Thursday, April 29, 2021
Vol. 13, No. 29
MAY 8, 2021
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'Steeped in History' By Hannah Lester
hlester@ opelikaobserver.com
Ever taken a photo in front of a pair of wings painted on a wall? Or “held” the umbrella in downtown Opelika?
Have you ever traveled along a mural trail, looking for just the right paintings for a photo? Add Smiths Station to your list of places to visit. John Christian has finished Smiths
Station’s interactive mural on the side of Rainbow Foods located at 2461 County Road 430, in Smiths Station. Christian, the founder of the Go Georgia Arts Mural Trail, has been
painting murals for years. When Christian first began painting murals full-time, his goal was to paint 50 murals in five years. And although it may have taken him a little extra time, Christian
is well on his way to his goal. Starting off, Christian painted murals almost for free, as a way of getting his name out there. “I remember, this is a town called Caves
Springs, Georgia, and I did it for practically nothing, I remember thinking when I was painting the mural how I felt mad at myself for not getting enough money for this. But See HISTORY, page A3
PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER
Alabama to keep current U.S. House seats Contributed by the Office of Gov. Kay Ivey
Opelika Main Street to Host Annual On Tap Craft Beer Festival Contributed by Opelika Main Street
Alabama has grown to a total population of 5.03 million and will retain its current number of seven seats in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next 10 years, according to the first data released from the 2020 Census. The U.S. Census Bureau announced the statewide population totals and Congressional apportionment results for each of the states Monday afternoon as part of the first release of data collected during the 2020 Census.
Tickets are now on sale for the annual Opelika Main Street On Tap craft beer event. This year’s event will take place on Saturday May 8, from 1 to 6 p.m. Located along Opelika’s 1st Avenue, On Tap will feature more than 20 craft breweries from across the country. “On Tap is a great annual event,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director Ken Ward. “Any beer enthusiast should not miss it!” Tickets can be purchased online at opelikamainstreet.
See CENSUS page A3
org or in person at Heritage Gifts & Gourmet and Niffer’s Opelika. All proceeds from the event will go toward Opelika Main Street’s business assistance and beautification efforts. Event sponsors include: Wind Creek Hotel and Casino, Stone Martin Builders, Auburn Opelika Tourism, Auburn Bank, River
Bank & Trust, Opelika Observer, WLTZ-NBC 38, iHeart Radio and the Denson Group. About Opelika Main Street: Founded in 1987, Opelika Main Street helps assist in success of historic downtown Opelika through facade grants, beatification projects, economic development efforts, business professional development programs and various community events. Learn more about Opelika Main Street by going to opelikamainstreet.org or by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Contents OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4
SPORTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7
POLITICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9
RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A13
PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . B12
COMICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A16
CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B13 PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER
A2 April 29, 2021
A ‘God thing’: using art as a way to cope with loss hlester@ opelikaobserver.com
Zaneta Heard uses art as a way to cope with grief. She lost her son and found solace in a creative outlet. Now her work, through her new business Chic Hippie Z, is available inside The Well in Opelika and Heard felt led spiritually to the collection of businesses.
dance of art pieces, everything from wreaths, earrings, wall hangings, resin coasters, abstract pieces and more but nothing to do with them. Additionally, like the rest of the world in 2020, Heard was forced to stay home and quarantine. Which gave her plenty of time to work on her art. So, she opened an Etsy shop: www. etsy.com/shop/ChicHippieZ. Heard described her art as colorful and full of joy. “It was just kind of like God lined everything up with the timing of that so that I could be at home to kind of use that outlet to ultimately start the healing process,” she said. Heard said it was a “God thing” finding The Well. The Well opened on Avenue A in Opelika in 2021 and is a collection of businesses inside one inclusive space. There are other art products for sale, such as prints, jewelry and clothes. But there is also food: donuts, salads, teas and lattes. And each business is owned or
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPELIKA OBSERVER
“I’ve always been into the arts and things of that nature since I was growing up but it was just kind of a thing that I would do every once in a while,” she said. “I would do DIY projects and things like that. But, when I lost my son in December of 2019, it became more of an outlet for me to be able to kind of process my grief.” Heard had an abun-
By Hannah Lester
what she is called to do for The Well. “You never know who you can heal through your work,” she said. “… I just hope that it can be hope for someone else or bring joy to someone’s life when they do look at it or have it in their house or whatever the case may be, the same kind of joy that it has given me to create it and healing that it has provided for me.” Heard said God has called her to create a grief art studio as well, at some point in the future.
run by women. Heard said she read about The Well and felt called by God to reach out and get involved. “I was hit with all these emotions,” she said. “I had an overwhelming movement of emotions. It was crazy. I started crying when I was reading it because God was saying ‘you’re supposed to be involved with this place in some way.’” Although Heard now sells her art inside The Well, she said she doesn’t know that selling her work is the extent of
“Just being connected with some people through The Well maybe even just bring that to fruition,” she said. The Well is located at 824 Ave. A, Opelika and is open: Monday: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesdays - Thursday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This is the sixth in a series of articles on the different businesses that are located inside The Well.
'1/a.ssle hee Va.cat:on..Whj Not Ca.II Us. www.mytravelatmidtown.com
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A3 April 29, 2021
After 59 years, the families of Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 receive closure Contributed by Wreaths Across America Very little is known about what happened to Flying Tiger Line Flight 739, a military mission plane that went missing on March 16, 1962, with 93 US Army Soldiers on board and 11 crew members (including Alabama native PVT James Allen Edwards of Hanceville). Due to the complexities surrounding the mission, the names of all those who have been lost have not yet been added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. However, on May 15, the families of those lost will gather in Columbia Falls, Maine, to meet each other for the first time and share in the moment that a monument to these brave men and women is unveiled. The land where this monument has been erected was donated by Wreaths Across America Founder Morrill Worcester and is located on the balsam tip-land where brush is harvested each year to make veterans’ remembrance wreaths to be placed on the
CENSUS
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FROM A1
Alabama’s statewide total population has increased from the total population of 4.8 million in the 2010 Census. “This data reveals what we’ve known all along – Alabama is a great state to call home, and many are choosing to do so,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “I am extremely pleased that we will keep all seven of our current
HISTORY
>>
FROM A1
then realized, that mural led to another mural, that led to another mural, that led to another mural, that led to so many others.” The Coca-Cola bottling plant in Rome, Georgia, called Christian with projects in mind. Soon after, another Coca-Cola bottling plant wanted his work. Christian likes to focus on small cities for his murals, rather than booming metropolitan areas. The work for CocaCola helped Christian branch out of Georgia and Tennessee, and into Alabama. Russell County, Lee County’s neighbor, has commissioned Christian for four
headstones of our nation's heroes. Last summer (during the pandemic), WAA held a quiet groundbreaking ceremony for the new monument. “My father, SFC John Wendell (From San Antonio, Texas,) was on this plane,” said Jane Wendell East. “The day my Dad volunteered to go he went to my Mom and said, ‘Mommy, I think I signed my death warrant.’ I don't know what the military said in the briefing of this mission, but I have learned that several others said the same thing. “My dad died the day before my parents 10th wedding anniversary and my sister's birthday. I was only 6 years old and my Dad was only 32. It took me 27 years to accept his death. As a child, my mother told me that my Dad was a good swimmer and being a Ranger I knew he had a parachute. I just knew he got out safely. My Mom purchased a new house with his life insurance, so we would have the security of having a place to live. Shortly after moving in, it was my bedtime. My Dad came to me. I wasn't
participating cemetery near you to support go to and type in your town and/or state online at wreathsac rossamerica.org. The event is not open to the public. The event will be broadcast online at: www.facebook. com/events/ 365214864851670. About Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreathlaying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. For more information watch this video www.youtube. com/watch?v=2Dy 6PE37g2k or to sponsor a wreath please visit www. wreathsacross america. org.
dreaming, as I hadn't fallen asleep. I could hear his voice in my head but I talked out loud. He came to tell me good-bye. He said he wouldn't be coming home and that God needed him. He told me to be a good girl and to help my Mom. I replied, ‘No, daddy, I promise to be a good girl. Please don't leave me.’ Then he was gone. I was crying and screaming for him to come back.” Jane said it took her years to find peace about the situation. In addition to the monument unveiling, All Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 families will be invited to take part in the Wreaths Across America Remembrance tree program. As part of this program, a replica
dog tag will be hung on individual trees that are used to make remembrance wreaths for Wreaths Across America Day. This simple gesture becomes a living tribute "from the fallen to the fallen" in remembrance of their service and sacrifice: as every three years, the trees where the tags are hung, will be tipped to make veterans’ wreaths to be placed on headstones by volunteers on Wreaths Across America Day, (Dec. 18, 2021 this year.) Leading up to the monument unveiling you’ll be able to hear interviews with family members on Wreaths Across America Internet Radio. Wreaths Across America is the non-
profit organization best known for placing wreaths on veteran’s headstones at Arlington National Cemetery. However, in 2020, the organization placed more than 1.7 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths at 2,557 participating locations nationwide. You can sponsor a veteran’s wreath anytime for $15 at www. wreathacrossamerica. org. Each sponsorship goes toward a live, balsam wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero as we endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest at noon on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, as part of National Wreaths across America Day. To find a local
seats in the U.S. House to provide valued and needed voices to advocate for our state and our people for the next 10 years. Our success in the census was certainly a group effort across the entire state, and I offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part.” Throughout the 2020 Census, Ivey led efforts in alignment with the Alabama Department of Economic and
Community Affairs and the Alabama Counts! 2020 Census Committee to ensure participation numbers statewide reflected a proper Alabama representation. ADECA’s efforts started in 2017 and continued with the Alabama Counts! Committee, a dedicated team effort of hundreds of individuals and groups working together since August 2018. The effort included a
multifaceted campaign throughout 2020 that included grassroots outreach, public events and advertising. The effort was forced to adjust strategies and tactics several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This was by far the most time and resources that Alabama state government has ever given toward a census count, and I am happy that our efforts and hard work have paid off,” said Kenneth
Boswell, chairman of the Alabama Counts! Committee and director of ADECA. “Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Ivey and the dedicated work of all our many partners at all levels, we have succeeded in achieving an accurate count and fair representation.” Among the state’s key successes in 2020 Census response period were: • Higher selfresponse rate than the 2010 Census
• 47 counties exceeded their final 2010 self-response rates • Many Black Belt counties performed at or above 2010 levels The data released on Monday is limited to statewide populations totals only. The more detailed county, city and census tract level data needed for legislative redistricting will be released in August and September, according to the Census Bureau.
murals, which caught Smiths Station Mayor Bubba Copeland’s attention. The city had received a couple of local grants, which they were able to use to fund the creation of a mural, Copeland said. “[Smiths Station] knew exactly what they wanted and they moved ahead forward,” Christian said. The Smiths Station mural is located on the side of Rainbow Foods. The mural incorporates elements that allow people to interact with the painting, including a stand in front of the train. The goal for the mural is also to keep the history of Smiths Station, Copeland said. “It’s going to be a
tribute to the past, as well as the future,” he said. “… People know that we are steeped in history and we’re proud of who we are.” There are “easter eggs,” all throughout the mural, Copeland said. “That’s going to be a football, that’s going to be a panther, because there’s panthers,
that’s a judge gavel, that’s a moose head, apple,” Christian said. “They all represent something and I’m going to hide them in the tree.” There are historical figures in the mural too, including Conway Twitty, who attended Smiths Station High School and a local midwife, who delivered many
of Smiths Station’s residents, Copeland said. “I love history,” Copeland said. “I’m a history buff. And so, I just wanted it to attract the younger generation with the easter eggs and interactive part, but I also wanted to be able to stand there and every time you come to it, you see
something different. “… Being part of the Alabama mural trail is a huge deal. There’s people that take road trips just to go on the mural trail and see all the murals.” The city of Smiths Station held a mural dedication ceremony on April 21 and the mural is now open to the public.
Notice to Taxpayers
The assessed valuations of all property listed for taxation has been fixed as provided by law. The tax return lists showing these valuations are in the Revenue Commissioner’s office and open for public inspection. If you have justifiable cause and supporting evidence to protest the value of your property, you may do so by filing a letter postmarked within 30 days of this notice requesting an appointment with the Board of Equalization, PO Box 3050, Opelika, AL 36803-3050. Please include a Map Number or Pin Number and Daytime phone number in your letter. Oline W. Price, ACTA Lee County Revenue Commissioner
A4 April 29, 2021
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ust before midnight. Somewhere on the Texas prairie. A 20-year-old named Mark was driving on a twolane highway on his way home. You have to be careful when driving on an empty prairie. It’s easy to develop “prairie foot.” On a flat landscape, without landmarks, your foot tends to get heavy on the gas pedal. It’s not hard to travel upwards of 200 miles per hour by accident. Mark saw flashing hazards ahead. A brokedown truck with a horse trailer attached. He pumped his brakes and pulled over. And in the rural tradition of all who wear roper boots, he was ready to help. “Need a hand?” A young woman slid from beneath the truck chassis. She had grease smudges on her face. She was holding a scissor jack. And she was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen.
GOOD Mark felt his breath get trapped in his throat. She smiled. “Sorry. No speak’a the Inglés too good.” Her truck had a flat tire. In her passenger seat was a silent elderly woman. The girl had been under the vehicle looking for the jackpoint on the old Silverado, which can be dangerous business for the uninitiated. “Allow me,” Mark said, already on the pavement. It turned out to be a bigger problem than he’d expected. Her spare tire was shot, worn to the canvas. There was no way she was getting home on that thing. Mark attached the horse trailer to his own truck and told her he’d take them home. But where did she live? Her jumbled English made it impossible to understand her directions. So the girl drew him a map. And since there was no paper in Mark’s
By Sean Dietrich truck to write upon, she used a Sharpie to draw the route on Mark’s hand. He presented her his hand, which was trembling when she wrote upon it. It was 2 A.M. when he reached her aunt’s house. He led the horse into the barn, he helped the old woman inside, he disconnected the bumper-pull trailer and promised to return the next morning. Return he did. And when Mark arrived, he was driving the formerly
On Missing the Bus
I
n his helpful book, Good to Great, Jim Collins gives us a memorable metaphor in comparing a business to a bus and the leader as the bus driver. As the leader, you must decide where your bus is going, how you are going to get there and who is going with you. A great leader must not only cast a vision; he must also get the right people on the bus and in the right seats, and the wrong people off the bus. Collins’ “life principle” in his bus metaphor is that for a business to go from good to great, its leader must first decide who is going with him before he decides where he is going. That’s helpful advice for leaders in any arena.
Y
esterday I went to the local public library. For a middle-aged lady, I get way too excited about these trips. But honestly, how can you not get happy when you walk into a building full of books — all kinds of books — just waiting for you to stack them up and take them home. For free! Walking in the front door, with my nerdy “word crush” showing all over my flushed face, I begin to wander. Sometimes I have a specific book or author in mind when I go “shopping” at the library; sometimes I roam slowly from shelf to shelf, letting the book covers speak to me. Some book jackets are brightly colored
WALTER ALBRITTON The bus metaphor reminded me of a sermon preached by Harry Emerson Fosdick when he was pastor of Riverside Church in New York City. It was not the content of the sermon but its title that captured my attention. The title, “On Catching the Wrong Bus,” stimulated a sermon of my own about the importance of being
on the bus that Jesus is driving, the bus of eternal salvation. The idea of catching the wrong bus reminds me of an embarrassing moment in my seminary days at Vanderbilt University. After morning classes on campus, I usually drove downtown and parked on the parking deck of the Methodist Publishing House where I worked part-time as an editor. One night, rather late, I punched out, walked outside and caught a bus to our house one block off of eighth avenue south. Once home, and after asking my wife where the car was, it dawned on me that the car was where I parked it – on the parking deck in downtown See ALBRITTON, page A5
brokedown truck into the driveway, newly outfitted with four all-season tires. The tires cost Mark most of his meager savings. Then he asked the girl on a date. Her name is Leticia. Here’s another one for you. I got a letter from Rachel, in North Georgia, who told me about a stray dog in her neighborhood. Rachel went online to see if anyone could figure out where the dog came from. To her surprise she located
I
the owner. But when she arrived at the owner’s house, something felt wrong. The owner wasn’t a friendly man, and the dog seemed terrified. The owner jokingly remarked that he wished the dog would’ve been hit by a car. The comment was supposed to be humorous, but it was not. So Rachel made a bold move. She offered to take the dog off his hands and discovered the owner was more than happy to say goodbye. The poor dog didn’t even have a name. So Rachel brought the old boy home and bathed him in her shower. She let him sleep in her bed. She fed him half the contents of her fridge. She named him Walter. This might not sound like the greatest story ever told, but I bet Walter has a different opinion. Which brings me to another story.
