Opelika Observer 07-15-2021 E-edition

Vol. 13, No. 40

Thursday, July 15, 2021

pelika Observer O

Opelika, Alabama

Coming this fall to the Gogue Center Turn to A7 to learn more.

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

Point Broadband Announces Relocation of Corporate Headquarters to Opelika CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

to the community. The company has begun to operate a regional warehouse in the city as well.

“We are excited to be in Opelika,” said Todd Holt, Point Broadband CEO. “The decision to relocate to Opelika was made easier by the strong partnership and support we received from city leadership. Opelika is a wonderful community, and we are proud to call it the home of Point

Broadband”.

Point Broadband began its relationship with the city of Opelika in October 2018 when the company purchased the city’s fiber telecommunication assets and operations, formally known as OPS ONE. Currently, the company offers fiber-fast internet service to residents and businesses in the city.

“I am pleased to welcome Point Broadband’s leadership team to our community,”

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES

Point Broadband, a fiber-to-the-home internet service provider operating in 10 states across the eastern U.S., announced last week the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Opelika.

During the initial phase of the company’s relocation, Point Broadband is leasing space until final site preparation can be completed. Once completed, this new headquarters project will bring at least 25 new jobs

said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “We are honored to have an innovative technology company like Point Broadband calling Opelika home and making an investment in our local economy.”

City of Opelika Economic Development Director Lori Huguley said, “We are very excited to have the Point Broadband leadership team become a part of our community. Their decision to choose Opelika is a testament to the wonderful quality of life, great schools and thriving business climate here in our city.”

Greater Peace Community Development Corporation to "Roast" Jay Jones

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM Have you met Lee County’s Sheriff

Jay Jones? Well, if not, the perfect opportunity would be at an upcoming roast of Jones hosted See GPCDC, page A3

INSIDE AUBURN MALL

334-826-0612 Contents OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4

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

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

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

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

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . B13

July 20: Crossroads Crossroads is a five-piece variety band that covers many country and classic rock hits.

A2 July 15, 2021

Soapelika Makes a Splash at The Well Friends make all the difference. Brandy Simpkins realized she wanted to start making soap after a family friend in Florida taught her how to do it.

“She offered, ‘why don’t you come down and I’ll teach you the tricks of the trade and all my secret receipts and all that,’” Simpkins said. “It was such a blessing because she saved me so much in saying, 'These are tried and true. Stick with this and you’ll have a good base to go off of.’ So I got to start there instead of trying to figure it all out on my own.”

The aesthetics of homemade soap was what drew Simpkins to soap-making in the first place.

“I had used her products before so I knew they were wonderful products,” she said. “…

By day one I’m like, this is it. I love this.”

Simpkins recommends investing in homemade soap because consumers know exactly what is in their product.

“You can pronounce the ingredients, you’re

familiar with the ingredients and it’s a very short list that I use,” Simpkins said.

Her main ingredients are coconut oil, shea butter and olive oil.

To achieve different colors, she mixes in other ingredients such as turmeric, coffee grounds or even beets.

Although she started just making for friends and family, now, Simp-

kins runs her own soap company, Soapelika, which can be purchased inside The Well.

The Well is a locally-owned shop on Avenue A — incorporating women-run businesses and products into an inclusive experience.

The space opened on March 20 and includes 15 to 20 newly-launched businesses inside the building, with the hope

that each will eventually be able to launch into its own brick and mortar space.

Simpkins has only been selling her soaps in The Well for a short time but has already found her name recognition growing.

She originally had reached out to Mama Mocha’s about doing a collaboration — soap with coffee grounds.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY SOAPELIKA

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

Mama Mocha’s directed her to The Well.

“She said, ‘have you been to The Well because that sounds like the perfect place for you,’” she said.

Simpkins has dreamed of a retail space, or even just branching out more into other local businesses in Auburn and Opelika.

“My goal would be to keep it local,” she said. “I would like to be in part of stores downtown, the local markets, the farmers markets and keep it local, instead of trying to go online and reach the world. I mean, there are lots of wonderful, talented women who know how to soap.

But, I live here and I

would like my money to go here.”

Visit Simpkins on her Instagram (https:// www.instagram.com/ soapelika/) to see her soaps, sugar scrubs, bath bombs and more, or even request custom orders.

The Well is located at 824 Ave. A, Opelika and is open Monday through Sunday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Reservations are required outside of walk-in hours after 8 a.m. up to 8 p.m.

The Well requests a one-hour notice ahead of the reservation time.

This is the 11th piece in a series of articles on the different businesses that are located inside The Well.

Learn to Garden at KPNC

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM Cyndi Czerkawski is an experienced gardener and educator. She has spent years accumulating knowledge about gardening and is ready to pass it on to Lee County residents through the The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center’s newest workshop series, “In the Garden with Cyndi”.

“My dream has always been to be a garden educator,” Cyndi said. “We are not going to have a paper plate garden party. For those people who are coming, I’m just going to spoil them rotten.”

In the Garden with Cyndi is a fun, causal chance for adults to gather and learn cheap

tricks, get their hands dirty and receive expert advice on a myriad of gardening techniques and best practices.

Happening monthly through the end of 2021, Cyndi will teach participants all about plants and how to keep a garden up.

“There is no wrong way [to garden],” Cyndni said. “It’s just, what is your passion?

What do you love about it? What makes you feel happy and good? What foods do you like to eat? I try to teach it in a friendly way so people aren’t intimidated.”

The next In the Garden with Cyndi is scheduled for Aug. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. This month, participants will learn how to create a backyard filled with

pelika Observer

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

ferns for the fairy folk, a children’s garden with a pole bean teepee or a sunflower play house and a recycled art garden.

AO Tourism describes the class by saying, “Cyndi believes that gardening should be all about the enjoyment of your gardens.

So, in this workshop series, it is through fun and interesting lessons that her classes will teach you everything

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

www.opelikaobserver.com

207 N. 3rd St. Unit B, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved.

Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 207 N. 3rd St., Unit B, 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.

visiting your garden, and if they are friend or foe. Come and discover what might be making holes in the leaves of your lettuce — and get to know some beneficial insects too.

Nov. 7 - Fall Crops & Garden Art: What can you plant in cooler temperatures? Learn how to keep your garden going through the winter. And as you are cutting back those summer plants, don’t let that plant material go to waste.

Get some great ideas for projects you can make.

Dec. 5 - Topiaries and Evergreen in the Garden: Discover some great plants that provide sculpture in the garden.

Then, sip hot chocolate while you and your fellow students get a virtual tour of a winter botanical garden.

“[The class] is out there and a lot of people don’t know about it. I think if people do come they would enjoy it.”

The rest of the workshop series’ schedule is as follows: Sept. 19 - Gardening for Wildlife: Discover shrubs, flowers and trees that support wildlife; and make your own rustic bird feeder.

Oct. 3 - Spiders, Snakes and Scarecrows: Learn who might be

you need to know to install and maintain beautiful gardens that you love.”

Tickets can be purchased for $20 here: www.secure.touchnet.net/ C20021_ustores/web/ product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=4502.

All attendees must wear a face covering and temperatures will be checked upon arrival.

“My happiness is gardening,” Cyndi said.

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A3 July 15, 2021

More Consumers Expected to Save During July Tax Holiday CONTRIBUTED BY THE ALABAMA RETAIL ASSOCIATION With schools and colleges back to in-person learning in the fall, more Alabama parents are expected to take advantage of the savings associated with the state’s upcoming back-to-school sales tax holiday.

Alabama's 16th annual sales tax holiday for school-related items is July 16-18.

This marks the fifth time the annual tax holiday will take place on the third weekend of July.

From 12:01 a.m.

Friday, July 16, until midnight, Sunday, July 18, the state waives its 4% sales tax on school-related supplies and clothing. More than 325 cities and counties throughout Alabama will waive their local taxes as well. Check the 2021 Participating Cities and Counties list to determine if your local communities are participating.

Exempt items include: • Clothing priced at $100 or less per article • School supplies valued at $50 or less per item • Books that cost $30 or less per book and • Tablets, laptops, computers and printers with a selling price of $750 or less.

Learn more at www. alabamaretail. org/alabamasalestaxholidays ShopAlabama to Save Money and Stimulate Sales The sales tax holiday provides

FROM A1

by the Greater Peace Community Development Corporation (GPCDC).

The roast is an annual event that raises money for the corporation, which works to help underserved youth in the community through, after-school care, a pre-K program, summer programs, college tours, a housing program and more.

“We help all of Lee County and East Alabama,” said Clarinda Jones, director of Programs for the GPCDC. “It’s not just an Opelika thing.”

The roast, which will be held on Aug. 14, is the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Tickets are $50 apiece, though organizations can sponsor the event

for $1,000 which will result in a table with eight seats, as well as some other perks.

“This is a fun way to just raise money,” Clarinda said. “You know, who doesn’t want to pay money to see somebody roasted.”

Starting at 6 p.m., guests will have the opportunity for food and music and to socialize before the program begins at 7 p.m.

The Tastes of Lee County, the food portion of the event, includes different vendors from around the county bringing their popular dishes for event-goers to try.

“It’s a great way for vendors, local businesses, to give back to the community but also allows other people to taste what they offer,” Clarinda said.

Jay has been a

supporter of the program since the beginning, Clarinda said.

“He’s participated in all of our fundraisers in the past,” she said “…

Any time we need him, he’s there.”

When deciding who to roast this year, Clarinda said that Jay actually offered himself as an option.

“So, we were like, who doesn’t want to roast Jay Jones?” she said. “I mean, he’s a great guy, but of course, we want to laugh a little bit.”

The person being roasted is allowed to choose who will do the roasting, she said, and Jay has chosen five people.

Anyone in the community who wants to donate outside of the roast can do so by dropping donations at the church, visiting the website (gpcdc200.org)

and there are ways to volunteer in person.

“I just want [people] to come out, support this event, support our vendors, support our roastee this year, Jay Jones, and just give back to a really good cause,” Clarinda said.

“Give to a good cause that gives back to the community."

Pictured above: Event goers enjoy the festivities at a previous year's event

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

GPCDC >>

shoppers a way to save money and support their local economies, especially those local businesses that sell the covered items exclusively, like shoes, children’s apparel, school supply, book and computer stores.

“This year’s sales tax holiday will provide momentum for Alabama’s continued economic recovery,” said Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown.

“Saving money for consumers while stimulating sales for stores is what this weekend is all about.”

For many retailers across the state, the back-to-school sales tax holiday is one of the biggest sale weekends of the year.

Reason for Everyone to Shop Although the sales tax holiday targets back-to-school shoppers, any consumer can benefit from the savings offered during the weekend. A wide range of items are exempt during the holiday, so there is a reason for everyone to shop.

Some of the widely needed items include diapers, printer ink, thumb or flash drives, printer paper and art supplies.

As always, the Alabama Retail Association encourages shoppers to buy from local retailers by promoting the use of the #ShopAlabama hashtag. “Shopping with businesses that have a physical presence in your local area keeps businesses open and your neighbors employed,” Brown said.

A4 July 15, 2021

The Patient

SEAN DIETRICH

T

hey tell me Mrs. Simpson was a small, soft-spoken 90-pound woman without family. And that’s how this story begins.

The lonely, elderly woman was watering her plants one afternoon when she had her big accident. She slipped and fell off her porch.

Hers wasn’t a tall porch, thankfully. But at her age, it didn’t have to be.

The injury was severe.

She was 86.

You fall off your porch at 86, they start

throwing around terms like “celebration of life.”

When Mrs. Simpson awoke, she was in the hospital, eyes blinking.

She saw medical people standing over her, smiling.

Mrs. Simpson’s first hoarse words were: “Will someone please…?”

Everyone gathered around for the rest. “…Please feed my cats?”

This made the doctors laugh. They all exchanged looks and said, “Isn’t there someone in

your family who can do that for you?”

“Got no family.”

“How about friends?”

She shook her head.

“Well, you aren’t leaving the hospital, Mrs. Simpson. Not after all the bones you’ve broken.” “...And I can’t remember if I left the oven on.”

“Try to calm down, Mrs. Simpson.” “...I need my toothbrush, and the trash goes out tomorrow morning…”

So, a few nurses got together to send someone to the woman’s house to do these things.

They watered the plants, checked the oven, packed her an overnight bag and someone even took care of the old woman’s cats.

After a few days, Mrs. Simpson had been transferred to a rehab, where she had all her belongings, including her prodigious collection of paperback romance novels, her big balls of

yarn and her knitting needles.

Over the next months, Mrs. Simpson became the darling of the rehab facility and the favorite patient of many staffers. This easygoing 90-pound woman without a family.

Often, she could be seen sitting upright in bed, working on a garter-stitch pattern, peering over her reading glasses at her visitors.

She had many visitors.

A dozen or more each day. They were all people who worked at the rehab. Many of the old woman’s callers could be seen baring their souls to Mrs. Simpson, while the old woman gently looped yarn around her needles and listened.

“The staff just fell in love with her,” remembers one nurse.

Some employees told the old woman about surly boyfriends, marriage problems or wayward children. Some-

times younger visitors found themselves asking life advice. She helped one young physician ask a woman to marry him.

She helped an orderly figure out that he wanted to get his college degree.

She gave one nurse words that helped her find the courage to leave an abusive marriage.

“She truly helped me.

She was there to let me vent and just talk it out.

She really did care about me.”

Some asked gardening questions. Sometimes people asked for spiritual guidance. Mrs. Simpson even attempted to teach a few of the young rehab workers how to knit. She held communal knitting lessons from her room. Two dollars per student. A girl’s got to make a living.

Mrs. Simpson liked to read her Bible and her Billy Graham books. Although not necessarily in that order. She talked about angels a lot. She

claimed she had seen them before. Some nurses remember that Mrs. Simpson prayed for their families with the aid of a handwritten prayer list she kept by her bed.

And on the day that Mrs. Simpson was well enough to go home, the staff threw a party. They wheeled her out of the rehab and the old gal was carrying more stuff than she’d arrived with bouquets, containers of cookies, stuffed animals, a floppy hat, blankets, cards.

People lining the halls applauded as she passed by. She greeted every well-wisher, kissing every hand, thanking every employee by name.

When Mrs. Simpson arrived back home, a few of the off-duty nurses were waiting for her, dressed in their civies.

They had arranged a caregiving schedule with Mrs. Simpson’s neighbors to water the See DIETRICH, page A5

On Pets, Not Politics ‘To all the rescue cats I have loved before’

GREG MARKLEY

J

uly 10 marked my second anniversary of having this weekly column. It is mainly about weighty subjects

like politics, education and culture. But I decided to write about the seven cats that I have rescued since 1986. This is a public service as readers may be inspired to adopt an animal. Pets will lift you up, as they did for many during the pandemic.

In June, Time magazine said more than 12 million U.S. households have adopted a pet since the virus hit the country.

American Pet Products Association said it’s not rare for people to get pets in a crisis; They are

great companions.

“Pet-keeping has become more intensive, just like child-rearing has,” noted Katherine Grier, author of Pets in America: A History.

The first two felines I got were Mr. Whiskers, a young white and black cat, and six months later Madam Trubbles, a tabby with mostly brown hair. They were adopted at shelters near Atlanta where I lived, in 1986.

Whiskers once crawled up in the rafters as my house was being built;It took three hours to coax

him down. Trubbles was called a “threelegged sloth” as she was missing a toe. Both cats spent five or six years giving me joy.

In 1994 in Berlin, I selected two cats from a shelter. The 12-yearold male was skittish when he went to his new home. He hid in the shelves, and I named him Unforgettable because the famous Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole song was playing when I found him. The female I named Sunset because she was in her

“Sunset years”.

She was 18 ½ when adopted, but I was delighted with both my foreign-born cats. When Sunset died 18 months later, it was in my arms at home in upstate NewYork. Her last year and a half had been happy. Unforgettable was good company for me up to five years after that. A year after Sunset died, I came to Lee County for my new life.

Unforgettable was with me then and so was Riddler. I gave her that name since she was un-

predictable and a “puzzler” just like a riddle is.

Riddler was with me for 16 years, adopted from a shelter in Watertown, New York. She was a true tortoise-shell, very attractive when properly brushed.

As is obvious with my naming cats Unforgettable, Sunset, etc. I like to create names that are original and tailored to individual cats. (In 1976 a Congressional candidate I wrote about named her dog WaterSee MARKLEY, page A5

I Still Remember

WENDY HODGE

T

he other night, I dreamed of my friend, Denise.

She was a funny, comfortable kind of friend who encouraged me and kept me laughing.

She was a wife and a mother and a victim to cancer. In my dream, she was sitting at my table telling a funny story and smiling with her whole heart like she always did. I could feel the warmth from that grin. And when I woke, I was smiling myself.

Because I firmly believe that it is our privilege to remember everyone whose absence leaves a gap in our life, I wanted to share what I wrote

about her several years ago. It is still so true, and I still remember.

Pink water sprays from the courthouse fountain, pink bows are tied to lampposts and the square is a sea of pink t-shirts, caps and a tutu or two. October is breast cancer awareness month, and O Town has turned out to fill the downtown streets.

Every person is a story, and my job is to talk to them. Actually, my job is to start the conversation and then listen. And when I listen, hearts open and stories flow forth. Stories of courage, of loss, of friendship, of grief, but mostly of love. That’s the bottom line, isn’t it?

That’s the period at the end of every sentence in every story this morning — love.

There’s Karen, who lost her twin sister to breast cancer 14 years ago. Her voice cracks when she says her sister’s name.

It’s Kim. Karen is the Breast Health Navigator

at EAMC. She wears a pink tutu and works tirelessly in honor of the twin she misses every day.

There’s Sandra, whose daughter, Jessica, is fighting cancer right now. There is fatigue on Sandra’s face — unimaginable fatigue that comes from carrying the fear and sickening worry a helpless parent feels when their child is fighting for their life.

But Sandra smiles … and walks today.

There’s Virginia, who is a six-year cancer survivor, and her sister, Lori, who insists on having their picture made together, their arms wrapped around each other. They cling because they know the fear of one of them being left without the other.

