Opelika Observer 06-03-2021 E-edition

Vol. 13, No. 34

Thursday, June 03, 2021

Opelika, Alabama

pelika Observer O

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“An award-winning publication for local people, by local people.”

Remembering the fallen

2021 APA Media Awards announced PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSEVER

By Opelika Observer Staff

By Michelle Key and Hannah Lester The cities of Auburn and Opelika both held memorial services on Monday, to honor and remember servicemen and women that lost their lives in service to their country. Flags were flown at halfmast, the national

Fuller. “Today I want to remind you that Memorial Day is a time to honor, remember and be grateful to the men and women of our military that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

Following a prayer, the singing of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance,

anthem was sung and tears flowed from hearts wounded by memories as Mayors Ron Anders, Auburn, and Gary Fuller, Opelika, led their respective ceremonies.

OPELIKA “There is nothing more precious than our freedom,” said Opelika Mayor Gary

Fuller introduced the guest speaker, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Mike Horsefield. Horsefield, a graduate of Auburn University, retired from the navy in 2012 after serving 27 years as a navy pilot.

“Military families repeatedly endure long See REMEMBERING, page A3

The Alabama Press Association announced the first round of awards in the 2021 APA Media Awards competition last Friday in which the Opelika Observer and LIVE Lee Magazine won multiple awards.

In the editorial and advertising competitions, the Observer earned 28 awards and placed as follows: First Place Awards - Best Humorous Column - “Under the Surface” by Wendy Hodge - Best Sports Feature Store - “Opelika Dawg Pound playing through the pandemic” by Associate Sports Editor, Wil Crews - Best Feature Photo - “Survivor” by Observer Photojournalist, Robert Noles - Best News Photo - “Remembrance Monument” by Observer Photojournalist, Robert Noles - Best Photo Essay - “Military Dad Returns Home” using contributed photos, designed by Observer staff - Best Niche Publication - “Lee County Strong” - Best Use of Social Media – The Observer’s Facebook Page See AWARDS, page A3

Adults at Play: Spicer’s Music hosts Adult Rock Summer Camp Spicer’s Music is excited to host musicians age 21+ to their Adult Rock Camp on July 22-25 at Spicer’s Music in Opelika.

The Adult Rock Camp will take place in a relaxed atmosphere after work hours for musicians to learn cover songs

and practice writing original songs with professional musical instructors.

Campers are required to bring instruments of choice unless they prefer pianos or drums, which will be provided

by Spicer’s Music.

Using their instruments, campers will receive individualized lessons from instructors to

learn and create their own sounds and music.

Musicians wishing to further their skills in singing, songwriting and performing on stage are welcome and will also be instructed with skillspecific lessons from the Spicer’s Music professional team.

Not only will this

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

By Kinley Beshers For the Opelika Observer

See CAMP, page A5

Contents OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4

SPORTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

POLITICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9

RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A13

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . B12

COMICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A16

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B13

June 8 at 7 p.m.

Kidd Blue continues to bring their "New Old Soul" to packed dance floors throughout the Southeast.

A2 June 3, 2021

The Vintage 2298 breaks ground PHOTO BY AUBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Auburn Chamber of commerce held a ground-breaking ceremony earlier this week for The Vintage 2298 on East University Drive. The architecture and design will feature an old-world look and feel, along with today’s modern touches. The Vintage 2298 will offer retail, restaurant and office space for the Auburn community! Promoted by The Key Real Estate Company Commercial Group and built by Gamble Winer Construction. Projected completion is November 2021. Contact The Key Commercial Group at 334-539-7500 to discuss leasing options.

'Lettuce' Celebrate! The Auburn City Market is open

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Auburn City Market opened this past weekend at Towne Creek Park. The market will be held every Saturday through August from 8 to 11 a.m.

pelika Observer

O

Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

Publisher: Michelle Key Associate Sports Editor: Wil Crews Associate Editor: Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Rick Lanier, D. Mark Mitchell

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A3 June 3, 2021

Opelika Main Street receives 2021 National Main Street Accreditation Contributed by Opelika Main Street Opelika Main Street has been designated as an accredited Main Street™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based

REMEMBERING >>

FROM A1

deployments, whose outcomes are often uncertain,” Horsefield said. “The military spouse has to be both mom and dad for the kids for long difficult stretches of time … sometimes, the active-duty spouse doesn’t come home.”

Horsefield was a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO). As a CACO, he was trained to assist the families of servicemen and women that died while serving.

He recounted a chance encounter while on vacation, with a grieving mother of Navy pilot, Ensign Stephen Pontell, who died in 1989 while making his first landing on the USS Lexington, an accident Horsefield had studied as part of his job in aircraft aviation.

While talking with Stephen’s mother, Horsefield said he realized that he knew exactly who this woman was. She also shared with him that Pontell’s brother, Darin, was a senior at the Naval Academy. He offered them an opportunity to ask questions about Stephen’s accident, a moment that brought the family some comfort.

“Stephen was in my heart then, and he’s in my heart now,” Horsefield said.

Horsefield shared that sometime later while

AWARDS

>>

FROM A1

Advertising Awards - Best Advertising Campaign - “Player of the Week Campaign” created

by Observer staff - Best Original or Creative Idea – “Oliver Henry” - Best Niche Publication – “Lee County Strong” Second Place Awards - Best Layout and Design - Best Business Story or Column – “John Emerald Distillery switches focus to hand sanitizer” written by former Editor, Morgan Bryce - Best Sports News – Indepth Coverage - “OHS football team adjusts to new reality” by Associate Sports Editor, Wil Crews - Best Local Sports Column - "Where do we go from here?” by Associate Sports Editor, Wil Crews - Best Sports Photo

economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

“We are proud to recognize this year’s 889 nationally accredited Main Street programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, president & CEO of Main Street America.

“During an incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to drive impressive local recovery efforts, champion small businesses and foster vibrant downtown districts. I am inspired by their hard work and confident that these accredited communities will continue to help their downtowns flourish in the next stag-

es of recovery.”

In 2020, Main Street America programs generated $4.14 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 4,356 net new businesses, generated 14,988 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,488 historic buildings and clocked 983,702 volunteer hours.

“We are honored to once again be accredited through the National

Main Street Center,” said Opelika Main Street executive director Ken Ward. “Downtown Opelika is continuing to see growth with many new businesses, while also maintaining our district’s historic character.”

Opelika Main Street’s performance is annually evaluated by Main Street Alabama, which works in partnership with Main Street Amer-

ica to identify the local programs that meet 10 national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress and actively preserving historic buildings.

in Sweden, in the days following Sept. 11, 2001, a friend told him that they had lost a Navy officer in the attack on the Pentagon.

Horsefield said that he inquired as to who the friend was, and the man replied, ‘Well, it was our squadron intelligence officer, a guy named Darin Pontell.’ Lt. J.G. Darin Howard Pontell was only 26 when he died in the terrorist attack.

He reminded those in attendance of why days like Memorial Day are set aside as days of remembrance.

“In this country, we like to talk about our rights,” he said. “The reality is, our rights are actually privileges that have been bought and paid for by the extraordinary sacrifices by otherwise ordinary people.

These privileges are not guaranteed and must be protected and earned again by each successive generation.

“A nation that cannot find such people to protect them cannot long endure. The Pontell brothers sacrificed their lives for this idea; Their parents lost everything precious to them with this sacrifice and we owe them a debt that can never be repaid.”

AUBURN: “Today is a day of remembrance,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “We gather here today because of so many men and women

who throughout the centuries have given their lives for our freedoms.

We gather to remember those heroes who are linked to our community here in Auburn and are commemorated at this very memorial with their names etched in the bricks that we stand on.”

Auburn normally holds its memorial day service indoors with a breakfast, but this year, the city chose to meet outside at the monument to keep residents safe from COVID-19.

There were six veterans represented at the service, with a photo and poster commemorating their sacrifices, Lt. Col. Mike Kosolapoff, Col. Gregory S. Townsend, Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins, Maj. Pete Turnham, Cpl. Grady Jones and Petty Officer Second Class Norm Caldwell.

“It’s clear to see that our community’s veterans have played a vital role in serving and building up the city of Auburn. I want to say thank you to each of them and to all of our veterans here today for giving back to not only your country but to your community,” Anders said. “And I would like to say a special thank you to the families of our veterans who support and sacrifice so much as well.”

Each year the city of Auburn honors a “distin-

guished veteran” during the ceremony. This year, the city chose Dr. James E. Witte — a professor of aviation management at Auburn University, the chair of the Department of Aviation and a 26-year veteran.

Witte was drafted in 1964 to the United States Army and as he put it, “that began a 26year period of me and the army trying to trick each other.”

It all began when Witte tried to gain a medical discharge by buying a back brace. He told the reception station he needed a medical discharge.

“When you report to Fort Knox, Kentucky, you tell your new platoon sergeant that you need to go to the hospital and I’ll process on a medical discharge and I said, ‘boy this is great.’”

Of course, Witte was not medically discharged. He met his new platoon sergeant who immediately took his back brace and said he’d hold onto it for three days.

“As far as I know today, [seargeant] still has my back brace,” Witte said.

Witte shared the humor from his 26 years in the army, the ups and downs. He chose to re-enlist and was sent to Europe.

“I ran around Europe for a while and went to the first sergeant and said, “Tom, how can I

go back to the states?’”

Witte said. “This is what I want to do. Tom said, ‘Well, Witte, you can go to OCS.’ I said, ‘What’s that?’ And he said, ‘Officer Candidate School.’ I said, ‘That’s back in the states, right?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Good. I want to go.’”

After OCS, the Army asked candidates who would like to be a pilot and Witte volunteered.

“This is another time that I got to trick the Army,” he said. “I said, ‘I do.’ See they didn’t know that I had been a pilot since 1957. So the idea of flying Bird Dogs and Beavers and Otters and Twin Beeches, I’m your guy. I’m already there. So, they sent me to helicopter school. I didn’t know anything about helicopters.”

Following helicopter school, the Army sent Witte to a maintenance officer test pilot program.

“Towards the end of that they said, ‘Well, it’s time for you to go to Vietnam.’ And I said, ‘Oh goody.’”

After his years in Vietnam, the Army asked Witte to attend Arabic Language School. Which then allowed them to send him to Saudi Arabia.

But Witte was not allowed to take his family with him, so he asked for a different location and the Army sent him to Teran, Iran.

“The Army got me on

that one,” he said.

Witte spent time in Central America, after Iran. After a tour in Panama, Witte got married to his wife of 34 years.

“The two of us left for Tokyo, Japan, and that’s where we set up our first home,” Witte said.

“We’re still together.

It’s amazing. I have no idea why that woman has stuck with me that long.

We retired after that tour in Japan.”

Although Witte humorously referred to his time in the Army and joked about himself and the military constantly tricking one another, he clearly left his mark.

Witte was awarded 29 air medals, two bronze stars, Pakistani Army Aviator wings and the Vietnamese cross of gallantry over his 26 years.

“Today we’re assembled together to celebrate this thing called Memorial Day,” he said.

“Memorial Day is a time of reflection, it’s a time of remembrance. It’s a time to be thankful for the gifts that we enjoy in life, no matter how big those gifts are or how small. It’s a time to recognize that we are a free people. We are ruled only by ourselves.

We are a people who will never abandon our country, our way of life, nor will we abandon our faith in our Maker.

No matter how hard the forces of evil try to defeat us, we will survive and we will prosper.”

- “Dawg Pound” by Observer Photojournalist, Robert Noles - Best Photo Essay “Community remembers William Beuchner” photos

by Robert Noles and designed by Observer staff - Best Production and Printing Third Place Awards - Best Lifestyle and Family Page - Best Business Story or Column “Cafe 123 serving lunch by popular demand” by former Associate Editor, Will Fairless - Best Humorous Column - “Pandemic Lessons” by Wendy Hodge - Best Sports News – In-depth Coverage “Southern Christian gives homeschoolers a chance to play” by Associate Sports Editor, Wil Crews - Best Sports Single Event Story - “Hornets fall in season finale” by sports writer, Rick Lanier - Best Feature Photo - “A

Community Prays” by Observer Photojournalist, Robert Noles - Best News Photo “Grief” by Observer Photojournalist, Robert Noles - Best Spot News Photo “Protesters find common ground” by Associate Sports Editor, Wil Crews - Best Photo Essay “Carnival at USA Town Center extended” photos

by Robert Noles and designed by Publisher Michelle Key - Best Use of Graphics and Illustrations - “Lee County Strong Cover” photo by Photojournalist Robert Noles, designed by Opelika Observer staff - Online Breaking News Coverage - “Ethics violation” by former Editor, Morgan Bryce In the magazine competition, LIVE Lee’s, the new lifestyle magazine that was launched last year won six awards as follows:

Second Place Awards - Best Culinary Feature - “Twice Baked” by Wil Crews and LIVE Lee Associate Editor, Hannah Lester Third Place Awards - Best Single Feature Story - “2nd Chance” by Wil Crews and LIVE Lee Associate Editor, Hannah Lester - Best Personality Profile - “Dr. Joanne Smith T” by columnist, Ann Clipperly - Best Business Profile “Twice Baked” by Wil Crews and LIVE Lee Associate Editor, Hannah Lester - Best Single Photo - “Class of 2020” by Observer Photojournalist Robert Noles - Best Column - “To the Graduating Class of 2020”

by Publisher, Michelle Key “Last year was a really difficult year for us for many reasons, but I have an amazing group of people that pour their

hearts into their work, and it is an honor to see their efforts recognized in such a huge way,” Observer Owner and Publisher Michelle Key said. “They deserve all the credit for these awards.”

Key is especially excited that Associate Sports Editor Wil Crews won several awards. Crews joined the Observer as an intern just over a year ago and stayed as part of the team. “These awards show that Wil is a talented writer that can excel both in sports writing and writing feature stories. I’m extremely proud of the work that he is doing," Key said. “I’m also pleased that our photographer Robert Noles, continues to shine by producing awardwinning photographs for us. His talent really brings a lot to the table and I’m grateful to work with him.”

Noles has been working with the Observer for more

than 12 years.

Key went on to say that she had no idea what to expect in the magazine competition with this being the first year for LIVE Lee to be entered. “To bring a brand-new product to the market, and have it recognized with six awards in its first year is mindblowing to me. Hannah has done an incredible job with LIVE Lee in her first 11 months here and it shows,” Key said. “We have received a lot of community support this past year and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for LIVE Lee.” Not all categories of the competition have been announced, and the final awards ceremony will be held in late June in Orange Beach, Alabama. Be sure to check out the Observer’s website for links to the award-winning articles and photos.

A4 June 3, 2021

T

his isn’t my story, it’s his. He talked, I listened.

And I tried to quiet the skeptic who lives inside my brain.

The tale takes place at night. There are hardly any cars on an old twolane highway near the Louisiana-Texas line.

He is a middle-aged ironworker, walking the shoulder with a sack over his back. An army duffle bag, olive drab. The same pack he’s been carrying since Korea.

The steelwalker’s personal life is a mess.

He’s left his home and his kids. He cries a lot.

He has pushed away his family. He’s isolated himself. And he’s tired.

Tired all over. Tired of being alive. Tired of …

Everything.

But he likes to walk highways. And he particularly loves the Milky Way, which is his travel companion this evening.

In most cities you can’t see the “River

P

roblems can defeat us, right?

Well, not necessarily. Not if we look at our problems as opportunities. Choose to do that and you have made a major course correction in your life.

Obstacles are like dandelions; they pop up in every person’s path.

But we can choose how we respond. Someone said, “When you look at a field of dandelions, you can either see a hundred weeds or a hundred wishes.” That is the attitude we need when facing our obstacles. We can stumble over our obstacles or turn them into stepping stones.

W

hen last we met, I was a 10-year-old Cherokee camper at Wiregrass Christian Youth Camp in Coffee County, Alabama, and the heat was a smoldering 98 degrees. At 8:00 AM. In the shade.

A typical day as a camper started with breakfast in the dining hall, followed by chapel. Next, we would divide into groups for Bible class where we rehashed the basic Bible stories of Noah and Abraham and King Solomon. Memorization of Bible verses was strongly reinforced. In fact, one summer I memorized an entire chapter of Romans which I can still quote to this day.

Following Bible class, we made our way to arts and crafts where we would spend a good hour and a half kneedeep in Elmer’s glue and popsicle sticks or

River of Heaven of Heaven,” as it was known in ancient Japan.

There’s too much skyglow in urban places.

Last year when he was working the iron in Detroit, he never saw the Milky Way. The bright city lights obscured it. He did a stint walking skyscrapers in Tulsa, too. Couldn’t see stars there, either.

But in quiet parts of Texas, the ribbon of the Milky Way eases through a pristine purple sky and puts on a perfect show. Yes, tonight is a perfect night.

And if all goes according to his plan, this will be his last night alive.

A truck stops beside him. The brake rotors grind, blue exhaust coughs from a tailpipe.

A white-haired guy in a crushed cattleman’s hat kicks open the door and says, “Need a lift, pal?”

“Nah thanks, I’m alright.”

“You sure? Be glad to carry you somewhere.”

SEAN DIETRICH The ironworker thinks about the stranger’s offer. His feet are sore.

His knees aren’t what they used to be. He glances at the sky one last time. “Hell … Why not.”

He throws his bag into the bed and crawls into the front seat. The old cowboy asks the quintessential hitchhiker question: “Where you headed?”

“Anywhere.”

“I can take you far as McKinney. ‘At’s where I’m going.”

“Fine.”

And they’re off.

The old truck whistles through the night like the Wabash Cannonball.

The ironworker soon notices the guy’s cab is plastered in religious paraphernalia. There are bible-verse throw pillows, Greek fish galore and the portrait of a famous woodworker dangling from the rearview mirror.

Great. Another holy roller. Texas is full of them.

“You some kinda preacher?”

The old cowboy

shrugs. “Not really.”

For the first few minutes the ironworker awaits the altar call.