Shortly after I wrote that last few paragraphs, just when I thought I was finished with this shoddy column, I got an email message from an woman in San Diego, California, named Susan. I have never been to San Diego. I have never met Susan. But we have something in common. Susan is a Sherlock Holmes freak. And I myself share the same crippling affliction. When I was 10 years old my father introduced me to Sherlock and I became a kid forever obsessed. In 1957, Susan’s mother gifted her a complete volume of Sherlock Holmes stories. The book was heavy, and thicker than a family Bible. The inside cover read: “Happy birthday. Love, Mom.” Her mother died the following year. In 1963, Susan got married and moved to See DIETRICH, page A5
Life on Earth
t has become a habit that when I rise in the morning, my eyes immediately seek the light seeping in my window beside my bed. At first through closed eyelids, then with blinking lashes, waking up to a new day. It is this new light of day that my eyes open at all, simply to see, to catch a little hope and sunshine. When I finally get up, I pull on my jacket and boots to step outside and feel this thing that my eyes have seen. I pour my cup of coffee and open my front door. All that is crisp touches my face and day falls over me. The feeling of cool, clean air, confirming that I am here. I walk down our front steps and a short
By Bradley Robertson distance over grass, keeping my focus on the beauty of a colorful and lavish sunrise. I feel like I’m in the middle of a dome with vast sky in every direction. It is nothing to take for granted and everything to savor. The view stops me every morning at the fence line and there I stand, staring into
creation. I find myself in perfect peace and so I hand my day over to God. Kind of like saying, “here it is Lord. I know it’ll be great.” And so, this is my beginning. Light and Earth, coffee and views. I remember when I first met my wild husband, Mr. Robertson, I was caught by the way he so easily woke up, everyday just as the sun came up. And not just Monday through Friday, but every single day. It took years after we married for me to get used to this. Today however, I totally get it. There is a strong and real connection between our bodies, our minds and See ROBERTSON, page A5
Nothing Like It with the title practically screaming out at you: HOW TO HAVE IT ALL!! and MASSACRE AT THE MASQUERADE BALL and LIVING IN A VIRAL WORLD: HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY. I bypass these showy, slightly pushy, volumes in favor of the paperbacks whose edges are worn with use and the large print novels with broken spines and coffee stains. It’s as if they’ve been waiting for me to show up, take them home and appreciate them for the beautiful ordinary loveliness that they are. To Kill A Mockingbird beckons to me. I own multiple copies of this classic, but a couple of times a year I check out a faded paperback
with the original cover picture on it. I read it and cherish every page and wonder who else’s eyes have absorbed the music of Harper Lee’s words. With each reading, I gain a layer of appreciation for Scout and Jem and Atticus and the truths they proclaim just by being themselves. Mockingbird is a touchstone for me, and I imagine it always will be. On the same shelf sits The Silent Boy by Lois Lowry. If you’ve not read this one, do yourself a favor and indulge for a bit. The author has included old photographs she found in a box around which she wove this simple lyrical tale. Its simplicity touches me every time.
WENDY HODGE And then there’s Haven Kimmel’s masterpiece: A Girl Named Zippy. The cover is a baby photo of Zippy herself, and the story is of her growing-up years in a tiny little town. Each chapter is a work of wonder. Zippy will have you laughing out loud about her barnyard menagerie and the Christmas her father brought her home a pony and then
pull you up short with a list of things her alcohol-addicted, gambling, dishonest father lost ... a list that includes that very same pony. With my arms weighed down with these old familiar friends, I made my way through the checkout and back into the beautiful spring morning. Just outside, on the wide green lawn, sat a group of preschool children. An older man had stopped and was watching with his hands shielding his eyes from the sun, a smile peeking out from behind his face mask. I stood next to him and listened as the children sang. “If Your Happy And You Know It” drifted on the breeze. “Have you ever heard anything so sweet?” he
asked me. “No sir,” I answered. “There’s nothing like it … kids singing. That’s the plain truth of it right there,” he said. We stood for a minute or two, just breathing and listening, before turning and smiling at each other once more. I left the library parking lot with a car seat full of books and ears full of sweet music thinking how right he was. Later in the afternoon, my best friend and I were doing our daily evening walk through the yard — watering the plants, planning our next lovely bed of flowers and admiring all the beauty that’s come from our hard work — when he bent down and said, “Look at this!” in that See HODGE, page A5
A5 April 29, 2021
Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, City Attorney Guy Gunter visit Opelika Kiwanis Club Contributed by Opelika Kiwanis Club Pictured far left: Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and Anthony Terling. Fuller shared some of the great things going on in the city of Opelika with the Kiwanis Club of Opelika. Pictured left: City Attorney Guy Gunter with two club members. Gunter spoke to the club recently about the history of religion in Lee County and the United Stated. He even tested them with a quiz.
ROBERTSON >>
FROM A4
the ways of this Earth. I have taken time recently to study up on sunlight and our health, and the science behind it is fascinating. And not just light but being tied to the ground too. This Earth is our home and the way in which we feel it, see it and touch it holds more positive power than one can imagine. Some of the happiest days of my life were when I worked at our market, George’s, six days a week. Many factors played into this,
ALBRITTON >>
FROM A4
Nashville. It was years later before I could laugh about having to catch a bus to go back and retrieve our car. An even more memorable bus experience occurred when I was six years old and in the first grade of the public school in Wetumpka, Alabama. My home was the end of the route of the big yellow school bus on which I rode 12 miles to school each day. One lovely fall day, as the bell sounded the end of the day’s classes, I went outside to board the bus but found it had not yet arrived. I began playing with Billy and Tom but minutes later discovered the bus had come and gone. I had missed the bus. Billy and Tom left me; they walked home each day since their homes were nearby. Frightened and alone, I started crying and walked back inside the school, scared to death. Suddenly a woman put her arms around me
HODGE >>
FROM A4
urgent whisper he has when he’s got something important to say. Right at our feet, among a bed of day lilies we planted last year (and which we have watered and worried over and watched with great anticipation) was a tiny bloom. It was barely visible, but there it was! The first day lily of the year will be this vibrant Shakespeare’s Red that we brought
but I believe the number one component was being outside all day, every day. Taking in all the earth, all the beauty, all the air and all the sun had to offer. Today, I’m sharing with you small steps you can take for better health and wellness from the great outdoors. Whether it be sunlight, playing in the dirt or exercise, it all matters. Feeling our best everyday rests in our hands, and when we care for ourselves, that personal affection produces positive fruit all around us. Get at least 30 minutes of sunshine daily.
The first light of day being the most important. This can be sitting on a porch reading, a walk in your neighborhood, eating lunch on your patio, coffee at a park, or even playing with your kids or a pet. I prefer to get a lot more than 30 minutes, but for those of us that work in doors, that can be harder. Find a way that works best for you and let that good sunshine fill you up. Enjoy outdoor scenery. The sights and sounds of nature cannot be replaced. The pretty things of our Earth create luster and joy to our eyes and ears.
Trees, flowers, birds, natural water, dirt, grass and the list goes on. “For the beauty of the Earth” rings in our bodies. We are so very blessed to live in Alabama. May we take it all in daily in some way. What the eyes see, the soul also feels. Get moving. Exercise is important for many reasons, natural endorphins, heart health, body wellness, mood and behavior. At minimal three days week, for 20 to 30 minutes. I have a sweet friend that has begun to walk on her lunch break a few days a week, still making time to eat
and began reassuring me that the world had not come to an end. The woman was Dora Melton, my first-grade teacher. To this day my heart overflows with gratitude when I recall her kindness as she rescued me from the panic of missing the bus. Somehow, she got word to my parents that they could come to her home to pick me up. We walked to her home, where she calmed my nerves with a delicious piece of fudge candy. I have craved chocolate ever since. While waiting for my parents, I played football in the front yard with Mrs. Melton’s two sons, Oakley and Bimbo, who were a little older than me. Mrs. Melton never scolded me for missing the bus. She left that to my dad! All my life I have felt there must be a special place in heaven for teachers like Dora Melton. That day, so long ago, the kindness of a wonderful teacher saved the life of a frightened little boy who would realize,
years later, that God uses ordinary people to rescue troubled people. Not just little children but people of all ages who, being busy with other things, missed the bus that Jesus was driving. People miss the Jesus bus for many reasons. Some, it is true, arrogantly reject Jesus, relegating him to a list of prophets and good teachers rather than accepting him as the Savior of the world. Many others simply choose the ways of the world and ignore God’s invitation to find true life, joy and peace by getting on the bus Jesus is driving. In the gospels, Jesus offers a chilling description of such people when he describes the day of his return. In Luke 17:26-27, Jesus says, “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and
destroyed them all.” We who, despite our flaws, diligently follow Christ have an awesome privilege. We can lovingly warn people not to get on the wrong bus. We can graciously invite them to get on the bus Jesus is driving. We can even open the door for them and assist them to get on board, reminding them that all are welcome on the Jesus bus. Jesus loved little children but he especially loved people who, for whatever reason, had missed his bus. It would not violate the truth to add three words to this familiar statement of Jesus: “Let the children of all ages come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). Until He returns, we have the honor of inviting children of every age to ride his bus with us into His eternal kingdom. To summarize, if you want a truly great life, and not settle for merely a good life, don’t miss the bus Jesus is driving.
home from Bell’s Day Lily Garden a year ago. I snapped picture after picture and sent them to my best friend’s mom. She has her own day lilies she has been waiting to watch open up again, and I knew she would be as excited as we were. And she was! We oohed and ahhed over it a while, took more pictures and made our way inside knowing that soon the front and back yard both will be filled with lilies the color of candy and fairy dust. Their petals will
be frilly and delicate, huge and elaborate, vibrant and beautiful. As we often do as the sun is going down, we sat on the patio with the lush potted plants, the comfortable outdoor sofa and the white lights and tiki torches glowing around us, and we watched The Office. It was the finale of the series — the one that always makes me cry. Pam Beasley Halpert’s drawing of the office building the entire cast has worked in for so many years is
hanging on the wall. As she turns to leave the office for the final time, she looks at the picture and says to the camera “There’s a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn’t that kind of the point?” My best friend hands me a tissue and tell him how much I loved every minute of my Thursday doing ordinary things, running errands and being alive. “There’s nothing like it,” I told him. “And that’s the plain truth of it right there.”
but using her time wisely to boost her spirits and her body. Walking, yoga, gardening, biking, hiking with kids. Now is the perfect time of year before summer heat sets in. Plan an outing. New sights and sounds are inspiring and lead us into new ideas and fun. There are many places close to home, here are a few: Callaway Gardens, Smith Mountain Fire Tower, The AU Arboretum, Kiesel Park and Chewacla State Park. Play in the dirt. As adults, we forget the playfulness of getting
DIETRICH >>
FROM A4
Japan with her husband. Half their possessions went to goodwill and storage, the other half got shipped off to the Land of the Rising Sun. The Holmes book was lost. When Susan moved back to the States she searched everywhere, rummaging through storage, but she found nothing. Finally she gave up. Fifty-eight years later, Susan visited a San Diego antique store by chance. And by now, you’ve already figured out where this story is going. In the store, Susan found a book with familiar handwriting inside: “Happy birthday. Love, Mom.” Niagara Falls. The store priced the book at 40 bucks. The clerk asked Susan why
our hands dirty. Potting plants, pulling weeds, planting a vegetable garden, even mowing grass. I am not a natural gardener, but when I decide to get my hands dirty, it ends up being great fun. Watching the beauty of my labor becomes inspiring and I enjoy it more and more every time I try. How can you be connected to your Earth this spring? I pray my list inspires you to get outdoors and enjoy all that is around us. Let’s not miss out, there is too much beauty waiting out there for us all! she was weeping over a 40-dollar book. Susan smiled and told the cashier, “I woulda paid forty thousand for this book.” So I know it’s been a hard year, and I know sometimes you’re tempted to think about how horrible things are on the Highway of Human Existence. But when you feel blue, pause for a moment. Think of that antique book. Think of Walter the dog, eating a frozen burrito alongside his new human. Think of the Texas Plains, and a 20-year-old boy in boots. Think of a girl, drawing a roadmap on the boy’s palm. And remember that the best things in life usually happen right after the worst is over. Then, when you’re done with all your thinking, join me in wishing Mark and Leticia a happy 2nd wedding anniversary.
A6 April 29, 2021
Opelika E vents, Society & Food
May 1 - Garden in the Park May 1 - Story Book Farm's Derby Day May 5 - Opelika Giving Day May 8 - On Tap
Serve Kentucky inspired dishes for watching the Derby PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY
Ann Cipperly
Southern
Hospitality
O
n the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby is often referred to as “the greatest two minutes in sports.” Since the first race in 1875, the event has been a time for offering hospitality. Whether you are having guests to watch the race or not, treat your family to a few special dishes for the event. In Louisville, Kentucky, southern hospitality abounds with parties before the “Run for the Roses” at Churchill Downs. On race day, many traditional dishes are served, as ladies sport new hats, many elaborate in their designs. The biggest Kentucky Derby party in our area is held at Storybook Farm in Opelika. This is
its largest fundraiser of the year and a fun annual event. The 13th Derby event will be held this Saturday with lots of food and fun supporting the children of Storybook Farm. Check to see if tickets are still available for this year, but if not be sure to mark your calendar for this event next year. Sylvia Norris and her late husband Dwight Norris hosted Derby parties for years and donated thousands of dollars to local charities. Their two daughters and their husbands, Karen and Tom McCauley and Carmen and Matt Jordan, were co-hostesses. Try a few of the Sylvia’s tasty recipes, along with Carmen’s Derby Pie. Traditional Derby favorites include Coun-
try Ham and Biscuits, Kentucky Hot Browns and Benedictine Sandwiches. The hot brown sandwich was created in 1926 by Fred K. Schmidt, a chef at Louisville’s Brown Hotel. Traditionally, the sandwich is made with slices of turkey and tomatoes topped with cheese sauce and bacon on toasted bread. I am including two hot brown recipes, Carol’s Mini Hot Browns and Kentucky Hot Browns. Years ago, the late Mary Samford gave me the Hot Browns recipe when I was writing an article on her husband, Yetta. Mary and I started talking about recipes, and, of course, I told Mary I would really like to have some of her
The Gogue is open again! By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com
Jazz at Lincoln Center Septet with Wynton Marsalis was welcomed to the Jay and Susie Gogue Center Amphitheater at the city of Auburn Lawn and Porch this past week for an in-person performance. However, before re-scheduled, ticketed performances were held in-person, the Gogue
Center was working on a soft-opening, said Amy Miller, director of programming and education at the Gogue Center. “I think it’s gone about as smoothly as you could hope for, as anyone could hope for,” said Amy Miller. There were some smaller shows in conjunction with the Music Department at the university, using podseating. Additionally, there was a performance
in conjunction with the Theatre Department. “That was really helpful in just having a few events before our large, public group,” Miller said. The Gogue Center worked with the university to determine when in-person shows would resume, after a chaotic year of virtual shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Everyone, from what
See GOGUE, page A9
The Chocolate Sour Cream Cake was baked in a horseshoe shaped pan, but it can be baked in a 9 by 13-inch baking pan. If you use fresh roses to garnish, be sure they have not been sprayed with pesticides. Fresh strawberries would also make an attractive garnish.
recipes. About two days later I came home to find a huge stack of recipes by my door that Mary had printed for me. She was always so gracious. Mary and Yetta did so much for our community, and they are greatly missed. Another famous dish from Louisville, Benedictine spread, is said to have been created by Jennie Carter Benedict, a restaurateur and cookbook author in Louisville. She began catering
in 1893 and opened a restaurant and tearoom called Benedict’s in 1900. It is believed that she invented the spread while she was catering. Benedictine spread is simply made by combining cucumber with cream cheese, onion juice and seasonings. Some recipes call for a few drops of green food coloring. It can be served in sandwiches or as a dip with raw vegetables. Biscuits filled with country ham are popular food served in Louisville
for the Derby. To serve on your menu, you can use baked or deli ham. Homemade biscuits are the best, but if you don’t have time, try the smaller frozen buttermilk biscuits. For dessert, serve the Derby Pie, Derby Tarts or Chocolate Sour Cream Cake. While the cake is probably not popular at Derby parties in Kentucky, your family will like it, and it is a better choice if you are serving children. See CIPPERLY, page A11
AACT to present two-for-one romantic comedies
Contributed by AACT
Join Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) for “Kalamazoo” and “Check, Please!”- two quirky, one-act romantic comedies that offer a light-hearted look at love, with absolutely no mention of COVID. In “Kalamazoo,” Peg and Irv, two quirky but endear-
ing baby-boomers, bravely venture into the world of modern dating. When these opposites attract, they discover love isn’t any easier the second time around. Winner of the Riva Shiner Comedy Award, “Kalamazoo” is a romantic comedy about life’s second act and learning you’re never too old to be young.
