Opelika Observer 06-10-2021

Vol. 13, No. 35

Thursday, June 10, 2021

O GROWS FARMERS MARKET EVERY TUESDAY FROM 3 TO 6 P.M. AUBURN'S CITY MARKET EVERY SATURDAY FROM 8 TO 11 A.M.

Opelika, Alabama

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

LaCantina Wins Pro Free-standing Emergency Department Set to Open in Auburn Division at Burger Wars PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

PHOTO BY ABBEY CRANK / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

By Ann Cipperly Opelika Observer By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com East Alabama Health opened the Auburn Medical Pavilion in collaboration with Auburn University and the city of Auburn Friday morning in the Auburn Research Park. The medical pavilion is a freestanding emergency room department, ambulatory surgery center and will soon host a breast health center as well. “This is a very exciting day for us,” said EAMC President and

CEO Laura Grill. “Our hospital family has been looking forward to this day for a very long time.” The facility will open on June 23 and will offer options to Auburn residents that they previously had to drive to the main EAMC campus for. “Between those two facilities [main campus and Lanier] that are currently open, we serve about 60,000 emergency room visits a year,” Grill said. “With this facility coming on board, we see that continuing to grow.”

for the surgeons like me, who have a nice, shiny new building to operate in with a bunch of equipment. “ … I think it’s a win for our community like Dr. Moore mentioned, where we can provide additional services in a different location. I think that’s something this community’s needed for a long time. I think this is a win for the university and the Research Park by providing some collaboration where we can share and do something together.”

Dr. Trent Wilson, orthopedic surgeon and chair of the managing board, said he views the new center as a win-win situation. “Rarely do you come across something that’s truly a win-win situation, and when I look at this project I see it as a win-win situation all the way around,” he said. “I think it’s a win for our patients, for my patients, who now have another opportunity, another location for surgical care that’s just a different setting … I think this is a win for the local medical staff,

See EMERGENCY, page A3

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN DIRECT PRIMARY CARE

By Maggie Caraway For the Opelika Observer Auburn Direct Primary Care was started after the COVID-19 global pandemic devastated the world and turned the healthcare system upside down. As the virus swept across our nation, healthcare facilities were overworked, understaffed and utterly terrified. Dr. See PRIMARY, page A2

See BURGER, page A3

A Community ‘A-Fair’ By Michelle Key Publisher A Community ‘A-Fair’ (ACA) is sponsoring a fair at USA Town Center now through June 13. The organization travels across the country and has now made its stop in Opelika. According to event organizer, Andrew Stringfellow Jr., this event is especially exciting because it has a 120-foot-tall speed-looping ride and a 100-foot-tall ferris wheel.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ACA

Auburn Direct Primary Care: The Future of Health Care

After months of canceled activities, three events were held in downtown Opelika Saturday. Burger Wars, Touch-A-Truck and Sweet Homemade Alabama Spring Show drew crowds as the aroma of grilling burgers drifted across North Railroad Avenue. “It was a fantastic turnout, and I think people were ready to be out and do something fun,” said Dixie Broadwater, co-chairman of Burger Wars, adding that they ran out of burgers this year. Presented by the Ope-

lika Rotary Charitable Foundation, this was the seventh year for Burger Wars, with last year being a virtual event. Other co-chairs were John Sweatman, Kristen Ferrell and Torey Palmer. Proceeds from Burger Wars go to the Food Bank of East Alabama’s Backpack Program for local food-insecure children. This is the fourth year the Opelika Rotary has adopted two schools, Southview Primary School in Opelika and Ogletree Elementary School in Auburn. Funds are donated to purchase food for children who are food-in-

“This particular carnival plays the Georgia National Fair, the New Mexico State Fair, the New Jersey State Fair and the National Peanut Festival in [Alabama],"

he said. "So they play a lot of big festivals. We have a large number of rides — adult and children rides. The carnival See A-FAIR, page A3

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

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

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

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

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

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

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

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

Route 66 This energetic group plays it all… Oldies, Pop, Rock and Dance music. Audience participation in encouraged.

A2 June 10, 2021

The Curious Fox Elevates Your Space -

Shree Summerlin wanted to create a candle brand that was unique, minimalistic and would blend right in with the decor that already exists in your home. And so, The Curious Fox was born. “We make candles that kind of elevate one’s space without distracting from it,” Summerlin said. “… I was living in Charleston, South Carolina, and I would do a lot of photography around my house and I noticed that every time I would take photos there would be a candle in my shot that had just really loud branding. It totally threw off what I was

FROM A1

Kyle Adams worked as the chief medical officer of an urgent care company and had to quickly produce a response to the global crisis. Even when COVID-19 cases reached unimaginable numbers and there was a lack of testing, supplies and knowledge, Adams forged on. His efforts to keep the company afloat were successful and they made it through the darkest moments of the pandemic. Throughout grueling shifts at the urgent care, Adams realized that patients were not receiving the healthcare they needed. Whether it was due to loss of health insurance, primary care providers refusing new patients, or general dissatisfaction with the healthcare system — people needed help. Adams thought to himself, “Why is good healthcare so darned hard to get around here?” He decided to do something different. Near the end of 2020, he left his steady job and risked his financial future to start a new practice, one with a model few people in the area had heard of. Adams signed the paperwork for Auburn Direct Primary Care and stepped down from his position of chief medical officer on January 1. Then, he put all his

Frakincense - Butter, Cream, Vanilla - Milky Coffee, Nutty, Caramel - Violet, Cedarwood, Leather - Dewberry, Vanilla, Sandalwood

focus on starting his new practice. Direct Primary Care is an innovative financial arrangement between the healthcare provider and the patient. Unlike other healthcare facilities, Direct Primary Care does not deal with insurance at all. Direct Primary Care is focused on transparency when it comes to payment. Patients pay a monthly membership fee that covers almost unlimited services — there are no copays or hidden fees. The direct primary care model is designed to make receiving healthcare an easy and affordable process for patients. Patients can start receiving services by completing the new patient enrollment packet found online at www.auburndpc.com. Adults ages 17 and up may enroll for a monthly cost of $75 and children up to age 16 may enroll with a parent for a monthly cost of $25. According to Adams, his goal for Auburn Direct Primary Care has always been clear. “My goal from the outset was to provide high quality, personalized care for my patients, unencumbered by the tyranny of the insurance companies,” he said. “In my practice, I can accept whoever I want, even the tough and time-consuming cases. I can take text messages from my patients since I

don’t have to force them to come into the office to get paid. I can spend time on educating my patients, listening to their concerns, and treating them as a whole person. And I can do it all without putting my patients into debt over their healthcare.” Adams stresses the importance of urgent care facilities and their ability to take care of acute needs when patients may not be able to see their primary care doctor. However, they do not exist to take care of long-term or chronic health problems. “You're just not going to have a personalized relationship with your urgent care because they simply don't have time to build that up,” he said. “Whereas with us, we get to know our patients. We sit down and go through their medical histories. We learn about who they are and where they're coming from, what barriers they might have to achieving their healthcare goals and we just so happen to also be able to take care of the short-term needs and fill those urgent care needs as well, which is great. So, we really hit the full spectrum here.” Adams prioritizes his patient’s health and financial status by creating an affordable and easily accessible environment. That includes scheduling them a same-day or nextday appointment, free

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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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207 N. 3rd St. Unit B, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 207 N. 3rd St. Unit B, Opelika, AL 36801

CORRECTIONS The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the editor at (334) 749-8003.

Bergamot, Orchid, Musk. Summerlin launched the brand five years ago while still in Charleston, but she and her husband moved to Opelika two years ago.

See THE WELL, page A3

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PRIMARY >>

trying to photograph.” The Curious Fox candles are simple. They come in matte white or black with a fox on the front. There are six scents to choose from: - Nutmeg, Geranium,

discussing collaboration. “She texted me and asked if I would like to be a part of it and of course, I said yes,” she said. “It’s just blossomed from there.” There have been adjustments to having The Curious Fox in a smaller town like Opelika, as opposed to Charleston, Summerlin said. First of all, in Charleston, people mostly only cared about the product. In Opelika, people care about the business owner. “I think I’ve had to build relationships with people,” she said. “I think building relationships here is very, very important.

The brand has evolved over five years — for one thing, there is a physical location for the product, rather than fully online. The Curious Fox candles can be found inside The Well in Opelika. The Well is a new Opelika storefront that incorporates women-run businesses and products into one inclusive experience on Avenue A. The space opened on March 20 and includes 15 to 20 businesses, many of which will rotate out to allow for other creators. Summerlin said that she knew Alison Kovak, the owner of the building The Well is located in. When work began on the space, the two began

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting for the office last week. Adams practices full-spectrum family medicine without any copays, deductibles or confusing bills. Patients of Auburn Direct Primary Care enjoy an accessible, personalized healthcare experience in a comfortable setting. Call 334-209-2339 to schedule an appointment. Located at 440-A North Dean Road. Visit www.auburndpc.com to learn more about this unique offering in Auburn.

Telemedicine, free procedures, free in-house labs, extended-length visits, no copays or confusing bills, medications dispensed directly from your doctor at a vastly reduced cost, sending out labs and blood work steeply discounted, direct access to Adams by phone, text, email or in office and even home visits when necessary. According to Adams, everyone can benefit from direct primary care. “I think anybody would benefit from it because what we're able to do is provide a much more personalized level of care for our patients than anything they've ever experienced

before,” he said. “So, anybody who has healthcare needs would benefit from a relationship with a direct primary care practice ... Who else can pick up the phone and text their doctor directly or call their doctor directly? Who else can call and get a visit with their physician the same day or the next day?” Additionally, Adams is extremely grateful for the Auburn community and the success he has achieved so far. “We're thrilled to have already grown much faster than we ever expected … We've been so appreciative of all the love that all patients have shown

to us as we try our best to take care of them.” Ultimately, Adams started Auburn Direct Primary Care to fulfill the healthcare needs of the Auburn community and to pursue his passion for helping people. “The most important thing is, I want everybody to know that everybody is welcome regardless of insurance status,” he said. “Regardless of social and economic background ... We just want to take care of anybody that needs us.” For more information about Auburn Direct Primary Care, visit www. auburndpc.com or call 334-209-2339.

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A3 June 10, 2021

OPD Recognizes Newest Liaison for Autism Community Maggie Caraway For the Opelika Observer

BURGER >>

FROM A1

secure at those two schools. Each quarter, members of the Opelika Rotary pack the bags at the food bank. Every two weeks, members pick up the bags at the food bank to deliver to the schools for the food-insecure children to have on weekends, during spring break

EMERGENCY

>>

FROM A1

Jim Weyhenmeyer, president of the Auburn Research Park, built on the topic of collaboration and said that the facility offers opportunities for cross-training. “From my perspective, what has come out of the ground, if you will, in this space, is not only impressive but it will have an incredible impact on the community,” he said. Auburn President Jay Gogue said that over the course of a year at Auburn University, there are nine to 10 students who will pass away during that time. He said he thinks that by having a facility closer to the university, perhaps those numbers could go down. Already, there are so many ways that EAMC

>>

FROM A2

People want to know that they’re buying from a neighbor, a friend.” Summerlin pours her candles herself — which wasn’t always the case. “When we initially started, I was outsourcing a lot of things and it’s grown

to support his interests and provide him with many opportunities to interact with others. “As Jake’s mom, I’ve always done my very best to allow Jake to live his best life,” she said. Although Helms is nonverbal, Luanne surrounds him with people and engaging opportunities. She encourages other parents to do the same. “If I can help other parents put their kids out there and help them to do the best they can then it’s worth it,” she said.

and other times when they are not able to get the meals available at school. The Sweet Homemade Alabama Spring Show at Art Haus also benefited the Food Bank of East Alabama. A percentage of all sales will go to The Community Market. As rain clouds were gathering in the afternoon, winners were announced in the Burger

Wars competition. Pro Division Winners were La Cantina, first place, the Country Club of Auburn, second place, and Niffer’s, third place. Winners in the Corporate Division were Rock 'N Roll Pinball, first place, Golden State Foods, second place, and John Sweatman, third place. Taking honors in the Tailgate Division were

Jericho and Rebecca Wilson, first place, Matt Robinson and Matt Richards, second place, and Chris Ficarra, third place. Golden State also took first place in the Crowd Favorite Division. Café 123 received second place and Team Ficarra took third place. “We want to thank our grillers and everyone who came out,” Broadwater said. “We

has affected the lives of those in Auburn, Opelika and Lee County, said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “I think about a double-wide trailer behind a hospital that put life-giving infusions into many people who were fighting COVID,” he said. "I think about an old retail building... that was retrofitted to provide, as we speak here today, over 90,000 vaccines to allow people to continue on with their lives. “And I think, really, what that speaks to is the heart and soul and the culture of East Alabama Medical Center; that they’re willing to do whatever it takes to serve the people of this community.” The Auburn Chamber was in attendance as well to host a ribbon-cutting for the facility.

“This is truly, truly an exciting day for our community,” Anders said. “This location brings critical, medical resources to all of Auburn’s residents. And hey, it adds 100 new jobs to our community. Residents will now be able to seek 24-hour care right here in the city limits of Auburn for many emergency situations and they’ll have additional options for procedures right here in our community.” What the center will accommodate: The first floor will feature the freestanding emergency department with 12 rooms. Summer Storrs, manager for the emergency department, said that there will be a medication room, nutrition room, geriatric room, trauma room, as well as sexual assault nurse examiner

rooms. “We can do everything main campus can do, aside from admit you to our facility here,” she said. “But we are prepared, we have an ambulance dedicated to our facility to take you over to main campus. So if you’re experiencing anything you think needs to be an emergency visit, we can help you.” The first floor also includes equipment necessary for CTs and MRIs. The East Alabama Ambulatory Surgery Center is located on the second floor, has four operating rooms, four endoscopy suites, 22 perioperative bays and will be used for out-patient procedures. The third floor, which is currently unfinished, will hold the breast health center, which East Alabama hopes will be finished later in the year.

internally because I’ve started bringing things more into the business itself,” she said. “So I’m handling a lot more of the creation of the candles versus when I initially started and I felt I couldn’t do that so I was paying other people to do that.” There are some new things in the works. A

new collection is on the way, Summerlin said, which she thinks will appeal to those in Auburn and Opelika. To check out The Curious Fox online, visit www.thecuriousfox.co. Or, visit The Well in person. The Well is located at 824 Ave. A, Opelika and is open Monday-

Sunday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Reservations are required outside of walk-in hours, which are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Well requests one hour notices ahead of the reservation time. This is the ninth in a series of articles on the different businesses that are located inside The Well.

can’t do this without them. Touch-A-Truck was great and the event at the Art Haus. It was a great day in downtown Opelika.” Martha Henk, the executive director of the Food Bank of East Alabama, expressed thanks. “I love that a fun event that offers the enjoyment of great food to the community has the great purpose of extending the blessing and enjoyment

A-FAIR >>

FROM A1

itself has over 120 rides … and the rides have music playing.” Co-Owner of USA Town Center, Victor Vance, said that he is also excited to bring such fun opportunities to families in Lee County. “We are pleased to again feature a top carnival for the local citizens of the area,” he said. Furthermore, Stringfellow said he wanted the community to know that there will be a lot of great food options for families every night, including traditional fair food like funnel cakes, elephant ears, candy apples, corn dogs and savory

of food to food-insecure children through the Food Bank’s Backpack Program. “We are so grateful for all of the hard work that made this event such a success. It is support from the community that enables the Food Bank to have a major impact on addressing hunger, and we work very hard to be good stewards of the resources that are entrusted to us.” options like Italian sausages, hamburgers, pizza, steak burgers, fries and more. There will also be a seating area for those that wish to sit. ACA is taking safety seriously and will have metal detectors and security personnel on site. Admission is $3 and wristbands for rides can be purchased for $25. Stringfellow did add that they plan to offer some discounts during the event but did not have that information available as of yet. The carnival will be open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 10 p.m.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

THE WELL

hundreds of patches and challenge coins from departments all over the world by mail. Helms proudly displays his impressive collection in his room. He has also had the honor of “being a police officer for a day” courtesy of the Valley Police Department. Additionally, after his 22nd birthday party and ceremony at the Opelika Police Department, Helms had plans to play basketball with the Opelika Fire Department. Luanne works hard

PHOTOS BY MAGGIE CARAWAY / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

Jake Helms, an Opelika native, celebrated his 22nd birthday in an extravagant way. On June 4, a ceremony was held at the Opelika Police Department to recognize Helms as a Special Community Liaison for the autism community and Opelika Police Department. Helms, diagnosed with nonverbal autism and epilepsy, has been a catalyst for more than 10 years to bring autism awareness to the Opelika Community. He has done several impressive tasks to better his community including cleaning his mile from Adopta-Mile several times a year, as well as other areas of the town in an effort to keep Opelika beautiful. Helms is also a Gold sponsor of the Hungry Caterpillar Sensory Park and raised funds for Storybook Farms for the 20 under 40 class.