He’s braced. A sermon is coming, he just knows it. The ironworker comes from a whole family of holy rollers, they always find a way to work a sermon in there.

But it never happens.

Instead, the two speak about normal stuff.

About life. About work.

Finally, the old man points through his windshield. “Look at that pretty sky.”

“Yep.” The ironworker glares out the window at the Milky Way again, and indeed it’s one for the books.

The “Winter Street” is what the ancient Scandanavians and Swedes called it. The “Great Fence of Stars” as the old Irishmen used to say. The nicknames for our island universe date back as early as the human tongue.

The cowboy breaks

the silence. He looks at the ironworker and says in a barely audible voice: “Don’t do it, Tom.” The passenger is shell shocked. He nervously laughs. “What? How do you know my name?”

Silence.

The old man says, “Don’t do this.”

He laughs again.

This is unspeakably eerie. Who is this guy?

Then the ironworker’s heart begins to race. He wants to leap from the speeding vehicle and put some distance between himself and Oral Roberts. “What’re you talking about?”

The cowboy locks eyes with him. “Don’t.

Do. It.” And the cab is suddenly filled with quiet.

The same quiet that predates man and all his demons. The same calm that comes before tornados. Silence has a sound, you see. And See DIETRICH, page A5

Problems Are Opportunities We all fail from time to time. We succeed by getting up, again and again. Henry Ford called failure, “simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”

Winston Churchill said, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity.

The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” My experience confirms that it is always wise to look for the opportunity in every problem.

It comes down really to a choice between whining and whistling.

Look at biblical heroes Paul and Silas. Arrested and beaten, they

WALTER ALBRITTON were thrown into a prison that looked and smelled more like a dungeon. Did Paul and Silas whine? No, they saw their imprisonment as an opportunity to tell the prison guards about their friend

Jesus. At midnight, Paul and Silas were not actually whistling but singing. Imagine that! Singing instead of whining about their problems!

Singing helps me see problems as opportunities. Of course there are songs, and there are songs. It’s important to choose the right songs to sing. When grief comes knocking on the door of my heart, I don’t break out singing about “99 bottles of beer on the wall,” or “Glory, Glory to old Auburn,” or “I’ve had one too many, come take me home.”

I choose a song that helps me express my

faith, a song that Old Man Grief will not like.

One of my favorites is “Until Then” by Stuart Hamblen. I love his idea that heartaches can become stepping stones “along a trail that’s winding always upward.” My sorrow melts when I start singing these words: "My heart can sing when I pause to remember A heartache here is but a stepping stone Along a trail that’s winding always upward, This troubled world is not my final home."

Hamblen’s chorus is a wonderful mantra and a great philosophy of

life. I love it. His basic idea is that when trials overwhelm us, we can choose to “carry on with joy” and keep on singing until the Lord calls us home. When tribulation tempts me to whine, I choke back the tears and start singing: "But until then, my heart will go on singing, Until then, with joy I’ll carry on; Until the day my eyes behold the city, Until the day God calls me home."

Be careful as you read this chorus. You may break out singing because you see your problems as opportunities! Glory!

Summer Camp Part II clay and acrylic paints in primary colors. My favorite craft project was when the counselors laid out pieces of scrap wood along with a hammer and nails. The object was to make a birdhouse. I’m sorry to report that, no matter how many hours I spent toiling over my double decker bluebird condo, it was a total disaster.

The roof didn’t sit quite flush; one wall was shorter than the other; and the whole thing sat cattywampus. But boy did I love the way the whack of the hammer on the nail echoed across the sweltering field behind us! I recall one counselor taking the hammer from my hand and saying, “That’s enough. I need an aspirin.”

A couple of times during the week we were treated to a round of archery lessons.

Standing on the edge of

the field, with a target positioned what seemed like a mile away, I pulled back the string of the bow and imagined myself a Cherokee princess in battle to protect her entire tribe. On my first attempt, I made a bullseye. The counselors were as stunned as I was. But I knew, in my little girl heart, that it was all thanks to the Native American blood coursing through my veins.

Side note: I was never able to replicate that perfect aim, and so I was written off as a onehit-wonder. But I know, given the right bow and arrow, maybe a strong pair of prescription bifocals and some Ibuprofen for my joints, I could SO make another bullseye!

Just as the sun peaked in the sky and it felt as if the earth itself was melting around us, we were sent to take a nap.

WENDY HODGE A nap?! What self-respecting 10-year-old takes a nap, for crying out loud! Trying to sleep in a cabin full of 100 degree stagnant air is much like trying to sleep on the closed lid of a propane grill - there is no way to get comfortable, and it sure is hot!

When the last minute of nap time finally ticked away, we girls got changed into our modest one-piece bathing suits and made our way to the pool.

But before leaving the privacy of the cabin, we

all bundled ourselves tightly into our beach towels, making sure to cover ourselves from head to toe.... because if the ten-year-old boys were to catch a glimpse of our naked skin there was no telling what chaos would ensue.

There was no mixed bathing at Camp Wiregrass. That was for the sinners at the camp two counties over. The pool was nothing special; in fact, it was quite small and there were areas of green slime in the corners that had to be avoided. But, all in all, it was an oasis of cool relief in the middle of a sweltering desert of humidity. The pool was immediately at full capacity, with what seemed like a 100 girls, all vying for a spot of their own in the sparkling water. Laughter rang out in the air, until right before pool time was over. It always got

very quiet then, as if by instinct we were soaking up every bit of liquid cool we could. And then, wrapped as tightly as before, we made our way to the showers.

Communal showers have never been my thing, and I trace it directly back to my very first summer at Camp Wiregrass. There were half as many shower stalls as there were girls, so you do the math.

Privacy was not in the equation. Still dressed in our swimsuits and flip flops, we paired off to try and achieve a semblance of cleanliness. On the very first afternoon, I was in the shower with a girl named Amy. The water was cold, and we were shivering in opposite corners. I stepped forward to try for more hot water, and I heard a crunch under my See HODGE, page A5

A5 June 3, 2021

Auburn-Opelika Tourism’s fourth annual Photo Contest opened June 1 Contributed by AO Tourism Auburn-Opelika Tourism’s annual AO Photo Contest starts on June 1 and will run through August 31.

Professional and amateur photographers of all skill levels are welcome to submit

their best photos taken in Auburn or Opelika.

One talented winner will be selected to win a $500 gift card to Cameragraphics or the Auburn-Opelika business of their choice, subject to restrictions. Photos will be judged on four

aspects: originality, creativity, overall artistic appeal and local emphasis. Photo content can focus on, but is not limited to, your favorite businesses, local products, local events, landscapes, architecture, portraits and wildlife.

To enter, vis-

it www.aotourism. com/photo-contest and submit your photo(s). There is no entry fee.

You do not have to live in the area to participate. There is no time stamp on the photo submissions; as long as the photo was taken in the area, it

Family-friendly Pridefest celebrates inclusivity At Auburn’s Kiesel Park June 5 Contributed by AO Tourism PrideFest 2021, hosted by Pride on the Plains, will be held in Kiesel Park in Auburn on Saturday, June 5. The familyfriendly event is open to the public and will take place from noon to 6 p.m. PrideFest is free to attend and will feature local artists as well as entertainers from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Performances will include The Mizfits, Ara Besque, Spikey,

with us.”

Food vendors will be available, including Tacos To Go, Bill & Robbie’s Excellent BBQ Adventure, The Coffee Mafia and Kona Ice. There will also be a children’s reading area sponsored by PFLAG-Auburn.

For more information, contact Seth McCollough, president of Pride on the Plains, at seth@ prideontheplains.com or visit the event website at www. prideontheplains.com.

Mrs. Kasha Davis, Jiggly Caliente and more.

“The goal of Pride on The Plains is to create a familyfriendly festival that can be enjoyed by all to celebrate the local LGBTQ+ community,” said Bob Cloud, treasurer of Pride on the Plains. “A festival is a great way to experience new things in a fun, relaxed environment. We will have many types of entertainers and vendors, so come out and visit

Rain garden installation at the Wood Duck Nature Preserve Contributed by Opelika Parks and Recreation On Friday, the Friends of the Wood Duck Nature Preserve and the Alabama Watershed Stewards program installed a Rain Garden near the pavilion at the Wood Duck Nature Preserve. Rain gardens are shallow depressions in the landscape, planted with native plants that are designed to help capture stormwater runoff from parking lots and rooftops to better slow down stormwater and filter out pollutants. The rain garden at WDNP will help address storm water coming from the parking lot and pavilion roof top.

Although rain gardens take a few years to fully establish like most landscape features, the native plants used in rain gardens can

DIETRICH >>

FROM A4

it’s a holy sound that existed long before the stars.

“You’re crazy,” the iron man says. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Let me outta this truck.”

The cowboy merely smiles. He holds out his old hand. The ironworker looks at the weathered paw, but isn’t sure

HODGE >>

FROM A4

foot. I actually felt it more than I heard it.

I raised my foot and there it was - a dead frog. I sprang out of the shower stall, possibly leaping clean over Amy, and ran the half mile to my cabin in under a minute. My ancestors would have been proud.

Standing in the

The rain garden installation was part of a statewide educational program, Alabama Watershed Stewards (AWS), housed under the Auburn University Water Resource Center. The program was developed for the general public to help people better understand watershed management and how to improve water quality. The AWS program increases awareness about non-point source pollution throughout the state by hosting educational trainings, workshops, and hands-on projects like this one. Alabama Watershed Stewards and the rain garden supplies are funded by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management’s Non-point Source Unit through a Clean Water Act 319(h) grant, and implemented through the Auburn Water Resource Center’s ACES Water Program.

also provide valuable habitat for pollinators while being an aesthetic landscape feature.

Rain Gardens are considered part of Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development initiatives in urban areas; if multiple rain gardens (and other green infrastructure practices) are spread out across a city, they can play a larger role in preventing polluted water runoff from entering rivers and streams. Watershed Stewards, the AU Water Resource Center, and Friends of the Wood Duck Nature Center all partnered together on this project. As Opelika continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting natural resources, the Friends of WDNP and Alabama Watershed Stewards hope that his project will serve as a demonstration project for similar future projects.

how to respond.

“Go on,” says Cowboy. “Shake my hand.

Ain’t gonna bite.”

So, he takes the old man’s hand and pumps it. The palm is rough and warm.

The old man squeezes. “Your daughter. Do you know she prays for you every single day?

Fact, she’s probably praying right now.”

“How do you know that?”

“How do you not?”

silence of the cabin, with the dust motes and mosquitoes heavy in the air, a shiver went through my soul. I had committed murder by flip flop and it was only my first day. There were six more days of this?! What atrocities would the rest of the week bring?

We’ll wrap up our visit to Summer Camp next week in Part III.

The ironworker’s throat tightens. Something in him is moved.

Moments pass between them. An eternity.

“Don’t do it, Tom.” The steelsmith nods solemnly. He breathes an earnest response.

“Okay.”

“Okay what?”

“Okay, I won’t do it.”

The cowboy squeezes again. “You mean that?”

“Yes. I promise. I won’t do it.”

Cowboy releases the ironworker’s hand and claps the man’s shoulder. Without explanation, the old poke pulls to the side of the highway and his following

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doesn’t matter when it was taken. Bring on the snow photos!

Note: Submitted photos might be used in future marketing materials. We will give full credit to the artist, but please remove the watermarks.

For more information, questions or

concerns, contact Cat Bobo at cat@aotourism.com.

Auburn-Opelika Tourism is a non-profit service organization driving economic impact and improving the quality of life in our community through tourism and travel.

CAMP >>

performance will take place on Monday, June 26, at 7 p.m. The location of the concert will be announced soon.

Spicer’s Music will provide amps, microphones, sound systems and everything needed to perform.

This summer will be the 15th year that Spicer’s Music will host summer music camps.

Originally built for youth musicians, the Spicer’s Music summer camps stemmed from the home of the Spicer family to offer local musicians a place to learn, connect and grow in their musical skills and selfconfidence.

Inspired by the youth summer music camps, Spicer’s Music was formed into a fullline music store that offers instrument sales, rentals, repairs and music lessons for all ages.

To register for the Adult Rock Camp, visit spicersmusic. com/pages/adult-camp.

Spicer’s Music is an easy-access site for everything musicrelated. For more information regarding retail, summer camps and in-person or online music lessons, visit spicersmusic.com.

FROM A1

camp offer adult musicians skills and experience, but also new friendships, connections and memories with other musically-inclined campers.

“Since all campers are 21 and up, participants are able to bring libations to enjoy as they work on classic rock, folk, blues and country songs,” Spicer’s Music webmaster, Tyler Wallace said.

At the end of the camp, campers will be giving a live performance at a local bar in the AuburnOpelika area.

“The concert will be a blast! The show usually runs around one hour,” Wallace said, “The concert is free and open to the public.”

The camp will be located at 2140 E University Drive in Auburn. Pay special attention to the following times of the camp each day. The times are as follows: Thursday, June 22 and Friday, June 23 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, June 25 from 2 to 6 p.m.

The concert

words are not a suggestion. “Go home.”

With that, the middle-aged man steps out of the truck. He takes his duffle bag. The vehicle disappears in a cloud of exhaust. Truthfully,

I’m not sure how much of this story I believe, but that’s the way old Tom told it to me.

And for any hopeless soul reading this, that’s how I’m telling it to you.

A6 June 3, 2021

Opelika Observer, LIVE Lee welcomes summer interns Kinley Beshers

By Abbey Crank For the Opelika Observer Kinley Beshers is one of the five interns this summer for the Opelika Observer. She is from Concord, Georgia, and working her way through Auburn’s journalism program while also minoring in sports management.

Beshers hopes to build her portfolio and writing skills as her August graduation looms over her

shoulder; she also wants to tackle the world of feature writing.

After graduation, Beshers has bigger ventures ahead: grad school. Beshers plans to head home in August and take a few pre-requisites.

This upcoming Auburn graduate hopes to attend Georgia Tech’s graduate program involving earth and atmospheric sciences as she makes her break in meteorology.

One thing she said she remembers from her childhood is her dad’s dream to become a meteorologist.

Next thing you know, she is picking it up right where he left off.

“I honestly love all things weather,” Beshers said. “I can really see myself working in this field.”

From climatology to chemistry, Beshers realized she had a true passion for math, science and all things writing. After

much debate, she found that journalism could be the connection among her passions.

Beshers is also incredibly thankful for her time at Auburn as it comes to a close.

“I’m just going to miss that small-town feeling this place has,” Beshers said.

The comfort mixed with tremendous work opportunities helped her become her own person.

Not to mention, the Auburn-Opelika community is just beautiful.

Tag along and see

Beshers’s writing grow on her latest adventures with the Opelika Observer.

Maggie Caraway

By Emery Lay For the Opelika Observer Maggie Caraway is one of five interns at the Opelika Observer this summer. Coming from her hometown of Spanish Fort, Alabama, Maggie is set to graduate in August of this year from Auburn University. She is finishing her education with a major in communications

and a minor in sociology.

Upon graduating, Maggie said she hopes to work her way up to writing for a magazine like Southern Living. More specifically, Maggie wants to write in the food section, much akin to the Buzzfeed-born Tasty.

“I love food [and] I love recipes,” Maggie said.

“But I also love to write, so that’s why I’m here.”

In her spare time, Maggie said she loves to read, write and, of course, cook.

Recently, Maggie baked a vanilla cake, topped with strawberries, while at home in Spanish Fort with her family.

When in Auburn, she said she loves to dine at Arigato Sushi Boutique.

Her favorite dish to order there is the Cherry Blossom sushi.

When she is not enjoying good cuisine, Maggie is watching one of her favorite cooking shows. These include The Pioneer Woman, Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia Table and anything from Food Network.

After her time at the Opelika Observer and post-graduation, Maggie plans to “just go wherever the wind takes me.”

Emery Lay

By Maggie Caraway For the Opelika Observer The Opelika Observer welcomes another new student intern, Emery Lay. Lay is from Birmingham, Alabama, and will be a senior this fall at Auburn University.

Lay is majoring in journalism and minoring in political science. On top of that, she is graduating a year early in May 2022.

She is enjoying her

time interning at the Opelika Observer and hopes that it will lead to more opportunities.

“I’d love to work for a newspaper someday,” Lay said.

Lay has already had valuable experience writing for student news publication, The Auburn Plainsman. She was recently given the role of campus editor and enjoys writing about people and their lives.

“It’s really fun to hear

people’s stories.”

She said she has big plans for the future, hopefully someday writing for a newspaper like the New York Times and doing investigative reporting.

In Lay’s spare time she likes to read and work on her writing. A book that she currently can’t put down is “The Screw Tape Letters” by C.S. Lewis. Lay also recently became interested in true crime podcasts.

Abbey Crank

By Maddie Joiner For the Opelika Observer Abbey Crank, one of five summer interns working at the Opelika Observer, is a rising senior majoring in journalism with a psychology minor at Auburn University. She is set to graduate in May 2022.

After graduation, she said she would love to be a photojournalist or a writer for a newspaper or magazine in Boston.

“When I tell you I’ve already started job hunting at The Boston Globe, I mean it,”

Crank said.

Crank is from Huntsville and chose Auburn based on family ties.

“My family has always been huge Auburn fans, and I just knew I was going to come here since I was little,” Crank said. “Not much thought went into it. Literally, I only applied to two schools.”

In her free time, Crank works on her personal blog, http:// www.sincerelyabbeyc. com, where she writes about ableism and breaking the stigma around disabilities.

She also spends a lot

of time at her favorite coffee shop, Ristretto Lounge.

“That place is basically my second home,” she said. “So, you could find me there doing work and sipping on an iced caramel latte almost every weekend.”

Crank’s favorite memory at Auburn has been working. She loves taking pictures and capturing memories. Crank used to be the photography manager for The Rec, so she was able to start her passion there.

During her summer internship, Crank said she hopes to strengthen her portfolio and expand her writing skills.