There’s Pam, who walks in memory of her husband, James, who died of undetected cancer. She walks in the hope that “undetected cancer” will soon be an outdated term. She

walks because there is nothing more she can do for her husband now.

There’s Dr. Obiekwe, who walks for her patients … past, present and future.

There’s Bill, volunteer chaplain at the cancer center, who has seen untold grief and a few miracles, too.

There’s Lisa, who walks with her friend, Kristy. Kristy wears a scarf on her head and courage on her face.

There’s Debra, who walks with her grandsons because she wants them to know the value of giving of yourself.

“We all need each other, don’t we?” she asks.

Yes, Debra, we do.

Indeed.

Feeling just a bit overwhelmed by what’s been shared with me, I drive to the cemetery.

Like the courthouse square, it’s where I go.

Parked so that I can see my sister’s headstone, with the windows down, and the breeze blowing in, I let myself remem-

ber my own reason to Think Pink.

Denise was my friend.

We met at church.

Our children were the same age. We spent Easters at her house in the country, hiding eggs in their massive yard and eating at picnic tables.

They spent the Fourth of July with us, sitting in lawn chairs in our driveway and watching fireworks.

We lived behind the high school, so we had the perfect view without fighting the crowd.

Denise was irreverent and funny. She sang as loudly as she laughed, and she smiled continuously. She struggled with her weight; she doubted her ability as a parent on a regular basis and she called me Wendall. She was a perfect friend.

Denise got tired one summer, not long after the fireworks faded.

She went to the doctor.

Here’s the thing about doctors — like any other profession, there are su-

perb doctors, and there are duds. Denise had a dud. When she told him she wasn’t feeling right, he gave her antibiotics. When she said she wanted a mammogram, he gave her anxiety pills. When she had the mammogram anyway, he gave her the bad news — breast cancer, Stage 4.

I remember that day.

She called me and said, “Wendall, I think I need to cry for a few minutes.

Wanna come over?”

And I did. We cried, and then we planned, and we summoned courage and we resolved to get through this terrible thing.

As the summer was ending, Denise had a double mastectomy. The morning after, I went to see her in the hospital.

Before I even got to her room, I could hear her screaming.

Rushing in, I saw her hanging off one side of the bed. Her call button See HODGE, page A5

A5 July 15, 2021

Local Indie Bookstore Hosts Conversation with Bestselling Auburn Alum and the Voice of the Auburn Tigers CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN OIL BOOKSELLERS Join Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers and John Emerald Distilling Company as we host Auburn alum-turnedbestselling-author Ace Atkins for an evening of conversation and cocktails on July 22.

Atkins will be sitting down with his good friend and Voice of the Auburn Tigers, Andy Burcham, to discuss his novel, The Heathens, the latest book in his popular Quinn Colson series.

We wouldn’t be surprised if Atkins and Burcham cover some SEC football in their conversation as well. Atkins is a New York Times bestselling author, but before that he was part of the Auburn Tigers’ undefeated 1993 season. In fact, he sacked Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel three times in Auburn’s 38-35 win over the fourthranked Gators that season.

The conversation with Atkins and Burcham will kick off at 5:30 p.m.

at John Emerald Distilling Company.

Tickets include a cocktail, a signed copy of The Heathens and the chance to mingle and chat with Atkins and Burcham.

To purchase tickets, visit www. auburnoilbooksellers. com/events/cocktailsconversation-withace-atkins/ or call Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers at 334246-3003.

Ace Atkins is a New York Times Bestselling author and has been nominated for every major award in crime fiction.

State Farm Agents are 'Better Together' in Support of the Opelika Community CONTRIBUTED BY CHRISTIE HILL AND ERIC MCDADE Local Opelika State Farm Agents, Christie Hill and Eric McDade, are joining forces to help support their local community. Together they have started a “Better Together” campaign to highlight the awareness that we can achieve so much more together and have stronger communities when we support each other. They have selected Circles of Opelika to be a benefactor of this program. Both have a mission of helping people succeed, become more educated and live prosperous lives.

For every auto or homeowners insurance quote request received

by Christie or Eric’s office, they will donate $5 to Circles of Opelika.

DIETRICH >>

FROM A4

plants, feed her cats and cook for her.

Her doctors stayed in touch, too, and could

This effort is in conjunction with the State Farm Quotes for Good program where agents choose a local charity to support. As a non-profit organization, Circles of Opelika relies on fundraising events, and donations from businesses and community members. Agents, Hill and McDade are excited to help support their mission.

“As a local business owner, I love having the ability to give back to my community and provide resources to help them succeed,” Hill said. “I’m honored to team up with this great organization and promote their work. I hope others will join with us to make a difference to those served by Circles.”

“State Farm’s Quotes for Good program is a

often be seen making regular house visits after hours, checking on her.

“She became like our project. She helped us; we helped her.”

And now for the part

win-win give back program where we enable community members to support worthwhile, local efforts,” McDade said. “It’s a simple way to give back to help our neighbors while also taking the time to make sure their family’s insurance needs are properly aligned to meet their needs.”

To request an insurance quote contact Christie or Eric and mention Circles of Opelika: Christie Hill, Agent 7512 AL Highway 51 Opelika, Alabama 36804 334-737-6811 and Eric McDade, Agent 907 Second Ave. Opelika, Alabama 36801 334-759-7431 For more information on Circles of Opelika, visit the website at: www.circlesopelika.org.

you knew was coming.

After a few years, Mrs. Simpson’s health declined. She had no family members to attend her funeral visitation, no next of kin. But here’s the

and the Talking Tigers Podcast. He also hosts a weekly show for Auburn athletic teams during their seasons.

John Emerald Distilling Company is a small batch craft distillery located in downtown Opelika.

It offer tours, cocktails and bottle sales in house, and it distributes its spirits throughout Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, New York, California, Colorado and Illinois.

Founded in October 2019, Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers is an independent

bookstore in Auburn.

The store features a specially curated selection of books, card and gifts as well as custom-made drinks. Its namesake pays homage to a family business from a time when a gas station was a filling station, a place where you knew each other, where someone came out to your car to fill up your tank, clean your windshield and catch up a bit. At AOCB, customers can know a friendly face, fill their brain and belly and maybe see a little better when they leave.

shot into Denise’s IV. We cried together for a minute, and then she shook her head and said, “Enough. I have news.”

“Okay,” I said. “Tell me.”

“I’ve decided to have reconstructive surgery.

They’ll take some tissue from my stomach to make new breasts. And it hit me this morning — all these years I’ve felt guilty every time I ate a brownie, and what I’ve actually been doing is growing a new set of boobs!”

With tears still on our faces, we laughed — loud and long. And then her face grew still. Just before she fell asleep, as

I was about to rise and slip out the door, she whispered, “Wendall … here’s the thing … Eat brownies. Laugh loud.

Love your babies. Don’t forget, ok?”

I won’t, Denise. I haven’t.

She died on Christmas Day. At her funeral, a slideshow played on a screen behind her coffin.

Pictures, snapshots of her life, rolled soundlessly by. But I could hear her laughter. I still do.

The Think Pink Walk is just beginning. It’s not too late to get a shirt of my own and walk for Denise. I think I’ll do just that.

gate.) A recent cat-naming is from 2011 when I chose a shelter cat on display at the PetSmart in Montgomery.

I called the young gray and white male youngster “Chase” because we got him at The Shoppes at East Chase.

Further, he was the first new male cat I had adopted in a while, so he was crowned “Chase”; a good masculine name. Two years ago this month, after eight wonderful years with us, he disappeared from our yard.

It was a huge loss for us and very difficult for our dog Emma. (I have lived with four dogs since 2011, and expect to write about them next summer. Call it “equal time.”) Reports of small pets being lost are not new where we live, near Cary Woods. Yet Chase may be out there somewhere, using his wits to survive. I am an optimist, of course.

There is much controversy about whether cats

should be outside a lot.

It depends on the setting — if you have a large yard away from traffic and other danger, a cat will enjoy being out with nature in the daytime. If you keep him or her inside except for trips to the vet, please consider buying a “cat tree” or two, and opening window curtains so the cat can enjoy the sunrise and sunset, as well as flora and fauna.

Speaking of “fauna,” that is our newest cat’s name, the one she had in the shelter. I wanted to study her actions for a week, as practice, and then give her a name that fit her personality.

But we kept the name Fauna. It captures her love of nature, and the fact she is a “fauna”; an animal of a particular region.

I hope it does not take a pandemic or other crisis to find homes for homeless pets. Shelters are available in most counties and mid-tolarge Alabama cities.

Also, many Lee County veterinarians have accepted cats and dogs in

their facilities, from the crowded shelter. That is indeed admirable. It’s more work for the vets, but it is a labor of love.

Some people just don’t like cats, others shun dogs. Cats encourage cleanliness; they are clever; they are entertaining — often, a barrel of laughs; and they are affectionate and caring.

They are definitely intelligent and independent; I applaud that.

We adopted Fauna from Opelika veterinarian Dr. Buddy Bruce and we are delighted with her. A tortoiseshell, she reminds me of Riddler.

Every cat I wrote about is special to me. I say not to one, but to all seven cats: “Unforgettable, that’s what you are.”

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 11 years. gm.markley@ charter.net

thing: the chapel was crowded nonetheless.

It was full of medical staffers.

They were all there.

Rehab nurses, janitors, orderlies, candy-stripers, cafeteria workers,

neighbors, doctors.

“I loved her. I was in a bad place, I needed a way out of an abusive marriage, she helped me find it, she listened to me. She was just …

I don’t know. Good

people. That’s how we all felt about her.

Guess you don’t forget the people in your life who made you feel like you were loved.”

No. You really don’t.

He has written 11 books in the Quinn Colson series and continued Robert B. Parker’s iconic Spenser character after Parker’s death in 2010. A former newspaper reporter and SEC football player, Atkins also writes essays and investigative pieces for several national magazines.

Andy Burcham serves as the playby-play Voice for Auburn Football, Men’s Basketball and Baseball. Burcham co-hosts Tiger Talk, and he hosts The Auburn Tigers Today

HODGE >>

FROM A4

had gotten tangled in the tubes draining fluid from her chest, and the whole thing had fallen to the floor. The fresh surgical sites were being pulled, and she was screaming for help. As quickly but gently as I could, I lifted everything back onto the bed and pushed the button for the nurse.

Denise clung to me, panting and crying. “I knew you’d save me, Wendall.”

Oh, Denise … How I wish I could have.

The nurse came with sweet relief that she

MARKLEY >>

FROM A4

A6 July 15, 2021

CONTRIBUTED BY KATY HARPER DOSS The Hotel at Auburn University has been named a finalist in the 2021 Sharecare Awards for its video, “Peace of Mind: The Hotel at Auburn University Doubles Down on Hygiene Amid Pandemic.”

The Sharecare Awards promote and reward excellence for the best productions and programming in health and well-being.

The video – a finalist in the COVID Care & Pandemic Response category – showcased the Hotel’s ramped up cleaning protocols and safety measures during the pandemic.

“Peace of Mind” is one of 56 finalists chosen across 14 categories for this award, and will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges from the Sharecare Awards Academy.

Health and safety measures showcased in the video include hand sanitizing stations, contact-free check in, hospital-grade disinfectants and high-tech electrostatic sprayers, among others.

“We are delighted that our video – created to provide peace of mind to our guests during their stay – is nominated for this award,” said Hans van der Reijden. “We have

received such positive reviews from guests via social media and poststay reports that indicated the video made them feel more comfortable traveling to our Hotel. What stood out more than anything to our guests was not only the fact that we delivered on our promises in our video, but the level of deeply warm and caring service they experienced at our Hotel. There is nothing like ‘Southern Hospitality,’ and our team members took this to a whole new level during the pandemic. We are excited and honored with this nomination.”

The Hotel’s audio visual team – Jake Wooley, Jordan Cunningham and Kimberly Hyde – planned, filmed and edited the video, which can be viewed on the Hotel’s YouTube channel.

Established in 2019 with the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New York Chapter, which fosters creativity and inspires artistic and technical excellence through the renowned Emmy® Award, the Sharecare Awards celebrate the year’s most inspiring and impactful work that spark awareness and action toward better health.

The Sharecare Awards is operated

through the Sharecare Foundation, a nonprofit entity that Sharecare established in support of this awards program.

More information about the Sharecare Awards is available at www. sharecareawards.org.

About The Hotel at Auburn University Centrally located near the shops and restaurants of downtown Auburn. The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center is just a short walk from the excitement of Auburn University and a diverse array of cultural and entertainment attractions.

Whether in town for the big game, a special party, or a productive business meeting, the Hotel’s 236 guestrooms and suites offer true Southern hospitality in an ideal setting.

For authentic Italian cuisine, visit Ariccia Cucina Italiana, located inside the Hotel.

Adjacent to Ariccia, enjoy Piccolo: Auburn’s only true jazz lounge, with specialty cocktails and a large variety of appetizers and desserts.

The property is owned

by Auburn University and managed with Heart and Soul by Ithaka Hospitality Partners. For additional information or reservations, please call (800) 228-2876 or visit www. auhcc.com.

Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity Receives Donation PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY A-O HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Hotel at Auburn University Named Finalist in 2021 Sharecare Awards

CONTRIBUTED BY AOHFH Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) recently presented Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity (AOHFH) with a $7,000 check to sponsor Habitat Home #71. The PSMC foundation was established by founder, George Jenkins, to improve the lives of those in our community.

It first began supporting Habitat for Humanity in 1989 and has been a consistent supporter of this ministry nationwide ever since.

It recently donated

$2.5 million to Habitat for Humanity affiliates, homeless shelters and other nonprofits to provide housing to those in need and help build hope in communities.

It also has donated $5 million to Feeding America member food banks and other nonprofits to help with ongoing hunger relief efforts.

Publix Super Markets Charities partners with their affiliate annually, and truly appreciates the contributions to help build homes for those in need. Thanks to Jason Bourassa, Publix Super

Market at Hamilton Place Store Manager and Sebastian Lewis, Publix Super Market at The Shoppes at Cary Creek Store manager, for their support of this ministry.

Also, thanks to both Publix stores for consistently giving back to the community.

Pictured above: (LR): Mark Grantham, AOHFH exectuive director, Lisa Whitlow, assistant customer service manager, and Jason Bourassa, Publix Super Market at Hamilton place store manager.

NAMI to Host Meeting July 20 CONTRIBUTED BY DENNIS SHANNON NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI),

will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce which is located at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn. NAMI supports families deal-

ing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy.

There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited.

Downtown Happenings July 15 - 7:30 p.m. Pirates of the Caribbean Trivia in the Jailhouse at Rock n Roll Pinball July 16 - 8 p.m. Open Mic Night in the Jailhouse at Rock n Roll Pinball July 16 - Live music at La Cantina July 16 - Dixon Darling at Resting Pulse Brewing Company Weekend Events July 17 - Live Music at La Cantina July 17 - Cameron Dubois at Resting Pulse Brewing Company July 17 at 8 p.m. David Jones performs in the Jailhouse at Rock 'N Roll Pinball

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS: JULY 16: OPELIKA CHAMBER ANNUAL MEETING JULY 16: KIM RICHEY PERFORMS AT SUNDILLA JULY 17: SUMMER VINTAGE ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

Farm-To-Table Produce Provides Nutritious, Flavorful Sides PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

W

hen I was growing up in Opelika, July was a slow, easygoing month with shelling peas on the front porch or under the Chinaberry tree in the backyard. Both my parents grew up on farms, and they knew how to grow the most delicious vegetables and juicy heirloom tomatoes.

Fresh vegetables were the main staple of our lunches and suppers throughout the summer months. With many farmer's markets in our area now, we are able to savor the flavor of fresh vegetables without the work of having a garden.

It is worth finding a place to park on Glenn Street in Opelika on Tuesday afternoons

from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the O Grows Open-Air Farmers Market. Tables under the white tents are laden with a summer bounty of squash, tomatoes, peaches, eggplants, new potatoes and much more for creating tasty, nutritious dishes at home.

Along with fresh produce, we pick up sourdough bread, braided garlic bread, whole wheat and blueberry lemon bread from the Serenity Farms tent. They are freshly baked by Anna and Liana Freeman, who have been baking wonderful breads and desserts for years.

These breads can make any everyday meal special. They generally have cookies and

peach cobbler as well.

If you are interested in cake for dessert, check out Mary Finley’s tent with an assortment of cakes available by the slice.

Other items available at the market include local honey, jellies and jam.

Located at Town Creek Park in Auburn, City Market offers fresh produce from numerous farmers as well as crafts, among other items.

The market is open Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. at 1150 S. Gay St. Also in Auburn, Heritage Ag Farmers Market provides a chance to pick up fresh produce and homemade items on Thursday afternoons from 3 p.m. until

Roasted green beans with Vidalia wedges and almonds is a tasty side dish to enliven summer meals. Serve a variety of fresh produce while in season to provide nutritious dishes for your family.

6 p.m. at 580 S. Donahue Dr. on the grounds of the Edward L. Lowder Red Barn.

Hosted by the Auburn University College of Agriculture, vendors at the market offer fresh

produce, farm meats, jellies and baked goods.

Along with these summer markets, there are two year round markets. Parkway Farmers Market is

located at 2180 First Ave. in Opelika.

Hours are 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. until See CIPPERLY, page A9

Inaugural Cauldron Crawl in Opelika Set for July 31

BY ABBEY CRANK FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER Calling all muggles and wizards! I solemnly swear there’s a magical night in store for you.

Opelika Library Friends is hosting the inaugural Cauldron Crawl Opelika on Harry Potter’s birthday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m. The night will

begin at John Emerald Distillery and continue throughout Railroad Avenue.

From intoxicating brews to enchanting prizes, Opelika Library Friends board member and event planner Mackenzie Poole knows this will be an evening to remember.

“We’ve been waiting to do something

like this for a long time,” Poole said.

“It’s … just like perfect day, perfect timing.”

It only takes $45 to join the fun, and all sorcerers must be at least 21 to partake.