Helms’ involvement with the community allows first responders to get to know him so they can better understand and recognize the characteristics of those with special needs. Individuals with autism are seven times more likely to have interactions with law enforcement than their peers. Additionally, according to autismsociety.org, “Approximately one in five young adults with autism spectrum disorder will interact with a police officer before the age of 21.” Because of these statistics, Helms and his mother, Luanne, have coordinated the training of more than 385 first responders in Autism Risk and Safety Management in East Alabama. Aside from being an exemplary citizen of his community, Helms loves playing basketball, tennis and all things first responders. In 2018, he spent his birthday collecting

A4 June 10, 2021

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ESTIN, Florida —The fireworks crackled above our little beach town. The moon was out. The beaches of my youth looked the way they always do: slammed. “I wanna go home,” I told my wife while I hauled cheap beach junk onto a crowded shore. “I don’t care about fireworks.” She laughed. “C’mon, it’ll be fun.” “Define fun.” My idea of fun is not communing with greased-up tourist torsos on a public beach to watch low explosive pyrotechnics. “I brought a radio,” my wife said, sweetening the deal. “Wow. A radio. Gee, Wally, neato.” That remark got me a rib contusion. The beach was covered in blankets and families. Loud children played tag in the dark. People grilled. There were the sounds of fire-

P

eople see things differently. Take, for example, the Apostle Paul. That great missionary of the first century spent a lot of time in jail. Some people saw him as a rabble-rouser. Others viewed him as a passionate preacher espousing faith in Jesus the Christ. Authorities in Rome jailed him as an enemy of the state. His Christian friends would have said Paul was a prisoner of Caesar. That was not Paul’s perspective. Writing to his friends, Paul said, “I am a prisoner of Christ

W

ith day one (and a flipflop frog murder) behind me, days two through five unrolled at much the same pace at Wiregrass Christian Youth Camp - breakfast, chapel, arts/ crafts, lunch, rest time, swimming, shower time, evening meal, more chapel and then lights out. The highlight of the day, for me, fell somewhere after rest time and before dinner. The canteen was actually a small hut with one wall and a partial roof with a counter that wrapped around from side to side. On the counter were boxes and plastic bins filled with treats sent directly from heaven down to Coffee County, Alabama. All day I would bolster myself through long minutes sitting in a pool of my own sweat in the chapel trying to focus on Joseph and his evil brothers and the tossing and turning, anything but restful,

FUN works that shook your skull. My wife fired up the old transistor and immediately Alan Jackson started singing about the Chattahoochee. Against my will, I actually made some new friends among the summer people. Like the couple on the blanket next to ours who was eating popsicles and watching the sky. The guy said he was a preacher from Katy, Texas, on vacation with his wife. “Hey man,” he said, reaching into his cooler. “You wanna popsicle?” Then he glanced in both directions and said suggestively, “They’re homemade.” Before I could consider the deeper meaning of the clergyman’s coded words, my wife answered for us both and pretty soon we were sucking frozen homemade ice pops that were made entirely from tequila.

SEAN DIETRICH The preacher smiled. His tongue was royal blue. “Good stuff, huh?” Texans. After that, I found myself laughing often and sometimes singing backup with our little radio. I also had double vision. Before my wife could stop me, I was already introducing myself to total strangers on nearby blankets like I was running for public office. I met a guy cooking hotdogs on a Coleman camp stove. He was from Atlanta. He was

shirtless, large, with skin the color of fresh coffee. He was listening to quiet hip hop music and said his name was DeAndre. He had a lot to say. “Man, this has been the hardest year of my life. But it’s also the year I got woke up and found out what I’m supposed to be. “I’m a dad. Got three girls. During the quarantines I quit my job and decided I’m gonna put the same dedication into being a dad as I was putting into being a

workaholic.” A few feet behind DeAndre were two elderly women from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, decked in pastel colors. They were eavesdropping. “God bless you, sir,” they said to DeAndre. “That’s the most beautiful thing I ever heard a dad say.” So, we gave them some Texan-pops. The women reluctantly accepted the pops and said, “But we’re Lutherans.” “Then lick very slowly, ladies,” DeAndre cautioned. Next, I met a small crowd of middle-aged people wearing matching yellow T-shirts. They were from somewhere in North Carolina having a family reunion. “This is our first outing,” said one woman, “the first time our family has gotten together since the pandemic. During COVID, my

mom had hip surgery. She died from complications and the hospital didn’t allow visitors, so we never got to see her before she...” Everyone became solemn, including me. “She loved Destin,” one daughter went on. “We brought her ashes with us; she would’ve wanted to be here this year.” Sometimes I forget how much I have to be grateful for. After that, I rose to go to the bathroom whereupon I lost my balance and fell into the lap of a sweet older woman from Conway, Arkansas. But I recovered nicely, gave everyone the okay sign, apologized and the lady agreed not to lawyer up. On the walk to the public bathrooms I realized that I had met all kinds of people that evening. Good people who have been survivSee DIETRICH, page A5

Perspectives Matter Jesus because of my preaching to you Gentiles.” In Paul’s mind he was not a prisoner of Caesar; he was a prisoner of Jesus and using his imprisonment to advance the gospel. Your view of what is happening to you, or others, makes a huge difference. Take suffering, for example. A friend lost her husband after a year-long battle with cancer. She was not unhappy with God for letting her husband die. Instead, she praised God for using her husband’s suffering to strengthen her faith and

WALTER ALBRITTON the faith of her children. It matters how you view bad things happening to good people. Viewpoints differ widely. One person may

believe God does not have the power to prevent the suffering of the innocent. Another person believes God allows suffering but does not cause it. Someone else views God as actually hurting with his children when bad things happen. Your perspective matters because it determines how you feel about God. If I lose my job, I can feel forsaken by God or I can believe that God loves me and has another plan for me. I can feel mistreated by my employer and give up, or I can expect God

to open another door for me. Perspectives matter because they determine our state of mind. The Apostle Paul is well-known for having written in Romans, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” It makes a profound difference to believe that “in all things” God is working for our good — even when we don’t understand what is happening in hard times. Easy to believe that? No, it takes faith

in the character of God to believe it. For me, finally believing that God is like Jesus freed me to believe that God is always working for my good. Each of us is free to view life differently, but every viewpoint has consequences. The perspective you choose will determine whether your mind is filled with peace and hope or fear and despair. We shall be wise to ask the loving God who created us to help us choose daily, healthy viewpoints because perspectives matter.

SUMMER CAMP PART III rest time where the air seemed to hang over the entire cabin like a drooping mosquito net and through shower time where I lingered in the toilet area because absolutely nothing in the world could entice me to chance another frog encounter in the shower. Wasn’t a dip in the chlorine water of the pool close enough to a bath anyway? Finally, canteen would be declared open, and we would pour down the hill in droves, mouths watering for the bounty that awaited us. Giant Pixy Stix, M&M’s, Snickers bars, Rice Krispy treats, Bottle Caps, Now and Laters, Razzles, Pop Rocks and Orange Crush sodas. There were bottles of root beer as well, and I remember the first time I tried one. The name alone was a bit confusing to me because we had spent the better part of the week being told that alcohol was an absolute sin and

was best avoided at all costs. Yet, right here in front of God and everybody in Coffee County, sat dozens of cold cans of soda that proclaimed itself to be at the very least beerlike. Feeling brave, I opened one and took a long swallow. The taste reminded me of dirty socks with a hint of old-fashion medicine. “No wonder alcohol is a sin,” I thought. “Only the devil himself would come up with such a combination.” I drank at least a dozen of those devil concoctions that week. I liked living on the edge. Toward the end of the week, we were told that there would be a Sadie Hawkins night the following evening. It was explained to us girls that we would be choosing from the boy campers our companions for dinner and the skit night that followed. The counselors watched us all expectantly as they dropped

WENDY HODGE this bombshell. I’m not sure what reaction they were expecting, but let’s just say the news landed like a lead balloon. We all looked at each other with so many questions in our eyes. Choose a boy?? Companion for dinner? Who on earth is Sadie Hawkins? We were assured that this would be “so much fun” and then sent to bed to ponder the fate that awaited us. “Lights out” was called; Lori did her nightly dance with the falling bugs on her bed; and the whispers began. “Do we have to choose a boy?”

“Does this mean he’s our boyfriend?” I lay in my bunk taking a mental survey of the boys at camp. To be honest, they were more a side note than something I’d paid close attention to. Boys were gross. They smelled funny. And they were always burping and poking bugs with sticks and racing each other all over the place. Overall, they were obnoxious but unavoidable - mosquitoes but with gangly legs and body odor. I had, however, noticed a boy about my age who was smaller than the rest. He had dark wavy hair and a nice smile. If I had been pressed to admit it, I would have said he was cute. But when my mind tried to paint a picture of me choosing him and being “companions,” all I could see was me dressing him up and combing his hair, generally just petting him like the monkey I so longed for to dress

up and play with and call my own. Just before sleep, another face came to mind. There was a certain counselor - Lance was his name. He had blond hair that looked just like one of the teen idols in my Tiger Beat magazine. His deep tan and white teeth made him look like he belonged on a surf board in California. He wore cowboy boots and made them look more city than country. He could sing with a deep baritone that made chill bumps climb my arms. And I knew that he would be the only boy I could choose with any honesty. And so we lined up the next evening, all whispers and nervous giggles. The boys walked slowly onto the field opposite the females. And we stood and stared at each other. Silence fell. No one knew what to say or do. A counselor stepped See HODGE, page A5

A5 June 10, 2021

WoodmenLife Petco, Parades and Puppies Representative Earns Professional Honor so full of opportunities for the humane society. I love that there are so many places that are animal-friendly and would love to have us do events with them.” Just a few months ago, Salazar was promoted from staff member to volunteer coordinator. Now, she organizes volunteers and plans events for the humane society. The first upcoming event this month is a Petco Adoption event on June 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Salazar said that pre-COVID Petco events used to be held nearly every week. Now, with new CDC guidelines, the humane society is once again able to start offering opportunities to adopt at their Petco events. “There is an adoption process where you first have to fill out an application,” said Salazar. “And you can either do that online or, if you’re just at Petco and you see a dog that you really want to take home, we do bring paper applications.” Adoption applications can be found on the humane society’s website at www.

leecountyhumane.org/ adopt. While the Lee County Humane Society is host to both cats and dogs, the Petco event will only have dogs available to adopt. Each dog at the event is neutered or spayed, up to date on vaccinations and available at a discounted price of $50, compared to $115 at the humane society. The humane society will also be hosting its Lemonade Parade from 5 to 6 p.m. on June 13 in downtown Auburn. Up to 10 dogs will be paraded through downtown alongside volunteers from the humane society. This will be in conjunction with the SummerNight Art Walk Parade, which starts at Pebble Hill. To become a volunteer, simply fill out the application at www. leecountyhumane.org/ volunteer. Emails can be sent to Salazar at volunteer2@leecountyhumane.org with any questions regarding volunteer work and orientation. Donations can also be given to the humane society at www. leecountyhumane.org/ donate-now.

ing the last 400-some days of uncertainty just like me. And I wonder if we all realize that we have been living through an era our great-grandkids will read about in social studies textbooks.

When I returned to our blanket, the fireworks had finished with a finale. The human being I love most in this world hugged me and we sort of leaned against each other while George Strait sang “You Look So Good In Love” over a battery-powered Sony.

“You know something?” I said to my wife. “You were right about tonight; this was actually pretty fun.” Then we kissed an old-person kiss, which means more than the other kinds. She squeezed my chin a little too firmly and said, “Define fun.” I had it coming.

his hand. It was the first moment I entertained the idea that boys weren’t completely gross after all. Camp ended as it always did, and parents drove back to The Pavilion to load us all up and drive us home. All the girls hugged. The boys threw rocks at each other. It was very emotional. And then I found myself in the way back of the station wagon, waiting to pass the Boll Weevil statue, feeling exhausted and missing my friends already. But there was also confusion

around the edges of my thoughts. I’d heard that week for the thousandth time the evils of alcohol but had indulged in root beer wondering which of those conflicting flavors was the actual beer. I’d huddled under a beach towel bigger than the bunk I slept on, keeping myself covered and isolated from male eyes, but then had turned around and been told to pick one of them for my very own. Last but not least, there was the whole counselor Lance vs boy/monkey date. I liked them both and didn’t know yet

how to sort that out. If I could go back to that car ride home from camp and tell myself a few things, it would be this: There are always going to be both sides of any choice, and it will never get any easier, but maybe this will help: Choose the dark, wavy-haired guys. Root beer isn’t alcoholic ... actual beer tastes even worse. And forget about wanting a pet monkey ... it won’t go well. Happy summer, everyone!

By Emery Lay For the Opelika Observer

Contributed by WoodmenLife Farris L. Bondurant, a sales representative of WoodmenLife for the Auburn-Opelika area, has qualified for membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the premier association of financial professionals. Founded in 1927, the MDRT is a global, independent association of more than 62,000 of the world's leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 500 companies in 69 nations and territories. MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. It is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial service business. Bondurant has been a WoodmenLife representative for

HODGE >>

FROM A4

forward and cleared her throat. “Go ahead, girls. Don’t be shy. Just walk up to the boy you choose and introduce yourself.” I scanned the row of boys, searching for counselor Lance. He was nowhere to be seen. One brave girl stepped forward and made her choice. Girl after girl followed suit. To say it was an awkward few minutes doesn’t come close to telling you the depth of

BONDURANT 23 years. His office is located at 166 N. Gay St., Suite 12 in Auburn. For more information call 334-821-5050. About WoodmenLife WoodmenLife was founded in 1890 as a not-for-profit. The organization gives back to its members across the country, members who join together in a shared commitment to family, community and country.

every single camper’s discomfort. This was not “so much fun” as we had been promised. This was one of those coming of age moments where you realize that grown-ups have amnesia when it comes to being a kid. They have no idea what constitutes fun. When it became clear that I would be the last girl to choose a boy if I didn’t make my feet move forward, I crossed the field and found the small boy with the dark hair and nice smile. He seemed even less enthused than

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I was, but took my hand and accepted his fate. If I couldn’t pick counselor Lance to sit with me at dinner and watch the talent show, at least I could close my eyes and pretend I truly did have a pet monkey. I don’t remember the dinner that last night or even much of the talent show I participated in. I do remember, however, that my “date” wore a powder blue suit and brought me a flower he had picked behind the canteen. My little girl heart flushed at the sight of that flower in

This year, the Lee County Humane Society is finding new ways to involve the community in giving homes to the rescues of Lee County. The organization works year-round to rescue and rehabilitate stray dogs and cats. Located on 1140 Ware Dr. in Auburn, the Lee County Humane Society offers opportunities to adopt, foster, volunteer and donate. The humane society has already hosted two events to benefit the animals this month, with two planned for the future, courtesy of volunteer coordinator Audrey Salazar. Salazar began her work with the Lee County Humane Society almost two years ago. She was taking a year off school to get in-state tuition and needed a job. The Lee County Humane Society perfectly blended her love for animals with her need for work. “I love it; I love the staff,” said Salazar. “Honestly, Auburn is

DIETRICH >>

FROM A4

Protect with 3! ✔ Tdap ✔ HPV ✔ MCV4 Protect your patients against vaccine preventable diseases.

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Call now for your free evaluation. 1-(888)432-6020 Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law ARPC 7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

As healthcare professionals, it is up to you to ensure your patients remain up to date with their vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommend the following vaccines for adolescents: • • • •

Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis Human papillomavirus Meningococcal disease Influenza

For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm

A6 June 10, 2021

Work-based Learning in Opelika By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com The Opelika Chamber’s Business Over Breakfast meeting last week encouraged all employers to consider work-based learning programs for local students. Business Over Breakfast: Filling The Hiring Gap hosted three guest speakers from three local programs, Amy Hanna, career coach with Auburn and Opelika City Schools, Tyler Laye, director of academic programs at Southern Union State Community College, and Jaci Lee, coordinator of vocational services for the Achievement Center - Easter Seals. “It’s become a problem over the last 10 years or so, the workforce just simply doesn’t have enough people to fill jobs that we need,” said President and CEO of the Opelika Chamber, Ali Rauch. All three of the speakers shared information from organizations offering similar opportunities for employers. Hanna spoke on workbased learning for high school students, Laye provided information

on college students in the workforce and Lee spoke about the Achievement Center’s goals for work-based learning for adults with special needs. Auburn and Opelika Students: The state breaks workbased learning into different outlets, Hanna said, which include career awareness activities (job shadowing, career expo, career affairs, industry tours), career exploration activities (employability skill training, simulating workplace, internships, externships, cooperative education) and career preparation (plentiful practicum experiences, internships, on-the-job learning, pre-apprenticeship programs or registered apprenticeship programs). “The one that I think is most important to you is cooperative education,” Hanna said. “That is the direct path to high school students if they are a fit for your business.” In this experience, students can earn a minimum of 140 hours in the workplace. “So, what we have to do then is we have to vet them on the inside first,” she said. “And

so, our priority always, first and foremost is to make sure that a student is on track to graduate. So they have to be at least 16 years old, they have to be a junior or senior, they cannot have any attendance, grade or discipline issues on our end and they have to complete an application and an interview. They need to be physically and mentally capable of performing your work and they have to have their own transportation.” There are responsibilities for employees too, Hannah said, such as a job description, job training, mentoring and compensation. “Please keep in mind that in the Opelika City Schools there is a 6065% free and reduced lunch rate and so the training, the mentoring, the compensation that you can provide could be a life-altering situation for some of our students,” she said. “The idea is that what students are learning in the classroom can then be applied at your place of business and those skills that they have hopefully will make them a better employee for you and make it a more enriching experi-

ence for the student,” Hanna said. Southern Union Students: Southern Union has work-based learning offered for the health science division and technical division but hopes to expand, Laye said. “We want all of our students to learn while they earn, to grow their resume, to grow their skills, to make connections,” she said. “And as a first step to bringing that vision to reality, Southern Union is expanding their workbased learning opportunities to include several academic programs.” Laye discussed the many benefits that exist for employers should they choose to participate, from giving back to the community, strengthening the local workforce and even helping grow current employees in leadership roles. Students at Southern Union have to meet a set of requirements for internships including having a certain GPA, being in degree-seeking fields, have a certain number of credits or courses and have submitted the application with instructor recommendations. “The internship appli-

cants are vetted,” Laye said. “We want to send you people who are going to meet your needs, people that are going to help you increase productivity.” Achievement Center Easter Seals The Achievement Center is “a non-profit for vocational rehab,” Lee said, which serves to help those with disabilities find work. One of the first services the center provides is job readiness evaluation to see if candidates could fit in with fulltime work. Lee referred to the businesses that utilize achievement center candidates as Community Based Training Sites, or businesses in the community. The evaluation takes three weeks with businesses from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day. “Now, there are instances where it can be shortened if we see very soon that it’s not going to work out, they’re not really ready, that can be shortened,” Lee said. The second service the Achievement Center provides is job development, which is for candidates ready for full-time work. Candidates can try

out a few different local businesses, see what works for them and find a good fit over periods as short as one week or as long as three. “The goal is, for this program, is for permanent employment,” Lee said. “… The goal is for you to hire them on.” The third service the center provides is the Job Exploration Training Summer Program, which allows juniors and seniors in high school to spend their summers in work-based learning. “They’re kind of getting that hands-on work experience before they enter the workforce after graduation,” Lee said. For more information on the Achievement Center, visit: www. easterseals.com/alabama/connect-locally/ service-center-locations/ alabama-achievement-center-opelika. html. For more information on hiring through Auburn City Schools or Opelika City Schools, email Hanna at ajhanna@auburnschools.org. For more information on Southern Union work-based learning, email careerservices@ suscc.edu.