“A disarming comedy that lets us laugh about growing older … the banter in this play is both hilarious and startlingly honest. It just rings true in ways that can be surprising and shocking, but always satisfying.” — Examiner.com. And as a bonus feature, Auburn See AACT, page A9
A8 April 29, 2021
By Stacey Patton Wallace Back in the early 1970s, my family had a new experience at a steakhouse. Daddy, Mama, my two much older brothers and I were vacationing in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains. Our waitress brought flaming steaks to our table. Mama said that we just sat there looking at the steaks for a moment, a little stunned. We Pattons were used to the fire being UNDER the steak on a grill and not on top of it. Breaking our trance, the waitress leaned over and whispered to my brother Jim, “You’re supposed to blow it out.” That was our first flambé experience, and it was a little embarrassing. How do you like your steak prepared? I like my well done; the only pink I want to see is in my cheeks and not in my food. However, my husband Mike prefers medium well; he says that well done steaks aren’t as juicy as medium ones. My polar opposite as far as steak preference would be my nephew Ryan, who lives in Dothan with his wife Brittney. Ryan enjoys his steak raw, that is, rare. When he bites
into his steak, the cow says “moo.” However you enjoy your steak, Big Mike’s Steakhouse at 610 Shug Jordan Parkway in Auburn is the best place in Lee County to eat one. In fact, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association gave it the impressive honor of “Best Steak in Alabama,” and that award is well deserved. Before the pandemic, Big Mike’s staff handled cleaning tables in a simple yet effective way. Tables are covered with brown butcher block paper and are taken up and thrown away after the customers leave. I appreciate that customers get a fresh table covering each time they dine there. Also, the service staff at Big Mike’s is always pleasant, attentive and helpful. Recently, our server was Drew, and he was fabulous. He seated us at a table for four because we were meeting our friends Larry and Amelia, who live in Phenix City. We were celebrating Larry’s birthday. Amelia texted that they were running late because of traffic. When they arrived, their daughter Emma and Amelia’s sister Mary Ann were with them,
so we had to change to a table for six. No problem. Drew and another server were so accommodating and took it in stride, setting us up again. Mike and I decided not to get an appetizer, but I recommend the mozzarella cheese wedges, which are hand breaded and served with marinara. They are really good. My husband and I are creatures of habit; we know what we want. Therefore, we both ordered our usual: the 9-ounce filet mignon wrapped in applewood bacon. Since mine was well done, it was butterflied. We also ordered our steaks smothered. That is, they were topped with herb butter, caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms. Our steaks, as always, were cooked to perfection. They were so tender we could cut them with our forks. Also, Mike and I love filet mignons because they are always very lean. The flavor of the steak was further enhanced by the mouth-watering “smothered” topping. Our friends’ steaks and Mary Ann’s shrimp were excellent as well. Entrees at Big Mike’s are served with a house See STEAKHOUSE, page A11
Piedmont Fertilizer Co. Inc. 201 2nd Ave. • Opelika, AL SINCE 1910
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Phone 334-476-1595 AL#18086 AL#53314
• Licensed, Bonded, and Insured • 30% OFF First responders and military active and retired. • No weekend service or after hours markups. Regular weekly rates any day.
PHOTO BY MIKE WALLACE
Making the Grade: Big Mike’s Steakhouse
A9 April 29, 2021
His Place, Hosanna Home honor graduates of program
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY HIS PLACE, HOSANNA HOME
By Michelle Key Publisher His Place and Hosanna Home held a graduation ceremony for 10 men and four women last Saturday. The graduation was held at First Presbyterian
GOGUE >>
FROM A7
AACT >>
FROM A7
Area Community Theatre will also showcase one of the most-produced American one-act plays of 2019-2020 as a companion and opener to “Kalamazoo.” In “Check, Please!,” dating can be hard, especially when your date happens to be a raging kleptomaniac, or your grandmother’s
overcome addictions to drugs and alcohol. To graduate, a resident has to successfully (and drug free) complete a one year residential program. The men and women who are graduating His Place and Hosanna Home came into the
programs within the past 12 to 16 months from lives of heroin addiction, alcoholism, meth and opiate addictions and utter hopelessness. Prior to coming to His Place and Hosanna Home these
men and women were in prison, homeless, sexually abused, in jail and on the run. They were all helpless and hopeless. And now, as of this Saturday, they are graduates of an accredited drug and alcohol recovery
program. They are on the road to a successful, fulfilling life with all the tools they’ll need to make it. In a world desperate for any good and positive stories, this graduation represents 14 wonderful stories.
bringing people together in order to facilitate experiences through the arts,” Miller said. “And so you can only go so far virtually with that. It’s important to be in a gathering space together to experience music, to experience the liveness of artists on our stages.” There are in-person shows scheduled through 2022, including performances that still have tickets available, Miller said. Although many of these performances were rescheduled from the inaugural season the Gogue Center is offering a few available tickets to the current spring shows, except for the May 7 performance with the Dover Quartet and Bridget Kibbey. However, the other two May performances have tickets available: The Alabama Symphony Orchestra: Cinematic Strings performing on
May 9 and The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra Directed by Scotty Barnhart on May 13. June performances also have tickets available. In addition to ticketed shows, the Gogue Center is also working toward in-person community and student engagement. While the Jazz at Lincoln Center Septet with Wynton Marsalis was in town, virtual workshops and master classes were held with Auburn University students, local high schoolers and elementary schoolers. “Those were different Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra musicians who tuned in virtually and talked about jazz, talked about big band, what it’s like being a professional musician, really just diving into jazz and anything really that the students wanted to talk about,” Ganus said. “It was a really great
opportunity for students, especially for high school and elementary students, to have access to incredible musicians and artists that they don’t normally get to talk to every day.” Moving toward the fall, there will be some in-person workshops and some hybrid, she said, so that everyone has access as they are comfortable. “One of my favorite things about my job is seeing that magical
moment that happens when a student or a community member gets to meet an artist,
especially one that has inspired them, or one that they kind of view as a hero,” Ganus said.
bridge partner or a mime. “Check, Please!” follows a series of blind dinner dates that couldn’t get any worse – until they do! Both comedies, with a mix of new and seasoned performers, are sure to delight audiences aged 13 and up, as the cast of both shows represent a variety of age ranges as well. “Kalamazoo” is under the
direction of Tricia Oliver, with “Check, Please!” being directed by AACT’s very own President, Terry Kelley. Performances will take place at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center on 222 E Drake Ave. in Auburn, on May 6-8 at 7 p.m., and May 9 at 2 p.m. Runtime is approximately 90 minutes with a brief intermission between the plays.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Call 334-246-1084 or visit www.auburnact.org for ticket purchases and more information. COVID protocols will be followed based on current recommendations at the time of performances. Due to some brief adult situations and language, this event is not recommended for children under 13.
For more information about these events or to purchase tickets, please visit www. auburnact.org. Email info@auburnact.org for group rate information. Auburn Area Community Theatre is a non-profit organization that exists to serve the Auburn/ Opelika Community. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for education and participation in
the world of theatre and present a quality, entertaining, and thought-provoking theatre experience. AACT is actively soliciting new members who have an interest in helping the growth of community theatre. AACT members and the community-at-large are encouraged to participate. For more information, please visit www.auburnact. org.
PHOTOS BY HANNAH LESTER / OPELIKA OBSERVER
we hear, felt safe,” Miller said. “And we worked really hard to make sure that every COVID protocol was abided by both backstage, so that our artists would feel safe, as well as outside with the audience members arriving.” One reason the Gogue Center felt safe enough to reopen, Miller said, was that artists had indicated they were comfortable coming to perform. The Gogue Center has had an interesting start. The inaugural season was cut short and ultimately, the center has spent more time in the community virtually than it has inperson, said Christina Ganus, campus and community programs manager at the Gogue Center. “We’re a preforming arts center with the center intention, our mission, of
Church in Opelika. His Place and Hosanna Home are Christ-centered, Bible based recovery homes for men and women with life-controlling issues. His Place and Hosanna Home help men and women
A10 April 29, 2021
Auburn's City Fest draws crowd to Kiesel Park
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY A-O TOURISM
A11 April 29, 2021
CIPPERLY
>>
FROM A7
When I baked the cake pictured, I borrowed a horseshoe shaped pan. It can also be baked in a 9 by 13-inch baking dish. If you garnish with red roses, be sure they have not been sprayed with pesticides. While the classic drink for the Derby is a Mint Julep served in a silver cup, you can
RECIPES
>>
HAM AND BISCUITS While country ham and biscuits are traditional at the Derby, you can serve baked or deli ham for your menu. Country ham, baked ham, or deli ham, sliced Biscuits, homemade (recipes follow) or frozen tea biscuits Mustards Prepare one of the following recipes for Buttermilk Biscuits. Slice biscuits, spread mustard on slices, and fill with ham of choice. For a neat appearance, cut the ham with the cutter used for the biscuits. HOMEMADE BUTTERMILK BISCUITS Connie King 5 Tbsp. vegetable oil 2¼ cups buttermilk 3 cups self-rising flour In a mixing bowl, sift flour. Add buttermilk and vegetable oil. Mix well. Place a sheet of wax paper (about two ft long) on counter and place three cups flour on top in a mound. Pour buttermilk into middle of flour and sprinkle flour all over dough. Knead dough softly. Tear off palm-sized pieces at a time and knead back and forth in hands until biscuit shape forms. Then place in oiled baking pan side by side. Continue until pan is full or until dough is gone. Dab oil on top of biscuits with a spoon for browning. Bake at 500 degrees for 15 minutes. ANGEL BUTTERMILK BISCUITS Ruby Prophitt Worthington Dough will keep in refrigerator as long as a week. 5 cups sifted self-rising flour ⅓ cup sugar 1 tsp. baking soda 1 cup shortening (Crisco) 2 pkg. yeast dissolved in ¼ cup luke-warm water 2 cups whole buttermilk Combine flour, soda, and sugar; cut in shortening; stir yeast mixture into buttermilk and mix into dry ingredients. Be sure to mix well. Keep covered in refrigerator at least an hour or two before using.
make a good mock version with equal amounts of apple juice and ginger ale. Garnish with lots of fresh mint if you have it. When watching the Kentucky Derby, we are reminded of Secretariat, who won in 1973 in the fastest time to date and went on to win the Triple Crown for the first time in 25 years. We have an interest in horses since our granddaughters Gently knead on lightly floured surface. Roll out approximately ½” thick and cut as desired. Place on greased pan. Let rise for 2 hours. Bake at 450 degrees for about 10 minutes. Makes about two dozen. KENTUCKY HOT BROWNS The late Mary Samford gave me this recipe years ago when I was writing about her husband Yetta. Cheese Sauce: 4 Tbsp. butter 3 Tbsp. flour 2 cups milk, warmed 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce Few dashes Tabasco Sandwiches: 4 slices toast, trimmed and cut in triangles 1 lb. turkey slices 4 slices ham 4 slices tomatoes, halved 8 strips bacon, partially cooked To make sauce, melt butter in pan. Add flour and stir well. Add milk, stirring until smooth. Add 1/4 cup Parmesan, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. Cook, stirring constantly until thick. Place toast on baking sheet. Arrange turkey slices and ham on toast and cover with hot cheese sauce. Top with tomato and bacon. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan over top. Bake at 425 degrees until bubbly. Mary baked the sandwiches in individual ramekins. Serves four. CAROL’S MINI KENTUCKY HOT BROWNS 24 pumpernickel party rye bread slices 6 Tbsp. butter 6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 2 cups milk 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce ½ tsp. salt 1½ cups chopped cooked turkey 6 cooked bacon slices, crumbled 4 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced Toast bread slices
have a love for them. We wish our granddaughters could have been with us when we saw one of Secretariat’s granddaughters at the Red Horse Inn outside Greenville, South Carolina. Whether you are a fan of the Derby or not, it can be fun to plan special dishes for your family to enjoy. Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com. under broiler for 3 to 4 minutes; set aside. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat; add flour, whisking constantly until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Add cheddar cheese, Worcestershire and salt, stirring until cheese melts. Top bread evenly with chopped turkey and cheese sauce. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Place tomato slices and bacon on top. BENEDICTINE SANDWICHES Sylvia Norris 1 medium cucumber 1 small onion, quartered 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/2 tsp. salt 1 drop green food coloring, optional Mayonnaise Thin-sliced white bread Parsley or watercress for garnish Peel cucumber and slice in half lengthwise; remove seeds with a small spoon. Place cucumber and cream cheese in food processor and pulse about five times until cucumber is minced. Do not drain. Place cucumber and liquid into a small glass-mixing bowl. With a round cookie or biscuit cutter, cut rounds out of the bread slices. Spread a small amount of mayonnaise on bread rounds. Spread cheese mixture on half rounds and top with another round. Garnish with a sprig of parsley or watercress. Makes 25 sandwiches. DEVILED EGGS Sylvia Norris 10 eggs 1 tsp. salt to water 1-1½ Tbsp. mayonnaise 1½ tsp. mustard 1 tsp. pickle relish 1 tsp. grated onion 1 tsp. diced celery ½ tsp. black pepper ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. paprika Start eggs in cool water with salt. Bring to boil slowly. Boil 10 minutes (or until cooked). Drain water off. Crack eggs by tossing in pan. Run over with cold water. Slice eggs in half long ways. Spoon out yolks
STEAKHOUSE >>
FROM A8
salad, bread and choice of baked potato or steak fries. Besides steak, Big Mike’s offers a great selection of chicken, seafood, sandwiches, soup and salads. Trying to be good, I didn’t order a dessert. However, Amelia and Mary Ann kindly let me have a bite of the slice of caramel cake they shared. When my A1C comes down, I definitely want my into a bowl. Mix all remaining ingredients together and spoon back into egg white halves. Sprinkle with extra paprika. Chill and serve. Serves 20. HONEY GLAZED PORK TENDERLOIN IN BISCUITS Can prepare ahead. ¾ cup honey 6 Tbsp. brown sugar 6 Tbsp. cider vinegar 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. paprika 4 pork tenderloins 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper Small biscuits or yeast rolls Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine first five ingredients; blend well. Place pork on greased cookie sheet with a rim; season with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over pork. Bake for 40 minutes or until desired doneness. Remove pork to platter; let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Heat pan drippings in saucepan until thickened, stirring often. Serve pork with sauce in biscuits or yeast rolls. CHEDDAR BISCUITS WITH HAM 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 3 Tbsp. vegetable shortening ½ cup grated cheddar cheese ¾ cup buttermilk 1/3 to ½ cup green onions, chopped Butter ½ pound thinly sliced ham of your choice Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in bowl. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal; stir in cheese. Add buttermilk and onions; mix well. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to ½ inch thickness and cut with biscuit cutter. Bake on greased sheets about 15 minutes or until lightly brown. Slice rolls, spread with butter and fill with sliced ham. Can be prepared ahead. When ready to serve, bake in a 350-degree oven for five minutes or until just warm.
own slice; it was delicious, moist and homemade. I’m also happy that when Mike and I finally get to travel to Orange Beach, our favorite beach in the world, we will be able to eat at Big Mike’s; that restaurant opened before the one in Auburn. We like to have a good steak among all that amazing Gulf seafood. Big Mike’s Steakhouse in Auburn is open on Wednesday-Sunday from 4 until 9 p.m.
DEBRA’S DERBY TARTS ¼ cup butter, softened 2/3 cup brown sugar 1 egg 2 Tbsp. bourbon or 2 tsp. vanilla ½ cup chocolate chips 1 cup finely chopped pecans 36 mini phyllo tart shells Combine butter and brown sugar; beat until smooth. Add egg and bourbon; beat well. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans. Arrange tart shells on lightly greased baking sheet. Spoon mixture into shells. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until filling is set. Makes three dozen. CHOCOLATE SOUR CREAM CAKE 2 cups sugar 2 cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda ¼ tsp. salt 1 cup water 1 cup butter ¼ cup cocoa 2 eggs, beaten ½ cup sour cream 1 tsp. vanilla Chocolate Frosting Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine sugar, flour, soda, and salt in a large bowl; mix well and set aside. Combine water, butter, and cocoa in a heavy saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Gradually stir hot mixture into flour mixture; beat well. Stir in eggs and sour cream, mixing well. Pour into a greased and floured 9x13-inch pan (or horseshoe mold) and bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool. Spread Chocolate Frosting over cake. Freezes well. Chocolate Frosting ½ cup butter ¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. milk 5 Tbsp. cocoa 16 oz. box powdered sugar 2 tsp. vanilla Combine butter, milk and cocoa in a heavy saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients; beat until frosting is smooth. DERBY PIE Carmen Jordan 1/2 cup butter,
Big Mike’s Steakhouse makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy! Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in the Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com melted 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 eggs 1 Tbsp. bourbon (or 1 tsp. vanilla) 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 prepared 8-inch piecrust Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread chocolate chips and nuts in bottom of pie shell. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together. Mix in flour. Beat eggs slightly, and mix into creamed mixture. Stir in bourbon. Pour filling into pie shell over chips and nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. RUTH PARRENT’S CHEESE STRAWS Katy Leonard 1½ sticks butter 1 lb. New York sharp cheddar cheese 2 ½ cups all-purpose sifted flour 2 tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. paprika 2 tsp. red pepper Let butter and cheese come to room temperature; grate cheese. Blend the cheese and butter completely together by hand; in a separate bowl mix the rest of the dry ingredients. Gradually work the dry ingredients into the cheese and butter (this is usually done best kneading with hands). Once all of the dry ingredients have been blended into the dough place the dough into a cheese straw or cookie press. Bake on a very lightly greased cookie sheet for 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees until done (lightly brown at edges). Cool cheese straws on wax paper. Can be frozen after baking. FRESH FRUIT WITH CREAMY DIP Assorted fresh fruit of choice Creamy Dip: 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese 1 cup powdered sugar 1 cup whipping cream 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 lemon, zested and juiced Soften cream cheese and then whip with powdered sugar. Whip cream and sugar together until it forms soft peaks. Combine beaten cream cheese, whipped cream, lemon juice and zest; continue to beat until smooth.