Each ticket includes multiple items while also supporting the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library: A Harry-themed

Visit Boonie Hat and try the new line of Artisan Pops.

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

party at the Railyard Music Venue in John Emerald Distillery; Four drink tokens for exclusive, spellbinding drinks at Irish Bread Pub, John Emerald Distillery, Red Clay Brewing and Whistle Stop Bottle and Brew; a scavenger hunt map along Railroad Avenue with clues; a cauldron mug with

a feather pen; house pins and prizes.

For those just wanting to join the fun, a $30 ticket is available that does not include drink tokens.

The best-dressed wizard will win a handcrafted wand made out of railroad tracks. For those who finish the scavenger hunt, the prizes will

be given raffle style.

Poole also said the group is hoping this event will fundraise enough money to install musical playground equipment right outside the library.

To purchase tickets and donate, head over to opelikalibraryfriends.com.

It will “Sirius-ly” be a good time.

Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center Announces Fall Schedule CONTRIBUTED BY JAY AND SUSIE GOGUE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University has unveiled its Fall 2021 performance schedule. The autumn lineup boasts more than a dozen performances and features legendary names from the worlds of classical, rock, folk, bluegrass and soul. Tickets for all Fall 2021 performances are now available to the general public.

Standout performers Kenny G, The Beach See ARTS, page A10

A8 July 15, 2021

Deliver Local Love and Elegant Arrangements with Virginia’s Flower and Gourmet Shop Virginia’s Flower and Gourmet Shop in Opelika has tasty treats and beautiful handmade flower arrangements to deliver locally for any special occasion.

Arrangement and basket orders are accepted in-person, through telephone or online.

The shop has a list of arrangement themes for customers to choose from when making their order, however, custom and special request orders are also accepted.

Virginia's Flower and Gourmet Shop provides options for snack baskets filled with

items such as chips, fruit, candies, cookies, chocolates, Cheez-Its and more.

Almost every arrangement at the shop is designed by Weaver

or her friend, Steven Sorrell, store owner of House of Flowers in Valley, Alabama.

Weaver said she buys her flowers from select vendors, but she and Sorrell often buy their inventory together.

“I have two suppliers, one is in Atlanta and one is local, but I’m pretty sure they get them from Columbia,” Weaver said.

The shop is available to deliver to Opelika and surrounding areas, including Auburn, Salem, Beauregard and Beulah.

Virginia’s Flower and Gourmet Shop has been open for many decades, through different owners.

Thirty-one years ago, Weaver’s father bought the business, so Weaver grew up around the works of flower sorting and arrangements.

Weaver was wanting

PHOTO BYABBEY CRANK / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

BY KINLEY BESHERS FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

to go to school for marine biology, but right out of high school, she started working for the shop.

She bought the shop with her husband 18

years ago and has been in business ever since.

“The original owners stayed and helped my dad. So, when I came in, they’re the ones who taught me,” Weaver said.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Weaver has been struggling to find people to work for the business.

Weaver currently has one full-time and three part-time employees and is actively looking for a third.

“I need a designer for sure, then I would also need someone who wants to just, deliver and hang out, do things in here — not make flowers,” Weaver said.

Though COVID-19 has impacted the

amount of Weaver’s active employees, Weaver said the pandemic has also blessed the company in certain ways.

“I hate saying this, but COVID has done wonders for us,” Weaver said.

Because the pandemic prevented people from seeing their loved ones for safety reasons, people often wish to send flowers to friends and family.

“People send flowers as a, ‘hey, I love you,’ or ‘hey, I miss you,'” Weaver said.

She said she is thankful for the amount of support and business she gets from the Opelika community and surrounding areas.

“I just want to thank my community. It has gone above and beyond,” Weaver said.

“I try my best to put back into my community. These are the people that help me so I want to help them, and I have been blessed through this.”

Virginia’s Flower and Gourmet Shop is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Orders can be placed at the location, 131 Columbus Parkway in Opelika or on the website, virginiasflorist.com.

For more information, call Virginia’s Flower and Gourmet Shop at 334-749-1517.

The Rise and Fall of Opelika’s Agave Americana

BY ABBEY CRANK FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Imagine: It’s 2001. You planted an agave plant without knowing it would grow to be over 20 feet two decades later. All of a sudden it begins to bloom and over the next two months, it develops green, finger-like buds, that eventually begin to open showing vibrant yellow flowers.

Before all the buds have fully opened, the asparagus-like plant crashes, ending its lifecycle. This is Christopher Ware’s reality.

The agave americana, also known as the century plant, is not your average find in Alabama, let alone Opelika; Usually, these plants are found in deserts or tropical environments: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Louisiana and Texas.

According to The University of Texas at Austin, the bottom half of the plant ranges from 6 to 12 feet. Once the stalk blooms, the plant can range from 12 to 25 feet.

A healthy americana can last for at least 10 years.

If handled correctly, it can last an average of 30

years.

Ware planted it at his father’s house on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Third Street.

Since May 10, Opelika residents flocked to see the first and final sprout of this plant’s existence.

Cars purposefully drove by daily to keep up with the progress, and Ware made sure to document its journey on Facebook.

This past Friday, the beloved americana could not withstand the strong winds and heavy downpour of a summer thunderstorn. The rain died down, and Ware was left with the 20-foot spurt fallen on his father’s roof.

As much as Ware wanted to save the plant, he couldn’t.

“You can’t just go and handle it because it has juices that will hospitalize you,” Ware wrote on Facebook. “The juices contain raphides which are sharp crystals that can cause severe irritation for up to a year.”

Because the plant has already bloomed, it is not strong enough to be rerooted; the Ware family is now waiting for the juices to settle and say one last goodbye.

These photos show the progressive of the plant between June 12 and July 12.

A9 July 15, 2021

Mika’s Sweets N Treats Sugars Up Auburn-Opelika Area

BY EMERY LAY FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

5 p.m. on Sunday.

Along with produce, you will find a good variety of plants, jellies and frozen items.

The year-round Opelika Farmers Market is open Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. and is located at 411 S. 10th St. The market carries pecans throughout the year from their pecan farm in Notasulga.

Frozen foods, jellies and plants are also available.

Don’t forget Wright’s Market, our locally-owned grocery store that also carries farm fresh produce.

We look for farmers markets when we are out of town. If you are looking for a road trip, you may

pudding in the flavor strawberry cheesecake crunch. Cheesecake push-pops have also been one of the creations at Mika Sweets N Treats.

The company also works to meet custom requests submitted by its customers.

Summers makes every treat in a special area of her house and has a certification license for cooking.

She is happily living with her husband, Antonio Bedell, children – Taderrius (16), Taleyla (14) and

Aliyah (12) – and the family dog, Charlie.

As for the future, Summers said she hopes to one day have a shop where people can come in, shop and relax.

For now, though, Summers said she is “putting God first” and “just patiently waiting.”

To place an order at Mika Sweets N Treats, visit its Facebook page at www. facebook.com/Mika -Sweets- N-Treats194849561 5460014/.

be interested in the farmers market on Saturday mornings at Serenbe, Georgia.

The time is 9 a.m. until noon Eastern.

Along with organic produce from Serenbe Farms, vendors offer meats, prepared food and artisan products.

Serenbe Farms is a certified organic farm located in the Serenbe community.

They produce over 300 varieties of heirloom and hybrid vegetables, herbs and flowers.

They harvest over 60,000 lbs. of produce a year. The Serenbe Farmer’s Market is held on Saturdays through October.

Located in the Chattahoochee Hill Country, the community of Serenbe is nestled in an idyllic setting with an organic farm, restaurants, the General Store with farm produce and gourmet foods and

an inn. With only the sound of birds, the frantic hum of Atlanta traffic seems farther than 30 minutes away.

Serenbe founders, Marie and Steve Nygren, were out for a Sunday afternoon drive with their three young daughters when they stumbled upon the 1905 farmhouse.

While they had seen an ad for the farm, they had no intention of buying. Once they arrived, they found the setting irresistible.

In 1991, they purchased the farmhouse as a weekend home and began renovation. A barn was converted into a guesthouse, and a lake house was built for Marie’s mother, who was the owner of Mary Mac’s Tearoom in Atlanta.

Three years later, the Nygrens left their Atlanta restaurants, the Peasant Restaurant

Group, and moved into the farmhouse.

Marie created the name “Serenbe” by combining “serenity” and “be together.”

With so many friends wanting to visit the tranquil community, the Nygrens decided to open their farmhouse as the Inn at Serenbe, serving meals in the dining room. A vegetable and herb garden, along with abundant flowers, were planted around the inn, and the restaurant was named The Farmhouse.

The Farmhouse is a farm-to-table restaurant using local, organic ingredients from their garden and the Serenbe Farm.

Tables are covered with white cloths and accented with bright red zinnias in the casually elegant setting. Menu items are seasonal and

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY MIKA'S SWEETS AND TREATS

In 2004, Mika Summers was a high school graduate and single mother. Summers, who was born and raised in Lee County, decided to stick around. To provide for her children, she began working tirelessly at a local job.

“I tell a lot of people, there’s a story behind Mika Sweets N Treats,” Summers said. “This is where it all started, from struggling with my kids … And I got tired of struggling.”

She wanted to start a baking business but could not do it by herself. Years passed and eventually, Mika found the support she needed to pursue her lifelong passion of baking.

“I haven’t had my business for long, but I’ve been baking for a long time,” Summers said. “I used to watch my mom. She loves to bake. And I started as a little kid in the kitchen … As I got older and had kids, I just thought, ‘I want

to do it out on my own.’”

2020 was a year of new beginnings for Summers. She said she finally decided to “bump it” and spent the year passionately baking.

“Last year, I was serious,” Summers said. “You’ve got to have the motivation to work – to work for yourself … Like I said, I didn’t have support at first. Finally, I got support.”

This support was the push that she needed to start her small business, Mika Sweets N Treats.

Summers said her years of working at a low-paying job left her struggling to leave it, fraught with financial worries.

Finally, she “stepped out on faith.”

Today, Mika Sweets N Treats serves a variety of desserts.

Amongst the favorites are red velvet cake, cheesecake squares and grape salad — topped with granola and pecans. Other creations include lemon pound cake, topped with an icing drizzle, and banana pudding, with a specialty

prepared from scratch.

Breakfast is hearty with free-range eggs, grits and apple wood bacon.

Yummy biscuits are even more tempting with Serenbe’s own preserves. A fried chicken lunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Dinner is served Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m.

If you decide to take the road trip, remember the times are Eastern. Call The Farmhouse restaurant at 770-463-2622 before going for reservations. Other restaurants at Serenbe are The Blue Eyed Daisy Bakery and Halsa.

Looking at all the farmers’ markets we now have, I think how much my mother would have enjoyed shopping at all of

them. I am amazed at all my mother accomplished during summer, as she froze vegetables, canned fresh tomatoes and made fruit jams. She cooked three meals a day, everyday.

I am thankful that I grew up in Opelika and get to live here now. The more travels we take, the more I realize my haven is in Opelika, and I am always glad to open the door at home, especially when I am carrying bags of farm fresh produce and freshly baked bread from the farmers market.

Look over the following recipes for serving fresh vegetables to your family in the coming week from several of our area’s good cooks.

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.

A10 July 15, 2021

Making the Grade: On the Road to Gadsden and Huntsville

A few weeks ago, my husband Mike and I went on our second trip since September 2019.

This time, we traveled to Huntsville, Alabama, to visit our dear friend Tanya and to go to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center for the first time in several years.

Tanya is one of the most wonderful Christian women whom I have ever had the privilege of knowing.

She taught for 26 years in Alabama and then taught with us at Long Cane Middle School in LaGrange, Georgia, for 10 years. Thirty-six years of teaching. Tanya is a REAL woman, and they don’t come any better.

I was blessed because Tanya taught on my 6th grade team for nine years, and we became good friends, sharing a lot of great times, laughter and stories. For example, once when it was field day, Tanya said to her homeroom students, “Today is field day, and we’re going to win with grace, or we’re going to lose with grace.” A student raised his hand. “Yes?” asked Tanya.

“Who’s Grace?” he asked. You can’t make up this stuff. Six graders are so funny, and they don’t even realize it.

I really miss my kids quite a lot.

Tanya retired from teaching in Georgia in 2016 and moved to Huntsville to be near her family. Mike and I hadn’t seen her since before the pandemic

ARTS >>

FROM A7

Boys, Patti LaBelle, Melissa Etheridge and Ziggy Marley highlight a top-notch list that will make the Gogue Center’s fall season a mustsee for music fans.

The fall season officially begins Friday, Aug. 13, with an outdoor concert by Not Our First Goat Rodeo, featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile and guest Aoife O’Donovan. The Grammy Award-winning supergroup, who are reuniting for the first time in nearly a decade, will perform a collection

at Pruett’s Bar-B-Q. He planned to go on a Monday when the special was meatloaf, and he talked about how good the food was at Pruett’s.

Bragg’s a great writer, in my opinion. I felt that he would know good Southern cooking, and that if it’s good enough for a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, it’s certainly good enough for me.

We went to Pruett’s on a Tuesday. Melissa, our waitress, was a real sweetie, so kind and attentive. Mike ordered the Tuesday special: chicken and dumplings.

Mike really loves this dish. In fact, years ago, he ate three bowls of my Mama’s chicken and dumplings. He weighed

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

hit. We traveled to her lovely home and visited with her for several hours. Those hello and goodbye hugs from my friend were priceless.

It’s so wonderful to get to hug the people you love. I will never again take that for granted.

On the way to Huntsville, we dined at Pruett’s Bar-B-Q in Gadsden. I am a fan of Rick Bragg, a fellow Alabamian and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for journalism. Bragg has also written several books and writes for various magazines.

He currently teaches writing at the University of Alabama, but I don’t hold that against him. Nobody’s perfect,

except the Lord. I’m just joking because I’m an Auburn grad. Don’t email my boss. Mike and I are even going to hear Bragg speak at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University later this month.

In one of his articles during the pandemic shutdown, Bragg wrote about what he wanted to do when businesses opened again. He said he wanted to go to eat

himself after the meal and found that he had gained THREE pounds.

Obviously, the man loves this entrée. For his sides, Mike chose pinto beans and a baked sweet potato.

I ordered Grandma’s on-the-bone fried chicken (surprise, surprise) with fried squash and fried okra. I think you can see the “fried” theme here. The menu said that the wait time on the fried chicken was

25 to 30 minutes. Believe me: It was worth the wait. All of our meal was delicious.

Pruett’s also gets extra points for having Diet Dr. Pepper, my favorite drink.

For dessert, Mike ordered the lemon icebox pie, and I chose the banana pudding.

Pruett’s banana pudding wasn’t made from some instant pudding mix. It was the real deal and tasted like my Mama’s banana pudding. Oh, my

two times. Mike’s pie was also very tasty.

While we were waiting for my chicken to fry, we met a sweet, local lady named Carol, who sat at the table next to us.

Carol said that she was well known at Pruett’s.

She said, “The fried chicken’s so good here, I don’t fry chicken at home any more. I once ate here five times in one week.

It’s that good.”

To me, one of the best things about traveling is meeting great

people like Carol, and Sweet Home Alabama is blessed with a lot of terrific people. Carol asked me to mail her a copy of this review.

Carol, thanks so much for visiting with Mike and me. You are our kind of people. I hope you enjoy reading this.

Pruett’s Bar-B-Q is located at 1617 Rainbow Dr. #5380 in Gadsden. The restaurant is open on Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and is closed on Sunday. If you’re traveling up our beautiful state, stop and eat at Pruett’s. It is DEFINITELY worth the trip.

Tanya, sweet friend, this one was for you. Love you bunches.

Pruett’s Bar-B-Q 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

of all-new music from their self-titled album released in 2020. The group’s upcoming nationwide tour includes only nine engagements, and their stop at the Gogue Center is one of only two scheduled on the East Coast.

In September, the center will present bluegrass icon Del McCoury and the Del McCoury Band, Grammy-nominated R&B singer Candi Staton and LA-based folk-rockers Dawes with special guest Erin Rae. Saxophone legend Kenny G, reggae star Ziggy Marley and rocker Melissa Etheridge are slated for

dates in October, as are The Beach Boys, who are returning for a second engagement following their soldout inaugural season concert. Chart-topping bluegrass singer-songwriter Sierra Hull and blues rock guitarist Boz Scaggs will also perform in October.

The Gogue Center will welcome the “Godmother of Soul” and Grammy Hall of Famer Patti LaBelle, as well as award-winning humorist and Auburn alumna Jeanne Robertson, in November.

The fall season will conclude with matinee and evening performances of “Rudolph

the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical” — the center’s first Broadway production since reopening in Spring 2021 — on Sunday, Dec. 12.

While most performances will return to the Walter Stanley and Virginia Katharyne Evans Woltosz Theatre, a few select engagements will be presented outdoors at the Amphitheatre at the City of Auburn Lawn and Porch. A complete schedule of all Fall 2021 performances with dates, times, venues and ticket links is listed below.

FALL 2021 PERFORMANCES

Not Our First Goat Rodeo: Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile, with guest Aoife O'Donovan Friday, Aug. 13 7:30 p.m.

Del McCoury Band Friday, Sept. 17 7:30 p.m.

Candi Staton Saturday, Sept. 18 7:30 p.m.

Dawes with special guest Erin Rae Thursday, Sept. 30 7:30 p.m.

An Evening with Kenny G Saturday, Oct. 2 7:30 p.m.

The Beach Boys Tuesday, Oct. 5 7:30 p.m

Ziggy Marley: A Live Tribute to His Father Wednesday, Oct. 6 7:30 p.m.

Sierra Hull Thursday, Oct. 14 7:30 p.m.

Boz Scaggs Monday, Oct. 18 7:30 p.m.

Melissa Etheridge Tuesday, Oct. 19 7:30 p.m.

Patti LaBelle Sunday, Nov. 14 7:30 p.m.

Jeanne Robertson Friday, Nov. 19 7:30 p.m.

Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer: The Musical Sunday, Dec. 12 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

A11 July 15, 2021

SnapStand Photobooth Takes Photography to the Next Level

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> ROASTED GREEN BEANS WITH VIDALIA WEDGES AND ALMONDS 1 lb. green beans, trimmed 1 Vidalia onion, sliced into wedges 1 to 2 Tbsp. olive oil ½ Tbsp. lemon juice Kosher salt ½ cup roasted almonds Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine green beans and onion wedges; toss with olive oil and salt. Roast for 15 minutes; check for desired doneness.

If needed, roast a few minutes longer.

Onions may need a few minutes more to caramelize.

Toss beans with lemon juice and almonds.

OVEN ROASTED NEW POTATOES 2 lbs. new potatoes 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 to 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and pepper Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spread potatoes on cookie sheet.

Scatter garlic over potatoes. Coat lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and season potatoes with salt and pepper. Roast until tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.

SMASHED NEW POTATOES Lynn Paterson 12 whole new potatoes Kosher salt and pepper to taste 3 Tbsp. olive oil Minced rosemary (or other herb) to taste In a medium saucepan over medium heat, boil potatoes in lightly salted water until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Drain.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place po-

tatoes on a baking sheet. Using a potato masher, gently press down to mash each one. Rotate masher 90 degrees, then mash again. Drizzle potatoes with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt, pepper and rosemary. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.

FRESH CORN CASSEROLE Lynn Patterson 8 ears corn, husked, kernels shaved off the cob 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced 2 fresh jalapenos, seeded and diced (some seeds if you like spicy) 1 stick butter 1 cup heavy cream Salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine corn, bell pepper and jalapenos in a bowl. Add butter, cream, salt and pepper. Pour into a buttered baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Stir before serving to coat corn in creamy mixture.

MAMA’S SQUASH CASSEROLE Fran Plott 1½ lbs. yellow squash, sliced 1 cup chopped onion 1 egg, beaten 1 Tbsp. sugar ½ stick butter Breadcrumbs (or Panko or crackers) ½ cup mayonnaise 1½ cups grated cheddar cheese ½ cup chopped pecans Salt and pepper to taste Boil squash and onions with salt and drain.

Put cheese and melted butter in a bowl with drained squash on top.

PHOTO BY MAGGIE CARAWAY / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

SnapStand Photobooth has made “selfies” a thing of the past.

Owner, Katy Doss, created a device that “allows customers and guests to be the stars AND the photographers,” according to the SnapStand website, www.snapstandphotobooth.com.

SnapStand Photobooth is a fully interactive open-air photobooth that allows customers or guests to control the shots. The contraption stands on its own and has an iPad

that acts as the control screen. “The iPad takes the photo, but it runs off of a special app just for this machine, so it can do all kinds of different videos, short videos, boomerangs … you can also customize the color overlay,” Doss said.

Once the photo is taken, customers or guests have the capability to immediately access it via email or text message. They can also access all the photos that were taken at the event.

Additionally, all photos taken can be live-streamed during the event using a smart TV. Doss said she wanted

LOGO CONTRIBUTED BY KATY DOSS

BY MAGGIE CARAWAY FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

to offer the SnapStand Photobooth to the Auburn/Opelika community not only because it was fun but because it had many capabilities for businesses. “It's fun

for parties and weddings and things, but we're really focusing more on the business aspect. And basically, if a business

Beat egg and add sugar and mayonnaise, and mix well with the other ingredients.

Put in greased casserole dish. Spread breadcrumbs and pecans on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 35 minutes.

iron pan for risotto.) While bacon is cooking, heat stock in another pot. Once the bacon is to your desired crispness, remove and set aside.

In the same pan with bacon drippings, add onion; sauté until slightly translucent.

Then add corn that has been removed from the cob and the rice. Sauté for about 3 minutes, then slowly start adding your liquid.

Add stock a ladle full at a time and stir constantly. The more you stir the creamier the risotto will be.

When most of the liquid has absorbed, add another ladle.

Keep doing this for about 20 minutes.

Then start tasting the risotto. The rice should be slightly al dente; you don't want it to be mushy.

If you need more than 3 cups stock, use more. If you need less, use less.

When you've added all the stock, stir in Parmigiano Reggiano and add bacon.

ZUCCHINI PIE Nancy McCrory 9-inch pie shell 1 tomato, sliced 1 lb. zucchini, about 4 medium-sized ½ cup chopped onion ½ cup chopped bell pepper 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup mozzarella cheese Place the sliced tomato in the bottom of pie shell. Sauté zucchini, onion and bell pepper in oil until tender. Spread over tomato. Combine mayonnaise and mozzarella cheese; spread over zucchini.

Bake at 350 degrees until cheese topping is golden brown.

SUMMER CORN AND BACON RISOTTO Emma Jane Hunt The classic Italian dish gets a Southern makeover with fresh, sweet corn on the cob and thick cut bacon.

2 ears sweet corn, husk removed and corn cut off the cob 2 strips thick cut sugar-cured, pepper-crusted bacon, diced 3 cups chicken stock 3/4 cup arborio rice 1/2 onion, diced 1/2 cup fresh shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese Start by rendering down the bacon over medium-low heat. (I recommend using a good enameled cast-

See SNAPSTAND, page A12

SIMPLE GRILLED VEGETABLES Emma Jane Hunt This simple side is a great way to round out any meal and take advantage of the summer’s best produce.

1 eggplant 2 zucchini 2 yellow squash Extra virgin olive oil 4-6 leaves of fresh basil, cut into thin ribbons Cut all vegetables length-wise into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick. On a well-oiled grill (a grill pan also works great), cook vegetables for 2 to 4 minutes per side.

Adjust cooking time for how crisp or soft you like your vegetables.

Place cooked

vegetables on a plate and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with basil.

PARMESAN OKRA Julia Pipes 1 lb. fresh okra, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices 2 Tbsp. olive oil ¼ cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs 2 tsp. Greek seasoning ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese Sauté okra in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp and tender. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and seasoning, and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

STELLA’S REFRIGERATOR ZUCCHINI OR CUCUMBER PICKLES Paula Harris 2 cups sugar 1 cup white vinegar 1 tsp. celery seed 2 tsp. salt Mix above ingredients until sugar is dissolved. Add 8 cups sliced zucchini or cucumbers. Then add the following: 3 large stalks celery, sliced 1 green pepper, sliced 1 cup sliced onions Makes half a gallon. Refrigerate 24 hours before serving for best flavor.

SOUTHERN SQUASH CROQUETTES 2 cups yellow squash, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped 1 egg, beaten 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper ½ cup plus 1 Tbsp.

all-purpose flour Vegetable oil In a large bowl, combine squash, onion, egg, salt and pepper. Mix well. Stir in flour In a skillet, heat ½ inch oil over medium-high heat. Drop batter by tablespoonful into oil.

Cook about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown, turning once.

Drain croquettes on paper towels. Makes 6 servings.

ROASTED TOMATOES Ann Yeargan A favorite family dish.

12 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise, cored and seeds removed 4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1½ Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 2 large garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp. brown sugar Kosher salt Freshly ground pepper Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Mix oil and vinegar and pour into a Ziploc bag with tomatoes to coat. Arrange tomatoes on a sheet pan (lined with foil) cut sides up, in a single layer. Sprinkle garlic, sugar, 1½ tsp. kosher salt and ½ tsp. pepper and drizzle with remaining oil and vinegar. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, until tomatoes are beginning to caramelize. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Note: I put all ingredients into a Ziploc bag and mix well. Then add tomato halves and marinade for about 30 minutes.

Place in single layer on foiled lined cookie sheet. Drizzle the marinade over the tomatoes and roast for 25 to 30 minutes. I like mine cooked at least this long until some are browning.

A12 July 15, 2021

SAVE THE DATE - SEAL THE STAGE PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVE

BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER Opeika Theatre Company invites the public to join the cast of its upcoming play "The Descendants" on Sunday, July 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. for a special event.

The theatre company has been working to improve the stage in the historic "Brown School", now known as the Southside Center for the Performing Arts.

All sponsors, cast members, volunteers and

those that have an interest in preserving the arts, are invited to leave their "print" in the stage before it is sealed. Items to be placed

in a time capsule which will become a part of the stage are also encouraged.

During the event, the Descendants cast will

give a sneak peek of its upcoming performance which is scheduled for July 30, 31 and Aug. 1, 6, 7 and 8.

Running Life’s Greatest Race

ALBRITTON

I

remember vividly my flight into Nome, Alaska. After flying from Mobile to Chicago, I had enjoyed a pleasant Delta ride into Anchorage.

There, I was surprised to learn that the flight into Nome was being delayed by weather conditions. Three hours passed as we waited impatiently.

Finally, we heard this announcement: “Folks,

SNAPSTAND >>

FROM A11

rents this, we create a custom photo overlay so we can put the business's logo in the corner of the photo or video or GIF or whatever,” she said.

The start screen as well as the messages and/or logos are completely customizable.

Doss and her team provide all design services for their clients. This added feature is extremely appealing and beneficial to businesses because when someone uses the SnapStand Photobooth and shares the picture to social

we are ready to board your flight. We are going to try to make it into Nome, though if the weather gets worse, the pilot may have to bring you back to Anchorage.” The word “try” made me more than a little nervous.

But nervousness soon turned to fear when, after what seemed a short flight, the pilot asked us to fasten our seat belts and said, “We are going to try to land in Nome.” There was that word “try” again.

Snow was all I could see out of my window seat so it was obvious we were landing in the midst of a snowstorm.

In a moment like that, if you have never prayed a prayer in your life, you will then, and I was praying hard for a

safe landing. About the time we should have felt the wheels touching down on the runway, the pilot gunned the engines and aborted the landing. Quietly, he announced that he would fly around a bit and then “try” another landing. All on board were applauding when the second attempt proved successful. I have never been more thankful to feel the wheels touch the runway.

I was in Nome for a preaching mission sponsored by all 10 churches in the small town. It was a unique experience. I enjoyed a meal in the home of a gracious Eskimo family, got to ride on a dog sled and discovered what it was like to be in broad daylight

at 10 p.m. It was there that I learned about the Iditarod Dog Sled Race which begins in Anchorage and ends in Nome. The Iditarod occurs every March as the mushers — what they call dogsled drivers — use teams of dogs to pull their sleds a 1,000 miles while competing for money and other prizes.

The race takes eight to 14 days to complete, with dogs being forced to run about 100 miles a day. Many people are rightly concerned about the cruelty suffered by the dogs. Since the first race in 1973, more than 150 dogs have died during the Iditarod.

What interests me is the way young adults are willing to accept the challenge of running

a team of dogs in this race and other races like it. The race is run in the bitterly cold wind and snowstorms and on dangerous ice, in temperatures as low as 60 degrees below zero. Already, some 50 young men and women have signed up to compete in the 2022 Iditarod, scheduled to begin on March 5.

Though some young adults are unwilling to work these days, there are thousands of others across the world who are dedicated to winning races like the Iditarod and the Olympics. They are willing to make great sacrifices in order to win money or a gold medal. These young adults remind us that youth love a

challenge; that should inspire those of us who are followers of Christ to work more earnestly to recruit our youth for the greater challenge of serving Christ. We must continue to urge our youth to get connected to Jesus and join with us in running life’s greatest race, the race that requires our all in order to share our Lord’s mission to bring all people into the Kingdom.

So, as long as I have breath left, I plan to use it to challenge young people to accept the challenge to live for Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbors to the end that all people, and dogs as well, may live in a world of peace, justice and kindness.

media, the business’s logo will be shared as well.

SnapStand Photobooth is a division of Here Molly Girl, a full-service marketing and design firm. Doss started Here Molly Girl five and a half years ago and named the company after her beloved first dog. According to their website, “Here Molly Girl combines the best of a traditional marketing and design firm, with unique aspects that truly benefit our clients. We are a virtual company, allowing all our employees to work from home – wherev-

er home is. When we need to get together, we have a creativity space in Auburn that’s ideal for brainstorming and meetings. Our team has flexible schedules that accommodate real life in the 21st century.

This equals happy employees, efficient work without the typical office distractions and more affordable rates for our clients.”

In addition to her astounding success with Here Molly Girl and the new addition of SnapStand Photobooth, Doss was named the 2020 Young Business Person of the Year by the Auburn Chamber of

Commerce.

SnapStand Photobooth has only been up and running for about three weeks now but has already captured photos from one event and is booked for several more in the near future. SnapStand Photobooth is perfect for annual meetings, Greek life formals, ribbon-cutting events, tailgates, fundraisers, weddings or birthday parties.

In addition to providing events with the SnapStand Photobooth, Doss and her team will also include a box of props to amp up the fun.

“The party is always better with a SnapStand Photobooth!” For more information visit www. snapstandphotobooth. com or email info@

snapstandphotobooth. com. Also, check out the SnapStand Photobooth Facebook and Instagram pages, @ snapstandphotobooth.

1 OUT OF 10

ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:

Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Thereʼs no excuse for

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“This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”

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Funding provided by the USDOL, ETA, Federal WIOA. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

A13 July 15, 2021

Noise Reduction At their worst, they can interfere with our sleep, disturb our peace and disrupt our focus.

The church in Ephesus was dealing with more than its share of backBRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th ground noise. There were Street Church of Christ people teachings things in Opelika that weren’t true (1:3), engaging in “controverhere’s backsial speculations” and ground noise “meaningless talk” (1 (think of the Timothy 1:4,6). There gentle lapping of the were “godless myths” ocean or a peaceful and “old wives’ tales” rain falling) and there’s (4:7), as well as “godbackground noise (a less chatter” and “the baby’s prolonged cryopposing ideas of what ing, a dog’s continued is falsely called knowlbarking). Those in the edge” (6:20). There was first group are pleasa lot of noise at Ephesus! ant, while those in the Timothy’s task was to second group are not. quiet things down. He

T

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

couldn’t eliminate all of the noise (no one can), but he could dampen its impact by showing it was just noise and not something they really needed to pay attention to or be disturbed by. Moreover, through the public reading of Scripture and his preaching and teaching, he could provide the soundtrack for them to live by (4:13).

Twenty centuries later, we’re louder than ever. Our culture majors in background noise: social media, talk radio, television, our playlists, streaming services, etc.

There is a steady stream of verbiage and imagery pouring into our lives.

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN

A study from the University of California at San Diego suggested we deal with 34 gigabytes of information each day.

In 1 Timothy 2:2, Paul encourages Timothy to pray for “kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Peaceful, quiet lives are conducive to godliness and holiness. Too much noise is not. It’s no coincidence that David speaks of being led beside “quiet waters,” or the psalmist tells us to “Be still and know that I am God” (46:10). While God can certainly give us peace within any storm,

noise reduction on our part is working in harmony with His purposes.

Quiet allows us to listen deeply and process fully as opposed to hearing superficially and not remembering anything 10 minutes later. Absorbing God’s truth and experiencing His presence enables us to cut through the din of voices telling us confusing, contradictory and destructive things. It allows us to live lives that are “in step with the Spirit” and full of His fruit (Galatians 5:25).

What are you doing to reduce the noise in your life so you can fully focus hearing God?

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Vacation Bible School Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave, Opelika, AL 334-745-2482

Proverbs 16: 3-4

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 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 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700

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

EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054

PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889

METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.d.a. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OPELIKA The following are held in-person and online on Sundays: Traditional Service in The Worship Center at 8:30 and 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.

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Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003

A14 July 15, 2021

OBITUARIES Shirley Pat West Cox Shirley Pat West Cox, age 92, passed away at her home on July 5, 2021, surrounded by her family and love.

Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday 7/8/21 at 1 p.m. CST at the First United Methodist Church in Opelika, Alabama, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3 p.m. CST in the sanctuary of the church. Burial will be the following day, Friday 7/9/21 at 1 p.m. CST, at Pebble City Baptist Church in Sale City, GA. Pat was born 3/8/1929 in Pelham, Georgia, the daughter of Johnnie Mae (Leary) and Forrest Brinson West. After marrying, Pat lived in Tifton, Georgia, for 66 years before moving to live with her daughter at Lake Martin, Alabama.

She was a 66-year member of the First Baptist Church, Tifton, Georgia, and a member since 2018 of First United Methodist Church in Opelika, Alabama.

Throughout her life, Pat was a very active participant in all facets of church life. She was member of Blanch Chapter No. 8 Order of the Eastern Star (OES), Tifton, Georgia, holding numerous positions before serving as Worthy Matron, District Grand Deputy for District 18 OES for the State of Georgia, and a frequent representative to the Georgia Grand Chapter OES. She was active in leadership of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Tifton Shrine Club and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Tifton Marching Patrol of Hasan Temple. She served with her husband, on the Transportation Committee for driving children to the Shrine Hospitals for Crippled and Burned Children.

To know Pat was to love her, and to truly know the love and character of Jesus. The fruit of God’s spirit defined her. She was loving, kind, gentle, patient, and incredibly faithful. She was genuine, sincere, and a source of comfort and servanthood.

Pat had an enduring strength and unlimited abilities she loved to share with others. A few of which were cooking, baking, catching and cleaning fish, shelling peas, pushing a lawnmower, shelling on the beaches, sewing, whittling, painting, and gardening. Pat was a captivating storyteller and a selfless caretaker

throughout her life.

She had a vibrant smile and spirit of joy and positivity that left an impression on all who knew her.

Her spunky, playful spirit was treasured by the youngest to the oldest. She was loved, because she fiercely loved and it drew others to her.

In her later years, as far as she traveled, she was dearly known as “Grandma”. Far beyond her family, Pat is loved and will be missed by many, many friends across the country who were privileged to participate in her life.

Preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Jim M. Cox Jr., and by one great-grandson, Pat is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Leary and Belinda Cox of Columbia, South Carolina; one daughter and son-inlaw, Beth and Larry Wieczorek of Lake Martin, Alabama; six grandchildren, Sabria (& Shayne) Phillips, Carmen (& Justin) Potts, Andrea Cox, Brian (& Sara) McConville, Elizabeth (& Bryan) Calhoun, Michael (& Stephanie) McConville and 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, E. Earle West of Chattanooga, Tennessee; one brother-in-law, Cary (& Muriel) Cox of Baconton, Georgia; two sisters-in-law, Eunice Hurst of Climax, Georgia, and Phyllis Cox of Sale City, Georgia; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the REACH Community Respite Ministry in Auburn, Alabama.

For the last two years of her life, Pat benefitted greatly from participation in their memory care program. Donations may be made to: Auburn United Methodist Church with “REACH” noted on the memo line, PO Box 3135, Auburn, Alabama 36831. www. reachrespite.org Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

–––––––

Nancy Darden Self Nancy Darden Self, 71, of Opelika, Alabama, (formerly of Midfield and Hueytown) passed away on Monday, July 5, 2021.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 46 years, Wesley “Buster” Self; and her father, Fred Darden. Nancy is survived by beloved daughters, Lisa Self

and Karen “KK” Self Burton and her husband, Jake; loving, spoiled grandsons, Wesley and Patrick Modling, Charlie and Joey Burton; mother, Frances Darden; and an abundance of relatives and friends.

Nancy enjoyed many activities with her fellow “Recycled Teenagers” and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed traveling, especially when Buster was with her. A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, July 9 at 1 p.m. at the Opelika SportsPlex Adult Activity Center. “May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”

–––––––

Theodore “Ted” Watkins Theodore "Ted" Watkins of Opelika was born Nov. 16, 1940 and died July 3, 2021 surrounded by family at his bedside.

He was 80 years old.

He attended Opelika High School in the late 1950s and played on the OHS football team. He joined the Opelika Fire Department in 1959 and retired as Deputy Chief in 1990. Offduty, he spent his early years hunting, fishing, boating, and camping on and around Lake Martin.

Post retirement, he dedicated his time operating Twin Pines Mobile Home Park which he developed in the early 1970s, along with spending time with his family and in his home workshop.

To know him was to know a man with a heart bigger than life. He will be truly missed by his family and all those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rebecca Watkins, his children, Mike Watkins (Debbie) of Auburn, Alabama, Dorothy WatkinsAtcheson (Marlin) of Millbrook, Alabama, Shane Manley (Laura) of Opelika, Alabama, Lisa Colley of Opelika, Alabama, Jennifer Day of St. Louis, Mizzouri, and his 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Johnny F. Watkins and Mrs. Annie Bell Watkins (Opelika, Alabama), two brothers, Charles R. Watkins and Fred A. Mitchum, and three sisters, Yvonne Quinton, Polly Grimes, and Jean Watkins.

Visitation was held Wednesday, July 7, 2021 in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home from 5 until 7 p.m.

Funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 11 a.m. with Sylvia Houze officiating. Interment will follow at Garden Hills Cemetery.

The Opelika Fire Department Honor Guard will escort Mr. Watkins to the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Living Way Ministries Church where he was a member. 1100 Old Columbus Road, Opelika, Alabama 36804.

–––––––

Dr. Jane B. Moore A Memorial Service for Dr. Jane B. Moore, a Keeper of the Auburn Spirit, will be Friday, July 16, at 2 p.m. at the Auburn First Baptist Church, with visitation immediately following.

A graduate of the University of Alabama, Jane Moore came to symbolize all that is good and true about Auburn and the Auburn Spirit. She exhibited Auburn's belief in the Human Touch as much as anyone who has ever held a leadership position at Auburn University.

She was a much beloved member of her family, her church, her community, and her university. Her quick smile, her gentle laugh, her loving care and concern, and her wry sense of humor endeared her to all she met. A stranger was a friend she had not yet met.

Jane was a pioneer at Auburn. She was the first woman appointed to the Faculty Athletics Committee and later served as Faculty Chair of Athletics, a role the beloved Cliff Hare (JordanHare Stadium) held for many years. Like Hare, she, too, had an athletics facility named in her honor, the Jane B. Moore Softball field.

Dr. Moore made significant professional contributions to Auburn University over a 28-year career on the faculty of the College of Education and the Department of Health and Human Performance, now the School of Kinesiology. A pioneering researcher in motor development, her academic work advanced the understanding of how children move and learn to move.

Born in 1935, Jane began her education

in her beloved Dozier, Alabama, graduating from Dozier High School 1953. She earned an undergraduate degree from Judson College and then went on to earn a Master's Degree from the University of Tennessee. Her first teaching position was at Livingston State University, while there she continued her education at the University of Alabama in the Doctoral Program.

Jane came to Auburn in 1969 after earning her Doctorate in Physical Education from the University of Alabama.

She was the cousin of the late Mal Moore, former Athletics Director at the University of Alabama. During their working years, the relationships between their respective institutions were at an all-time high. She also served on the Executive Committee of the Southeastern Conference and numerous NCAA committees.

Her service to Auburn has been recognized with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and the Pam Sheffield Award which recognizes Auburn women who exemplify grace, character, selfless service and commitment to Auburn students, faculty, alumni and staff. The Auburn Alumni Association recognized her with their highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award.

She is preceded in death by Tolbert and Evelyn Moore. She is survived by friend, Dr. Virginia Hayes, and brother-like cousin Dr. Conrad Merrill and cousin and caregiver Suzanne Zorn Boyington and a world of other cousins and friends. Appreciation is expressed for dedicated caregivers Melissa Huguley, Christela Dumas and Mary Melton and many helpful friends.

Memorial gifts may be made to the scholarship named for her mother, the Evelyn Moore Endowment, at the Auburn University Foundation or the Community Market of the Food Bank of East Alabama.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 17, at 2 p.m. in Zion Cemetery, Leon Tower Road in Dozier.

–––––––

Tara Nanette McKemie Tara Nanette

McKemie of Opelika was born in Opelika on April 26, 1972 and passed away at her home on July 11, 2021. She was 49 years old.

She was a member of Chewacla Baptist Church.

Tara was preceded in death by her mother and father, Nancy and Robert McKemie, as well as her grandparents.

Tara is survived by her sisters, Tanya Norris, and Rhonda McKemie, nieces, Leighann Sims (Joshua), and Jessie McKemie, nephew, Justin McKemie, great niece, Amia Sims and fur baby, Puma.

Visitation will be held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 4:30 until 5:45 p.m.

Memorial service will be held at 6 p.m.

Thursday, July 15, 2021 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home with Rev. Drue Tubbs officiating.

–––––––

Andrew (Andy) Joseph Dupree Andrew (Andy) Joseph Dupree of Opelika (Beauregard), Alabama, passed away on July 8, 2021 after a long illness.

Andy was born in Opp, Alabama on March 27, 1962 and spent most of his life in Opelika.

Andrew was preceded in death by his father, James M. Dupree. his brothers Timothy J. Dupree and Douglas M. Dupree.

He leaves behind his mother, Evelyn W. Dupree of Opelika, sister Kathy D. Jones (Barry) of Birmingham, sisterin-law Kathy D. Lynch (Jerry) of Dadeville, Alabama, niece Erin D. Sluder (Jeff), nephew James/Jay E. Dupree (Amanda), niece Katherine (Katie) J. Corley (Josh), niece Meredith (Meri) J. Stodghill (Josh) and 13 grand-nieces and nephews with another grand-nephew on the way. He also leaves behind his beloved dog Kookie, she has been by his side for the last five years.

Graveside services were on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in the Beauregard Community with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Providence Baptist Church Building Fund of Opelika.

A15 July 15, 2021

Auburn Bed-and-Breakfast Holds Ribbon Cutting CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Auburn and Opelika Chambers of Commerce held a joint ribbon cutting for Auburn Bed & Breakfast at Shoofly Farm located at 5440 US 431 in Waverly. Auburn Mayor Ron Anders cut the commemorative ribbon. This beautiful property is a hidden gem for travelers to both communities where they have the option of a rustic retreat and an upscale, modern bed-and-breakfast experience while visiting our area.

EAST ALABAMA HEALTH WELCOMES

EAST ALABAMA HEALTH WELCOMES

Kerri S. Bevis, M.D.

Laura B. Hughes, M.D.

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

Kerri S. Bevis, M.D. is a gynecologic oncologist at Spencer Cancer Center.

Dr. Bevis is originally from Birmingham, Ala. and earned her medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she also completed her fellowship.

Dr. Bevis was initially drawn to gynecologic oncology because it is a rare specialty that allows for true comprehensive care of women with cancer, and provides an opportunity for longitudinal care for patients over many years of their lives.

Dr. Bevis has received several awards, including the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award in 2019 from the UAB School of Medicine, and is excited for the opportunity to make high quality cancer care more accessible for women in Lee County and the surrounding areas.

Dr. Bevis and her husband have two children, Chandler and Ellery.

When she is not working, Dr. Bevis enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family, exercising, and gardening.

SPENCER CANCER CENTER 2501 VILLAGE PROFESSIONAL DR. OPELIKA, AL 36801 334-528-1070

eamc.org

RHEUMATOLOGY

Laura B. Hughes, M.D., M.S.P.H. is a member of the team at East Alabama Rheumatology Center.

Dr. Hughes earned her medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honors.

She completed a residency in internal medicine, including a chief medical resident year, at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham, Ala. She completed her fellowship training in clinical immunology and rheumatology at UAB, where she remained on faculty for 18 years.

Dr. Hughes is originally from Ormond Beach, Fla. She and her husband, Robert, have two children, George and Charlie. In her spare time, Dr. Hughes enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, music, and attending Auburn University sporting events.

EAST ALABAMA RHEUMATOLOGY CENTER 2000 PEPPERELL PARKWAY OPELIKA, AL 36801 334-528-6610

eamc.org

A16 July 15, 2021

COMICS

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

S

S

School Board Meetings Opelika: July 27 at 4:30 p.m.

Lee County: Aug. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

INSIDE • OPELIKA SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS

Auburn: Aug. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Opelika’s Booth Set to Join AHSAA

ON THE MARK D. MARK MITCHELL

Opelika Falls in Dixie Youth Baseball State Tournament

T

staff at West Ridge.

No way the tournament would have been a sucess without the help of these people.

I will update Opelika Dixie youth in next weeks column COACH BOOTH LEAVING OHS, TAKES JOB WITH AHSAA I have learned over time, "all good things come to an end". That statement hit OHS this week as longtime OHS girls basketball head coach Devin Booth resigned to take a position on the executive staff at the Alabama High School Athletic Association. Booth took over the OHS girls basketball program in 2009.

Prior to coming to Opelika, Booth guided Samson high school to a 31-1 record and a State Championship in 2006-07 , followed by a 26-5 record and See SPORTS, page B4

with the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association (AHSADCA) as well as working directly with a number of championship sports including basketball, volleyball, softball, bowling and cheer.

Booth spent 21 years coaching and teaching at the high school level. She served as varsity girls’ basketball, volleyball and golf coach and assistant athletic

director during her tenure at Opelika.

Her overall record stands at 398-181, and she leaves OHS as the winningest coach in school history for both men's and women's basketball.

“I love coaching, but decided to look at administration when I was named assistant athletic director over Female Athletics,” Booth told Mitchell.

“I saw the other side of athletics — the administration side.

You must have both to have a successful program. I love coaching and will defiantly miss the kids, but at the same time, I look forward to being a part of the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

I love Opelika. The people are wonderful and have been very supportive of me and OHS girls’ basketball."

During her time as See BOOTH, page B6

BigHouse Holding Annual Back to School Supply Drive PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY THE BIGHOUSE FOUNDATION

he Dixie Boys State tournament ended late Sunday at Opelika's West Ridge Park. Dothan allstars won the Junior Dixie Boys (13u) and Dixie Boys (14u) Tournaments, both going undefeated.

As the Alabama State Director for Dixie Boys baseball, I want the thank many people that made the tournament a success. I want to extend a special thank you the city of Opelika’s Parks and Recreation Department and ESG Team Opelika's Michael Hilyer and his crew Doug, Willie, Logan and Derek for working to keep the field playable after rain showers. AOTourism’s Athony Terling,Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, Opelika Council President Eddie Smith, Auburn University baseball coach Butch Thompson, Addy Garner and the entire

Long time Opelika girls’ basketball coach Devin Booth is stepping down after 12 seasons.

As first reported by the Observer’s own D. Mark Mitchell, Booth is leaving Opelika High School to take an administrative position with the AHSAA. Newly appointed Executive Director of the AHSAA, Alvin Briggs, announced Tuesday that Booth would be joining as assistant director.

“I am truly excited to announce the addition of Devin Booth to the AHSAA Executive staff,” Briggs said. “She is an outstanding teacher and coach who has shown strong leadership throughout her career as a teacher, coach and administrator. She is an excellent addition to an already outstanding staff.”

Among her duties will be working

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

BY MADDIE JOINER FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER Back to school season is approaching and BigHouse is hosting its annual back-to-school supply drive. The drive started July 1 and will end July 28. BigHouse will host its Back to School Bash July 30, where families who registered can pick up their See BIGHOUSE, page B5

Excellence. Innovation. Compassion.

East Alabama's "Go-To" Center For Orthopaedic Care Auburn 1800 Lakeside Circle, Auburn Opelika 18 Medical Arts Center 121 North 20th Street, Opelika

www.theorthoclinic.com

334-749-8303 1-800-327-6519

B2 July 15, 2021

War Ready, McCormick Ready for TBT

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM War Ready is making its final preparations for The Basketball Tournament (TBT), beginning on July 16 in Wichita, Kansas.

The mostly-Auburn alumni team was thought to have finalized its roster in mid-June, but announced on June 29 the addition of a familiar face to the team: J’von McCormick.

“What’s going on everybody,” McCormick said via a video on War Ready’s Twitter page.

“This year, I will be playing with War Ready in TBT.” Because McCormick was added to the squad so late, War Ready had to pay $1,000 — which was quickly raised by

Auburn fans — to add him to the roster.

“Welcome J’Von McCormick to our roster,” GM Matt Moschella said on Twitter. “Excited to add another Final Four member to our squad.”

The 6-foot 185-pound McCormick last played for the Tigers during the 2019-20 season.

Unfortunately, March Madness was canceled due to COVID-19 that season, and Auburn fans were left with “what could have been,” when it comes to McCormick and the teams’ chances in postseason play.

However, most Auburn fans more-fondly remember McCormick as a key piece on the Tigers’ 2018-19 Final Four run. McCormick was backup for then-starter Jared Harper

that year. McCormick proved more than capable of running a college offense as a starter the following year, averaging 11.6 points, 4.5 assists and four rebounds per game. Since then, McCormick has gone on to play professionally overseas with BC

Odessa of the Ukranian SuperLeague.

The addition of McCormick means there are now four members of the Tigers’ Final Four team playing for War Ready this summer. He joins Bryce Brown, Malik Dunbar and Danjel Purifoy.

The No. 5 seeded War Ready is scheduled to begin its tournament journey on July 18 at 11 a.m., against the No. 13 seed ETSU alumni team, the Bucketneers.

Before that, however, the team has announced plans to host a scrimmage, giving fans a preview of what to expect in TBT. The game is being played at 5101 Browns Mill Road, in Lithonia, Georgia (30038), at 7 p.m. The cost is $10.

War Ready’s roster now consists of 11 former Tigers: McCormick (2018-20) Brown (201519), Dunbar (2017-19), Purifoy (2015-20), Deshean Murray (201718), Cinmeon Bowers (2014-16), Kareem Canty (2015-16), TJ Dunans (2015-17), TJ Lang (2014-17), Laron

Smith (2016-17) and Josh Dollard (2005-07).

Non-Auburn alum, Isaiah Williams (Georgia State, 2015-18), rounds out the team; He has played with Moschella’s TBT teams since 2018.

All-time great Tiger, Frankie Sullivan (200813), is serving as head coach.

About TBT: TBT is a winnertake-all, single-elimination basketball tournament with a $1 million grand prize.

The tournament features 64 teams across five different locations.

TBT began in 2014 and gained publicity in part because of the Elam Ending — which shuts off the game clock at the end of the game and instead sets a target score to determine the winner.

Auburn Sports Return in 26 Days CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS Auburn soccer and head coach Karen Hoppa announced the team’s 2021 schedule Wednesday.

“We’re thrilled to announce our 2021 schedule, which includes seven teams from last year’s scaled-down NCAA Tournament along with several other annual tournament contenders,” Hoppa said.

“This schedule is extremely competitive and is one that will challenge our team to build on last year’s late season success.”

The Tigers’ slate includes a pair of exhibition contests and 18 regular season matches, including 10 against Southeastern Conference competition. Eleven of the 20 total contests will be played at the Auburn Soccer Complex.

Exhibition play begins with a home contest against Memphis on Tuesday, Aug. 10 and wraps up with a road trip to Mercer on Saturday, Aug. 14.

Fifteen of Auburn’s regular season opponents turned in a .500 or better record last season and seven went on to make the NCAA Tournament, including four national seeds, and the No. 1 overall seed and national runner-up.

The Tigers begin the 2021 regular season with a road tilt at seven-time defending Southern Conference Champion Samford on Thursday, Aug. 19. The team then faces a quick turnaround before hosting last year’s No. 12 national seed BYU for the home opener on Saturday, Aug. 21.

Following a twomatch road trip to Troy (Aug. 26) and South Alabama (Aug.

29), the Tigers start a five-match homestand against UAB on Thursday, Sept.

2. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Alabama A&M come to town Sept. 5 and Sept. 9, respectively, before the team wraps up non-conference play

against last year’s No. 1 overall seed and national runner-up Florida State on Sunday, Sept. 12.

Auburn kicks off SEC play and concludes its homestand against Georgia on Friday, Sept. 17. The Tigers’ four other SEC home contests

come against Texas A&M (Sept. 26), LSU (Oct. 10), Florida (Oct. 17) and Arkansas (Oct. 21).

The Orange and Blue’s conference road slate includes matchups at Tennessee (Sept. 23), South Carolina (Oct. 1), Mississippi State

(Oct. 7), Ole Miss (Oct. 24) and Alabama (Oct. 28).

Postseason play begins with the SEC Tournament in Orange Beach, Alabama, from Oct. 31Nov. 7. The NCAA Tournament will follow with the first round from Nov. 12-

14, second and third rounds from Nov. 1921, quarterfinals from Nov. 26-27 and College Cup from Dec. 3-5. The first round through the quarterfinals will be held at host sites, and the College Cup will take place in San Jose, California.

2021 AUBURN SOCCER SCHEDULE 10

MEMPHIS (EX.)

21

BYU

2

UAB

AUG

AUG AUG

SEP

AUBURN SOCCER COMPLEX

AUBURN SOCCER COMPLEX

AUBURN SOCCER COMPLEX

14

MERCER (EX.) MACON, GA.

16 19

SAMFORD

AUG AUG

BIRMINGHAM, ALA.

24 26

TROY

29

SOUTH ALABAMA

AUG

AUG AUG

5

SEP

UT-CHATTANOOGA AUBURN SOCCER COMPLEX

AUG

MOBILE, ALA.

9

ALABAMA A&M

SEP

AUBURN SOCCER COMPLEX

12

FLORIDA STATE

26

TEXAS A&M*

SEP SEP

AUBURN SOCCER COMPLEX

OCT OCT

COLUMBIA, S.C.

OCT OCT

STARKVILLE, MISS.

18 13 17

FLORIDA*

OCT OCT

AUBURN SOCCER COMPLEX

31 26 28

ALABAMA*

SEP

AUBURN SOCCER COMPLEX

8 10

LSU*

OCT OCT

AUBURN SOCCER COMPLEX

22 24

OLE MISS*

OCT OCT

OXFORD, MISS.

17

TROY, ALA.

GEORGIA*

SEP SEP

AUBURN SOCCER COMPLEX

1

SOUTH CAROLINA*

OCT OCT

TUSCALOOSA, ALA.

23

TENNESSEE*

SEP SEP

KNOXVILLE, TENN.

4 7

MISS. STATE*

19 21

ARKANSAS*

OCT OCT

AUBURN SOCCER COMPLEX

31

SEC TOURNAMENT

OCT

ORANGE BEACH, ALA.

* = SEC MATCH // ALL HOME MATCHES AVAILABLE ON SEC NETWORK+

QUICK FACTS University Information City / Zip ............................................................ Auburn, Ala. / 36831 Founded .......................................................................... Oct. 1, 1856 Enrollment (2020-21) ..............................................................30,737 Nickname ................................................................................... Tigers Colors .........................................................Navy Blue and Burnt Orange Affiliation ....................................................................... NCAA Division I Conference .......................................................Southeastern Conference Stadium (Capacity) .................................Auburn Soccer Complex (1,500) President ................................................. Dr. Jay Gogue (Auburn, 1969) Athletic Director ................................... Allen Greene (Notre Dame, 1998) Team Information Letterwinners Returning/Lost ........................................................17/7 Starters Returning/Lost ................................................................10/2 2020-21 Overall Record ............................................................. 10-5-3 2020 Conference Record / Finish ......................................... 3-3-2 / 8th 6

2020 SOCCER MEDIA GUIDE

Auburn Program History All-Time Record ........................................................307-218-56 (.577) All-Time SEC Record..................................................130-106-31 (.545) NCAA Tournament Appearances ..........................................................16 NCAA Tournament Record .................................................. 13-16 (.448) SEC Tournament Appearances ............................................................25 SEC Tournament Record ..................................................14-22-5 (.402) Staff Information Head Coach ................................................... Karen Hoppa (UCF, 1990) Career Record.................................... 318-212-53 (.591) / 29th season Record at Auburn ............................... 254-168-44 (.592) / 23rd season Associate Head Coach .....................Ben Madsen (Lincoln Memorial, 2003) Assistant Coach ..................................... Nick Flohre (Indianapolis, 2003) Director of Operations ....................................... Amy Reif (Auburn, 1998)

@AUBURNSOCCER / AUBURNTIGERS.COM

B3 July 15, 2021

Win At Home: 1996 Olympics CONTRIBUTED BY KIM GRAHAM In 1996, I attended the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.

I had the privilege of watching world-class athletes compete as a culmination of a lifetime of training.

I believe Olympic athletes are especially disciplined. Imagine working on something for four years and showcasing your work to the world for ten seconds. That is the case with 100-meter runners. They spend their entire life perfecting this short but difficult race only to realize there is only one winner. The race is only short compared to every other event in track and field. Have you ever run the 100-meter dash? Is it not a short race?

During those Olympics, sprinter Michael Johnson became the only male athlete in history to win both the 200-meter and 400-meter events at the same Olympics.

Johnson is tied for most gold medals

all-time for a sprinter, holding several records, including the four-by-four 100-meter relay world record, which he anchored.

The relays are my favorite. I like to watch the fourby-four 100 and the 100-meter relay. The art of the exchange is a thing of beauty. As a speaker and writer, I often find a metaphor, word picture or example in every part of life. The amount of teamwork and concentration it takes to perfect a baton exchange while running faster than 99% of the world is fascinating.

The possibility and sometimes the reality of dropping that baton is gut-wrenching.

These make for good sermons and motivational speeches.

What is your favorite race? Are you a NASCAR fan?

Although I was born and raised in Florida, I have never seen the Daytona 500. Every February, over 40 cars line up for this incredible race. Many people watch for the wrecks, which are im-

SPEARS possible to turn away from.

There are several incredible races, including the Indianapolis 500, Kentucky Derby and Boston Marathon.

The most incredible race is the human race. Do you realize we are all on the same team? Our nationality, skin color and other differences make us

a more diverse team.

On a football team, there are over 50 positions with different responsibilities which require different skill sets. A professional

football player can be a hall of famer and never touch the football? The gunner on the punt team is different from the wing on the extra point team. The snapper on the punt team is totally different from the snapper on the field goal team, which is different from the snapper we refer to as the center on offense.

I started playing football in 1985. After I finished playing in 2001, I started coaching. What I have realized over the years is 90% of people do not understand or know the game of football.

However, the sport is so popular that most people believe they know the game well.

From sports commentators to the loud guy in the barbershop, I have heard people confidently communicate their ignorance. I say nothing; I listen.

The same is true with the human race. I sit and listen to people say, “all Blacks do this," or " all whites do that.” I have heard See OLYMPICS, page B4

OHS to Host Back to School Youth Baseball Camp July 26-28

BY MADDIE JOINER FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER Calling all baseball stars ages 6-12.

Opelika High School is hosting its annual youth baseball camp July 26-28 and signups are still ongoing.

The three-day camp will be at Opelika High School and will be from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., daily.

With a registration fee of $75, campers

will receive an OHS baseball camp t-shirt.

Snacks and water will be provided daily for campers.

“It’s just a three-day event that will cover all the skills of baseball and play around and have a good time,” said Zach Blatt, Opelika High head baseball coach.

The youth camp is usually held in June, but due to scheduling issues Blatt moved the

camp to late July and is marketing it as a “Back to School Baseball Camp”.

“We decided to do it in July this year, as kind of a back to school camp, just to give the kids an opportunity to come to this right before school gets back,” Blatt said.

The camp will be run

by Blatt and his coaching staff, as well as the varsity and junior varsity players.

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Blatt said there is no limit on registration and parents can preregister their child by visiting the OHS baseball twitter @BaseballOpelika. There parents will find a Google form for registration. Payment can be made via cash or check and will be due on the first day of camp, July 26. Dayof registration is also available.

Blatt said he and his staff are hoping for a

large crowd because they love the opportunity to coach young children.

“I just think it’s a great opportunity for those young kids to come and interact with our varsity and junior varsity baseball players,” he said. “It gives them an opportunity to build some relationships with those young kids that, eventually down the road, will be playing on the same

field as these guys.”

Opelika High has been doing a youth baseball camp for years before Blatt became head coach, but he said the school decided on a youth camp to build interest in baseball in the Opelika community.

Opelika High is located at 1700 Bulldog Parkway in Opelika and the baseball faculties are located by the sports arena.

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer and Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, Alabama 36801 334-745-5706

B4 July 15, 2021

Lee County Students Earn $1,000 College Scholarships CONTRIBUTED BY MARY JOHNS WILSON Six local students were among a group of 100 who earned a $1,000 scholarship awarded through the competitive Alfa Foundation Scholarship

Program.

“These students represent the future of our state and our nation, and we are proud to invest in their education,” said Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell. “We feel certain we’ll see

higher learning. The program is administered through Scholarship America, which selects recipients based on academics, participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience and future goals.

a great return on this investment, because our scholarship recipients go on to do great things.”

The 2021 crop of scholarship recipients hail from 47 counties and are studying at 15 different institutions of

In its eighth year, the Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program has awarded $750,000 in scholarships, which may be used toward tuition, fees, books or supplies. Applications open annually in November and close

Jan. 31. For more information, vist www.alfafarmers.org/resources/ scholarships/.

Visit AlfaInsurance. com to view photos of the recipients or go to the photo album at Facebook.com/ AlfaInsurance.

LEE COUNTY RECIPIENTS ARE:

CLARAGRACE JENSEN is a Lakeview Christian School graduate and a senior at Auburn University studying health services administration.

SPORTS

>>

FROM B1 a state final appearance in 2007-08.

In her first season, OHS finished 1611 – which was the first winning season in many years. The Lady Bulldogs followed with a 19-11 season in 2010-11.

In Booth's third season the Lady Dogs finished 26-6, winning their first area title in over 10 seasons. Over the course of the next nine seasons, Opelika won nine straight area championships, advancing to the regionals each year. Booth guided Opelika to three state Final Four appearances in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 and advanced to the finals in 2018-19.

Opelika played in

HAYDEN BURCH is an Auburn High School graduate and a senior at Auburn University studying mechanical engineering. one state championship game prior to Booth arriving, under coach Joe Wilson in the late ‘80s.

Booth leaves Opelika after winning 245 games while only losing 108.

I have known coach Booth since she arrived in 2009.

She is a quiet, soft-spoken person with a tremendous work ethic. I have never witnessed Devin receiving a technical foul during a game arguing with game officials. One night, Booth was given a technical foul for crossing the out of bounds line while yelling instructions to her players. She had no idea why the technical was called and asked for an explanation. It wound up being a funny

JULIA BUSH

KAYCIE MASHBURN

is an Opelika High School graduate and a sophomore at Auburn University studying agricultural business.

moment during her tenure as head coach.

Booth was named assistant Athletic Director over female athletics in 2011, the first at OHS. She loved the administrative position so much, it made her think about the future.

Devin and I talked about her role as a basketball coach several years ago.

She has thought about stepping down as basketball coach and pursuing an administration job for a while.

After several long talks, Booth decided to continue to lead OHS girls basketball program.

She then decided to go back to school, pursuing her Masters degree while continuing her job at Opelika.

Booth is no stranger

is a Smiths Station High School graduate and a junior at Troy University studying nursing.

to the AHSAA, serving as an officer for the coaches association. This is one of the reasons she applied for the assistant director position over special programs. Booth will work with basketball, volleyball, softball, bowling and cheer and help with All-Star week.

Devin Booth will be missed by me and many in the Opelika community. Congratulations Devin, best to you in the new position with the AHSAA. D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, the host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

PEYTON ARMSTRONG is a Beauregard High School graduate and a freshman at Auburn University studying animal sciences.

OLYMPICS

>>

FROM B3 confident communication about Asians, Hispanics and Mulattos. I am not an expert on the subject of race, but spending time in different environments gives me an appreciation for diversity.

For two years, I worked for Disney Cruise Line as part of close to 1,000 workers from 40 different countries. Before working on the ship, I thought all people from South Africa were black. I thought most people from Europe were not black.

I had never seen a person with my skin complexion and hair like an Asian person.

I was so ignorant and sheltered. I find that people who do not appreciate the difference of others often have not spent time

SETH WALKER is an Auburn High School graduate and a freshman at Auburn University studying chemical engineering.

with those people.

It is like saying, "I hate Brussel sprouts," when you have never tried Brussel sprouts.

If we are going to win at home as a nation, we must realize diversity is our gift to one another.

Three ways to Win At Home: 1. Intentionally spend time with someone different 2. Ask uncomfortable questions with class and tact 3. Realize not all people who look alike are alike.

I don’t know about you, but I want to Win At Home.

I am praying for you and your family.

Win At Home is a series of opinion articles written by author and motivational speaker Willie Spears. Learn more at www.williespears. com.

B5 July 15, 2021

Christmas in July Brings Summer Joy

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

I

t was a few years ago when I was singing summer songs with children’s ministry in the middle of July. One little fellow raised his hand and complained, saying it was just “plain hot”.

Like all of us who were yearning for colder days, these children broke out singing “Frosty the Snowman” and other fun Christmas and Winter songs with their teacher.

It may have been the “power of suggestion,” but the children, parents and myself truly felt better as we sang cold, joyful songs and laughed with hope and glee on that hot summer day.

Thus, the parents and

I decided to have a fun evening of “Celebrating Christmas in July!”

Not only did the idea thrill the children, but the celebration spread to our local retirement village that is nearby our church. What a wonderful intergenerational activity to celebrate in midsummer.

I know in the heat of summer it might be hard for us to think about celebrating Christmas, but we must remember God’s love for us each and every day. As a past children’s ministry coordinator and activity coordinator for the elderly, I’d like to share some fun, easy ideas that

BIGHOUSE

BigHouse collects loose school supplies for children, but it also has a sponsorship program, where people in the community can sponsor a child and provide them with a full set of school supplies.

Members of the community can also donate financially to BigHouse if they do not want to purchase school supplies.

With these sponsorships, children in the area are supported by someone in the community who is willing to go out and shop for their needed school supplies. Sponsors are given shopping lists from the child's particular school, as well as information on the child’s favorite color or movie character. Black said, if possible, sponsors will purchase school supplies matching those preferences.

Sponsors then pack the backpack themselves and

>>

FROM B1 backpacks.

The BigHouse Foundation does a back-to-school drive every July to provide school supplies for local foster and adoptive families in the Lee County area. School supplies needed include crayons, markers, notebooks, backpacks, paper, pencils and more.

“What we do, is we collect school supplies so that way we can just relieve that burden of buying school supplies for multiple kids,” said Tatum Black, assistant director at BigHouse. “Our goal every year with this event is just to relieve that burden because school supplies can get so expensive and also, just make sure that all of these families have what they need for the new school year.”

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I have done, as well as ideas I have gleaned from others.

Snacks and food: Right around the corner on July 23, 1904, the ice cream cone was invented. I always search for pointed sugar cones that can be decorated as Christmas trees with frosting, and candies to make for a delicious craft treat. To make that Christmas tree cone extra delicious, an ice cream sundae bar is a favorite for all ages. Children and the elderly can decorate their ice cream with red and green sprinkles, or summer fruits like strawberries, raspberries, watermelon balls, kiwi and more. Red and green popsicles are a delightful summer treat.

Sugar cookies cut out in Christmas shapes is a favorite anytime of the year.

Preparations: With Christmas in July, it is easier to make decorations simple. Use a summer plant as a Christmas tree and decorate with lights, a few ornaments or however you and your child would like to decorate. Since we usually pack our Christmas decorations away, just pull out a few decorations that are easy for you to get and use. I always put out the manger scene, a

drop it off at BigHouse.

If anyone is interested in becoming a sponsor, Black encourages them to visit the BigHouse website at www.ourbighouse. org/ and click on “Back to School Bash” under the events tab. There, you can

candle, star and stocking.

Crafts: Painting Christmas symbols on seashells or smooth stones found by a lake or pond delights children and the elderly as well as honors summer.

Beach pails, as well as beach balls, can be decorated with Christmas symbols. Making sand snowmen can be done on the beach as well as on a small scale as a craft.

Helping and giving to others is a year-round project whether during summer or at Christmas.

The simple craft of making cards for people in need or the homebound is an act of love and encouragement.

Music: Fellowships just love to sing Christmas music.

Children love to sing Christmas music, too. I warmly remember how our church choir came to help the nursing home celebrate “Christmas in July”. Happy songs such as “Joy To the World”, “Silent Night”, “Frosty The Snowman” and other seasonal songs were sung. This kind of fellowship allows for sharing and understanding of how Christmas and winter holidays are celebrated in different ways.

I warmly remember in the nursing home where I served as a volunteer, folks of different faiths

would share how they celebrated the winter holidays such as Hannakuh and Kwanzaa, as well as how holidays are celebrated all around the world. The slower pace of summer allows time for the young and old to share in fellowships and sit and chat.

Games: Christmas Bingo is truly a favorite with the elderly and children as an intergenerational celebration.

Pin the Nose on Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer or Pin The Star On The Christmas Tree is a variation of Pin The Tail on the Donkey. Christmas Charades where children and adults can guess different Christmas symbols, as well as Christmas songs, are joyous, too. To do this, print Christmas symbols or songs on a card or slip of paper. With young children, whisper away from the group what they are to act out. The rest of the group is to guess what the person is acting out. The person who guesses correctly is then chosen to act out the next symbol or song.

Sharing stories: Be sure to gather winter and Christmas books from our local libraries to share. Also, pull out favorite holiday movies to watch. With an intergenerational fellowship,

children love to hear Christmas stories from our elderly friends of past Christmases.

One thing that is so true of Christmas is giving to others who have needs. This should be a year-round gift. As a family or group, check in with community agencies or churches to see if families need essentials or practical needs that young children can be a part of giving. Pray over these gifts and who they need to go to.

I hope these few simple “Christmas in July” ideas highlight your summer with love and joy.

I want to gently remind the readers that this coming Tuesday, July 20, is Moon Day, as we celebrate the 52nd Anniversary of U.S. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, Jr. landing on the moon in 1969. We remember Neil Armstrong’s famous quote, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” The emphasis of this day presents many activities for children and families to enjoy in moon and stargazing on these summer nights.

Have a wonderful mid-summer week!

Classroom Observer, Beth Pinyerd

find more information on sponsorships and how to get involved in the event.

Every year, BigHouse sends out a newsletter with registration for the event so no family misses the opportunity to sign up.

BigHouse mainly serves

children in the Lee County area but has had children from Macon and Chambers counties register to get supplies in the past.

As assistant director, Black runs registration for the event and works with the members of the community to pair sponsors with children. She also packs the backpacks of the loose supplies so they can be ready for pickup.

Black’s favorite part of the event is when the families arrive to pick up the backpacks.

“It’s getting to see the kids when they get their backpacks,” Black said.

“It’s always fun to see their reactions because we do our best to take their preferences, like their favorite color or favorite character and run with it.

So, if a kid says they like Spiderman, we’re going to try our best to get a backpack that has Spi-

derman on it. Something that seems so simple as school supplies but when we go that extra step, seeing their reactions to that is always really fun and fulfilling.”

Donations can be dropped off at BigHouse, located at 112 N. 16th St. in Opelika, Monday Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About BigHouse (Per its website): BigHouse Foundation was founded in 2009 as the dream of two college students to positively impact the world of foster care. After being personally exposed to the needs these children and families have, they knew they could no longer sit back and do nothing.

BigHouse now focuses on serving families in two ways, by providing resources and building relationships.

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B6 July 15, 2021

SUSCC to Hold Bison Bonus Registration Days

CONTRIBUTED BY SHONDAE BROWN

More than 900 students attended Bison Bound, an orientation session for incoming freshman at Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC).

However, for those who need help in completing the fall registration process at SUSCC, the college is hosting “Bison

Bonus” Registration Days.

SUSCC has scheduled special registration dates where students can come to campus and complete their enrollment for fall.

Representatives from financial aid, admissions and advising will be available to assist students in making sure the admission process is

complete for registering for fall semester classes.

“During the Bison Bonus Registration Days, students can check to see what needs to be completed before enrolling, ask questions and receive help registering,” said Dr. Chris Franklin, director of Enrollment Management at SUSCC. “We want to

make the SU experience as positive as we can for our students, and that starts with offering a smooth registration process.”

The Bison Bonus Schedule is: – Wadley: Tuesday, July 20 in the Lakeview Room from 8 a.m. to noon and 2 to 6 p.m.

– Valley: Wednesday, July 21 in Room 103

from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. (EST) – Opelika: Tuesday, July 27 and July 28 in the Southern Room from 8 a.m. to noon and 2 to 6 p.m. each day.

The event is open to everyone, but space is limited, so please pre-register for the event by visiting www. suscc.edu/bisonbonus.

cms. Everyone who attends one of the sessions and completes registration will be entered into a drawing for a $500 scholarship donated by the Southern Union Foundation.

For questions or additional information call Franklin at (334) 745-6437, ext. 5357, or email cfranklin@suscc. edu.

Southern Union Offering Technical Degree

Registration for Technical Degree Programs is open now through Aug. 13 at Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC).

SUSCC offers programs to prepare students for jobs in skilled trades or modern technology.

Technical Education Career Coach, Shawn Mitchell, broke down the concept of technical degrees. “A technical degree is where you're learning problem-solving with your mind," he said.

"But you're learning a skill or a trade … and you're receiving an associate's degree on working with your hands.”

The SUSCC website states, “The Technical Education and Workforce

BOOTH >> FROM B1 Opelika’s varsity girls’ basketball coach, Booth guided the Lady Bulldogs to numerous area championships and three state Final Four’s. The 2017-20 stretch was particularly fruitful, with Booth leading her team to the Class 6A State Tournament three straight years. The 2020 Lady Bulldogs finished 27-7 overall, and were eliminated by eventual state champion Hazel Green in the state semifinals.

Before coming to Opelika, Booth coached Samson High School from 2006-09, capturing three area titles in the process and the Class 2A state

Division consists of three programs that lead to an Associate in Applied Science degree: Engineering and Design, Industrial Electricity/Electronics Technology and Manufacturing Technology and five programs which lead to an Associate in Occupational Technologies Degree: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Automotive Service Technology, Cosmetology, Machine Shop Technology and Welding Technology.”

Additionally, “the college offers Certificate and Short Term Certificates within all of the previously listed technical programs for students, as well as Short Term Certificates in Plastics Injection Molding and Robotics and Automation. The Division also offers a

six week non-credit, highly intense, 240 contact hour TractorTrailer Truck Driver Training course for individuals pursuing a career requiring a commercial driver’s license.

We also offer customized training for our business and industry partners through our Training for Existing Business and Industry (TEBI) unit. All of the technical division programs are housed on the Opelika and Valley campuses.”

SUSCC allows individuals to get an in-depth look at each program through its website. There is a section for each program and a career outlook, program overview and the curriculum required are listed. Short videos of interviews with instructors and actual footage of students learning skills are also available for each

program.

Additionally, individuals can take a detailed tour of SUSCC’s Center for Integrated Manufacturing by clicking on the Technical Division Tour link located on its website. This allows viewers to feel like they are walking the hallways and visiting each room in person.

Each technical degree offered by SUSCC takes five semesters to complete. This adds up to one year and nine months, but each course has “stackable credentials.” Mitchell said, “Stackable credentials is when you're

earning certificates for everything that you've learned this semester ...

Let's say that for some reason you finished the first semester and then life happens. You have to take a semester off and come back and finish your four semesters a little bit later …

With everything that you complete, it makes you more and more employable because you're earning certifications in what you learn that semester.”

SUSCC also offers paid internships in every technical degree category. Mitchell works with the students and instructors to

find an internship that is right for them and works cohesively with their school schedule and workload. He said, “The benefits of the paid internships are gaining valuable work experience in the field being studied and earning money to put towards tuition or living expenses.”

Students interested in earning an associate's degree while working with their hands should contact Shawn Mitchell at 334-745-6437 or email careerservices@suscc. edu before courses reach maximum capacity.

title in 2007.

Booth got her start in coaching in 200203 in the AISA with Macon-East Academy.

There, she assisted in coaching the softball team to a state title (2001) and coached the junior high girls’ basketball team to the 2004 state crown.

Prior to that, Booth served as an assistant coach at Huntingdon College in 2000-01.

Booth has also coached in the AHSAA North-South All-Star basketball game (2003) and the AISA All-Star game three times. She has served on multiple committees, received numerous awards on the regional and state level and is currently vice president of the Alabama High School

Athletic Directors & Coaches Association.

A 1996 graduate of Opp High School, Booth is completing her Master of Science

degree in educational leadership at Auburn University this summer, earned her Bachelor of Science in human performance

and kinesiology at Huntington College in 2000 and received an associate degree from Chattahoochee Valley Community College in

1998.

Booth was a member of the CVCC and Huntingdon College women’s basketball teams.

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

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

-

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY SHAWN MITCHELL

BY MAGGIE CARAWAY FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

� Circle of Excellence 2008-2011

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

See BOOTH, page B6

B7 July 15, 2021

Dixie Youth State Tournament Games Held in Opelika

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

B8 July 15, 2021

GAME. SET. MATCH.

Alabama Junior Tennis Players Compete for State Title

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

July 15, 2021

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Inside the Statehouse

The Story of Charles Henderson, Alabama’s 35th Governor and One of the State’s Greatest Philanthropists

S

STEVE FLOWERS

ince I hail from Troy, Alabama, allow me to share with you the story of our only governor. Charles Henderson was not only the 35th Governor of Alabama, but he may also be one of the most profound philanthropists in Alabama history. He is unquestionably the greatest philanthropist to grace Pike County.

Soon after Alabama’s 1901 Constitution was enacted, a pattern of electing wellheeled governors began. From 1910-1946 Alabama elected what we referred to as bourbon governors. They were usually successful businessmen who looked at the job as a civic role for four years. The big mules of Birmingham and the big planters of the Black Belt would meet in a board room and anoint their candidate, who they would privately back financially. There would be no other business candidate. These big mules would team up with the probate judges who were the power brokers and usually could dictate who carried each county.

Henderson epitomized the governors of this bourbon era. He was governor from 1915-1919. Henderson is generally regarded as Alabama’s wealthiest governor. In fact, it was said that while he was governor, he was also the richest man in Alabama.

At age 44 he founded and owned the Troy Bank and Trust Company in Troy.

Additionally, he owned a myriad of banks all over Alabama including the largest bank in Huntsville. He also owned or coowned every major business in Troy.

Henderson was born in 1860 in Pike County. His father owned a mercantile business and died when Charles was 16.

By 17, Henderson was running his father’s business and by 20 had turned it into the largest wholesale grocery company in southeast Alabama. By the age of 27, he had formed his own railroad company, established the Troy Normal School which later became Troy State University and now Troy University and started the Standard Chemical Company. By the way, he was elected the Mayor of Troy at

age 26.

He resigned as Mayor of Troy in 1906 after being appointed President of the Alabama Railroad Commission, which not only regulated railroads but utilities also. It is now known as the Public Service Commission. During this era, he brought telephone and electricity to Troy. He owned both entities. He also owned the Pea River Utility Company.

At 54, Henderson was elected Alabama’s 35th Governor. He is known in history as Alabama’s Business Governor.

When he took office, the state was broke.

When he left in 1919, the state coffers were flush, which was apropos for the state’s “Business Governor.”

Henderson’s greatest legacy is not as governor, but as the most altruistic philanthropist in Pike County’s history.

Henderson left a will that set up trusts before they were common. He set up a trust foundation with his vast wealth that is simply remarkable. He and his wife, Laura, were childless. He took care of her financially. However, he also took care of the children of Pike County.

He understood the power of compound interest. He left a corpus of money in trust with the directions that it should be left alone to compound for 20 years. At that time, the money was to be used to build schools for Pike County. The interest off of his trust built every school in Pike County.

The high school I graduated from was appropriately named Charles Henderson High School.

His will called for the interest of his trust to go to medical care for Pike County children after it had built all the schools.

In 1979 the Charles Henderson Child Health Center was built in Troy. It is a state-of-the-art health clinic that allures the best pediatricians and pediatric dentists from throughout the country. Every child in Pike County can receive medical and dental care equal to that seen by children in Manhattan, free of charge, thanks to Henderson.

Henderson died on Jan. 7, 1937, at age 77 from a stroke caused by influenza. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Troy. An eternal flame illuminates his grave 24 hours a day. Appropriately, it is furnished by the city of Troy utilities which he founded.

Charles Henderson was indeed a remarkable man.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

Lee County Decides Against Funding Program

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM The Lee County Commission opted not to join the National Association of Counties “Investing in Alabama Counties” program during the commission meeting on Monday night.

The program was created to help counties figure out how to spend money allocated to them by the federal government.

Lee County has been allocated $32 million.

The caveat is that the money has to be spent in specific ways — related to COVID-19 for one thing.

The county has been discussing the

program for a few weeks — both county employees and a representative from the National Association of Counties spoke to the commission on the merits and downfalls of the program.

For more on the program, the federal money and stipulations, see: www.opelikaobserver.com/lee-countyto-receive-32-millionthe-question-is-howto-spend-it/.

The commission agreed unanimously, however, that they did not want to join the program.

“I don’t have any interest in it,” said District 4 Commissioner Robert Ham. District 3

Commissioner Gary Long echoed his sentiments.

“I would like us to explore either a contractor coming in or hiring our own people to look at it,” Ham said.

Probate Judge Bill English said that while the program could be good in the long run, the county has not narrowed down the projects it wants to look at yet.

“Maybe we need to try to prioritize internal needs and external needs,” he said. “I’m going to ask the commissioners, y’all start thinking and if you think of a subject or an area that we need See LCC, page B10

Opelika Celebrates Youth Incarceration Prevention Program’s Successful Year

BY ABBEY CRANK FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER With work and dedication, Opelika has made a difference in the lives of teenagers and young adults.

The Youth Incarceration Prevention Program (YIPP) joined together on Monday at 9 a.m. for its first-year success conference. With a hefty goal to reduce the one-year recidivism rate among youth offenders to 10% or less, this is just the beginning.

Right now, there are currently 120 participants ranging from ages 16 to 24 enrolled in YIPP. City Council President and YIPP Director Eddie Smith said he knew this program could change the future of Opelika for the

NOW OPEN

better.

“We are going to invest in these young people today because we expect them to be in these rooms in the future,” Smith said.

“It’s our responsibility to pave the way.”

Along with Opelika, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs provided overwhelmingly positive statistics from 2020-21 programs. Law Enforcement Programs Supervisor Brian Foster shared Opelika’s progress: “The average disciplinary detentions went from 25 to zero,” Foster said. “… The daily average for homework turned in went from 25% to 95%.”

Along with these statistics, YIPP also had no

participants start fights or be suspended from school.

“Just those numbers alone tell you you’re doing something right,” Foster said.

For the rest of 2021, YIPP has four goals it aims to achieve: 1. To be involved in the lives of 80 youth offenders and their families 2. To help 70% of YIPP participants stay in school and graduate 3. Give 60% of the youth offenders real-world training. By the end of the 12-month program, YIPP wants participants to enter well-paying jobs in Lee County 4. Help drop participant truancy rates to 10% of less. From January toJune of this year, there See YIPP, page B10

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 July 15, 2021

LCC>> FROM B9 to try to focus on, let’s put twenty on the table and try to sift down and see which are y’all’s priorities.”

District 2 Commissioner Sarah Brown said that she recommends starting with department heads and experts in the county and asking them

YIPP >> FROM B9 have been no issues with any of the 120 students.

YIPP Program Manager Pastor Matthew “Skip” Long explained if any community can diminish youth incarceration, it

what the needs are.

“There needs to be some policy decision made about prioritizing,” English said, given that there will be a lot of requests coming into the commission from organizations, people and businesses. “ … I think y’all need to start coming up with, what are the things you most want to see Lee County accomplish with this.”

County Administrator Roger Rendleman said that the county may need to hire employees to handle this process, though that expense would be covered by the federal money.

“I think this would be a great opportunity to promote from within because we’ve got some hard-working people in Lee County that have done some

great things, so I think that’s something else we need to look at that as well,” said District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand.

Changes to Agenda Format The Lee County Commission approved a change to the agenda format Monday night.

The previous format opened with a call to order, the introduction of elected officials and

news media, public comment from citizens followed by establishing the quorum.

Now, however, the agenda will open with public comment from citizens, the introduction of elected officials and news media, awards and presentations and then an established quorum and call to order.

This change essentially means that

everything before the call to order will not be included in the meeting minutes or livestreamed to the public.

“I think that [the change] would be a step in the right direction, to consolidate our meetings if nothing else,” Long said.

Other Business: - The county accepted county levies for new ABC license types.

would be Opelika.

“There’s a lot of stuff we can disagree upon, but here’s something the city agreed upon: we care about our young folks,” Long said. “We care about the lives of our neighbors.”

Long explained that there are three components to help achieve

YIPP’s goals: behavioral health, education and job skills training.

With these tools, young adults have the ability to gain independence.

Now, with the help of Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey, YIPP will begin hosting classes within the Lee County Jail and

Detention Center.

Free GED program opportunities for youth offenders were made possible with the help of Southern Union State Community College.

This way, every participant has the opportunity to earn their high school degree.

YIPP Community

Coordinator Denise Rogers explains Opelika Municipal Court’s wishes from this program.

“What we want to see happen with the participants that come in to our court is for them to never be in any other courtroom as it relates to egregious, criminal behavior,”

Rogers said. “What we do not want to see is these young men and women hung up in this system because of some bad choices they have made.”

For more information on the Youth Incarceration Prevention Program, email dproger@opelika-al.gov.

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B11 July 15, 2021

B12 July 15, 2021

Letter to the Editor: The Council of Follies

A

t the Auburn City Council meeting July 6, Auburn City Council continued their non-sense. For anyone NOT paying attention – You should make it a priority since the Council’s folly is rarely explained in the meeting recaps.

While trying to “clean-up” (their words, not mine) ordinance #1883 dealing with short term rentals, the Auburn City council included an amendment that would allow owners to use "no more than 25% of the total f loor area of the dwelling

shall be used for the home occupation, to a maximum of 500 square feet” as the owner sees fit. Yep, that’s right — they can use no more than 25% and up to 500 square feet of a property that they own, pay for, pay property tax on and have been issued a permit to use as a short term rental.

As property owners, we should all be concerned by this unconstitutional action/power grab taken by the Auburn City Council. First, the council members assume that they can exclude certain property owners from doing

short term rentals based upon arbitrary recommendations from a “group” of people who had no or very little understanding of the short term rental model, an outdated definition of family, and a lack of understanding that the market wants short term rentals in Auburn. Next, they rushed to cower to the loud cancel culture in Auburn who want to dictate what others can do with their own properties. The councilmen who voted against allowing short term rentals in all areas of Auburn, allowed peer pressure

to guide their decision to destroy property rights for all Auburn citizens. Yet, they took an oath to “support the Constitutions and will obey the laws of the United States and of the State of Alabama”. Citizens may think that just because they don’t have a short term rental property, that this issue doesn’t affect them. NOT TRUE. Follow the progression here — The taking of property rights of only certain property owners, followed by limiting use of interior space in the property.

What’s next? Will

they try to tell us how many chairs can be around our table? Or how many showers we can take per week?

How many pictures we can hang on our walls? Or what color our front door can be?

And how, exactly, will they enforce these restrictions?

Gestapo tactics?

Armed militia? Illegal search and seizure?

A good officer knows that you never give an order that can’t be executed or enforced. Yet the folly continues. And if we get comfortable with these unconstitutional actions/power grabs, we have only

ourselves to blame, when they push further to chip away at our rights.

With every amendment or regulation, they take some more of my and your property rights. Will you stand now, or wait until they come for you?

Those not paying attention just got “Follied”, and didn’t even get kissed.

Tune in to city council meetings at www.auburnalabama. org/agenda or attend first and third Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

Susan Bolt Auburn Resident

'The Silent Killer: Unconscious Bias'

BY EMERY LAY FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER On July 13, at 8:30 a.m., EagleCast hosted an hour-long webinar addressing unconscious bias in the workplace. The webinar was free of charge and open to anyone currently employed.