She has had a passion for taking pictures since she was 15 so if there is any chance to take pictures, Crank is there.

Additionally, she enjoys watching television including her all-time favorite shows: Friends and Gilmore Girls.

After graduation, Lay said she is not quite ready to leave The Plains.

“I’ll probably stick around Auburn and find a job writing somewhere,” Lay said.

Although her plans for the future are not yet concrete, they look very bright.

Maddie Joiner

By Kinley Beshers For the Opelika Observer Maddie Joiner, a Columbus, Georgia, native, said she is eager to further her knowledge and gain more experience in the journalism industry as a summer intern at the Opelika Observer.

Joiner is a senior in journalism and a writer for Eagle Eye at Auburn University, and wishes to take a sports writing pathway after she graduates in May 2022.

Joiner said she joined the Opelika Observer to have the chance to write real-world assignments for local news consumers — a transition from writing for her professors in school.

“I’m excited to write for something that will be out in the world, not just for my teachers to read,” Joiner said.

She said she is eager to work with and shadow reporters, writers and editors in the

industry to gain better understanding of the workplace, punctuality and projects.

In the past, Joiner said she has enjoyed covering local news and sports, including high school football and soccer games.

Joiner has said her current desire after graduation is to stay in the Auburn-Opelika area and work for a small business as a sports writer to contin-

ue her knowledge in the industry.

Being a journalism major at Auburn, Joiner said she is grateful for the small group of classmates she has met and continuously works alongside, in and out of the classroom.

Maddie is a well-rounded, natural and avid writer. Keep an eye out for her stories on the Opelika Observer website and weekly newspapers.

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

Upcoming Events: June 5 - Touch-A-Truck June 5 - Burger Wars June 7 - 11 - Opelika Theatre Co & O Grows Summer Camp

Serving seafood brings back memories of trips to the beach PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

T

he arrival of June brings thoughts of carefree summer days and enjoying time relaxing at the beach with seafood meals. While we may have a limited time of keeping our toes in the sand at the beach, we can savor delectable seafood from the Gulf at home all summer.

Local grocery stores carry a variety of fresh and frozen fish and seafood. Many recipes are easy since you just want to cook the seafood simply and preserve its taste. Sauces are generally light and lemon-scented.

Our family has been fortunate to have enjoyed many beach days, as we have had close family members living

at the beach or nearby.

From Pensacola to West Palm Beach, Florida, both sides of our family have an affinity for being near white sand and rolling blue waters.

Years ago, my husband’s parents left New York for the sunny shores of Clearwater and Largo, Florida. We visited often when our children were growing up. Our youngest son, Robert, enjoyed it so much that when he grew up, he and his wife, AJ, moved to the Suncoast.

At one time, they lived at Sand Key on Clearwater Beach. It was wonderful to spend lazy days at the beach.

I especially enjoyed walks on the beach where the gentle rhythm of waves rolling onto

the sand was restful and peaceful, providing a feeling of nearness to God. I would collect an array of shells to place in jars when we returned home. Our son always wanted me to throw out the ones that were not perfect. I felt that when I arranged the shells that I could have the best side showing. It seemed to be a reminder that none of us are perfect, and that God will place us where our best side shines.

There are many excellent restaurants in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete and along the Suncoast.

We especially enjoyed the ones serving fish and seafood.

While we have many favorite restaurants in

Auburn-Opelika’s Fight Against Systemic Racism

Classic Shrimp Cocktail and tall icy beverages are perfect to savor while relaxing on a balcony overlooking the beach at sunset. Relive the memories of a beach vacation at home by serving seafood dishes throughout the summer months.

that area, we would always go to Frenchy’s in Clearwater for their grouper sandwich.

There are several Frenchy’s restaurants, and the owners have their own fishing boats to catch fresh grouper.

The grouper is available fried and grilled, but we thought the fried was better.

Since Robert and AJ both work, they found the traffic on Clearwater Beach was too slow trying to get to their jobs. They later moved to downtown Tampa, which we also enjoyed visiting.

By Emery Lay For the Opelika Observer

It was a bright, windy afternoon in downtown Auburn on Friday, May 28. A group of students and concerned citizens brought signs saying “No Justice, No Peace” hoping to make a difference.

Rev. Arthur Dowdell decided enough was enough as he led a protest against systemic racism in front of Samford Hall.

“This isn’t a race thing; it’s the right thing,” Dowdell said.

Dowdell explained this was the first protest of many to fight for diversity on Auburn’s campus. He asks everyone to come out to future protests and “make some noise.”

“Auburn University shouldn’t be the whitest university,” Dowdell said. “You’ve got to be concerned about that.”

Auburn’s Office of Institutional Research did a study of the ethnicities of their students.

In 2020, there were a total of 30,737 students, and the Black community made up 1,624 of this grand total. The university also accepted 23,805 white students in the same year.

Friday, June 11, marks the annual SummerNight Art Walk. The City of Auburn, in collaboration with the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC), the Auburn Arts Association, the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for racism at its core,” Dowdell said.

Auburn’s Office of Institutional Research also developed statistics of the diversities within the staff. In 2020, there were only 26 Blacks in managerial and administration roles among 333 whites.

President of the Concerned Citizens of Opelika, Oscar Penn, joined Dowdell in this protest.

“What the public needs to do is stop being silent,” Penn said.

Both Dowdell and Penn agreed that Auburn needs to welcome more Black students.

“You can give free scholarships, you can go to all Black colleges and ask them to come and be a part of Auburn See RACISM, page A8

a day boat cruise is also a good way to view the city. One of the stops is at a favorite restaurant, Ulele.

Ulele is the newest in the Columbia restaurant group. Perched at the bend in the Hillsborough River, the two-story restaurant and brewery is housed in the 1906 Water Works building. It is an ideal spot to watch sunsets.

The restaurant is named for Indian Princess Ulele. A sculpture of Ulele is at the entrance of the restaurant.

See CIPPERLY, page A10

SummerNight Art Walk aims to revive downtown Auburn

By Abbey Crank For the Opelika Observer

Along with students, Auburn’s hiring process is also under protest.

For Dowdell, Auburn Athletics firing of Travis Thomas Sr. revived his passion for change.

Thomas was a director of academic support for Auburn Athletics until he was fired this March.

In 2019, an Auburn professor changed a football player’s grade for his eligibility in the Outback Bowl. Thomas said he was not aware of the grade change until Auburn hit the field.

Thomas was the only one fired when this allegation hit the scene.

Allegedly, both of his supervisors were not punished. There is currently a discrimination lawsuit in the works.

“This is systematic

Sunsets are legendary along the Suncoast from Tampa stretching to the beach at St. Pete and Clearwater. A watercolor palette of pinks, oranges and lavender would glow across the sky among the towering buildings in Tampa at sunset, and soon melded into fiery reds as the sun disappeared behind the buildings on the horizon.

Getting around in Tampa is easy with the Downtowner, which provides free lifts around downtown aboard eco-friendly, electric vehicles. Taking

the Arts and Humanities and the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association will be hosting the event in the downtown Auburn entertainment district.

The event goes from 6 to 10 p.m., rain or shine.

The idea was born nearly two decades ago by Eric Stamp, owner of Stamp LLC, a t-shirt com-

pany in downtown Auburn. He worked with Sarah Custer, the Cultural Arts Administrator at JDCAC, who had the idea to revive downtown with an annual art walk.

SummerNight works to highlight the talented artists within the Lee County community, See SUMMER, page A11

A8 June 3, 2021

Making the Grade: Elmer’s Restaurant My husband Mike was born in Georgia (I don’t hold that against him; we have family and friends who live in Georgia), and I’ve often kidded him because Georgia has 159 counties while Alabama has only 67, even though the peach state is not more than twice the size of ours.

“Every time someone walked through Georgia, a county was named after him,” I quipped to Mike.

However, just 22 miles from our home, there is a small community with some unusual geography as well. A few weeks ago, Mike and I traveled for the first time to Notasulga, a pretty rural community. However, even though Notasulga is a very small town, it is located in two different counties, Lee and Macon. That’s a little unique.

The drive to Notasulga was really pleasant; the community was filled with green pastures and rustic charm. It was great being out in the country with peace,

RACISM >>

FROM A7

University,” Dowdell said. “Why should you ask the NAACP or me, as a civil rights leader, to bring people to Auburn, when that’s your job.”

Penn thinks Auburn should follow in Opelika’s footsteps.

“In Opelika, we have a voice, and we’ve always had a voice,” he said. “We seem to be openly addressing our issues. In Auburn, the community has been mostly silent because the university shattered the Black community.”

With lives and finances intertwined with the university, Penn explained how

quiet and little traffic.

Miss Sue, a sweet church family member from Central Baptist of Opelika, told me that I should try Elmer’s Restaurant, which is located at 6841 Tallapoosa Street in Notasulga.

I really appreciate it when people tell me or email me about restaurants to try.

Since Mike and I had never been to Notasulga, we had not heard of Elmer’s, so thanks, Miss Sue. When we arrived at Elmer’s, we saw an all-too-familiar sign on the door: “We are short-staffed. Please be patient. Thanks!”

These days, it is really important to remember that most restaurants have an employee shortage; therefore, as diners, we need to be polite, understanding and generous with our tips. After all, these hardworking people showed up and are feeding us.

We met our friends William, Jack and Thomas for supper; it was also their first time to dine at Elmer’s. Sheila, our waitress, was so sweet, hardworking

and patient with us.

She brought us everything we requested, and she never lost her smile.

Mike chose two grilled catfish fillets, while I picked two whole, fried catfish.

I had not eaten whole catfish in quite a while, but I wanted to see if Elmer’s cooked the real deal.

Jack chose the grilled salmon, while William ordered catfish fingers. Thomas picked two grilled pork chops. All our entrees were quite delicious. Also, my whole, fried catfish were the real deal, good and tasty with NO funky “fishy” after taste. Elmer’s knows how to cook catfish.

In addition, Elmer’s has 10 different appetizers, some of which include fried dill pickles, fried mushrooms, jalapeno poppers, fried green tomatoes and domestic crab claws. The restaurant also offers salads, sandwiches and wraps. Besides what we ordered, dinner plates also include: ribeyes, hamburger steaks, fried or grilled

hard it is for people to truly speak out. This is exactly why Penn said he took a stand.

“We are proud of the effort to come out and make a difference,” he said. “We don’t want to be seen as troublemakers.”

Penn said he thinks Auburn should allow younger people to the table and really listen to what they have to say.

“As generations change, ideas change,” Penn said. “Mindsets change.”

Listening to Black students is the first step for positive change, Penn said. Their voices deserve to be heard by the university.

“Let’s revamp this

thing and bring the people to the table,” Penn said.

Not only does Penn want change, he wants it to stick. He wants a taskforce made, specifically one that studies racial issues within Auburn University every three to six months.

Both Dowdell and Penn urge everyone to get social and start conversations.

“Racism anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” Dowdell said.

To join the movement, head over to social media. Protest dates as well as livestreams can be found on Bishop Pastor Joyce Dowdell’s Facebook page.

PHOTO BY MIKE WALLACE

By: Stacey Patton Wallace

shrimp, chicken tenders, chicken livers or frog legs. As the old saying goes, there’s something for everyone at Elmer’s. Dinner plates come with two sides. Diners may choose from: French fries, baked potatoes, loaded baked potatoes, corn nuggets, okra, potato wedges, green beans, blackeyed peas, lima beans, coleslaw or potato salad.

For dessert, Elmer’s menu also listed

strawberry cobbler and caramel cake.

When my blood sugar goes down, I hope to try one of them.

Elmer’s Restaurant is owned by Elmer Jones. The restaurant will be celebrating its 14th anniversary this August. Elmer’s is open Tuesday-Thursday from 11a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (buffet only); Elmer’s is closed on Monday.

Elmer’s Restaurant makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Poohsized” 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.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CRANK / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

A9 June 3, 2021

Opelika, Auburn honors the fallen on Memorial Day

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN

A10 June 3, 2021

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

Two of our favorite fish dishes are the Gouda grouper in a smoked Gouda béchamel sauce and Juan’s snapper with Spanish aioli and garlic spinach. Desserts are yummy, especially the signature house-made coconut ice cream in a coconut shell.

Columbia is the most famous Spanish restaurant in the area and also the oldest. Columbia restaurant first opened in Ybor City in Tampa in 1905 as a corner café for cigar workers.

There are now several Columbia restaurants in the area and throughout

RECIPES

>>

COLUMBIA RESTAURANT’S ORIGINAL “1905” SALAD ½ head iceberg lettuce, torn into bitesized pieces 2 ripe tomatoes, each cut into 8 wedges ½ cup thin strips Swiss cheese ½ cup thin strips ham or turkey ¼ cup pitted green Spanish olives Dressing: 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tsp. oregano 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice Salt and freshly ground pepper Topping: Grated pecorino Romano cheese In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, ham and olives. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, oregano and Worcestershire sauce. Gradually whisk in olive oil, continually beating to form an emulsion. Stir in vinegar and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour dressing to taste over salad and toss well. Add pecorino, toss and serve.

Serves two. Easy to double.

DON’S PAN-SEARED GROUPER WITH LEMON GARLIC BUTTER 1¼ lb. grouper fillets Olive Oil Salt and pepper 2 Tbsp. or more lemon garlic butter, (recipe follows) Lemon Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Add 2 Tbsp. olive oil to the pan and allow to heat. Season fish simply with salt and pepper and add fillets, flesh side down, to the pan. Allow to cook until a golden-brown crust has formed, 3 to 4 minutes.

Florida.

Among the varied menu, we would start with the 1905 salad prepared tableside. The salad was voted in the top 10 in the country by USA Today.

For a special evening out, the choice was always Bern’s Steak House, which is considered one of the best in the country. It is also an attractive restaurant with each room decorated differently.

The restaurant uses fresh vegetables from their own farm. Every dish was superb, from the seafood to the chateaubriand. Each were served in courses, starting with onion soup

followed by a green salad.

At every visit, we never passed on a chance to tour the kitchen and wine cellar. The wine cellar is incredible with 500,000 bottles in-house and 750,000 in the warehouse across the street, which is the largest privately held collection in the world.

After the tour, we would go to the dessert room, which was built using redwood wine casks to create 48 private rooms. Like everything else at the restaurant, the desserts are also made from scratch. Favorites included sublime banana cream pie, macadamia

nut sundae and a decadent peanut butter and chocolate torte.

A couple of years ago, Robert and AJ moved to downtown West Palm Beach. We have enjoyed lingering over morning coffee on the balcony of the high rise overlooking the downtown area with glimpses of the beach in the distance.

The setting for West Palm and Palm Beach are different from the Suncoast area. With the area being the winter home of billionaires, most of the restaurants are upscale and some do not list their prices.

Robert and AJ found many wonderful places

to dine before we arrived. Fish and seafood abound and is always a favorite to order. The area also offers several unique food markets and delis serving outstanding gourmet dishes.

We enjoy exploring food markets. Carmine’s Gourmet Market offers an assortment of pasta dishes to take home to cook, as well as their own sauces in jars.

The market includes a bakery, fresh meats and gourmet packaged foods.

After shopping, we enjoyed a tasty lunch at the Trattoria, with pasta in a vodka sauce and eggplant Parmesan. Coal Fired Pizza

Turn fish, allowing to sear on the other side for a couple of minutes. Dot fish with butter and move to oven to finish cooking, approximately 10 minutes or until cooked. Add a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Lemon Garlic Butter 1/2 cup butter, softened 2-3 tsp. grated lemon zest 1 garlic clove, minced or ½ tsp. minced garlic 1 tsp. minced fresh parsley 1/4 tsp. salt, optional Pepper to taste Combine ingredients.

Put the pan in the oven and cook for 4 minutes, until the fish is cooked through. Remove from oven, sprinkle parsley over top and serve. Makes four servings.

messy .but good! Add a big green salad and some bread, and you’ve got it made.

5 - 6 lbs. large fresh shrimp 1 large bottle Wishbone Italian dressing 1 lb. butter 1/2 cup lemon juice Worcestershire sauce Tabasco sauce Garlic salt Put shrimp in a large baking pan (and I suggest lining it well with foil to help with clean-up).

Pour dressing over shrimp; cut butter into small chunks and scatter over shrimp.

Sprinkle a little Worcestershire, Tabasco and garlic salt on top. Bake at 300 degrees for about an hour, turning the shrimp 3 or 4 times while they’re cooking.

This will serve about six people.

Don’t forget some big empty bowls on the table to hold shrimp peels! You can also serve cocktail sauce or some drawn butter to go with this, but they’re really good just like they are.

sauce 2 Tbsp. Sriracha (or any chili sauce) 1 tsp. soy sauce 1 egg 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup corn starch 1 tsp. salt Add mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce and Sriracha to a bowl and mix together.

Clean and devein shrimp, removing tails. Add soy sauce and egg to shrimp and combine thoroughly.

Put flour, cornstarch and salt in a bowl and mix together.

Dredge shrimp in batter a few at a time, coating generously. Remove dredged shrimp to a platter, shaking off excess batter.

Fry shrimp at 350 degrees for 2 to 4 minutes, turning if necessary. Place fried shrimp in a bowl and gradually add sauce. Mix to ensure even coating.

Garnish with green onion, if desired.

Serve immediately.

BAKED GROUPER WITH WILD MUSHROOMS Scott Girard 4 Tbsp. plus 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil ½ lb. each chanterelle, Portobello and oyster mushrooms, each in ¼-inch slices 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp. tomato paste 1 Tbsp. thyme leaves 4 (5-oz.) pieces grouper fillet Salt and pepper 1½ cups dry white wine ¼ cup Italian parsley, finely chopped 1 tsp. dried thyme 2 cups baby spinach, chopped Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a 12 to 14-inch ovenproof sauté pan, heat 4 Tbsp. oil until smoking. Add mushrooms and garlic and sauté 3 minutes. Add tomato paste and thyme, and continue to cook 5 minutes.

Remove the mixture to a bowl and set aside.

Season the fish well with salt and pepper. Heat remaining oil in the same pan and add fish. Sauté until deep golden brown on the first side. Carefully turn the fish, add wine, and return the mushroom mixture to the pan.

CLASSIC SHRIMP COCKTAIL Boiled shrimp 2 lb. fresh shrimp with shells 3 Tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning, optional 1 lemon, halved Fill a large pot with water until a little more than halfway full. Stir in Old Bay, if using. Bring water to a boil. When the water comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat. Squeeze the lemon juice into the water. Add shrimp and simmer until they just start to turn pink. Shrimp cook in 3 minutes. Do not overcook.

Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on ice to stop cooking process. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Cocktail Sauce 3/4 cup chili sauce 2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish, drained (more or less to taste) 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice 7-8 dashes Tabasco sauce Coarse salt and white pepper In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Prepared, jarred horseradish is found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.

EASY SHRIMP SUPPER Connie Montgomery This is so easy and so good if you’re a shrimp lover. It’s also a fun dish for company. Be sure and tell your guests to wear casual clothing and cover your table with a plastic cloth or, even better, newspapers which can easily be tossed in the trash. It’s

EASY FRESH FISH Janine Simmons Any fresh fish such as red snapper, grouper Salt and pepper Cayenne pepper 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. butter Season fish with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. In a black iron skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil; when hot add butter.

Cook 4 minutes; turn over and continue cooking about 4 minutes. For grouper, do the same but cook 8 minutes longer in the oven.

BANG BANG SHRIMP 1/2 lb. medium sized shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/3 cup sweet chili

JENNIFER’S CRAB STUFFED POTATOES Carolyn Moore 4 large Idaho potatoes 1 stick butter ½ cup half and half 1 Tbsp. salt 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper 4 tsp. finely grated onion 1 cup grated sharp yellow cheese 6 ½ oz. fresh crab meat (or canned) ½ tsp. paprika Set oven at 325 degrees for slow baking. Pierce potatoes with a fork and bake until soft. Cut potatoes in half and scoop out, saving the skins. Mix in butter, half and half, salt, pepper, onion and cheese until smooth.

Pick crab if using fresh crab. Gently fold crabmeat into potato mixture with a fork; then stuff the halves. Sprinkle tops with paprika. Bake at 450 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Can double recipe.

Ristorante adjoins the Trattoria.

Among our favorite restaurants are The Meat Market with an elegant setting, RH Rooftop serving a delicious lobster roll in a relaxing garden setting and Aioli Café, with long stemmed artichokes, upscale sandwiches and salads.

While we plan our next trip to visit family near the beach, we will serve seafood at home, as it brings back memories of carefree days at the beach against a backdrop of glorious sunsets.

Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.

Can wrap well before baking and freeze until needed.

Thaw slightly and bake at 450 degrees for 30 minutes or until hot.

SHRIMP AND DILL SALAD Sherri Rowton 2 lbs. steamed shrimp 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 lb. red, seedless grapes 1 bunch dill, finely chopped Mix ingredients and chill well before serving. Shrimp and grapes may be cut into smaller pieces.

GRILLED OR BAKED SALMON WITH BROWN SUGAR AND MUSTARD GLAZE Kelce Carpenter 3 Tbsp. light brown sugar 1 Tbsp. honey 2 Tbsp. butter 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. finely grated ginger Vegetable oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 8 salmon fillets, 6 oz. each On the side burner, melt brown sugar, honey and butter in a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; whisk in mustard, soy sauce, olive oil and ginger.

Let cool.

Preheat grill to medium heat. Brush salmon with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place salmon skin side down on grill. Coat flesh of salmon fillets with brown sugar mixture.

Grill for 6 to 8 minutes to medium doneness, turning once after 5 to 6 minutes. Salmon can also be baked. Bake at 450 degrees for 30 minutes or until hot.

A11 June 3, 2021

Who Serves Chicken Tenders Worth Crowing About?

Contributed by ALFA Alabama Farmers Federation is launching the Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders Contest.

Chicken tenders please the palate of even the pickiest eaters, and that is one reason the Alabama Farmers Federation is on a search to find the local eatery that serves up Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders.

“Alabama ranks in the top three in the U.S. in broiler chicken production, which are chickens raised for meat,” said Federation Poultry Division director Russ Durrance. “So this contest not only provides a fun way to promote and support local restaurants, it also helps make a direct connection between our poultry farmers and the food we all enjoy eating.”

The Federation’s Poultry Division is sponsoring Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders contest. Finalists will each receive a plaque. The

winner will receive an additional plaque, prize money and features in the Federation’s Neighbors magazine and on Simply Southern TV. Nominations will be accepted starting today through June 9.

To make a nomination: Go to www.Facebook. com/AlfaFarmers Find the post announcing Bama’s

Best Chicken Tenders Contest Comment with the business name and city Note: Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders seeks to promote Alabama-based restaurants, food trucks and professional cooks.

National chains will not be eligible. However, a specific location of an Alabama-based chain will be eligible to com-

Crowes Pasture in Concert June 10 Contributed by Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series Crowes Pasture will make their longawaited Sundilla debut with a performance on Thursday, June 10, at Pebble Hill.

Showtime for this outdoor concert is 7:30 p.m. and $15 advance tickets are available at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at sundillamusic.com.

Admission at the door will be $20.

The show will be performed outdoors at Pebble Hill, located on 101 S. Debardeleben in Auburn. Chairs will be available, though bringing personal folding chairs is suggested.

Monique Byrne and Andy Rogovin perform original music and eye-opening covers that reflect a mutual passion, sense of discovery and celebration of life. Their tightly blended vocal harmonies are mixed with an expressive instrumental style that is best described as "a banjo-guitar romance."

Crowes Pasture’s style of escapist folk transports and connects listeners through universal experiences in their skillfully crafted, emotional songwriting.

In just six years' time, Crowes Pasture has quickly made waves with two EPs and three full-length albums. Their latest

CD, "Slow It Down", was released in June 2019 at the legendary Club Passim. Since its release, the title track earned Crowes Pasture a No.1 song, and the album debuted at No. 5 on the International Folk DJ Charts. They also had a #8 song for their cover of Mary Gauthier's "Mercy Now", a No.23 song for their cover of Bob Marley's "Is This Love", and they were the No. 8 Top Artist for June.

Crowes Pasture has been honored with nominations as Roots Act of the Year in the New England Music Awards, and Americana Artist of the Year in the Boston Music Awards for 2019. They were finalists for Best Group/Duo in the 2020 International Acoustic Music Awards, and have been named finalists once again for Best Group/Duo in the 2021 IAMAs, for their song “A Virtue and a Call”.

Other upcoming events include: Thursday, June 10 -CROWES PASTURE (Pebble Hill) Friday, July 16 -- KIM RICHEY (Pebble Hill) Friday, July 30 -MICHAEL RENO HARRELL (Pebble Hill) Friday, Aug. 27 -- THREE ON A STRING Friday, Sept. 17 -MEAN MARY

Friday, Oct. 8 -PAT WICTOR and NOAH ZACHARIN Friday, Oct. 22 -AMY SPEACE Thursday, Nov. 4 -- EMI SUNSHINE BAND Sunday, Nov.28 -ELLIS PAUL Sundilla is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with an all-volunteer staff.

Started in 1993 with an outdoor concert on the lawn at Pebble Hill, Sundilla started holding most of their concerts in the AUUF Fellowship Hall in 1996, thanks to the generosity of the AUUF. In 2017, Sundilla became the first- and so far onlyvenue to be presented with a SERFA Award for Contributions to Folk Music by the SouthEast Regional Folk Alliance.

In 2013, the first episode of The Sundilla Radio Hour was aired on WTSU in Troy. Since that time, the Sundilla Radio Hour has grown into a weekly show that is aired in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, New York, Colorado and Alaska.

For more information, including videos, go to sundillamusic. com, email sundilla@ mindspring.com or call 334-741-7169.

Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series can also be reached by mail at P.O. Box 3367, Auburn, Alabama, 36831.

pete.

Local establishments with the most nominations will become contest semifinalists in the Edible Eight.

The next step whittles the semifinalists down to the Flavorful Four.

Voting will take place June 14 to 21 through a photo album of semifinalists posted on Simply Southern’s page at Facebook.com/Simply-

SUMMER

>>

FROM A7

while simultaneously promoting the uniqueness of downtown Auburn. Live musicians, street performers and children’s activities will fill every street corner.

The night will feature The Student Section, a band comprised of students heralding from a variety of different universities. The members at JDCAC collaborated with Jeb Bushey from Magnolia Records to find the band and incorporate them into the night.

This year there will be a myriad of different art forms.

Downtown will be the hub for independent ceramic artists, textile pieces, painted works, crochets and blankets. In addition, there will be potters from a large potting studio right here in Auburn.

Amy Kaiser, a studio tech at JDCAC, will be one of the featured potters this year. Other well-known artists who will be present include David Coleman, renowned for his antique photos, and Kelly Oslick, known for her abstract paintings.

Yet, SummerNight Art Walk will not be limited to traditional pieces of art alone. Succulents, holiday yard signs and carved golf balls are just a few of the unique items that will be available.

Animal lovers will be happy to know

SouthernTV. One like equals one vote.

The four with the most votes, or likes, by 3 p.m. CST on June 21 will be the contest’s official Flavorful Four finalists. Judges will visit those establishments in early July to determine the winner.

Fun Facts About Poultry U.S. Congress has recognized Spanky’s

that pet portraits, dog clothes and a dog bakery will be a part of the night’s extensive repertoire.

Alcohol ink will also be available as a unique, hands-on experience for anyone who desires to try it. This art form is rooted in a rare process, whereupon the artist lays down a layer of the special ink on tile or glass, then overlays it with a layer of alcohol to craft a watercolor effect.

During the event, downtown merchants and restaurants will remain open for regular business operations.

Some shops and dining options are offering special discounts to celebrate the night.

Bakers will also be present, lining the streets with delectable treats such as macarons, Amish cheeses, cupcakes and cookies. For those who enjoy baking, there will be a Love and Lemons Culinary Contest open for entry until the day of the event.

The contest is free to enter and cash prizes will be awarded to the top spots. Entries may be sweet or savory.

To apply, simply fill out the application found on their website at www.auburnsummernight.org.

Four individually wrapped servings must be brought to the committee at the JDCAC for tasting either on Thursday, June 10, from noon to 8 p.m., or Friday, June 11, from 8 to

Restaurant in Savannah, Georgia, as the first to invent the chicken finger.

Americans buy more chicken than any other meat.

In 2018, Americans ate a record of 93 pounds of chicken per person.

Chicken is the second most widely eaten meat in the world, accounting for 30% of global meat consumption.

Eight to nine billion chickens are consumed over the course of a year in the United States.

The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with more than 350,000 member families. For more information, visit AlfaFarmers. org.

“Simply Southern TV” is a production of the Alabama Farmers Federation with major support from Alabama Farmers Cooperative.

For more information, visit SimplySouthernTV. net.

11 a.m.

Prior to the event, there will be a starting line party and subsequent parade beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Pebble Hill. The event is free and open to all ages. There will be music, popsicles, face painting and two children’s craft activities, including hand shakers and lemonhead hats.

At 6 p.m. participants form a line to parade down to Toomer’s corner.

The Lee County Humane Society, Variations Dance Studio, East Alabama Ballet and the City of Auburn pools are just some of the businesses that will joining. Participants are encouraged to decorate their strollers, toy cars or other accessories.

“If it’s a family that wants to join, they just show up at five o’clock and they can begin our parade,” Emillie Dombrowski, an Art Education Specialist at the Arts Center, said. “If there’s a company that wants to join, it’s free.

They just have to let me know, so I know where to put them.”

Once the parade reaches the downtown area, there will be buckets of sidewalk chalk for people to decorate the streets with. This adds a personal, communal touch to the annual SummerNight Art Walk.

For more information about the night, the JDCAC can be reached at (334) 501-2963.

A12 June 3, 2021

Studio 222 Exhibition and Reception — Seasons and Cityscapes Contributed by the Auburn Arts Association The Auburn Arts Association is hosting the Studio 222 exhibition, “Seasons & Cityscapes,” at the Art Gallery at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. This

exhibition will be on display until June 11.

The reception will take place Friday, May 28, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The studio’s exhibition “Seasons & Cityscapes” has a variety of pieces ranging from cityscapes in fabric to abstracts of seasons and conceptual

ideas related to seasons and cityscapes, all of which incorporate some type of fiber.

Studio 222 was established in 1999

by Mary Stevens of Waverly. Studio 222 is a group of fiber artists with members from Alabama and Geor-

gia who meet once a month in Auburn. The artists of Studio 222 explore, experiment and enjoy working in fiber and related art forms. This studio provides the structure for a gathering of local artists to share knowledge and skills and to

promote these interests in the community.

Since its inception, Studio 222 has exhibited annually at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. The artists produce a wide variety of two-dimensional works, a few three-dimensional fiber art-

works and experiment with different fibers and materials to try out new techniques.

For more information about the Arts Center and the exhibit, you can follow the Auburn Art Association on Facebook or visit auburnalabama.org/arts.

Pioneer Park to host 'Second Saturday' events June 12 Contributed by the Lee County Historical Society Pioneer Park in Loachapoka will again be open on the second Saturday, June 12. Come early and enjoy a garden walk ‘n talk with Tia Gonzales on herbs and medicinal plants at 9 a.m. This hands-on experience will amaze you with the diversity of useful plants that can be grown in the home herb garden. All buildings will be open and free to the public.

Blacksmiths are usually working at the forge, spinners and weavers are upstairs in the Trade Center, and all the museums and historical buildings are open to the public from 9 a.m. until mid-afternoon.

Pine needle basket classes will resume after a year off for COVID. Mike Thurman will lead classes from 9 a.m. till noon. Classes can continue meeting weekly. You

can easily create a unique and beautiful basket in two or three sessions or, you can complete it at home on your own.

At 1 p.m., the Whistle Stop Pickers meet to practice on their acoustic instruments. Historical Society volunteers will prepare a traditional Alabama lunch in the Cook House at noon forA all visitors to enjoy. Vegetables from the garden will be featured.

Pioneer Park and Second Saturdays are hosted by the Lee County Historical Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, presentation and education about local history.

All visitors are urged to wear masks and keep social distance.

Most activities will be outdoors, weather permitting. More information can be found at www. leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY LCHS

Pictured right is Maria Thurman making a Pine Needle Basket.

Pepperell Vacation Bible School "Press Play, Get In The Mix" June 13 to 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Ages three through Elementary Pepperell Baptist Church 2701 2nd Ave. in Opelika Call 334-745-3108 or email office@pbcopelika.org or vbs@pbopelika.org for more information

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A13 June 3, 2021

Q

uick question: What would Paul have been without Timothy?

Timothy was Paul’s helper for almost 20 years. What did he do for Paul? Basically, whatever Paul needed to have done. Paul left him at Ephesus to deal with some problem teachers while he went to Macedonia (1 Timothy 1:3ff). He sent him to Thessalonica from Athens when he became concerned about the welfare of the church there (1 Thessalonians 3:1ff). Paul’s letters are chock full of references like these telling us the many ways in which he utilized Timothy.

So back to our question, our answer would be that if there was no Timothy, Paul’s ministry would have been significantly impacted.

CHURCH CALENDAR CHURCH OF CHRIST The church at Cunningham Drive are 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: Traditional Service in The Worship Center at 8:30 & 11 a.m.

Contemporary Service in The 3:16 Center at 9:45 a.m.

Evening Service in The Worship Center at 6 p.m.

Watch services online at fbcopelika.com.

Sincere Faith Paul still would have been Paul; it’s hard to believe that he wouldn’t have found a way to do whatever needed to be done; but still Timothy was a huge blessing to him. And, when the end is in sight for Paul (2 Timothy 4:6ff), he tells Timothy, “Do your best to come to me quickly” (v. 9). That says it all, doesn’t it?

The follow up question to this is: Where would Timothy have been without his mother (Eunice) and his grandmother (Lois)? That’s even easier to answer.

After all, they were responsible for the “sincere faith” that Timothy possessed (2 Timothy 1:3). They were responsible for the fact that “from infancy” he had “known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for

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

salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (3:15). Without them, there’s no reason to believe Timothy would have been part of the church at Lystra when Paul and Silas showed up there (Acts 16:1ff).

Putting it all together, it you take away Eunice and Lois—Paul is in big trouble!

Qualify that any way you feel the need to, but don’t miss the point.

These two women were

involved in changing the world.

That’s what sincere faith will do. What is it?

It’s the real thing—not an imitation, duplication or exaggeration. It is genuine — there’s nothing fake or phony about it. There have always been moms who major in it. They are followers of the Lord and, more than anything else, want their children to be as well. Timothy’s mother, Eunice, held to her faith despite being married to someone who wasn’t a believer (I’m sure there’s a story there). With the help of her mother (Lois), they raised Timothy to be a follower of the Lord and the rest is history.

Have you ever noticed how in movies or on TV, there are never any insignificant actions?

Everything someone

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN says or does has some kind of consequence and it’s sooner rather than later. Real life doesn’t work exactly like that. While everything we do has consequences, it almost always takes more than 90 minutes to find out what those will be. Sincere faith does what it does day after day, year after year, because it believes in the rightness of what it is doing more than results it is currently receiving! That’s exactly what Lois and Eunice did with Timothy.

And disciples everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to these ladies who helped changed the world.

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-ofgrace-with-bruce-green. com

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

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. — Galatians 6:2 Church Directory 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 BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528 Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary

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 334-7498676 BAPTIST Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Road, Valley 334-710-2177 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

Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 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 334-749-0461

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 Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

1611 2nd Ave. 334-745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. 334-745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. 334-7422008 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 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-7452905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-7453600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-7455340 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 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359

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

CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-7499112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 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

5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.d.a. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151 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 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-7495386 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

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A14 June 3, 2021

Faulk Assumes Leadership at Thompson Chapel to do what we cannot do within our own abilities.

He expressed that the mission of the church will be highly focused on being The Church Without Walls that will work to win souls, make disciples and transform lives for the Kingdom of God. In addition to the assignment at Thompson Chapel, Faulk continues to pastor the Auburn AME Zion Church in Auburn. The church is located at 576 Martin Luther King Drive in Auburn, has changed the time of its Sunday morning worship service to 9:30

a.m. Auburn Zion has returned to the sanctuary with limited seating and broadcasts the worship services via teleconference, Facebook Live and YouTube.

Thompson Chapel, located at 187 Columbus Parkway in Opelika, has moved its Sunday morning worship time to 11:30 a.m. and will continue to meet via teleconference. Those interested in joining Sunday morning worship services at Thompson Chapel can dial in to (848) 2203300; Conference ID: 7498676#.

Thompson Chapel and Auburn Zion

host joint virtual Bible studies and prayer services on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. via teleconference using (774) 2204000; Conference ID: 8211802# We are praying for

a positive transition for both churches as we continue to be led by the Holy Spirit.

Faulk can be reached at (706) 5667419.

his life in Opelika and surrounding areas.

He is survived by his mother Glenda Holden, sister Judy (Neil) Odom, brothers Jim (Kim) Holden, and Mark Holden, many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

A memorial service was held on May 28, 2021 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Opelika at 2 p.m. and was officiated by Father Bruce Kraus C.M. The burial service was private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. Opelika, Aabama 36801.

20 years of service. He worked for West Point Stevens for 29 years and for Lee County Board of Education for 12 years until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his father, J.W. Thomas, his mother, Lullene Jenkins Thomas and his sister, Nancy Thomas.

He is survived by his wife, Lola Thomas, his daughters, Terrie (Scott) Stanfield and Melanie Stanfield, grandchildren Scott Jr. (Kelsey), Elana, Micah, Melissa Shae, Sarah and Ryan, nine great-grandchildren, his brothers, Ray (Kay) Thomas and Steve (Connie) Thomas and a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation was held on June 1 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home.

The funeral service was on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, 2 p.m. at Liberty Baptist Church in Opelika with Pastor Frank Chappell officiating.

Interment will be Thursday June 3, 2021 at 12:30 CST at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is directing.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY THOMPSON CHAPEL.

B

ishop Seth O. Lartey assigned Rev. Dr. Stephen Faulk the role of Supply Pastor for the Historic Thompson Chapel AME Zion Church in Opelika, Alabama, last month, at the Conference Second Check-Up Meeting.

Faulk is presently the

Presiding Elder of the Opelika District, Alabama.

This assignment came after the current pastor, the Rev. Charles Adams, requested a sabbatical.

According to Faulk, Adams has served faithfully at Thompson Chapel for more than three years and the people loved and supported his leadership.

“I am grateful to God for this assignment,” Faulk said. “It will be a challenge to do all the things assigned to my hands, but I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit that helps us

OBITUARIES Ruth Solvang Henk Ruth Solvang Henk, wife of the late Rev. Wallace Henk, passed into the presence of her Lord on May 25th.

Ruth was born to Norwegian immigrant parents in Minnesota in 1922, attended Bethel College and the University of Minnesota, and in 1952 she accompanied her husband as a missionary to a remote rural area of the Belgian Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo.)

She and her husband ministered in the Congo for 20 years, living through war, rebellion, and political turbulence until ill health forced them to return to the United States in 1969. Ruth then worked at Hazelden Treatment Center, did substitute teaching, and served as a pastor’s wife in North Branch, Minnesota, until she and her husband retired from full-time ministry in 1987 when they moved to Auburn to be near members of their growing family. Until their deaths, both Ruth and her husband Wally were active members of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Ruth also led ladies’ Bible fellowships in her home for members of the local Asian community.

When Ruth looked back over her life, her one comment on that life was “God’s amazing grace.” She gave her heart to Christ at age 12 but had loved the Lord since she was a small child.

She is survived by two daughters, Mary (Walter) Turnbull and Martha Henk of Auburn, two sons, Dan (Eva) Henk of Tryon, North Carolina, and John (Mary Jo) Henk of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. The glory of God shone through her life, and her children, many friends, and those she mentored over the years “rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28.)

The family will have a private celebration of life to honor the life well lived of Ruth Henk with Rev. Earl Ballard officiating.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with her love for missions, memorial gifts may be made in Ruth’s memory to: Presbyterian Community Ministry

(PCM) 143 E. Thach Ave. Auburn, Alabama 36830 Or to: The Food Bank of East Alabama 355 Industry Drive Auburn, Alabama 36832 www. oodbankofeastalabama. com/donate.

John Dennis Beauchene John Dennis Beauchene, 76, of Opelika, Alabama passed away peacefully on May 23, 2021, at his home in Opelika.

He was born April 15, 1945, in New Britain, Connecticut.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Eileen Mary (Dionne) Beauchene, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jon T. Beauchene and his brother, Gary D. Beauchene.

He is survived by his brother, George Beauchene and his wife Patricia of Southington, Connecticut, his sister Veronica Good and her husband Jim of Colchester, Connecticut, his three daughters, Marlene Highfill of Opelika, Kimberly (Kendall) Price of

Auburn and Michelle (Steve) Burt of Saint Peters, Missouri and her son, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) David (Catherine) Beauchene of Jeffersonton, Virginia, seven grandchildren (oldest to youngest), Kenneth Bastian, Derrick Bastian, Troy Bastian, Storme Burt, Andrew Highfill, Jordan Highfill and Nathan Price, three great-grandchildren, Aaminah Dodd, Kenler Bastian and Talan Bastian. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

His visitation was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Thursday, May 27 and his Mass was held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Opelika on Friday, May, 28, at 10 a.m.

The family asks to please make a donation to Compassus Hospice.

William G “Billy ’Holden, William G “Billy ’Holden, affectionately known as “Red “of Opelika, died May 22, 2021 at Bethany House after a long battle with ALS. Born on July 20,1963 in Mt Kisco, New York, he lived most of

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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.”

John W. Thomas Jr. John W. Thomas, Jr. was born on Dec. 2, 1945 in Opelika and went home to be with his Lord on May 28, 2021. He was 75 years old.

Mr. Thomas was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a faithful member of Liberty Baptist Church and served in many capacities over the years. He served in the Navy from 19661970 and retired from the Naval Reserve after

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A15 June 3, 2021

DOWNTOWN OPELIKA

SATURDAY JUNE 5th

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Show Up Hungry!!!

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Presented By The Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation

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Proceeds To Support Backpack Meals at Food Bank of East Alabama *This event is being hosted by The Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation, a 501(C)3 Organization, operating under Chapter 3, Title 10A of the Alabama Code of 1975. For the safety of our guests and volunteers, we ask that all persons entering this event comply with CDC and State mandated guidelines, including but not limited to the use of masks, and maintaining of social distancing, when possible. All persons entering this event do so voluntarily, and at their own risk. Pursuant to Act 2021-4, signed into law by Governor Ivey on Feb 12, 2021, non-profit organizations are shielded from civil liability related to COVID exposure.

A16 June 3, 2021

COMICS

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

S

S

School Board Meetings Auburn: June 8 at 6 p.m.

Lee County: June 8 at 6 p.m.

INSIDE • OPELIKA SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS

Opelika: June 22 at 4:30 p.m.

The Football Mom Playbook PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY KAYLA STEFFEY-BATES

By Maddie Joiner For the Opelika Observer

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Dawg Days of Summer: Opelika football ramps up preparation for fall

C

oaches can hold camps, practice and use drills to teach skills with students zoned for Opelika schools. No sport can mandate practice until the fall start date. No football equipment except helmets and hand-held blocking pads may be used.

Sleds are not allowed.

Weight training and conditioning programs are not restricted. Each school is responsible for not violating summer rules.

Schools can participate in unlimited competition and/or camps for winter and spring sports during three of the four following weeks, May 30, June 6, June 13 and June 20. Fall sports can participate in competition in the three of the following four weeks, June 27, July 4, July 11 and July 25.

The AHSAA Allstar week, July 1520 is a dead week for student-athletes participating in any school athletics.

However, weight training and conditioning is allowed.

To see all the summer rules high school athletics must follow, go to ahsaa.com/publications and look under summer rules.

DIXIE YOUTH TEAMS TO PARTICIPATE IN TOURNAMENTS IN COOPERSTOWN AND PIGEON FORGE Two Opelika teams, the O Dawgs 12u and 11u, will hit the road next summer to play in tournaments in Cooperstown and The Ripken Experience in Pigeon Forge.

Current O-Dawgs 12U team will travel to Pigeon Forge Tennessee Aug. 1 through Aug. 6 for the “Ripken Experience”, a week-long tournament. The team is guaranteed a minimum of six games and will receive “Ripken Experience rings.” The 12U O-Dawg team is one of 48 teams from around the nation to participate. The team is in the process of raising money to offset costs for the players. If you are interested in making a See SPORTS, page B2

Playing college football requires more than just playing well.

Student-athletes must have good grades, access to recruiting camps and constant connections with college coaches. The problem is, not every athlete interested in college football has access to those things.

Kayla Steffey-Bates, Executive Director of The Football Mom Playbook Organization, is working toward erasing that See FOOTBALL page B4

SCA makes first impression with spring jamboree

By Maddie Joiner For the Opelika Observer

Parents in red Patriots shirts filled the stands of Moore Stadium while the Southern Christian Athletics’ JV football team took the field for their inter-squad jamboree.

The jamboree marked the end of spring practice before summer workouts begin. The scrimmage was an inter-squad game of 8v8 with all players playing both sides of the ball.

Southern Christian Athletics (SCA) is a homeschool athletic program that serves the Lee County area, but any homeschool student can join. SCA also has players who attend private schools and do not have access to a team through their school.

“The goal for us is we want to provide sports

opportunities for kids that don’t have them,” Jason Scott, SCA Athletic Director said. “We want to make sure these kids got somewhere to play, whatever the sport is.”

The night focused on the JV team, as they did not have enough players for a varsity scrimmage.

But Scott found a way for the varsity boys to be involved in the fun: coaching.

“They were very excited about stepping up to help coach, getting out there and coaching these kids,” Scott said.

The varsity team also participated in a punt, pass and kick competition at halftime and Daniel Adams won the overall competition with James Middleton winning both the kicking and the punting events and Josiah Frick winning the passing event.

The white team

defeated the blue team 3018 with Jagger Scott leading the way on the white team with 12 carries and racking up 194 yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterback Jackson Dooley led the blue team going 4-7 through the air and scoring one touchdown on the ground.

The team will take a few weeks off before kicking off summer workouts in preparation for the fall season.

SCA Football already has eight varsity games and four JV games scheduled for the fall and is looking to add a few more.

Scott created SCA when he realized his two youngest twins, Jagger and Jedd, had nowhere to play sports.

“We just weren’t comfortable with the options available, so we were praying about it and trying to figure out what

we’re going to do,” Scott said. “People just kept asking us over and over and over ‘Why don’t you just do it yourself?’ and I thought, that’s probably a good idea.”

While SCA is just athletics now, Scott sees a school in their future.

“We’re happy to do the athletics and we’ll do that till the cows come home, but I think one day eventually, that opportunity is going to present itself for us,” Scott said.

Currently, SCA offers football and volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, softball in the spring and they hope to add a baseball team and tennis team as well.

If any homeschool or private school student is interested in joining a Southern Christian Athletics team, they can email patriots.sca@ gmail.com for more information.

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B2 June 03, 2021

Southern Union Holds Commencement Exercises Contributed by SUSCC

Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) celebrated its Commencement Ceremony on May 7.

Originally chartered by the Southern Christian Convention of Congregational Christian Churches, SUSCC was established in 1922 and welcomed its first class of 51 students in 1923. The college’s current enrollment totals almost 4,000 students. One hundred ninety-two students participated in this year’s graduation

ceremony.

“Graduation is the most important day on our annual calendar because we recognize our students for their commitment and hard work in reaching their goals.

It is especially fitting this year, as this class faced unique challenges with COVID, but persevered and finished their degree,” said Todd Shackett, SUSCC President.

“We are honored that these students chose to be a part of the Southern Union family and wish them all the best in the future.”

Lee County Sheriff

Jay Jones served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker.

Receiving the award for the Most Outstanding Students in the academic division was McKenzie Gay. Gus Bell was named Most Outstanding Student in the technical division and Allison Bethea was named the Most Outstanding Student in the health sciences division.

With campuses in Wadley, Opelika and Valley, Southern Union is the second oldest two-year college in the state of Alabama.

Pictured from left to right are the 2021 Most Outstanding Students, Allison Bethea, Gus Bell and Southern Union President Todd Shackett.

Not pictured is McKenzie Gay.

Smiths Station, Beauregard hold athletic signing day PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY SCOTT MEADOWS

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY JEFF CARRERO Smiths Station High School held an athletics signing day last Tuesday for two cheerleaders, Kaydee Richardson (left) and Alain Howard (right). Richardson signed to the University of West Georgia and Howard signed to AUM.

SPORTS

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donation, go online to odawgsbaseball.com/ ripken.

The O-Dawgs 11U team will participate in “The Cooperstown Dreams Park Tournament” in Cooperstown, New York. The O-Dawgs do not know the exact dates, yet, but will leave between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2022.

The 11U team is made up of ten Opelika players and one each from

Ywou on

believe w’that You’ll find

Chambers Academy and Beulah. The O Dawgs 11U team will play in a minimum of seven games. The players will receive a tournament ring, and tour the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as be inducted in the youth baseball Hall of Fame.

Only 1500 players from across the nation will play in the 12u tournaments. Players and coaches are housed in bunkhouses together.

The trip cost each player $1300 apiece. If you would like to donate to

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help the team, go online to odawgsbaseball.com/ cooperstown.

Kurt Branch, Opelika Dixie Youth president, is in charge of both teams and can answer any questions.

The two teams will conduct fundraisers until next summer.

AHSAA NAMES KIM VICKERS ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Newly named AHSAA Executive Director, Alvin Briggs, named Kim Vickers

Beauregard High School senior, Terry Howard, signed a softball scholarship to Chattahoochee Valley Community College last Wednesday. Seated L – R: Chase Dean, Barbara Whatley (Grandmother), Howard, Fran Howard (Mother), Taylor Howard (Sister). Back Row L – R: BHS Asstistant Atheltic Director Coach Charlie Hughes, BHS assistant coach Kathy McDonald, BHS assistant coach Shane Lake, BHS assistant coach Bryan Wilson, BHS head coach Scott Meadows and CVCC coach Gary Miller. as associate executive director last week.

Vickers takes over the job Briggs held prior to becoming executive director.

“I am very happy to announce that Kim Vickers has accepted the associate executive director role,” Briggs said. “Her acceptance solidifies our staff as we move forward. Her leadership has been essential to the success of the AHSAA, and her role moving forward will be even more essential to the success of

the AHSAA.” Vickers spent 33 years in education, serving students and schools across Alabama.

During her tenure at the AHSAA, she served as director of publications, restructuring and improving each sports publication.

Vickers was the director of softball and negotiated a new contract for the State Softball Championship at Choccolocco Park which began in 2021.

She is known as the “rules expert” on the

AHSAA staff.

Vickers and her husband Jimmy have two daughters, Hagen Vickers Whiterd and Carlie Vickers. Both followed their mother’s path as educators and coaches.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports diretor at iHeart Media, host of "On the Mark" on Fox Sports The Game 9101310, Co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boyrs Baseball State Director.

B3 June 03, 2021

Summer Lights Up Our Lives

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

I

love the song, “Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer" by Nat King Cole. I especially love the lyrics “Dust off the sun and moon and sing a song of cheer.” The other night I was pleasantly awakened by the bright light of the smiling moon shining through my window.

Just like the song says, it brought my heart a song of peace, security and cheer.

Children seem to truly light up when we talk about the lights of summer and their experiences.

One activity that just naturally happens at home, vacation and

camp is sky and star gazing. "The man in the moon", the Constellation Orion, a hunter wearing a belt and sword, the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper and Venus, the bright evening star, are all present on many summer evenings. When you are camping out on a dark, dark night, you might become a spectator of a falling star is breath-taking, Campfires provide a light of fellowship.

Church children’s fellowship brings out f lashlights in order to do Bible Scavenger Hunts. Light seems to bring us all together, young, old and hearts

of joy, Children love to chase, catch and let go of firef lies, better known as lightning bugs. Yellow, green or pale red blinking lights are done to attract mates as well as signal undesirable tastes in the insect world.

When you vacation by the beach, children love to scrape the sand and observe the beautiful light from a sea sapphire at night. These sea creatuers sparkle.

They catch the light and ref lect it back.

One might think their eyes are playing tricks on them because they light up quickly then the light is gone.

Summer lights are so special because the season allows us to go outside and enjoy what we see.

July 4th lights up the whole sky as we celebrate our independence with beautiful firework displays in our communities!

One thing that we study is that light is a ref lection of a certain source. An example is the moon and stars which are a ref lection of the sun.

Summer also opens up weather watching for young meteorologists as well as we adults. Start out by explaining even to

the youngest children the weather is the condition of air here on earth around us.

But we cannot see air. Guide your child in understanding that air is felt when the wind blows, fan your child in order for them to understand the concept of air.

Blow a balloon up to show that air takes up space.

Explain to your child the sun is responsible for heating up air or atmosphere which causes water to evaporate into the air and the air rises. A way you can explain evaporation is to put a ¼ cup of water outside for several days till you and your child observe that it has evaporated into the atmosphere.

One observation that fascinates the young scientist’s eye is the formation of clouds. It is so neat for young children to observe the little bit of a cloud build up for a cool afternoon shower. Guide your child’s eye to identify three different kinds of clouds. Cirrus clouds are feathery clouds that look like a curl. These kind of clouds remind us of cotton candy. Usually cirrus clouds are associated with fair weather. Cumulus clouds are heaping

clouds. I love these clouds because they look like pillows you can jump on. Stratus clouds look like layers or blankets.

Stratus clouds produce rain and drizzle.

Children also love to use their imaginations in making different shapes from different clouds. Fog is also something your child can observe draping over outside early in the morning.

Summer safety rules are also connected with weather. Calmly discuss thunderstorms and lightning with your children in which they do not need to be in a swimming pool, or under a tree or playing outside during lightning and thunderstorms.

One reason I mention to discuss calmly is that we do not want young children to be scared of storms, we want them to respect storms. In the classroom when I have had children to panic or be anxious when they see a storm appear we say and repeat the truth of God’s Word, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” This refers to God in Psalm 56:3.

Also the most beautiful sight after an afternoon of summer rain is to

see an arching rainbow, Explain to your young children that rainbows are caused by sunlight penetrating raindrops and is broken into the beautiful colors of violet, indigo, red, orange, yellow and green.

I love to see how rainbows light up a child’s life when I see them trying to chase a low lying rainbow after a storm.

Going back to summer lights, just like lighthouses keep ships and boats on the right track, Psalm 119:105 reads, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

The Bible is truly a welcome light for our lives. Right now Vacation Bible School programs are being planned at our local churches in the community. Check online or call different churches to find out when and what times their Vacation Bible Schools are being offered. Children and families truly light up to know that God’s love is a light as we jump into HIS world of summer and extend our love in helping and being with others.

Happy June’s Beginning!

Beth Pinyerd, Classroom Observer

JSU Announces Spring 2021 Graduates Contributed by JSU

Jacksonville State graduated its largest class of students in university history this spring, awarding degrees to 959 students. This breaks the previous record of 895 graduates in Spring 2020. Graduates from the Lee County area included: Melissa Bailey of Phenix City Kelsee Enfinger of Phenix City

Brooke Holland of Phenix City Jewels Knight of Opelika Kayla Marbury of Opelika Caleb Williams of Opelika Jessica Williams of Opelika About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage

of accredited programs.

Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, JSU offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate level. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1 or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.

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B4 June 03, 2021

OLLI to host Dr. Michael Panhorst Contributed by OLLI

Dr. Michael W. Panhorst, retired from museum management, will present “Alabama’s Monuments and Memorials” at The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI) Brown Bag on June 23. This presentation will be streamed live on OLLI at Auburn’s Facebook page at noon.

The material culture of Alabama’s monuments and memorials tells an interesting story about our state’s people.

The commemorative art and architecture in marble, granite, bronze and less durable materials that we have raised (and some we have razed) illustrate our individual and collective values.

Tombstone epitaphs, public monument inscriptions and dedicatory addresses give

voice to patrons’ motives. Since Alabama’s history is fraught with divisiveness, its Civil War and civil rights memorials reflect that distinctive reality just as its gravestones and monuments to American heroes follow national trends in form, material, and style, albeit with regional variations. This richly illustrated survey should inform, entertain and may enable us to learn

something new about ourselves.

A native of Montgomery, Panhorst recently retired from a career in museum management and historic preservation that took him to the Mid-Atlantic states, the Mid-West, New England and back to Alabama. He has taught, lectured and published widely on historic art and architecture with a focus on American monuments

and memorials and their care.

OLLI at Auburn hosts its live Brown Bag Lunch & Lecture Series from noon to 1 p.m. on OLLI at Auburn’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ OLLIatAuburn. The free program is open to the public.

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach.

OLLI administrative

offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property which is located at 1031 South College St. in Auburn. For more information or to learn about becoming a volunteer faculty member, volunteer service assistant, or sponsor, contact Shawnee McKee, OLLI administrative support, at 334-844-3146, email olli@auburn.edu or visit our website at www.olliatauburn.org.

Smiths Stations' Suggs named 1st team All-State

By JD McCarthy For the Opelika Observer

Two players on the Smiths Station boys soccer team earned AHSAA awards, the organization announced last week.

Tyler Suggs was named to the Class 7A All-State first team and Latham Gamora was named to the 2021 North-South Boys’ & Girls’ Soccer All-Star Team.

Suggs, a senior, led Smiths Station with 23 goals and 14 assists and helped power the Panthers to a 9-7-2 record and an appearance in the state playoffs.

“It meant a lot for him,” said Smiths Stations head coach Jeff Carrero. “That was one of his goals. So, it was very exciting for him, and it means a lot for our program that the coaches recognized him and his ability.”

FOOTBALL

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problem.

Steffey-Bates has been involved in the football world since her son Jackson, 17, was six years old. She started off working as a manager and then branched out to photography.

When her son entered middle school, he became a quarterback and needed extra training.

This is when Steffey Bates got exposed to trainers, camps and the importance of recruiting.

“Along the way, I learned about the camp circuit, about 7v7 and travel football and all the advantages that has,” she said. “But also, I learned about the college recruiting aspect of things and the process and kind of saw some gaps with communication to parents, but also for the players.”

Steffey-Bates explained that trying to gain exposure can be difficult for student-athletes, and when academics are thrown into the mix even fewer athletes get opportunities.

She found that many players in the Lee County area have

Gamora is one of 18 rising seniors to make the North Boys’ roster that was selected by a special coaches committee from nominations received from AHSAA member school coaches. The All-Star game will take place Wednesday,

July 21 at 7 p.m. at Emory Folmar Soccer Complex in Montgomery. All matches will be livestreamed over the NFHS Network and AHSAA TV Network.

“He’s all pumped up about it,” Carrero said of Gamora being

named an All-Star.

“This is like his first-ever soccer recognition. He’s just super excited to be doing it and representing Smiths Station. He didn’t expect it and I think it’s going to help motivate him for the upcoming year.”

The two were not the only Smiths Station soccer players to be recognized as Nolan Scott, who graduated in 2019 and now plays for Andrews College was named to the GCAA All-Regional team for the 2020 season as a forward.

missed out on Division One opportunities due to falling short on academic requirements, so she looked for a solution.

“That’s kind of been my driving force, knowing that someone has talent and has potential, and just not having the threshold, and to be able to get to where their goal is,” SteffeyBates said.

And thus, The Football Mom Playbook was born.

While the organization has three main goals, the primary focus is education. Their goal is to have SAT, ACT and academic tutoring services available to the community, with a focus on students who fall within a lower economic threshold.

Steffey-Bates has worked in the medical field for over 20 years and both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees are health-related. She also works in higher education and has over 10 years of tutoring experience in science, writing and organizational study skills.

The organization also teaches life skills with a financial focus so players can be successful

while off at school and away from their parents.

The Football Mom Playbook Organization’s football aspect focuses on getting players exposure to colleges and recruiters.

“Providing transportation to camp, and any opportunities that I can get kids who qualify and who are talented in front of coaches and recruiters is also my vision,” said Steffey-Bates.

If any players in the area are interested in intending these camps, Steffey-Bates urges you to reach out. There are four upcoming camps Steffey-Bates is working with, two in June, at Troy and Lagrange, and two in July, one at the University of West Alabama and one in Florida.

For more information regarding camps visit their Facebook page: BAMA Elite 18u 7v7 football.

BAMA Elite 7v7 plays in the spring and then attends camps during the summer in preparation for fall football. They placed 4th nationally in a tournament this spring.

In the 7v7

tournaments, linemen are taken out so only skill players are left.

Doing this allows the skill players to enhance their performance in preparation for high school ball. This also allows players to play a different or new position, as VJ Leverett did.

Leverett is a rising senior at Auburn High School and plays wide receiver for the Tigers.

On BAMA Elite 7v7, Leverett had the chance to play safety and corner. His defensive performance earned him Defensive MVP in a tournament this spring.

Leverett has been on

the team since February and plans to attend multiple summer camps with the squad.

The Football Mom Playbook is currently working towards nonprofit status so they can provide scholarships for camps and financial aid for tutoring services.

While the organization’s title includes football, they are open to helping anyone.

“The educational side of this is open to anyone in the community that would need any type of tutoring, ACT or SAT prep, it not just indicative of football or athletes,” Steffey-Bates

“Nolan Scott is one of my favorite players,” Carrero said of Scott. “I can’t say enough about him. He’s always stayed in touch with our program. He’s invested in our area, and he has worked hard, and he is getting the recognition that he is due.

“As outstanding as he is on the field, he is probably more outstanding off the field.

Just can’t say enough about him.”

Junior High Soccer Camp While the season ended just a month ago, the Panthers will be hosting a junior-high camp from June 7-10 for middle school boys soccer players. The goal of the camp is to better prepare the middle school players for soccer at the next level by learning from the high school coaches and senior players. For more information email Dustin Lasta at Laska.

Dustin@lee.k12.al.us.

said.

While the organization awaits nonprofit status, they are accepting one-time sponsorship donations ranging from $30 to $150.

For more information regarding donations contact Steffey-Bates at 334-750-7262.

They hope to earn enough money to attend future 7v7 events the team qualifies for.

Until then, these talented high school players will attend camps over the summer in preparation to take the field under those fall Friday night lights.

B5 June 03, 2021

Community Foundation of East Alabama Awards $27,000 in Scholarships to Students in East Alabama Contributed by CFEA

The Community Foundation of East Alabama has distributed $27,000 in community scholarships to 11 area students from donor funds established through the foundation.

“The Community Foundation of East Alabama is thankful to our generous donors who make these scholarship awards possible,” said President of the Community Foundation of East Alabama, Barbara Patton. “Their investment in the education of our young people has impacted each student’s future.

The process of choosing who will be awarded each of these scholarships is undertaken with dedication and discipline by a committee of volunteer leaders. We are grateful for their hard work and dedication in doing this.

The process is never easy because our students are outstanding.”

Photos of the scholarship winners can be found on page B7.

Johnny Adrian Memorial Scholarship is an annual one-time scholarship established in 2018 by the friends and family of Johnny Adrian for a student at Auburn High School. Johnny Adrian passed away at age 43 after battling a brain tumor for nine years. Johnny Adrian had a successful career in insurance and loved sports — in particularly high school and recreational sports. The $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Seth Walker, a graduate of Auburn High School.

Kelleigh McConnell Meredith Memorial Scholarship is an annual one-time awarded scholarship established in the memory of Kelleigh Meredith, a native of Opelika and a teacher at AHS. The Kelleigh

McConnel Meredith Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students in the communities of East Alabama, in particular, for graduates from Auburn, Beauregard, Smith Station or Opelika High School. The $500 scholarship was awarded to Ansli McDonald, a graduate of Beauregard High School.

National Village Ladies Club Scholarship is an annual one-time scholarship awarded to a female Opelika high school senior. The student must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, school and community involvement and a desire for higher learning. The $3,000 scholarship was awarded to Leighanna Howell, a graduate of Opelika High School.

Peggy and Bill Lazenby Memorial Scholarship is an annual four-year scholarship established in the memory of Peggy and Bill Lazenby, natives of Opelika and both leaders in the community. The Peggy & Bill Lazenby Scholarship is awarded to Opelika High School students who are majoring in a STEM field, and exhibit leadership, sportsmanship and good citizenship. The $1,000 a year scholarship for four years, was awarded to Eleanor Wilson and Benet Harris. Both are graduates of Opelika High School.

Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship is an annual one-time scholarship award to a student that is attending a technical school, art school or college and are studying any visual arts medium including drawing, painting, ceramics, intermedia and digital art as a part of their curriculum. As a result of a car accident his sophomore year at

Auburn University, Tom became quadriplegic, but he was determined not to let that define him. A self-taught artist from an early age, Woodward became an accomplished artist, winning awards and competitions all over the Southeast. Never one to focus on his disability, Tom always emphasized his work and wanted his art to just be appreciated for art. The $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Alana Jordan, a graduate of Auburn High School.

Lee-Macon Workforce Scholarship is an annual one-time scholarship established

by Katherine and Howard Porter. The Lee-Macon Workforce Scholarship is awarded to students at Booker T. Washington High School in Tuskegee, Alabama, who are seeking a degree in the technical field at either Southern Union State Community College or Central Alabama Community College.

The $5,000 scholarship was awarded to Artrice Davis, a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School.

Wayne Murphy Memorial Scholarships are awarded to an Auburn High School female and male athlete each year and are based on each athlete’s character, academic record, sportsmanship and need.

The Wayne Murphy Memorial Scholarship was established by the family and friends of Donald Wayne Murphy Sr., who was an Auburn High School track and football coach and became the athletic director at Auburn High School.

Murphy touched many lives throughout his coaching career and was always able to motivate his athletes to run faster, run farther, jump higher and perform better. The $500 scholarships were

awarded to Makyara Thurman and Trey Renolds, both graduates of Auburn High School.

Opelika Civitan Club Scholarship is an annual one-time scholarship established by the Opelika Civitan Club for an Opelika High School senior. The Opelika Civitan Club served the Opelika community from its inception in 1950 until 2020. They had innumerable service projects throughout their years and made a huge impact in the community for those in need. They built their own meeting house on the corner of West Point Parkway and Ridge Road. Apart from the club activities and events held there, many people have fond memories of other social functions that took place there.

The $2,500 scholarship was awarded to Carmen Nunn, a graduate of Opelika High School.

Barber-Vallely Family Scholarship is an annual one-time scholarship established by Bob Barber and Cara Vallely Barber. Bob joined the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from Opelika High School and retired in 2014 after serving more than 20 years. Cara taught in the Alabama public schools and is an advocate for military families across the nation. Graduates of Auburn University, they reside in St. Augustine, Florida, with their two children, Connor and Abby. The $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Leighanna Howell, a graduate of Opelika High School.

Nancy Parker Education Fund Scholarship is an annual one-time scholarship established by the family and friends of Nancy, an Opelika native and an award-winning journalist, who perished in

a plane crash in New Orleans while doing a story. A graduate of the University of Alabama, a wife, mother of three children, Nancy was a five-time Emmy Award winner and eighttime Emmy nominee who spent almost 30 years covering news in Louisiana. Receiving numerous other awards like five Edward R. Murrow awards, she valued the role education played in her life, as do her mother and father, Patsy and Bill Parker. The $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Carmen Nunn, a graduate of Opelika High School.

John E. Melson and Margaret Linch Melson Scholarship is an annual one-time scholarship established by the family in memory of John and Margaret. John served the Army in WWII and after the war the couple made their home in Opelika. They were married for 70 years and had three daughters, Barbara, Sally and Lela.

Continually active in the community and in their church, they enjoyed many friends and social activities. The $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Eleanor Wilson, a graduate of Opelika High School.

Tom Meadows Memorial Scholarship is an annual one-time scholarship awarded to a graduating senior of the Tallapoosa County School System seeking a major in either the forestry or agricultural field. The Tom Meadows Memorial Scholarship was established by the family and friends of Tom Meadows, who from an early age had a fondness and respect for the outdoors, animals and nature. For 37 years Meadows worked for the Forestry Department of Alabama Power and

managed their timber lands throughout the state, where he knew every tree, shrub and blade of grass that was native to our state and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others. The $1,000 scholarship was awarded to Alli Broom, a graduate of Auburn High School.

About the Community Foundation of East Alabama The Community Foundation of East Alabama was incorporated in 2007 as a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization. As a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and nonprofit organizations to help them carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues.

Donors to the Community Foundation also benefit from the Foundation’s combined assets which greatly reduce investment and administrative fees.

Our five-county region includes Lee, Chambers, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa Counties.

Our Community Foundation is administered by a governing body of East Alabama citizens committed to building a vibrant community foundation. Through the generosity of people in East Alabama, our community foundation will continue to grow. Through grant making, we look forward to a brighter future by giving back to the place we call home. The Community Foundation is working to ensure that every child in East Alabama has an opportunity to further his/her education.

For general inquires, you may contact President, Barbara Patton at info@cfeastalabama.org.

Visit www.cfeastalabama.org for additional information.

Spring 2021 Graduates Announced at UA Contributed by the University of Alabama

The University of Alabama awarded some 5,860 degrees during its spring commencement ceremonies April 30May 2.

With a beautiful campus, dozens of challenging academic programs, expert faculty and numerous opportunities for service and growth, The University of Alabama is a place where legends are made. UA offers its students a premier educational, cultural and social experience with more than 200 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. The campus gives students the opportunity to interact with faculty performing cutting-edge research.

Visit Spring

Commencement 2021 for additional details on this year’s graduates.

Logan Bean of Auburn (36832). Bean has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration.

Ansley Bridges of Auburn (36830). Bridges has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Master of Science.

Catelyn Ealy of Smiths Station (36877). Ealy has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Arts.

Jessica Gigliotti of Opelika (36801). Gigliotti has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business

Administration.

Tyler Hankins of Cusseta (36852). Hankins has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Arts.

Re’Nigia Harkins of Opelika (36801). Harkins has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Science in Education.

Jessica Henderson of Opelika (36801).

Henderson has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Hunter Hollon of Opelika (36801). Hollon has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration.

Olivia Miller of Auburn (36832). Miller has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Master of Social Work.

Ryan Reddish of Opelika (36804). Reddish has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration.

Stephanie Seda of Smiths Station (36877).

Seda has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Science.

Morgann Smith of Salem (36874). Smith has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Master of Arts.

William Sollie of Opelika (36804).

Sollie has received

the following degree from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Kathryne Spratlin of Auburn (36830). Spratlin has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Science.

Sara Taylor of Opelika (36801). Taylor has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences.

Frances Ward of Cusseta (36852). Ward has received the following degree from The University of Alabama: Master of Arts.

Katherine Zeigler of Smiths Station (36877).

Zeigler has received the following degree from The University of

Alabama: Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences.

The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service.

With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers.

As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

B6 June 03, 2021

LCERA awards scholarships to local students Contributed by LCERA The Lee County Educator Retirees Association (LCERA) recently awarded three $1,000 scholarships to Lee County Seniors.

Pictured to the right is Pat Jones and Shawndria Calloway from Loachapoka High School. Calloway will be attending Lawson State Community College.

Pictured on the far right is Kay Spriggs, committee member, E'Miya Moore, the recipient from Beulah High School and Susan Stanley, committee member.

Not pictured is Alexxia Carter from Beauregard High School, who will be attending Auburn University.

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B7 June 03, 2021

CFEA awards 14 scholarships to local students

Barber-Vallely Family Scholarship (Pictured from left to right are Barbara Patton, Leighanna Howell and Todd Rauch.)

John E. Melson and Margaret Linch Melson Scholarship (Pictured from left to right are Anne Whittelsey, Sally Phillips, Eleanor Wilson, Lela Lofton and Dr. Robert Lofton.)

Johnny Adrian Memorial Scholarship (Pictured from left to right are Anne Whittelsey, Seth Walker and Barbara Patton.)

Kelleigh McConnell Meredith Memorial Scholarship (Pictured from left to right are Lauren Peppers, Ansli McDonald, Autumn Meredith and Barbara Patton.)

Lee-Macon Workforce Scholarship (Pictured from left to right are Anne Whittelsey, Artice Davis, Katherine Porter and Barbara Patton.)

Nancy Parker Education Fund Scholarship (Pictured from left to right are Anne Whittelsey, Carmen Nunn, Patsy Parker and Barbara Patton.)

National Village Ladies Club Scholarship (Pictured from Left to Right are Barbara Patton, Lynn Wanserski, Leighanna Howell, Lynda Meyers and Myra Girard.)

Opelika Civitan Club Scholarship (Pictured from left to right are Anne Whittelsey, James Powell, Carmen Nunn and Barbara Patton.)

Peggy & Bill Memorial Lazenby Scholarship (Pictured from left to right are Anne Whittelsey, Benet Harris and Barbara Patton.)

Peggy & Bill Memorial Lazenby Scholarship (Pictured from left to right are Anne Whittelsey, Eleanor Wilson and Barbara Patton.)

Tom Meadows Scholarship (Pictured from left to right are Barbara Patton, Anne Whittelsey, Alli Broom, Melinda Meadows and Laurel Callaway.)

Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship (Pictured from left to right are Anne Whittelsey, Jack Swarthout, Alana Jordan, Gail Swarthout and Laurel Callaway.)

PHOTOS BY TODD RAUCH / CFEA

Wayne Murphy Memorial Scholarship (Pictured from left to right are Robert Torbert, Ashley Torbert, Trey Renolds and Barbara Patton.)

Wayne Murphy Memorial Scholarships (Pictured from left to right are Barbara Patton, Makyara Thurman and Todd Rauch.)

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B8 June 03, 2021

Beulah commemorates class of 2021

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER Beulah High School held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2021 on Thursday, May 27.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

June 03, 2021

Thursday, June 03, 2021

Inside the Statehouse Opelika Police Officer Grant Session Ends: Gambling Left on the Table

Gow honored at city council PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

T

he 2021 Legislative Session is in the books. I would rate it a success.

When you pass budgets that are balanced, any session is a success. In fact, the only constitutional mandate given to the legislature is that they pass the two budgets.

The amazing revelation that is almost difficult to comprehend is the fact that both the General Fund and the Educational Fund budgets were not only status quo but were flush with growth coming out of a year of the COVID pandemic. State employees and teachers both received raises in the budgets.

Alabama is one of the few states in America that has not been devastated financially by the pandemic.

A lot of credit for this good fiscal stability goes to the Chairmen of the Budget Committees in both the House and Senate.

They have worked and strived diligently to pass conservative budgets with reserve accounts that have allowed the state to avoid rainy days.

The state owes a debt of gratitude and a tip of the hat to House Budget Chairmen, Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa) and Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) and Senate Finance Chairmen, Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and Greg Albritton (R-Escambia).

The Legislature dealt with a lot of high-profile issues. Not the least of which was the perennial issue of allowing doctors to prescribe medicinal marijuana for pain for their patients. This prescription has been allowed for years in many states. Now, Alabama doctors will be able to prescribe this medication to their patients.

The gambling issue dominated the entire session. The State Senate passed the gambling proposal to send to the people for a vote. However, it failed in the House of Representatives. It is a Constitutional Amendment and therefore needs 21 votes in the 35-member State Senate and 63 votes in the State House of 105 member representatives. It does not even go to the governor for a signature but goes straight to the ballot. The governor is very much in favor of this initiative. However, it probably needs to be dealt with in a special session in order for it to pass. Governor Ivey needs to really promote the issue in a special session where it is the only issue dealt with and focused on. She has plenty of time. The amendment, if approved by legislators, is not set to be voted on until the November 2022 General Election.

This proposed constitutional amendment is a very all-encompassing gambling plan.

It institutes a lottery, authorizes sports betting and legalizes casinos around the state.

It is a constitutional amendment that will also be exact and detailed and with authoritative gambling policy enforcement pro-

STEVE FLOWERS cedures. This regulation of gambling has been needed for years because we already have gambling in Alabama.

The new state gambling regulatory commission would oversee the lottery, as well as the five existing casinos in Macon, Mobile, Greene and Jefferson counties, and one yet to be determined in Northeast Alabama. This new location would be in the pristine Northeast Alabama mountains and would be given to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. It would have the potential to be a destination tourist attraction.

The Poarch Creek casinos would continue to be regulated by federal statutes, but the state would be enabled to enter into a compact with the tribe for Class III table games.

All lottery revenue would be directed to education, including scholarships for higher education and trade schools and a loan forgiveness program for graduates who locate back in Alabama. The annual revenue from casinos and sports betting would be divided for several uses. Almost 50% would be up to the legislature to appropriate toward capital or other non-recurring expenses. Forty percent would be earmarked for “enhanced healthcare services,” and 10% would be divided among counties and cities for “capital or other non-recurring expenses.”

Under the legislation for all gambling revenue, up to 5% would be set aside for initiatives to help problem gamblers.

This legislation pretty much tracks the recommendations of Governor Kay Ivey’s proposal and actually does not even require her signature. She was very prominently lobbying for its passage and will endorse its ratification by Alabama voters. It will reap a significant amount of revenue for the state of Alabama.

You may very well see it come up again this year in a special session.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the state legislature. may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

By Michelle Key Publisher Mayor Gary Fuller and the Opelika City Council honored Opelika Police Officer Grant Gow with a Life Saver Award during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

Gow took lifesaving actions while responding to a single-car traffic accident on April 27. The individual had a severe compound fracture with a bleeding wound that was life-threatening. His quickthinking actions saved the individual’s life.

June 4 was also declared to be National Gun Violence Awareness Day with a proclamation that was presented to members of the Moms Demand Action group. The group asked that supporters See OPELIKA, page B11

Auburn votes for turn lane on Cox Road

By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com Bike lanes? Or no bike lanes?

Auburn city council members debated the benefit of bike lanes on Cox Road vs. a turn lane in an issue brought forth by Ward 8 Council Member Tommy Dawson.

At the last city council meeting, Dawson asked that the council discuss the possibility of a turn lane on Cox Road from Fieldview to Wire due to the dangers that are often presented on that road.

The council voted during the committee of the whole to add the item to the agenda officially.

The previous plan for Cox Road was bike paths. In order to institute a turn-lane during the resurfacing and striping project on Cox Road, the bike paths would be

NOW OPEN

nixed.

Dawson cited the dangers of turning onto the road and the concerns of his constituents when he presented the idea.

“Until you ride Cox Road regularly or until you live out there, it’s hard to understand what I’m speaking of,” he said.

Other council members, Ward 2 Council Member Kelley Griswold and Ward 6 Council Member Bob Parsons opposed the idea in favor of the safety that bike lanes present to cyclists.

“I think hands-down the cyclist community would appreciate a buffer between their bike and the general traffic,” Parsons said. “And I am very confident to say that that particular bike would be very appreciated in terms of an overall arching strategy about connecting this city."

Parsons is a cyclist himself and he, along with Griswold and citizens in the audience, expressed hope for a more connected Auburn that is accessible to bikers.

“I will brave the road, but I would rather not feel like I’m braving the road,” he said. “I would rather feel like I’m welcomed on the road.”

Another cyclist, Randall McDaniel said he feels Cox is too dangerous to ride on.

“Most cyclists would like to have some area of relief between cars and them so they don’t get run over,” he said.

However, there were citizens and council members also concerned with vehicle safety.

“What makes Auburn great is that people really care about the things See AUBURN, page B11

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

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B10 June 03, 2021

Toomer's Corner Sit-In Celebrates One Year PHOTOS BY HANNAH LESTER / OPELIKA OBSERVER Kelli Thompson began sitting at Toomer’s Corner with a sign one year ago, hoping for positive change and critical conversations. One year later and she has a community of people backing her, who have made sitting at Toomer’s Corner every afternoon an event. The group keeps track of every positive and negative interaction they have, which you can find on their instagram, www.instagram.com/toomerssitin/.

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B11 June 03, 2021

W

Wannabe workers unite!

Or at least make out a job application

hen my Uncle Frank’s son was one month away from graduating high school, he sat Junior down for “The Talk.” This was not about girls, but about the boy’s life after graduation. My uncle, a retired policeman, told his only child, “You have three choices: Go into the military, go to college or get a job. Anything less and you cannot stay at home.”

Wow! Not very subtle.

That resembles the approach of tough-love psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw on TV. But would it work today? Journalist Jonathan Alter, a biographer of FDR, said President Biden should emulate Roosevelt and “restore faith that the long distrusted federal government can deliver rapid, tangible achievements.” But in a somewhat

OPELIKA >>

FROM B9

wear the color orange on June 4. According to the proclamation, “Orange is a color that symbolizes the value of human life and by wearing orange on June 4 Americans will raise awareness about gun violence and honor the lives of gun violence victims and survivors and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our children safe.”

Fuller and the council also recognized the Opelika ARPA Boys and Girls state track and field teams for their recent successes in competition, The group took 40 athletes to the state competition and the girls team came in second place overall with the boys ranking fourth.

Other Business

AUBURN >>

FROM B9

they really care about and we have a great cycling community here and I commend the fact that they want the best for their community,” said Mayor Ron Anders.

“We’ve also got a new roadway here that leads to a new interchange. It’s going to have redevelopment on it over the years and it’s kind of quirky right now … I believe just based on what’s bound to happen in that area is there’s going to be significant redevelopment on Cox road and there’s going to be more cars out there and there’s going to be more people out there and from my perspective, the best thing to do for this community is to make it the most palatable for our vehicles.”

Ward 4 Council Member Brett Smith proposed tabeling the idea until the June 15 meeting but City Manager Megan Crouch asked the council members to consider the item Tuesday night as the city was under several

unemployed individuals be pleased by contributing to their own welfare, they would be hastening the transition for businesses to more profit. We older people will be proud of them eventually. We will recognize the spirit of their generation, as our parents did ours; as the zeitgeist of today’s young adults.

In the 1980s, some fastfood restaurants, mainly

McDonald’s, offered new employees’ $9-12 an hour to work there. That was almost three times the U.S. Minimum Wage in 1985.

Yet many young adults northwest of metro-Atlanta were from wealthy families and did not find work to be a necessity.

Meanwhile, unemployed people from “inside the perimeter” of Atlanta could not get to Cobb County because neither MARTA buses nor trains went there until years later. Within counties there were local buses; little comfort to those wanting to get to and from a workplace miles away. Maybe it was “worker suppression.”

Now in mid-2021, some economists predict raging inflation and many companies going into the red.

But The Economist (May 22) notes that “worker

shortages are also an enormous waste of talent.

Including those on furlough schemes, we estimate that 30 million fewer people in the rich world are working than even before the pandemic. For so many people to be idle comes at a huge cost, not only in lost wages but also in terms of their health and dignity.”

The British newspaper suggests that governments consider three P’s: payments, passports and patience. In payments, the increase by $300 a week to unemployment insurance (UI) may or may not encourage laziness in pursuing work. With passports, part of immigration, something must be done so that potential workers from abroad can get here easier. Hospitality

Solutions, Inc. for Lifecycle Management Services for the Opelika Police Department.

- The council approved the funding for an emergency repair to a city vehicle.

- The council approved an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map to rezone 17.8 acres of land located at 5067 Birmingham Highway.

- The council held the first reading of an ordinance to approve a quitclaim deed to Armetta Johnson to clear up title to two pieces of property.

- The council held the first reading of an ordinance to approve an option to purchase an easement with Vertical Bridge Acquisitions, LLC. - The council approved

a motion to reappoint Tim Aja to the Indian Pines Recreation Authority for a new term ending June 7, 2025.

Before the meeting was adjourned, Ward 2 Councilwoman Erica Baker-Norris addressed the council pertaining to remarks made during the last council meeting by Opelika resident, Oscar Penn. During the May 18 meeting Penn had requested that BakerNorris [and the council] continue to go along with the contract with Critical Insights, a contract in which, Baker-Norris had some questions or issues with as previously reported.

“I want to state for the record that I did take the time to think about what Mr. Penn stated and that my comments do not change, they are

still the same,” BakerNorris said. She explained that she was unsure of the changes that Penn mentioned regarding the safety of some of the Ward 2 communities.

“On the day that he stated that things had greatly improved, was the same day on Vero Court there was a shooting,” she said. “I do hope that Critical Insights and Ambassadors for Change, which I believe Mr. Penn allegedly is receiving payments from, does make a positive change and I am certainly willing to work with them.”

Baker-Norris stated that she just wanted to put that on the record.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Penn addressed the accusation that he was receiving money from either of the two

organizations. When asked if he had received funds, Penn said, “None whatsoever, everything I do is volunteer.” Penn said that he plans to address the accusation publicly during the next council meeting.

What Penn would have received monies for remains unclear and Baker-Norris declined to offer any additional comments addressing the accusation after the meeting.

Critical Insights Consulting and Ambassadors for Change Founder, Dr. Chenavis Evans issued the following statement regarding the matter. "I have not, will not, never considered, and have never been asked by Oscar Penn or anyone else to receive any form of payment or nothing."

plan, the city had already approved a commercial development agreement with the company.

The council voted on the agreement at its meeting two weeks prior, which stipulated that the city will remit certain taxes. In exchange, Bucee’s will be creating tax revenue in the city, along with 175 new jobs and investing $45 million in Auburn.

Now, however, the land is annexed and zoned for the appropriate use.

Stan Beard, director of real estate for Buc-ee’s, said that the company hopes to open before football season 2022.

Graduate Hotel The Auburn City Council granted a sixmonth extension for the conditional use approval of the Graduate Hotel at its Tuesday meeting.

The council originally granted conditional use approval for the future hotel, The Graduate Hotel, in May, 2020.

“The conditional use approval is set to expire on November 19, 2021,” said a memorandum from Logan Kipp, AICP principal

planner to the Auburn Planning Commission.

“However, according to Section 803.05 of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance, there is an opportunity for a single six-month extension to be granted by the City Council, upon recommendation by the Planning Commission.”

The applicant asked the planning commission and council for an extension due to difficulties with the hotel project that arose from COVID-19.

“The project engineering team plans to resume design of the project in the coming months but full plans would not be ready in time to meet the expiration of the use approval,” the memorandum said.

Other Business: - The council approved a restaurant retail liquor alcohol beverage license for Amsterdam Cafe.

- The council approved a tax abatement for Straehle+Hess USA, Inc in the auburn Technology Park South.

- The council approved a preliminary engineering, right-of-way and

construction agreement for over $1.2 million with ALDOT for preliminary engineering of a roundabout at Wire Road and Cox Road. Federal Funding will supply $696,000.

- The council approved a professional services agreement with Thompson Engineering, Inc. for resurfacing, widening, traffic signals and drainage improvements on South College Street, Samford Avenue and Gay Street for $600,000.

- The council approved a contract with William Cecil Starr and William Cecil Starr, Jr. for the purchase of just over 3 acres located between the Environmental Services and Public Works Relocation Project and Auburn Technology Park West for $30,000.

- The council approved a contract with Communications International to reprogram the public safety radios for over $18,000.

- The council approved the assignment of a commercial development agreement for Orange Holding Company I, Inc.

- The council approved a contract with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP for governmental affairs representation services for $108,000.

- The council approved a contract with the Alabama High School Athletics Association, the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau and the city of Opelika for the Alabama High School Athletic Association Super 7 Football Championships.

- The council approved an easement for SMB Land, LLC. - The council approved a board appointment to the Indian Pines Recreation Authority.

- The council annexed 13.27 acres for Michale Allen Homes for property on Lee Road 51.

- The council approved the disposition of unneeded real estate and granted a sanitary sewer easement for Ironton Land Investments, LLC. - The council approved changing the speed limit on North College Street from 45 mph to 40 mph between Drake Avenue and Shelton Mill Road.

unforeseen consequence, Biden’s COVID economic recovery plans have led to more jobs, but fewer people willing to do them.

“Even in the ‘golden age’ of the 1950s and 1960s, when jobs were supposedly much better than they are today, a narrative of dissatisfaction loomed large,” contended The Economist on April 10. “In the 1950s many social scientists asserted that America’s unionized car workers were unhappy because their work was boring and they lacked any autonomy.

By the end of the 1960s, the concept of ‘blue-collar blues’ had entered public imagination.”

Although higher-educated workers may be disinclined to accept a job in a field different than their own, jobs in today’s market are full of uninviting

service jobs. Thus, jobs are left dangling with the less-educated as others wait for more prestigious opportunities. I agree with The Economist's editorial of May 22 that “being in work offers a measure of economic security and dignity, that being out of work never can.”

A recent Mike Lester cartoon in Politico showed a father saying, “Our family can’t find workers because the government is using my tax dollars to pay working-age adults more to stay home than to go to work…” Hearing this, his adult son says, “I’m sitting right here, dad.” The mother looks discouraged.