A12 April 29, 2021
Red Clay Brewery releases world’s first-ever “Double Master” collaboration beer Master Brewer Kerry McGinnis of Red Clay Brewing Company has partnered up with Master Sommelier Emmanuel Kemiji of Miura Vineyards to create a line of experimental brews that introduce globally inspired flavors for the world’s first ever Double Master Collaboration Beer series. Each beer was brewed at Red Clay Brewing Company at Opelika’s first brewery in central lower Alabama. Red Clay Brewing is firmly entrenched in the south and is named after the red clay earth found in Alabama. While Miura hails from Northern California and is named after the most legendary and mythical breeder of the most famous bulls in Spain, Emmanuel Kemiji and Kerry McGinnish found a path to partnership for this new lineup of globally inspired and complex beers. While oenobeers (beers brewed using grapes or beers aged in wine barrels) are rising in popularity, there’s never been a collaboration where a Master sommelier and a Master
brewer made a canned beer together. The Miura “Double Master” series features three complex beers that change the notion of how beer should be perceived. Each beer celebrates the flavors and culture of a different geographical location that only add to their versatility, and reflect the unique hand-crafted approaches shared between McGinnis and Emmanuel as masters of flavor. “The interesting thing about making wine and beer is that both the importance of the quality of the ingredients and where they come from cannot be understated. Grapes like hops, malts, yeasts and even water each have a unique signature that gives the final product it’s unique character,” said Kemiji of the new Miura line. Finding the right balance was hard-earned with many taste panels and late nights. “Tasting sessions were fun. We would evaluate, agree on what changes to make, smoke a cigar and then produce another test batch," said McGinnis. Ultimately they came up with three signature flavors to debut the collaboration: West Indies
Pale Ale, Forbidden Blade and Dark Cape. The West Indies pale ale celebrates and honors the complex and historic brewing tradition of the tropics. This ale is made with chocolate imported from the Dominican Republic, then aged in tequila barrels to create a more robust flavor profile. This beer retains its uniqueness in its subtle spices as well as its luscious tone. The Forbidden Blade is a black pilsner that features traditional Chinese flavors of Meyer lemons and black rice, or “forbidden rice.” Black rice was marked as forbidden because it was reserved for the Emperor, and this beer celebrates it as a delicacy. These infusions help the beer emphasize the complex and aromatic qualities that define this crisp brew. Dark Cape is a Caribbean stout that lives up to its name, as it presents a thick, dark stout filled with intricate flavors. It is flavored with Café Baldacci single estate coffee from Puerto Rico, and aged in rum barrels. This is a stout with character: rich, black, bitter and sweet, inexplicably all at the same time. The Double Master
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPELIKA OBSERVER
Contributed by Monica SimpsonAyon
West Indies Pale Ale featuring Dominican Chocolate aged in Tequila Barrels: Photo Credit: Kayla Jackson, courtesy of Red Clay Brewing Company.
Collaboration Beers are launching this month coast-to-coast hitting shelves in Arizona, California and making waves in Puerto Rico. This expansion of Red Clay Brewing company’s lineup has been well-received and interest from Miura followers has been strong. “Reception has been positive beyond what I could have imagined as people appreciate the quality, story and thoughtfulness of what we have created," said Kemiji. DETAILS: Red Clay Brewing
Co: Opelika’s first brewery! Address: (704 N. Railroad Ave. Opelika, AL) Featuring Southern inspired stouts, lagers and ciders, Red Clay Brewing showcases award-winning craft brew. Website: www.redclaybrewing.com | Instagram: @redclaybrew Miura Vineyards & Emmanuel Kemiji: The San Francisco Chronicle named Kemiji as one of the “10 Winemakers to Watch”. He has also been a regular wine judge at the Los Angeles County Fair and the San Francisco International Wine Competition. The
wines that are produced by Miura are wines that Kemiji, from his experience as a major wine buyer for 18 years, feels represents the finest vineyards California has to offer — sites such as Pisoni, Rochioli, Williams Ranch and Hudson. Miura Vineyards (located in Napa, California) has concentrated on Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir. The bottlings are distinctive. They feature an abstract etching on the bottle of a bull with a red dot for an eye. www. miuravineyards.com | www.facebook.com/miuravineyards.
A13 April 29, 2021
W
Paul, Gentleness and Gender
hen Paul wants to talk about their gentleness among the Thessalonians he says, “We were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7). It’s a beautiful picture of tenderness and it’s set in contrast to the idea that Paul showed up barking orders and giving commands. That was never his preferred manner of leadership because it was not the way of the Christ who said, “I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Both Paul and Jesus could practice tough love when they needed to, but they advocated and practiced the softer side of love whenever possible. It’s also interesting and instructive that Paul borrows from a nursing mother to talk about the behavior of three men. I’m guessing that if you were to pick any three men today to talk about, “gentle as
Church Calendar • Church of Christ at Cunningham - meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. • St. Marys Catholic Church/ St. Michael’s Church SMCC is having Daily Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. and on weekends they are distributing holy Communion on Sundays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Mass is also held on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Church over in Auburn. For more information people can call the office at 334-749-8359 or go to the parish website: stmarysopelika.org. • Union Grove Baptist Church In-person gathering with social distancing. Masks are available. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m. Services are streamed live on Facebook — the page is UGBChurch • First Baptist Church Opelika The following are held in-person and online on Sundays. 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship and Message at The Worship Center 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Hour 11 a.m. Contemporary Service at The 3:16 Center 6 p.m. Evening Worship and Message at The Worship Center 6:30 p.m. Church on Chadwick at Chadwick Lane in Auburn To watch services online, go to fbcopelika.com/media
a nursing mother taking care of her own children” might not be the first descriptor to enter into your mind. An obvious part of what Paul is doing is painting a picture of family to describe their time at Thessalonica (see v. 11). We By Bruce Green he says also helps us to see the overlap in gender characteris- Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ tics which we sorely need to in Opelika understand. We live in a world that is confused and unraveling one pressing the message on at the seams as it relates to gender. The gender anarchists you that gender is a cafeteria style arrangement and it’s up and every other celebrity to you to pick and choose. are assuring us that there is The One who made us tells a continuum and fluidity to us that we have been created gender so that someone can as male and female. He made be a female one day, a male men to be men and women to the next, and something in between the next day. (Honestly, be women. Christ affirmed all of this in Matthew 19 when does anyone really think that He spoke of the marriage is a helpful view—much less relationship. The only a correct one?). The people exception to this are the rare most susceptible to such talk instance of those who are born are the young and inexperiintersex. Man’s sin ushered enced in life. Adolescence is in a redemptive curse from tough enough without some-
God (Genesis 3:14ff, Romans 8:19ff) and death, disease, and in rare cases, anatomical sexual abnormality, entered the world. In such instances, we need to be fully supportive and prayerfully mindful of every person and family who must address such a situation. While it’s clear that God created us as male and female, we also need to recognize that gender characteristics have considerable range and overlap. We need to be especially careful that we don’t create artificially, rigid categories of what each gender can or can’t do. For example, while it’s true that men are generally not good at recognizing and coordinating colors, that doesn’t mean every man is this way. And, for those who might have this ability, it doesn’t make them any less of a man. Women generally aren’t attracted to trucks like men are, but if a woman is, that doesn’t make her any less
female. And on it goes. This is important because artificially limiting gender characteristics creates unnecessary tension and confusion. That leads to unhealthy questions and doubts about one’s gender. Look at Jacob and Esau. Esau was a rugged, hairy, hunter and outdoorsman while Jacob was more of an indoors person who liked to cook and wasn’t hairy. Neither was more of a man than the other. So, it shouldn’t surprise us when Paul speaks of himself, Silas and Timothy practicing the gentleness of a nursing mother among the Thessalonians. Many, if not most men, can do this just as women are capable of doing the “encouraging, comforting and urging” that he associates with fathers in v. 11-12. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-grace-withbruce-green.com
ABOUT BRUCE GREEN You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.
Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. — 1 Corinthians 15:57
Church Directory 334-749-0461
BAPTIST Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika
ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D 334-758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta 334-742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy 334-749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. 334-749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. 334-745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy 334-749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B 706-4421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. 334-444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave 334-742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. 334-745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd 334-745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. 334-745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. 334-745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. 334-742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr 334-749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. 334-887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika 314 S. 9th St. 334-745-6143
First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue 334-742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. 334-749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-745-5340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. 334-821-7238 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy 334-742-9721 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. 334-745-6015 CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-749-
9112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court 334-745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. 334-749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. 334-745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. 334-826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. 334-742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A 334-745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 334-745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 334-749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. 334-745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. 334-745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-7418675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST
APOSTOLIC HOLINESS Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc 28 Sanford AvE., Opelika 334-745-0210 God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700
CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn
334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889
Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. 334-749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-7495386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd 334-749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd 334-7411006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy 334-7373222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy 334-745-7770
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Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003
A14 April 29, 2021
OBITUARIES Jeremy Allen Foreman Jeremy Allen Foreman of Opelika passed away April 19 at his residence. He was born Dec. 19, 1991 to Allen Foreman and Jenny Flurry. Jeremy was proceeded in death by his grandparents Winford Foreman, Renola Foreman and Bobbie Flurry. He is survived by his father Allen Foreman, mother Jenny Flurry, siblings, Amelia (Chris) VanHook, Jessica (Aaron) Blalock, Lisa (Chris) Duhon, Stephen Flurry, grandmother Nancy Flurry, nieces, Adalyn Abney, Cambre Flurry and Abigail Blalock and nephews, Brayden Flurry and Tyler VanHook. Jeremy was a loving son, brother and friend. He was an avid gamer, loved to play the guitar and was a big fan of
music. He also loved his cats Mittens and Little Bit. Visitation was on April 24 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, with the funeral service starting at 11:30 a.m. with Father Farmer officiating. Burial followed in Garden Hills Cemetery. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed. Bette Ann (Moore) Vaughan
Judy Long Whitaker Judy Long Whitaker, 74 of Opelika, passed away Saturday, April 24, 2021 at her home. Visitation was held on April 27, 2021 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home. A graveside service was held at 11a.m. on April 27 at Garden Hills Cemetery. Donations can be made to: Beth Ohr Messianic Congregation PO Box 187, Salem, Alabama, 36874.
Bette Ann (Moore) Vaughan was born Nov. 20, 1929 in Birmingham, Alabama and passed away after a short illness at the age of 91. Bette Ann was preceded in death by her parents, George Anderson and Minnie H. Moore, three brothers, John Robert Moore, Paul H. Moore and William H. Moore, a daughter and son-in-law, Anne V. and James K. Norman. She is survived by
her loving husband of 72 years, James Douglas Vaughan, two daughters, Nancy V. Myers (Tom) of Durham, North Carolina and Joy V. Bowles of Auburn, five grandchildren, David E. Norman of Auburn, Andrew T. Myers of Berkley, California, Anna E. Myers of Durham, Jared A. Bowles (Sarah) of Columbus, Georgia and Carly B. Marken (Michael) of Phenix City, Alabama and one great grandchild, Archer A. Bowles of Columbus. Bette Ann moved to Auburn at three months old where she grew up and became a lifelong, die hard Auburn fan. She was an avid bridge player, excellent seamstress and the heart and strength of her family. Bette Ann lived fully and wore many "hats". Known as "Nannie" to her dad and brothers, "Bette Ann" to her peers
and contemporaries, "Momma" to her three girls and "MaMa" to her grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on May 1 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made
to First United Methodist Church of Opelika or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital "Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also and he praises her." Prov. 31:28. We will miss you until we rejoice together again in our heavenly home!
LORD POUR OUT YOUR LOVE, LIFE AND LIBERTY “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
70TH NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER Thursday, May 6, 2021 12 noon Lee County Courthouse Square Rain site- 1st Baptist Church 3:16 Center- Ave. C Broadcast live on Halleluiah 1520 am NON DENOMINATIONAL PRAYER & PRAISE GATHERING
ALL INVITED
A15 April 29, 2021
Opelika Recycled TeenAgers hold Mini Relay for Life
PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER
The Opelika Recycled TeenAgers held a mini Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society last Thursday at the Opelika Sportsplex. The mini relay included a pajama walk, music and contest. The Lee County Relay for Life volunteeers and the American Cancer Society will be holding a “Victory Laps Against Caner” on April 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Spencer Cancer Center. For more information go to www.relayforlife.org/ leeal or on Facebook/leecountyrelay.
Lee County holds vigil for National Crime Victims' Rights Week
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY JORDAN BENEFIELD
Citizens of Lee County gathered in front of the Lee County Justice Center for the first ever Lee County "Resource Fair and Remembrance Vigil. Service providers and community agencies were available to provide information on crime prevention and services before the vigil was held in honor of those who have lost their lives due to crime.
A16 April 29, 2021
COMICS
“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
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School Board Meetings Auburn: May 11 at 6 p.m.
INSIDE • OPELIKA SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS
Lee County: May 11 at 6 p.m. Opelika: May 25 at 4:30 p.m.
Lee-Scott girls win state PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ERIC FAISON
By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com
On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell
OHS baseball, soccer seasons end
T
he OHS baseball team ended their season Friday, losing a doubleheader to Spanish Fort in the first round of the class 6A playoffs.The Toros beat the Bulldogs, 4-1 and 6-0, advancing to round two of the playoffs. OHS managed to score 1- un over the course of the doubleheader, while allowing 10 runs. The Dogs lack of offense and errors proved costly, leaving the team with a 14-16 overall record for the year. Opelika left the bases loaded twice during game one, but could not manage to bust open the game. SFHS shutout OHS, 0-6 in game 2, advancing to round two against Hillcrest. SOCCER The Opelika girls and boys soccer team played in the second round of the AHSAA 6A soccer playoffs on Tuesday night. The OHS boys soccer team lost 4-0 to St Paul's. Opelika could not manage a goal but played hard on the road. The OHS girls soccer team also fell to St. Paul's Episcopal by a score of 4-1. The girls and boys soccer program continues to improve under Coach Jaclyn Button and Coach Derek HovelL. The girls had a strong first half, down 2-0 at halftime.
Opelika was down 3-0 in the second half, but countered with a goal less than a minute after St. Paul’s scored. The goal was assisted by Eleanor Wilson, finished by Amiya Brown. The team ended the season 10-5-2 overall. We will miss our seniors Jackie Cruz, Abby Noon and Eleanor Wilson. Before that, the Opelika girls and boys soccer teams defeated Beauregard on Senior night at W. James Samford Soccer Complex. The Lady Bulldogs won 10-0, behind three goals from Scarlet Posadas and two goals by Ashley Hilyer. Other players to score a goal include: Pheobe Darcy, Ana Garcia, Abby Noon, Erica Mathews and Eleanor Wilson. Darcey continued to dominate at the keeper position. Opelika’s boys team beat Beauregard, 3-0, behind goals from Landon Faison, Said Rujana and Ethan Neman. Assists by Jonathan Blanco and Austin Roberts (2). TRACK & FIELD Opelika’s track and field team won the sectional track meet with 188 points, 81 points ahead of second place Mountain Brook. The following student-athletes were top performers. First Place: LeDamien Rowell, long jump and See SPORTS, page B4
It took extra time and penalty kicks, but the Lee-Scott Varsity girls soccer team defeated Tuscaloosa Academy on Friday to capture the AISA girls’ soccer championship. When the game ended in a 1-1 draw and eventually went through extra time to penalty kicks, Lee-Scott girls coach Eric Faison was confident his girls would get it done. “I knew we had won because we had the best keeper in the AISA,” Faison said. Faison is of course talking about Lee-Scott goalkeeper Abbie Star, who was named to the AISA All-Tournament team along with her teammates Emily Heartsill, Colee Shepp and Delaney Faison. Ironically, Star didn’t even have to make a save on what proved to be the kick that would crown the Warriors champions. Lee-Scott was up 4-3
on penalty kicks with one Tuscaloosa Academy player left to shoot. If she scored the goal, the two teams would have headed to sudden death, where the next team to make a penalty with the other missing, wins. Effortlessly enough for Lee-Scott, the Tuscaloosa Academy player skied her final penalty kick off the top of the crossbar and the Warriors rushed the field in fervent jubilation. “I may have pulled some voodoo strings and I may have sold my soul,” Faison said. “But it was
worth it to watch these girls get something they deserved and busted their tail for.” On paper, the youthful Lee-Scott team was outmatched. The Warriors’ starting lineup consisted of four eighth graders, two seventh graders, one ninth grader, one junior and three seniors. Tuscaloosa was an experienced team sitting at a perfect 12-0, having dominated teams on their path to the final. With only four shots on goal all game, Lee-Scott able to hold on thanks to
Heartsill’s first-half goal. “I’m sure the other team never seriously considered a remote chance they would have any competition, much less lose,” Faison said. But the impossible happened. In what was the “most exciting and stressful” game Faison has ever coached, the girls had the metal to get the job done. “They just wanted it more,” Faison said. For more photos of the Lee-Scott girls celebrating their win, turn to page B7.