This particular webinar was part of a monthly series offered by Auburn University’s Office of Professional and Continuing Education. The series highlights experts from various sectors, including, but not limited to, education, business, public service, industry and finance. The goal of each webinar is to bring forward important information and skills that are “essential for navigating today’s ever-changing world,” as the website states.

On Tuesday, EagleCast brought on Dr. Courtney Teague, Ed.D., a certified Executive Coach and

Change Management Practitioner. Teague presented the webinar as an opportunity for participants to engage in the tougher conversations surrounding workplace bias. She wanted her listeners to examine their place of employment, as well as themselves, for any inherent bias.

Teague then provided them with strategies to foster equity in their everyday lives.

During the Webinar, Teague utilized wooclap, an online website where participants could submit anonymous answers to questions presented by the host: Teague.

The first question posed was “Have you ever attended prior unconscious bias training, workshops or professional learning?” Results were 50/50.

Other questions were presented for thought and response, all centered around the question: “What is a word you usually hear to describe

… ?” The blank was filled with the words same-sex couples, Blacks, senior citizens, Asians, Vegana, the wealthy and the differently-abled. Answers were available for viewing, though still anonymous.

“Often when we hear these things it inf luences our … unconscious bias,” Teague said.

Teague’s purpose with this exercise was to get viewers to think about their own implicit or unconscious biases. Teague argued that we are not born with bias, but the information and dialogue we ingest births bias overtime.

She also wanted to clearly draw a line between bias and racism; She said these two are not the same, though bias can feed into racism.

Then, Teague presented an educational video to her audience, following the life of a young, black male.

She had viewers

record their feelings and responses in wooclap once again.

After taking three deep breaths to relieve any tension, Teague walked the group through the 3-2-1 model. She encouraged viewers to take three seconds to recall a time when they prejudged someone, two seconds to think about how that made them feel and one second to think about why they prejudged that person.

Teague encouraged people to look at their top five people that they called on their phones — their inner circle. She said diversifying an inner circle is a great place to begin.

Teague also emphasized the importance of calling people in, versus calling people out. Instead of calling people out for their biases or behavior, she encouraged building a deeper and more intimate relationship with them by calling them in a private

space and having a one-on-one conversation first.

“You can’t prevent anything if you don’t take responsibility for it,” Teague said. With this, she went on to explain how acknowledging color, sexual orientation, pronouns, and such, is actually a healthier way to create a more inclusive environment.

Finally, Teague noted that being is more important than doing.

She said she often asks those in her life, “How are you being?”

Oftentimes, people are so busy with doing that they neglect to simply be — kind, compassionate, understanding or a good listener.

Sometimes deemed the “Coach’s Coach”, Teague has almost two decades of teaching, coaching and hands-on experience under her belt.

Teague’s experience had led her to participate and work in the following places: Icarus Consulting,

Auburn University, FarFetch, Cleco, Stadium Goods, National Black & Latino Council, City of Atlanta, Kennesaw State University and Thomas University.

Teague has served as an administrator for McKinsey & Co. and the director of coaching for Verizon Innovative Learning Schools.

In addition, she remains a certified executive transition coach and change management practitioner (ADKAR). In every aspect of her work, Teague seeks to educate her peers on diversity, equity and inclusion as she consults politicians, small business owners and many others.

Currently, Teague lives in Atlanta with her dog, GoHan. To learn more about Teague and her mission, visit www.

CourtneyLTeague.com.

- Recording and PPT: www.auburncatalog.instructure.com/ enroll/MLRKEJ .

Secretary of State John H. Merrill Responds to Vice President Kamala Harris

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF JOHN MERRILL

The following is a direct response to Vice President Kamala Harris’ most recent statements about voter ID laws: “The Alabama Secretary of State’s Office has worked, and will continue to work, to ensure that every eligible U.S. citizen who is a resident of the State of Alabama is registered to vote and has

a government-issued photo ID. In doing so, we will continue to shatter records for voter registration and voter participation.

“The photo ID requirement, that we have fought so hard to defend (twice successfully before the United States Supreme Court), has served as a major deterrent of voter fraud. Fraudulent voting should not be a partisan issue, but instead, many critics of election security still refuse to accept

how effective the photo ID requirement truly is.

“Photo IDs are required to purchase tobacco and alcohol products, operate a motor vehicle, check into the airport, open a bank account and even to enter the U.S. Capitol and White House.

Ensuring each voter is who they say they are, is one of the ways our office prevents voter fraud and increases voter confidence.

“We will continue

to visit every single county annually to register voters and issue free photo IDs. In the case a voter is unable to visit one of our many mobile units or their local Board of Registrar’s office where they can obtain a free photo ID on any day that the county courthouse is open, our office will personally visit the home of the voter to see that the individual has the proper ID needed to vote, at absolutely no charge

whatsoever to the voter.

“The voter ID requirement is of the utmost importance to our office, and we will continue to upkeep the effectiveness of this practice.

“The Vice President may be entitled to her own opinion but not her own facts. The voter ID laws put in place do not make it ‘almost impossible’ to vote, but instead ensure that every election is safe and secure. Record

breaking results in election participation since the implementation of photo ID laws in Alabama further discredits her claims.

“In Alabama, we will continue to encourage anyone who is interested to participate in the electoral process in a way that is most convenient to them so they can cast their ballot for the candidate of their choice, as we continue to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat!”

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July 15, 2021

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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED The Greater Peace Child Development Center is seeking applicants for the following jobs: • Child Development Center Director, • Kitchen Manager/Cook • Part Time Teacher For more information or to apply for these positions please email: alvena.williams@greaterpeacechurch.org or come by the Greater Peace Baptist Church office at 650 Jeter Avenue, Opelika, AL 36801.

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 make-ready 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

HOUSING AUTHORITY of the CITY OF OPELIKA 1706 TOOMER STREET P.O. Box 786 OPELIKA, ALABAMA 36803-0786 (334) 745-4171

   

HELP WANTED Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time position of Maintenance Technician for

JOB OPENING NOTICE DATE: May 12, 2021 1)

CLASSIFICATION:

Staff or Senior Accountant

2)

SALARY:

Depending on Qualifications

3)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

See Attached or go to www.opelikaha.org for job description and application

4)

PERSONS INTERESTED:

Submit resume and application with qualifications in writing to: opelikaha@opelikaha.org or via mail: Human Resources Opelika Housing Authority P.O. Box 786 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0786

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED (Please No Telephone Calls)

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY EMPLOYEE OR APPLICANT FOR EMPLOYMENT BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION OR HANDICAP.

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF PUBLICATION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA ELIZABETH MARTINDOWDELL V. GARNARD DOWDELL 43-DR-2020-000194.00 NOTICE TO: Garnard Dowdell must answer the Bill of Complaint for divorce filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, AL, within thirty (30) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Circuit Clerk located at 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801 and with Hon. Russell K. Bush (334)737-3733 or thereafter a final judgment may be rendered in the Circuit Court of Lee County, AL, for Final Judgment of Divorce.

Legal run 7/1/21, 7/8/21, 7/15/21 &7/22/21 ––––––– IIN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ELIZABETH ANN VAUGHAN, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-337 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 18th day of June, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

JAMES DOUGLAS VAUGHAN Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504

Legal Run 07/01/21, 07/08/21 & 07/15/21 ________ IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUVENILE DIVISION S.D.F.W. a minor child (DOB: 09/22/2020), Case No. JU2020-243.02 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: William Henry, putative father, and any unknown putative father of S.D.F.W. a minor child, born at The East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama on 09//22/2020 to Cynthia Walker. 'The legal Custody of S.D.F.W. was vested in the Lee County Department of Human Resources on September 23, 2020. William Henry and any unknown putative father must answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of William Henry and any unknown putative father filed in the Juvenile Court of Lee County, Alabama within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Clerk of Court located at the Lee County Justice Center, 231l Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801, or thereafter, a final judgment may be entered in Case JU 2020243.02 terminating his parental rights and placing the child for adoption.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Hon. Harold S. Patrick Attorney for Lee County DHR 2108-D Gateway Drive Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 741-0809 Legal Run 07/01/21, 07/08/21, 07/15/21 & 07/22/21 –––––––

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF JOHN WESLEY ELLIS, JR., DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 29th 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 29th day of June, 2021. JOHN WESLEY ELLIS, III Legal Run 07/01/21, 07/08/21 & 07//15/21 ––––––– NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF EMERSON JOSEPH DUHON, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2021-240 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of EMERSON JOSEPH DUHON are hereby granted to Sharon Lemoine on the 29th day of June, 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.

Sharon Lemoine Legal Run 07/01/21, 07/08/21 & 07/15/21

________

07/15/21, & 07/22/21

7/22/21, & 7/29/21

CASE No.: 2020-214 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID SCOTT DARNELL, DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION have been granted to Jill R. Darnell on the 24th day of June , 2020 by the Honorable Bill English.

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.

JILL R DARNELL Legal Run 07/08/21, 07/15/21, & 07/22/21

–––––––

–––––––

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF DAVID ROGERS SCUDDER and HANNAH RODGERS SCUDDER CASE NO.: 2021-356 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Unknown Father, address unknown Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by David Rogers Scudder and Hannah Rodgers Scudder on June 23, 2021, for the adoption of N.R.A.E. born on March 25, 2021 in Opelika, Alabama to Angel Echols.

A hearing has been set for the 4th day of October, 2021 at 10 0'clock am Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Ross Kinder, 1400 2 1 st Way South, Birmingham, AL 35205 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition.

Dated on this the 24th day of June HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 7/8/21, 7/15/21,

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: JEREMY BROWN gives Notice of intent to sell these vehicles at 1418 2nd Ave., Opelika AL, 36801 on July 25, 2021 at 1 P.M pursuant to subsection 32-133 of the Alabama Statutes.

JEREMY BROWN reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.

Black 2007 Dodge Dakota SLT - VIN#1D7HE4­ 8P87S211352 Black 2008 Harley-Davidson Sportster - VIN#1HD1CZ31 58K417455 Legal Run 07/08/21, 07/15/21 & 07/22/21

––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF HORACE R. HAYES, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Deborah Black Hightower, as Executrix of the Estate of Horace R. Hayes, deceased, on the 28th 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.

Deborah Black Hightower, Executrix Of the Estate of Horace R. Hayes, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 07/08/21,

––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA RE: IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARVIN EDWARD PARKER A/K/A MARVIN PARKER CASE NO.: 2021-366 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTRIX Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to DENISE PARKER DIAL, on the 28th day of June, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Executrix.

Legal Run 07/08/21, 07/15/21, 07/22/21 –––––––

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B14

B14 July 15, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA ARMETTA JOHNSON, Plaintiff, V. CV-2021-900182.00 A Parcel of Land Lying in Lee County, Alabama, to wit:Lots 4 through 9, inclusive, in Block A of the Realty Investment Corporation, as shown on the Plat of Survey opf the said Realty Investment Corporation, which appears of record in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Plat Book 1 at Page 24., and MARY L. ROSS, THURDELL DRAKE, ZOLA LITTLETON, WILLIAM COOPER, and Unknown heirs or assigns of Arthur Cooper and Ida Mae Cooper, Defendants.

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

You are hereby notified that on the 2nd day of June 2021, a Bill to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding the following described real property: Lots 4 through 9, inclusive, in Block A of the Realty Investment Corporation, as shown on the Plat of Survey of the said Realty Investment Corporation, which appears of record in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Plat Book 1 at Page 24.

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 1st day of July, 2021.

Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County Benjamin H. Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 Telephone Number: 334-7496999 Fax: 334-203-1875 ben@benparrlaw.com Legal Run 07/08/21, 07/15/21, 07/22/21 & 07/29/21 ––––––– NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF BARBARA D. CRUM, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2021-269 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of BARBARA D. CRUM are hereby granted to Edward C. Crum on the 28th day of June, 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.

Edward Crum Legal Run 07/08/21, 07/15/21 & 07/22/21 –––––––

CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE CO., AL FAMILY-JUNVENILE COURT IN THE MATTER OF: J.M.B & J.A.B.-minor children NOTICE TO: any unknown fathers of J.M.B. born 9/7/2005 & J.A.B. born 10/21/04 to Andrea Lynn Bearden at Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale, Clayton Co., GA. Custody of the minor children was vested with Lee County DHR on 2/16/2019. Any unknown fathers must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Family Court of Lee County, AL by Lee County DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a final judgment may be rendered in Cases JU2018-504.02/505.02 in the Family Court of Lee Co., AL terminating all parental rights to the minor child.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Lee County Justice Center 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O. Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 07/15/21, 07/22/21, 07/29/21 & 08/05/21 ––––––– STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION ONE FACILITY – MULTIPLE UNITS Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 10:00AM Mark Brumbeloe - Unit 255 194 Winterset Ln Notasulga, AL 36866 Books and boxes Mark Brumbeloe - Unit 256 194 Winterset Ln Notasulga, AL 36866 Books and boxes Gloria Ann Williams - Unit D69 1095 Princeton Place Auburn, AL 36830 Storing Boxes, crafts Cory Adams - Unit Q291 521 S Antioch Cir B Opelika, AL 36801 Boxes, bed frame and mattress Shadae Robinson - Unit S336 30 Stow Rd Boston, MA 02126 Dorm furniture and boxes Latonya Bennett - Unit S341 625 bedell Ave Auburn, AL 36832 dresser,mirror,bags,boxes Jerlicia Tarbert - Unit S345 745 Clark Ave Auburn, AL 36832 TVs, misc Sherreka Brooks - Unit X392 2106 Waverly PKWY 1G Opelika, AL 36801 Bed and bed frame, freezer

Mallory Wilson - Unit Y410 666 Shawee St Auburn, AL 36830 boxes and small furniture Jason Pope - Unit Z412 464 Schaffer Rd Boone, NC 28607 Household furniture, boxes, etc Crystal Young - Unit Z416 853 Freeman Dr Dadeville, AL 36853 twin bed, washer dryer, totes The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 07/15/21 & 07/22/2021 ––––––– IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MURIEL NELLA BLACK a.k.a. MURIEL N. BLACK, Deceased CASE NO. 2021-327 PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of MURIEL NELLA BLACK A.K.A MURIEL N. BLACK, deceased having been granted to ALEXANDER MCDONALD BLACK, on the 18th day of June, 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 the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Alexander McDonald Legal Run 07/15/21, 07/22/21, & 07/29/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF: CURTIS LEVERNE SCOTT, Deceased.

CASENO.: 20 21 - 259 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Testamentary of the estate of Curtis Leverne Scott, deceased, having been granted to Marsha Baxley Scott, Personal Representative on the 7TH day of July, 2021 by the Judge of Probate of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within six months after the grant of letters or within five months from the date of the first publication of this not ice, which is the later to occur, or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand this the 7th day of July, 2021.

BILL ENGLISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE Legal Run 07/15/21,

07/22/21 & 07/29/21 ––––––– IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE PAXSON WILLIAMS, DECEASED. Case No: 2021-384 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 9th day of July, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

ROBERT CLAYTON WILLIAMS, Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 07/15/21, 07/22/21 & 07/29/21 ––––––– NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika 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. _______ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/ or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-1 District (Rural District) to a C-3 District (General Commercial District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Lots 1, 2 and 3, HEWITT SUBDIVISION, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 15 at Page 4 in the Office of the Judge of

Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

The above-described property contains 26,780 square feet, more or less, and is located near Columbus Parkway and adjacent to Anand Street.

Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

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 334-7052083 two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 15th day of July, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 07/15/2021 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2017-C-071 COUNTY OF LEE IN RE: The Matter of JIMMIE LOU BAKER ORDER SETTING HEARING Notice is hereby given that a Petition to Approve Partial Settlement of thexConservatorship Estate of JIMMIE LOU BAKER has been filed by the Conservator, BelindaxPink. A hearing has been set for the 18th day of August, 2021 at 10xa.m. Central Time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street,xOpelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this partial settlement, you must appear on thexdate of the hearing as set above.

Bill English Judge of Probate Legal Run 07/15/21, 07/22/2021 & 07/29/21 ––––––– IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. : CV-2021900166.00 MARSH REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS, LLC, Plaintiff, v.

A Parcel of Land Lying in Lee County, Alabama More Particularly Described in Deed Book 2355 at Page 400 and Unknown Persons, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after

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––––––– NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF WALTER LEROY BOWMAN, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters of Administration with Will Annexed of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 24th 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 our hands, and dated this the 24th day of June, 2021.

EDWARD EARL THOMAS, II Legal Run 07/01/21, 07/08/21 & 07/15/21 –––––––

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the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 18th day of May 2021, a Bill to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding the following described real property: Lot No. 2 in Block A of the Byrd Lands according to and as shown by Totten’s Real Estate Map of Opelika, Alabama 1930, and more particularly described as follows: Commence at the intersection of the Northeasterly margin of Fourth Street with the Northwesterly margin of Avenue A, in the City of Opelika, Alabama, and run thence in a Northeasterly direction, along the Northwesterly margin of Avenue A, 100 feet to the point of Beginning of the lot here to be described and conveyed; from said Point of Beginning run thence in a Northwesterly direction parallel to Fourth Street, 200 feet; thence in a Northeasterly direction, parallel to Avenue A , 85 feet; thence in a Southeasterly direction, parallel to Fourth Street, 200 feet to the Northwesterly margin of Avenue A; thence in a Southwesterly direction, along the Northwesterly margin of Avenue A, 85 feet to the said Point of Beginning; together with all improvements thereon and all appurtenances thereunto appertaining. Said property is further described as being the identical property conveyed

by Mrs. Esther S. Blanton, et als to Roy W. Odom and Eva D. Odom by deed dated September 24, 1949 of record in Deed book 322 on Page 68 in the Office of Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 6th day of July 2021.

Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County Benjamin H. Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 Telephone Number: 334-7496999 Fax: 334-203-1875 ben@benparrlaw.com Legal Run 07/15/21, 07/22/21, 07/29/21 & 08/05/21

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF WILLIE G. SMITH, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters of Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 24th 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 our hands, and dated this the 24th day of June, 2021.

KENNETH ROGER BLACK Legal Run 07/01/21, 07/08/21 & 07/15/21 –––––––

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