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

Upcoming Events: June 11 SummerNight Downtown Art Walk

Alabama Legislative Club Celebrates State With Fourth Cookbook PHOTO BY HAL YEAGER.

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

W

hen Alabama celebrated the 200th anniversary of its statehood in 2019, the Alabama Legislative Club decided to celebrate the birthday by creating its fourth cookbook, “Around the Spiral Staircase” volume two. Mary Pettus is president of the club and chairman of the cookbook, and Oline Price of Opelika is co-chairman. Along with recipes, the cookbook features history of the state’s counties and family stories. A selection of recipes from the first volume is also included. The first volume of “Around the Spiral Staircase,” was printed in 1976 in honor of the nation’s bicentennial

and included recipes, household hints, home remedies and lore from each Alabama county. Noteworthy recipes were Dr. George Washington Carver’s Peanut Bread and Mrs. Steele’s turnip greens and corn pone. Pound cakes were popular, with 11 recipes. President of the club at the time, Mrs. Eddie Hubert Gilmore, stated the idea for the first cookbook began at a meeting under shade trees at Jasmine Hill. The idea was “enthusiastically adopted.” Club members went to work to collect family recipes. Mrs. Gilmore wrote, “It’s unlikely that anyone is going to make lye like Linda McCulley’s family did

or catch and cook an ole possum like Jo Mims instructed, but you might want to give your children the experience of churning. Anna Jean Perry’s instruction on how to gather butter would be invaluable. If you are distressed over the high cost of coffee, look in Bullock County for peanut coffee.” The club’s second cookbook, “A Capitol Celebration” was printed in 1997 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Legislative Club, with proceeds going to purchase a collection of art by Alabama artists to hang in the Alabama State House. In 2004, the cookbook was reprinted as “Capitol Cooking.” The fourth cookbook,

Cookbook committee members are, from left, row one, Deb McCutchen, Gov. Kay Ivey, Mary Pettus; row two, Muriel Farley, Teresa Ledbetter; row three, Oline Price, Marilyn Waggoner; row four, Sharon Faust, Alicia Chestnut, Carol Garrett, Kaki Baker; row five, Becky Greer, Anita Drake, Danna Standridge and Jean Shiver.

“Around the Spiral Staircase,” features new quick and easy recipes along with some of the favorites from the first

volume. “We took a few old recipes to mirror the first volume,” said Mary Pettus, whose husband, Phillip Pettus, is a legis-

lator for District 1. They live in Greenhill. The chairman recalls that as they started See CIPPERLY, page A11

Juneteenth Takes its Official Spot on the Auburn Calendar The month of June is a host for many celebrations and holidays— D-Day, Father’s Day, World Environment Day and even a Hug Holiday. This month, the city of Auburn is respectfully and specifically acknowledging June 19, known as the holiday, Juneteenth. Juneteenth is the day African Americans

were emancipated from slavery in the United States in the year 1865. On June 19, 2021, Auburn Ward 1 Council Member Connie Fitch-Taylor, the Northwest Auburn Taskforce and others from the community are hosting a Juneteenth celebration at Sam Harris Park in Auburn at 10 a.m. This will be the first Juneteenth celebration in Auburn, with

hopes to be continued annually. This event will be open to the public until 10 p.m., featuring guest speaker Dr. Terrence Vickerstaff, music, games (for adults and children) and more fun activities and fellowship. Fitch-Taylor said the Juneteenth celebration will welcome the heroes featured in See JUNETEENTH, page A12

We roast all our coffee in house. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

116 S. 8th Street, Opelika

334-363-0390

www.booniehatcoffee.com

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

By Kinley Beshers For the Opelika Observer

A8 June 10, 2021

Making the Grade: Mo’Bay Beignet Company According to Google, a beignet is “a fritter or a square of fried dough eaten hot and sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar.” Growing up in Alexander City, Alabama, (“Eleck City” to the locals), beignets were very unfamiliar to me. I was first introduced to beignets back in the ‘90s. My friend Ashley, a fellow teacher, and I were visiting her sister in Louisiana over spring break. We spent a day in New Orleans, enjoying the sights and dining at the famous Café Du Monde. Ashley, a consumer of beignets, warned me before the exotic dish arrived. “When you bite into the beignet, don’t inhale, or you’ll get powdered sugar up your nose.” I wisely listened and did as she said. I bit into the beignet, savoring the sweet, warm taste of pure contentment. I immediately became a big beignet fan. Therefore, when my friend Leigh Ann and I arrived at Mo’Bay Beignet Company on North College Street in Auburn last week, I was an experienced beignet consumer. I knew ex-

PHOTO BY MIKE WALLACE

By Stacey Patton Wallace

actly what I was doing. The original Mo’Bay Beignet Company is in Mobile, and the second one came to Auburn in March of this year. Leigh Ann and I both chose the three beignets. Mo’Bay offers several syrups for dipping: butter cream, cinnamon and seasonal; last week’s seasonal was strawberry. Leigh Ann chose cinnamon, and I opted for butter cream and strawberry. Mo’Bay offers coffees such as café au lait, coffee and chicory

pecan praline and cold brew. In addition, diners may choose from a variety of cold beverages. Our beignets were wonderful: warm, sweet and delicious. Also, we had huge mounds of confectioners’ sugar which coated our beignets. My taste buds were extremely happy that day. “I wish Mo’Bay had been at Auburn when we were in school,” I said to Leigh Ann; she quite agreed. I, unfortunately, am a dripper. No matter

how hard I try to be tidy, more often than not, a dollop of something usually decorates my blouse by the end of a meal, much to the amusement of my husband, Mike. Also, all that powdered sugar was just waiting to pounce on me. Surprisingly, however, the sugar missed me, targeting the table instead. Leigh Ann, a tidy diner, had no powdered sugar in front of her. I love her anyway. I was so proud of myself for not wear-

ing a layer of powdered sugar; however … I then noticed a strawberry-colored spot on my blouse. I looked as though I had been shot. The staff at Mo’Bay Beignet Company was extremely sweet and helpful. Also, the restaurant’s interior was really attractive. I’m no designer, believe me, but I would call the décor modern; the color scheme was black and white, and there were panoramic pictures of Auburn University. Besides delectable

beignets, Mo’Bay has a variety of other items for sale: mugs, t-shirts, coffee, caps, tumblers and syrup jars, which make cute gift baskets. Also, Mo’Bay is a pet friendly restaurant. While Leigh Ann and I were there, a young woman came in with the cutest black and white puppy. His name was Oliver, and she said that he was a rescue dog. Man’s best friend really made us smile. Mo’Bay Beignet Company is open seven days a week: Sunday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Friday- and Saturday from 9 a.m. until midnight. Mo’Bay Beignet Company makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy! Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in the Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@ gmail.com.

A9 June 10, 2021

Summer Swing Gets Opelika Swooning

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Summer Swing, a free, weekly music performance hosted by the Opelika Parks & Rec department, held its fifth performance of the year last week with Connor Lore bringing out all the Neil Diamond favorites. Summer Swing takes place every Tuesday through Aug 3. at 7 p.m. at Monkey Park in Opelika.

A Pride-filled Showing at Kiesel Park

PHOTOS BY ABBEY CRANK / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

Pride on The Plains is the flagship LGBTQIA+ Pride organization serving Auburn, Opelika and the surrounding communities, affectionately referred to as “The Plains.” On Saturday, an estimated 2,000 supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community from the greater Lee County area gathered at Kiesel Park in Auburn for a celebration festival that included food, perfomances and music.

A10 June 10, 2021

Honk If You Love Touch-A-Truck

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES AND ABBEY CRANK / OPELIKA OBSERVER

From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, the city of Opelika's annual 'Touch a Tuck' event allowed children of all ages to come and explore military vehicles, race cars, dump trucks and more.

Rain or Shine, Sweet Homemade Alabama Art Show was a success

PHOTOS BY MAGGIE CARAWAY / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

The Sweet Home Alabama Homemade Art Show returned to the Opelika Art Haus on Saturday. Presented by Sophie's Muse Handmade Jewelry, the event took place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., despite the rain. Attending individuals enjoyed local art and food, all while supporting a worthy cause with proceeds benefiting the Community Market, an extension of the Food Bank of East Alabama.

A11 June 10, 2021

CIPPERLY

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working on the cookbook that COVID-19 hit, causing the legislative session to end. Afterwards, work on the cookbook was mostly done by email. “It was rough emailing and trying to put things together,” she said. “We had to check the proofs, and then rush to get it to the printers before they closed down. “We think the cookbook turned out great,” Pettus added. “We are so proud of this cookbook. It has some really good easy recipes. The cookbook is the size we wanted, and it folds back to be easy to read. It was fun for us to do this cookbook and share our recipes with the public. It has many interesting recipes and old family recipes. “We couldn’t have done this without Jay

RECIPES

>>

BIG MAMA’S FAMOUS TOMATO SANDWICHES Carol Hill This recipe was created by my mother, Evelyn Hathcock, over 70 years ago. Volume Two Several Alabama homegrown tomatoes and onions Mayonnaise, yellow mustard and salt and pepper Fresh long, square loaves of white sandwich bread A small pineapple can that you have saved Peel and slice your tomatoes. Layer them in a Tupperware container with tots of fresh sliced rings of onions (white or yellow). Close tightly and refrigerate overnight! A few hours before ready to serve, lay the tomatoes out on paper towels to remove excess water. Discard the onions! Count your tomato slices and determine how much mayonnaise you need to spread generously on your bread slices for the number of sandwiches you will be making (you can usually get 12 or 13 sandwiches per loaf of bread). Put a small amount of mustard in your mayonnaise so that it is a pale yellow (probably about 1 tsp. per cup of mayonnaise). Take your pineapple can and cut each slice of bread in a round. Spread the mayonnaise mixture generously on the bread rounds. Add a tomato slice and salt and pepper to taste. Top with a second bread round with sauce. Place finished sandwiches on a big tray or Tupperware container. Cover with a slightly damp paper towel before sealing tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready

Lamar. She was an inspiration and helped in process in the cookbook. Jay planned for a big kickoff of the cookbook but that got cancelled.” Lamar was the executive director of the Alabama Bicentennial Commission. Cookbook Co-Chairman Price, wife of legislator Randy Price, also expressed her appreciation for Lamar as she worked with the club to assist in editing and getting it published. “It was a lot of fun working on the cookbook and working with the other legislative wives,” Price said. “It was a cooperative effort of all the wives. It was a good group effort after what we have been through with Covid. “As the wife of a freshmen legislator” she added, “it has given me a chance to know the other wives, about the areas that their husbands represent and

about the state. I appreciate this opportunity, and it has been a real pleasure.” “The cookbook was a wonderful project for the bicentennial,” said Lamar. “Our treasured recipes are part of our personal history, and different parts of the state have different favorites. The book is really a snapshot of our regions through great recipes! “The members of the club had a vision for what they wanted the book to be,” Lamar added. “They were incredibly organized and dedicated, and it came together beautifully.” This spring after vaccines, the legislative wives held a picnic and had a chance to purchase the cookbooks. Currently, the Legislative Club members have been selling the cookbooks to their family and friends. In the cookbook, the

club wanted to honor members who have continued to attend meetings after their husbands have retired from the legislature. Along with recipes, their work was acknowledged over the years with photos. Four women are honored in the cookbook. Marilyn Waggoner, who has been a member of the club since the beginning; Carol Hill and Faye Dial, whose husbands have retired from the legislature but are still active in the club, and Ivey, the 54th Governor of the State of Alabama. A 1967 graduate of Auburn University, Ivey shared a recipe from her mother. In 2010, when Ivey was elected lieutenant governor, she became the first Republican woman to hold office in the history of Alabama. Founded in 1971, the Alabama Legislative

Club has changed its name three times. At first it was the Alabama Legislative Wives Club, and it was the first of its kind in the country. The name later changed to the Alabama Legislative Wives and Husbands Club. Then, in 1996 it became the Alabama Legislative Club. When the Legislative Club meets in January, members will vote on a charity to donate the proceeds from cookbook sales. In both volumes, the cover of the cookbooks features the cantilevered spiral staircases in the Alabama State Capitol, which were designed and built by former slave, Horace King. The famed bridge builder was a partner with his former master, John Godwin, and became one of the most successful engineers and architects in the South. Freed by an Alabama Legislative emancipa-

to serve (best on same day they are made).

Mix vegetables and cheeses in extra-large container. Mix pasta and vegetable mixture together. Add 1 bottle large Italian dressing. Mix well.

out into a rectangle. Spread the butter over the dough and then sprinkle cinnamon and 1/4 cup of the sugar over the surface of the dough. Roll the dough lengthwise and press lightly at the seam. Cut into 1-inch slices. Place into a lightly greased round pie dish. Combine the milk sauce ingredients. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture becomes bubbly. Pour milk sauce over the rolls in the pie pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until rolls are lightly browned on top. Plate the rolls then spoon sauce from the pan over the top.

1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. allspice 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup cooking oil 1½ cups sugar 1 tsp. soda 1 cup fig preserves, drained and chopped Combine liquids, sift dry ingredients together and add to liquids, mix well. Add nuts and figs and stir thoroughly. Pour into greased and floured tube pan and bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. Let set a few minutes to cool and remove from pan. Turn top side up after removing, and cover with sauce or English caramel frosting. Sauce ½ cup buttermilk 1 cup sugar ½ tsp. soda ¼ stick oleo Cook mixture to soft ball stage. Beat until slightly cool. Pour over cake.

FROZEN BISCUITS Mrs. Frank Campbell Volumes One and Two 5 cups unsifted flour 4 tsp. baking powder 1 cup shortening 2 Tbsp. warm water 1/4 cup sugar 2 tsp. salt 1 pkg. yeast 2 cups buttermilk Sift together dry ingredients, cut in shortening, dissolve yeast in warm water and add to the buttermilk. Add buttermilk to the dry ingredients and mix well. Turn out on lightly floured board, roll out and cut. Freeze on baking sheet. Store in freezer bags. Take out of freezer 30 minutes before baking, dip in melted butter and bake at 400 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. MARY’S PASTA SALAD Mary Pettus Volume Two 1 box spiral pasta 1 jar pepperoncini, drained 1 can corn, drained 1 can whole black olives, drained 1 bag (small) frozen English peas, thawed 1 red onion, chopped 1 English cucumber, chopped 1 bag (small) shredded carrots 1 container grape tomatoes 1 pkg. chunked pepper jack cheese 1 pkg. chunked sharp Cheddar cheese 1 jar green olives, drained 1 container feta cheese 1 each green, yellow, red and orange pepper, chopped Boil pasta till tender, rinse in cold water and place in gallon Ziploc bag in refrigerator.

OLINE’S SWISS STEAK SUPREME Oline Price This also works well with cubed venison. Volume Two 3-5 lbs. round steak, cubed 2 Tbsp. oil 1 cup flour Salt and pepper 1 onion, sliced 1 green pepper, seeded and chopped 1 large can mushrooms, drained 1 cup boiling water 1 cup tomato juice Mix flour, salt and pepper. Rub well into steak and brown on both sides in oil. Place in Dutch oven and add onion, green peppers, mushrooms, hot water and tomato juice. Cook in oven at 300 degrees for two hours. MA’S FAMOUS BUTTER ROLL DESSERT WITH MILK SAUCE Jennifer Whitt Volume Two Butter Rolls 2 cups self-rising flour 1 stick butter, softened 1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. cinnamon Shortcut method: use store- bought crescent roll dough instead of making your own. Milk Sauce 1 tsp. vanilla 2 cups milk 2/3 cups sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the shortening into the flour. Stir in milk. On a floured surface, form dough into a ball, then roll it

BLACKEYE PEAS Mrs. Hugh D. Merrill Volume One 2 strips bacon 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped green peppers 1 cup chopped celery 1 #2 can tomatoes 1 Tbsp. sugar 1 large bay leaf 1/8 tsp. basil salt and pepper to taste 1 pkg. frozen blackeye peas Fry bacon until crisp. Remove. Fry onions, green peppers, and celery in bacon fat until tender. Add remaining ingredients, except peas, to onion mixture. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes. Add peas to mixture without defrosting. Cook slowly about 30 minutes until liquid is cooked away. GRANDMA’S FIG CAKE Miss Grace Etheredge Volume One 1 cup buttermilk 3 eggs 2 cups flour

CHESS PIE Mrs. C. C. Torbert, Jr. Volume One 1¼ cups sugar 6 Tbsp. butter 6 egg yolks 3 Tbsp. cream 1 tsp. vanilla Cream sugar and butter. Add egg yolks, beaten to a lemon color. Stir in the cream and vanilla. Pour into an unbaked 9-inch pie shell and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, then at 275 degrees for about 45 minutes. Make this pie by hand, not in an electric mixer. HAM ‘N’ EGG PIE Mrs. Joel M. Folmar Volume One 1 to 2 cups diced cooked ham 6 hard cooked eggs 1 cup ham broth 1 cup milk 2 Tbsp. margarine 2 Tbsp. flour

tion bill in 1846, King was highly regarded in his business and personal life. Although he protested, King was elected to represent Russell County in the State Legislature in 1867. He was reelected without campaigning, serving until 1872. King introduced several bills in the legislature. One bill provided for the relief of laborers and mechanics. Another required convicts sentenced to hard labor to work on public highways. Following is a sampling of recipes from both cookbooks. Those in east Alabama who would like a copy of the new cookbook can contact Price at olineprice@gmail.com, and anyone around the state can contact Pettus at mlpettus@aol.com to purchase a cookbook. Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com. Remove ham from bone and dice. Set aside. Cook bone in water for about an hour to make broth. Prepare a sauce using 2 tablespoons melted margarine, 2 tablespoons flour and mix until smooth. Add the broth and milk, stir and cook until thick and bubbly. Meanwhile in a baking dish layer the ham and sliced hard cooked eggs. Cover with the sauce. Top this mixture with a crust made from 2 cups Bisquick and ½ cup cold water or your favorite biscuit recipe. Slit top of pie to allow steam to escape while baking at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until golden brown. TOMATOES FLORENTINE Mrs. Frank G. Crowe Volume One 20 to 24 cocktail tomatoes (1½-in. diameter) 5 Tbsp. butter 1 bay leaf juice of 1 small garlic clove 1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach, cooked & drained salt 1½ tsp. lemon juice ¼ tsp. nutmeg 2 drops Tabasco sauce 2 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese Cut slice off bottoms of tomatoes so they will sit upright. Scoop out pulp and juice. Turn tomatoes upside down and drain. Melt butter in skillet. Add bay leaf and garlic juice, simmer a few minutes. Discard bay leaf. Stir in spinach, lemon juice, nutmeg, Tabasco sauce, and salt to taste. Place tomatoes in shallow pan, sprinkle cavities lightly with salt. Stuff with spinach mixture. Sprinkle tops with cheese. Melt remaining butter, spoon over cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Yield: 20 to 24 hors d’oeuvre servings.