Opelika youngster plunges into the record books By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com
A third grader in Opelika is rewriting the Southeast’s swimming record books. Opelika Swim Team Member, Max Stern, broke two 8 and under boys Southeastern (Tennessee, Alabama and the Florida panhandle) swimming records at the BSL Iron City Invite in Birmingham on April 10 and 11. “It’s rare,” said Opelika Swim Team coach Tyler McGill. “If Max continues down the path that he’s
on, he will do some great, great things.” Swimming the 50 free in 31.17 seconds and the 50 back in 38.1 seconds, Stern broke two records which stood from 2007 and 2014, respectively. He now owns three records for 8 and under boys as he broke the record for the 50 breaststroke at the Southeastern Championships last month. McGill, an Olympic gold medalist swimmer, said Stern has an innate ability in the water. “Max just has an unbelievable natural feel and natural gift in the water,”
he said. “So, really its him. My job is just to make sure he is smiling and he learns a few more skills along the way.” Going forward, McGill said he’s happy to praise Stern, but doesn’t want to impose expectations on him. “Our goal with Max over the next so many years will be just to make him the best version of himself that he can be,” McGill said. “But we’re having fun with what he’s doing now and we’re having a good experience, so we are going to keep going. We certainly want
STERN
to celebrate all of those accomplishments, but we also want to keep the focus the enjoyment of what he’s doing and the development of the skills – and we will see where that leads.”
B2 April 29, 2021
Knee High Foundation, Dawg Pound recognized for work within community PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA
By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com
In 2017, the Knee High Foundation and Opelika Dawg Pound set out to make positive changes in the Opelika community. Last Tuesday, those changes were recognized at last Tuesday’s city council meeting with a proclamation from Mayor Gary Fuller. “We appreciate so much what y’all are doing,” Fuller said. “And I’m happy to present to you all a proclamation recognizing the Knee High Foundation.” Some notable accomplishments by the Knee High Foundation include: Countless community service hours Adopted Veterans Nursing Home program Provided over 65 turkeys to low-income families during the holidays
Salvation Army volunteer work Community cleanup in Ward 2 Annual Dawg Pound book bag giveaway Check out for Charity at Auburn University Donated 1800
supply filled book bags to the children of Opelika and Lee County Assisted with the Beauregard tornado victims with cleanup, food, clearing land etc. Provided over 200 meals to essential workers during the pandemic
Auburn University celebrates legacy of Josetta Brittain Matthews
Provided over 100 gift baskets to the Cancer Center targeting breast cancer survivors Provided two free football camps The Knee High Foundation Annual Scholarship: $1000 to graduating class of 2019 and $1500 to the class of
2020 Donated bikes and clothing to various non-profits in Opelika and surrounding areas. Some notable accomplishments by the Opelika Dawg Pound include: The 8U team placing second in
Auburn renames Tiger Hall after Bessie Mae Holloway
Heidi Wright smiled wide and beamed with pride as Auburn University celebrated the life of her late mother, Josetta Brittain Matthews, at a special residence hall naming ceremony on Wednesday. Wright, who teaches special education at Auburn, stood before Josetta Brittain Matthews Hall in the Village area of campus and spoke fondly of her mother – the university’s first African American graduate and faculty member – on the windy and sunny afternoon. “I know she would be delighted and truly humbled by this overwhelming acknowledgement of all she accomplished,” said Wright, who earned a doctoral degree in special education from Auburn last year. “The Brittain Matthews legacy is surely promoted by having this residence hall named
for my mother, fondly known by me as ‘mommy.’ Auburn has always held such a special place of honor with our family, and my mother was dedicated to living out the ideals of the Auburn Creed. “Sometimes, history can be forgotten, or far worse, erased. With these recent namings, Auburn is taking a big step in the other direction, acknowledging the accomplishments of its Black alumni and more fully telling the story of its past and giving hope and encouragement to all students in their pursuit for a brighter future.” Matthews graduated from Laboratory High School on the campus of Alabama State University and received her bachelor’s degree in French and political science from Indiana University Bloomington in 1965. The following year, two years after Harold Franklin integrated Auburn in 1964, Matthews enrolled at Auburn.
She would go on to become the school’s first African American graduate by earning a master’s degree in education in 1966. Matthews became Auburn’s first Black faculty member in 1972 by joining the College of Liberal Arts as a French and history instructor and earned her doctorate at Auburn in 1975. Wright idolized her mother and developed a similar love of education that also led her to Auburn. “As a very young child, I always remember coming home and seeing my mother sitting at the table,” Wright said. “She would always have a book open, a pencil or pen and a writing pad or index cards. I wanted to be like my mom, so when I had the opportunity to emulate her, I did. “I remember my first day at Auburn as a graduate student. I got out of my car and was See MATTHEWS, page B4
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY
Contributed by Auburn University
the 2020 Choo Choo Bowl in Chattanooga, Tennessee and in the 2020 Elite Youth Talent Independent Nationals in Biloxi, Mississippi. The 10U team making it to the CAYFL Playoffs in Montgomery, winning the 2020 Elite Youth Talent Independent Nationals, winning the 2020 Pensacola Hype Bowl and placing third in the 2020 Carpet Capital Bowl in Dalton, Georgia. The 12U team winning the 2020 Carpet Capital Bowl, winning the Pensacola Hype Bowl, placing third in the 2020 Elite Youth Talent Independent Nationals and placing third in the 2020 Choo Choo Bowl. For more information on the Knee High Foundation or the Opelika Dawg Pound, visit https://thekneehighfoundation.org/.
By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com
An incoming freshman enters Auburn University — flush with excitement, wondering who they will be, what they will accomplish. Many freshmen will now enter the doors of Bessie Mae Holloway Hall and will be reminded of those who came before them, leaving their mark. Auburn University renamed two buildings last week — each after an African-American female trailblazer at Auburn. The first building to be renamed was Tiger Hall — incoming freshman will now live in Bessie Mae Holloway Hall. Holloway was Auburn University’s first African American Board of Trustee member and a lifelong educator. From 1985 to 2000 Holloway served as a voice for the students at Auburn. “The stories that you hear about the students and her and her devotion to the kids is really what makes her so very special to us in Auburn,” said Auburn President Jay Gogue. “She had a great
life and a great legacy that she’s left.” Before her time at Auburn University, she was a resident of Prichard, Alabama, and taught in Mobile County. She received her bachelor’s degree at Alabama State University, her master’s degree at Xavier University and her doctorate degree at Auburn University. “She was devoted in advancing inclusion and diversity in her role as a trustee and served as a role model to many students in leading meaningful change here at Auburn University,” said Bobby Woodard, vice president of student affairs at Auburn. Renaming Tiger Hall was one of the first decisions made by the Presidential Task Force for Opportunity and Equity of the university, said Jim Pratt, trustee and one of two co-chairs for the task force. “We want to start by doing positive, constructive things,” he said. “And what could be more positive or more constructive than honoring
someone that deserves to be honored.” Stephani JohnsonNorwood, council member in Prichard, Alabama, presented a proclamation for the renaming to Norman Vivians, Holloway’s nephew. The proclamation will hang inside Holloway Hall. “I’m praying that will be a beacon of light to all those students, especially the fact that they are first-year students, just as she continues to be a beacon of light to us in Prichard and the students in Prichard,” JohnsonNorwood said. Holloway was named as a trustee by former Alabama Governor George Wallace. “The same Governor Wallace, who stood in the door of the schoolhouse and said, ‘segregation today, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.’ He picked her for the first African-American board of trustees [member],” Johnson-Norwood said. “How awesome was she? She’s so awesome.” Elizabeth Huntley, See HOLLOWAY, page B5
B3 April 29, 2021
I Can See Clearly Now
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.
I
am so thankful for the medical excellence we have in the Opelika/ Auburn community. A few months ago, I began to notice that I simply could not see, even with my glasses on. I would go back and forth from my bifocals to storebought reading glasses as I read books to preschool classes. My doctor team quickly caught that the bifocals’ strength that I have had for the past three years was not meeting my vision needs at all. Last
week when I received my new pair of glasses, it was the very best gift I could receive. I can see the world clearly. As an aging Baby Boomer, I am so thankful for each day of life. One intergenerational truth that the young and old agree on is that each day is a gift from God. As Baby Boomers embark on how to plan and live our elderly years well, we can turn to those who have walked the road ahead of us. There are fundamental differences
that exist between age groups. For the purpose of this column, I am so very thankful for the many opportunities I have had being around senior citizens as friends, as well as in “sit and chat” interactions. This year we have had to social distance, Zoom, Facebook and even video chat but I have come up with truths of wisdom. I want to share some of the truths I learned with my readers from “The Greatest Generation” and “The Silent Generation.” Those who were born between 1901-1925 are termed “The Greatest Generation.” The elderly population in this generation grew up during the Great Depression. Too, many of them were active in-service during World War II. My senior friends explained to me that these two historical events built perseverance and courage when facing adversity and difficult times. This generation has frugal spending habits from living through the depression. They believe in hard work, in order to better themselves. This generation expresses traditional values in patriotism, loyalty and
way of life. Generally, members of “The Greatest Generation” are very private and don’t share a lot of their inner thoughts. With this generation, their word is their bond. Those born between 1926-1945 are called “The Silent Generation.” They are known as the Post War Generation. Most veterans in the “Silent Generation” served in the Korean War. The members of this generation are hardworking, loyal and logical. Like the “Greatest Generation” they have a traditional outlook and sense of right and wrong. We Baby Boomers born between 1946-1964, experienced the civil rights movement and witnessed and served in the Vietnam War. Too, the Baby Boomer generation are very open-minded to social values. We are independent, competitive and we value individuality. As Baby Boomers glean from the older generation, we don’t have to necessarily agree with the values of the different generations, but we can try and strive to understand the mind sets of these generations in meeting the
challenges of the world as they see them based on their experiences. Below are some characteristics this writer has observed in the daily lives of seniors and recommendations from “The Greatest Generation” and “The Silent Generation” to we Baby Boomers in meeting the challenges of today’s world. Realize you never quit learning, no matter how old you are. Enrich every area of your lives physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. Be good stewards of the resources you have in planning the future. “It is not what you have, but it’s what you do with what you have.” Stay on a daily schedule of desirable work and activities, even though you are now approaching those retirement years. This is where I want to plug in the value of volunteering in sharing our talents, gifts, skills and wisdom with others. The benefits of a sense of purpose and relationship are so gratifying. These are the things that money cannot buy. Helping others is one of those commodities.
Too, as Baby Boomers, we are searching out ways to help us stay healthy. Volunteering can benefit us socially, mentally, physically and emotionally. Keep your individuality but be willing to share your talents and gifts of service to others. “Care for your fellowman.” As community services begin to safely open back up again after the pandemic, search ways you can help on where you desire to help. It may be an educational setting, places of worship, local food banks, senior centers, animal shelters and more. Thank you to the generations who have gone before us for the valuable wisdom you have modeled and passed down to us Baby Boomers as we in huge numbers embark on the doors of retirement and aging well. The experience and lives of the Greater Generation help we Baby Boomers to see the world clearly that in helping others, we are helping ourselves. It is truly a two-way relationship where we all benefit as a community. Classroom Observer, Beth Pinyerd
Opelika City Schools’ budget on track, despite pandemic The Opelika City Schools Board met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday at revealed that the school system is on track, budgeted revenue wise, for the first half of the fiscal year. Vice Chairman Kevin Royal opened the meeting by approving the minutes from the last meeting and a personnel recommendation addendum. “We’re in hiring season all year now, but we are getting there,” Superintendent of Opelika City Schools Mark Neighbors said when approving the personnel recommendations. Then, for what was a brief overall discussion,
PHOTO BY WIL CREWS / OPELIKA OBSERVER
By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com
the board reviewed the financial reports for the first half of the fiscal year ending in March 31.
The report revealed that through the six months, there was an “excess of expenditures over
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revenues in the General Fund of $184, 836.” The deficit is by no means alarming as
budget General Fund revenue is at 45.4% and budgeted General Fund expenditures are at 46.3%.
“We are progressing as anticipated,” Chief School Finance Officer Chris Harrison said. Furthermore, the board discussed and approved homebound services procedures as presented at the April 9 meeting. “I know it’s very meticulous about all the stuff you have to go through to get approved,” Royal said. The overview details procedures for Opelika City Schools students who are unable to attend school in person “for medical and/or mental health reasons that are acute, catastrophic or chronic.” The overview states that if a student’s anticipated duration of absence exceeds 15 consecutive school days, the student is eligible See OCS , page B5
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Opelika High School Vibe to Perform at MIC CHECK 2021 Troy University and the John M. Long School of Music are proud to present the Opelika High Vibe at MIC CHECK 2021. This virtual event is for students at all levels that have an interest in pursuing careers in the music and entertainment industries. Artists and groups have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals over the two-day event to be held April 30 - May 1. The Opelika High School Vibe is an audition-based group that performs American Popular music in Lee County. From Jazz, to Pop, to Rock and HipHop, this versatile group of singers and instrumentalists perform regularly for their community. The Vibe was started in 2016 to study popular music, performing a variety of genres at festivals around the Southeastern United States. Under the direction of Patrick Bruce,
SPORTS >>
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triple jump; Trevon Moore, Shot Put; Jarell Stinson 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter; and Justin Shorter, 300 meter hurdles. Second Place: Justin Shorter 110 Hurdles; Eric Watts 300 meter hurdles, high jump and long jump; Montae Hutchinson, discus; Rowell, high jump. The 4 x 400 meter relay team comprised of Caleb Phillips, Kaden Cooper, Ant McGuire and Dalen Torbert. Third Place: Trevon Moore discus; Phillips, 400 meter.
MATTHEWS >>
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walking toward the bus station to go to Haley Center, and it was a magical moment for me. I just took in all of the campus in its glory, and it took me back to those days of coming here with my mother.” Matthews also worked tirelessly as a professor at Tuskegee University. While there, she served as a department chair, head of the Department of Political Science and secured numerous grants throughout her career. Matthews – a native of Fort Benning, Georgia, who was a resident of Montgomery until her passing on Dec. 15, 2019 – was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Auburn Board of Trustees in 2005. “I feel honored to be here today,” Auburn President Jay Gogue said. “Dr. Matthews was a real trailblazer who cared deeply about education and cared deeply about Auburn University. She was a very special person, and we are honored to be able to name this facility
the students’ overall goal is to be involved in all aspects of the music and entertainment industry. Troy University is excited to see the return of the familiar talent of The Vibe. POPulus is proud to have alumni of Opelika High School such as Caleb Etris, a bass guitar player. Etris speaks fondly of his time in the OHS Vibe. “Being in the Vibe prepared me for POPulus by showing me a snippet of what it’s like to perform in front of a crowd,” Etris said. “It taught me to look at music differently. The Vibe was a wonderful experience and it introduced me to Troy University and all it has to offer.” MIC CHECK 2021 features guest artist Michael Wilk of the iconic band Steppenwolf. His keyboard lines on hits such as “Born To Be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride” have been heard and enjoyed by countless millions around the world.
His experiences and success in performing and production include performing and working with other well-known artists including Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, Danny Hutton of 3 Dog Night and the Pointer Sisters, among others. His work as a film composer includes music from the movie soundtrack “Satisfaction” (starring Justin Bateman and Julia Roberts), as well as the soundtrack for “Pretty in Pink” (starring Molly Ringwald). In addition, his musical credits include a popular Diet Pepsi ad starring Ray Charles and featuring Jerry Lewis, Bo Jackson, Vic Damone and Charro. MIC CHECK 2021 is a virtual educational experience featuring clinics by Michael Wilk and other industry professionals. Creating your future in the music and entertainment industries is a primary focus throughout. In addition, concerts will be presented featuring developing
artists from high schools and colleges around the Southeastern United States and streamed via YouTube. The streamed concerts are open to the public and will be presented both evenings beginning at 7 p.m. CST. Featured groups include the Florence Academy of Fine Arts (Florence, Alabama), Mount Vernon School
(Atlanta, Georgia), Opelika High School (Opelika, Alabama) and Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (Andalusia, Alabama). In addition, POPulus, Troy University’s American Popular Music Ensemble, will perform each evening featuring popular music of all styles and genres. For students
interested in attending MIC CHECK 2021, registration is available online at tinyurl.com/ troymiccheck. For additional information, please visit MIC CHECK 2021 on Facebook at facebook. com/troyuniversitymiccheck. Concert performances will be streamed via YouTube, accessible on the MIC CHECK 2021 Facebook page.
OHS will participate in the AHSAA 6A State Track and Field Meet, April 29 through May 1 in Gulf Shores. SOFTBALL The Opelika softball team will host the Area Tournament on May 4 and 5 and West Ridge Park. The winner of the Area 4 tournament advances to Sub-State. May 4 schedule: G1 at noon – Eufaula vs Valley; G2 at 2 p.m. – Opelika vs Russell County; G3 at 4 p.m. – loser of G1 and G2; G4 at 6 p.m. – winner of G1 and G2 May 5 schedule: G5 at 3 p.m. – winner of G3 vs loser of G4; G6 at 5 p.m.
