to travel about 4,000 miles to get here." It is very hard to describe the almost endless amalgam of different influences in Bourbon's playing, all melting into each other, as he moves from classical openings, across a whole continent of cultural

Mystery,

from A7

Italian balsamic dressing - Grilled baconwrapped pork tenderloin, Port demi glace sauce - Oven-roasted

roots, from the Balearic's to the Balkans, and then across to the Mississippi Delta, and shoehorned into all that is music that would not have been out of place in the courts of emperors and kings. Bourbon weaves his songs through the audience as if on a journey through life taking in different flavors of Europe and beyond. His Spanish medieval blues evolve into gypsy, eastern European, with a splash of Paco de Lucia, delta blues and more, holding the attention of the audience as if they were under a musical spell. It is not easy to begin to describe the breadth or mastery of the music you will hear if you are fortunate enough to catch

one of Bourbon's gigs; it is a sensory experience like no other. A top master of his craft and never appearing to be rushed, he has impeccable timing and makes things that one can only marvel at seem simple. While the temptation might be to close one's eyes and get lost in the music, it is fascinating to listen while watching Bourbon's hands. He plays with all ten fingers for a reason: because that's all the fingers he has. Bourbon's inimitable style incorporates all five digits on each hand dancing independently but in unison, plucking, picking and strumming at such speed and precision that his fingers often seem to melt into a blur.

mixed vegetables with herbs and olive oil - Flourless chocolate cake with raspberry puree - Rolls and butter - Tea and Water to drink. Four members of the Atlanta-based Murder Mystery Company will direct and lead the

audience to clues as to the identity of the killer. “They are going to come and bring us a whole show from beginning to end. They will arrive early and greet the guests, which will set the scene for the evening,” Ellis said. At the conclusion of the show, awards will be presented for “Best Dressed,” “Best Audience Actor or Actress,” as well as first and last-place tables. Ellis encourages guests to “dress up” and be “in the spirit” for the event. Dancing will conclude the evening’s festivities. Tickets are available for $60 each through eventbrite. com. That covers the cost of admission, meal, two drink tickets and eligibility to enter door prize giveaways throughout the evening. For more information, visit www.twentyoneacres.com or call 334-332-3662.

General Membership Meeting September 18, 2018

9:00 am - Noon

(Information Fair-9:00 am to 9:45 am) Auburn Church of Christ: 712 S. College Street, Auburn, AL

"The Helen Keller You Never Saw" Presented by: William Johnson For details, Visit the OLLI website at www.olliatauburn.org

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

Call 334-844-3102 or 844-3105

AUXILIARY

Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.

334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org

Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

pelika O Observer Recipes,

from A7 ota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, Kentucky, as team leader for V-6 Powertrain engine build and test for Camry and Avalon. After she finally retired, Brenda moved to Florida and lived on the water. When her aging parents became ill, she felt she needed to move to this area to help care for them. Her sister already resided in Opelika. Since then, her father has since passed away, and her mother is in an assisted living. Five years ago, Brenda met Bob, who is from Jackson, Mississippi, and has a background in law enforcement and investigation. Since they married, the Botelers have enjoyed traveling in their RV with their dog, Molly. Along with exploring interesting places, they enjoy visiting Brenda’s grown sons and grandchildren. Grif lives in Montana, while Tom resides in Birmingham. Brenda has an interest in antiques and has collected pieces from places she has lived and traveled. The Collinwood neighborhood reminds her of the close community where she grew up. “When we walk Molly,” she says, “we meet a lot of people. It melts my heart that people are so kind, generous and helpful.” Brenda will share meals with a neighbor who doesn’t cook much anymore. They are also alert to the well-being of their neighbors. They enjoy being a part of the annual

Luminaries during the Christmas season. After taking medical classes on nutrition, Brenda began creating recipes and adapting others to be healthier. Her suggestions for eating healthy include buying fresh and local, using the best olive oil and not overcooking vegetables. For the most part, she has eliminated “white” from her menus. Every day, she drinks distilled water with lemon, as she feels it is one of the best things she can do to remove free radicals. She mainly eats foods that are alkalizing, which helps to heal the body in an alkalized state. These foods include lots of fruits and vegetables. “I like to cook,” she says, “because it reminds me of my Grandmother Royall.” Once in a while she bakes special treats, including Old Time Buttermilk Pie and Blueberry and Lemon Bread. Her Chocolate Cups are easy to make and great for filling with ice cream, cheesecake or fruit. She freezes ice cubes with popsicle sticks and dips them into melted chocolate to form a cup. It is then placed on wax paper for the chocolate to set. The filled cups are an attractive dessert. “I love cooking for my husband, neighbors and family,” says Brenda. “The retirement phase of a life is a beautiful thing when you have neighbors like we have and a home with a view and wildlife. It is great living in Opelika.” Ann Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@ cipperly.com.

FOOD RATINGS Cakeitecture Bakery 114 W. Magnolia Ave. Auburn Score: 100

Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar 1900 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 96

Five Guys Burgers and Fries 121 N. College St. Auburn Score: 99

El Patron Mexican Grill 2212 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 95

Huddle House 2020 Gateway Drive Opelika Score: 97 Durango Mexican Grill 1706 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 96

Little Caesar’s 1515 2nd Ave. Opelika Score: 95 The Mason Jar 1936 S. College St. Auburn Score: 94

Asian Pear Salad 4 Asian pears, washed and sliced Sprinkle with lemon juice; set aside. Combine: 1 cup cottage cheese ¼ tsp. ground cin-

namon 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ¼ cup ground almonds or walnuts Arrange pear slices on lettuce. Top with cottage cheese mixture.

Mango Salsa 1 cup mango, cut into small chunks 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped 1 minced garlic clove 1 tsp. seeded, chopped jalapeño

1/2 cup cucumber, seeded and chopped 2 Tbsp. lime juice 1/2 tsp. sugar 1/8 tsp. red crushed pepper Tortilla chips Combine salsa ingredients and chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

Old Time Buttermilk Pie Make the crust or use a purchased 10inch crust. Crust: 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. salt ½ cup shortening ¼ cup milk 1 egg Combine flour and salt; cut in shortening. Add milk and egg; combine. Press into a 10-inch pie plate. Set aside. Filling:

½ cup butter, softened 2 cups sugar 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 3 eggs 1 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. cinnamon ¼ cup lemon juice Combine butter and sugar. Add flour and eggs. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into pie crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until set.

Lemon-Blueberry Cake 2 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 cup sour cream ½ cup oil 1 tsp. almond or vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ½ tsp. cornstarch 16 oz. (2 cups) fresh blueberries Beat eggs and sugar until thick. Add sour cream, oil and extract. In another bowl, mix flour and baking powder. Add

to egg and sugar mixture. Do not overbeat. Mix lemon juice and cornstarch; coat blueberries with mixture. Pour half the batter into a springform pan. Add half of the blueberries and remaining batter. Top with rest of blueberries, pressing them into the batter. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes until test done. Cool. Dust with powdered sugar.

Baja Fish Tacos Cod fillets ½ cup milk Soft tacos Soak cod in milk. Remove and set aside. Have soft tacos ready to heat. Mix: 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ¼ tsp. chili powder Combine and coat fillets. Fry in oil until brown on each side and cooked or bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Serve with one of the following three topping op-

tions. First Topping Option: 2 chopped Roma tomatoes 1 tsp. garlic juice Cilantro jalapeño relish Combine all ingredients. Second Topping Option: ¼ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sugar ¼ tsp. lime juice Combine ingredients. Third Topping Option: Shredded cabbage, barely steamed

Artichoke Potato and Mushroom Hash 4 Yuken Gold potatoes, cubed Artichoke hearts Portobello mushrooms, sliced Onion 2 chopped garlic cloves 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 Tbsp. capers Boil potatoes 3-4 minutes; drain. Sauté mushrooms, onion, garlic, parsley and capers. Add potatoes and artichoke hearts. Place mixture in casserole dish. Sprinkle asiago cheese over top. Bake at 275 degrees for 40 minutes.

A9 September 12, 2018 Favorite Chicken Recipe Sauté boneless chicken breasts in ¼ cup olive oil 10 minutes on each side. Set aside in shallow casserole dish. Sauté: 1 cup dried cranberries in ½ stick butter

2-3 Tbsp. orange marmalade ½ cup apple cider vinegar ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg ½ cup slivered almonds Pour mixture over chicken breasts. Bake uncovered at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.

Jalapeño Poppers Wash and slice lengthwise as many jalapeño peppers as needed. Remove inside. Filling: 1 lb. hot ground sausage ½ cup sour cream

8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened Small pkg. 3-cheeses, shredded Mix ingredients together (use your hands to mix well). Stuff pepper halves. Bake on a wire rack at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.

Choose Your Croquette 14-16 oz. baked ground chicken or baked and flaked cod or salmon 4 large eggs, beaten 1 cup finely chopped celery 1 cup finely chopped onion or chives Combine ingredients. Shape into patties. Fry quickly in 3-4

Tbsp. olive oil. Serve with the following sauce. Sauce: 1½ cups fat free Greek plain yogurt ¼ cup Dijon mustard 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill 1 tsp. lemon zest 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ¼ cup mayonnaise Combine ingredients and serve with croquettes.

Good Brussel Sprouts My Way Fresh Brussel sprouts, cut in half ¼ cup olive oil 1 cup dried cranberries ¼ cup water 1 cup slivered almonds 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinaigrette Brown sprouts in

olive oil. While cooking, place cranberries in water. Stir in almonds and balsamic vinaigrette. Simmer mixture 10 minutes. Pour over browned sprouts. Simmer uncovered 10-12 minutes.

Ice Cube Chocolate Cups Freeze a tray of ice cubes with a popsicle stick in each. Melt 16 oz. pkg. chocolate morsels, semi-sweet or dark. Lift out each ice cube and dip in melted chocolate to coat 4 sides not the top.

Place on wax paper and remove ice cube and stick, leaving square chocolate cups. Fill with cheesecake filling topped with a strawberry, ice cream or graham cracker crumbs and marshmallow cream.