A12 June 10, 2021

Gogue Center, JDAC Present Summer Film Series Contributed by the city of Auburn The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) are excited to announce the Summer Film Series. Join us at the amphitheatre at the city of Auburn Lawn and Porch for free outdoor screenings of Disney’s live-action “Cinderella”

on Thursday, June 17 and Pixar’s animated favorite “Ratatouille” on Thursday, July 15. “Cinderella” is directed by Kenneth Branagh and stars Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden and Helena Bonham Carter. A girl named Ella (Cinderella) lives in a cruel world filled with evil stepsisters and an evil stepmother out to ruin her life. Ella becomes one with her pure heart

when she meets the Prince and dances her way to a better life with glass shoes – and a little help from her fairy godmother, of course. “Ratatouille” is directed by Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava and stars (voices) Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano and Brian Dennehy. In one of Paris’s finest restaurants, Remy, a determined young rat, dreams of becoming

a renowned French chef. Torn between his family’s wishes and his true calling, Remy and his pal, Linguini, set in motion a hilarious chain of events that turn the City of Lights upside down. Amphiteatre gates will open at 6 p.m., and movies will start at 7 p.m. Come early and participate in thematic and interactive art activities provided by JDCAC and the

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Movie-themed concessions will be available for purchase from the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center. These events are FREE, family-friendly and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or soft seat cushions to enjoy the movies. The Gogue Center adheres

to a clear bag policy for all outdoor events and follows the guidelines established by Auburn University for game days at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Make sure to visit goguecenter. auburn.edu to review all policies, protocols and procedures. For more information, contact the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at (334) 501-2963 or visit auburnalabama.org/arts.

End Every Thursday Night Right With Fork & Pint Red Clay Brewing Company is kicking off the summer with its new yummy and spontaneous Thursday night activity, Fork & Pint Chef Series. The brewery will be inviting chefs from restaurants around the Auburn-Opelika area to come to their brewery and whip up meals of their choice for attending customers. The event begins every Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Red Clay Brewing Company located at 704 N. Railroad Ave. in Opelika. The brewery will clear out space for the chefs to come and bring any equipment such as fryers, grills or pre-made elements and ingredients

needed to make their scrumptious recipes right in front of their audience. The dishes are of the chef’s choice each week, which could be appetizers, entreés and/or desserts. These recipes can be from the menu of the restaurant they cook for or something new, whichever they decide. The brewery hosted this event during the month of April but held off during the month of May because of staffing issues across the country. During the month of April, the brewery featured Chef Miguel Gueroa from The Grove Station who cooked his audience a Puerto Rican pietà with red beans and a dessert. On June 3, Chef Chris McBride from Irish Bred

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

By Kinley Beshers For the Opelika Observer

Pub prepared a crawfish étouffée, jumbo shrimp creole, crab cakes and more. John Corbin, one of the owners, said the event has been doing very well, averaging 80 guests per night. “Usually as a brewery, we’re invited to do taptakeovers and different events at restaurants,” Corbin said. “We’ve been

doing that for years and we were trying to figure out, what would be a good idea to boost some of our Thursday night sales? Most restaurant businesses are also slower on Thursday nights, so how can we get some restaurants involved? “Instead of us going to them and them putting a lot of effort into it like they typically do, why

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 PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

JUNETEENTH >>

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her event, “Unsung Heroes,” hosted for Ward I in Auburn. These Unsung Heroes are people of the Black community in Auburn who were recognized on May 22 for their outstanding achievements, heroic actions or noteworthy improvement efforts in the Auburn community, FitchTaylor said. Attendees are asked to bring lawn chairs, pop-up tents, blankets or anything else to make themselves comfortable for the

day-long affair. The event is free and does not require prepurchased tickets. Fitch-Taylor said the event will have yummy soul food, free for purchase for all attendees. Juneteenth is a day for all people to gather and celebrate this result from the Civil War — a step taken in 1865 to substantially advance the country. The Juneteenth celebration will allow people of many different races, ethnicities and backgrounds to be able to celebrate together. The community will

gather in Sam Harris Park to celebrate the sacrifices of enslaved people, but also the successes, improvements, community, fellowship and equality. “Maybe, one day, Alabama will officially declare Juneteenth as a state holiday," Fitch-Taylor said. "Until that day, we will continue to celebrate Juneteenth in Auburn.” Publisher's Note: Next week we will share information about Opelika's Juneteenth Celebration which will take place on Friday, June 18.

don’t we return the favor? So we’ve been inviting a lot of restaurants that have supported us in the past, especially through COVID.” Corbin is eager to host the rest of the June series chef line-up, as follows: June 10 - Chef Brian Paolina from Lucy’s in Auburn June 17 - Chef Rich Bright from Zazu Gastropub in Opelika June 24 - Chef Marc Osier from Ariccia Italian Trattoria & Bar in Auburn. “This is an opportunity for them to not only feature their menu, but also feature their catering menus or maybe some of their new recipes,” Corbin said. The brewery will not sell pretzels or pizza during any Fork and Pint

event — only its beer. Appetizers usually range from $6 to 8 and entrees from $10 to 15. The events are scheduled to last until 9 p.m. and are free of charge upon entrance. Admission tickets will not be necessary — just walk right in. Per usual at the brewery, dogs and children are allowed and you must be 21 or older to order alcohol. Corbin said if Fork and Pint continues to be successful during the month of June, he will extend it through July and try to feature as many restaurants as possible. Red Clay Brewing Company also hosts Brains & Brews trivia night every Tuesday at 7 p.m. and plans on holding a Fall Bash this year.

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A13 June 10, 2021

C

an you guess what the following statistics (from Karl Thompson) have reference to? It’s something that occupies:  14 % of your total life  21 % of your total waking hours  23.3% of your life during the years you’re actually doing this  35% of your waking hours during those years you’re doing this  50% of your total waking hours on the days you do this. If you said raising children, being at school, or being on your phone—that’s not it. If you said “work,” you are right! Work has been around as long as people have. When God created Adam and Eve, He

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.

Working for the Lord placed them in a garden “to work and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). It was here before we were, and it will be here after we are gone. Work is a big part of the Thessalonian correspondence (1 2:9, 4:11-12, 5:14; 2 3:6-11) and it is a big part of our life. Work is the rent we pay for living on this planet. It’s what we do to provide ourselves (and others) with what we must have to live (food, clothing, shelter and Wi-Fi). We have mixed emotions about work—we love it, we hate it, it’s boring, it’s unbelievable—and that’s all before lunch. We’re not paid enough, appreciated enough, and we’re asked to do way too much. We love the people we work with, but

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

sometimes (bless their heart), they don’t see things with the clarity that we do, and they don’t seem to recognize that if we weren’t here the place would close its doors tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow, when we’re finally done with work for the day, we get home and what’s the first thing we talk about . . . what happened at work! It’s complicated. We’re complicated. Work is complicated.

Let’s simplify things. Work can be rich and meaningful if we recognize it is an important way of serving God and others. There are several texts that point in this direction: Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:17; 3:22ff (though the last one needs to be worked with a bit). Still, the thrust of them is clear— our work for and with others is work for God! Compartmentalizing our work from our lives as disciples is unhealthy and out of sync with scripture. If you’ve never thought of work in this way—it is tremendously liberating. No one has to retire or resign in order to enter the ministry— our workplace is our ministry! Where do we begin in implementing this truth?

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN Let me suggest three things that can help us live out this reality: Invite God to be part of the work we do. (He’s already there, of course, but He longs to be involved at the deepest level and He’s waiting to be asked). Offer the work we do to Him. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17). Recognize He is sovereign over our work. We like to think otherwise but we work where we work and as long as we work at His good pleasure. Are you working for the Lord? 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.

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Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. — Matthew 7:7 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 10, 2021

Area Faith Community to Rehang Banner Proclaiming Love Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Commits to Message of Love After Theft of Banner Contributed by Rev. Chris Rothbauer Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship On June 13, Auburn Unitarian Universalist will rehang the congregation’s social justice banner, which was stolen earlier this year. The new sign will be identical to its predecessor, which included phrases about the fellowship’s anti-racist, prochoice, pro-science and LGBTQIA+ affirming beliefs. The congregation put the sign up in January 2019 as a witness to the values of Unitarian Universalism. On Jan. 9, members of Auburn Unitarian

Universalist Fellowship discovered the congregation’s social justice banner, which hung outside their sanctuary on Thach Avenue for about two years, had been stolen. “We believe that our faith calls us to not only recognize but act on the belief that all people have inherent worth and dignity,” said Rev. Chris Rothbauer, the congregation’s lead minister. “We aren’t intimidated by the acts of the vandals, but continue to hope that they will reach out for a conversation. When we say all people have inherent worth and dignity, we mean all people, and that

includes the people who stole our sign. “The rehanging of the sign comes after a difficult year with the pandemic,” Rothbauer added. “We want the Auburn community to know that we’re still here and we’re not going anywhere. Our message remains the same, even in the face of opposition: no matter who you are, you matter!” The theft of the sign at the Auburn fellowship is not a unique occurrence. Around the country, dozens of Unitarian Universalists congregations have seen social justice signs similarly stolen, vandalized, or defaced by people who disagree with the

message. Rothbauer said the congregation ordered a new sign, which will be dedicated and erected during the June 13 service now that new security measures are put in place. “We’re focusing now on how to spread a message of love and acceptance through our presence in the area,” Rothbauer said. “We don’t want to dwell on what has happened in the past, but want to press on with what we know is important: our conviction that, ultimately, a universal love must triumph in the end. Humanity’s future depends on it.” The banner rededication can be watched live during

the Sunday June 13 service at 10:00 a.m. on the Zoom platform, https:// uuma.zoom.us/my/ revchris. About Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship: Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship was founded in 1961 as a liberal religious congregation in Lee County, Alabama. Though Unitarian Universalism is an offshoot of Protestant Christianity, our members come from a variety of different religious backgrounds identities, and life experiences, united by our desire to build a world where all people are valued for

who they are. The fellowship and its minister and members have been leaders in local social justice issues, organizing climate change actions, in racial justice protests and initiatives, and for the local LGBTQIA+ community. Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, a liberal religious organization based in Boston, Massachusetts representing over a thousand Unitarian Universalist congregations in all fifty states.

A Year Without Knocking on Doors Contributed by Dana Brian Thomas It’s been one year since Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide adjusted their hallmark methods of sharing comfort and hope from the scriptures due to the pandemic. In March 2020, the some 1.3 million Witnesses in the United States suspended their door- to-door and faceto-face forms of public ministry and moved congregation meetings to videoconferencing.

“It has been a very deliberate decision based on two principles: our respect for life and love of neighbor,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “But we are still witnesses and, as such, we must testify about our faith. So it was inevitable that we would find a way to continue our work.” For many, the change from ringing doorbells and knocking on doors to making phone calls and writing letters expanded and invigorated their ministry.

It was nearly 33 years ago that Sandra Conway, of Opelika, vowed to the Lord’s work as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Prior to the pandemic she was limited in her ability to go from door to door due to various health issues. During the pandemic, she has been more involved with reaching her neighbors by telephone and letter writing. "I miss going from door-to-door but I really enjoy calling my neighbors by telephone," Conway said. It’s much easier for

me to engage in this form of ministry. I'm really worried about my neighbors during this pandemic." She said imagines that we will most likely resume our public ministry one day and looks forward to it. “I know I will always continue to use telephone witnessing to reach my neighbors as well, because I have gotten so many great responses during the pandemic,” Conway said. Nearly 51,000 people in the United States last year made a request for a

Witness to contact them, either through a local congregation or jw.org, the organization’s official website, according to Hendriks. Since the outbreak, the Witnesses have followed up on these requests via letters and phone calls instead of inperson visits. Witnesses have also made a concerted effort to check on distant friends and family — sometimes texting links to Bible-based articles on jw.org that cover timely topics, such as isolation, depression and how to

beat pandemic fatigue. “Our love for our neighbors is stronger than ever,” Hendriks said. “In fact, I think we have needed each other more than ever. We are finding that people are perplexed, stressed and feeling isolated. Our work has helped many regain a sense of footing — even normalcy — at a very unsettled time.” For more information on the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses, visit its website jw.org, with content available in over 1,000 languages.

Warner Collier, her sister Margaret Ward Miller. She is survived by her children William Truman Collier (Mary), Dorothy Collier Kolander (Keith), grandchildren Amanda Collier Yates (Gavin), Stephen Keith Kolander, greatgrandchildren Slade and Lane Yates and her two feline friends. The family is thankful for the assistance and companionship provided by her sitters: Dorothy Turk, Gloria

Welch, Mary Freeman, Mae Ola Dowdell and Lilly Freeman. The family would also like to thank Arbor Spring Health and Rehab as well as Southern Care Hospice. A private graveside memorial for the immediate family was held on June 4 at Loachapoka United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family graciously declines gifts of flowers and encourages donations made to the individual’s charity of choice.

OBITUARIES Grace Ward Collier Grace Ward Collier passed away peacefully in her sleep, at Arbor Springs Nursing Home in Opelika, Alabama on June 2, 2021, at the age of 96. Grace was born, at her family home, in the Beehive community of Auburn, Alabama, to the late Dorothy and Robert Ward, on August 15, 1924. She was delivered into the world by her maternal grandfather, Dr. Orlando Velpeau

Langley. Grace graduated from Auburn High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Demonstration from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) in 1944 at the age of 20. War Eagle! She immediately began a career with the Alabama Extension Service, where she would eventually become Home Demonstration Agent for Elmore County (Wetumpka, Alabama). While in Wetumpka,

she met the love of her life, Truman Warner Collier, to whom she wed in October of 1952. In 1964, Grace and Truman, with their two children (Dottie and Bill), returned to the Auburn area. There they owned and operated a cotton farm and gin, cattle ranch, Wire Road Farm Center, as well as numerous other commercial and residential properties. Despite their array of successful business ventures, her greatest

achievement in life was her home; that was filled with love and joy from her family, friends and a menagerie of pets. Mrs. Collier was a member of Loachapoka United Methodist Church, serving on multiple boards and committees. Over the years, she was active in a host of other community clubs and organizations. Mrs. Collier was preceded in death by her parents Robert Pierce and Dorothy Langley Ward and her husband Truman

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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.”

A15 June 10, 2021

We 'Meat' Again: Burger Wars Returns to Opelika

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19, Burger Wars returned to Opelika on Saturday. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation presented the 7th annual burger-cooking event. A number of local restaurants and orginizations competed with a portion or proceeds going to the Backpack Meals Program at Food Bank of East Alabama.

Auburn Fire Department Smokes Opelika in 'Big Bite Competition'

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

At Opelika's Burger Wars, the Opelika and Auburn fire departments competed in a competition that involves both an eating competition and an equipment-donning race. Contestants had to eat various items of food, drink a pitcher of a beverage and the first to finish had to don their full firefighting equipment to win the competition.

A16 June 10, 2021

COMICS

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

S

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School Board Meetings Opelika: June 22 at 4:30 p.m.

INSIDE • OPELIKA SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS

Auburn: July 13 at 6 p.m. Lee County: July 13 at 6 p.m.