– winner of G4 vs winner of game G5; G7 if necessary at 7 p.m. =AHSAA EXECUTIVE DIRECRTOR, STEVE SAVARESE PLANS TO RETIRE Alabama High School Athletic Association Executive Director Steve Savarese has announced his plan to retire, effective July 1. Savarese is in his 15th year as the head of athletics for public schools in Alabama. The announcement was made during a press conference last week at the AHSAA headquarters in Montgomery. Savarese agreed to serve at the
liberty of the Central Board of Control if they request more time after July 1. Coach Savarese, the fourth executive director in the 100-year-old association, followed coach Dan Washburn. Savarese currently serves on the National Federation of High School Board of Directors, was voted to be the President in 2021-22 and serves as chairman of the NFHS Network. Saverese was a teacher and football coach prior to taking the job at AHSAA, starting in Kansas then moving to Alabama where he guided Ensley, Benjamin Russell,
Daphne and McGillToolen. Savarese won two state championships as a head coach and spent 47 years as an educator. I met Coach Sav in the 80’s when he coached the BRHS Wildcats. Our friendship continued to grow over the next 30-plus years. He is one of the kindest and warm-hearted individuals I have ever met. Coach Sav had a tremendous effect on my life, standing with me through numerous health issues since 1992. The AHSAA thrived under his leadership, from moving Super 6 now Super 7 to Jordan-Hare and
Bryant-Denny Stadiums, to moving the Softball State Championship to Chocalocco park in Oxford. I could list numerous advancements and progress under Saverese’s tenure. Savarese made high school athletics in Alabama better! Congratulations Coach Sav and Beth. I among others will mis him. D. Mark Mitchell is the Sports Director at iHeart Media, host of "On the Mark" on Fox Sports 910-1310, Co-Chair of the Auburn Sports Council, Chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball State Director.
after her and ensure her legacy will live on forever here at Auburn.” Several of Matthews’ friends and family members, including her grandson, Jeffrey Wright, attended the afternoon ceremony alongside members of the Auburn Board of Trustees and university and student leaders. Matthews’ best friend, Judge Gammiel Poindexter, the first African American woman elected as a Commonwealth Attorney for the County of Surry, Virginia, also spoke at the celebration. “I don’t know how to express to you how I felt when I walked up here to these steps, looked up and saw Josetta’s name written on this building. It was an experience,” said Poindexter, who met Matthews as an undergrad at Indiana University. “I say to those who made the decision to name a dormitory on campus after Dr. Matthews, you could not have picked a better choice. Your students can sleep at night knowing that their home away from home is named after a proud and brave
African American woman who met head on many challenges in life, fought many battles personally and professionally and most important, survived and thrived.” Auburn Board of Trustees member Elizabeth Huntley spoke of progress and optimism before presenting Wright with an official proclamation to commemorate the occasion. “What an honor it is to be here today for yet another historic naming in honor of a trailblazer who fostered such meaningful change in the way of advancing diversity and equality at Auburn,” said Huntley, who serves as co-chair of the Trustees Task Force that is reviewing broad diversity and inclusion issues. “In acknowledging the hard work and advancements that Dr. Matthews accomplished and furthered, Auburn is again affirming its commitment to the longterm, deliberative work needed in advancing a culture of inclusivity that will serve to further unite our strong Auburn Family. “On behalf of the
Auburn University Board of Trustees, I am pleased to see such continued movement toward progress, and it is only fitting that we meet here today to name this student residence hall in Dr. Matthews’ honor, knowing her long-lasting contributions to students will be forever remembered as they pass by this hall’s new, esteemed name.” Matthews was known as a true historian, with a talent for connecting all things with the past and putting them in their proper context with current events, doing so in such a way as to make history relatable and understandable to anyone. In 2020, the Auburn Alumni Association Board of Directors created the “Dr. Josetta Brittain Matthews Memorial Endowed Scholarship” to support Auburn’s goal of “promoting diversity, equity and inclusion among its student body.” The scholarship will provide support to undergraduate students whose financial need makes attendance at Auburn cost prohibitive. “Eagle Hall is home
to Auburn’s Honors College students, so how fitting to name this particular residence hall in honor of someone who devoted her life to education, all the while blazing a trail for those who would follow her,” said Bobby Woodard, senior vice president for Student Affairs. “The students who live here are some of our best and brightest—eager to learn and grow as they complete their degrees at Auburn. Many of these students will go on to be lifelong educators and leaders, much like the building’s new namesake, Dr. Matthews. “Today, we will officially name this building Josetta Brittain Matthews Hall, and it is an honor to be here with you all as we witness it together.” The Auburn Board of Trustees voted on the naming initiative at its Feb. 5 meeting, and Wednesday’s Matthews Hall ceremony was the second celebration in as many weeks. Tiger Hall was renamed in honor of Bessie Mae Holloway, Auburn’s first Black Board of Trustees
member, in a similar celebration on April 16. The Trustee Task Force recommended last year that the Student Center be renamed in honor of Harold D. Melton, Auburn’s first Black Student Government president and chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court. The official name change in November made the Melton Student Center the first building at Auburn named for an African American. Auburn’s latest efforts to evaluate the history and context of its named buildings and structures is part of a larger initiative by Auburn to promote opportunity and equity. The university is committed to advancing inclusion and diversity as core values and is focused on several initiatives in that endeavor, to include addressing disparities in recruitment and retention of students, faculty and staff from underrepresented areas, as well as the implementation of a campus-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Education and Training program.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPELIKA OBSERVER
Contributed by Troy University MIC CHECK
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Smiths Stations boys fall to Enterprise in playoffs By JD McCarthy For the Opelika Observer Smith Station’s season ended with a 2-1 overtime loss at Enterprise on Monday night in the first round of Class 7A state playoffs. Smiths Station coach Jeff Carrero knew his team would be in for a battle with a good team that’s record of 8-6-1 was “deceiving.” The Panthers were able to grab a 1-0 lead with 4:11 remaining in the first half after Dylan Millar was able to coral the ball around the top of the 18-yard box and zipped the ball into the back of the net. “[I was] very excited, the players were
pumped,” Carrero said. “We were playing well; we had figured out their system.” The Wildcats were able to tie the game with 29:31 remaining in the second half on a penalty kick. Enterprise attempted to cross a pass inside the box and it struck a Panther defender, resulting in a penalty kick that Enterprise buried in the back of the net to make it 1-1. The Panthers had several chances to retake the lead late in regulation but were unable to finish. Tyler Suggs had a header saved by Enterprise goalkeeper Jonah Sidanycz. David Ramirez’s put back attempt was also denied
and a few minutes later Sidanycz made a diving save on a Lukas Rouf’s shot to keep the game tied at 1-1. That was the final at the end of regulation and the first overtime period, but with 2:30 remaining in the second overtime period, a Wildcat forward was able to get past the Panther defense and rocketed a shot past a diving Xander Paschal to give Enterprise the 2-1 win. “We played a great game, that was probably our second or third total game but against a really good team we needed to play a total game and we did,” Carrero said. “I walked off the field
very proud of my team. I wasn’t upset.” The loss means the Panthers end the season with a record of 9-7-2. Despite the defeat, Carrero wants his team to feel proud of what they accomplished this season. “I want them to have a sense of accomplishment,” he said. “We had a winning season. I want them to have a great memory. High school soccer is more than just playing the game itself, I think we accomplished our goals.” Carrero added he was proud his players made good grades, enjoyed being around each other and avoided getting in
trouble on and off the field. “We accomplished a lot of other things outside of just the game itself,” he said. While the season may have just ended, Carrero already has an eye on next year’s team – and he likes what he sees. The Panthers will return a senior goalkeeper in Jacob Quinones, three of their four starting defenders, one starting midfielder and several players who were contributors this year will have a chance to earn a starting role. All of these players were able to get experience this year and have already shown that they can play and with an
extra year of development will be ready for bigger roles. “I got a good feel for my starting 11,” he said. “It’s relaxing when you have that.” While they will return several players, it was the final game for Smiths Station’s eight seniors. Although it wasn’t the best send-off possible, Carrero looks back on the time spent with the guys fondly. “I want to thank them for everything they’ve done. For being good role models this year. I know it was tough,” Carrero said. “These guys stepped up and wanted to do it and do the right thing. They were good guys.”
Beauregard softball playing its best ahead of playoffs By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com The Beauregard Lady Hornets (14-15; 1-5) softball team is hitting its stride at just right the time. “We’re getting better,” head coach Scott Meadows said. “Some outside noise was one of our biggest problems and I think that’s toned down a bit.” Just three weeks ago, the Hornets returned from spring break and head coach Scott Meadows was looking to reinvigorate his squad for a strong endof-season push. The Hornets have been better since then. However, there is still
much to do if they are to meet their utmost potential. “If we can hit a little bit better throughout the lineup, eliminate those walks from the pitchers and don’t throw those one or two errors in there … If we can do all that and put it all together, then we can play with any of them,” Meadows said. Winners of three out of their last four, Beauregard has wrapped the regular season and have just one tournament (three games) this weekend before a first-round AHSAA 5A Area 05 tournament game against the No. 1 seed Tallassee on May 6. The Hornets have played Tallassee
(17-11-2; 6-0) twice this year and lost both. One was an 11 inning thriller which Beauregard ended up on the wrong end of, 9-8. The other was a 15-8 loss on April 20. “We’ve lost some games but with the exception of Tallassee, we have played better in the last two or three weeks,” Meadows said. The good news for Beauregard is that No. 1 pitcher Madison “Mac” McDonald did not start the second game against the Tigers. Meadows said he plans to throw his ace this time around. “She done threw 11 innings against them the first time,” Meadows said of Mac. “I really didn’t want to
Breaking down Auburn’s remade roster By JD McCarthy For the Opelika Observer With the new NCAA rule allowing players to transfer once without sitting out, Bruce Pearl was able to completely remake and bolster Auburn’s roster. Auburn entered the offseason with 12 scholarship players and currently has 11 scholarship players, but only six of them suited up for Auburn last season. With the decommitment of Trey Alexander, expect Auburn to be on the hunt for another wing who could provide more depth and shooting from deep. With that being said, here’s a refresher on who is leaving, who is returning and the new additions. Departures (5): Justin Powell (Tennessee), Jamal Johnson (UAB) and Javon Franklin (South Alabama) all decided to transfer to take advantage of the new transfer
rule and head to other destinations for a variety of reasons. Shariffe Cooper and JT Thor have both entered their name into the 2021 NBA Draft and while Thor could return, it seems like his time on The Plains has come to an end. Returning (6): - Allen Flanigan, G/F Flanigan’s offensive improvement was one of the highlights of Auburn’s last season as he scored 14.3 points on 45.5% shooting with 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists.
- Devan Cambridge, G/F He did his best work coming off the bench and can provide some instant offense as a reserve. - Chris Moore, G/F In a limited role Moore was efficient and will challenge for more minutes as a sophomore. - Jaylin Williams, F/C Williams was one of Auburn’s best players a season ago, but his role next season is hard to determine with so See ROSTER, page B6
throw her twice against anyone because I don’t know how smart that is, but when you are limited on pitching sometimes you aint got no choice.” Mac did start on senior night against Valley last Thursday. In what was a team effort, she led the way, throwing five innings, striking out seven and allowing only three hits and two earned runs. She also went 2-for-3 with a double and one RBI at the plate. Madison Champion was 1-for-3 with a home run, three RBI’s and three runs scored. Tori Gouker, Caroline Willis, Terry Howard and Mikayla Williams all had two hits apiece.
This Monday, Beauregard dominated Benjamin Russell, winning 12-0. Mac was on the mound once again and earned the win. Leading the charge offensively was Madison Champion and Kat Henson. Champion had a grand slam and five RBI while Henson went 2-for-2 with a home run, a double and three RBI. Henson’s impressive day raised her batting average to .463, her slugging to .761, with an on base percentage of .616. “She’s really hit the ball well this year,” Meadows said of Henson. “She’s definitely the leader on our team at the plate and has been all year.”
Beauregard played Dadeville Tuesday night and emerged victorious with a comfortable 14-6 win. Now, the focus turns to sharpening up before next Thursday’s area tournament matchup with Tallassee. Beauregard’s weekend slate includes some stiff competition against Elmore County (19-9; 6-0), 6A Wetumpka (30-12; 4-0) and Saint James (17-4; 2-0). Meadows said he is looking forward to the tests. “It’s going to be pretty good competition which I told the girls yesterday,” Meadows said. “That will help prepare us a little more the area tournament.”
HOLLOWAY
all aspects of their lives. “She was truly concerned about the issues affecting students and she rolled her sleeves up and wanted to get to the bottom of what was going on to see how the board could play a supportive role,” Huntley said. “She listened to the student voice and she was a truAe student’s trustee.” Huntley said that Gogue pointed out to her almost nine years ago that there were no buildings on Auburn’s campus named after African-Americans. Auburn has been taking steps to rectify that. In 2020 the student center was named after Georgia Supreme Court Chief
Justice Harold Melton. Following the naming of Bessie Mae Holloway Hall, the university renamed Eagle Hall after Dr. Josetta Brittain Matthews. A sign now stands in front of the dorm with Holloway’s name displayed prominently. “With this naming we also reaffirm the devotion to the ideals of the Auburn Creed as we continue the long-term, deliberative work toward advancing and promoting opportunity and equality,” Pratt said. “… She is one of those individuals whose left footprints in time, setting the course for us going forward and so we honor her.”
most we have ever had is … yeah … we had three one time. It can be for different reasons, they’re all for different needs.” Other business: - The board approved consideration of personnel recommendations and an addendum which included seven new hires, four resignations, two retirements and three transfers (certified). - The board approved consideration of the math textbook adoption list and the math state approved textbook
adoption list recommended by the textbook adoption committee which was made up of various teachers and parents. - The board reviewed the monthly child nutrition report for March, 2021. - The board approved the retirement ceremony for Tuesday, March 18, 2021 at 4 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Opelika High School, where the next board meeting will immediately follow.
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trustee and co-chair of the Presidential Task Force for Opportunity and Equity, is the second female African-American trustee, following in Holloway’s steps. “Having a student’s residence hall named after Dr. Holloway serves to remind all Auburn students past, current and future that with perseverance through adversity and work, hard work, anything is possible,” Huntley said. Holloway advocated for Auburn University students, Huntley said, and wanted to be involved in
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>> FROM B3 for homebound services. Students may also be eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The overview states that homebound services are temporary and eligibility requires written documentation from a licensed physician. “It’s not an ‘I just want to stay home,’” Neighbors said. “The
B6 April 29, 2021
AHSAA Undergoing Changes By Wil Crews
sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com
Over the last couple of weeks, the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) has been in the headlines. First, Executive Director Steve Saverese announced his impending retirement. “It’s now time for me to devote my time to my family,” Savarese said in an AHSAA online article. “I’ve had an awesome time, teaching, coaching, serving as an administrator and most humbly serving as the executive director of the AHSAA. To follow icons such as Cliff Harper, Bubba Scott and Dan Washburn has been the greatest honor of my life. “Professionally, I would not change anything regarding my career. I genuinely feel as if I’ve never worked a day in my life. I’ve tried to approach each day knowing that nothing worthwhile was ever achieved without enthusiasm. God has truly blessed me.”
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much change. - Babatunde Akingbola, C Stretch still has plenty of room to grow offensively but he is a shot blocking machine. - Dylan Cardwell, F/C Cardwell provides a ton of energy and has
Then, the AHSAA Legislative Council ratified six proposals pertaining to the alteration of rules for Alabama high school sports. Among the most notable of proposals that passed was proposal No. 18 — the elimination of the 50% rule — which limited participation outside the sports season during the school year to just 50% of the number it takes to field a team in that sport. “This was a landmark decision that eliminates a rule that has been in effect for as long as I can remember,” said Savarese in an AHSAA online article. “This will have an immediate impact on all our member school student-athletes. The legislative council followed the vote of their districts, which is a great example of how our democratic process works.” According to the article, the other proposals that were ratified are: PROPOSAL No. 1: Rule 3, Section
15 was amended to remove a note that prohibited a coach from working with an in-season athlete for an out-of-season sport. PROPOSAL No. 3: Amended Rule 1, Section 6 to state: “Members of any school team may receive private individual instruction in a group setting ONLY with members from their school or feeder school.” PROPOSAL No. 12: In the sport of football, if the visiting school forfeits in year one of a two-year contract period, the school that forfeited should travel in year two. The money from ticket sales during year two should then be split between the two schools. PROPOSAL No. 14: Allows football teams to participate in one preseason jamboree one week prior to
potential to take a step forward in his second year. Additions (5): - Walker Kessler, C The 7-foot-1 Kessler played just 8.8 minutes per game at North Carolina. However, the former 5-star prospect averaged 18 points in games he played over 20 minutes and
raises Auburn's ceiling tremendously. - Zep Jasper, G Jasper is a scorefirst point guard who averaged 15.6 points at the College of Charleston and his defense has earned him the nickname of “Honey Badger.” - Wendell Green Jr., G Green is a more
a team’s first varsity contest regardless of whether a team’s season begins Week Zero or Week 1. PROPOSAL No. 19: Allows spring sports to begin practice on Martin Luther King Day each January, beginning in the 2022-23 school year. All legislative proposals that passed will go into effect next school year except for one, which will begin in 2022-23. Lastly, the AHSAA Central Board approved a $1.7 million revenue payout to its member schools for the 2019-20 season in its annual spring meeting. The payout comes after the board chose to hold revenue sharing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the article, member schools will likely be getting another revenue payout
in October that should equal or surpass the payout approved last week. In addition, the article also said that the $1 charge placed on playoff tickets in the past now goes directly to member schools and, as a result, schools have received approximately $450,000 in additional revenue this school year. Other business of note: The board approved a recommendation from the competition committee to add a fourth classification in the sport of wrestling beginning in the 202223 season. The board approved the modified three-day scheduled for volleyball used last October for subsequent state tournaments. The board approved a change for football Super 7 state championships, where instead of predetermined stipends for participating, each team/school would receive 38% of the gate receipts sold through GoFan. The board approved a ticket price increase
in all sports beginning 2021-22. The board approved the 2021 Super 7 football and basketball final audit. The board approved the 2021 financial reports for region and state bowling, dual and state wrestling, indoor track, regional basketball, AlabamaMississippi All-Star basketball and the 2020 football playoffs. To read more about the actions at the central board’s annual spring meeting: www. ahsaa.com/Media/ AHSAANOW/NewsArticles/central-boardapproves-17-million2019-20-revenue-payout-to-member-schools To read more about the legislative council’s approved proposals: www.ahsaa.com/ Media/AHSAANOW/ News-Articles/ahsaa-legislative-council-ratifies-6-proposals-at-wednesdays-spring-meeting To read more about the accomplishments and retirement of Savarese: www. ahsaa.com/Media/ AHSAANOW/ News-Articles.
traditional point guard, ranking no. 15 nationally with 146 assists in 29 games and is likely the starter at point guard, barring another addition. - Desi Sills, G Auburn has seen firsthand how dominant Sills can be, the former Razorback torched the Tigers for 23 points on
Dec. 20 and will bring experience to the roster. - Jabari Smith, F Smith is the highest signee in program history and scored 23.4 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists as a senior at Sandy Creek High on the way to being named Georgia Mr. Basketball and a McDonald's All-American.