Avocado Stuffed Eggs 6-8 boiled eggs, cooled 2 avocados, peeled and smashed 1 Tbsp. lime juice 1 tsp. jalapeño relish 1 Tbsp. sour cream with chives

Ground pepper Sea salt Remove egg yolks. Mash with avocados and remaining ingredients. Stuff egg whites. Serve with crackers and sliced tomatoes.

Rosemary Pork Tenderloin 1 pork tenderloin (unseasoned) 4 Fiji or Gayla Apples, cored and quartered 1 large onion, quartered

1/4 cup lime juice 1/4 cup maple syrup ¼ cup fresh ground rosemary Place pork in casserole dish and top with remaining ingredients. Bake covered at 375 for one hour.

Southern-Style Pickled Shrimp Serves 6 to 8 1 Vidalia or sweet onion, thinly sliced 1 lemon, thinly sliced 3/4 cup cider vinegar 1/2 cup canola oil 1/4 cup capers with their juices 3/4 tsp. celery seeds 1/2 tsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt Splash of Tabasco sauce, to taste 1 1/2 lbs. (41/50

count) peeled and cooked shrimp In a large bowl, combine the onions, lemon, cider vinegar, canola oil, capers, celery seeds, sugar, salt, and Tabasco. Add the shrimp and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve chilled. Keeps for at least a week.

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A10 September 12, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 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 887-6659 or at 256-3071449. Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for parents whose children have autism will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other. • 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 Lee County Voters League meets the first Monday of every month at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1335 Auburn St. in Opelika. • The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-528-4197 or deborahowen@eamc.org. • The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30–6:30 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 5:30-7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

Prom,

from A1 wear whatever is the most comfortable to them. Presenting sponsors include Chick-fil-A TigerTown, Opelika SportsPlex and Hudson Family Foundation. More than 130 guests and nearly 400 volunteers attended last year’s Shine Prom. According to event coordinator Lori Fuller, “more volunteers” will be needed because “a lot more guests are expected this year.” Fuller said she gained

• 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 7-8 p.m.

inspiration to create Shine Prom from the Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine” event which began in 2014. That served as the catalyst for creating a similar event locally because “our special-needs community needs this too.” Despite not having a family member with special needs, Fuller said her passion for the specialneeds community is her primary driving force in organizing the event, which would not be possible without help from its sponsors. For more information or to register, visit www. shineprom.com.

every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320. • A monthly educational program on topics for autism parents, caregivers and teachers will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika from 6-7:30 p.m. Childcare is provided, but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@ leecountyautism.com to make sure there are enough volunteers. • 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 6:30-6:45 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 6–8 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 4590214 or 706-518-9122. • The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that

Fuller,

from A4 to live. Though the days may sometimes be long and hard, I remind myself how far I have come. When the day comes to a close I go outside and wait for the sunset. That is my reward. That is my sign of life. I made it to another sunset. That’s something my father didn’t get to do. So far, I have made it through 148 seasons and 13,505 sunsets. I plan on

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 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216. • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. • Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 - 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. • TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum. They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights. This event is held the third Thursday of each month. Visit leecountyautism.com for more information. • 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

living my life so I can continue chasing sunsets. They are, and always will be, my reward. My kiss from heaven and my personal high five from God, himself. The breeze is so cool today. I’m sitting on the porch in deep reflection over the past 34 years of my life. Lost in thought, I am suddenly brought back to reality as I hear the rustling of the flag. I move my gaze slowly to it where my eyes are met with the sweet sight of Jody pushing Abigail in her

stroller down our quiet country road. And it all fizzles away. All the pain dissipates. I can’t help but feel anything but pride as I sit and relish in what I have overcome. I made it. Here I am. Every scar, every tattoo, every freckle, every gray hair, every breath, every bruise, every broken bone, every tear, every smile and every laugh. I’m here. I have survived hard things. I catch myself smiling slightly as I type this because the early signs of fall are

changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri.paradice@gmail. com for more information or luncheon location of the month. • 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 334528-1076 for more information. • The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art holds evening and after-school studio art classes yearround. Open to all skill levels, art supplies are included with the cost of registration. Call 334480-2008. •Sept. 18 - The September meeting of NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will take place at 7 PM on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 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. • Oct. 1 - Mark your calendars for Mayor Fuller’s Oct. 1 visit to the Lee County Voter’s League meeting. Mayor Fuller will speak on his commission to address crime in Opelika many members thought of interest. The general election is approaching and the group will conduct a special meeting Oct. 15 (at the usual 6 p.m. start time) to determine League endorsements, to send out announcements, press releases, etc. for voters who want to participate on November 6. League meetings are held at Bethesda Baptist Church; 201 South 4th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

making themselves apparent with the cool breeze flowing through that grand ‘ole flag. The breeze feels good. It would be a good day to go horseback riding but for now, I will stick with chasing sunsets. Lucy Fuller is a lover of nature, animals, gardening, and old houses. She is a full time mother and wife. She currently resides in Opelika with her husband, two daughters, 3 dogs, and cat. She can be reached at fullalove2017@gmail. com

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A11 September 12, 2018

Magician Joseph Lawski shares Opelika’s ‘On the faith, Bible through illusions, tricks Tracks’ event making a return in October By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Sharing the Bible and its truths through magic is the full-time occupation of Joseph Lawski, better known as “Joseph the Magician,” who performs periodically at downtown Opelika’s La Cantina. Through card and sleight-of-hand tricks, Lawski’s performances at the restaurant have become a beloved tradition by customers and Opelika families alike according to marketing coordinator Jennifer Collins. “We have sort of built a family night around the nights that he is going to be there. We have kid’s meal specials and it’s just a good opportunity for the family to come out and enjoy something together,” Collins said. “He does table-side illusions and it’s something that (people of) all ages can enjoy.” Lawski’s career and interest in magic spans nearly 30 years, but can be traced back to his childhood. Born and raised in Germany, Lawski emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1960 when he was 13 years old, enamored by the romanticized stories of the American West and dance moves and music of pop culture phenom

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Elvis Presley. Settling in Columbus, Georgia, Lawski would attend Eddy Middle and Baker High schools. During high school, he met Aflac founder John Amos and his wife, a connection that later blossomed into a job in the company’s computer programming department. After graduating high school in 1967, Lawski was conscripted into the U.S. Navy, serving for more than a decade. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy in the early 1980s, Lawski pursued a full-time career in magic, eventually becoming a working member of the Los Angeles branch of the prestigious Magic Castle Academy. During a profession-

al act in 2008, Lawski endured a fall that crushed his humerus bone, a debilitating injury that led him to God and the path he was bound to take for his magic career. “I did a lot of praying after my injury. I was asking the Lord, ‘how am I going to feed my family now?’” Lawski said. “In the Book of Matthew, there’s a verse that God pointed me to (4:19) about being fishers of men. He asked me, ‘will you mention me and let me be a part of my act?’ And, of course, I said yes.” Lawski now presents his act to audiences of all ages across the Southeast. Based in Hilton Head, South Carolina, he uses his platform to share the Christian

Tuesday - Saturday 128 Columbus Parkway

faith with those unfamiliar with its message. “I’m a Christian - I don’t claim to be a part of a certain denomination. I believe in Jesus and I believe that God created us in His image to be perfect, which we aren’t and never will be,” Lawski said. “So, when I’m able to tweak someone else’s heart for the Lord, I get applause from everybody in heaven. And that tells me to go for it and keep going.” Lawski’s most notable act is “Jesus in Your Pocket,” a card trick that immerses participants in a brief Bible study and “serves to break the ice” for Christians attempting to witness to others. In the future, Lawski said he plans to add a magical coloring book to his catalog for children to use. The book will contain images from some of the Bible’s most wellknown stories. For more information or to keep up with Lawki’s scheduled appearances at La Cantina, like and follow the business on its social media pages or call 334-203-1418.

By Vanessa Poulson For the Opelika Observer On The Tracks, a night in downtown Opelika full of food, live music and exciting entertainment, is set to return for the 25th time Oct. 19 from 6-11pm. This outdoor event is intended to help raise funds for Opelika Main Street and promote some of the various local businesses in both Opelika and Auburn. A diverse collection of different restaurants and vendors will be serving food. This food will be featured in a Food Tasting Trail, where guests will be able to taste a variety of different foods and drinks. Live music performances will accompany them throughout the trail. Beverages and food will be priced accordingly. Tables for groups or businesses with up to 10 people are also available for purchase. Opelika Main Street was established in

1987 in order to help revitalize local businesses in Opelika. The organization has allowed for expanded growth and renovation of historic downtown Opelika, along with more aggressive marketing campaigns targeted at helping Opelika remain vibrant and cultured. Their approach is unique because its guiding principles are different from other redevelopment strategies. These principles include a comprehensive approach, incremental projects, community involvement and a strong public and private partnership. Tickets for the On The Tracks event are $40 and can be purchased online at www. onthetracks.org. There will be a limited supply of tickets available at the Gallery on Railroad, located at 809 S Railroad Ave. For more information and updates about the event, like and follow the Opelika Main Street or On the Tracks Facebook pages.

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A12 September 12, 2018

Second annual ‘O-Day in the Village’ held Saturday at Covington Park

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Creekline,

from A1

Inspired by similar installations used in cities including Atlanta, Greenville and Houston, the Langleys are currently working to finish conceptualizing for the project in hopes of incorporating it into the City of Opelika’s soon-to-berevised master plan in 2019.

would be a benefit to the city for generations to come. “This is such a well thought-out and organized plan. It’s as if we’ve gotten a consultant to inventory our city and make recommendations for free,” Lazenby said. “For those who may not be willing to walk, bike or push a stroller, having something like this I believe will encourage them to get out and have a more active lifestyle, a benefit for

Boundaries for the proposed project extend from the Opelika Sportsplex to the Pepperell Mill Village and Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Siddique Nature Park along Waverly Parkway. Paths would also run along the Pepperell Branch, Rocky Brook and Saugahatchee Creek water systems. Shirley Lazenby, president of the Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee, said she believes the project

Career Discovery 2018 CAREER EXPO

September 13 - 14, 2018

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Hosted on the Opelika campus of:

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September 13-14, 2018 Thank You to our Platinum Sponsors!