We must not forget that people in my generation, Baby Boomers, were dismissed as “ne’re do wells” until we reached age 35. Not only would

- Opelika resident, John Andrew Harris spoke during the public hearing segment of the meeting and requested information regarding funds that the city will receive from the CARES Act. He requested that the topic be placed on the agenda for the June 15 meeting.

- The council approved expense reports from various departments as well as an expense report submitted by Ward 5 Councilman Todd Rauch.

- The council approved a request refund of occupational fees paid in error.

- The council approved the purchase of two 2021 Chevrolet Tahoes from Donahue Chevrolet for the Opelika Fire Department.

- The council approved current and future invoices with Motorola contracts and time constraints with the striping project.

The motion to postpone the item failed and the item moved forward for voting.

The new ordinance to add a turn lane passed the council by a vote of 5 to 3.

Buc-ee's Land that will be used for the Buc-ee’s property was annexed into the city and rezoned from rural to commercial development district zoning during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

The council also passed a resolution related to the land. The council passed a conditional use approval for Gonzalez-Strength Associates on behalf of Hubert Boatwright and Harry and Alison Painter for a road service use for the Buc-ee’s Property.

This approval allows for a gasoline service station and car wash which can accommodate up to 120 fueling pumps, according to the city’s e-packet.

Although these contracts and agreements allow the Buc-ee’s to move forward with its Auburn

By Greg Markley

See MARKLEY, page B13

B12 June 03, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Whatley Construction, LLC Contractor, has completed the Contract for (Construction) (Renovation) (Alteration) (Equipment) (Improvement) of Renovation of Covington Recreation Center at 213 Carver Ave., Opelika, AL 36801 for the State of Alabama and the (County) (City) City of Opelika, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Lathan Associates Architects, P.C. 300 Chase Park South, Suite 200, Hoover, Alabama, 35244.

Whatley Construction (Contractor) Post Office Box 137 Opelika, AL 36803-0137 (Business Address) NOTE:This notice must be run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00, for projects of less than $50,000.00, run one time only. Proof of publication is required.

Legal Run 05/20/21, 05/27/21, 06/03/21 & 06/10/21 ––––––– FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter I, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Whatley Construction LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for Auburn UniversityLeach Science CenterButler Building Addition New HVAC System & Fire Alarm SystemAU Project # 19-189, located at 380 Duncan Drive, Auburn, AL 36849 for the Auburn University Facilities Management, owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify HHB Engineers, P.C., 104 Josie Run, Prattville, AL 36066.

Whatley Construction LLC Post Office Box 137 Opelika, Alabama 368030137 Legal Run 05/20/21, 05/27/21, 06/03/21 & 06/10/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA RE: IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DELAINE HAZEL BRITT, DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2021-288 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTRIX Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Mary Jennifer Crunkleton, on the 14th day of May, 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 05/20/21, 05/27/21 & 06/03/21 ––––––– IN THE ESTATE OF ANDREW C. STORY JR., DECEASED N THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-139 NOTICE OF

APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of May , 2021,

by Hon. 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.

JODI E. WELLS Executrix Legal Run 05/20/21, 05/27/21 & 06/03/21 ––––––– INVITATION TO BID 21018 Sealed bids for the construction of the Northpark Drive Improvements shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday June 8, 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 §34-8-8(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.

The approximate quantities of said Project are as follows: approximately 8,800 l.f. curb and gutter and curb, 2800 s.y. concrete pavement/drives, 14,000 s.y. asphalt pavement, clearing and grubbing, roadway shoulder grading, existing pavement demolition.

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 TTL, Inc., designated as the office of the awarding authority for this purpose, located at 2890 Rice Mine Road NE. Tuscaloosa, AL 35406. The contact person for the project is Frank Summers, PE. They can be reached at 205-561-3778; fsummers@ttlusa.com.

Electronic files (PDF, CAD) will be released upon signature of an electronic release form obtained from TTL, Inc. There will be no charge for electronic files. Hard copy Plans, specifications and Contract Documents may be obtained at

the above location upon the deposit of $250.00, which amount does not exceed twice the cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution of each set of such documents.

Deposits by prime Contractor bidders are refundable in full upon return of all documents in reusable condition within ten (10) days of bid opening. Additional sets of bid documents for prime Contractor bidders, subcontractors, vendors or dealers may be obtained upon payment of the same deposit. Such deposits will be refunded, less the cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution, if all the documents are returned in reusable condition within ten (10) days of bid opening.

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: Northpark Drive Improvements A Pre-Bid Conference is required for this Project. The mandatory pre-bid conference will be held by the City of Opelika, Alabama, a Municipal Corporation, in the City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, at 10:00 a.m., local time on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. Any Alabama Licensed Contractor wishing to bid on this project as the prime contractor must have a company representative attend this meeting, signing the attendance sign-in-sheet with contact information.

The attendance record will be issued as part of Addendum No. 1 with the meeting minutes.

Failure to attend this meeting will disqualify any Contractor submitting a bid as the prime Contractor.

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 05/27/21 & 06/03/21 ––––––– IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JANET CLANTON SMITH, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-270 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 18th day of May, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said county in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are

required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Erin Elizabeth Smith, Administrator of the Estate of Janet Clanton Smith, Deceased Legal Run 05/27/21, 06/03/21 & 06/10/21 ––––––– NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF MALCOM FRED SIMS, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2021-297 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of MALCOM FRED SIMS are hereby granted to Susan Gladys Sims on the 19th day of May, 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.

Legal Run 05/27/21, 06/03/21 & 06/10/21 ––––––– STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF LEE TO: Gregory Smith and Harold T. Smith, whose whereabouts are otherwise unknown, and any known or unknown heirs of the Esatte of Willie G. Smith, deceased.

You will please take notice that on the 12th day of March, 2021 a certain paper in writing purported to be the Last Will and Testament of Willie G. Smith was filed in my office for Probate by Kenneth Roger Black and that the 24th day June, 2021 @ 10:00 a.m., CDT was appointed the day and time for the hearing thereof, at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper.

Given under my hand, this the 19th day of May, 2021.

BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate Legal Run 05/27/21, 06/03/21 & 06/10/21 –––––– STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF LEE To: Mrs. Charles Black, Mrs. Betty Bowman and Lowell Freeman, whose whereabouts are otherwise unknown, and any other known or unknown heirs of the Estate of Walter Leroy Bowman, deceased.

You will please take notice that on the 19th day of May, 2021 a certain paper in writing, purported to be the Last Will and Testament of Walter Leroy Bowman was filed in my office for Probate by Edward Earl Thomas, II and that the 24th day of June, 2021 @ 11:00 a.m., CDT was appointed the day and time for the hearing thereof, at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper.

Given my hand, this the 19th day of May, 2021.

BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate Legal Run 05/27/2021, 06/03/2021 & 06/10/2021 ––––––– IN RE THE ESTATE OF: LUCILE WALLIS ARMSTRONG, a/ k/ a Mittie Lucile Wallis Armstrong, Deceased.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-302 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of May, 2021, by Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice

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

BARBARA A. RENIE Executrix Legal Drive 05/27/2021, 06/03/2021 & 06/10/2021 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: THE ESTATE OF TONY EARL MOORE, Deceased Case No.: 2021-244 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Tonie Robinson Moore on the 25th day of May, 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 barred.

TONIE ROBINSON MOORE Legal Run 06/03/2021, 06/10/2021 & 06/17/2021 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: THE ESTATE OF A. D. PITTS, Case No.: 2021- 2 51 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Geraldine Pitts on the 27 day, of May, 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 barred.

GERALDINE PITTS Legal Run 06/03/21, 06/10/21 & 06/17/2021 ––––––– Tillman Infrastructure, LLC proposes to build a 275-foot Self-support Communications Tower at the approx. vicinity of 0 U.S. Highway 280, Opelika, Lee County, AL 36801, Lat: 32-3707.81, Long: -85-1615.27. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Laura Elston, l.elston@trileaf.com, 1395 South Marietta Parkway, Building 400, Suite 209, Marietta, GA 30067; 678653-8673 Legal Run 06/03/2021 ––––––– ORDINANCE NO. 010-21 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to

therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcels of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcels from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-1, GC-P District (Rural, Gateway CorridorPrimary Overlay District) to a R-3, GC-P District (Low-Density Residential, Gateway Corridor-Primary Overlay District), the parcels of land hereinafter described: Parcel A Commence at the Northwest comer of Section 9, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; and run thence South 0 degrees 08 minutes West for 521.3 feet to an iron pin on the Southwest margin of U.S. Highway 280; thence run South 67 degrees 1 minutes 31 seconds East for 3272 feet to an iron pin which point is the TRUE Point OF Beginning of the following described parcel. From said point of beginning continue to run along said Highway margin South 67 degrees 18 minutes 31 seconds East for 348.54 feet to an iron pin; thence leaving said highway margin run. South O degrees 48 minutes East for feet along a fence to an iron pin; thence ren North 88 degrees Oi minutes 11 seconds West for 228.89 feet to an iron pin; thence run North C degrees 08 minutes 03 seconds East for 1,603.61 feet to an iron pin; thence run North 88 degrees 01 minutes 04 seconds West for 115.61 feet to an iron pin; thence run North 1 degree 0 minute 15 seconds West for 500.00 feet to the aforesaid Highway margin end True Point of Beginning.

Parcel B Commence at the Northwest comer of Section 9, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; and run thence South 0 degrees 08 minutes West 521.3 feet to an iron pin on the Southwest margin of U.S. Highway 280, which point is the point of beginning of the following described tot. From said point of beginning, run South 67 degrees 13 minutes 31 seconds East 32.72 feet along said highway margin to an iron pin; thence South 1 degree 00 minutes 15 seconds East 500.00 feet to an iron pin; thence South 88 degrees 01 minutes 04 seconds East 115.61 feet to an iron pin: thence South O degrees 08 minutes 03 seconds West 1608.61 feet along a power line to an iron pin; thence North 88 degrees 01 minutes 11 seconds West 113.61 feet along an old road bed to an iron pin; thence North 1 degree 00 minutes 15 seconds West 2,121.55 feet along a fence to the point of beginning.

The above-described property contains 17.8 acres, more or less, and is located at 5067 Birmingham Highway, Opelika, Alabama.

Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 1st day of June, 2021. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 2nd day of June, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 2nd day of June, 2021. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 06/03/2021

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

B13 June 03, 2021

R

The Honorable Mayor Anders and Auburn City Council Members,

E: I disagree with Ordinance No. 3288 dealing with short-term rental but what is really sad is how the implementation of that ordinance is being carried out. (https://auburnalabama. org/short-term-rentals/ Ordinance3288.pdf) We live in the house that my wife grew up in and her father, a former Auburn professor, and her mother a former teacher in Notasulga. We both went to Auburn and her brother and sister both graduated from Auburn. Our home was the second house built in

MARKLEY >>

FROM B11

jobs are much-in-demand as lockdowns end; immigrants accept most of those positions.

Finally, patience is needed when a lot of Americans avoid work out of fear of COVID-19. Vaccinations are being done carefully but with speed. I hope enough employees are hired before companies shut their doors. Yes, people may seek work out of economic need, but also boredom and loneliness.

Remember my Uncle Frank, who forced his son to take one of three options or else leave home?

Twenty-five or so years elapsed since “The Talk” to Junior about his choices.

One day, Frank went into

the neighborhood back in 1964.

We got a notice in the mail dated May 18th to immediately cease and desist our primary home with short term rental with no consideration: 1. Forcing us to break our contractual agreement with Airbnb, many Auburn Alumnus and other guests.

2. Destroying a business that we have spent six years building up.

3. I question the legality why some districts can have short term rentals while other district cease and desist immediately.

We rent our entire a Las Vegas casino which had a well-guarded display of $1 million in crisp bills.

Frank got in without waiting in the security line. Why? His son was a top FBI agent--he merely showed his ID and Frank entered. His son had served in the Air Force, had several college degrees and had a helluva dangerous but very respectable job. He accomplished all that his father wanted and more. You can do it, too.

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.

house with an average of four to five people at one time with our driveway having places for up to four cars. I seriously doubt that any of our neighbors even are aware that we have been a part of Airbnb.

It took us a while to consider Airbnb as a source of needed additional income. Having strangers in our home with our personal possessions without us there was difficult. But once we understood the kind of atmosphere that is created at an Airbnb we decided with some hesitation at first. It turned out to be

PUBLIC NOTICES >>

FROM B12

CITY OF OPELIKA ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT June 8, 2021 9:00 A.M. MEETING CHAMBERS OPELIKA MUNICIPAL COURT 300 MLK BOULEVARD A. VARIANCE Approval of the May 11, 2021 Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes.

William Reason, dba Certified Lighting, 2950 Pepperell Parkway, Requesting a 2.0 footcandle variance from the 0.3 footcandle maximum brightness allow at the property line for an internally lighted sign. (This item tabled at May 11th BZA meeting.)

Piedmont EM Services, Inc., 1509 Soapstone Way, Requesting a 3 foot front yard building setback variance from the 30 foot front yard setback requirement in the R-3 zoning district.

Piedmont EM Services, Inc., 1495

wonderful. Meeting AU Alumnus, future AU kids and their parents, brides and grooms that wanted to share their important occasion in Auburn, best friends and their spouse meeting for a small reunion, military guys getting away from the base in Columbus, etc.

What makes Airbnb so special? In order to share our home and neighborhood we read their reviews they have gotten from other Airbnb’s but they also get to see our reviews from Airbnb guest we have had. They are not renters they are guests, and we are their

host.

We pay the State Lodging Tax, the County Lodging / Rental Tax and the Municipality Local Lodging Tax. Thousands of dollars have been put into our community just by our Airbnb. We provide a refrigerator full of breakfast items, juices, bottled water, goodies, k-cups coffee, etc., also provide all bathroom items from soap, toilet paper, shampoos, etc … all purchased in Auburn.

My wife physical disabilities and unable to work for the last six years and needs me to be available most of the time,

Soapstone Way, Requesting a 4 foot front yard building setback variance from the 30 foot front yard setback requirement in the R-3 zoning district.

LLC, 3300 Pepperell Parkway, Appealing the denial of a sign permit application for two signs 30 feet in height on a single support pole and each sign measuring 10 feet by 30 feet in the C-3 zone with Gateway Corridor Overlay - Primary. The stated reasons for denial include the application being incomplete and compliance with Table 7.3, Sections 8.26, and Section IX of the City of Opelika zoning ordinance.

Advantage of Advertising, LLC, northwest corner of the intersection of Fredrick Road and Cunningham Drive, Appealing the denial of a sign permit application for two signs 30 feet in height on a single support pole and each sign measuring 10 feet by 36 feet in the C-2 zone with Gateway Corridor Overlay - Primary. The stated reasons for denial include the application being incomplete and compliance with Section 7.4.06, Section 8.26, and Section IX of the City of Opelika zoning ordinance.

Advantage of Advertising, LLC, 2500 Cunningham Drive, Appealing the denial of a sign permit application for two signs 30 feet in height on a single support pole and each sign

measuring 10 feet by 30 feet in the C-2 zone. The stated reasons for denial include the application being incomplete and compliance with Section 7.4.06, Section 8.26, and Section IX of the City of Opelika zoning ordinance.

Advantage of Advertising, LLC, 1405 Geneva Street, Appealing the denial of a sign permit application for two signs 30 feet in height on a single support pole and each sign measuring 10 feet by 30 feet in the C-3 zone with Gateway Corridor Overlay - Primary. The stated reasons for denial include the application being incomplete and compliance with Table 7.3, Sections 8.26, and Section IX of the City of Opelika zoning ordinance.

NOTE: The City of Opelika complies with the American with Disabilities Acts.

The City of Opelika will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.

If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator 72 hours prior to the meeting at ADA@opelika-al.gov or (334)705-2083.

Legal Run 06/03/2021

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B. APPEALS Advantage of Advertising, LLC, 1441 Gateway Drive, Appealing the denial of a sign permit application for two signs 30 feet in height on a single support pole and each sign measuring 10 feet by 36 feet in the C-3 zone with Gateway Corridor Overlay - Primary. The stated reasons for denial include the application being incomplete and compliance with Section IX of the City of Opelika zoning ordinance.

Advantage of Advertising, LLC, 1450 Gateway Drive, Appealing the denial of a sign permit application for two signs 30 feet in height on a single support pole and each sign measuring 10 feet by 30 feet in the C-3 zone with Gateway Corridor Overlay - Primary. The stated reasons for denial include the application being incomplete and compliance with Section 8.26 and Section IX of the City of Opelika zoning ordinance.

Advantage of Advertising,

Airbnb allows me to take care of her. I am 64 and my wife is 60. Half of our income comes from Airbnb.

Please consider letting us fulfill our contracts with our Airbnb guests until the end of the year, allowing us time to develop another form of income while fulfilling our contractual obligations.

Please Mr. Mayor and Council Members … give us an extension until Dec. 31, 2021.

Thank you, Robert H. Wilkins Joy S. Wilkins

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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

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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

SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021 Join the Opelika Police Department along with several current and former Professional and Collegiate athletes for a day of flag football at Opelika High School.

The event is open to the public and donations will be collected at admission for five of the Ambassadors of Change organizations.

Free Registration

BOYS AND GIRLS

AGES 5-18

OPELIKA HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOG STADIUM 8:00 AM Registration Opens 9:00 AM Festivities Kick Off 9:30 AM First Games Start 12:30 PM OHS Football Senior Scrimmage 4:00 PM Water Balloon Fight

SCAN TO REGISTER OR VISIT OPELIKAPD.ORG Registration is free and includes a t-shirt and lunch for each player

HIGHLIGHTS: • Photos with Athletes • Food Vendors • Giveaways • Much More!

ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE Saturday, June 5, 2021 5:00 PM

B14 June 03, 2021

Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku?

Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

B15 June 03, 2021

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B16 June 03, 2021

We roast all our coffee in house.

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334-745-4618

“Our Mission is Your Health”

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

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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

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