Projected Lineup PG: Wendell Green Jr. / Zep Jasper SG: Desi Sills / Devan Cambridge / SF: Allen Flanigan / Chris Moore PF: Jabari Smith / Jaylin Williams C: Walker Kessler / Jaylin Williams / Dylan Cardwell / Babatunde Akingbola.
Protect with 3! ✔ Tdap ✔ HPV ✔ MCV4 Protect your patients against vaccine preventable diseases.
As healthcare professionals, it is up to you to ensure your patients remain up to date with their vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommend the following vaccines for adolescents: • • • •
Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis Human papillomavirus Meningococcal disease Influenza
For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm
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“This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”
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Lee-Scott Lady Warriors crowned state champions PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ERIC FAISON
Beauregard Softball Honors its seniors PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY JOHN HILLSMAN
The Beauregard Lady Hornets held their senior night last Thursday, defeating Valley 12-2. Senior night honored both seniors from 2020, who missed their senior night due to COVID-19, and 2021 seniors. Pictured top (L-R): coach Meadows, 2021 senior Tori Gouker, coach Lake, 2021 senior Madison McDonald, 2021 senior Lainee Howell, 2021 senior Terry Howard, 2021 senior Mikayla Williams, coach Wilson and coach McDonald. Pictured bottom right (L-R): Lake, Meadows, 2020 senior Kamdyn Overby, 2020 senior Kenzie Farr, Wilson and McDonald
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20 Under 40 application deadline April 30 Staff Report It’s time for 20 Under 40 in Opelika again! “Are you under 40, love Opelika and have a vested interest in shaping the direction of this city's
future,” said the city of Opelika chamber release. “This program is dedicated to developing leaders by providing opportunities.” The application is now available to aspiring leaders in
Opelika. “This program is dedicated to developing leaders by providing opportunities: to learn about community and government affairs while giving back to the community
through a class service project, to develop professionally through training and skill-based learning initiatives, to engage and connect with each other as well as forge relationships with local business
and organization leaders,” the release said. In addition to the application, two letters of reference are required. Both must be turned into the Opelika Chamber (601 Avenue A,
Opelika) or emailed (mackenzie@opelikachamber.com). The application should be submitted by April 30. For more information visit the website (https://www. opelikachamber. com/20-under-40).
May 5 2021
24 Hours. 11 Ways to GIVE.
opElIkaGIVInGDay.orG A Program of the
Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics
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April 29, 2021
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Inside the Statehouse Opelika's IT Department
Who Are the Nine People Who Sit on Our State Supreme Court?
T
Contributed by the city of Opelika
STEVE FLOWERS going on the Supreme Court. He was born and raised in Dothan and is one of the most respected young men to have come out of his hometown. He is a graduate of Auburn University and Cumberland School of Law. He and his wife of 24 years, Michelle, are very active members of the First Baptist Church of Dothan and they have three fine sons. Justice Greg Shaw epitomizes a judge both professionally and personally. He is said to be the hardest working member of the Court and takes his role seriously and is well above reproach. He has an outstanding wife, Samantha “Sam” Shaw, who has also had a sterling career in politics. She was overwhelmingly elected State Auditor twice, serving eight years. Greg and Sam live on a farm about an hour from Montgomery. They have two outstanding sons and are members of the Auburn United Methodist Church. Greg graduated from Auburn and Samford’s Cumberland School of Law. Justice Sarah Stewart is a longtime Mobilian and was a Mobile Circuit Judge prior to going on the Court. She is a very respected jurist and a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School. She and her husband, Craig, have two children and are Methodists. Justice Mike Bolin is one of the finest men I have ever known. Bolin was a stellar and popular Probate Judge in Jefferson County prior to his service on the Supreme Court. He is a graduate of Samford University and a graduate of Cumberland School of Law. Bolin and his wife, Rosemary, have one daughter. They attend St. Peter the Apostle Church in Hoover. Unfortunately, he cannot run for reelection next year. He will be over 70 and is term limited under state law. See FLOWERS, page B11
Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and the city of Opelika are proud to announce that the city’s Information Technology Department was recently recognized by the state of Alabama’s Central Geographic Information System (GIS) team for its outstanding work with GIS ESRI mapping software. “We were recently contacted by the State of Alabama central GIS team,” said Stephen Dawe, city of Opelika Chief Technology Officer. “They were looking
for cities or counties in Alabama that were using GIS mapping to better their communities. We shared many of the projects the city has engaged in both singularly and with Auburn University. The state had no idea how advanced our GIS system is and how much we have integrated into all our other city applications.” The city of Opelika is now the second city to add GIS content and data to The Alabama Location Intelligence Collaboration hub. Dawe and James Bush, GIS Associate for Opelika, are working to ensure the mapping data offered through
the state can be used to enhance decision making and share data with citizens in an easy-to-understand format Based on Opelika’s sensor project, cemetery maps and sewer data monitoring, Bush has been invited to speak at the State of Alabama GIS peer group conference in the fall. “An additional benefit of being a partner with the state is that the state pays for all the data hosted within the State Hub, thus reducing the load on our GIS systems and the cost of us hosting GIS data in the cloud,” Dawe said.
Lee County Commission discusses Beulah quarry SCREENSHOT FROM LIVESTREAMED VIDEO
his week allow me to share with you a sketch of the men and women who sit on our State Supreme Court. These nine Justices are all Republican, all conservative on both social and business issues. All are very devout in their faith and very connected to their church and their family. Chief Justice Tom Parker has been on the State Supreme Court since 2005. He was born and raised in Montgomery and went to Dartmouth College and Vanderbilt Law School. Parker and his wife, the former Dottie James of Auburn, have been married 39 years. Dottie was a supervisor of the governor’s mansion during the Fob James administration. They are Methodist. Justice Jay Mitchell is the most personable and definitely the tallest member of the Supreme Court. Mitchell was a star basketball player at Birmingham Southern where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He is imminently qualified for the Supreme Court having graduated from the University of Virginia Law School and had a sterling career with a Birmingham law firm prior to being overwhelmingly elected to the high tribunal in 2018. Mitchell and his wife, Elizabeth, have four children. They reside in Homewood and are members of the Church of the Highlands. Justice Tommy Bryan is a popular and conservative member of the high court. Bryan was born on a family farm in Crenshaw County. He served on the Court of Civil Appeals and was an assistant attorney general prior to being elected to the Supreme Court in 2012. Bryan and his wife, Pamela, are very active members of the First Baptist Church of Montgomery where he is a Deacon, Sunday School teacher and sings in the choir. He and Pam are very close and have raised two fine children. Justice William “Will” Sellers, like Parker, is a Montgomery native, as is his outstanding wife, Lee Grant Sellers. He and Lee have been married 33 years and have three adult children and are active members of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Montgomery. He was a prominent tax attorney prior to going on the court. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama Law School and has a New York University tax degree. Justice Brad Mendheim was a Circuit Judge in Houston County prior to
recognized by state for outstanding work
By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com The Lee County Commission approved two items related to the potential quarry by CreekWood Resources, LLC, in Beulah that a group of citizens is protesting against. Citizens will have
NOW OPEN
the opportunity to participate in a special-called election on May 18 which could result in zoning for Beat 13. This election will have one item on the ballot — do residents want the newly-formed planning commission to have the authority to establish zoning regulations in Beat 13 or
not. The planning commission, and election, are the result of the fight against a potential quarry in Beulah. The quarry would be located on West Point Parkway (US Hwy 29) approximately 0.6 miles east of Lee County Road 177, according to the See LCC, page B13
Indoor shooting range is open to the public
2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA
B10 April 29, 2021
Certificate of Existence fee for businesses applying for aid to be waived Contributed by the office of the Alabama Sec. of State Recently, the Alabama Legislature passed Act 2021222, allowing the Secretary of State to waive the $25.00 Certif icate of Existence f iling fee for businesses during declared states of emergency. “During the COVID-19pandemic, many businesses were required to provide proof of existence in order to be eligible for loan forgiveness, paycheck protection programs and other similar programs meant to assist businesses during these diff icult times,” said
Secretary of State John H. Merrill. “Thanks to Senator Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) and Representative Reed Ingram (R-Matthews) for working with our off ice to provide this much-needed assistance for business owners working to recover from the pandemic.” If you are interested in applying to have your Certif icate of Existence fee waived in order to apply for federal or state aid, you can f ind the application at https://arcsos.state.al.us/cgi/ certform.mbr/form. “The government should be working to assist businesses and families during unprecedented times such
as these. Following President Biden’s decision to sign an extension for the Paycheck Protection Program into law, we are proud to waive this fee for Alabama businesses to help them weather this economic hardship,” said Merrill. The deadline to apply for a paycheck protection program loan has been extended from March 31 to May 31. The law also extends the authorization of loans to June 30 to provide the Small Business Administration adequate time to process applications. For questions or concerns, please call our Business Services Division at (334) 242-5324.
B11 April 29, 2021
Even solid political skills did not stop Merrill and Hubbard from downfalls
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ith John Merrill’s controversy in 2021, members of the media, especially in Birmingham and Montgomery, are pleased the Alabama secretary of state is embroiled in a scandal. They have their reactions, but it is a sad chapter. On April 6, Merrill was set to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. Then, a tape of a three-year affair he denied was revealed in all its seduction. He decided against running for office in 2022 to spend more time with his family. Merrill hopes to complete his term in January 2023; unless he is linked to use of government property for personal gain. He would make a good candidate for senator (if he raised enough money). He is charismatic and conservative, has done a fine job at his work, and is a great “retail” candidate. Cesaire McPherson, in the 17-minute tape embarrassing Merrill, said
he used racial words – such as Colored – for African Americans. I have known Merrill for several years, and I rather doubt he is a racist. I suspect McPherson was “adding on” bad or racial talk to humiliate him further. Another natural politician whose career was ended abruptly is Mike Hubbard. He entered his first political contest in 1998. On his radio show I said his campaign against Auburn Mayor Jan Dempsey would be very close. Hubbard said polls showed he was clearly ahead. He won, with the GOP label and his hard work carrying him thru. At age 36, he went to the Alabama House from Lee County. In 2010, he became Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, the first Republican to do so in 136 years. Little did Hubbard know after strengthening the legislature’s ethics laws, that he himself would be convicted of ethics charges. He has been in state prison since September
2020. Jail marks a dramatic departure for Hubbard; he had been on a fast trajectory in politics for much of his adult life. Shortly before he was ordered to jail, I bumped into Hubbard for the first time in many years. When he went back to his office, I remembered something I thought about during his 1998 campaign. I said to myself “Here is a young man in a hurry, taking on a variety of tough tasks and doing them well.” Not in any way to minimize his felony convictions, but I can’t stop thinking that being Speaker, leader of the state GOP (twice) and owning several businesses was not a good idea – all at once. I hope other politicians do not overdo their inboxes and responsibilities, leading to recklessness and disgrace. Mike Hubbard was truly a young man in a hurry – too much of one! One person of my acquaintance who was very determined to succeed was my assistant editor while I was an
April 27th, 2011 tornadoes remembered across the state Contributed by the Office of the Governor Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed April 27, 2021, as a Day of Remembrance in the state of Alabama. On April 27, 2011, a series of long track tornadoes ripped through the state of Alabama in three waves across 35 of our 67 counties. Tuesday, April 27, 2021, marked the 10th anniversary of this unprecedented natural disaster that took the lives of 254 Alabamians, injured more than 2,000 and devastated the state. While we will never forget the grave loss of life and devastation, we also reflect on how far we have come. The governor’s proclamation reads as follows: WHEREAS, on April 27, 2011, a series of long track tornadoes ripped through the state of Alabama in three waves across 35 of our 67 counties; and WHEREAS, in total, there were 29 confirmed tornadoes in central Alabama and an
FLOWERS >>
FROM B9 However, last but not least, Justice Kelli Wise is well below 70 and can and will run for reelection next year and she will win. She is a very popular member of the high court. Wise served several terms on
additional 33 in other parts of the state; and WHEREAS, these 62 tornadoes varied in power on the Enhanced Fujita Scale from an EF-0 to EF-5 and caused severe damage to countless homes, businesses and churches; and WHEREAS, during the “Super Outbreak”, 254 Alabamians lost their lives and another 2,219 were injured; and WHEREAS, in the days and months following the storm, the state of Alabama’s resolve was revealed, with Alabamians from all corners of the state stepping up to help their neighbors rebuild their lives and their communities; and WHEREAS, Serve Alabama partnered with the United Ways of Alabama and coordinated more than 52,000 volunteers in the field for a total of 325,095 volunteer hours; and WHEREAS, in the ten years that have passed since this tragedy, Alabama has made great strides in finding ways to keep its citizens
safe from natural disasters and expedite the recovery process; and WHEREAS, in 2011, the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) was established and has since played a vital role in funding community safe rooms and upgrading our emergency warning systems to alert citizens to dangerous weather; and WHEREAS, Tuesday, April 27, 2021, will mark the tenth anniversary of this unprecedented natural disaster that devasted the state of Alabama; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 27, 2021, as a Day of Remembrance for the tenth anniversary of this horrible event that has impacted the state of Alabama forever. I encourage all citizens to reflect upon the memory of those who were lost throughout the communities across our state. To commemorate the 10th anniversary, Ivey also directed flags to remain displayed at half-staff on April 27.
the Court of Criminal Appeals before matriculating to the Supreme Court. Wise and her husband, former District Court Judge Arthur Ray, have one daughter and are members of the St. James United Methodist Church. Kelli is a Wiregrass native and is up for reelection next
year. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
By Greg Markley Army newspaper editor in Germany. Once he dropped my name from the newspaper and inserted his own, as editor. I was spending three weeks in the mud and muck at Hohenfels in October 1993. If your boss is away for a short period, replacing his name with yours is presumptuous. My point here: to show my subordinate had hubris even when he was not in charge. That’s the only time I was ever “killed off’ a paper’s masthead! My ex-assistant, Michael Ertel, ended his enlistment and within a few years, he was Seminole County,
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FROM B9
Alabama Department of Environmental Management Agency website. Creekwood also tried to install a quarry in Opelika but due to a large amount of backlash, the company withdrew its permit in February 2020. The planning commission met for the first time on April 7 and is headed by Kevin Flannagan, chair; Tom Kelly, vice chair and Danielle Ritch, secretary. The county commission received recommendation that the planning commission should find a consultant to help them with their goal — establishing zoning regulations for Beat 13. Although the election will be held on May 7, the planning commission is not under obligation to draft regulations before that time, English said. “It will not be effected until it is adopted and until after the election authorizes it,” he said. Once the planning commission create regulations, they will come before the Lee County Commission to be adopted as an official ordinance, English said. The election will be held on May 18 at the Pine Grove Church on U.S. 29 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. District 2 Commissioner Sarah Brown said that she expects there will be some people who
Florida supervisor of elections. After appointment by Gov. Jeb Bush, he was reelected six times; four without opposition. In December 2018, Ertel was named by incoming governor Ron DeSantis as Florida’s next secretary of state. When I heard of his nomination, I believed Mike was on his way to a great career in Sunshine State politics. Less than a month after he began at his new job, photos were printed in the Tallahassee Democrat that led him to resign. They showed Ertel, in 2005, dressed in blackface as “Hurricane Katrina victim.” This mistake was compounded: first he insulted African Americans, then he made light of victims of one of the worst hurricanes in U.S. history. Ertel’s career fell apart based on poor judgement; he now owns an elections consulting firm in Geneva, Florida. Merrill, Hubbard and Ertel fell to ego, lack of common sense and maybe even simple bad luck. assume that just because they vote for the planing commission to authorize regulations, the quarry will not happen. “They are voting on whether or not they want the authority of the planning commission and the county commission to apply to their beat,” English said. “Whatever is adopted. Whether it’s adopted before or after, that’s not the subject of the vote. The commission voted Monday night to also approve funding for a consultant for the Planning Commission to provide temporary services as the commission works to draft its regulations. Secondly, the commission voted to allow a broadcast of the upcoming Alabama Department of Environmental Management Agency public hearing. The broadcast will be shown in the Lee County Meeting Center, which will allow 100 citizens to watch. The public hearing will be held at the Opelika Municipal Court (300 Martin Luther King Blvd.) at 6 p.m. on May 20 and will allow one speaker in the room at a time. “I think they’ve been doing this as a practice during coronavirus and so they’re continuing it but it doesn’t make it very much of a public hearing,” said Probate Judge Bill English. English said that anyone who plans to register to speak or
All three have paid a price in career problems, humiliation and dishonor. Hubbard is trading years in a radio booth for up to four in a prison cell. All are in their 50s, and hopefully learned their lessons. They are resourceful and talented enough to be successful outside of politics. A politician quoted a century after he died is George Washington Plunkitt. He led Tammany Hall’s machine which “owned” New York. One of Plunkitt’s famous lines is: “I seen my opportunities and I took ‘em.” But be careful about which roads to take. Gov. Kay Ivey criticized Merrill for “poor choices and bad decisions.” That applies to all three men. Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 10 years. gm.markley@charter.net submit a statement should focus on water and air quality with the quarry, because that is all ADEM is concerned with. “Especially the people speaking, that time in that room is going to be rather precious, it needs to address water issues and air issues and not all the other issues that are very serious, like noise and traffic and … on and on and on,” English said. “That’s not their purview. And they’re not going to listen to that much.” For more information on the public hearing, view our story here: https:// opelikaobserver.com/ public-hearing-set-forbeulah-quarry/. Other Business: - The Commission heard an update on the Lee County Litter Campaign. - The Commission voted to provide an office space for the county attorney. - The Commission voted to approve a retail beer and retail table wine application for Backwaters Marina. - The Commission approved the 2021 Full Depth Reclamation, Resurfacing, & Traffic Stripe Bid. - The Commission approved County Administrator Roger Rendleman to begin a search for the next county administrator following Rendleman’s retirement. He will use a search firm for the process.