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everyone here in Opelika.” A byproduct of the conversation surrounding The Creekline Project is the renewed discussion of constructing a park in the historic Pepperell Mill Village, Rocky added, a development that the City of Opelika’s Planning Department will evaluate in the future. Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller shared his support for The Creekline Project, but said he believes obtaining permission from property owners who own land along those creeks and streams could be a major hurdle for the project as its planning moves ahead. “I love the idea of The Creekline (Project). (But) I suspect the cost for something like this will be substantial and will involve a lot of work,” Fuller said. “Property owners have to be identified and approached about their land being used for this. Hopefully, we can find a way to get started and develop this in phases over a period of time.” Rocky cited Opelika’s rapid growth and expansion as other reasons for why the project is so desperately needed. “We love Opelika for its size, history and the people who live here. We want families who live here to want to stay here and those looking for a new city to call Opelika home,” Rocky said. “We want employers to come here to help with (economic development) and feel comfortable about their employees living and working here. The city has done a great job, and we feel that this project will just add on to that.” For more information, updates or to view maps of the project, like and follow “The Creekline & Pepperell Park Project” Facebook page. Those wishing to assist the Langleys with the project can message the project’s page for details on how to get involved.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer East Alabama Medical Center, Bandy Park, Opelika High School, Municipal and Stern parks are various places of interest that would be connected through “The Creekline Project,” which would include the construction of more than 13 miles of shared-use paths to work in tandem with existing bike path to further connect the city and provide citizens with safer places to exercise.

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

Upcoming Football Games Sept. 14 Opelika v. Wetumpka (A) Beauregard v. Rehobeth (H) Beulah v. Prattville Christian (H) Smiths Station v. Enterprise (A)

OHS crowns Lauren White 2018 homecoming Queen

On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell

Bulldogs overwhelm the Saints with 66-6 win

pelika High School (1-2 overall, 1-0 in region play) defeated Selma 66-6 last Friday night at Bulldog Stadium, scoring early and often against the outmanned Saints. Brantan Barnett opened the night’s scoring with a 19-yard touchdown run fewer

than five minutes into the first quarter. Selma’s Nick Parnell answered, taking the ensuing kickoff nearly 100 yards for a touchdown. The extra-point attempt failed, leaving the Bulldogs up 7-6 with 10:18 left in the first quarter. The Bulldogs took over and scored 59 unanswered points, much

to the delight of the homecoming crowd in attendance for the team’s home opener. Senior quarterback Cade Blackmon accounted for two passing TDs of 45 yards to Omar Holloway and 60 yards to Marien Warner. Kani Kellum scored two rushing touchdowns on See Opelika, page B8

Photo Special to the Opelika Observer The 2018 Opelika High School Homecoming Court was recognized today at an assembly at OHS. Pictured are members of the homecoming court: (left-right) Jamiya Meadows-freshman; La'Dajah Huguley-sophomore; Hannah Wilson-junior; Chelsea Carr-senior; Lauren White-senior; Casie Baldwin-senior; Mia Counts-junior; Benet Harris-sophomore and Lauren Landry-freshman. White was announced as homecoming queen Friday night at halftime of the OHS vs. Selma game at Bulldog Stadium.

Rams take sting out of Hornets with 41-20 win By Rick Lanier For the Opelika Observer

Bobcats upset Eagles with 27-26 win

In what has become a good ‘ole fashioned cross-county rivalry, Beauregard opened regional play on the road against Valley Friday night, dropping a 41-20 contest to the Rams. Throughout the game, the Hornets displayed flashes of success, amassing 410 yards of total offense. Senior running back Kyle See Beauregard, page B3

Panthers fall 49-0 in ‘Backyard Brawl’ Photo by Jamie Hancock/Special to the Opelika Observer By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor While jogging onto the field after his squad’s thrilling 27-26 upset victory of Montgomery Academy Friday night, Beulah’s Cody Flournoy said he and the rest of the Bobcat faithful had just witnessed a coming together of their football team. “We were all so

excited. I’m so proud of these guys because I’ve been telling them what we could do,” Flournoy said. “I really believe in this group and you can tell they are really starting to believe in themselves too.” The Eagles scored a late touchdown to cut the Bobcat lead to one. Following an offsides by Beulah, Montgomery Academy’s Gary Nelson

chose to pursue a twopoint conversion to win the game. From one yard out, a run play by the Eagles was halted by Beulah defensive lineman Hunter Bryant, preserving the Bobcat’s lead and eventual victory. Once again, the Bobcats relied on their potent rushing attack to See Beulah, page B3

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Central dismantled Smiths Station 49-0 during the annual “Backyard Brawl” rivalry game last Friday night held at Panther Stadium. Smiths Station’s Mike Glisson said his team was simply overmatched by a Central squad oozing with collegiate talent, but was impressed by their determination and fight for four quarters. “Central is really, really good. We got a ways to go (as a program), and I knew that coming in,” Glisson said. “I thought my kids played their butts off in the first See Smiths, page B3

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B2 September 12, 2018

PLAYER OF THE WEEK The City of Opelika is proud to sponsor the Opelika High School Player of the Week. We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the football field.

Beulah Player of the Week Senior linebacker and running back Caden Dowdell was selected as the Beulah Player of the Week. In the Bobcats' 27-26 victory over Montgomery Academy Friday night, Dowdell finished with six tackles and a sack and rushed 16 times for 144 yards and three touchdowns.

Opelika’s senior center Hunter Rider was selected as the Opelika Player of the Week. Rider was a key contributor in Friday’s 66-6 homecoming victory against Selma.

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

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

Player of the Week brought to you by

Zone 2 screens

1804 Thomason Dr. Opelika , AL. 36801

Senior linebacker and running back L.C. Harris was named the Smiths Station Player of the Week. In the Panthers' 49-0 loss to Central of Phenix City last Friday night, Harris who finished with 9 carries for 30 yards and a reception for 42 yards.

Beauregard Player of the Week Senior wide receiver Isaiah McKissic was selected as the Beauregard Player of the Week. In the Hornets' 41-20 loss to Valley Friday night, McKissic hauled in nine catches for 190 yards and a touchdown.

pelika O Observer Auburn University taps former Homeland Security official to lead cybersecurity institute By Austin Phillips Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University has taken another step forward as a leader on the national stage of cybersecurity with last week's hiring of globally renowned cyber expert Frank Cilluffo to direct Auburn’s Charles D. McCrary Institute. Cilluffo, whose appointment is effective Sept. 17, previously served as an associate vice president at The George Washington University where he led a number of national security and cybersecurity policy and research initiatives. He directed the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security and, with the School of Business, launched the university’s World Executive MBA in Cybersecurity program. Following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Cilluffo was appointed by President George W. Bush to the newly created Office of Homeland Security. There, he was involved in a wide range of homeland security and counterterrorism strategies, policy initiatives and served as a principal advisor to Director Tom Ridge, directing the president’s Homeland Security Advisory Council. The McCrary Institute is focused on practical, interdisciplinary research and innovation in infrastructure and cybersecurity. Founded through a gift from the Alabama Power Foundation in 2014, the institute is tasked with developing next-generation technologies aimed at improving the security and operation of the nation’s infrastructure. “Frank is one of the world’s preeminent experts on cybersecurity and homeland security, and we are excited to have someone of his caliber leading such an important endeavor,” said Christopher B. Roberts, dean of engineering. “The McCrary Institute has allowed Auburn University to build on the track record of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s Cyber Research Center and emerge as a national leader in cybersecurity research." “Having Frank spearhead this effort only bolsters our commitment in this vital area,” he added. “His leadership record is second to none, and his innovation and professionalism in the cybersecurity community is broadly recognized.” Joining George Washington University in 2003, Cilluffo established the Center for Cyber and Homeland Security as a prominent nonpartisan “think and do tank” dedicated to building bridges between theory and practice to advance U.S. security. “Auburn plays a key role in safeguarding U.S. cyber infrastructure,” said Auburn University Chief Operating Officer Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess, who retired from the U.S. Army as the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2012. “Frank’s stature, expertise and forward-looking insight propel Auburn to the next level of national leadership.” Prior to his White House appointment, Cilluffo spent eight

Beulah,

from B1 move the football, churning out 303 total yards on 48 running plays. Do-itall senior Caden Dowdell sliced through the Eagle defense for 144 yards and three touchdowns off 16 attempts. Quay Moreland and Chris Person combined to rush for another

Cilluffo years in senior policy positions with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank. There, he chaired or directed numerous committees and task forces on homeland defense, counterterrorism and transnational organized crime, as well as information warfare and information assurance. Cilluffo has publicly testified before Congress on numerous occasions, serving as a subject matter expert on policies related to counterterrorism, cyber threats, security and deterrence, weapons proliferation, organized crime, intelligence and threat assessments, emergency management, and border and transportation security. Similarly, he works with U.S. allies and organizations such as NATO and Europol. He has presented at a number of bilateral and multilateral summits, including the U.N. Security Council, on cybersecurity and counter-terrorism. He has published extensively in academic, law, business and policy journals, as well as magazines and newspapers worldwide. His work has been published through ABC News, Foreign Policy, The Journal of International Security Affairs, The National Interest, Parameters, Politico, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Quarterly and The Washington Post. He currently serves on the editorial advisory board for Military and Strategic Affairs, and has served as an on-air consultant for CBS News and as a reviewer for a number of publications and foundations. “I am excited to join a firstclass university and high-caliber team committed to tackling some of the greatest national and economic security challenges facing our country today,” Cilluffo said. “As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, so too must our response. The time has come to move beyond ‘admiring the problem,’ toward implementing solutions. “Auburn is poised to achieve wide-ranging impact by marshaling and mobilizing the wealth of policy, research and technology expertise that resides within the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering and the university as a whole. By working to leverage this knowledge, the McCrary Institute will foster and formulate solutions; educate and empower the workforce of today and tomorrow; and help turn concepts into capabilities to meet the needs of both industry and government,” he added.

16 carries and 107 yards. Quarterback Lonzie Portis was effective, completing 13-of-17 passes for 86 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions. Defensively, the Bobcats were led by Dowdell, who finished with six tackles and a sack. Senior defensive Isaiah Glidewell notched five tackles and another sack, and junior defensive back William Sykes contrib-

B3 September 12, 2018

Opelika Power Services broadcasts Opelika High School football games By Arnecia Walker For the Opelika Observer Missed a Friday night Opelika High School football game? No need to fret. Opelika Power Services broadcasts Opelika football games from the previous Friday night every Tuesday at 7 p.m. and three times a day at 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. until the following Tuesday. The broadcasting is only available to customers with Choice or Ultra packages with a set top box. OPS has been serving the area for more than 100 years and currently has more than 13,000 electric customers. The company has been broadcasting Opelika football

Beauregard,

games since 2014. “Adding high school football games has provided an avenue for new people to watch the games that otherwise wouldn’t be able to," said OPS Director Derek Lee. Lee expressed that customers have given positive feedback about the addition of the games and that his

Smiths,

from B1

Hughley rushed for 106 yards on nine carries and Isaiah McKissic caught nine passes for 190 yards and a touchdown. The Hornet defense swarmed on occasion, forcing a key fumble, and making critical stops to give the ball back to the offense. Beauregard’s momentum and best efforts on both sides of the ball were simply overcome by too many miscues and selfinflicted mistakes. Coach Rob Carter shared his thoughts on his team’s performance and why they have yet to earn a victory in the early stretch of their season. “We had too many turnovers tonight and we didn’t tackle well enough to win. The effort is there, the fight is there, we just need to stop worrying about who we are playing, and do the things we need to do to be better as a group,” Carter said. With the loss, Beauregard falls to 0-3 overall and 0-1 in region play. The Hornets look to rebound at home next Friday as they host fellow region foe Rehobeth, who is also winless on the year. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Because of construction work on the high school campus, fans are asked to park at Beauregard Elementary, which is located at 300 Lee Road 112, which is within walking distance of Hornet Stadium.

half. This bunch was 0-10 last year, and for them to come out and play a team of that caliber that hard is a testament to those kids, and I’m proud of them.” Both teams exchanged punts and turnovers on downs for most of a defense-dominant first quarter. A masterful punt bogged Central inside its own two-yard line, but four plays later, junior quarterback and LSU commit Kaden Melton hooked up with Zakavious Jakes for an 85-yard touchdown for the first score of the night. Fewer than five minutes later, Central pounced on a Smiths Station fumble inside the Panther twoyard line to set up their next score, a bullish run from senior Red Devils running back Amontae Faison. Trailing 14-0 early in the second quarter, Smiths Station mounted a furious drive, relying on explosive rushing plays from L.C. Harris to march down the field. Nearing the red zone, the Panthers ran out of steam and would turn the ball over on downs. Faison would add another touchdown later in the quarter to give the Red Devils a comfortable 21-0 halftime advantage. After another unsuccessful drive to start the second half, Smiths Station punted to Central. Starting at their own 28yard line, the Red Devils methodically moved the ball on the ground with

uted with five tackles and an interception. Though the Bobcats’ defense yielded 363 yards of total offense, including 243 through the air, Flournoy said he liked their opportunistic play and ability to play well in crucial situations. “There were some mistakes for sure, but we played well enough to win. At the end when we needed them the most, they stepped and up did

what they needed to do,” Flournoy said. With their 3-0 record to start the 2018-19 schedule, the Bobcats match their total combined wins from last season. Flournoy attributes the early success in his second season at Beulah to the existing players, staff and fan base who have bought into his philosophy for how the program should be run. “My whole thing from

company looks to expand their content in the future. "Broadcasting not only keeps the community up to date with high school sports, it is also good for the kids to have that opportunity to be able to see themselves on TV," Lee said. For more information, visit www.opelikapower. com.

Faison, who added his third and final score of the night on a 33-yard romp through the Panther defense. On the ensuing drive, a low snap rolled back to Smiths Station punter Jamieson Douglas, which would be picked up by a charging Marquez Henry and returned 31 yards for another Central touchdown. Late in the third quarter, senior Central quarterback Peter Parrish orchestrated another beautifully balanced touchdown drive, capping it off with a fiveyard toss to Eddie Williams for a score. Enter the fourth quarter, both teams began subbing in second, third and fourthstring players to gain experience and playing time. Little-to-no action occurred until the 2:29 mark of the fourth quarter, when Central backups Trey Miles and Kenner Butler connected for a 29-yard TD and final score in the 49-0 contest. As the Panthers gear up for their road trip to Enterprise next Friday, Glisson said he and his plan to closely evaluate film and assess the areas in which they need to improve as the season progresses. “We gotta take what we did well and try and do better at it everyday. We’ll see what we did well, see what we did bad, and we’re going to do our best to fix it,” Glisson said. Smiths Station (2-1 overall, 0-1 in region) will travel to Enterprise next Friday for a 7 p.m. tilt against the Wildcats. Central (3-0 overall, 1-0 in region) will travel to Prattville.

day one has just been to do things right. And if you do things right, good things will happen to you,” Flournoy said. “We came in with a mindset of changing the culture and doing things right, talking with the kids and telling them to make the right decisions … we’re doing a lot of small things differently, but we’re doing them right. And I think that’s been working for us so far.”

Beulah’s homecoming game against Prattville Christian Academy will be held next Friday night at Bobcat Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. The Lions enter the contest 1-1, and are coming off a 28-7 loss to Pike Road School Friday night. For more information, visit https://www.lee.k12. al.us/Domain/11. Beulah High School is located at 4848 Lee Road 270 in Valley.

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OBITUARIES Michael “Gage” Keel Michael “Gage” Keel of Auburn was born in Opelika, Alabama on September 18, 1996 and passed away on September 3, 2018. He was 21 years old. Gage passed away after a brief illness, he was a Private in the United States Army stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Gage was an exceptional athlete, he loved to play baseball, basketball, wake boarding, and fishing. Mary Austill Samford Mary Austill Samford of Opelika, Alabama died September 9, 2018 at Westminster Village, Spanish Fort, Alabama after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Yetta G. Samford,Jr; son, Yetta G. Samford III; and brothers, Jere Austill,Jr and Evan Austill. Mary was born Octo-

He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. He loved his family especially his brothers, Fischer and Peyton with all of his heart. He is survived by his mother, Angela Hunt (Gary); father, Mike Keel (Holly); brothers, Peyton Keel, Fischer Keel; grandparents, Cathy Sands, Ray and Brenda Keel; great grandmother, Dorothy Thompson, as well as numerous loving aunts, uncles,

ber 21,1929 in Mobile, Alabama, daughter of Jere and Winifred Austill. At the age of 9, she was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Honor for saving her friend from drowning while swimming near her home in Spring Hill. She attended the University of Alabama and was a member of Kappa Delta sorority. Mary was a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames and a lifelong active member of First Baptist Church

cousins, and other family members. Visitation was held on Friday, September 7, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 11:00 until 1:00 p.m. Funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor, Richard McCullough officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

where she served in many capacities. She devoted her life to helping family and friends of all ages and from all walks of life. She never hesitated to welcome the stranger. Mary was known for her wonderful culinary skills and creative and artistic projects. She will also be remembered for her warm and generous hospitality to so many. She is survived by daughters, Austill Samford Lott (Vic),

John “Ed” Whatley John "Ed" Whatley of Opelika, Alabama was born to the late Mary and Preston Whatley in Opelika on September 14, 1937 and passed away at his home surrounded by family on September 5, 2018. He was 80 years old. He was a proud member of Watoola United Methodist Church. Mr. Whatley was a refined proper gentleman who loved to play the violin and further his education. Mr. Whatley was Mobile,Alabama, Katie Samford Alford (Farra), Lexington, Kentucky; grandchildren Mary Austill Lott Flournoy (John), Walsh Lott Arendall (John), Katherine McRae Alford, Elizabeth Alford Rice (Evans), Farra McRae Alford,Jr (Lacey) and nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ruth Austill; devoted cousins Rose Ann and John Denson; and dear friend Kelley Pennington.

proud of the fact that he served in the United States Navy. He was a electronics technician aboard the Carrier Ticonderoga. He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Elizabeth Whatley Talton. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty Jean Whatley; daughter, Rebecca Jean Whatley Rice (John); grandson, Joshua Harold Perkins; sister, Sara Angeline Whatley Pope (Jack), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family

members Visitation was held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 8, 2018. Funeral service was held on Saturday, September 8, 2018 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 12:00 p.m. Reverend Gary Perry Officiated. Interment followed at the Holt Family Cemetery in Society Hill. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

She was also blessed by the care and special friendship of Robert Hardnett, Bernice Thomas, and Catherine Torbert. The family would like to express their gratitude to Marsha Ogletree and her team of care-givers for their loyal and dedicated service. Burial was held at Garden Hills Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 11, 2018. The family received visitors in the Samford Parlor, First Baptist

Church Opelika at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life in the Founders’ Chapel at 12:00 p.m. with Dr. Mike King. Reverend Mike Newman officiated. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), First Baptist Church Opelika, 301 S 8th St., Opelika, Al 36801, or the charity of your choice. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

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pelika O Observer IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: 2018-B-180 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF THOMAS PATRICK BERRY A/K/A THOMAS P. BERRY DECEASED. NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTRIX Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to ANNE L. MARTIN, on the 20th day of August, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Executrix. LEGAL RUN 8/29, 9/5 & 9/12

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF MELVIN ROSEN PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY CASE NO.: 2018-B-189 Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of MELVIN ROSEN, Deceased having been granted to Karen Ann Rosen, on the August 23rd, 2018 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. Karen Ann Rosen Personal Representative 869 Wheatfields Ct. Decatur, GA 30030 Legal Run 8/29, 9/5 & 9/12

IN THE MATTER OD THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL HENRY LAKE, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Sherry Sawyer Lake, as Executrix of the Estate of Michael Henry Lake, deceased, on the 28th day of August, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate 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.

SHERRY SAWYER LAKE, Executrix PREPARED BY: Phillip E. Adams, Jr. Adams, White & Oliver, LLP 205 S. 9th Street P.O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 9/5, 9/12, & 9/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF OLA J. MCKNIGHT, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF OLA J. MCKNIGHT, FRANK JOHNSON, MAGGY HEARD, GEORGIA MAGBY, ROBIE JOHNSON and LIMIE JOHNSON NOTICE: On the 28 th day of August, 2018, a certain writing, purporting to be the Will of OLA J. MCKNIGHT was filed in my office for Probate by DOROTHY JEAN COOPER and the 15th day of October, 2018, at 10:00 o’clock a.m. was appointed a day for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper. Given under my hand, the 28th day of August, 2018. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 3683-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 9/5,9/12, & 9/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MAMIE L. HAYWOOD, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Wanda Gail Chandler, as Executrix of the Estate of Mamie L. Haywood, deceased, on the 4th day of September, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate 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. Prepared by: Blake L. Oliver Adams White Oliver Short & Forbus, LLP 205 S. 9th Street, P.O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 334-745-6466 Legal Run 9/5, 9/12, 9/19

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LEGALS

N THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LEO D. HAYWOOD, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Wanda Gail Chandler, as Executrix of the Estate of Leo D. Haywood, deceased, on the 4th day of September, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate 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. Prepared by: Blake L. Oliver Adams White Oliver Short & Forbus, LLP 205 S. 9th Street, P.O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 334-745-6466 Legal Run 9/5, 9/12, 9/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2018-B-202 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF KATHRYN D. COOPER, Deceased NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTOR Letters Testamtary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 31st day of August, 2018, 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Elizabeth France Cooper Margaret Ann Walker CO-EXECUTRICES Legal Run 9/12, 9/19 & 9/26

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE # 2017-B-233 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF MICHAEL T. FRANDSEN, DECEASED NOTICE OF HEARING ON SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given to all persons who have an interest in the Estate of Michael T. Frandsen, deceased, that the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of the Probate Court of Lee County has set October 16, 2018 at 9:00 AM CDT as the proper time for a hearing on the settlement of the Estate

of Michael T. Frandsen, deceased, by Angela Jana Rainey, Personal Representative of said estate. Jeffery A. Hilyer, Attorney for the Estate Legal Run 9/12, 9/19 & 9/26

CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 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 Hal Hughley, managing member of Hayabb LLC and Anne M. Jensen, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Orchard View 2nd Addition subdivision consisting of 3 lot at 212 Lee Road 2085. 2. A public hearing on a request by Ledge Nettles, authorized representative for Robert K. Cash and Paul E. Hamby, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Bobcat Acres Phase 1 subdivision consisting of 3 lots accessed at 8237 Highway 29 North. 3. A public hearing on a request by James D. Miller, authorized representative for Ethel Mae Gibson, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of ‘A Resubdivsion of Parcel B Marcelliar D. Gibson Subdivision’ consisting of 4 lots at 3701 Oak Bowery Road. 4. A public hearing on a request by James L. McCrory, authorized representative for Willie G. Jackson, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Lucy Jackson Third Revision subdivision consisting of 2 lots at 1101 Saugahatchee Lake Road. 5. A public hearing on a request by David Slocum, authorized representative for Fannie Bryant, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Bryant-Calloway, Redivision of Parcel 1 subdivision consisting of 2 lots accessed at 3706 Oak Bowery Road.

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NOTICE OF MODIFICATION ACTION Eric Scott Bail, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Brittany Ainley’s Verified Petition for Modification of Custody and Support within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication of this notice, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No. DR-2016900327.01, Circuit Court of Lee County. MARY ROBERSON, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County. KIMBERLY DEAN P.O. Box 231 Opelika, AL 36803 Attorney for Brittany Ainley Legal Run 9/12, 9/19, 9/26 & 10/3

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regular meeting; Tuesday, December 18 th work session & regular meeting. 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 334-7055132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 9/12/2018

If you began working in a

2 2

6. A public hearing on a request by David Slocum, authorized representative for Fannie Bryant, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Bryant-Calloway Redivision of Parcel 2 subdivision consisting of 5 lots accessed at 3706 Oak Bowery Road. 7. A public hearing on a request by Builders Professional Group, Inc., authorized representative for Rodger Wendell &amp; Dawn Fleming, property owners, for preliminary plat approval of The Village at Waterford Phase 3 subdivision consisting of 78 lots accessed at Arlee Lane. 8. A request by Dino McDowell, authorized representative for D.H. McDowell Family LLLP, property owner, for final plat approval of The Reserve at Wyndham Gates, Phase 2 subdivision consisting of 85 lots accessed at Gateway Drive. 9. A request by Blake Rice of Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative for W.S. Newell & Sons, Inc., property owner, for final plat approval of the Towne Lakes Phase 4 subdivision consisting of 85 lots accessed at Towne Lake Parkway. 10. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on the request by Lindburgh B. Jackson, authorized representative for Lorraine T. Wilder, property owner, to rezone 11 acres located at 2012 Frederick Road from an R-5 zoning district to a C-2, GC-P zoning district. 11. The following agenda item is included for review as “Other Business” at the September 25th Planning Commission meeting: Dates for November and December Planning Commission Meetings - Combining Work Session and Regular meeting. Suggestions: Tuesday, November 20th work session &

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ALASCAN CLASSIFIEDS AUCTIONS ABSOLUTE AUCTION: Saturday, September 29th at 10am. The Living Estate of Jamie Gault, 10% Buyer Premium. Antique signs, cast iron items, 100+ guns, cars and much more. 6745 County Road 70, Leesburg, AL 35983. For information call David 1-256-504-5450 or Gerald 1-256-601-0924. DeBerry’s Rock Solid Auction #AAL5324. REAL ESTATE Auction, 141±Ac in 3 Tracts &Commercial Bldgs. on 28±Ac. near Huntsville, AL. Bidding Ends: 9/20 at 2PM, Preview: 9/18 at 2-5PM. AlabamaAuction.com |1-256565-5907, United Country | Hampton Auction & Realty AL#5114 SERVICES AFFORDABLE DIVORCE with or without children pro se $85.00. In-

cludes child support, property settlement and name change agreements. Credit cards, bank debit cards accepted. Call 1-256-367-8989 LEADING SMART home provider Vivint Smart Home has an offer just for you. Call 1-877-220-8817 to get a professionally installed home security system with $0 activation. WANT YOUR ad to be seen in 120 newspapers statewide? Place your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (a participating ALA-SCAN member) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide! INSURANCE COMPARE MEDICARE Supplement Plans and Save! Explore Top Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans For

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4131 HELP WANTED-TRADES THE UNIVERSITY of Alabama is seeking a Journeyman Elevator Mechanic. For more information and to apply, visit UA’s employment website at Jobs.ua.edu. The University of Alabama is an equal-opportunity employer (EOE), Including an EOE of protected Vets and individuals with disabilities. Application deadline 9/14/1 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY HAVE AN Idea for an invention/new product? We help everyday inventors try to patent and submit their ideas to companies! Call InventHelpÆ, Free Information! 1-877-3531293 WANTED TO BUY FREON R12 wanted: Certified buyer will pay cash for R12

cylinders or cases of cans. 1-312-291-9169; www.refrigerantfinders.com FOR SALE CHURCH FURNITURE: Does your church need pews, pulpit set, baptistery, steeple, windows? Big Sale on new cushioned pews and pew chairs. 1-800-231-8360. www. pews1.com. MISCELLANEOUS DONATE YOUR Car to Charity. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 1-844810-1257 MEDICAL A PLACE For Mom has helped over a million families find senior living. Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call 1-855-3989908.

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Job Opportunities Seeking Caregiver Seeking a long-term caregiver for approximately 4 hours a day, 4 days per week. Pays $25/hour Requires skills or experience in senior caregiving. Applicants

should contact leungmora@gmail.com Niffer’s @ the Tracks Niffer’s @ the Tracks is hiring in all positions. Applications are available in store, on the app or at www. niffersplace.com.

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For Rent Horse Farm -3845 Sand Hill Rd., Auburn Lovely setting for this 3 bdrm/1 bath house freshly renovated. Pastures and barn included. $1500.00 per month Available now. Rice Rentals 334-364-0480 809 2nd Avenue 7000 sq. ft. commercial building for rent or sale. Contact The Brown Agency at 334-7453584 or visit thebrownagency.com/rentals/

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‘Wake for Warriors’ gives veterans chance to learn new sport, bond with others By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Providing America’s military heroes with a chance to learn a new sport and spend quality, bonding time with fellow veterans and mentors is the goal of the Waleska, Georgiabased nonprofit organization “Wake for Warriors.” Founded in 2011 by former Marine Dave Deep, the idea behind Wake for Warriors came from a chance meeting with a double-amputee Marine who was looking for a new hobby. “I’ve always enjoyed water sports and being behind a boat … and I thought, ‘why not pass the joy that this brings along to people like him? I asked him to help us and he came over to my house (on Lake Arrowhead) one weekend and tried it out,” Deep said. “It ended up going well

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runs of nine and one yards. Barnett finished with 128 rushing yards on seven attempts, added two more rushing TDs on runs of 30 and 55 yards. Braylon Prince (one yard) and Jaylen Finley (12 yards) added rushing scores in the fourth quarter. Baker Rowton was 6-of-6 on extra points and Sergio Alcantara finished 1-of-2 on his extrapoint attempts. Marshall Meyers continues to improve in his handling of kickoff duties. Meyers, a soccer standout, kicked a football for the first time in the spring. He will

and that’s essentially how we got started.” As Wake for Warrior’s programs grew and developed, Deep said participants grew to include veterans whose scars were on the inside instead of outside. “We serve injured and sick veterans, from PTSD to amputee and everything between as I like to say. For those with limbs missing (or lack of mobility), we have chairs and wheelchairs that we can attach to a wake or surfboard,” Deep said. “And for those with internal injuries or scarring, it may take a little time to get used to it, but eventually that light will come on and they start to believe in themselves and think, ‘this is cool,’ and want to keep doing it.” Staging events locally at Lake Harding and other locations across the Southeast

in the beginning, word-of-mouth has spread the organization’s name to places like Washington State, which held an official Wake for Warriors event earlier this year. As Deep has come to discover, the multiple-day events not only provide veterans opportunities to acquire a new hobby or talent, but often a new lease on life and escape from the doldrums of everyday, post-military life. “I quickly realized that the point of this was building strong, lasting relationships than it was learning a new sport, which is really just a bonus part of it. In a nutshell, it’s just a way for them to enjoy the outdoors and be able to bond and spend time together,” Deep said. Expansion looms in the organization’s future, as Deep said planning is in the works for new chap-

continue to improve and add another aspect to an already solid kicking game. OPELIKA AT WETUMPKA The Bulldogs travel to Wetumpka (3-0 overall, 1-0 in region play) Friday for a huge region game. Opelika and Wetumpka have played each other twice, in 1938 and 2014, prior to joining the same region in 2016. Opelika has won the last two meetings by two combined points, 38-37 in 2016 and 20-19 last year at Bulldog Stadium. Opelika tied Wetumpka and Benjamin Russell for the 2017 region championship, after tiebreakers Wetumpka and Benjamin Russell took the one and two seed, dropping Opelika to third. The Indians lost returning quarterback J.D. Martin after

ters across the country. Currently operated by an all-volunteer staff, adding full-time administrators and employees will also be a part of Wake for Warriors’ next chapter. “The growth has just really surprised me. It’s hard to explain it in elevator speech, ‘oh, we just take guys out on the boat or its a water sports program for injured military veterans,’” Deep said. “But they don’t get to see what happens unless they see it first hand. And once that does happen, they want to get involved and be a part of it.” Interested veterans can fill out application forms available on the organization’s website, www. wakeforwarriors.org. There, visitors can also donate, read more about its programs, Special to the Opelika Observer sign up to volunteer and view a full calen- Pictured are highlights from a recent Wake for Warriors event on Lake Harding. dar of events.

suffering an ACL injury prior to the first game. Martin, a three-star athlete, accounted for 3,400 yards of offense, with 2,400 yards through the air and 1,100 on the ground. Wetumpka did not use the injury has an excuse, winning their first three games, 34-14 over Fairhope, 44-14 over Northview and 34-14 over Calera last week. This is a key game for both Opelika and Wetumpka. The loser will have a difficult time winning the region without help from tiebreakers. The two teams should be ready after winning by large margins last week. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m in Wetumpka. Tickets can be purchased online at gofan.co (not .com) or at the gate. Fans can listen to the broadcast on WKKR 97.7

FM starting at 6:30 p.m. or online at www.kickerfm. com. VOLLEYBALL Opelika’s volleyball team finished 2-2 in the Auburn High Tournament held last weekend. The Lady Bulldogs beat Beauregard 2-1 and Brookstone 2-0 but lost to Prattville 2-0 and Auburn 2-0. Coach Robin Roberts took her team to Alexander City Tuesday night for a match with Benjamin Russell, but the results were not available at press time. Opelika will host Russell County Sept. 13 at 4 p.m. and Auburn Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys state director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Price promises ‘commonsense approach’ if elected By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

onservative Republicans like Jeff Sessions have been obsessed with illegal immigrants for years. Sessions is and has always been a stickler for obeying the laws of our land. He is the most honest, upright, squeaky clean, politician I have ever seen in my lifetime of observing politics in Alabama. He is like Dudley Do Right, only shorter and straighter. He was an Eagle Scout and you can tell he was not making it up on his resume. He epitomizes a grownup Eagle Scout. He has never outgrown the straight and narrow path. During his 20-year tenure in the U.S. Senate as our junior Senator, he was the ultimate ideologue and one of, if not the most, conservative members of the Senate. He did not just give lip service to his reactionary positions, He put leg service in to every right-wing cause and issue. He was the Attorney General of Alabama before his election to the U.S. Senate. Prior to that he was the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama in Mobile. Being a prosecutor has always been his

passion. Therefore, when Donald Trump offered him the U.S. Attorney General post that is why he took it. Most U.S. Senators would have balked at abandoning a safe Senate seat they could stay in for life. Our senior Sen. Richard Shelby would have laughed in Trump’s face if he offered him a Cabinet position. Shelby would have told him, “Thanks but no thanks.” If Trump had offered him his job as president, Shelby would have considered it a demotion. Probably the only reason that Jeff Sessions has not be fired by the irrational Trump is that he knows that Shelby and Mitch McConnell and the Republican Senate leadership would automatically dissolve any power that Trump has as President. He would be rendered irrelevant when it comes to how any federal dollars are appropriated. For you see, Chairmanship of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee trumps the President every day of the week. There is an old adage that those that have the gold make the rules. Trump understands that rule. Having said all that, Jeff Sessions

Lee County businessman and cattle farmer Randy Price is looking to employ a “common-sense approach” to leadership in Montgomery if elected to the Alabama Senate District 13 seat. Previously a candidate for the Lee County Commission and Alabama House of Representatives District 38, Price has secured his party’s nomination and will face Democratic nominee Darrell Turner in the Nov. 6 midterm elections. Following is a brief background on Price and overview of his beliefs and platforms that will guide him if elected. Background A Lee County native, Price grew up on a family farm on the outskirts of Opelika. Already a cattle farmer, he later opened successful commercial trucking and custom home-building businesses. Affiliated with Lee

Price County’s Republican Party for more than 30 years, Price is involved with a number of other committees, groups and organizations, including: the Achievement Center of East Alabama Foundation board, BamaCarry, Lee County Farmer’s Federation board of directors, Lee County Republican Executive Committee, Third District Congressman Mike Rogers’ Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church board of trustees in Opelika. Price and his wife Oline have been married for more than 40 years, and together have two sons: Camer-

on and Hunter. Oline is Lee County’s revenue commissioner. In the 2014 race for the House of Representatives District 38 seat, Price ran a close but unsuccessful campaign against Isaac Whorton, falling by a 12.8 percentage-point margin. Price emerged as the Republican nominee for Alabama Senate District 13 in the July midterms following a 60-40 percentage-point victory over challenger Mike Sparks. His opponent, Turner, ran unopposed in this year’s Democratic primary and will be making his second bid for the seat. Platforms While on the campaign trail, Price said he developed his list of platforms based on the feedback of possible constituents within the district, which encompasses portions of Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Lee and Randolph counties. “If you’re going to run a successful cam-

and Donald Trump are right. We have immigration laws in this country, the same way that we have bank robbery and mail fraud laws. Without these laws and the upholding and adherence to these laws, we would have complete anarchy in the United States. It is not right or lawful that Mexicans enter the country illegally while other people from Brazil, China or Europe are properly applying for citizenship. The law should be upheld. States like California have been gleefully welcoming illegal immigrants for decades. It has basically ruined the once Golden State. They are now so deep in debt from giving free health care and school systems to illegals that they will never recover. My interest has been here at home in Alabama. It was not our problem. However, folks, it now is our problem; because California may steal one of our seven Congressional Districts by counting illegal, undocumented Mexicans in the 2020 census. Alabama is now at risk of losing a seat in the U.S. House

John Andrew Harris receives award for tenure, service

See Flowers, page B10

See Harris, page B10

Special to the Opelika Observer Lee County Commissioner John Andrew Harris has been presented with the Tenure in Office Award by the Association of County Commissions of Alabama for his 24 years of service to county government and the state of Alabama. The award was presented in August at the Association’s 90th Annual Convention. “Commissioner Harris deserves the gratitude of all Alabamians for his

Harris dedication to public service and personal sacrifice,” said 201819 ACCA President Tony Cherry. “Considering the extraordinary challenges county commissioners face every day, Commissioner Harris has continuously served

See Price, page B10

his constituents with honor and pride, and he deserves a pat on the back from everyone in Lee County.” ACCA annually presents the Tenure in Office Award to honor commissioners who have served for at least 16 years in office. The award is given in four-year increments thereafter. The Association of County Commissions of Alabama is a statewide organization speaking for all 67 counties with one voice. It promotes

Robert Ham selected to serve on John Merrill updates public on resolving election complaints 2018-19 ACCA Board of Directors Special to the Opelika Observer

Lee County Commissioner Robert Ham has been selected to serve as a member of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama’s 20182019 Board of Directors. Ham was re-elected to the position at the ACCA

90th Annual Convention held in August. The ACCA is the statewide association representing Alabama’s 67 county governments. The Association’s Board of Directors is composed of three executive officers, the ACCA’s past presidents still serving in county government and a

Special to the Opelika Observer

Ham See Ham, page B10

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill announced this week his office has now successfully resolved or closed all election complaints from the 2016 regular election cycle and the 2017

special Senate election. His team has now closed more than 92 percent of all election issue reports that have been submitted by citizens since the time he took office. From April 2015 to August 2018, the Secretary of State’s office received 764

total complaints about voting issues or election irregularity. Complaints range from second-hand reports of unauthorized campaigning at the polls to personallyobserved voting fraud. These complaints were submitted in writing to See Fraud, page B10

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Price,

EARP receives ADEM grant Special to the Opelika Observer The East Alabama Recycling Partnership was one of 21 applicants to be awarded a grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). This year, total grant funds to the East Alabama Recycling Partnership amount to $167,950 with Opelika Environmental Services receiving $137,136. The East Alabama Recycling Partnership consists of the City of Opelika, the City of Auburn, Auburn University and Lee County. Opelika Environmental Services will use $100,000 to partially fund a new automated side loader, which has a cost of approximately

Fraud,

from B9 the Secretary of State’s office or through an online form. Office staff members tracked those complaints and recorded their eventual closure or resolution. Of the 764 total complaints, there are now only 58 that remain pending or under investigation. “Our goal since taking office has been to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat,” Secretary Merrill said. “When I first sought this office, there was

$265,000. The purchase of this truck will replace older trucks in use and will greatly improve collection services making the curbside recycling program sustainable for many years. The remainder of the funds will be used to purchase additional 96-gallon carts and cardboard trailers. Opelika Environmental Services handles more than 900 curbside customers, four convenience centers and more than 75 cardboard customers. These customers produce over 700 tons per year in recycling materials. These funds will allow Opelika to continue growing its recycling footprint. For more information, contact Environmental Services Director Terry White at 334-705-5480.

no process for documenting voter fraud reports. We established a website dedicated to this issue – stopvoterfraudnow.com – to make sure each report is given the attention it deserves. It is unfortunate complaints like this have to be made at all, but I am proud of the way we have worked to follow through and get them closed or reported to the appropriate authorities.” The Secretary of State’s office will not pursue complaints that are not attributed to a source or that are submitted anonymous-

from B9 paign, you’ve got to understand the issues that are on people’s minds. When we started this campaign (more than) a year ago, I started in the northern part of the district and worked my way down, meeting with officials and community leaders and gaging what challenges or issues they were facing in their community,” Price said. “That gave me the opportunity to find out what people were thinking and what was really their concern. As an elected official, it will be my primary job to listen to what

ly, but the names of individuals who submit issues will be held in confidence. Complaints are reviewed and evaluated for legitimacy, and a staff team makes a determination about where the report needs to be directed. In March 2015, the Secretary of State’s office, the Attorney General and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) joined together to establish the Alabama Elections Fairness Project to foster cooperation among state agencies in pursuing voter fraud issues. Currently, if the issue is one that requires investigation of potential criminal charges, it is reported to local or state law enforcement or the attorney general’s office. Issues dealing with campaign finance or reporting are referred to the Ethics Commission. In some

Ham,

from B9 representative from each of the Association’s 12 established districts. The newly elected Board of Directors will govern the Association’s direction

people’s concerns are.” The pillars of Price’s campaign are: balanced budgets, higher quality of care and education for students, improved infrastructure, maintained pro-business atmosphere and solid economic development. “When you start talking about economic development, you gotta take a look at infrastructure. Those things go hand-in-hand,” Price said. “If you’re out recruiting for industries and jobs to come to Alabama, the one thing those companies are going to look at is infrastructure. And if you don’t have the necessary infrastruc-

ture in place, it’ll be hard for us to compete with those other states and get jobs here.” Through education, Price said he wants to expand opportunities for students so that they can fully evaluate their career options after high school and make informed decisions. “From day one of this campaign, I’ve been a firm believer that children who reach junior high don’t need to be funneled down the system. We need to let them make the decision about going the college or technical route then put the right tools in front of them to succeed,” Price

said. “If we don’t the necessary things through education to insure we have a workforce, then we’re still not going to be able to recruit jobs.” Local event As a part of his “Courthouse Tour” Sept. 13, Price and his team will make a stop at the five courthouses within the district to meet with citizens and leaders, including the Lee County Courthouse. Follow Price’s social media pages for updates on the schedules and stops during the event. For more information about Price and his campaign, visit www.randypriceforsenate.com.

cases, a team from the Secretary of State’s office has been deployed and issues are resolved on site. Other complaints are closed either due to a lack of sufficient information or a withdrawal of the complaint. Of the 706 closed reports, seven were handled by a team from the Secretary of State’s office, 24 were sent to the Ethics Commission, 37 were reported to the Attorney General, 151 were closed due to lack of sufficient information, 446 were closed generally, 39 were reported to local or state law enforcement and two were withdrawn. The issues handled by a team from the Secretary’s office were usually requests made by candidates who wanted to make sure the electoral process was done fairly and legally.

Complaints sent to the Ethics Commission usually involve campaign material disclaimers or campaign finance issues. Examples of issues referred to the Attorney General were improper procedures in the administration of the election process, absentee balloting issues or misuse of campaign materials. Reports to the ALEA are made when there is direct evidence of absentee ballot fraud. Local sheriffs or district attorneys are involved when there is an issue that requires immediate local attention, such as a poll worker attempting to influence a voter. Some issues can be closed quickly when there isn’t credible evidence, such as the 27 complaints from people outside the state who indicated they directly observed voter fraud on

Election Day. “Our office is committed to serving the citizens of Alabama and to doing our part to uphold the rule of law,” Secretary Merrill said. “We work closely with our law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels to ensure these issues are properly investigated and vigorously prosecuted. We currently have several cases under investigation that could lead to criminal charges, and we hope that serves as a deterrent for people who would seek to harm our electoral process in the future.” Any citizen who wishes to report any issue with elections or voting can do so by contacting the Secretary of State’s office by calling 334-2427200 or visiting www. stopvoterfraudnow. com.

for the next year. “County governments are often limited in what they can do because county governments are a creation of the state,” said ACCA Executive Director Sonny Brasfield. “That means it’s incredibly important for counties to have a strong working relationship with members of the Alabama Legislature. Serving on this board is a tremendous responsibil-

ity within the ACCA, and Commissioner Ham has proven himself to be more than aptly prepared for the task.” Ham will be representing ACCA’s District 8, which consists of Clay, Randolph, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chambers, Lee, Macon, Russell and Bullock counties. The Association of County Commissions of Alabama is a statewide organization speaking

for all 67 counties with one voice. It promotes improved county government services in Alabama, offers educational programs for county officials and their staff members, administers insurance programs for county governments and employees, offers legal advice, and represents the interests of county government before state and federal organizations and agencies.

Harris,

from B9 improved county government services in Alabama, offers educational programs for county officials and their staff members, administers insurance programs for county governments and employees, offers legal advice, and represents the interests of county government before state and federal organizations and agencies.

Opelika

Family & R

B11 September 12, 2018

eligion

From the east side of Nineveh D

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oes God give Jonah a commission and then pursue Him through a great wind, a mighty storm, noble Gentile mariners, lots, a great fish, a vine, a worm, and a scorching east wind— all because He has great compassion for Nineveh or is it because He is after Jonah’s (and Israel’s) heart? I think the answer is “yes,” and the question an important one because it helps prevent us from viewing the book in an unbalanced way that only sees God’s pursuit of the Ninevites. There is a gracious reciprocity throughout the book; God believed in the Ninevites and He also believed in Jonah. He pursues the Ninevites through Jonah and Jonah through the Ninevites. God not only believes in man when man doesn’t believe in Him; He believes in man when he doesn’t believe in what God believes in. Here we have both: Nineveh didn’t believe in Yah-

but running weh, and away from Jonah cerGod because tainly didn’t he’s afraid believe in Yahweh will Nineveh as be gracious Yahweh did. to some Any By Bruce Green Gentiles; feelings of Teaching Minister at the sailors smugness 10th Street Church of being filled during the Christ in Opelika with remorse course of when they our reading would also be a sure sign have to throw Jonah overboard while he we’ve veered off track. is filled with remorse Our response should be when the judgment upon to be overwhelmed by Nineveh is lifted by God. the grandeur of God’s The central irony love and humbled by that the story revolves the knowledge of the around is that any of many times we have the Israelites in Jonah’s stubbornly persisted in time would have jumped seeing people through at the chance to go to our warped perspective Nineveh and preach rather than through our against its wickedness Father’s redemptive (1:1-2). The empire eyes. responsible for the pain The book is rich in irony—a preacher who is and suffering of so many would now experience upset by an overwhelmwhat it was like to be ing response to God by on the receiving end of an entire city; pagan judgment. Who wouldn’t sailors praying while a be up for that? man of God is sleeping, The answer is the very the same sailors working hard to save a Jewish person God wanted! Jonah is no shallow, prophet who is not only self-righteous slacker. endangering their lives

Church calendar

• The popular contemporary Christian group Big Daddy Weave will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Sept. 14 as a part of their “Jesus, I Believe” tour. Brandon Heath will serve as the show opener. Visit ticketfly.com for tickets or call 334-745-5715. • Pepperell Baptist is offering a Wednesday evening ministry program from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for preschool and elementary Children called “Wow-Worship on Wednesday.” The evening program of music, Bible messages for children, crafts, fun activities, and snack begins on Sept. 5. Registration forms are filled out on the first evening. Contact Ryno Jones Childrens, Youth Minister, or Beth Pinyerd at 334-745-3108. • First Baptist Church of Opelika will hold “A Night to Proclaim” Sept. 20, an event organized by the church’s women’s ministry. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased through www.fbcopelika.com. • Christian comedian Tim Hawkins

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

He has a heart for God! His resistance isn't fueled by ignorance, but by his knowledge of God's graciousness. He knows enough about Yahweh to know that His intentions are not about executing Nineveh, but extending mercy to them (4:2,11). His problem is he is unable to reconcile this with the brutality and wickedness he’s seen in them and the ongoing threat they represent to his people. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that someone in Jonah’s family had suffered at the hands of the Assyrians. In a book full of irony, the open ending shouldn’t surprise us. What might catch us off guard is that there is a sense in which the openness includes not only Jonah, but Nineveh. For while it is true that the city turns to God and Yahweh spares it; it is also true that about a century later another prophet (Nahum) will tell of Nineveh’s upcom-

ing destruction which occurred in 612 BC when a coalition of forces headed by the Medes and Babylonians overran the city. Sadly, Nineveh’s repentance didn’t last. As for Jonah, our last picture is of him sitting on the east side of Nineveh, steaming in the wind and sun. Does his attitude toward Nineveh ever soften? Does he learn to rejoice in their response? Does he allows his bitterness to subside and forgive those Yahweh has forgiven? We don’t know. What we do know is that all of this is recorded in a book (possibly by Jonah). That book, though unflattering to the Jewish people in many ways, nonetheless is accepted as part of their sacred writings from God. That had to mean something. Bruce has written a new book on the prophets called Known Intimately Loved Ultimately. It is available through 21st Century Christian.

Verse of the Week

will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Feb. 7. Besides comedy, Hawkins is known for his songwriting and singing abilities. For more information or ticketing options, visit www.timhawkins.brushfire.com. • The public is invited to join First Freewill Baptist Church’s “Get in the Game Month”. We encourage everyone to wear their favorite team jersey or t-shirt every Sunday in September. Each 11 a.m. service will feature a sports related message. Mark Fuller is to preach on Sept. 2. Fuller is a former major league pitcher and a former pitching coach for Auburn University. He is the owner/instructor of Sports Academy. First Freewill is located at 103 19th Street at the corner of 1st Ave. in Opelika. For more information, call 334-703-3333.

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

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

Proverbs 17:22

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

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

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

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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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B12 September 12, 2018

OLLI at Auburn to hold general membership meeting Sept. 18 Special to the Opelika Observer The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will host its Fall Term 2018 General Membership Meeting on Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon (information fair 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.) at the Auburn Church of Christ, located at 712 S. College St. in Auburn. OLLI members, guests and friends are all invited to learn more about OLLI at Auburn course offerings, social engagements and initiatives. Auburn University President Dr. Steven

Leath will bring greetings during this OLLI at Auburn General Membership meeting prior to our special presentation by William Johnson entitled “The Helen Keller You Never Saw.” Bill Johnson is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, graduated from Lanier High School, started college at Georgia Tech, and eventually graduated from the University of Alabama. Four years later, he returned to law school at the University of Alabama where he met Inge Prytz, who was completing a master’s degree in Comparative Law. After gradua-

tion, they married in Denmark, lived in Copenhagen, returned to Tuscaloosa and finally settled in Tuscumbia in 1973. Since old lawyers never die—just lose their appeal—Bill is tapering off his practice before all is lost. Inge is a retired state and federal juwdge. Their daughter and her family live in Florence; both sons are lawyers in Birmingham with their families. Bill’s grandmother, Mildred Keller Tyson, was Helen Keller’s younger sister who is depicted briefly as an infant in “The Miracle Worker.” Helen Keller

frequently visited “Sister Mildred” in Montgomery until shortly before her death in 1968. Therefore, from childhood onward Bill saw her in Montgomery, in Tuscumbia, and at her home in Connecticut. Although there are dozens of books about and by Helen Keller, Bill has a personal perspective of Helen Keller’s lifetime and her legacy, “The Helen Keller You Never Saw.” The general membership meeting and information fair will highlight membership benefits, programming and registration information to individuals

interested in membership as well as engagement for current members. Additionally, several organizations, clubs, and programs will be available to offer vital information on the resources and services offered throughout the community and the Auburn University campus. OLLI at Auburn offers academic not for credit programs for adults aged 50 years or older through program sites at Auburn University, AUM in Montgomery, Alabama, and the Chambers County Public Library in Valley, Alabama. OLLI at Auburn is a

program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University. OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property at 1031 S. College St. in Auburn. For more information regarding this event or if you would like to assist the organization as a volunteer faculty member, volunteer service assistant, or sponsor, contact Ileeia A. Cobb, Ph.D., OLLI Director, by calling 334-844-3105, emailing olli@auburn.edu, or visit www.olliatauburn.org.

City to host meeting Sept. 18 to develop grant for Pepperell Branch Special to the Opelika Observer The City of Opelika is partnering with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, the Alabama Department of Environmental

Management, Keep Opelika Beautiful, Alabama Water Watch and other stakeholders on a grant to develop a Pepperell Branch Watershed Management Process. Citizens are invited to learn more about

this process and how they can become involved at a public meeting Sept. 18 2018 from 5-6 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers, which are located at 204 S. 7th St. in Opelika. The Pepperell

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Branch Watershed Planning Process will work to build and strengthen partnerships, as well as garner stakeholder involvement, to identify a path to watershed restoration and improvement of water qual-

ity. This project is funded by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management through a Clean Water Act Section 319(h) nonpoint source grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency – Region 4. For more information, call John Harris, City of Opelika Storm Water Coordinator, at 334705-5450 or Nikki Dictson with Alabama Cooperative Extension System at 979-575-4424.

Pharmacy students provide free health and medication monitoring services Special to the Opelika Observer Students in the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy can help individuals in the Auburn-Opelika area who are dealing with chronic health conditions and taking multiple prescription medications. In routinely scheduled visits, student pharmacists can take blood pressure, check blood sugars, provide education on medications and

medical devices, diabetic foot exams and respond to health related questions or concerns. They can also help those who may need assistance in understanding and coping with their medical conditions and managing their medications. Students work with their faculty and practicing pharmacists to provide ongoing assistance to the individual in their home. In addition to the pharmacy students, they also have a

social worker to assist with linkage to needed community resources able to assist with finances, VA benefits and in-home support services. This program not only benefits the participant, they are afforded the opportunity to mentor students and expose them to situations that will enhance their learning. For more information about this free service, contact Shannon Jones by calling 334-8448345 or by emailing Shannon.Jones@auburn.edu.

LEE COUNTY VOTERS LEAGUE INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC

Clean air filters increase AC efficiency.

LED bulbs use less energy.

For more ways to save by making your home more energy efficient, visit AlabamaPower.com/tips.

Keep your outdoor AC unit free of leaves and debris.

President John Andrew Harris cordially invites all the public to attend the next Lee County Voters League meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 1 at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 South 4th Street in Opelika. Guest speaker Mayor Gary Fuller will speak to us on his newly formed commission to address crime in Opelika, which is an issue of great concern among League members. It is also time for the League to begin our 2018-19 membership drive. With the general election just a few weeks away, President Harris requests all League members to mark their calendars for our special October 15 meeting to determine League endorsements to send out our announcements, press releases and other materials for voters who want to participate on November 6. Your kindred spirits of democracy, Lee County Voters League

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B13 September 12, 2018

Opelika freshman team defeats Benjamin Russell 28-6 Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika High School’s freshman football team traveled to Alexander City to battle the Benjamin Russell Wildcats in their season opener. The Wildcats won the coin toss and elected to kick, allowing the Bulldogs to go on offense first. The Bulldogs drew first blood as quarter-

back Jackson Bates fired a 40-yard touchdown pass to a wideopen Chuck Gagliano. Gagliano kicked the extra point to give Opelika a 7-0 lead. On the ensuing kickoff, lightning reared its ugly head, necessitating a 30-minute delay before wthe game resumed in the first quarter, which remained a defensive battle. As the second quarter began, the sti-

fling Opelika defense forced another Benjamin Russell punt. Jarrell Stinson fielded it and returned the punt 65 yards for a Bulldog score. Gagliano's second extra point was true, giving Opelika a 14-0 lead that lasted until halftime. Benjamin Russell received the second half kickoff and returned it the Opelika 25-yard line. Busted coverage was the cul-

prit as kicker Gagliano saved the Bulldogs from a Wildcat score. A Bulldog penalty gave the Wildcats the ball at the Opelika nine-yard line. Four plays later, the Wildcats found pay dirt on a desperation fourth-down play. The Wildcats went for two but were stymied by a pack of Bulldogs leaving the score at 14-6 Opelika. Starting the fourth

quarter, the defense bent but did not break, and the two offenses struggled to make first downs. Benjamin Russell then muffed a Jackson Bates punt, giving the Bulldogs a short field. Stinson broke into the end zone for the Bulldogs third TD of the night. Gagliano kicked the extra point giving the Dawgs a 21-6 lead. Scoring ended late

in the fourth quarter when defensive tackle Walter Harris scooped and scored on a bad snap by the Wildcats. Gagliano's extra point was good and the Bulldogs lead was extended to 28-6. With the win, the Bulldogs moved to 1-0 on the season and will travel to Eufaula Sept. 17 to battle the EufauTigers. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m.

SAR stands for “The Sons of American Revolution. Our sister organization is the DAR “Daughters of the Revolution.” The name of our local SAR Chapter is "Richard Henry Lee.” Both DAR & SAR were founded by our Patriot Ancestors who fought the British in the "American Revolution" between the years 1775 – 1783. The purpose of the contests is to assist educators, in subject areas of History, Art, English and Speech and provide incentives to students to understand American History and what makes the U.S.A. great. SAR will reward students from 3rd – 12th grades who participate in one or more of the contests the SAR sponsors each year. Some students may be rewarded with certificates and others monetary rewards at the local, state and national level. These contests are open to all home-schooled, private or public, and religious school students in Chambers and Lee counties. All contests open in September and close by the 1st Saturday after Thanksgiving with Judging to take place on the 1st Saturday in December. Contest Coordinator: Charles Segrest Phone Number: 334-821-0157 Email Address: chasdseg@mindspring.com

CONTEST INFORMATION

B14 September 12, 2018

pelika O Observer

Last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answers:

9-5 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Bundle 2) Askew 3), Scold 4), Squeek Solution: Knuckles

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B15 September 12, 2018

COMICS

When people are laughing, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re generally not killing each other. ~Alan Alda

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B16 September 12, 2018

Hamburgers for Heroes event honors local first responders, children with disabilities By Michelle Key Editor Local EMT’s, firefighters and police officers were honored Saturday at the “Hamburgers for Heroes” event sponsored by the Autism Society of Alabama - Lee County chapter. The event brings together families that have children and young adults with disabilities and first responders for an afternoon of fun, food and music. This year’s event was held at the Municipal Park and attendees were treated to live music from local rising star Dallas Dorsey.

The children had opportunities to explore an Opelika Fire Department firetruck as well as time to interact with personnel. Events like these are important for the special-needs community as it helps to build trust between children with disabilities and those seen as authority figures. Children with special-needs are more likely to panic and run from police or firemen during emergency situations. Getting to know these men and women in a fun atmosphere can help children understand that they can trust these groups during emergencies.

Photos special to the Opelika Observer

Encore Rehabilitation-Opelika is proud to introduce you to Regional Director Trip Garner, PT, ATC

PHYSICAL THERAPY & SPORTS MEDICINE Encore Rehabilitation, Inc. is proud to welcome Trip Garner, PT, ATC, as our new Regional Director in the Opelika/Eufaula areas! Trip has been a practicing Clinician for 27 years. He received his Physical Therapy degree from Georgia State University and his Master of Business Administration from Auburn University-Montgomery. In addition to being a licensed Physical Therapist, Trip is also a Certified Athletic Trainer with 19 years of experience. Trip and his wife, Tamera, are the parents of three children and reside in Opelika, Alabama. We are excited to have Trip join our Encore Rehabilitation Team! Encore Rehabilitation-Opelika 3501 Frederick Road, Suite 4 Opelika, Alabama 36801 334-521-6644

Encore Rehabilitation-Eufaula 825 West Washington Street Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-355-6009

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Flowers,

from B9

and concurrently an electoral vote in the presidential elections because we have experienced slower growth than other states; especially those who count people who are here illegally. Conservative states like Alabama have filed suit in federal court to stop the count of illegals. The census count is immensely important. It determines the number of seats that each state has in Washington, which also determines the number of electoral votes which ulti-

mately decides the presidency. California wants to use these illegal residents to steal congressional representation from conservative states like us and even states like Ohio who have not harbored hordes of illegal immigrants. This court battle will boil down to a simple question: Who should be counted? The biggest census battle to determine the answer to this question was started by the Trump administration and implemented by Attorney General Sessions. It is a mandate that the census questionnaire will ask: Are you a citizen? Folks, we have a lot at stake. To lose

a congressman to a state like California due to the counting of illegal aliens, could mean not only less representation but billions of dollars in federal grants for Medicaid, Medicare, housing assistance and transportation. You may have been ambivalent about illegal immigration, but it affects you and it could affect you very adversely if you reside in Alabama. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.