Lee-Scott Alum Pettit Wins NCAA Men’s Individual Championship

By D. Mark Mitchell

OHS 2020-21 AllSports Booster Club Finances Revealed

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could make one donation during the school year to help all sports. I asked Superintendent Phil Raley if the money raised could be kept in a separate account at OHS instead of a private account set up for the Quarterback Club. Raley approved the request and allowed the OHS bookkeeper to oversee the account. We had incredible success the first year of the ASBC, surpassing the goal of raising $10,000. A percentage of the money raised was divided among all sports. The remaining funds were available but coaches sent a request to the board for approval. As time went by, the All-Sports Booster Club Corporate Sponsor plan generated over $100,000 dollars annually for the athletics. OHS Principal, Dr. Farrell Seymore, sent me the ASBC financial report for the 2020-21 school year. The ASBC began the school year with $41,610.26 and raised $62,526.24, from program ads and corporate sponsors this past school year. The ASBC gave OMS athletics $6,000, and divided $30,375 among all sports. (The amount each sport

Turk Pettit has come a long way from Auburn, Alabama. The senior Clemson University golfer and former Lee Scott Academy alum won the 2021 NCAA Men’s Golf Individual Championship on May 31. “It was pretty special to go out with a win,” Pettit said on the Observer’s D. Mark Mitchell’s radio show. “It’s what you dream of.” Pettit finished with four rounds of 68-67-68-70, for a 72-hole score of

seven-under-par 273 – the second lowest NCAA Tournament score in Clemson history. “It’s definitely up there as one of the harder courses I’ve played,”

Pettit said. “But I hit it really good the first two days. Second day I didn’t hit it as good, but I made some puts that I kind of think were key for me to win. I went a five-hole stretch where

I didn’t miss anything. That really helped me play good the third round.” Pettit entered the final round down two See NCAA, page B4

AJGA All-Star Tournament Coming To Robert Trent Jones Grand National July 6 to 9 Contributed by AO Tourism

The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Junior All-Star Tournament is coming to Opelika’s Robert Trent Jones Grand National this July, presented by Auburn-Opelika Tourism. The Junior All-Star Tournament will take place July 6-9. The tournament is classified as part of the Junior AllStar Series and will include 78 players in a 54-hole, stroke-play event. Additionally, a Monday qualifier will take place on July 5 to provide opportunity for players to earn a spot in the

CONTRIBUTED BY AO TOURISM

pelika High School athletics rely on businesses, families and individuals to help offset cost by donating to the All-Sports Booster Club. The ASBC formed in the early '90s during coach Doug Barfield’s tenure as head football coach and athletic director at OHS. Prior to forming the All-Sports Booster Club, the “Quarterback Club” was the only club raising money in the athletic department. The idea to start the All-Sports Booster Club was Barfield’s, as he wanted to have one booster club to raise money for every sport, not just football. The board members of the quarterback club were Margarette Askew, Rusty Melnick, Armond Crowder, Stanley Campbell, Tim Gore and myself (D.Mark Mitchell). Barfield asked us to come up with three to four packages ranging from $250.00 to $1500.00, that contained tickets, program advertising, parking passes and other items that benefited the sponsor. The larger the donation, the more benefits the sponsor received. The change to one booster club for all sports meant that businesses

PHOTO BY CLEMSON ATHLETICS

On the Mark

By Wil Crews Sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

field. “As Mayor of this great city, I look forward to welcoming these outstanding junior golfers and their families to Opelika,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller.

“Grand National’s Lake Course will be a real test of their skill and talent. As a fan, I’m excited about the level of competition and watching these great

See SPORTS, page B4

See ALL-STAR, page B4

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B2 June 10, 2021

Weird Science Camp Set to Take Place July 26 to 30 Marble mazes and elephant toothpaste and tornados, oh my! Cub Scout Day Camp, located at the Elks Lodge at 1944 Opelika Road in Auburn, is back this summer with a new theme — weird science. For one week, July 26 to 30, campers get to explore the wacky world of science experiments while having fun and learning things along the way. “Really it’s a chance for them to get out with their friends,” said Senior District Executive of the Saugahatchee District, Sara Banks. “But it’s also time to learn and develop, and just really have a good time with our scouting materials and our scouting program.” The camp is open to

Cub Scouts, yes. But it is also open to children who just completed kindergarten through fourth grade. Any camper who just completed kindergarten must have a parent accompany them at camp. Camp is $100 per Cub Scout and the camp is offering a deal for siblings and nonscouts of $90. Camp is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with early drop off at 7:30 a.m. and last pick up at 5:30 p.m. Weird Science Camp will feature many experiments and activities, including creating a tornado in a bottle, sprouting sweet potatoes, Lego chemistry, rock candy and more. Banks said the experiments are designed to teach campers science and math, as well as team skills and group work.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY SARA BANKS

By Maddie Joiner For the Opelika Observer

Campers from a previous year practice archery while at Cub Scout Day Camp. While the theme changes every year, campers still focus on scout skills and earning adventure loops. “They’re going to be learning without really realizing they’re doing that, and it really enforces a lot of the

skills that they already will have from school, and it kind of fills in some gaps and makes hands-on fun for them

to really dig into,” she said. In addition to the science experiments and hands-on fun, scouts will be working towards adventure loops, which are the Cub Scout equivalent of badges. “Each adventure loop is learning a skill that is age-appropriate for that grade level, and it’s working with their peers and their families to learn those skills,” Banks said. “It’s fun with a purpose.” Scout skills will be taught at camp as well, including knot tying, first aid, environmental safety and citizenship. The camp will be led by camp Director Jay Knorr, who will be assisted by volunteers all week. Banks said the camp is in need of additional volunteers and anyone interested is highly encouraged to complete the one

hour Youth Protection Training found online at My.Scouting.org. Campers should bring a water bottle every day and a change of clothes in case they get wet. Banks suggests bringing a backpack so campers can take home any artwork or experiments created at camp. All campers must wear close-toed shoes at all times. Campers must also have an A-B Medical form, which can be filled out the morning of the first day of camp. Registration is open now and will close July 19 at 5 p.m. Parents must attend an orientation on July 24 at 3:30 p.m. to get a more detailed schedule of events. For more information or to register for Weird Science Camp, visit 91bsa.org/SADay Camp.

Local Siblings Spend Summer Giving Back By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

Most children spend their summer playing at a local playground, swimming at a friend’s pool or getting into trouble where they shouldn’t. Well, that is not the case for the Torbert children. Sure, Mary (17), Alexandria (15) and Noah (13) still have their fair share of fun, but the Torbert’s are spending a good portion of their summer giving back. Together, the three Opelika High School students are volunteering their time to the local nonprofit Backpack International. The organization provides for underprivileged families and children in Guayana, South America, by providing essentials, from donating a meal to a local family or a backpack filled with school supplies and toiletries. “We just recently started volunteering with Backpack International,” Alexandria said. “We knew about the organization when Mrs. Oslyn

founded it back in 2016. Back then we weren’t able to be as active as we are now. She reached out to us and asked if we would like to volunteer and we accepted because we thought it would be a great chance to be a part of something bigger than ourselves and give back to the kids in Guayana.” Alexandria said that once Backpack International Founder Oslyn Rodriguez explained the substantial lack of resources and the immense needs that these children and families in Guayana have,

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Torberts have an ingrained motivation for their service habits, one that trickles down from their parents’ faith. Personally, the three children all have different motivations for giving back. According to Noah, “It’s a really awesome experience to know that what we are doing is going to other kids who don’t really have anything.” Mary’s motivations for serving are similar. “It’s a really great experience just to help others that are in need besides ourselves,” she

said. Alexandria, the most vocal of the three, went into broader detail on her family’s selfless values. “As Christians, we believe this is a way for us to give back to the community through the Lord,” she said. “So, we just like to minister to some of the children and let God’s

light shine through us.” Parents Keith and Marlene Torbert promote and echo their children’s altruistic lifestyle. “One thing that I have always tried to instill in the children is to always think outside of yourself, to align yourself with something that is bigger than yourself,” See SUMMER, page B5

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY OSLYN RODRIGUEZ

You W

she and her siblings knew they wanted to help. “There are children our age over there,” Alexandria said. “Just something as simple as reading a book … the library is like a prison … they have to smuggle books because they just don’t have anything to do and they just want to read and have an education. Over here, we are free to do that and they can’t even have the opportunity to do that. So that made me want to give to them, so they can do that.” Collaboratively, the

B3 June 10, 2021

Baby Boomers Remember History

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

W

elcome June 2021! As I look over historical events in June, I am pleasantly surprised that I still remember some of the "historical events" from my childhood. We celebrate June 6 as the day drive-in movie theatres opened in 1933. June 6 is also recognized as National Yo-Yo Day! I especially remember going to the drive-in movie theatre. I remember my daddy and mama packed us in the white family Ford in the summer. Rolled down windows was our

air conditioning and provided a place for a tray of boxed, delicious, buttery popcorn and soda! Yep, insect repellant was used to drive the mosquitos and gnats away as we watched in amazement as the weekly movie unfolding on the big screen against a summer star-filled sky. We all remember the simple yo-yo which consists of a wooden axle connected to two wooden disks and a strong string looped around the axle. The yo-yo gathered its momentum by doing a forceful unwinding

Lee Co. ASU Alumni Association to Host Meeting June 17 Contributed by Dwight Howard

The Lee County Chapter ASU Alumni Association will meet on Zoom at 6 p.m. CST on June 17. The chapter will vote on the revised constitution and bylaws. Members are asked to zoom in or meet by phone. The public is invited to hear the presentation

and join the Lee County Chapter Alabama State University Alumni Association. The chapter meets the third Thursday of every month on Zoom. For Zoom meetings, please contact: Bernice R. Howard, secretary at 334-7457293 or Dwight E. Howard, president at dwighteh1@aol.com.

throw from the hand to the end of the string. So many tricks could be performed by allowing the yo-yo to spin at the end of the string. If you clearly remember these two historical events, I bet you are a Baby Boomer! In fact, I am having to back peddle to June 1, which is recognized as “Baby Boomers Recognition Day”. To clearly define who Baby Boomers are, if you were born between 1946 and 1964, you are a Baby Boomer. I am a Baby Boomer because I was born in 1952. We are postWorld-War-II babies. Some of the characteristics of “We Baby Boomers” in values is we respect individual choice; we are encouraged to be involved in the community; we strive to be healthy and well. Also, this generation is goal-oriented and has a positive attitude. Emphasis in team-building is the typical work style of Baby Boomers. Baby Boomers are being strongly reminded that retirement is right around the corner. Research shows us that the largest generation – approximately 80 million – are preparing to retire. How are we Baby Boomers going to “do” retirement? Our

thoughts and beliefs on retirement may be different than those of our parents and the previous generation. Some normal reactions about the reality of retirement might be excitement, curiosity, – or even anxiety. I know we have a lot of transitions facing us in a very fragile and unpredictable world. One thing I take comfort in is that there are a huge crowd of we Baby Boomers. The job description of sandwich generation is taking care of young and older children, grandchildren and senior friends. We may also have personal health challenges. With so many challenges facing we Baby Boomers as we age, we can find worry sneaking in and stealing our joy. This Classroom Observer, a Baby Boomer, has had to go back into the classroom to listen to God and glean from older friends on this subject of worry myself. I have listed some helpful hints about the subject of worry that I hope helps. Taking on worry does not help us. God points out in the Bible in Matthew 6:27, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his lifespan?” In

teaching young children, I would point out from Matthew 6:26 and Matthew 6:28 that the birds in God’s world do not sow, reap or gather into barns. Lilies of the field just grow, they do not labor or spin. In helping young children understand this concept, I laughingly ask them if they see birds grocery shopping or flowers shopping for clothes. Young children seem to accept and understand this concept. As we Baby Boomers are facing a new era in our lives, it would be good to glean a “way of thinking” from children in leading a worry-free life. Live today. Thoroughly enjoy the present moment and what today brings. Each day is truly a gift from God. As Baby Boomers facing uncertain futures, instead of thinking "what if," dwell and embrace on "what is." Try to not dwell on bad things. Refocus on looking for good things which bring us joy and make us happy. As Baby Boomers, the general concerns we are faced with are health care, having enough money to live comfortably and meeting basic needs in our sunset years,

making decisions about continuing to work or retire and taking on responsibilities of taking care of our families as well as friends and people in need. The age and experiences that Baby Boomers have can be shared in spending time and helping others. Running errands for someone who is homebound, calling folks who are having health challenges, sending cards, texts or just listening or caring for others is such a gift of encouragement. How can one worry when they are thinking of helping others? Accept the fact that life will not be easy. Especially as we age, we Baby Boomers may have many challenges. As we examine what our worries may be, we can take time to examine why we are worrying. So many times, we realize that we can shift our perception and realize that we can reassess our worries to make the world around us a better place. Worries can transform into a hope and promise. As we grow older, making the best out of life takes a choice. We might be in the middle of a storm, but a rainbow is on its way. Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer

OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS' STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR FREE MEAL Contributed by Opelika City Schools

The Opelika City Schools will provide FREE meals to children 18 and under as of Monday, June 7. The meals will be available from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Thursday, in Bulldog Cafe at Opelika High School (1700 Bulldog Parkway). One breakfast and one lunch

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will be provided to each child 18 and under regardless of which school they attend. Lunch items will be served and breakfast items will be “grab & go” for the next day. The free meal program will run through July 22, with a closing on July 5. For more information, contact the Opelika City Schools at 334-745-9700.

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B4 June 10, 2021

Lee County School Board Weighs Privatization of Support Personnel By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com The Lee County Board of Education met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday night and listened to concerns regarding the board’s recent actions to privatize the county’s hiring of custodians, aids and support personnel. At the last board meeting on May 11, the board entered into a non-binding agreement to no longer directly hire support personnel as public employees, but rather differ all support personnel hiring decisions to Kelly Services, a staffing agency based out of Michigan. UniServ Director for Alabama Education Services, Izaak Standridge, addressed the board presenting concerns from many county support staff regarding this decision. His concerns were based primarily on the potential loss of and disenrollment in Alabama’s state

SPORTS >> FROM B1 received was not made available.) The ASBC spent $23,974.84 on miscellaneous expenses: press box supplies, Lords Security (football games), team travel for regional and state events, boys/ girls basketball security and Weldon, Williams and Lick (printing of football tickets). This left a remaining balance of $40,694 as of May 26. Seymore then explained a change in the way money is spent and who approves the expenditures. The ASBC has no board members. However Adrian Yountz and Marcus Ware serve in an “advisory capacity

NCAA >> FROM B1 strokes to Oklahoma State freshman golfer Bo Jin. “The last round, I got off to a good start, which is needed out there,” Pettit said. A key hole was the 17th. Pettit hit a massive drive which set him up to two-put a birdie and take the lead for the first time. Jin drove the hole later that day, but was only able to manage a par. Pettit’s zenith came when he made par on the 18th hole. Just 15 minutes later, Jin failed to make par on the 18th and Pettit was crowned the individual champion at Grayhawk Golf Course in Scottsdale, Arizona. “I thought I needed

retirement system. “I think the action taken last month was done in good faith, however, I believe a lot of consequences pertaining to that action were not well known,” Standridge said. He cited how the decision to give hiring control to Kelly Services meant individuals brought on by Kelly were not public employees, and as such these workers will not be entitled to the same benefits and workplace protections that are afforded to other public employees. “Being a public employee should be seen as a prized position and service to one’s community,” he said. “And as such, [they] should be rewarded by the community for their efforts. Privatization begins to break down that public trust and respect for school employees.” Standridge further cited how having no state retirement will negatively affect the quality of the employee pool from which Lee County can choose

from. Directly related to that, Standridge cited how support professionals are more likely to live in the communities they serve. If underserved, that will create an avoidable cycle of poverty right here at home. “They [support personnel] often send their children and grandchildren to our schools,” he said. “If they retire into poverty, their children and grandchildren become a part of that cycle. And in this case, the cycle of poverty was made to no fault of their own, but was made by a decision to privatize. “When we talk about poverty and student outcomes, let’s remember that our school employees are a part of that equation. And we should do everything in our power to make sure our workers are not subjected to poverty and are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.” Standbridge then

so we can have some community input regarding perspective on spending,” wrote Seymore. Athletic Director, Mike Pugh, recommends how the money is spent but Seymore has the final word. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL It is only June but high school football is a couple months away. It all starts with “High School Media Days presented by the Orthopedic Clinic,” July 27 and 28 at the Event Center Bottling Plant in Opelika. The annual event is hosted by iHeartRadio and airs LIVE on FOX Sports the Game 910-1310 and WOTM TV. The two-day event covers 19 high school football

teams in and around East Alabama. You will hear each head football coach and a few players as we look forward to the 2021 season. We will cover teams from both associations, the AHSAA and AISA. Special thanks to the Orthopedic Clinic for being the title sponsor, the Bottling Plant Event Center and our friends in the media. D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director of iHeartMedia, the host “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 9101310, co-chair of the Auburn -Opelika Sports Council, chairman of Super 7 and the Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

another birdie,” he said. “Luckily, seven was good enough.” Pettit joins an elite club of Clemson golfers to win the NCAA championship. He joins Charles Warren, who won the title in 1997 at Conway Farms near Chicago, Illinois. Pettit’s 273 four-round total is second only to Warren’s, which came at the 1998 NCAA Tournament in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he finished second overall. The achievement marked just the second tournament win of Pettit’s career. The other came in 2018, his freshman year, at the Irish Creek Invitational in Kannapolis, North Carolina. The Clemson graduate finished his

final season with seven top-10 finishes in his eight tournaments. At the beginning of this season, Clemson golf coach Larry Penley announced he would be retiring. However, he could not go before his current group of seniors finished their careers, too. It must have been worth sticking around for as Pettit sent Penley off with a national championship. In an interview with The Golf Channel after his national championship victory, Pettit talked about the admiration he has for his college coach. “He has meant everything to my career,” he said. “He showed trust in me. He shows trust in all his players. That is what you want from a

See COUNTY , page B6

Auburn City Schools Recognized as Heart Safe Schools By Maddie Joiner For the Opelika Observer At Tuesday night’s Auburn School Board meeting, all 13 Auburn City Schools were recognized as Project ADAM Heart Safe Schools. According to a press release from Auburn City Schools, Project ADAM Heart Safe School designation is attained by schools upon successful implementation of a quality sudden cardiac arrest program of awareness, training and effective emergency response to promote a Heart Safe environment for students, visitors and staff as outlined within the Heart Safe School Checklist. John Stone, Manager of Community Action at Children’s of Alabama and Adam Kelley, manager of corporate communications and marketing, attended the meeting and presented a plaque to the Auburn School Board and Brenda Lindahl, the Auburn City Schools RN nurse administrator. Banners were also dropped off at each school to be put on display. “We are very proud of this system,” Stone said.

ALL-STAR >> FROM B1 players.” The four-day event will include a JuniorAm Fundraising Tournament, where individuals from Opelika and the surrounding area will have the chance to play with some of the nation’s top junior golfers. The event will function like a PGA Tour Pro-Am, where three amateur golfers will play with one of the junior players participating in the tournament. The JuniorAm Fundraising Tournament will take place prior to the tournament competition on July 6, with tee times coach.” Although winning last week earned Pettit only the second major trophy of his college career, he is no stranger to earning silverware. In high school, he won the AISA Championship with Lee-Scott in 2016 and 2017. Pettit won honors with his 15-under par 129 for the 36-hole event, shooting 64 and 65, respectively, over the two-day event. Pettit won the 100th Alabama State Amateur in June of 2016 with a 72-hole score of 278. Two weeks later Pettit captured the Future Masters in Dothan, Alabama, thanks to a six-under-par score 204, including a final round 66 in which he shot 31 on his final nine to win the event.

“Tonight, we just want to recognize Nurse Brenda, your leadership, the leadership of the 13 schools and say thank you.” Lindahl’s initial goal was to have as many faculty as possible CPR/ AED certified, but upon further research, noticed Auburn City Schools was close to qualifying as Project ADAM Heart Safe Schools. A certain checklist is required to become a Project ADAM Heart Safe School and Auburn City Schools were missing one thing — AED drills. So, Lindahl got in contact with all 13 principals and each school began its AED drills. “What's come out of it is all the employees are like, ‘Wow, that really got my heart going’, and they saw the importance of doing it. So now it’s on the agenda to do them yearly,” said Lindahl. During the drills, each school created emergency plans which came from templates provided by Project ADAM. “Each school’s safety committee fills in that template as to how they're

going to deal with it individually on each campus,” Lindahl said. “It's really not a hard project to do, it’s just prioritizing and finding the time to do it.” Dr. Cristen Herring, the Auburn Superintendent, said, “We accept this [plaque] with much pride and we'll display it, and I hope never need to use it.” Other business: - The board approved a bid from Walker Paving & Asphalt Maintenance Incorporated for the resealing of the pavement and restriping in the parking lot at AHS. - The board approved a Broadcast Media Rights Agreement with Auburn Networks LLC to radio broadcast AHS athletic events for a period of three years. - The board approved a three-year agreement with The Orthopedic Clinic of Opelika for athletic training and related services. - The board approved a three-year employment contract for Karen G. Snyder, principal of Cary Woods Elementary School. The next Auburn School Board meeting will take place July 13 at 6 p.m.

beginning at 7:30 a.m. “Auburn-Opelika has a history of embracing young people and setting them up to perform their very best,” said Robyn Bridges, vice president of AuburnOpelika Tourism. “Auburn-Opelika Tourism is thrilled to support AJGA and their development of our youth through the game of golf. We look forward to showing these families the unparalleled beauty of the Robert Trent Jones Trail and the unbeatable hospitality of our community.” This event was made possible through the generosity of this year’s sponsors: The

city of Opelika, The Opelika Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of Opelika and Lynch Toyota. To learn more, visit the AJGA website or follow @AJGAGolf on social media. For more information about this event or becoming a volunteer, contact Anthony Terling, sports & event development manager, at anthony@ aotourism.com or 334-391-2527. Auburn-Opelika Tourism is a non-profit service organization positively impacting our local economy and enhancing the quality of life in our community through tourism and travel.

During his time at Lee-Scott, Pettit was a multi-sport athlete. Pettit was quarterback of the football team, leading the Warriors to the state playoffs as a junior and senior. He was named to the AISA All-Star game in the fall of 2016. Pettit’s acumen for multiple sports led him to be featured in the magazine GolfWeek, in the spring of 2016. According to Clemson’s athletics website, Pettit’s best all-time round was a 64 – on two occasions. His best shot was a double eagle 2 on a par five hole at Saugahatchee Country Club. He has only one career hole in one – it came using a five iron on the 15th hole at the Indian Pines

golf course in Auburn in 2009. In the days since the victory, Pettit said he “hasn’t done much,” as media interviews and plane rides have consumed his schedule. Furthermore, he isn’t hyper focused on what he will do next. “I’ll turn professional sometime this summer, I don’t know exactly when,” he said. Overall, Pettit said winning the national championship was “awesome,” but he’s most grateful that his family was there to share the moment with him. “I had my whole family there and I’m so happy they got to see it,” he said. “My mom and dad probably liked it more than me.”

B5 June 10, 2021

Local Nonprofits Launch Father of the Year Essay Contest By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com Opelika nonprofits, the Knee High Foundation and Girls S.T.E.P.S Inc., are excited to announced yet another way they are giving back to the local community. This time, the non-profits will be honoring fathers in the Opelika-Auburn community by inviting all school-aged girls and boys to submit a one-page essay on why their dad or father figure deserves to be Father of the Year. “They don’t have to be a biological father, it could be somebody

that is a father figure in their life, a male figure that they hold near and dear to them,” said Founder of the Knee High Foundation, Anthony Bryant. The decision to hold the essay contest was made following the effort by the non-profits to honor local mothers on Mother’s Day. The Knee High Foundation and Girls S.T.E.P.S decided the next thing to do would be for the dads. “We thought it was only fair to do something for the fathers,” Bryant said. “Because there are a lot of men around here that do a lot of good stuff in the community as well.”

To augment the competition, essay submissions will be divided and judged by age group, theoretically leveling the playing field. “We can’t hold the five-year-olds to write

the same way as maybe a 12-or 13-year-old would,” Bryant said. Furthermore, once selected, the winners of the competition will be announced at noon during the Together Opelika Flag

Football Game on June 19 at Bulldog Stadium. “We felt like it was only fair to recognize these fathers in front of the community, as we did the mothers,” Bryant said. The Together Opelika Flag Football game is a joint-effort event featuring the Opelika Police Department and several current and former professional and collegiate athletes, beginning at 9 a.m. “We felt like it would be a great time to do that due to the fact that what the police were trying to do with the community — to build the bond back with the community with the

game,” Bryant said. Winners of the essay contest will be honored and the dads will receive “manly-mans” gift baskets picked out by Bryant himself. The deadline to submit an essay is June 14. Essays can be mailed to P.O. Box 244, Opelika, Alabama, 36803; emailed to gstepsinc@gmail. com; or dropped off at Brandy Park on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. during a Dawg Pound Practice. For additional information, contact Bryant at 912-220-7818 or Tiffany Gibson-Pitts at 334-444-5869.

Taking Summer Camp a Step Up Summer is here and the nonprofit Girls S.T.E.P.S Inc., is hosting a free summer camp for girls and boys grades 3-12. “In order to be more impactful and meet the needs of all, we decided to remove any barriers that may cause families not to enroll their children,” said Girls S.T.E.P.S Founder Tiffany Gibson-Pitts. “Childcare is very expensive and can be overwhelming, especially when more than one child is involved; therefore, we did not attach a fee for our summer sessions.” With three different sessions running from now until July, the aptly-named Stepping It Up Camps aim to address the academic and opportunity gaps of youth who live in some of Opelika’s most disenfranchised areas of town. As part of its curriculum, Stepping It Up

SUMMER >> FROM B3 Marlene said. “My life mission and goal has been, for whatever they do, I don’t care if you are cleaning a toilet or handing someone a bottle of water, to know that you are being the hands and feet of Jesus and to allow that simplest task to be an extension of him. Because your service is not for yourself, it’s for him. As a parent, this brings me joy — that they have taken that and volunteered to offer themselves for that service.” Additionally, Keith hopes the values he and his wife have instilled in their children will last generations. “That’s our inheritance for our children,” he said. “They leave a legacy, something that people will remember. Not because of them, but because of what they believe in that touches

Camps provide reading and math support, career exploration, African-American history, art education and mental health awareness. Session 1 has already begun but registration is still available on a firstcome, first-serve basis. Session 1 runs on June 2, 9, 16 and 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is available for boys and girls grades 3-8. The session is broken up into groups of children grades 3-5, and children grades 6-8. Session 2 is for girls and boys grades 9-12 and runs on July 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pitts, her assistant director, roughly 10 Girls S.T.E.P.S advisors and a few teen advisors are helping to run to the camps. Campers can expect to receive age-appropriate lessons and participate in fun activities and field trips. For example, Pitts said the middle school participants will be conducting a book study on "Choose to Win," by Dr. Frankie Bell, while other people's lives. They aren’t better than anyone, we aren’t better than anyone, but we want them to help be an example and know that other children their age can stand outside of the norm and stand for something that’s right. It may not always be easy, but it’s well worth the while. I pray they love it [service] and they will continue the pathway their mom and I have set and they will continue on to be blessed wherever they go.” Serving through Backpack International is not the Torbert children’s first experience with volunteering, either. “We have done some other volunteer work in the past,” Alexandria said. “We do volunteer at a local church and also my father is a part of another ministry … [where] we help give to some children in Peru.” When it comes to the actual volunteer work at

the younger groups will be reading short stories. Math multiplication games and various educational, but fun online programs are implemented as well. “Each morning starts off with a chant for both groups and our participants create Vision Boards for their first art project,” Pitts said. “Since boys are a part of our camp, we have a different male each week come out and address the group.” Just a few of the field trips planned include travelling to Tuskegee University, the George Washington Carver Museum, Booker T. Washington’s home, the Tuskeegee Airmen National Historic Site and the Rosa Parks Museum. Furthermore, Pitts said she is planning college visits for high school sessions in July. “Those sessions will focus on college/career prep, understanding grade point averages, testing and proper

Backpack International, Alexandria said Rodriguez is always ready to put them to work. “She has a warehouse, and there are backpacks and supplies that have been donated by local businesses and churches,” she said. “We go through, she gives us a checklist and we fill the backpacks with each thing on there. The backpacks are divided by age category. We will

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY TIFFANY GIBSON-PITTS

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

Children show off their art projects from a day at Session 1 of this year’s camp. Photo submitted by Tiffany Gibson-Pitts.

class placement,” she said. “The theme of that session is 'Making the most of your High School Years.'" Having previously held summer camps from 2017 to 2019, around 85-90 schoolaged children are served each year. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, camps were not held in 2020. The 2021

fill it with things like coloring books, crayons, hygiene products and things like that.” Rodriguez has seen first-hand the rare, selfless nature that the Torbert children possess. “The Torbert children, or 'Team Torbert' as I affectionally call them, are some of the most respectful and hard-working kids I have had the pleasure of working with in my role as a

summer Stepping It Up Camps are being held at The Carpenter House on 410 W.E. Morton Ave. in Opelika. Lunch and snacks are provided. By participating in these camps, Pitts said she hopes campers will “have a different world view, thus sparking an interest in change.” Addi-

former school teacher as well as executive director of Backpack International,” she said. “They were efficient, and all had the most pleasant disposition. Once I gave them a task, they completed it fully, and with excellence. BPI is eternally grateful to Team Torbert for all of their hard work and hearts of service.” As far as the future goes, the Torberts have no plans to ramp down

tionally, she said the camp’s vision is for “all children to be successful,” and that “they just need the appropriate tools and people to help them reach their highest potential.” To register your child, go to www.gstepsinc.org. For more information, contact Pitts at 333-444-5869. their service efforts. “We do plan to keep on volunteering as long as we can,” Alexandria said. “As for future volunteer service projects, we plan, if possible, to go on mission trips to Guayana and Peru, so we can go over there and actually see the children and minister to them.” Naturally, the Torberts won’t be spending all of their time volunteering this summer. They are children. They have dreams, too. Noah wants to go to Disneyworld. Alexandria wants to go to Paris or Los Angeles. Mary has more mild-mannered hopes and would be happy spending lots of time with friends here in Opelika. Whatever they do, one can assume it will be with a positive attitude and servant hearts.

B6 June 10, 2021

Auburn Athletics Announces Full Capacity and Tailgating for 2021 Football Season Contributed by Auburn Athletics / Kirk Sampson Auburn Athletics plans to allow 100% capacity at JordanHare Stadium and full on-campus tailgating for the 2021 football season, Director of Athletics Allen Greene announced Friday. “There is nothing like a fall weekend in the Loveliest Village on the Plains,” Greene said. “From the pregame pageantry and eagle flight, to the postgame celebration at Toomer’s Corner and all of the shared experiences with friends and family. We are so excited to welcome back the Auburn Family to Jordan-Hare Stadium this fall and reintroduce our fans to the best game day experience in the nation.” This spring, Auburn University announced its plans for a fully in-person, on-campus academic

and student life experience for fall 2021. The decision was made in consultation with state and local health officials and with input from shared governance groups representing students, faculty and staff. TICKETS The Auburn Family can join head coach Bryan Harsin and the Auburn Tigers this fall with the purchase of new Tigers Unlimited (TUF) football season tickets for the 2021 season, available now while supplies last. The purchase of a gray zone TUF season ticket guarantees access to lower-level seats inside of JordanHare Stadium for all seven home games this fall, while TUF bronze zone season tickets are also available in the upper level. - Tigers Unlimited members will have access to renew their

seats and choose seat locations in 2022 before tickets go on sale to the general public. - Tigers Unlimited members also have the ability to purchase away game and bowl tickets, based on priority and availability. - Additional information is available by contacting the ticket office by email at tickets@auburn.edu or by phone at 855-282-2010, Option 1. Upper-level public season tickets, mini packs and single game tickets will go on sale later this summer, based on availability. Fans looking to purchase single game tickets are also encouraged to visit Stubhub, the official secondary ticket marketplace of Auburn Athletics. TIGER WALK CLUB Tiger Walk Club memberships are on sale now for the 2021

Derrick Henry Repeats as ASWA Pro Athlete of the Year Contributed by ASWA Derrick Henry continues to win awards in the state where he captured both the Heisman Trophy and a national championship, and for the second straight year is the Alabama Sports Writers Association's Professional Athlete of the Year. The Tennessee Titans running back won his second straight rushing title and became just the eighth player in NFL history to total 2,000 yards in a single season. Specifically, Henry finished the 2020

regular season with 2,027 rushing yards, the fifth-most in a single season in NFL history, and more than 23 teams managed to tally. He's the first player to defend his rushing title since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006-07. The NFL Offensive Player of the Year also led the league in attempts (378), yards (2,027) and touchdowns (17). His 250 yards in the regular-season finale marked his third 200-yard game of the season, topped only in NFL history by Earl Campbell's four in 1980. In the process, the

former Crimson Tide standout helped lead the Titans to their first division title since 2008. Henry is just the third athlete to win the award in consecutive years, joining Frank Thomas (199394) and Tim Hudson (1999-2000), but the first football player. He's also just the third NFL player to win the honor more than once, joining Shaun Alexander and Cam Newton. The 49th annual ASWA awards banquet will be held Sunday in Birmingham, Alabama.

Parents, Caregivers Remain Optimistic, Despite Barriers Contributed by StatePoint Media A new survey from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows that most parents and caregivers in the United States are optimistic about their children’s futures, but see clear barriers to helping them grow up to be independent, financially stable and healthy. The survey, “Raising the Next Generation: Research with Parents and Caregivers,” explores themes of parents’ optimism for the future, their feelings about parenting, their feelings about their communities and experiences with

racism and discrimination, as well as how these factors support or hinder their child’s ability to thrive. Parents and caregivers from five different racial and ethnic groups were surveyed: Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, Latino and White. “The findings emphasize that parents and caregivers from all backgrounds share common hopes, and draw on many strengths to raise their families, but it’s clear that hard work alone is not enough,” said Jennifer Ng’andu, a managing director at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “The

caregivers we listened to have experienced many gaps in the opportunities their children have to thrive. That’s an extraordinary burden to carry, especially in these times.” While at least 90% of parents from each racial and ethnic group were optimistic that their child will experience more opportunity to succeed and thrive than they had, they are clear-eyed about long-standing barriers to opportunity they and their families face. Very few, from 9% of Black parents to 27% of Latino parents, say that all children have the See BARRIERS, page B7

Auburn football season. Tiger Walk Club members have access to air-conditioned space with food and non-alcoholic beverages, a cash bar and large TVs to enhance your college football game day experience. The Tiger Walk Club opens three hours pregame and remains open one hour postgame. For more information, call (855) 282-2010, Option 2. TAILGATING AND PARKING With the return of campus tailgating, Date Saturday, 9/4 Saturday, 9/11 Saturday, 9/25 Saturday, 10/9 Saturday, 10/30 Saturday, 11/13 Saturday, 11/27

fans are encouraged to reserve their turnkey tailgate experience through Tailgate Guys by visiting their website https://tailgateguys. com/product/auburn or calling 334-209-1259. On-campus parking through Bruno Event Team can be purchased here: www.cuetoems. com/auburn_2021/ Tickets.aspx. DIGITAL TICKETING Auburn Athletics will continue with full digital ticketing for the 2021 season. Digital tickets help to improve

Opponent vs. Akron

ticket delivery, minimize fraud, improve security and make sharing tickets quick and easy. For additional information on digital tickets: www. auburntigers.com/ sports/2020/5/15/digital-tickets. aspx. ADDITIONAL GAME INFO Additional information will be available at AuburnTigers.com/ gameday heading into the home opener on Sept. 4 vs. Akron. The 2021 Home schedule is shown below.

vs. Alabama State

Theme Wear White Hometown Heroes Appreciation Game

Time (CT) 6 p.m.

vs. Georgia

Wear Navy

TBA

vs. Georgia State vs. Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State vs. Alabama

Homecoming Wear Orange

Military Appreciation Game The 86th Iron Bowl

11 a.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

Active Auburn to Celebrate National Family Fitness Day, June 12

Contributed by the city of Auburn Active Auburn is celebrating National Family Fitness Day 2021 at Samford Pool on Saturday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Beginning at 10 a.m.,

COUNTY >> FROM B4 added to his concerns, citing how the agreement with Kelly Services would take away from local tax revenue, directly affecting the quality of public schools. “Instead of allowing those tax dollars to remain directly in our area, a portion of those funds now go to Kelly Services; they will leave our community and go to Michigan,” he said. Lastly, Standbridge highlighted the non-expendable roles that support personnel serve in the school system. These roles are often driven by the pride public employees have in their job or their direct association with a private organization. “Contracted out employees can be like renters, they don’t have the same level of ownership,” he said. “This list I have provided you is only a handful of the unintended consequences that come along when there is a move towards privatization. You do not have to let these unintended consequences become a reality, and we would urge you to end this agreement and help keep our public schools, public.”

Samford Pool will have water games, music and games on the pool deck! Families are encouraged to hop in the water, get active and enjoy the summer weather. This event is free and open to the public. Samford Pool is located at

465 Wrights Mill Road. For a list of pool rules visit auburnalabama.org/ aquatics. Active Auburn is a health and wellness campaign launched by the city of Auburn in August 2017. To learn more about Active Auburn, visit facebook.com/activeauburn.

Standridge was not the only community speaker to address the board at Tuesday’s meeting. Community leader John Andrew Harris spoke to the board concerning how the federal CARES Act grant money would be dispersed throughout the county. Harris said he had been approached by multiple community leaders asking him to implore the board to use what he said was $100 million in total funds in a way that would bring all the communities of Lee County together. Harris is hopeful that the allocation of funds would primarily be dispersed to the underserved communities of the area. Harris cited that the funds could help reduce crime, improve economic and education conditions and increase the general quality of life for all citizens in the area. “All of the communities should come together with a plan,” he said. “That money, it don’t just really belong to the school board, they are just an overseer of the money. It belongs to the community.” Other business: - The board approved a recommendation to extend Superintendent Dr. Mac McCoy’s

contract under the same terms from July 2023 to June 2025. - The board approved a renewal and extension of the contract of Lee County’s Chief School Financial Officer, Ken Roberts. - The board approved field trips for the Smiths Station football and girls’ flag football teams to Columbus, Georgia, on July 21 and 22, respectively. - The board heard a review of the monthly financial report and cash reconciliation for the month of April from Roberts. - The board discussed an information item regarding the next steps for the energy savers project that was presented by Schneider Electric at the May 11 meeting. - The board reviewed the 2020-21 Lee County Schools Seclusion and Restraint Report. - The board discussed graduation dates for May 2022. - The board discussed human resource recommendations in an executive session. The Lee County Board of Education meets for its regularly scheduled meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at 2410 Society Hill Road in Opelika.

B7 June 10, 2021

The Knee High Foundation Awards Annual Scholarships

PHOTOS BY ABBEY CRANK / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER The Knee High Foundation awarded scholarships in the amount of $250 and $500 to five local graduating seniors at Courthouse Square last week. The Knee High Foundation founder, Anthony Bryant, said "It means a lot to see what happens afterwards. Especially when we give out the scholarships and then those same students are at those colleges with 4.0's." Alyssa Foreman, chief information officer of The Knee High Foundation, also spoke on what the scholarships mean to her. "You know, that's the pillar of our foundation," she said. "It's easier to build strong men than repair broken children. So, to help support them when they are in their youth and for them to become valuable adults, that's our foundation coming full cycle. So it means a lot."

BARRIERS >> FROM B6 same opportunity to grow up to be independent, financially stable and healthy adults. Indeed, the majority of respondents, from 68% of white parents to 94% of Black parents, worry that America does not offer the same opportunities to all children, despite their own best efforts to help their child succeed. For parents of color, many of these broader concerns are undergirded by worries about racism. Many parents of color, from 49% of Latino parents to 73% of Black

parents, think that racism or discrimination will limit their child’s opportunities to get a quality education, go to college or get a good job as an adult. Despite these systemic challenges, parents feel that they possess certain qualities that can help their families overcome obstacles, with a majority of parents valuing a strong work ethic, creativity in problem solving and simply feeling they have the power to change their situation. At the same time, the belief that there should be a strong safety net for families when they fall on hard times is nearly universal among parents

and caregivers. Over 80% of respondents from each racial and ethnic group think that government policies such as paid family leave, health care, housing and tax credits play an important role in helping families raise children. To learn more and for full survey findings, visit everyfamilyforward.org. “The health of our nation depends on the health and well-being of our children and families. We need to take down the systemic barriers that limit opportunities and hold our country back, and advance programs and policies that allow all families to thrive,” Ng’andu said.

Piedmont Fertilizer Co. Inc. 201 2nd Ave. • Opelika, AL SINCE 1910

Nothing better for your lawn exists

B8

CARNIVAL DAYS SIDEWALK SALE

June 10, 2021

AT USA TOWN CENTER

KIDZ WORLD

Name brand children clothing with sizes from birth to young adults. Kidz World - "Where the Value NEVER Stops!"

LORIANNA SCRUB OUTLET

the largest selection in the area for printed scrub tops! More than 900 to choose from with great brands. Brand Names at outlet prices.

L'EGGS HANES BALI PLAYTEX OUTLET

A store full of name brands that include Champion, Maidenform, Hanes and more, this store is the perfect one-stop shop for up to date styles and the basics. FREE bra fittings inside the store and there's always a great deal to take advantage of.

1220 Fox Run Avenue in Opelika

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

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June 10, 2021

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Inside the Statehouse Politics Never Ends in Alabama

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e are all looking forward to next year’s gigantic political cavalcade. The 2022 elections in Alabama will be momentous. We will have an open U.S. Senate seat along with seven congressional seats, all running under new district lines. We have a Governor’s race along with all the other Constitutional offices. All 105 state representatives and 35 state senators will be running for reelection under new district lines. All 67 sheriffs in the state will be on the ballot, as well as all 68 probate judges. All these races are on the cusp of beginning or have already begun. However, we will have a mayor’s race in Birmingham this summer. The Aug. 24 mayoral race in the magic city is shaping up as a Donnybrook. It is shaping up to be a rematch from four years ago between former mayor William Bell and current mayor Randall Woodfin. Four years ago, young Woodfin defeated then mayor, Bell, the old fashion way. He outworked him. Woodfin went door-to-door in one-on-one campaigning in every precinct in Birmingham. He appears to have done a good job as mayor. He will be tough to beat. However, if anyone would do it, Bell would be the one. He looks very distinguished and mayoral. In fact, I have often thought that if Hollywood were scripting a movie of a mayor of a city like the movie “Boss” with Kelsey Grammar, who played a Chicago mayor, that Bell would be the perfect actor. There are at least two other significant candidates vying to be Birmingham’s mayor, LaShunda Scales and Chris Wood, which may place Bell and Woodfin into a runoff. We have already had several special legislative elections throughout the state this year. Former Alabama House Member, April Weaver, won the Republican State Senate Primary for Senate District 14 on March 30. This senate seat was vacated when Cam Ward departed the Senate to become Director of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. The district encompasses a good portion of Shelby County and all of Bibb and Chilton. It is a heavily Republican district. Therefore, Weaver’s victory is tantamount to election. She will face a token Democrat in the July 13 general election. Her triumph was extremely impressive. She garnered 82% of the vote against two opponents. She will be an effective senator for Central Alabama. In an open state House seat in Shelby County, U.S. Army Veteran, Kenneth Paschal won the GOP Primary for House District 73, winning

Lee County Remembrance Project By Emery Lay For the Opelika Observer

STEVE FLOWERS the Republican primary for a State Legislative district in a special election in Shelby County. Paschal won a close race over Leigh Hulsey, 51% to 49%. There is a special election for state House District 78 in Montgomery to fill the seat being left vacant with Kirk Hatcher moved up from the House to the Senate. There are several low-profile constitutional offices beginning to percolate for 2022. State Representative, Wes Allen, has announced and is running hard for Secretary of State. He is perfectly suited and qualitied for that office. He is in his first term as a State Representative from Pike and Dale Counties. However, prior to that he served 10 years as probate judge of Pike County, where he successfully oversaw elections. Wes is a native of Tuscaloosa where his daddy serves as a State Senator. A successful Birmingham businesswoman, Laura Johnston Clark, is eyeing the State Auditor’s race. She was born and raised in Dothan and began her business there. She has deep and extensive family roots in the Wiregrass. Her father, mother and older brother are legendary and revered. She has been extensively involved civically in Birmingham for close to two decades. She is an integral part of next year’s World Games, which will be held in Birmingham. The current occupants of the Secretary of State and state Auditor’s offices, John Merrill and Jim Ziegler, are term limited. So, these two offices are wide open. 2022 is going to be an exciting election year. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column appears in over 60 Alabama Newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislative. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

The Lee County Remembrance Project [LCRP] is the result of a years-long friendship between Ashley Brown and Olivia Nichols. The two met in November, 2018 at a diversity symposium on Pebble Hill. “I was teaching a course at Auburn University at the time, and I had a great student named Monique Napier,” Nichols said. The student-teacher duo began meeting every Tuesday to discuss the historical legacies and policies that they saw deeply embedded in our modern-day structures, particularly those with racist roots. Both recognized that the effects of these negative foundations were still lingering. Together, the two accumulated a wealth of information surrounding this issue. “It was so easy,” Nichols said. “And that was what was just so heartbreaking is that this information has been readily available, [we’ve] just chosen not to address it.” This research is what brought Nichols to the symposium where she met Brown. Nichols said she calls the bond they share an “amazing collaboration”. Brown’s background in counseling set the tone for how to address the historical traumas and experiences of the people both women were learning about. On the other hand, Nichols brought to the table an ability to contextualize the influences that shape the trajectory of a child’s growth with her background in development and health equity. “They just merge so beautifully,” Nichols

NOW OPEN

said. After running into each other several times after the symposium, the two decided they needed to create something out of their new knowledge. What sparked this was the historical lynching of four Black men: John Moss, George Hart, Charles Humphries and Samuel Harris. After hearing their stories, Nichols and Brown wanted to educate others, too. “This really got started around when [the Equal Justice Initiative] opened their national world peace and justice [site] at the Legacy Museum,” Nichols said. “Ashley and I had both went to the site, independently — we did not know each other then — and saw a column and were just stunned. I’ve never seen these names before … I’ve lived in Lee County for years and I didn’t know … Why don’t we talk about these things?” To put it plainly, Nichols said, “There’s no recognition.” That is when both women knew things had to change. From there on out, the two worked together to create and co-found what is today known as the Lee County Remembrance Project. The journey had to start with an application to the Equal Justice Initiative [EJI], so both women worked to make sure they were EJI-approved. Once they were approved to move forward, LCRP began working with new volunteers. To this day, LCRP is an entirely volunteer-based group, boasting over 40 presentations across the Lee County area. “We’ve worked with folks from all over

the county,” Nichols said. “From mayors to churches to different book clubs.” Recently, the LCRP began connecting with the community through a racial justice high school essay contest for ninth graders to enter. Fifteen students submitted an essay as entry. The LCRP knew that the contestants already had the skills to accomplish an incredible essay. However, they still held different events surrounding the contest to enhance the learning experience and sharpen the tools the students already had in their toolbox. The LCRP hopes to make this an annual event. “We wanted to provide them education, because that’s another key focus for Lee County Remembrance,” Brown said. “Educating … in the hopes that we won’t continue to repeat our history because we aren’t knowledgeable about it or aware.” The LCRP follows the EJI’s framework for what they call the “Truth and Reconciliation Model”. Additionally, the LCRP adheres to a threeprong set of goals, advertised on its website: commemorate, educate and advocate. The logo is a four-part flame, symbolizing the four documented victims of racial terror lynchings in Lee County and the LCRP’s desire to shed light on the stories. Brown said the LCRP has strived to learn the stories of those four men to the best of their ability, whilst acknowledging that newspaper accounts and other See PROJECT, page B11

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 June 10, 2021

The Fair is Back at USA Town Center

Sunday - 1 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday - 5 to 10 p.m. Friday - 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday - 1 to 11 p.m.

A Community ‘A-Fair’ has rides, food and fun for the whole family. USA Town Center is located at 1220 Fox Run Ave. in Opelika.

B11 June 10, 2021

Chicago’s Mayor Adopts Discriminatory Posture Against White Journalists

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hen an official naming of a new federal courthouse in Albany, Georgia, was being planned in November 2000, an organizer called The Albany Herald where I was a reporter (1999-2001). He wanted “the Black reporter” to be assigned to the story because the building was being named after Chevene Bowers King, a pioneering African American attorney, civil rights leader and politician in Georgia. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects all media from being told how to cover events and with whom unless a true emergency arises. So, my editors were not happy with the organizers putting pressure on them. In fact, we once had an African American reporter, but she got a job in another state months before this brouhaha. I did not cover the event myself, but another white man did. This demand for discriminating against white reporters has reared its ugly head again as Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said recently that she

would grant interviews only to “Black or Brown media members.” In an angry letter, she criticized the city’s media institutions for their “overwhelming whiteness and maleness.” She has a point. The Windy City is one of the most diverse in America. To not have at least one minority reporter in every large outlet covering city hall seems odd. Newspapers, TV and radio stations are part of the problem. They are not mandated to address this situation by accommodating frustrated officials like Lightfoot. But they should balance things more, not with quotas but by sending the best Black reporters to the city hall beat when an opening occurs. Yet many questions arise: Does she think Black reporters would give her more positive coverage? Wouldn’t a liberal white be more generous than a conservative Black? What about the city’s conservative Black radio hosts? As the first African American mayor of Chicago, will Lightfoot encourage media to place more Black women on her beat? Will she

seek to have more LGBTQIA+ individuals cover her fulltime? Lightfoot is the first openly lesbian mayor of a major U.S. city. “I have been struck since my first day on the campaign trail back in 2018 by the overwhelming whiteness and maleness of Chicago media outlets, editorial boards, the political press corps, and yes, the city hall press corps specifically,” Lightfoot wrote in a letter distributed to the press, on May 19. According to the Chicago Tribune, Lightfoot said media organizations had yet to fully address “institutionalized racism” in their own companies. She said she would only give one-on-one interviews to Black and Brown reporters, for now. Lightfoot calls the arrangement part of her long battle to advance diversity and inclusion. In her first two years in office, Lightfoot battled the murder rate, with 18 murders recorded on one day, May 31, 2020. The last time 18 murders were committed in one day in Chi-Town was

By Greg Markley 60 years earlier. Her predecessor, Rahm Emanuel, was daunted by the high crime. He ended his bid for a third term after losing the support of many Chicagoans for weaknesses in criminal justice. Mayor Lightfoot remains popular despite her leadership missteps. Between May – October 2019, her highest poll score was 77% and the lowest 54%. Then, between May – September 2020 her best approval rate was 78% and the worst 61%. Although she was one point below 55% once, she had an average approval rating in the mid-60s. Anything above 55% is exceptional for reelection chances. Lightfoot’s statement that she would not use white reporters for one-on-one

interviews, especially related to her second anniversary in office, riled former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard. The ex-congresswoman from Hawaii said the decision was “anti-white racism” and called for her to resign. Democratic activist Qasim Rashid tweeted: “White is not a culture. There’s German culture. French culture. Dutch culture. Irish culture. Celebrate them! But no such thing as ‘white culture.’ So when people label racism as ‘anti-white’ – they’re not defending any culture – they’re defending being racist without consequence.” Judicial Watch is suing Lightfoot on behalf of a Daily Caller reporter, claiming the mayor violated the man’s First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. But did we ever read about the conservative Judicial Watch and Daily Caller getting upset when a recent president called journalists “enemies of the people”? Going to court about a stupid but unsustainable policy is trivial. Having the leader of a republic questioning a

revered Amendment is not trivial, but terrible. Lori Lightfoot won a historic 2019 election as mayor, using the slogan “Bring in the Light.” Many Chicagoans had high hopes that she would not be as divisive as Rahm Emanuel. Judging by the response to her discarding of white journalists for a certain period, Lightfoot’s popularity is flailing. She was right about media hypocrisy: They advocate for diversity and inclusion, but do not practice it in high-profile reporting beats. The request back in 2000 of a newspaper in Albany, Georgia for a “Black reporter” to cover a story of racial progress is long ago. Yet, as W.E.B. Du Bois predicted, “the color line” endures. Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has a Master’s in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 10 years. gm.markley@charter.net

Pandemic EBT Distribution Starts

This Week for Families with Eligible School-Age Children Contributed by Alabama Department of Human Resources Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits will start rolling out this week to families with eligible school-age children who missed out on free or reduced-price school meals because of the pandemic. EBT cards containing the benefits will be mailed to families with children in pre-K and K-12 who lost access to meals from the National

PROJECT >> FROM B9 informants are not always accurate and often only show one side of the story. “We won’t ever know the experiences of those men who were lynched,” Brown said. “However, we try our best to understand, we try our best to educate and continue to provide research to the community at large, so that they have an understanding of what happened to these men … [while] also moving forward into where we are now, what’s going on in the world around us in terms of racial

School Lunch Program during the 2020-21 school year because their schools closed or switched to virtual and hybrid learning models in response to the pandemic. The cards may take several weeks to arrive due to the volume of eligible children and shipping time frames. The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) oversees the distribution of P-EBT with assistance from the Alabama State Department of

Education (ALSDE). The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) administers the program at the federal level. Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner said, “Alabama has successfully tackled childhood hunger throughout this pandemic thanks to the P-EBT program and an effective multi-agency partnership. We are extremely grateful to our partners at

USDA-FNS and to Dr. Eric Mackey and his team at the Department of Education, along with our advocates, for their continued support of our mission to feed Alabama’s children.” There is no application for P-EBT; ALSDE has provided DHR with the names of children who participate in the National School Lunch Program, which makes them eligible for P-EBT. This batch of benefits covers school meals missed from August

through December 2020. Families will receive separate EBT cards for each eligible child in their households. Recipients should hold onto these cards because additional P-EBT benefits may be added in the future. Families with children under six years old who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also qualify for P-EBT, but their benefits will be issued at a later date.

DHR has created a toll-free customer service hotline at 1-800410-5827 for questions related to P-EBT. Support specialists are available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. DHR distributed over $144 million in benefits to more than 460,000 children in Alabama during the first round of P-EBT this past year. Those benefits covered meals missed during the 2019-20 school year due to school closures.

injustice.” Brown admits that hearing these stories has been hard for her, as a Black woman, to hear. “I can’t help but to think about my own family,” she said. “It’s difficult, it’s very hard to read, especially the fullness of the language.” Yet, Brown said that LCRP refuses to censor the language. The LCRP believes it is important to truly know how the text reads in order to better understand and contextualize such a delicate, yet gruesome part of Lee County’s history. It further explains the trauma that

intertwined with the lynchings. On Nov. 5, 2020, the LCRP hosted a virtual “Soil Collection Ceremony”. Volunteers went to the various sites where Moss, Hart, Humphries and Harris had been lynched. At each one, they collected soil from the ground where the men had died. “The soil represents the blood, the sweat and the tears that they experienced during that time,” Brown said. “And we never should forget about that, we should continue to consider what those experiences were even down to the last final moments.”

This month, on Saturday, June 12, the LCRP will honor those four men with a historical marker. The marker will feature the stories of each man and provide a place for them to be remembered in the wake of their tragic deaths. Speakers will be present to commemorate this sacred moment in Lee County. The ceremony will be held at the Opelika Courthouse Square on the corner of S. 9th St. and Ave. A in Opelika from 3 to 4 p.m. Its website reads, “The courthouse square has shown us the power of community — for

grief and remembering, like the memorial held by the Opelika City Council & Lee County Officers for the lynching of George Floyd; for celebration and unity like Juneteenth and Pride Day; and for calls for justice like protests held this summer.” “We don’t want this to be a continuing thing,” Brown said. “However, through research, if we find more, we’re going to continue to recognize and put a name to these people. We name these people and the injustices, and we humanize them … We’re going to continue to do that.” Brown and Nichols

call the marker “Phase One”. As the LCRP grows, Nichols said they hope to become a “stable force in the community.” Attendees are encouraged to visit the LCRP exhibit at the Museum of East Alabama, located across the street from the courthouse, prior to or following the ceremony. For more information, or to read an educational booklet carefully and passionately written by Brown and Nichols, with the help of Auburn historians, visit www.leecountyremembrance.org/ research.

B12 June 10, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES 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.

and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal run 06/10/2021 & 06/17/2021

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 07/12/2021 at 10:00 a.m. at 2023 PEPPERELL PKWY OPELIKA, AL 36801-5441, pursuant to subsection 32-13-3 of the Alabama Statutes. GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. 2002 NISSAN EXTERRA (GREEN) - VIN 5N1ED28T02C556343. GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE 2023 PEPPERELL PKWY OPELIKA, AL 36801-5441 Legal Run 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 ––––––– NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT The City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing at 4:00pm on Thursday, June 24, 2021 in the Meeting Chambers at Opelika Municipal Courtroom, 300 Martin Luther King Blvd, Opelika to discuss a proposed amendment to the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan for new activity to the PY2021 Action Plan. A Public Hearing will also be held to discuss proposed Amendments to the PY2010 and PY2020 Action Plan. The proposed amendments will include reallocation of $8,000 from PY2010 in unspent funds from United Way IDA program to PY2020 Emergency Home Repair program, and $12,500 of PY2020 Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 funds to PY2020 Microenterprise COVID-19 program. A summary of proposal will be available for review and comment beginning June 10, 2021, at Public Works, City Hall (Mayor’s office), and the Cooper Memorial Library. Public participation and comments are invited either in writing or in person and will be accepted for a minimum of thirty (30) days with comment period ending on July 10, 2021. Comments and concerns can be forwarded to the following address: Lisa Thrift Community Development Administrator Planning Department City of Opelika Public Works 700 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36801 lthrift@ opelika-al.gov The City of Opelika complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and meeting facilities are accessible. If you need special assistance, please call the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-7052083. Legal Run 06/10/2021 ––––––– Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 N. Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, July 1st, 2021, at 10:00AM Jaquan Milner 407 Foster St Auburn, AL 36832 Couches, Tv Stand, Boxes The auction will be listed

–––––––

––––––– NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO. CHARLES ALBERT BROWDY IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of CHARLES ALBERT BROWDY, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by William A. Browdy on June 2, 2021 pursuant to Section 43-3690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 06/10/2021 ––––––– NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF EVA MAE COLLINS, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 4TH day of June, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand and seal this the 4TH day of June, 2021. NIJA THOMPSON Legal Run 06/10/21, 06/17/21 & 06/24/21 ––––––– NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF LETTIE STRICKLAND, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 3rd day of June, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand and seal this the 3rd day of June, 2021. DEBORAH HOLLINGSWORTH Legal Run 06/10/21, 06/17/21 & 06/24/21 ––––––– CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA

AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: A public hearing on a request by Chao Han and Mike Maher, authorized representative for Chao Han, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the South Lake Area Redivision of Lot 2 subdivision consisting of 47 lots accessed from the 1500 block South Uniroyal Road. A public hearing on a request by Bert Boykin and Martin Evans, authorized representative for RS Hospitality LLC, Manav Hospitality LLC, and Pina Investments LLC, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the RaceTrac Opelika subdivision consisting of 1 lot (combining 5 lots into one lot) accessed from 1109 Columbus Parkway. A request by Brandon Hays, , authorized representative for Hartbrook Opelika, LLC, property owner, for final plat approval of the Hartbrook Redivision of Lot 3 subdivision consisting of 58 lots accessed at the intersection of Academy Drive & Veterans Parkway. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Bert Boykin and Martin Evans (RaceTrac Petroleum, Inc., authorized representative for RS Hospitality LLC, Manav Hospitality LLC, and Pina Investments LLC, property owners, to rezone a 26,870 square foot parcel accessed from 1109 Columbus Parkway from an R-1 zoning district to a C-3, GC-P zoning district a. An agenda item related to a rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for a 4,705 square foot lot accessed at 704 First Avenue from a light commercial land use to a downtown commercial land use category. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the property and Council approve the rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved. b. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Curt Hayley, authorized representative for Hayley Investments, LLC, property owner, to rezone 4,705 square foot lot from C-2 zoning district to a C-1 zoning district. A public hearing on a request by Matt Cobb, authorized representative for Donald Allen, property owner, for conditional use approval for light manufacturing and office warehouse in the C-3 zoning district at 1092 & 1074 Walker Gray Court. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representatives for USA Properties, LLC, property owners, for conditional use approval to expand the existing business (auto sales) an add vehicle maintenance in the C-3, GC-P zoning district at 600 Columbus Parkway. The following additional agenda item is included for review at the May 25th Planning Commission meeting: A petition from the Opelika Industrial Development Authority, adjacent property owner(s) to the subject vacation of right of way requesting the City Council to vacate a 0.77 acre portion of an unnamed right-of-way located west of Fox Run Parkway between Lots 5, 6, and 8A of Foxrun Industrial Park, 1st Addition. The Planning Commission provides a recommendation to City Council. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/

public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings. The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council. Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 06/10/2021 ––––––– IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA FAMILY COURT: DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF HEATHER PADGETT, Plaintiff, v. NICOLE MCGAHA PADGETT, Defendant CASE NO.: DR 2021-57 NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION NICOLE MCGAHA PADGETT, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer HEATHER PADGETT'S petition for divorce and other relief by July 02 or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No. DR-2021-57.00, in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama. Done this the 2nd day of June, 2021 Mary B. Roberson, CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Jennifer M. Chambliss Samford & Denson. LLP P. 0. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Attorney for the Plaintiff Legal Run 06/10/21, 06/17/21, 06/24/21 & 07/01/21 ––––––– NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO.__________ ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA (NATIONAL VILLAGE PUD) BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The City Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct: (a) The Employees’ Retirement System of Alabama and the Teacher’s Retirement System of Alabama (collectively “RSA”) heretofore submitted to the City a Development Plan for a planned unit development (“PUD”) entitled National Village consisting of approximately five hundred eighty-nine

(589) acres. (b) Pursuant to Ordinance No. 129-06 the City Council approved said Development Plan for National Village and amended the official Zoning Map of the City to designate the zoning classification of Planned Unit Development (PUD) for approximately five hundred eighty-nine (589) acres located adjacent to the Grand National Golf facilities and the Lodge and Conference Center at Grand National. (c) In 2008, the City Council amended the PUD for National Village by adding approximately ninety-four (94) acres to the original PUD. (d) The entire development, with inclusion of said ninety-four (94) acres, consists in the aggregate of six hundred and eighty-three (683) acres. (e) In 2018, the City Council amended the PUD for National Village by adding nineteen (19) courtyard homes within a 7.2-acre parcel located in Village 6 of the Master Plan, or more commonly referred to as the “Town Center”. (f) RSA has heretofore submitted to the City a request to amend the Development Plan for National Village by adding approximately 3.91 acres. (g) The entire development, with inclusion of said 3.91 acres, consists of an aggregate of approximately six hundred eighty-seven (687) acres. (h) The proposed amended Development Plan for National Village will increase single-family homes in Village 8 from 26 to 51. (i) The proposed Amendment will not significantly change the overall density for National Village PUD. (j) The Planning Commission of the City of Opelika heretofore conducted a public hearing on the proposed amended Development Plan. (k) The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amended Development Plan for National Village PUD. (l) The Planning Commission further recommended rezoning the new 3.91-acre parcel from R-3 District (LowDensity Residential) to PUD (Planned Unit Development. (m) It is advisable and in the interest of the City and the public interest that the amended Development Plan be approved. (n) It is advisable that the 3.91-acre parcel be rezoned from R-3 District (LowDensity Residential) to PUD (Planned Unit Development. Section 2. DESIGNATION OF PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. The Official Zoning Map of the City of Opelika is hereby amended and the zoning classification for the following parcel of land shall be changed from a R-3 District (Low Density Residential) to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) on the Official Zoning Map: Commence at an iron pin at the southeast corner of Lot 4, Sunset Heights Subdivision, Plat Book 24, Page 123, Lee County, Alabama; thence run N 89°03’08” E 30.94’ to an iron pin and the POINT OF BEGINNING of the property herein to be described; from said POINT OF BEGINNING, thence run N 0°46’24” W 411.22’ to an iron pin on the southerly margin of Robert Trent Jones Trail; thence run S 89°52’50” E 416.32’ along said margin to an iron pin; thence leaving said margin, run S 0°55’22” E 407.65’ to an iron pin; thence run S 89°35’14” W 388.29’ to an iron pin; thence run N 89°50’10” W 29.05’ to an iron pin and the original POINT OF BEGINNING. The above-described

property is located in Section 27 and 24, T-20-N, R-26-E, in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, contains 3.92 acres, more or less, and is subject to all easements of record. Section 3. APPROVAL OF AMENDED DEVELOPMENT PLAN. The amended Development Plan as submitted for review is hereby approved and confirmed as required by Section 8.1 8(n) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City. Section 4. RETENTION OF COPIES OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. Copies of the amended Development Plan shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, City Planner, City Engineer, and Building Official and shall be open for public inspection. Section 5. REPEALER. That any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law. Section 7. PUBLICATION. This Ordinance shall be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing. Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-2083 two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. WITNESS my hand this the 10th day of June, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 06/10/2021 ––––––– In The Probate County of Lee County Alabama In Re: The Estate of David E. Weir, a/k/a David Eugene Weir, Deceased TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to: Deborah J. Gallion, as Executrix of the Estate of: David E. Weir, a/k/a Da vid Eugene Weir, Deceased on the 28th day Of May, 202 1 , by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same with in the time allowed by law of the same will be barred. Executrix of the Estate of David E. Weir, a/k/a David Eugene Weir, deceased. John F. Hitchcock - Attorney at Law P.O . Box 729 Smiths Station, AL 36877 (334)214-4600 Legal Run 06/10/21, 06/17/21 & 06/24/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF GLADYS M. GREGORY,DECEASED. * TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Sharon Gregory Hinz, a/k/a Sharon Gregory Hines, as Executrix of the Estate of Gladys M. Gregory, deceased, on the 3rd day of June, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Sharon Gregory Hinz, a/k/a Sharon Gregory Hines, Executrix Of the Estate of Gladys M. Gregory, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 06/10/21, 06/17/21 & 06/24/21

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

B13 June 10, 2021

Alabama DHR reminds Public to Watch for Signs of Elder Abuse State will observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15

Contributed by The Alabama Department of Human Resources The Alabama Department of Human Resources is encouraging the public to help protect older family members, friends, neighbors and others from elder abuse by learning to recognize the warning signs of mistreatment.

PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B12 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

Thousands of elderly and disabled adults are abused, neglected and exploited in Alabama every year. Last year alone, DHR’s Adult Protective Services Division investigated 10,566 reports of elder abuse across the state. Gov. Kay Ivey declared June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Alabama to raise awareness about the problem.

Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner said, “The older adults in our lives cared for us and kept us safe when we were young and vulnerable. Now, it is time for us to return the favor by protecting them from those who wish to cause physical, emotional and financial harm. We owe it to them to speak up if they are being mistreated.”

An estimated one in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced abuse. Victims include adults of all genders, races and incomes. The problem is expected to worsen as adults live longer and become more dependent on others for care. Alabamians can help protect those at risk by watching for these warning signs:

– Increased fear or anxiety – Isolation from friends or family – Withdrawal from normal activities – Unusual changes in behavior or sleep – Unexplained injuries, bruises, cuts or sores – Unsanitary living conditions and poor hygiene – Unusual or sudden

changes in financial spending patterns, will or other important documents. Report suspected elder abuse by calling the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214, emailing aps@dhr.alabama. gov or contacting a local DHR county office. All reports are confidential and may be made anonymously.

(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

Prattville, AL 36066.

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

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

allowed by law or the same will be barred. BARBARA A. RENIE Executrix Legal Drive 05/27/2021, 06/03/2021 & 06/10/2021

––––––– 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 Center- Butler 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,

Whatley Construction LLC Post Office Box 137 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0137 Legal Run 05/20/21, 05/27/21, 06/03/21 & 06/10/21 ––––––– 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 –––––––

––––––– 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

––––––– 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

––––––– 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

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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Fulltime position of Maintenance Technician for properties in the Opelika, AL. . area. Duties will include, but not be limited to: Promptly handle unit and facility work orders Complete repairs in a consistent and correct manner Provide excellent customer service Work well with other team members

Willing to clean grounds as needed Be well organized to coordinate and perform unit and site inspections Able to complete makeready of units proficiently Ideal candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in apartment maintenance (or similar skills). Candidates should have an understanding of and repair capabilities in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, painting, appliance repair, and/or other tasks related to maintaining the communities in excellent condition. HVAC Certification not

required, but preferred. This position will offer competitive pay and benefit package. Education: High school or equivalent (Required) License or certification: Driver’s License (Required) HVAC Certification (Not required, but preferred) To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at http://www.opelikaha.org/ Default.asp?ID=123&pg=Employment+Opportunities

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THE OPELIKA POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESENTS

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 10, 2021

Like Crossword Puzzles? Sudoku? Play Online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

B15 June 10, 2021

SINCE 1990

Comfortmasters Heating & AC Repair Serving Columbus, Auburn, Opelika & Phenix City

334-521-7222

www.comfortmastersheatingandair.com

'1/a.ssle hee Va.cat:on..Whj Not Ca.II Us. www.mytravelatmidtown.com

334 749 0877 3051 Frederick Road, Suite 7, Opelika -

-

� Circle of Excellence 2008-2011

MilhonA1r 2010 & 2011 & 2012 --------(between Sam:� Club and Tiger Town)

B16 June 10, 2021

We roast all our coffee in house. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

116 S. 8th Street, Opelika

334-363-0390

www.booniehatcoffee.com

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

“Our Mission is Your Health”

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

WE DELIVER!

• Drive Thru Only • Regular Operating Hours • Please Call Ahead on Refills to Avoid Wait

334-364-9993 | 334-364-9997 7667 Alabama Hwy 51, Suite A, Opelika www.beauregarddrugs.com Mon-Fri 8am–6pm | Sat 9am–12pm | Sunday Closed

This week’s puzzle answers:

Buy One Get One

FREE

On Select Recliners

GRAND RAPIDS

SPENCER

Big Man Rocker Recliner

Glider Recliner

121845/46

880444

699

399

$

$

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BO GO

WESTLAND

880445

121071/70

Rocker Recliner

499

599

$

Save $800.90 Reg. $1299.90

$

BO GO

DOYLE

Heat and Massage Lift Recliner

880446/47

599

$

121843

799

$

Save $800.90 Reg. $1399.90

BO GO

FOUNDATION

SAVE$200

with purchase of Legends Signature or Sealy Century Signature Mattress

On Legends Adjustable Base Queen/King

Save $400.95 Reg. $999.95

NORRIS

Swivel Glider Recliner

FREE

Save $300.95 Reg. $999.95

COLUMBIA

Wallsaver Recliner

Dad – the man, the legend, our hero! To all the Dads out there: may your grill skills be epic, your naps be long, your hard work admired, and your recliners sit JUST RIGHT.

Sale on Select Recliners

Save $500.95 Reg. $1299.95

Save up to $459.90 On Isabella, Delilah, Bankers Hill, Stockwell, Ramsbury

Just Right FINANCING TM

Credit options that fit your life including NO CREDIT REFUSED†

† Certain restrictions and exclusions apply. Applicants must meet all State and Federal identification verification requirements and State age requirements. Offer

not available to applicants in default on a Badcock account, or in an active bankruptcy. Offer valid June 8 - June 21, 2021 in-store and online.