B12 April 29, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2021-135 ESTATE OF SUGUNA KUMAR! CHIVUKULA, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of SUGUNA KUMAR! CHIVUKULA are hereby granted to Krishna Kishore Chivukula on the 9th day of March, 2021, 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. KRISNHA KISHORE CHIVUKULA Legal Run 4/15/21, 4/22/21 & 4/29/21 ––––––– STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-184 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF JOEL A. KLEIN, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Joel A. Klein, deceased, having been granted to Marianne Klein, this 2nd day of April 2021, 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 the law or the same will be barred. Marianne Klein, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030. Legal run 4/15/21, 4/22/21 & 4/29/21 ––––––– “NOTICE OF LEGAL SERVICE: Michael W. Slocumb & Slocumb Law Firm, LLC. Slocumb Law Firm, LLC. Has been sued in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court by Raya Greenberger, Case No. 63-CV-2016-900531. Ms. Greenberger seeks money damages for legal malpractice from Slocumb Law Firm’s representation of her from 2012-2014. Slocumb Law Firm must file an answer on or before June 5, 2021 or default judgment will be sought. Yuri Linetsky, Plaintiff’s Counsel, Civil Law Clinic, (205)3484960, Box 870392, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.” Legal Run 04/15/21, 4/22/21, 4/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CARL HOPSON, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-101 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 8th day of April, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. TRENTON GARRETT HOPSON Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Legal Run 4/15/21, 4/22/21 & 4/29/21 ––––––– IN RE: THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA S. LAWLER, Deceased IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE
COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-200 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 8th day of April, 2021, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. HUGH W. SMITH, CoExecutor TED A. LAWLER, CoExecutor Legal Run 4/15/21, 4/22/21 & 4/29/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GLADYS M. GREGORY, DECEASED NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION TO: Any unknown heirs of Gladys M. Gregory, deceased, Josh Hensley, address unknown (adult grandson of Gladys M. Gregory, deceased), and John Hensley, address unknown (adult grandson of Gladys M. Gregory, deceased). Please take notice that a Petition to Probate the Will of Gladys M. Gregory, in the above styled matter has been filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Petitioner Sharon Gregory Hinz, a/k/a Sharon Gregory Hines and that the 3rd day of June, 202 l, at 10:00 A.M. (Central time) has been set for a hearing on the same in said Court located at 215 South 9111 Street, Opelika, Alabama. Please be advised that if you intend to contest this Petition to Probate the Will of Gladys M. Gregory that you must file a written response within thirty (30) days hereof with the clerk of said Probate Court and with counsel for said Petitioner, and/ or you must appear the hearing scheduled in this manner. Done this the 12th day of April, 2021 Hon. Bill English Judge of Probate Lee County, Alabama This instrument prepared by: Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 4/15/21, 4/22/21 & 04/29/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-215 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CHESTER DREW GOLDEN, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTRIX Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to MELISSA CHAPMAN GOLDEN, on the 12th day of April, 2021, 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 4/22/21, 4/29/21 & 5/6/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: Gisela Lewis, an alleged incapacitated person TO: Any relatives or interested parties: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian/ Conservator for the person of Gisela Lewis. It is ordered that the 17
day of May, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. be appointed on the day on which to hear such petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 915 South 9th St. Opelika, AL at which time all persons interested may file their notice of appearance and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Done this the 15th day of April, 2021. BILL ENGLISH Probate Judge Legal Run 04/22/21, 04/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– INVITATION TO BID 21016 Sealed bids for the construction of the Pickle Ball Courts Phase II—Base, Grading, Drainage and Site Work shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Monday, May 10, 2021, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §348-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-88(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/ or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work. Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-7055450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, PurchasingRevenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: Pickle Ball Courts Phase II LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801)
POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 4/22/21 & 4/29/21 ––––––– INVITATION TO BID 21017 Sealed bids for the construction of the Sportsplex Pickleball Restrooms shall be received at the 2nd Floor Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Monday, May 10, 2021, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §348-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. There will be a Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference on April 28, 2021 at 2PM CST at the Opelika Sportsplex Building, 1001 Andrews Rd, Opelika, Alabama 36801. Any potential bidders must attend this mandatory pre-bid conference meeting. Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-88(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/ or permits required by applicable law, rule, or regulation for the performance of the work. Options for obtaining Bid Documents are as follows: Electronic (CD): Make check payable to Auburn Reprographics & Supply in the amount of $25. This amount is non-refundable. Shipping arrangements shall be made by the Contractor. Hardcopy: Contact Auburn Reprographics, 660 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830; (334) 501-8235; Attn: Greg Sellers; (E-mail greg@auburnrepro.com) to obtain bid documents. Hardcopy sets are nonrefundable. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. As a condition for award, the business entity and its subcontractors shall not knowingly employ or hire an unauthorized alien within the State of Alabama. The awarded business entity must provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program. The business must participate in the E-Verify program for the length of the contract. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered
to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama 36803-0390. Attn: Sportsplex Pickleball Restrooms LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 4/22/21 & 4/29/21 ––––––– ESTATE OF BETTY RUTH LEDBETTER, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT COURT OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 15th day of April, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given tat all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 15th day of April, 2021. CRAWFORD RAY LEDBETTER, JR. BRENDA FAYE LEDBETTER LUCAS Legal Run 4/22/21, 4/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– IN THE MATTER OF THE CONSERVATORSHIP OF LEWIS WARREN JOHNSON, A NONCOMPIS MENTIS (JENNIFER MARIE SHUMACK, CONSERVATOR AND LEGAL GUARDIAN) IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.:20215-218 NOTICE OF CONSERVATOR’S SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that Jennifer Marie Shumack, the Conservator of Lewis Warren Johnson, a non compos mentis, has filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, the detailed accounts, vouchers and statements for final settlement of his conservatorship of Lewis Warren Johnson, covering the period from November 15, 2018 through January 1, 2021 and that the 18th day of May, 2021 at 10:00 o’clock a.m. has been appointed as the day for making said final settlement in this Court and that any person interested therein may appear and contest the same if he sees fit to do so. This the 19th day of April, 2021. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 04/22/21, 04/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– “NOTICE OF LEGAL SERVICE: Michael W. Slocumb & Slocumb Law Firm, LLC. Slocumb Law Firm, LLC. Has been sued in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court by Raya Greenberger, Case No. 63-CV-2016-900531. Ms. Greenberger seeks money damages for legal malpractice from Slocumb Law Firm’s representation of her from 2012-2014. Slocumb Law Firm must file an answer on or before June 5, 2021 or default judgment will be sought. Yuri Linetsky, Plaintiff’s Counsel, Civil Law Clinic, (205)3484960, Box 870392, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.” Legal Run 04/15/21, 4/22/21, 4/29/21 & 05/06/21
––––––– STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION ONE FACILITY – MULTIPLE UNITS Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 10:00AM Jason Pope - Unit Z412 464 Schaffer Rd Boone, NC 28607 Household furniture, boxes, etc The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Notice 4/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:The estate of Lois Jacqueline Curtis, Deceased Case No. 2021-238 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Tyra L. Burnam as Administratrix of the Estate of Lois Jacqueline Curtis, deceased, on the 19th day of April, 2021. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Tyra L. Burnam, Administratrix of the Estate of Lois Jacqueline Curtis, Deceased Legal Run 04/29/21, 05/06/21, 5/13/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.2021-232 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRIAN LEWIS BENSON, DECEASED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIM Letters Testamentary as Personal Representative of the Will of BRIAN LEWIS BENSON, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of April 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. THOMAS BENSON Personal Representative George M. Barnett Attorney for Petitioner 431 Gunter Avenue Guntersville, AL 35976 Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 5/13/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Carl Wayne Ethridge, Deceased Case No: 2021-201 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO BE PUBLISHED Letters of Administration on said deceased having been granted to Reba Ethridge, Administrator on this the 8th day of April, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Administrator. Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 –––––––
See PUBLIC NOTICE, page B13
B13 April 29, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE >>
FROM B12
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF JENNIFER NICOLE EVERAGE,Plaintiff, vs. LIONEL KEITH EVERAGE, Defendant, CASE NO.: DR-2021900101.00 NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION Lionel Keith Everage, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Jennifer Nicole Everage’s Petition for Divorce and other relief by the 21st day of June, 2021, or thereafter a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No. DR-2021-900101.00, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama. DONE this the 21st day of April, 2021. Mary Roberson CIRCUIT CLERK LEE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT Legal Run Dates: April 29, 2021, May 6, 2021, May 13, 2021 and May 20, 2021 LAST DAY TO ANSWER: June 21st 2021 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: CARROLL EUGENE GRIDER, Deceased Case No: 2021-235 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Tammy Lea Grider Clark, Personal Representative on the 19th day of April, 2021, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Tammy Lea Grider Clark Legal Run 04/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 –––––––
IN RE THE ESTATE OF: VALDA S. MASSEY, Deceased. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.2021 225 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day April, 2021, by Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby give n that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. CAROL SUE NASH, Executrix Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 ––––––– STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-218 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF EVELYN LOUISE WILLIAMS, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of the Estate of Evelyn Louise Williams, deceased having been granted to Herbert M. Williams this 20th day of April 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred. Herbert M. Williams, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 368030030 Legal Notice 04/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 ––––––– NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO. ANNIE B
BUSH IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of ANNIE M. BUSH, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Mona Bush Brown on April 21, 2021 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order Directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal run 04/29/2021 ––––––– ESTATE OF CECIL EDWARD BENNETT, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT COURT OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 23rd day of April, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 23rd day of April, 2021. THOMAS CRISWELL Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF ZHENGZHENG WU, Deceased Case No.: 2021-131 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having
been granted to JOSEPH MAJDALANI on the 21st day of April , 2021 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be ba rred. JOSEPH MAJALANI Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 ––––––– CITY OF OPELIKA PLANNING DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS April 26, 2021 City of Opelika PO Box 390 Opelika, AL 36803 334-705-5155 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Opelika REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS (ROF) On or about May 1, 2021, the City of Opelika will submit a request to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to release Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds made available through the CARES Act, based on the fiscal year 2020 CDBG formula, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and will be obtained from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City of Opelika anticipates receipt of $500,000 in funding. The Alabama Department of
Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) will distribute CDBG-CV Program grant funds to the entitlement community and county grant applicant through a noncompetitive allocation process. The City of Opelika proposes supporting the following activities: Senior Support
$400,000
Main Street
$ 54,000
Public Facilities
$ 46,000
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The City of Opelika has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file the Community Development office located in the City of Opelika’s Public Works Facility at 700 Fox Trail where ERR can be examined where the record is available for review and may be examined or copied weekdays 7 A.M. to 4 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to Community Development Administrator Lisa Thrift at PO Box 390, Opelika AL, 368030390 or in person at the physical address mentioned above. All comments received by May 30, 2021 will be considered by the City of Opelika prior to the submission of a request for ROF. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.
RELEASE OF FUNDS (ROF) The City of Opelika certifies to ADECA that Gary Fuller, in his capacity as Mayor of the City of Opelika, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the City’s request for ROF and certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Opelika to use or authorize the use of program funds for purposes identified in this notice. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS ADECA will accept objections to its ROF and the City of Opelika’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Opelika; b) the City of Opelika has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; c) the City of Opelika has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of ROF by HUD; or d) another federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to ADECA at: 401 Adams Avenue, Suite 592, Montgomery, AL 36104, Attn: CDBG-CV Applications. Gary Fuller, Mayor City of Opelika P. O. Box 390 Opelika, L 36801-0390 Certifying Official Legal Run 04/29/2021
See PUBLIC NOTICE, page B15
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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time position of Maintenance Technician for properties in the Opelika, AL. . area. Duties will include, but
not be limited to: Promptly handle unit and facility work orders Complete repairs in a consistent and correct manner Provide excellent customer service Work well with other team members Willing to clean grounds as needed
Be well organized to coordinate and perform unit and site inspections Able to complete makeready of units proficiently Ideal candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in apartment maintenance (or similar skills). Candidates should have an understanding of and repair capabilities in
HVAC, plumbing, electrical, painting, appliance repair, and/or other tasks related to maintaining the communities in excellent condition. HVAC Certification not required, but preferred. This position will offer competitive pay and benefit package. Education: High school or
equivalent (Required) License or certification: Driver’s License (Required) HVAC Certification (Not required, but preferred) To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at
http://www.opelikaha.org/ Default.asp?ID=123&pg=Employment+Opportunities ROOM FOR RENT Large bedroom for rent - Separate entrance, no utilities, pool. Shared kitchen, laundry and bathroom. $500 a month. Call 334-444-9805.
B14 April 29, 2021
Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku? Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/
B15 April 29, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICE >>
FROM B13
Notice of auction of abandoned vehicles. Best 4 Less Inc. will be auctioning off the below mentioned vehicles on Friday, May 28,2021. This Auction will be held at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, Alabama, 36801 at 10:00 a.m. If you have any questions inNregards to either of the vehicles please give call at 334-705-0000. VEHICLES Year: 2007
Make: BUICK Model: LACROSSE VIN#: 2G4WE587271191828 Year: 2000 Make: FORD Model: EXPLORER VIN#: 1FMYU60E1YUB02932 Year: 2000 Make: FORD Model: EXPLORER VIN#: 1FMZU61E1YUB64303 Legal Run 04/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– Notice of auction of abandoned
vehicles. Best 4 Less Inc. will be auctioning off the below mentioned vehicles on Thursday, May 27,2021. This Auction will be held at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, Alabama, 36801 at 10:00 a.m. If you have any questions inNregards to either of the vehicles please give call at 334-705-0000. VEHICLES Year: 2001 Make: Jeep Model: Grand Cherokee VIN#: 1J4GX48571C540866 Year: 2001 Make: SATURN
Farmhouse Finds you won’t believe what just came in!
Located in Historic Downtown Opelika
334-745-4618
Model: SEDAN VIN#: 1G8ZH52891Z291878
36830 Thursday, May 6th, 2021, at 10:00AM
Year: 2003 Make: Toyota Model: Hatchback VIN#: 2T1LR32E63C073722
Summer Copes 25244 Anderson Estates LOT 15 Opp, AL 36467 bedroom set couch boxes
Year: 2013 Make: Ford Model: Fusion VIN#: 3FA6P0H71DR129206
The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 04/29/21 & 05/06/21
Legal Run 04/29/21 & 05/06/21 ––––––– Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 N. Dean Rd, Auburn, AL
––––––– In the Matter of the Estate
of Peggy Jenkins Morrison, Deceased In the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama Case No. 2021-227 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of April, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court for Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BILL ENGLISH PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 4/29/2021, 05/06/2021 & 05/13/2021
B16 April 29, 2021
We roast all our coffee in house. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
116 S. 8th Street, Opelika
334-363-0390
www.booniehatcoffee.com
Elliott & Associates Insurance Agency Opelika - (334)745-0888 elliottinsuranceagents.com
“Our Mission is Your Health”
BEAUREGARD DRUGS
WE DELIVER!
• Drive Thru Only • Regular Operating Hours • Please Call Ahead on Refills to Avoid Wait
334-364-9993 | 334-364-9997 7667 Alabama Hwy 51, Suite A, Opelika www.beauregarddrugs.com Mon-Fri 8am–6pm | Sat 9am–12pm | Sunday Closed
This week’s puzzle answers: