The Observer | 04-18-2024

The Empty Bowls event coming Saturday

name during his football career at Auburn University and was a huge impact on his community through service, leadership, mentorship and compassion.

and unsafe driving crash in 2014. Philip became a household

The foundation exists to reduce the number of distracted driving incidents, ultimately diminishing the number of deaths caused by unsafe driving. The 43 Key Seconds Initiative is an effort to change poor driving behaviors, such as distracted, impaired, super speeding, not wearing seatbelts and unnecessary driving after midnight.

See 43, page A2

The Fox coffee shop now open for business

BY NICHOLAS YOUNG FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — On April 15, downtown Auburn saw the doors open for a new coffee shop, The Fox. This newest addition to the scene is brought to you by a set of familiar faces, Richard and Crystal Tomasello, owners of the popular coffee shop and bookstore Well Red, located on Opelika Road.

The new coffee shop is located at 124 Tichenor Ave., in the building that was once occupied by Coffee Cat, which closed its doors on March 31. Maddie Corbeau, owner of Coffee Cat, reached out to the Tomasellos about taking over the spot after deciding to pursue other endeavors. Crystal described how her and Richard’s personal relationship with Corbeau made this transition

extra meaningful.

“We're just really excited that she thought enough of us to contact us," Crystal said. "We think Maddie is wonderful. She helped us when we first opened Well Red and did a lot of behind-the-scenes work.”

Crystal said it was an honor that Corbeau believed she and her husband would be great candidates to replace her shop.

“She trusts us to be able to make a space that is comfortable for everybody from all walks of life. It's a huge compliment.”

For those wondering what this new coffee shop will entail, Crystal noted this location will not simply be another Well Red. Unlike Well Red, The Fox will not sell books or serve alcohol but will feature “touches of Well Red” through it’s focus on

coffee and baked goods. Crystal said while The Fox will have some elements of Well Red, she plans for the new shop to be “something different on its own.”

Crystal believes that differentiating the shops will allow her and Richard to express themselves in a variety of unique ways. “You’ll see elements of Richard and Crystal’s personality — you’re going to get to know us a little bit better through all three places.”

In addition to The Fox, the Tomasellos are set to open a second Well Red location on Donahue Drive in June. Managing three local businesses may seem like a handful to some, but Crystal says the effort she and her husband put forward is well worth it.

“You do get tired, but that's part of being a business owner, and

it's something that we get to choose to do, and I'd say we're pretty lucky. You will not find Richard and me com -

plaining — we're just going to smile. The fact that the community has embraced us so much, it's just a gift.”

Crystal noted that the process of constructing and opening the original Well Red location amid the 2020 pandemic gave them insight for opening future businesses.

“It just allowed us to work out the kinks at a slower pace, and I feel like we're at a really good rhythm right now," she said. "I feel like we're going to know a lot of those procedures that we had to learn at the beginning of Well Red.”

Impacting the community is one of the main objectives for the Tomasellos, Crystal wants The Fox to be a meaningful spot for customers..

“I hope it's someone's favorite coffee shop and that we can make a mark on some [students] while they're here, and for the locals, I hope the same.”

The Empty Bowls is April 20 in Opelika

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — The Empty Bowls event will be held this Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Denson Drive Recreation Center in Opelika.

First held in 2014, the event has raised nearly $100,000 for the Food Bank of East Alabama to help feed those in need. Opelika

and Auburn potters alternate hosting the Empty Bowls, and this year’s event is hosted by Rocky Brook Potters.

Tickets, which cost $15 per bowl, are on sale in advance and will also be available the day of the event. Participants will select lovely handmade bowls to take home as a reminder of the less fortunate in the community. Each bowl purchase will include a serving of bread and soup (in a disposable bowl), several varieties of which will be available.

Tickets are available at the Denson Drive Rec Center in Opelika, the Jan Dempsey Rec Center in Auburn and the Food Bank of East Alabama on In-dustry Drive in Auburn.

Opelika potter Sherie Spain started the Empty

Bowls project in 2014 after reading about the international project to fight hunger. The original Empty Bowls began as a high school class project in Michigan in 1990 and the idea spread worldwide.

More information ins available at www.foodbankofeastalabama.com, click on Make a Difference/Donate Funds/Empty Bowls.

The Fox, downtown Auburn's newest coffee shop located at 124 Tichenor Ave., is now open for business, offering coffee and baked goods.

Opelika mayor proclaims March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day

Letter to the Editor: Remember the Vietnam veterans

OPINION — I would like to bring to your attention and to the attention of your readers that the upcoming April 30, 2024 marks the 49th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. It is important to remember the lives of those men and women who died for our country and remember the lives

of those soldiers who served in country during this dark period of American history'

These returning military veterans are the only American soldiers who were never formally welcomed home from an American war as a group. The fiftieth anniversary of the end

of that war will take place on April 30, 2025, a date which is rapidly approaching,

As these returning veterans were never formally welcomed home and celebrated as a cadre of young men and women, I believe that it is now time to welcome them home as senior citizens.

Also, we should not forget to honor and show respect for the few remaining parents who have survived their fallen children who served so gallantly during that war, These parents presently range in age from the mid eighties to being centenarians.

I believe that April 30, 2025, would be

A trailblazer's journey of resilience, leadership

BY NATASHA WALDRON ANTHONY NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING SYSTEMS COMMAND WASHINGTON

LEE COUNTY —

Builder First Class Jamaria Johnson is a trailblazer in the making.

Hailing from Phenix City, Johnson's journey is one of determination and resilience.

As the middle child among seven siblings, her childhood was filled with the joys of summer adventures alongside her grandmothers, aunts and cousins. However, as she approached the end of her high school years at Central High, Johnson decided to forge her own path and avoid the burden of student debt; she embarked on her military career.

"I did my time in NJROTC to be an E3 so I figured why not join. I already had a sense of the Navy knowledge," Johnson said.

Throughout her three years of service, Johnson has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to being a positive force in the workplace, even when faced with challenging

circumstances. As a female in a male-dominated trade, she chose to be a heavy hitter, leading by example and inspiring those around her. Within only three months of her enlistment, she received her Seabee Combat Warfare pin.

"I got my Expeditionary Warfare pin in which I was the first constructionman to be dual qualified in Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3."

Capt. Omarr Tobias, commanding officer of NAVFAC Washington, presented Johnson with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. The medal was for her meritorious service while she served as the Public Works Department Washington project supervisor from January 2021 to February 2024. Johnson skillfully executed 26 projects to increase support capabilities across the national capital region. She also provided 24/7 joint operations at Hawaii Red Hill and irrigated 250 miles of water distribution system and restored water to 6,500 displaced families at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Johnson expressed gratitude to everyone for pouring into and supporting her. "I learned so much from both male and female mentors, just based on their experiences and career progression. It’s good to have people holding you accountable and guiding you to the career path you want," Johnson explained Her female pioneers are those she calls her mentors,

Ensign Gafayat Moradeyo and Lt. Cmdr. Genevieve Flatgard.

When asked about the advice she would give to others, Johnson's message is clear: "Be irrationally confident in yourself." She emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth and warns against the dangers of complacency.

the perfect occasion to recognize these selfless men and women for their sacrifices to our country and for their bravery, Remember that their sons' and daughters' names are inscribed on the Vietnam War Memorial.

April 30, 2025, is rapidly approaching! How should our Nation

honor our "returning" Vietnam veterans and the Gold Star family members? How should our nation celebrate? How will our Country honor these selfless individuals?

Charles M. Hendrix, DVM, PhD Vietnam Era Veteran Auburn, Alabama

DAV to host free virtual career fair on April 23

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

EAST ALABAMA — Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and RecruitMilitary will cohost the Central Region Virtual Career Fair on Tuesday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active-duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve.

More than 40 employers actively seeking the unique talents of America’s veterans will be on-site representing a range of industries, from construction to medical to administrative and logistics, with career opportunities from entry level to senior management. In addition to employment assistance, veterans can utilize career counseling and resume assistance, network with fellow veterans and

military personnel and get support with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims assistance, all at no cost.

Last year, to support employers, dispel myths and demonstrate the business case for employing America’s nearly 4 million veterans with a service-connected disability, DAV developed The Veteran Advantage: DAV Guide to Hiring and Retaining Veterans with Disabilities. This guide offers best practices and helpful tools for employers and inspires more organizations to consider the veteran talent pool.

To register for the Central Region Virtual Career Fair and access additional no-cost resources for veterans and their families, go to the website: jobs.dav.org.

(Left photo) Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, right, presented a resolution to Billy Cooper, left, and other Vietnam veterans (right photo) commemorating March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day.

Builder First Class Jamaria Johnson received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for meritorious service from Capt. Omarr Tobias, commanding officer of NAVFAC Washington

2024 class of AU legends inducted into Tiger Trail Former

athletes receive sidewalk plaques in downtown Auburn

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — The Auburn Chamber of Commerce, along with Auburn University Athletics and the city of Auburn, inducted a new class of athletic legends into the Tiger Trail of Auburn at an April 6 ceremony at the Auburn Athletics Complex.

The 2024 inductees include Caitlin Atkinson (gymnastics 2013-2016), Kasey Cooper (softball 2014-2017), Takeo Spikes (football 1995-1997)

and Cliff Ellis (head coach, men’s basketball 1994-2004). Each will be represented by an engraved plaque placed on the sidewalk of downtown Auburn among the plaques honoring other AU greats.

Inspired by the vision of the late Ken Brown, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce began the Tiger Trail in 1995 to honor outstanding athletes, coaches and administrators. This year, a new class of honorees was inducted into the Tiger Trail during

the Tiger Trail induction ceremony.

“We are excited to welcome new Tiger Trail inductees and honor their legacy,” said Anna Hovey, president and CEO of the Auburn Chamber. “Each time one is added, we are adding a piece of Auburn history and celebrating part of the Auburn family.”

For a complete list of Tiger Trail inductees and plaque locations visit webgis.auburnalabama. org/tigertrailviewer.

News from the Chambers of Commerce

Applications open for Opelika Chamber’s 2024-25 Ambassador Program

OPELIKA — The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that applications for this year’s Ambassador Program are now open. The Ambassador Program’s purpose is to assist in the engagement and growth of the Opelika Chamber membership, and to act as

official representatives of the Opelika Chamber to existing and new businesses in the surrounding community.

This program begins in June 2024 and will consist of events and programs through May 2025. Ambassadors will attend monthly meetings, assist in the recruitment of new members, volun -

teer at Chamber events, and have opportunities to build relationships and networks that are deep, profitable, and meaningful

Among other criteria, applicants must be employed by their company for a minimum of six months, complete the application and commitment form, and

be an upstanding citizen and representative of the business community. One applicant from each business will be accepted, and businesses must be a current Chamber member.

“Our intention with this program is to have ambassadors from several different industries help shape the direction

of our organization,” says President and CEO of the Opelika Chamber Ali Rauch. “They serve as important liaisons to our chamber members, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s applicants have to offer.”

All applicants must submit an application by Friday, April 26, 2024, in order to be consid -

ered. Applications can be sent to Ashley Colquitt at ashley@opelikachamber.com or be turned in at the Opelika Chamber of Commerce at 601 Avenue A, Opelika, Alabama.

For more information about the Ambassador Program visit www. opelikachamber.com/ our-ambassadors.

Auburn Chamber hosts ribbon-cutting for Auburn Rental & Associates

Jan Dempsey Center expanded

Auburn's Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center has been renovated and expanded, and its reopening was celebrated during a recent dedication.

The facility's namesake , Jan Dempsey, the city's first woman mayor, is pictured at right, center. The picture below illustrates the expanded space now available for sharing and creating art.

The 2024 Tiger Trail inductees include, left to right, Takeo Spikes (football 1995-1997), Caitlin Atkinson (gymnastics 2013-2016), Kasey Cooper (softball 2014-2017) and Cliff Ellis (head coach, men's basketball 2014-2017).

Three Sixty Real Estate adds to growing team

EAST ALABAMA

Jalen Wright and Olivia Huggins have joined Three Sixty Real Estate.

JALEN WRIGHT

Jalen Wright has a passion for architecture, and real estate caught his attention after learning how important the right agent can be to home seekers.

“After seeing how impactful the right agent can be for those in need of assistance, I knew real estate was the career for me,” he said.

“I am excited to be on this journey with Three Sixty.”

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Wright attended the esteemed Paxon School for Advanced Studies. Instead of jumping right into college life, he moved to Auburn to take a gap year, having visited the area multiple times to visit family while growing up. He believed the welcoming community here was the perfect place to focus his time on becoming a licensed Realtor.

“Jalen Wright is a welcome addition to our East Alabama office,” said Nonet Parmer Reese, broker/owner of Three Sixty Real Estate. “We are excited to see how he grows in his career.”

Wright spent the first 18 years of his life in Jacksonville with his mother, stepfather, grandmother, and tons of cousins. His mother is from Virginia Beach and his stepfather is from Haiti. His father was born in Valley and served in the U.S. Army for many years. During summers Jalen would make the trip up to Alabama to stay with his father and visit with that side of the family.

Wright’s first job was working in his family’s restaurants, where he learned how to interact with unfamiliar faces daily. His first “official” employer was Publix, where he worked for three years in multiple positions, perfecting his communication skills.

Wright spends his free time going to museums, writing poetry, volunteering

with events around Auburn and hiking/interacting with nature. He works part-time at Moore’s Mill Club and is a consistent attendee of Auburn Community Church.

OLIVIA HUGGINS

Olivia Huggins is a hometown girl at heart, calling Auburn home since she was a small child. She loved growing up here, where she started at Auburn Early Education Center when it was kindergarten only and she was part of the first graduating class of the new Auburn High School. Attending Auburn University was an easy choice for

Olivia, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in hospitality management with a focus in events and was awarded Auburn’s Student Employee of the Year in 2020.

Olivia has always wanted to be a real estate agent. A huge people person, she loves making her clients’ visions and dreams become a reality. She honed her service-oriented approach early on by working in local establishments Behind the Glass, Lucy’s and Botanic, as well as helping her mom for years in her wedding and event planning business. Whether it was setting

up tables and chairs, taking out the trash, or anything in between, Olivia learned the importance of every task large and small when it comes to making an event truly special.

Her mother also worked as Coach Pat Dye’s personal assistant for many years, and being part of that experience led Olivia to love Auburn more than she ever thought she could. Being by his side during sporting events, book signings, and press conferences is something she will never forget and the time she spent with him is unmatched.

Olivia’s dad is a Nutrition professor at Auburn University. Nutrition and hospitality are in the same college, and Olivia absolutely loved getting to have classes in the same building, going on lunch dates, and her favorite, a free ride to class.

Her older sister, Caroline, is her best friend and inspiration, as she also majored in Hospitality at Auburn.

When she’s not working hard for her clients, Olivia’s favorite pastime is riding horses at her family’s rescue and boarding farm in Notasulga. She loves making floral arrangements and you can always find a fresh vase of flowers in her house.

Pensacola is Olivia’s favorite getaway: the dining, beaches, and the community have her heart.

ABOUT THREE SIXTY:

Three Sixty offers a family of services including real estate, property management, interior design and staging, vacation rentals and commercial real estate. Utilizing forward-thinking and creative processes,

Three Sixty strives to make every experience unique and as smooth as possible by providing a consistent partner to maintain the integrity of projects as a whole. To learn more, visit www.concepttoclosing.com or call (334) 887-3601.

Caroline currently lives in Dundee, Oregon where she is studying wine and works for a boutique bed and breakfast inn.

BCBS of Alabama announces cost reduction for key insulin, asthma inhalers

Cross and

Shield of Alabama recognizes the critical importance of ensuring our members access to affordable medications, including those managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma.

As part of this commitment, Blue Cross will be reducing the copay of Novolog™ insulin, Asmanex® inhalers, Arnuity Ellipta™ inhalers and QVAR RediHalers® to the lowest price possible

impacting our commercial members with our pharmacy benefits. This move will help alleviate financial burdens and make essential medications more accessible to those who rely on these medications to manage their health.

INSULIN

Recently, the manufacturer of Novolog™ insulin reduced their price of insulin products and partnered with us through our Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM), Prime Therapeutics, to ensure a low net cost for their product. Because of this partner-

ship, Blue Cross will pass these savings directly to our members by reducing their copays to the lowest possible level for their Novolog™ insulin. This adjustment will take effect on April 1, 2024.

INHALERS

Recently, GlaxoSmithKline discontinued production of their Flovent™ HFA inhaler and also launched an authorized generic. To help keep inhaler costs as low as possible for our members, we reduced the cost shares of alternatives, Asmanex® inhalers, Arnuity Ellipta™ inhalers,

Grant funds to support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grant funding to two local nonprofit agencies that assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The Domestic Violence Intervention Center of Opelika, which services Chambers, Lee, Macon, Randolph and Tallapoosa counties, received $20,000 to upgrade technology and software used in managing their day-to-day operations. ADECA is administering the grants from funds made avail-able by the U.S. Department of Justice.

“Victims of domestic violence deserve the best service possible to restore their lives to normal,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to award these grants that will help make needed technology upgrades to ensure that victims receive the best care possible.”

and QVAR RediHalers®. This change is effective immediately. We continue to encourage drug manufacturers to reduce the cost of their products to enhance affordability while improving health outcomes.

ABOUT BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF ALABAMA

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has insured Alabamians for over 88 years. Blue Cross offers coverage plans to corporations, individuals and the senior market. For more information about Blue Cross, visit Alabam-

aBlue.com. Connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube and follow us on Twitter for more up-to-date information. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

ABOUT PRIME THERAPEUTICS

Prime Therapeutics LLC

(Prime) is a diversified pharmacy solutions organization serving health plans, employers and government programs. Prime is collectively owned by 19 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, subsidiaries

or affiliates of those plans. Magellan Rx Management LLC, a Prime Therapeutics LLC Company, is a pioneer in specialty and medical drug management and a leader in serving public sector state government programs. Together Prime and Magellan Rx provide a wide range of clients with solutions that bridge the distance between medical and pharmacy management. For more information visit primetherapeutics.com and magellanrx.com or follow us on X (Twitter) at @Prime_PBM and @ Magellan_Rx.

Grants available to low-income families to weatherize homes

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling more than $5.8 million to agencies that help low-income residents lower their energy costs by weatherizing their homes.

“Victims of these terrible crimes deserve to have access to timely professional assistance in times of crisis,” Ivey said. “I commend these organizations for helping these victims heal, recover and navigate the legal system.”

ABOUT ADECA:

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers a wide range of pro-grams that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.

Rape Counselors of East Alabama received $26,000 to serve victims of sexual assault in Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. ADECA is administering these grants from funds provided by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Ivey awarded the grants to 13 community agencies throughout the state that manage the program at the local level and accept applications from individuals seeking assistance, including $225,487 to the Alabama Council on Human Relations Inc., which serves Lee County.

The grants support Alabama’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides funds to improve the energy efficiency and safety of qualifying homes. Priority is given to people with disabilities, the elderly and low-income households with children.

An energy audit is conducted of each home that qualifies for weatherization assistance to determine the most cost-efficient measures. Common improvements include

installing extra insulation in the attic, walls and floor; sealing air leaks around doors and windows; repairs or tune-ups for air conditioning and heating units; and replacing incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency bulbs. In addition to lowering energy bills, the improvements can reduce the risk of fire and other hazards.

“A change in the weather can lead to a spike in home heating or cooling costs, forcing many to make difficult decisions about how to use their limited funds,” Ivey said. “These grants will help low-income households make upgrades that will significantly reduce heating and cooling bills.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

For more information, contact the Alabama Council on Human Relations at www. achr.com, (334) 821-8336.

JALEN WRIGHT OLIVIA HUGGINS

F News vents, E

S Food ociety & News

BY STACEY PATTON WALLACE

OPINION —

If you are like most people, you have a number of restaurants where you regularly dine. Since Mike and I moved to Auburn in November 2015, we have enjoyed a variety of great restaurants.

One restaurant in Opelika, The Grille at Botanic, has definitely become one of my favorite restaurants throughout Lee County. The Grille at Botanic, located at 1702 Frederick Road, started serving lunch awhile back, and I was very eager to dine there.

After all, dinner at The Grill at Botanic and the Sunday brunch there are both amazing, so I knew that the lunch would be outstanding as well. I was 100 percent correct.

Not long ago, I met my friends Judy, Nancy and Kim for lunch at The Botanic; we were celebrating Kim’s birthday a few days early. We were seated in what I call “the plant room,” where luscious green plants grow right out of one of the room’s walls; it really is beautiful.

George, our server, was fabulous, being sweet, patient and helpful. My friends and I shared the house-made pimento cheese, which had Wickle’s Pickles, bacon jam and housemade tortilla chips. It was slap your Grandma two times good.

For her entrée, Kim,

Lunch is served: The Grille at Botanic Making the Grade

the birthday girl, ordered the beef tips, which came with Marsh Hen Mills Carolina gold rice, green beans and gravy.

Nancy selected the house butter lettuce, which consisted of grape tomatoes, Benton’s bacon, candied pecans, pickled red onion, cucumbers, Asher Blue cheese dressing and balsamic glaze.

Judy chose the smash burger with a Caesar side salad. I also ordered the smash burger but added French fries as my side. Botanic’s smash burger is served with bacon jam, American cheese, Wickle’s Pickles and comeback sauce on a Hawaiian roll.

Everyone raved over their selections. Kim said her beef tips were so tender. Nancy really enjoyed her fresh salad, and Judy and I loved our delectable, juicy burgers.

For dessert, Kim ordered the chocolate cake, which included rich, milk chocolate, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Kim called it “decadently delicious.”

Judy selected the white chocolate cheesecake, which came with a blueberry compote, preserved lemon and mint, and she called it “heavenly.”

Although Nancy and I didn’t order dessert, our sweet friends let us taste their delectable choices. Nancy tasted both; after all, she’d only eaten a salad. Believe it or not, I only tasted Judy’s cheesecake, and it was indeed heavenly. I was so proud of myself for not ordering a dessert. I only hope that Lynn Hudson, my diabetic specialist, is reading

this. When my A1C finally drops down to an acceptable number, I would like to order either one of these desserts or the banana pudding cheesecake.

Besides our delicious house-made pimento cheese, The Grille offers other wonderful appetizers at lunch: red beet hummus, Conecuh corn dip and fried Brussels sprouts.

Diners may also choose salads or the

soup of the day, and they may enjoy plates such as the peanut chicken lettuce wrap, tortellini alla parmagiana, grilled chicken and roasted salmon. Sandwiches include the fried chicken sandwich, roasted veggie sandwich, grown-up grilled cheese and the Botanic open-faced French dip. In addition, diners may enjoy gourmet coffees with their lunch.

Trust me, run and do not walk to The Grille at Botanic for lunch soon. The wonderful food, beautiful surroundings and superior service (remember, I love alliteration) will make this restaurant one of your favorites, too.

The Grille at Botanic serves lunch Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lunch at The Grille at Botanic makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Poohsized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!

Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear every other week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@ gmail.com.

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE FOR THE OBSERVER

The Grille at Botanic, located at 1702 Frederick Road in Opelika, is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts.

BY SEAN DIETRICH

Hi. You don’t know me. I don’t know you. We’re strangers. But we’re the same, sort of. Only chances are, you drive a nicer car than I do. In fact I guarantee you drive a nicer car.

I drive a 25-year-old truck. The tailgate is rusted, there is a prodigious layer of dog hair on the upholstery. The windshield is cracked, the gas gauge doesn’t work, the roof leaks so

Sean of the South

that when it rains the interior of my Ford bears the perpetual scent of canine. There is a sticker on my dashboard which reads “Tomorrow is a day with no mistakes in it.” My old man gave the sticker to me when I was 10. I’ve never parted with it.

So anyway, although we’ve never met before, we have a few things in common. Namely, we both breathe air, we both eat food, we both work for a living. We both hold a deep level of respect for the Internal Revenue Service. We also have bad days. You and me. That’s just how we are. We’re humans. Bad days are inevitable.

The reasons for our

About today

bad days vary. Maybe we don’t get enough sleep. Or people let us down. Sometimes we get overloaded with work, family, schedules, appointments, commitments, obligations, IRS audits, etc.

Sometimes we receive bad news. Sometimes we have chronic pain. Sometimes we have chronic stress. Sometimes we suffer from the chronic idiocy of our fellow man.

Sometimes your water heater goes out. Sometimes your CV axle needs replacing. Sometimes your football team sucks Sometimes your dog pees in the kitchen. Sometimes, it’s the one-year anniversary of your dad’s death.

Sometimes your spouse

decides they want a new spouse. Sometimes your cat dies. Sometimes your loved one dies. Sometimes the doctor looks you square in the eye and uses the C-word. Sometimes—and here I am speaking of myself— your septic tank needs to be pumped. Either way, a body can only take so much abuse. After a while, life starts to wear you down. You start to feel overwhelmed. And tired. And “over it all.”

But really, what you’re feeling is just fear. Deep inside, you are actually just wondering will ALWAYS be this way? Will things always be a mess? Will life always be hard? Will I always be on the wrong side of life?

Will you always have

chronic back pain? Will you ALWAYS be an insomniac, going through your day like a B-movie zombie? Will you always have problems with your marriage? Will life ever get better? Will anyone ever understand what I’m going through?

The answer is: I have no freaking idea. I’m just some hack writer on the Internet.

But…

If, by chance, this is one of those days for you, friend; if this is a crummy day that you’d rather not be going through; if you wished today was over before it even started; I’d just like to remind you something you already know.

It will get better. You will get better. Life will get better. It might not

happen the way you want it to. Your prayers might not be answered in the way you wanted. But it’s going to be okay. You’re going to be okay. Just hang on. Wait for tomorrow.

Because someone once told me that tomorrow is a day with no mistakes in it.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, novelist and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. His column appears in newspapers throughout the U.S. He has authored 15 books, he is the creator of the Sean of the South Podcast and he makes appearanes at the Grand Ole Opry.

Sundilla Concert Series presents Pat Wictor April 19

— Sundilla will present the legendary Pat Wictor in concert on Friday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the AUUF (Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship), located at 450 E. Thach Ave. in Auburn.

Advance tickets are $20 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee, Foodie’s and online at sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door will be $25. Students with ID can pay just $15 at the door, and children 12 and under get in free.

Wictor first burst on the folk and acoustic scene as an innovative slide guitarist known for fresh and memorable interpretations of traditional and contemporary songs. He has made his mark as a singer-songwriter penning lean and poetic songs that honor (and subvert) rural blues and gospel traditions. For seven years he toured as one third of Brother Sun, the powerful harmonizing trio with Joe Jencks and

Greg Greenway, garnering critical acclaim, two No. 1 CDs on the Folk DJ charts and a continent-spanning tour schedule which included a stop in Auburn for a performance at Sundilla. But Wictor doesn’t need bandmates to shine. His CDs “This Is Absolutely Real” and “Sunset Waltz: both reached No. 2 on the Folk-DJ charts, and “Heaven is so High” and “Waiting for the Water” both reached No. 4. Wictor took a convoluted path to folk music, winding his way through rock, heavy metal, jazz and free improvisation. He started with guitar, shifted to bass, moved to saxophone and then quit music entirely before returning to guitar and teaching himself lap slide guitar. He organized and ran a songwriter’s circle in New York City for 13 years, mentoring and influencing dozens of other artists. An adept improviser and accompanist, he is sought after as a collaborator, sideman and session musician, with over 60 recording credits

to date. His solo shows are unique performances mixing great songs, spoken word, improvisation and spontaneity. Wictor won the Falcon Ridge Emerging Artist Showcase, was nominated for Emerging Artist of the Year by the Folk Alliance, was nominated for Gospel Song of the Year by the Independent Music Awards and was a finalist in the Kerrville New Folk songwriting contest.

TheCountryBlues. com wrote, "He manages to infuse an almost playful, yet tasteful, improvisation while maintaining a beautiful sense of melody. While he can fingerpick like the best of them, he is an absolute madman on the lapsteel. Unquestionably, anyone who has ever heard a Wictor show will permanently place him in the company of the best in the genre — Harry Manx, Kelly Joe Phelps and Ed Gerhard."

Dirty Linen Magazine wrote, “The clarity of his voice is an interesting juxtaposition to the glorious grit of his musicianship.

He manages to creatively absorb the work of others, leaving their musical in-

tentions beautifully intact, while adding his own sonic signature to the mix."

For more information, go to www.sundillamusic. com.

PAT WICTOR

'Cheese Curd Update'

Bryson faces his nightmare ingredient: Lima beans

BY ANITA STIEFEL ANITAS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — The tension was thick as the seven remaining contestants entered the arena in Monday night’s episode of MasterChef Junior, but the atmosphere at Moe’s Original Barbecue at Bent Creek was festive, as friends, family and fans of Opelika’s Bryson McGlynn gathered to watch him on the FOX television cooking competition.

This fifth episode began with mystery boxes containing ingredients for the week’s challenge.

“I see the mystery boxes, and I’m like, I know there’s been some really crazy things or just nasty stuff, so I don’t know what’s gonna pop out of that mystery box,” said Bryson. “Like, I’m super duper scared.”

As the young chefs revealed the contents of their boxes, they responded with “ews” and “ughs” and grimacing faces.

“We’ve done a little snooping and we’ve learned everyone’s least favorite ingredient — welcome to your nightmare challenge,” world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay told the unhappy youngsters. “You have to turn something you hate into something delicious on a plate.”

For the aspiring chefs, who range in age from 8 to 12, the “nightmares” included bleu cheese, tomatoes, oysters, mushrooms, kale, anchovies and Bryson’s nemesis ingredient, lima beans.

“Oh, they smell terrible!” he said in disgust.

As has been the case all season, the judges admonished the youngsters to taste their dishes as they prepared them, but this

time the tastings were met with a lot of complaining and an abundance of “yucks” and “blechs.”

“I think this is really the hardest challenge yet,” said 8-year-old Jordyn from Greensboro, North Carolina. “How do I make this thing that’s ugly and gross turn into something restaurant quality?” she said of the kale in front of her, which she described as looking like “the Grinch’s brain.”

“Ugh!” said Bryson, nicknamed Cheese Curd, as he put his lima beans in a skillet. “I do not like lima beans because my school ruined it. I mean, they serve them every single week, they’re soaked in butter — it’s terrible!”

To make the most of a “gross” situation, Bryson leaned on his Southern roots, opting to prepare succotash, a dish of lima beans mixed with corn and tomatoes, to serve alongside a lamb roast. When it was time for Bryson to taste test his lima bean creation, Ramsay took the opportunity to have a little fun.

“Let me get a barf bag, just in case,” Ramsay said, holding a plastic bag under Bryson’s chin. “Take your time, there’s only one lima bean, come on, you’ve got this, go on buddy!”

But Bryson’s facial expression made the elder chef relent, and he mercifully allowed the youngster to spit it out.

During the watch party at Moe’s, Bryson told The Observer the tasting ended up being a good thing, because he discovered his succotash needed more vinegar before being presented for judging.

When preparation time ended, four dishes were chosen as the evening’s best, and the winning

junior chef would receive a collection of electric bicycles for their family as a prize. Three dishes were deemed unacceptable, one of which would send a competitor home.

Bryson was relieved when his name was called as one of the potential winners.

“I feel really good about my dish, and I’m hoping to really, really wow the judges,” he said of his perfectly-cooked, medium rare parmesan-crusted lamb chops with lima bean succotash.

“You showed a lot of finesse, a lot of technique, so good job,” said one of the judges.

“This is garden fresh, vibrant, and I love that you hit it with vinegar,” said another. “You really nailed that cook on your least favorite — but now maybe signature — lima bean dish.”

Ramsay said while Bryson’s lamb was “cooked beautifully,” the succotash needed “a bit more heat — it’s just on the verge of being a little

bit dull.”

“You’ve made the lamb the hero of the plate as opposed to the lima beans,” the chef told Cheese Curd, who listened to the judges and absorbed their critiques. The winning dish was a mushroom-rubbed ribeye with mushroom callaloo and sweet plantains, pre-

pared by 11-year-old Michael from New Smyrna, Florida, who was inspired by his Caribbean roots. The junior chef eliminated was 9-year-old Lilo from Ann Arbor, Michigan, whose oyster dish was ambitious but fell short.

In next week’s episode, the six remaining contestants will face a

Local woman appears on TV trivia show 'Jeopardy!'

CONTRIBUTED BY EAST ALABAMA HEALTH

Alabama Health employee

Lee Wilkins, standing on the Jeopardy! stage with buzzer in hand and trivia on the brain was a “bucket list” moment.

grants coordinator in East Alabama Health’s Regulatory Affairs department, appeared on the April 10 episode of Jeop ardy!, a game show nationally broadcast by CBS where contes tants compete to answer obscure trivia questions.

“My family and I have watched Jeopardy! for years, at least since the early 2000s, and I have always loved Trivial Pursuit and other trivia games,” Wilkins said. “It was a surrealistic experience. I really enjoyed it. It was an honor.”

She said her son convinced her to take the contestant test on the show’s website. After a stretch of Zoom auditions and a just over a year of “radio silence,” Wilkins was asked to be on the show.

“When I was notified that I was in the contestant pool over a year and a half ago, I was told that if I didn’t hear back in a year or so, I probably wouldn’t, and if I still wanted to be a contestant, I could start the process over,” she said. “Well, time passed. I guess

it was sometime in January that I thought to myself, after watching some really competitive games, that it was a good thing I didn’t get called, because I would be a nervous wreck since I am such an introvert. “And, of course, it was shortly after that realization that the studio called me.”

Once Wilkins found out she’d be competing, it was immediately time to start prepping. Using a combination of apps, books, a makeshift buzzer and nightly Jeopardy! episodes, she aimed to arm herself with every tidbit of knowledge available.

“I practiced at home by

watching the show every night using a flashlight as a clicker,” Wilkins recalled. “I loaded apps on my phone so I could review maps and geography, world leaders, U.S. presidents and other topics. And I bought one of Ken Jennings’ trivia books, and at that point, my brain was on overload.”

In mid-March, Wilkins and family flew out to California for the taping of the show. To avoid potential spoilers, she had to keep the reason for the trip a secret.

Competing in front of a live audience, not to mention the millions watching during the episode’s air date, can be a daunting task, one that Wilkins admitted to being nervous about. However, she said that the showrunners took every effort to make her and other competitors comfortable.

“The Jeopardy! crew were great at encouraging contestants and helping us manage nerves and wardrobe issues,” she said.

“They understand that for all of us ordinary people who don’t spend our lives in a studio and don’t do this day-by-day, we aren’t used to this.

“They did give us some time to practice that wasn’t taped in front of an audience to get us familiar with being behind the

podium.”

While not as nearly as intense as competing on Jeopardy!, Wilkins has been known in years past as the lunchtime trivia champion by coworkers at East Alabama Health.

“There was an area with a table in storage where Randy Causey, Billy Browdy, Becky Lynn, John Atkinson and myself would have lunch, and I brought a box of trivia cards, and we would do that over lunch,” she said.

While the trip to California was mainly for Jeopardy!, it wasn’t all competitive trivia show-downs and studio sessions.

After taping, Wilkins and her family were able to use the rest of their days in town to tour Los Angeles. For her, any trip to California includes grabbing a bite to eat at an In-and-Out Burger location.

“We went to the Santa Monica Pier and hung out, watching the people and the waves,” she said.

“We took a fun Hollywood tour on one of the many tour bus options, and afterward, spent a couple of hours walking and exploring Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset.

“One of the highlights for me was that the tour wove around neighborhoods in Laurel Canyon, where so many great musicians from the 1970s lived

and worked and made mu-sic history.”

While Wilkins considers the experience a bucket list item she can check off, it was not something she was expecting an opportunity to do.

“Honestly, at the beginning of this year, this was not on my ‘bingo card,’” Wilkins joked. “I guess it is a message from life to just be ready for all the possibilities that are out there.”

ABOUT EAST ALABAMA HEALTH

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital, while EAMC-Lanier provides inpatient services as well as a nursing home, an acute rehab unit, a senior behavioral health unit and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,700 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www. eastalabamahealth.org.

LEE WILKINS

“double-sweet” challenge, including a pancake relay race and preparation of an ice cream dessert. The show airs Mon-days on FOX network at 7 p.m. The Observer will provide continuing coverage, and fans can keep up with Bryson on his Cookin’ with Cheese Curd page on Facebook.

In the photo above, Bryson McGlynn (center) was surrounded by family and friends who gathered for a MasterChef Junior watch party Monday night. Pictured below is a still shot from the fifth episode of the FOX network cooking competition, in which Bryson is being mentored by worldrenowned Chef Gordon Ramsay.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

QUARTERLY GSEA MEETING

Saturday, April 20

11 a.m. to noon

Museum of East Alabama

121 N. 9th St., Opelika

Program: Seeking Summerville by Sid Harden

Mankind has always been fascinated by stories of communities such as Camelot and Shangri-La which provoke images of a magical land shrouded in the mists of time. These mythical locations never existed but another idyllic village, the community of Summerville, did exist for several decades in East Central Alabama.

In 1838 Robert S. Hardaway and 10 other influential men from Columbus, Georgia established a healthy and peaceful summer retreat for their families near the current Russell County — Lee County line on Summerville Road. Harden is a semi-retired public school educator with 45 years of experience. He is currently employed as an adjunct instructor at Auburn University for the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology. He is also a board member of the Genealogical Society of East Alabama and has contributed several articles to Tap Roots. His latest article is in this issue: Dr. Stephen Miles Ingersoll, “A Ruling Spirit”. He and his wife Janice live on Lake Harding.

Admission is free and the public is invited. The public is invited.

ART SHOW SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The Auburn Arts Association will accept artists’ submissions through Friday, April 19, for the 19th Annual Juried Art Show and Preview Reception, to be held April 25, at the historic Nunn-Winston House in Auburn. Visit auburncityfest.com for a registration link.

THE OLD 280 BOOGIE @ STANDARD DELUXE

Standard Deluxe will host The Old 280 Boogie on Friday, April 19, from 4 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The event, which will be held at 1015 Mayberry Ave. in Waverly, features a live music lineup, art, food and fun. For ticket information, visit StandardDeluxe.com.

APL HOSTS TWO EARTH DAY EVENTS

The Auburn Public Library will celebrate Earth Day with two events. On Saturday, April 20, kids of all ages are invited to participate in a variety of eco-friendly crafts and activities from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Youth Room. On Monday, April 22, APL will host an Earth Day movie matinee featuring the film “Wall-E” from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. These events are free and open to the public. For more information, send an email to libraryevents@auburnalabama.org or call (334) 501-3296.

OPELIKA LIBRARY HOSTS EARTH DAY EVENT

The Opelika Public Library will host an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Special Programs Room. Participants will paint planters, plant seeds and make seed bombs. All ages are welcome to the free event. For more information, email library@opelika-al.gov or call (334) 705-5380.

TASTE OF THE TOWN

Local chefs and caterers will showcase a tasting of their favorite dishes at the annual Taste of the Town on Tuesday, April 23, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Museum of East Alabama in downtown Opelika. Proceeds from the fundraiser provide for repairs and upkeep of the museum, located at 121 South Ninth St. Tickets cost $30 and are available at the museum or online at eastalabama.org. For more information, call (334) 749-2751.

JURIED ART SHOW

Thursday, April 25, is the date set for the 19th Annual Juried Art Show and Preview Reception presented by the Auburn Arts Association, the Auburn CityFest Committee and Auburn/Opelika Tourism. The reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the historic Nunn-Winston House on the grounds of Kiesel Park in Auburn. Food and drinks will be provided, and more than $1,000 in awards will be presented. This event is free to the public.

BO BIKES BAMA KICKOFF PARTY

Bo Bikes Bama will host a kickoff party on Friday, April 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Red Clay Brewing Company in Opelika. The event will feature a performance by Gretsch Lyles & The Modern Eldorados, as well as food and drinks. Bo Bikes Bama, an annual charity ride to raise money for disaster recovery and preparedness in Alabama, is set for Saturday, April 27. For more information, visit www. bobikesbama.com.

AUBURN CITYFEST

The 23rd Auburn CityFest will take place Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kiesel Park, and this year’s theme is “Space Adventures.” The rain or shine event will live music, interactive events and more than 100 arts and crafts, food and nonprofit vendors. CityFest is free and open to the public. For more info, visit auburncityfest.org.

AUBURN LIBRARY BOOK SIGNING

The Auburn Public Library will host local children’s book author Dr. Sarah “Mimsy” Odom on Saturday, April 27, who will read from her book, “Xantu Learns to Read,” at Family Story Time, which starts at 9:30 a.m. Odom has written a series of children’s books using her grandson as her muse. She also writes devotional and journal motivational books. In addition to her writing, she is the president and chief executive officer for a student educational and motivational consulting company.

MAD HATTER’S TEA PARTY

The Junior League of Lee County (JLLC) will host its annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on Sunday, April 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Moore’s Mill Club Pavilion, located at 1957 Fairway Drive in Auburn. Proceeds enable the nonprofit JLLC’s mission of promoting volunteerism, developing women and improving the local community through effective action by trained volunteers. Spaces

are limited — only 150 guests will be eligible to attend. Tickets are available online now at www.juniorleagueofleecounty.com.

GARDEN IN THE PARK

Keep Opelika Beautiful will host Garden in the Park on Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Opelika Municipal Park. The event will feature homemade and homegrown arts and crafts, a full schedule of entertainment and plenty of good food.

KENTUCKY DERBY DAY

The 16th Annual Kentucky Derby Day is set for Saturday, May 4. Gates open at 1 p.m. at Storybook Farms, located at 300 Cusseta Road in Opelika. The fundraising event, "where horses, fashion and philanthropy race to the finish line," is the largest Kentucky Derby party in Alabama. Tickets are on sale online now at https://secure. qgiv.com/event/derby2024.

AUBURN LIBRARY AUTHOR SIGNING

The Auburn Public Library will host nine-year-old local children’s book author Della Gardner on Saturday, May 4, who will read from her debut book, “Cornflowers Life,” at Family Story Time, which starts at 9:30 a.m.

NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY

National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) of Alabama is offering the Family-to-Family Program, a virtual family education program (on Zoom) beginning May 9 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The free eightweek educational program is for families and significant others of people with a mental health condition, peer led by individuals who have been through similar situations. It provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love. Registration is required. Email laurajnh@gmail.com or call 205-267-2986 for more information.

10th ANNUAL FISHING RODEO

Join Auburn Parks and Recreation at the lake at Auburn Technology Park South on Saturday, May 11, from 7 to 11 a.m. for the 30th Annual Fishing Rodeo. Register at auburnal.myrec. om. Every participant must be pre-registered — there will be no registration the day of the event. The cost is $5 per child. This event is for children 14 years of age and younger. Each child will be permitted to bring home five fish and must be accompanied by an adult. If you plan to take home fish, please bring a bucket. Door prizes will be given out to lucky participants and prizes will be awarded to the biggest and smallest fish caught in each age category and the most fish caught overall. For more info, contact Sarah Cook at scook@auburnalabama.org or call Auburn Parks and Recreation at 334-501-2930.

BEAUREGARD FIRE ANNUAL MEETING

The Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department will have its annual meeting on Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church, 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika, AL 36804. All residents of the Beauregard community and interested parties are encouraged to attend.

ZUMBA CLASSES

Zumba classes are held on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Frank Brown Recreational Center in Auburn. Cost is $5 drop in, $25 for five classes and $40 for 10 classes. Register at auburnal.myrec.com.

ATTENTION ORCHID LOVERS

The East Alabama Orchid Society meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Opelika Public Library in Meeting Room 2, located at the rear of the library next to the train mural. Anyone interested in growing orchids is encouraged to attend the meetings. There are orchid growers of all levels and abilities who meet to learn and discuss growing orchids from the members. At each meeting, members will bring their blooming plants to share with the group. For more information about the meetings, contact David Stanbury at: stanbdm@auburn.edu.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE SUMMER CAMP

Missoula Children’s Theatre, a world renowned children’s touring theatre for more than 50 years, will be back in Opelika for Summer Camp June 24-28. Registration is open to young people in K through 12th grades. Cost is $200, with a 10% discount for additional family members. Camp is limited to 60 campers, and every camper will be cast in the production of “Gulliver’s Travels in Space.” Register at www.opelikacommunitytheatre.com. For more information, contact Opelika Community Theatre by calling (334) 400-9660 or emailing opelikatheatrecompany1@gmail.com.

Civic Chorale to perform in spring concert on April 28

EAST ALABAMA — The East Alabama Civic Chorale, sponsored by The East Alabama Arts Association, invites the community to attend its Spring Concert on Sunday, April 28 at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Opelika.

The concert of choral classics presented by the 55-voice choir will be accompanied by chamber orchestra and piano.

“We are so very excited to present this concert to our community,” Dale Peterson, director of the East Alabama Civic Chorale said. “These pieces are considered ‘masterworks’ of choral literature. They have stood the test of time and are as popular today as ever. In fact, I believe if you would ask choral directors their favorite choral pieces, many if not most of their selections, are included in our concert.”

From a typical Handel Chorus, to Bach’s beautiful Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, to the rousing The Heavens Are Telling from Haydn’s Creation, to choruses from Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Brahms’ Requiem, Faure’ Cantique de Jean Racine and Forrest’ emotionally evoking Good Night, Dear Heart, this music of substance on subjects of substance is representative of the best in choral music.

The concert will conclude with four well-known African-American spirituals arranged by legends in that field. The selections are God’s Gonna Set this World on Fire and Ride On, King Jesus, both arranged by Moses Hogan; Poor Man Lazrus arranged by Jester Hairston and William Dawson’s

setting of Soon-Ah Will Be Done.

Lee County 'Relay For Life' set for May 3

BY JANET MCCOY, LEE COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE

LEE COUNTY — Lee Coun-

ty’s Relay For Life, a community event to raise money and support those fighting cancer, is set for Friday, May 3rd, around the Lee County Courthouse square in downtown Opelika.

This year’s theme is “Every Cancer, Every life”, and will begin at 6 p.m.

“Fighting cancer is personal, and it’s something almost everyone can share in because we all know someone who has been affected by cancer,” said Debra Causey, co-chair with her husband, Randy Causey, and a two-time cancer survivor.

“Joining with those who are fighting the disease, whether they have been diagnosed or because a loved one or friend has, brings us together as one group for a cause we can all get behind.”

To date, 32 teams have raised nearly half of the $100,000 goal. Business sponsorships are available and it’s not too late to register a team, give and volunteer, said Randy Causey.

Events will include a Survivors Reception preceding the walk, from 5 to 5:45 p.m. near the fountain. All survivors are welcome and will join together after welcoming ceremonies to walk the first lap.

The Opening Ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the Survivor’s Walk, where survivors introduce themselves

and tell how long they’ve survived cancer.

This will be followed by the Caregiver’s Lap, which signifies the importance of the role of caregivers and that no one journeys alone.

Teams begin their walks with the goal of one member walking in support of cancer survivors.

A Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 9 p.m. The walkway will be lined with lighted bags decorated to honor those fighting cancer and remembering those who have passed away. It is a solemn walk in which participants are asked to quietly walk a lap. Luminary bags can be purchased in advance or the night of Relay for $5 each.

During Relay, games, activities, entertainment and fundraising opportunities will continue throughout the event.

Brad White is the assistant conductor of the Chorale and Liza Weisbrod is the collaborative pianist. The concert is free and open to the public. An op -

portunity will be given to those attending to donate to help defray the costs of the concert.

Trinity Presbyterian Church is located at 1010 India Road in Opelika.

The 55-voice East Alabama Civic Chorale will perform masterworks from Handel, Bach, Haydn, Mendelssohn and Brahms, as well as AfricanAmerican spirituals.

Pictured above are participants in last year's Relay for Life event.

Education can help parents and teachers address '4/20 Day'

BY MARCEL GEMME

OPINION —

Social media platforms make everything accessible, and any child or teen using these platforms

could be exposed to the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is something that parents and educators should be aware of during the 4/20 month.

While it is more prevalent in states where cannabis and the many different products are legal, children and teens in Alabama may still have questions. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 9.68% of all teens surveyed in Alabama reported using marijuana in the last year, and roughly 84% reported using marijuana in the last month.

Drug education and prevention information are helpful tools for parents and educators. They can help children, teens, and students understand the risks and help them make good choices concerning drugs and alcohol.

Speaking about cannabis can happen anytime; for example, keep the conversations age-appropriate. Speaking with a five-year-old is much different than speaking with a teenager. Use language and examples a child or teen would understand. Teach them about the dangers and

what to avoid.

Put yourself in your kid's shoes. This can be especially important for teenagers as they face different social pressures and situations. Make a point of understanding what they are up against.

When speaking to them about cannabis, stay calm and relaxed, stay positive, don’t lecture, and be clear and concise about rules and boundaries. It’s ok to set rules, guidelines, and expectations; create rules together as a family or class. Parents and educators can be clear about the consequences with-

out using scare tactics or lecturing; clearly state what you expect regarding cannabis use.

Choose informal times to have conversations about cannabis, and do not make a big thing about it. Yet, continue talking to them as they age, and let them know you are always there for them.

Most importantly, speak to them about peer pressure and talk with them about having an exit plan when they are offered marijuana. Peer pressure is powerful among youth, and having a plan to avoid

drug use helps children and students make better choices.

While 4/20 Day happens only once a year, young people are curious. Parents and educators can have a positive impact on their lives and help young people make informed decisions about cannabis.

Marcel Gemme is the founder of SUPE and has been helping people struggling with substance use for over 20 years. His work focuses on a threefold approach: education, prevention and rehabilitation.

Statewide coalition seeks changes to school funding policy

ALABAMA — More than two dozen organizations have joined together to launch a new coalition aimed at modernizing Alabama’s school funding policies.

The Every Child Alabama Coalition includes individuals and organizations representing several communities and viewpoints. The coalition will work with business leaders, educators, students and families, and community members to ensure every child in the state has access to a world-class education system, no matter their zip code or circumstance. Its first priority is to change the formula Alabama uses to fund its public school programs. Alabama is one of only six states that utilize a funding formula based on student enrollment rather than the challenges that students might face, such as poverty or special education needs. School systems are also unable to adjust how they spend the funds they are allocated to better address their students’ needs. Consequently, many school systems struggle to deliver the specific resources and support many students require.

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision. Contact Shiquita Fulton, M.ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

“Alabama has not updated the way it funds public schools in more than three decades, and how we fund them creates large disparities across the state,” said Jason Meadows, the advocacy and partnerships director of A+ Education Partnership. “Every child is different, and some children need more support to be successful. A better approach would be to consider the specific needs of students within each school system and ensure every school can fund the resources needed to help them and their families thrive.”

A+ Education Partner-

ship launched the Every Child Alabama Coalition. Other members include Alabama Possible, Alabama Network of Child Advocacy Centers, Alabama, Goodwill, Faith in Action Alabama, Teach for America Alabama, Huntsville Committee of 100, EmpowerED Birmingham, Birmingham Promise, Alabama Arise, New Schools for Alabama, Mobile Area Education Foundation, Black Alabamians for Education, Breakthrough Birmingham, Baldwin County Education Coalition, Inc., Alabama State Conference NAACP, Education 4 Life, Hispanic

and Immigrant Center of Alabama (¡HICA!), AG Gaston Business Institute, Alabama Expanded Learning Alliance, New Life Church of God in Christ, Montgomery Education Foundation, Alabama Families for Great Schools, VOICES for Alabama's Children, Learning Little People LLC, and John Wilson, Chief School Financial Officer, Baldwin County Board of Education.

To kick off the coalition, Every Child Alabama is hosting the Every Dollar Counts Learning Series, a comprehensive 7-part learning opportunity designed to empower

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn, next to Ray's Collision off of South College Street, will be open on Wednesdays, 8 to 11 a.m. with coffee, donuts, cake and conversation about service and benefits for all veterans and spouses to stop by.

AUBURN/OPELIKA MOPS IS NOW 'MomCO'

MOPS International changed its name from MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers to MomCo to include moms of children of all ages. Auburn Opelika MomCo will meet at Pepperell Baptist Church, 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika at the following dates/ times: April 18, 5:30-7 p.m. Contact Rachel Elrod at (706) 244-5620 or Pastor Zac Gardner or Pastor Josh Elliott at (334) 745-3108 for further information.

NAMI OFFERS VIRTUAL PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES DEALING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

NAMI of East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. NAMI of Alabama is providing a virtual family education program (on zoom) beginning May 9, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The NAMI Family-to-Family Program is a free eight-week educational program for families and significant others of people with a mental health condition. The program is peer lead by individuals who have been through similar situations, provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love. Registration is required. Email laurajnh@gmail.com or call 205-2672986 for more information.

Alabamians with the knowledge and tools to understand and improve our state's education funding. Throughout the series, expert speakers from Alabama and across the nation will break down the intricacies of education funding, offering insights and strategies to modernize our state's funding formula. Interested individuals can register at everychildalabama.org/2024-every-dollar-counts-series-registration.

For more information about the Every Child Alabama Coalition, visit everychildalabama.org.

BY WALTER ALBRITTON

OPINION —

Peter and his brother Andrew were fishermen. One day, when they were busy casting their nets in the Sea of Galilee, Jesus walked by. Jesus invited the two men to follow him, and added this promise: “I will make you fishers of men.” Their response, as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel, was amazing: “At once they left their nets and followed him.”

Nearby were two other brothers, James and John. Jesus issued the same invitation to them and they too left their nets and

Altar call

“immediately” followed Jesus. Soon eight other men were chosen by Jesus to become fishers of men. The twelve men gave up fishing and followed Jesus until their training to become fishers of men was interrupted by the crucifixion of Jesus.

Though the disciples heard that Jesus had been raised from the dead, they were so dismayed by his brutal killing that they gathered up their nets and returned to the lake, once again fishing for fish.

After fishing all night, and catching nothing, early in the morning they heard a man on the shore calling to them, “Did you catch any fish?” “No,” they answered. The man on the shore was Jesus but they did not recognize him. Jesus told the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat and when they did, they caught a boat

Upcoming Services

BARBARA ADKINS SMITH Graveside service, 11 a.m. Thursday, April 18 Center Baptist Church

CECILE WHITE LOVVORN Memorial service 11 a.m. Thursday, April 18

Curtis & Sons North Chapel, Sylacauga

JOHN DAVID KENNEDY Memorial service 3 p.m. Thursday, April 18

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel

RODNEY PATRICK EDMONDSON Celebration of life, 4 p.m. Friday, April 19

Midway Community Church, Wedowee

PHILLIP DENSON AARON Visitation 3 p.m., Service 5 p.m. Friday, April 19

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home

JUDIETH "REBECCA" MITCHELL Visitation 9 a.m., Funeral 10 a.m. Sat., April 20

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel

Did you catch any fish?

load of fish. This prompted John to say, “Hey, I think that is the Lord!”

Peter, always impetuous, jumped into the water and beat the others to the shore. There he heard the amazing words of the risen Christ who, having cooked fish for them, said, “Come and have breakfast.” Peter could hardly believe that Jesus did not reprimand him for his coward-ice and lying. Stunned that his Lord had not condemned him, but was now inviting him to take up the ministry of caring for Jesus’ sheep, Peter remembered the Lord’s original calling – to fish for men. And he would spend the rest of his life doing just that – inviting people to repent of their sins, be baptized and begin living as servants of Jesus. The Lord’s mission has not changed. In every age he

SANDRA ANN FLORES

Sandra Ann Flores, 83, of Opelika, passed away on March 20, 2024, after battling chronic pain and dementia for the last five years. She was born to the late Paul and Pauline Lindemann, Feb 11, 1941, in Radford, Virginia.

Sandie married Conrad C. Flores Jr. on Sep 14, 1963, and had three children. The family resided in Florida, Alabama and Colorado. Sandie and Chuck moved to Tennessee in 1992, and made Opelika their retirement destination in 2003.

Sandie is survived by her devoted husband, Chuck

calls his disciples to become fishers of men. Why? Not merely so they can get cleaned up and start going to church. Not merely so they can find joy in abundant living. Not merely so they can be delivered from the guilt of an ugly past. But for an eternal reason – so they can be prepared for the day of judgment and be welcomed by their heavenly Father to the place prepared for them in heaven.

Little Emily, eight years old, had listened carefully to her pastor. She understood the gospel to mean that faithful Christians will go to heaven while unrepentant sinners will go to hell when they die. Convinced that she should tell others to trust Jesus so they could go to heaven, Emily decided to share the gospel with her brother, Billy, age five. Summoning all her

courage, Emily spoke earnestly, “Billy, do you want to accept Jesus as your Savior so you can go to heaven with Mama and Daddy and me and the angels, or do you want to go to hell and be with the devil and all the bank robbers?”

After staring at Emily for a few seconds, Billy blurted out, “I don’t want to go to either place; I want to stay right here!”

Most of us will agree that Emily’s kind of evangelism is not effective; we would prefer a more subtle approach. Yet we would admit that Christians need to confront nonbelievers with the ultimate question: Are you going to heaven or hell when you die?

The Bible is clear – there will be a time of judgment. The wicked will be punished; the righteous will be rewarded. So if we really

OBITUARIES

and their three children Gina (Todd), Denise (Rich),and Greg (Margaret). She is also survived by her three grandsons Kelley (Beth), Jeremy and Nick (Katie); two great-granddaughters Madelyn and McKenna, aunt Millie, cousins Marilee and Annie and sister-in-law Sue. Sandie was predeceased by her brother, Karl Lindemann in 2022.

Sandie was an Auburn fan through and through. She loved attending tailgate festivities with her son and extended college family any chance she could. As her health declined, she was not

able to participate — but she always sent them a loud WAR EAGLE!

Sandie’s ashes will be interred in the Columbarium at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Auburn during a celebration of life which will be held on a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a local dementia support organization in Sandie’s name. Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers of Opelika, is handling arrangements.

RODNEY PATRICK EDMONDSON

Rodney Patrick Edmondson was born Feb. 22, 1957, in Wedowee and died on April

love people, we will want to help them get to know Jesus before it’s too late. After all, only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will go to heaven. That being true, should we not do our best to persuade people to get their names in the book?

Most of us spend our days busy with many things, some of them essential. But surely there are few things more important than to “fish for men,” to lovingly invite and persuade others to join us in walking with Jesus on the road that leads to “the land that is fairer than day.”

Doing so will save us from being embarrassed should our Lord one day ask us the question he asked his disciples, “Did you catch any fish?”

15, 2024, at Russell Medical Center in Alexander City.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, April 19, at 4 p.m. at Midway Community Church in Wedowee.

He loved spending time with his family and talking on the phone with his sister, Dale. He had a great love for the banjo and also loved the river, fishing and riding in his boat. He was dear to everyone and will be greatly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Patrick Coley Edmondson; parents, Jack and Avis Edmondson; and siblings, Lynward, Perry

BY BRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

OPINION —

Iworked as a lifeguard for a couple of summers when I was growing up. I got the job even though at the time, I hadn’t taken the course you needed for lifeguard certification. The swimming pool where I was hired was in a pinch

Studying His word

and needed someone right away, so I came on with the understanding that I would get my certification ASAP. It wasn’t more than couple of weeks before a class was offered, and I enrolled in it. Our teacher was a guy named Kirby (I don’t remember his last name). He taught us that lifeguarding wasn’t about fun and games — it was about water safety and in extreme cases — life or death. He impressed upon us the truth that if you were not trained to rescue a person, then not only could a drowning occur — two drownings could happen: you and the

Broken but blessed

person you were trying to rescue.

That’s because the person drowning was in full panic mode, they were not thinking rationally. As you approached them, their only thought was survival, which meant trying to climb on top of you in order to keep their head above water. If you didn’t know the technique for releasing from panic holds (front or back), you didn’t need to be trying to rescue anyone.

The day of our certification test. I can’t tell you anything that the test was about other than you had to tread water while Kirby came

up behind you, grabbed you from behind, and took you under water. Did I mention Kirby had played football in college? He had been a lineman and later had a tryout a couple of years before with the New Orleans Saints. He had at least a hundred pounds of mass and muscle on all of us.

I passed the certification test (not everyone did). But I think we all appreciated what Kirby did for us. He saved our lives. For some, like me, he did that by training us how to deal with a panicked swimmer. For those who failed the course, he saved their lives by

Bible verse of the week:

not certifying them and putting them and in a situation they couldn’t handle.

As long as I live, I will never forget looking straight ahead and treading water while waiting for Kirby to grab me from behind and pull me under.

I think Jacob must have had a similar feeling (magnified a few thousand times) as he waited for his brother Esau. It had been twenty years since they had seen each other. Jacob had stolen Esau’s blessing and Esau wanted to kill him (Genesis 27:41). Now he would get that chance. He was coming

with 400 men. Jacob had divided his family into two groups (hoping that would increase the chances of someone surviving). He sent them across the river. And he waited.

He was attacked — but not by Esau — it was by a representative of God. They wrestled all night and when it was finally over, Jacob was left broken (his hip dislocated), but blessed and with a new name. It’s a fascinating story and you can read it in Genesis 32.

Find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-grace-withbruce-green.com.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you. — Philippians 4:9

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672

BAPTIST

Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Road 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

Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108

Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608

Shady Grove Baptist Church 2194 Lee Road 177,

Opelika 334-476-1531

Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461

CHURCH OF CHRIST 10th Street Church of Christ

500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181

The Opelika Church 2660 Cunninghan Dr., Opelika

University Church of Christ 449 N. Gay St., Auburn www.auchurch.com

Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

CHURCH OF GOD Lakeside Church of God

3295 Lee Rd 54, Opelika 334-749-6432

GLOBAL METHODIST Christ Methodist Church of Auburn

434 E. Magnolia Ave., Auburn | Worship at LeeScott Academy 334-209-0074

EPISCOPAL- AME

Saint Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St., Opelika 334-749-1690

EPISCOPAL

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

METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800

Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Bridge Church of AL 315 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-363-0552

PRESBYTERIAN

Father’s

and Sybil Edmondson. He is survived by his sisters, Betty Hornsby, Ledale Allen and Linda (Walter) Arnold; children, Lauren Terrell and Keith Holloway; granddaughter, Layla Atkins; and many nieces and nephews.

BARBARA ADKINS SMITH

Barbara Adkins Smith, 87, of Ridge Grove, Alabama, died peacefully at her residence on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

Barbara was born in LaFayette on March 31, 1937, to the late Edwin and Ersa Adkins. She was a member of Center Baptist Church and retired from Vermont American.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, April 18, at 11 a.m. at Center Baptist Church, with Rev. Paul Howard officiating. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika is assisting the family with arrangements.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Smith; her sister, Shirley Weldon; and brothers Wayne, Tracy and Randy Adkins.

She is survived by two daughters, Rebecca Posey (Jim) of Austin, Texas, and Brenda Smith of LaFayette; a brother, Terry Adkins (Wynonia) of Camp Hill; three grandchildren, Cody DeLee (Laura) of Beulah, Zane DeLee (Rori) of Pleasanton, Texas, and Matthew Posey of San Antonio, Texas; and two great grandchildren, Holland and Hank DeLee.

CECILE WHITE LOVVORN

Cecile White Lovvorn was born on April 19, 1943, in Sylacauga. She died at home in Opelika at the age of 80 on April 13, 2024, after a short battle with colon cancer.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 18, at 11 a.m. at Curtis & Sons North Chapel in Sylacauga, with Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home of Opelika assisting with arrangements.

On Aug. 30, 1964, Cecile married Nance Lovvorn, who often introduced her as Miss Sylacauga 1961. Cecile read avidly, loved music and doted on her grandchildren. Cooking was her love language. She was a career educator, an Auburn grad and a diehard fan.

She was a member of Brookwood Baptist Church for over 50 years. She enjoyed sing-ing in the choir there before relocating to National Village to enjoy the good life with Nance.

In addition to her husband, Cecile is survived by her sisters, Gloria Boyette and Dottie McMullen; sisterin-law, Pat Vizin; children, Libby McConnell (Clay) and Jennifer Lov-vorn; and grandchildren Ian and Clare Beth McConnell and William and Lila Parker. She was predeceased by her sister, Sandra Fuller. Memorial donations can be made to Camp Seale Harris, 500 Chase Park South, Suite 104, Birmingham, AL 35244, www.campsealeharris.org.

PHILLIP DENSON AARON

Phillip Denson Aaron, 88, of Auburn passed away on

April 9, 2024.

Services will be held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on April 19, with a viewing from 3 to 5 p.m. followed by a service in the Chapel.

Phillip was known for his love of old cars, working outdoors and sharing stories. He was the owner of Little Caesars in Auburn/Opelika and surrounding areas from 1987 to 2003 and the owner of Country Oaks Lawns from 1998 to 2023. In his free time, he enjoyed restoring and showing vintage autos for many years.

Phillip is survived by his wife, Norma; sons, James, Christopher, Michael, Patrick and Philip Aaron and Mark, Matthew and Michael (Jennifer) Grovesteen; daughter, Michelle (Steven) Fritz; grandchildren Scott (Kelly), Michelle, Daniel (Jena), Kirstin and Caitee Aaron, MacKen-zie (Alex) Reaume and Trevor (Jessica) Aaron, Josh (Ashley) Aaron, Ryan (Jason) Jolley, Ma-tilda, and Elliot Aaron, Logan (Courtney) Landon and Lawson Buchanan, Ashley (Adam) Lar-son, along with 16 great-grandchildren with the 17th soon to be. He was preceded in death by his father, Otha D. Aaron; mother, Gladys M. Aaron; and son, Mark D. Aaron. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or your local humane society.

JOHNNY L. WYCHE

Johnny Wyche, 62, of Opelika passed away at EAMC surrounded by family on April 10, 2024. He was born on Sept. 22, 1961, to Johnny L. Wyche Sr. and Margaret Sue Nesmith Wyche in Meridian, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Connie Wyche; daughter, Briana McCormick; sons, Josh Peppers (Amber) and Jason Peppers (Candace); sister, Susie Herndon (Bruce); grandchildren, Ivaleigh Beau, Elijah and Lincoln Peppers; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Johnny loved music and

pursued it through college and seminary. He was most happy as he led the church choir into anthems of praise to his Lord and Savior. He has lead choirs in many churches in Alabama and Mississippi over 40+ years. He loved his family unconditionally, his church family included.

He loved his secular job as well, working in the cabinet shop. His daughter and grandchildren were always on his mind, and he always would tell anyone who would listen about their accomplishments or show videos of their games or violin recitals.

He was a quiet and gentle man with so much love that he always had a smile even when things weren’t always good. His love for Connie superseded all else. He always referred to her as “his free entertainment,” because he could count on her to lighten his load with a laugh or two.

His greatest accomplishment was his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Johnny is in Heaven waiting for us to join his heavenly choir of continuous praise.

A Celebration of Life was held April 15 at Central Baptist Church of Opelika, with burial following at Garden Hills Cemetery. Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

ANOSHIRAVAN “ANOOSH” BAGHERNEJAD

Anoosh Baghernejad passed away on April 5, 2024, at the age of 61 doing what he loved—playing soccer at the Auburn Soccer Complex.

He was born on Feb. 1, 1963, in Tehran, Iran, to his loving parents Buick and Aghdas Baghernejad. An esteemed entrepreneur, real estate broker and owner of Premier Realty his faith in Jesus was a beacon and his deep devotion to God radiated from him, a constant testament to his faith. Every stranger blossomed into a friendship waiting to happen, their hearts drawn in by his genuine welcome. According to Anoosh, his greatest accomplishment was his family, in whom he found his sanctuary. His wife, Kymberly, has

been a constant source of strength by his side, and their precious children, Tayllor and Nathaniel, are the joys that filled his heart. He took immense pride in being the best husband and father a man could be.

With the agility of a soccer player and the discipline of a martial artist, he navigated the world. Real estate invigorated him, while his deep love for reading fueled his ever-expanding knowledge. Anoosh, also, was a passionate musician who poured his love for music into singing, guitar playing and songwriting.

Anoosh was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Aki Taeb; mother and father-in-law, Robert and Rita Freeman Sr.; brotherin-law, Robert Freeman Jr.; and sister-in-law, Jennifer Freeman.

He is survived by his wife Kymberly Freeman; daughter, Tayllor Freeman; son, Nathaniel Freeman; brothers, Akbar Baghernejad and Ardy Sheer; sister, Azam Fatolahi; cousin, Sohrab Badiei; brother-in-law, Rick Freeman; sisters-in-law, Kelly Bost and Kathie Eidson; as well as other cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and the Auburn soccer community.

A celebration of life was held at Lakeview Baptist Church on April 12, followed by a graveside service at Auburn Memorial Park. Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” — Matthew 5:4.

MARNIE RENEE BARNETT SHERRER

Marnie Renee Barnett Sherrer passed away on April 7, 2024, in Auburn at the age of 58. She was born on July 30, 1965, in Columbus, Georgia, to Anthony Barnett and Gail Barnett Smith. Marnie's journey was marked by the profound impact she had on those around her through her kindness, compassion and unconditional love. Marnie's legacy is carried on by her loving sons, Jeremy Sherrer and Zachary Sherrer; her devoted parents, Gail Barnett

Smith and Phillip Smith; her siblings, Paige (Paul) Moeller and J.J. (Melissa) Barnett; her nieces and nephew, Payton Moeller, Paxton Moeller, Magg Barnett and Charlotte Barnett; her adorable grandson, Cameron Worley; and many loving aunts and uncles, cousins and close family friends.

Marnie was preceded in death by her father and her grandparents, Frank Willard and Mary Julia Wilchar, Marion and Alice Barnett and Stanford and Marion Smith.

A service to celebrate Marnie's life was held April 13 at First Baptist Church of Opelika, with Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisting with arrangements.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bethany House for their care and compassion during Marnie's final days. Their support was a beacon of light during a time of darkness. In her memory, we find comfort in the words of Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

In lieu of flowers, the family hopes that you would consider supporting the work of the local Bethany House by making a donation to Hospice Angels, 1171 Gatewood Dr, Bldg 100, Auburn, AL 36830.

JUDIETH REBECCA COOPER MITCHELL

Judieth Rebecca (Becky) Cooper Mitchell, 74, passed to heaven and found eternal peace on the evening of April 14, 2024. Born on July 24, 1949, Becky was a lifelong resident of Lee County, Alabama, and graduated from Opelika High School.

Becky is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis Bartow Cooper Jr. and Laverne Clegg Miller. She is survived by a brother Harold Cooper, Opelika; her daughters Mandy Mitchell, Birmingham; and Luanne Helms (Jason), Opelika; two grandchildren, Katy Simpson (Steve), Jake Helms and a great-grandson, Steven Oliver Simpson, all of Opelika. Her grandchildren were the lights of her life and brought her immense joy.

Becky was an avid book lover. Her beloved late father and former Mayor of Opelika, Lewis, was instrumental in raising funds to build a library in Opelika in the 1970s, which, today — in a new location — houses the Lewis Cooper Jr. Auditorium. She was known for her quick wit, dry humor and love of gospel music, especially live music. She enjoyed sharing tales of her VIP fan club status for both Gaither Music and David Phelps. Becky was a proud member of Trinity Church.

Services will be held at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home on April 20, 2024, at 10 a.m. The family will welcome visitors starting at 9 a.m. A private burial will be held at Rosemere Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Church, Autism Support of Alabama (ASA), Opelika Library Friends or your favorite animal rescue organization.

Becky’s family is extremely grateful for your love and support over the years and especially during this incredibly difficult time.

A special thank you to the staff and friends at Azalea Place Assisted Living in Auburn, who showed love and compassion to Becky during her final years.

Schools & S

Sweeps boys and girls singles, team and doubles titles

BY D. MARK MITCHELL OPINION —

Auburn High baseball coach Matt Cimo confirmed during an appearance of my radio show, "On the Mark" on FOX Sports the Game radio on the iHeartRadio app that he will retire in May.

"I have been so blessed by God, from administration, teachers, student-athletes, assistant coaches, loyalty — wow, have I been Blessed,” he said. “I am at peace. It has been 44 years of baseball when you add up my playing days through the Minors and coaching. I am going to miss it.”

We discussed his career and how times have changed over the years.

"I learned early on, teaching is first, baseball is second,” Cimo said. “Dr. Ed Richardson taught me that lesson early in my career.

Wayne Murphy, Clay McCall, Coach Furlow and Norton as athletic directors — I love Auburn High and am so proud to have coached here for 32 years. My longtime assistant, Tommy Carter has been with me 26 years, and

our program has won more than any program in Alabama during that time. So many great kids have played for me. Cimo was hired by Auburn City Schools in 1992 and while there, he led his teams to more than 600 wins and four state titles. He won four ASWA Coach of Year awards, three National Federa-tion of High School Sports Coach of the Year awards and the esteemed Alabama Baseball Coaches Association

Sammy Dunn Coach of the Year award. He was inducted into the Alabama Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Coach Cimo's Tigers swept the Central Red Devils last Friday night by scores of 8-5 and 3-1 to stay alive in the playoff picture. Entering this week's final Area series, three teams are alive for the two playoff spots from the Area: Central is 3-1, Smiths Station is 3-1, Auburn is 2-2 and Ope-lika is 0-4.

This week's final Area matchups will determine who makes the AHSAA 7A baseball playoffs. Smiths and Central will play the best of three series, while Opelika and Auburn will also play a

Unite movement scorching across SEC schools after sparking in Auburn

AUBURN –– It’s been over seven months since the Unite movement began in Auburn, and the Christian revival that it sparked is now spreading like wildfire to colleges across the Southeast.

On Sept. 12, 2023, Unite began with a gathering of nearly 5,000 Auburn students and community members in Nev-

Opelika’s Trinity Christian School tennis team captured the AISA Boys State Championship on Tuesday in Montgomery. Pictured above are Coaches Brenda Nell and Julia Gunter, Matthew Cornelius, Will Fisher, Cole Middleton, Nathanial Pitt, Micah Coxwell, Chip Odom, Alex Morris and Coach Mike Gunter. The Trinity team also took home several individual championships, including brother and sister Will and Caroline Fisher (pictured below left), who each took home state titles for #1 singles; Will Fisher and Micah Coxwell (below center), who took home the #1 doubles trophy; and Individual State Champions #4 Matthew Cornelius, #5 Chip Odom and State Runner Up #3 Nathanial Pitt (below right).

Students from schools throughout the Southeast are attending Unite revival events. See UNITE, page B3

OMS history teacher wins fourth weight lifting national championship

Opelika Middle School history teacher Justin Devereux won his fourth National Championship Title at the 2024 USA Masters National Weightlifting Championship held April 13 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Devereux totaled 251 kgs (553lbs) in the combined snatch and clean jerks lifts to take the top spot. Devereux is coached by Les Simonton of East Alabama Weightlifting Club and Leo Totten of East Coast Gold.Devereux is also the two-time World Champion in the Mens 81kg 40-45 year old class for weightlifting and is set to compete this fall in Rovaniem, Finland.

AHS band performs at DC Cherry Blossom Festival

ille Arena. When students came forward asking to be baptized that night, the crowd transported to the Red Barn at the College of Agriculture, where over 100 people were baptized.

Unite has spread from Auburn to the campuses of Florida State University, the University of Alabama and, most recently, the University of Georgia. Auburn University senior and former vice president of the Jungle, Michael Floyd, was in attendance for the initial Unite at Auburn, and he has joined many Auburn students who have witnessed the movement grow at these other schools.

“People (at other universities) are like, ‘Hey, I saw this when it was at Auburn,’ or ‘I saw it when it was at Alabama or Georgia. Now it’s coming to my universi-

ON THE MARK >> from B1

ty, and that’s something I want to be part of,’” Floyd said. “There’s a lot of excitement, and that excitement drives people to show up expecting something. When you come in expecting something, you usually find it.”

Floyd found it himself on Sept. 12, when the fire was sparked on the Plains. Public figures such as Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze and Auburn baseball coach Butch Thompson were in attendance, but Floyd said that didn’t seem like a big deal at the time. Everyone was there on equal ground with the common goal of glorifying God. Now, he’s seeing the movement grow with each school it hits. Floyd pointed out that Unite at Georgia, the most recent of the events on April 3, drew the largest crowd of all the ones that he’s attended, with around

three game series. Auburn owns the tiebreakers against Smiths Station and Central.

ALVIN BRIGGS RETIRES AS AHSAA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Alvin Briggs, executive director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association, announced his retirement last Wednesday as the Central Board of Education opened its quarterly meeting. The announcement left many coaches, administrators and others stunned.

Briggs took over for former ED Steve Savarese in July of 2021 and will remain in his po-

6,000 people in Stegeman Coliseum.

“I continue to go back (to Unite events at other schools) because I enjoy seeing students that come – you wouldn’t believe the story of these students that come give their life to Christ at these events,” Floyd said as he shook his head. “I go back because when you have the opportunity to grow the kingdom of God, you just have to take part. It’s not about Michael Floyd — it’s about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Floyd, a former leader of Auburn’s students section — the Jungle — and

sition through September 1. Terry Curtis, longtime UMSWright head football coach, athletic director and central board of control incoming president, spoke with me during the "On the Mark" radio show and said the AHSAA will name four to five members to a committee to go through the process of hiring the next executive director. Luke Hallmark, Mike Welsh, Kim Kiel and I will probably be a part of the group, but the board will make the final decision.

LOACHAPOKA NAMES BRANDEN HALL

AS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH Loachapoka High School

Principal Albert Weeden hired Brandon Hall as the LHS Indi-

an outspoken lover of all things Auburn, has frequently engaged in trash talk against Auburn’s biggest rivals. His name on X, formerly known as Twitter, is “AUBURN SUPERFAN #2;” hating on Alabama and Georgia is just what he does.

But Alabama and Georgia are the two schools he’s visited for Unite events. When all is said and done, he recognizes that this movement will always takes precedence over a sports rivalry.

“That goes to show you that there’s more to life than just rooting against your rival,” Floyd said.

ans’ new head football coach. Hall comes to Loachapoka from Auburn High School, where he served as assistant on coach Keith Etheredge's staff. Hall also worked for head coaches Jamey Dubose and Dillon Griggs.

AHS SOCCER WINS AREA

Auburn High's girls and boys soccer teams won the Area 4 Championship with a perfect 6-0 Area record.

The Lady Tigers are 15-2-1 overall and ranked No. 2 in the 7A polls, while the boys are 12-2-2 and ranked No. 5 in the state. Each team has an explosive offense — the boys average 7.5 goals a game while the girls

The Unite movement is not endorsed by any specific church or denomination. It started at Auburn through Tonya Prewett, mother of former Bachelorette contestant Madison Prewett and wife of Auburn University basketball assistant coach Chad Prewett, who led a small group that started with five girls that met in Neville Arena every Friday. The group grew, and now all those girls and several other Auburn students like Floyd and his friends attend each event.

Speakers Jennie Allen and Jonathan “JP” Pokluda joined with Passion Music in Neville Arena for the initial Unite and have delivered consistent messages and music at each event, except when Circuit Rider Music played at Georgia. Floyd said the principles and messages of each event are similar but tweaked for each audience. Nonetheless, the way God’s word is received each

average 8 goals a game. Both teams await on the results from Area 3 to see who they will play in the first round of the 7A soccer playoffs.

OHS GOLF

The Bulldog boys golf team defeated Valley on Monday at Point University. Low scores were posted by Kyle Eppperson (-40), Preston Phengsiri (-44), Nolen Wilson (-46), Carter Nees (49) and Bryan McEntire (48).

SOCCER

The Bulldog Soccer team lost to Stanhope Elmore 6-2 last week. David Cruz and Nolen Wilson scored goals for OHS.

time never gets old. “Just seeing thousands of college students unapologetically lift their hands and worship Christ — it’s breathtaking,” Floyd said, wide-eyed. “It’s astonishing, and it’s something surreal that you have to witness.”

The next Unite gathering is on May 1 at the University of Tennessee, but Floyd pointed out that there will be fewer Auburn students in attendance due to it being finals week at Auburn University.

Floyd is set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism at the end of the semester in May, but he remains adamant that the Unite movement is just getting started.

“Buckle up because we’re not done yet,” Floyd said. “If there’s ever a time to draw closer to Jesus, that time is now… I think the world is seeing that college students are ready and on fire to serve Jesus."

BASEBALL Smiths Station swept OHS in three games last week, eliminating the Dogs from the playoffs. Opelika played at Auburn Wednesday and will host the Tigers Thursday in a doubleheader. If Opelika wins the series, AHS could be eliminated from the playoffs.

D Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

The Auburn High School marching band did a fine job representing their city and school as they performed in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, D.C.

The group Passion Music performs during Unite.

Opelika hosts Senior Olympics pickleball

The Alabama Senior Olympics pickleball event was held recently in Opelika, with players from around the state in town to enjoy the city's facilities.

Lee-Scott shuts out Springwood 10-0

The Lee-Scott Academy Warriors were playing hot, holding Springwood scoreless in a blowout victory on April 15.

AU partners with Los Almos National Lab Collaboration to optimize RFID tracking and data processing techniques

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Auburn University has partnered with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to enhance collaboration in research, education and workforce development via the Weapons Production-Technology and Nuclear Training Program (WP-TNT).

Through the WP-TNT initiative, Auburn will collaborate with LANL and its partner, TechSource Inc., to introduce advanced Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking and analytical data processing techniques aimed at optimizing inventory management in LANL’s secure environment.

This partnership will en-

able Auburn to explore new avenues of collaborative research with LANL and enhance curriculum and educational opportunities for the university’s students.

“The WP-TNT partnership with LANL will advance RFID technology for precision location systems and hopefully open up many paths of opportunity for Auburn students to

AHS alumni inducted into Mortar Board

work with a premier government technology lab,” said Justin Patton, director of the Auburn RFID Lab. LANL will also gain the opportunity for outreach within the Auburn University community. Auburn is at the forefront of sensor technology and is empowering students to have hands-on experience with RFID applications. The partnership with LANL will allow students to expand their knowledge of RFID systems implementation in adverse environments.

Through the WP-TNT partnership, Auburn students and LANL subject matter experts will expand their knowledge of RFID inventory tracking, collaborate to advance sensor technology innovation and foster connections between students and LANL professionals.

“This partnership is very timely in addressing some of LANL’s immediate workforce development needs and is a significant step toward Auburn and LANL’s mutual goal of

building a long-term relationship, as formalized in the memorandum of understanding the two institutions signed in June 2022,” said Daniel Tauritz, Auburn’s director for National Laboratory Relationships and an associate professor in Auburn’s Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.

ABOUT AU'S RFID LAB:

The Auburn RFID Lab is an academic institute committed to sensor technology advancement.

The lab employs over 100 students who work on various projects ranging from the creation of optimized supply chain and retail experiences to the optimization of RFID tag placement and performance. The lab works with Auburn’s many partners to create an RFID system specific to their needs through discovery, data analysis and reporting and guidance on best practices. Although the lab has a strong focus on RFID, it also has experience in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, barcode and other technologies. For

Education Briefs

more information about the partnership between Auburn RFID and LANL or general lab operations, please contact the lab at rfidlab@auburn.edu.

ABOUT WP-INT: WP-TNT is an innovative collaboration developed by LANL and TechSource Inc. that effectively bridges the gap between academic institutions and innovative technological advancements, fostering the cultivation of talent essential for maintaining LANL's leadership in innovation. Through its impressive 32% interview-to-hire success rate, the initiative has enhanced efficiency by eliminating obstacles and creating direct relationships with universities, allowing for swift project kickoff and funded work within 60 days. WP-TNT is not merely about internships and mentorships; it is a critical pathway for career advancement, significantly enriching the educational journeys of students from a variety of fields.

TROY, AL — Troy University has announced its Provost's List for Term 3 of the 2023-2024 academic year, an honor reserved for full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who have a grade point average of at least 3.65. Local students who made the list include Mary Rajan, Chaz Smith and Jamya Townsend, all of Auburn; Josephine Craig of Smiths Station; Katie Russel of Salem; and Ira Henderson, Lolita McClendon, Sterling Pierce and Peter Weilbacher, all of Phenix City.

BATON ROUGE, LA — The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines has tapped three local students for membership, including Monica Frazier of Opelika, who attends Columbus State University, and Alice Billingsley of Auburn and Betty Bennett-Watson of Phenix City, who attend Auburn University at Montgomery. Membership into Phi Kappa Phi is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

UNIVERSITY, MS— Kathrynanne Eastman of Auburn was recognized in the 2023-24 class of Who's Who Among Students at the University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss. Eastman is pursuing a B.A. in international studies. Who's Who Among Students is a respected honor program recognizing seniors who excel academically and demonstrate leadership and community service on and off campus.

as members of Auburn University's Sphinx Chapter of Mortar Board, the premier college honor society recognizing college seniors. This distinction provides opportunities for continued leadership development and encourages lifelong contributions to the global community. The AU Class of 2025 includes AHS alumni Cara Herring, Emery Waggoner, Anthony Espinal, Hailey Tschetter and Hailey Clayton. They were among 24 rising seniors selected for their scholarship, leadership and service achievements.

Justin Patton (standing), director of Auburn University's RFID Lab, works with students in the lab.

BY BETH PINYERD

OPINION —

The United States Census Bureau defines Baby Boomers as “individuals born in the United States between 1946 and mid 1964.” As a Baby Boomer who is 71 years old, where has time gone?

Just like when you have a child, they were babies it seems yesterday, then “boom” they are grown and have babies and grand-babies of their own. As a teacher for so many years in the early childhood classroom now my kindergarten, first and second grade students are grown with children of their own. I run into my students who are now grown and parents at the grocery store, library and community events, and they give

their gray-headed teacher a hug and introduce me to their families. Being reacquainted with my students brings me pure joy, but it does gently remind me that I am growing older. I have mentioned this before about my late mother, Marie Jones. She had one of the greatest senses of humor of anyone I have ever known. Her advice to me was “Beth, you know you are aging when in your ‘old age’ you buy a new refrigerator, and you realize the years of warranty on the refrigerator are going to outlive you. Darling, you have arrived and start to enjoy and live your life.”

Her advice was quite good because she lived to be 97 years old. So, in this article

Classroom Observer

Baby Boomers: Go back to class

Classroom Observer is going into class herself as I share what I have learned from my senior friends who are older than me, which is total wisdom from their experiences. In our elderly years we have a wiser perspective. This is due to the stockpile of circumstances and experiences we have lived through.

“Que sera, sera, whatever will be, will be, the future’s not ours to see, que sera, sera,” by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans and sung by Doris Day is one of my favorite songs from 1966. As we Baby Boomers enter our elderly years, this song is good in applying that we should not worry about the future, but we should be prepared. How can we be prepared?

Baby Boomers can go get free advice from the older greater generation (born 1901-1924) as well as our older family members and friends who are in their 80s and 90s. It is so good to sit and chats with our senior friends. The time spent with them spell love to them. Here are some very good life truth tips for Baby Boomers to live by as we grow older.

1. Be grateful that you have reached this age. So many of my senior

friends share with me that they are grateful to live another day. They share with me that each day is a gift from God. They share as they reflect upon the past and present the many blessings they have received in the mountaintops as well as the valleys in life. Gratefulness, even for the simplest of blessings, changes a life outlook perspective which enables we Baby Boomers to live our lives well.

2. Life is not going to be easy as you age but try to stay positive on the worst days. Problems will come our way that may throw us into feeling depressed, not in control and defeated. As we age, we cannot control the problem, but we can choose how we are going to respond to the problem by con-trolling our attitude and outlook. How can we do this?

(a) Try not to dwell on the problem and become negative. “This too shall pass” are the words of advice I hear from my senior friends. Reflect back on post answered prayers about problems and how problems have been solved in the past. Reflections of past problems working out give us hope!

(b) Focus your

attention on favorite hobbies or creative outlets you enjoy. Get your mind off your problem.

(c) Think happy, truthful thoughts. These thoughts then enter your heart and become your way of looking at the world! Positive thoughts bring on happy outreach to others in words and deeds.

(d) As we age, because we haven’t walked this path before, FEAR can enter into our daily thoughts. From the wisdom of others, Fear can stand for F-False, E-Evidence, A-Appearing, R-Real. I love how Mark Twain sizes up worry and fear saying, “I’ve lived through some terrible things in my life, some which actually happened.” We are remind-ed from this that most of the things and stuff we worry about never happens.

(e) As we age, we are given priorities in life of what is important and what is not. The “things” of this world grow strangely dim. We make choices to spend more time in relationships with family and friends. We are able to choose on how to spend our time according to our health, talents and gifts to share

with others, hobbies and interests. The aging process helps us to let go of the insignificance and trivial concerns and to truly focus on what is important. My senior friends have described it to me as being comfortable and content with their lives and who they are.

3. As we Baby Boomers age, take time to enjoy nature, God’s world. Get off the treadmill of the busy life and take time “to smell the roses.” Seeing a beautiful sunset in Lee County, looking at beautiful butterflies, flowers, listening to birds singing, local lakes, streams, etc. bring upon happiness, contentment and appreciation in our elderly years.

I conclude this article of being in the Baby Boomer class with wisdom with my favorite life verse, Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans that I have for you says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and hope."

Beth Pinyerd has taught many years in the early childhood classroom. She has a master’s degree in early childhood education.

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Inside the State House

State Leaders all aboard on “Working for Alabama” Plan

BY STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

Anyone who follows the Legislative Session each year in Montgomery, knows that it is never short of controversy.

The House has its priorities, the Senate has its own, and governors have theirs. And it is fair to say that those priorities are not always the same. You can take gaming this session as an example.

However, in this session there is one major push that has brought all our state’s top elected leaders together — an ambitious workforce, economic and community development package called, “Working for Alabama.”

At an announcement event in Montgomery last month, we saw a rare occurrence: Gov. Kay Ivey joining with Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth and the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate to unveil the seven bills that make up the Working for Alabama legislative package.

So, what will Working for Alabama do? Let’s start with the workforce development piece.

Opelika City Council votes against I-1 zoning

The jobs are there, we just do not have the people trained and equipped to take those jobs. This is an Achilles heel for our state’s economic growth. A company cannot and will not set up shop in a place that does not have the workers needed to operate.

This is a real problem, but our legislative leaders have accepted this challenge. Through the Commission on 21st Century Workforce and years of effort, research and study, this commission came out with a report that outlined some commonsense ways that will help create a workforce in Alabama that is second to none.

The Alabama Workforce Transformation Act would consolidate duplicative state agencies that are currently operating in silos when it comes to workforce, thereby improving efficiency and reducing government waste. The Secretary of Labor would become the Secretary of Workforce and serve as a sort of “quarterback” to make sure these entities are doing their jobs and achieving results. You can think of this like a building project. If you have a bunch of independent contractors without a general contractor overseeing them to make sure they are all working efficiently together, that is going to be a pretty sloppy job with mixed results. The same is true for workforce development.

Working for Alabama also recognizes that a significant number of high school students do

Currently, Alabama has one of the worst labor force participation rates in the nation. Anyone with decent eyesight knows this by seeing the countless “now hiring” signs on the front windows of businesses across our state.

not plan to go to a fouryear college. Honestly, many of them do not need to. There are high paying, high demand jobs available that do not require a four-year college degree. This is where Alabama’s outstanding Community College System will have a major impact on the success of this plan. This package would allow high school students to take full advantage of this valuable state resource to obtain credentials and training while in school, so they are able to get a good job as soon as they graduate. This will allow more of our young people to start strong careers through which they can provide for their families and contribute to their communities.

This package aims to eliminate barriers to employment through a childcare tax credit, so parents do not have to stay at home due to unaffordable childcare services. This has been a priority for House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and will help countless families.

Working for Alabama will also make impressive improvements to our state’s current economic development efforts. It will require our state to create an economic development plan that will be regularly updated and receive input from an industry board. A good thing about this piece of the plan is that it will measure success, so our state’s economic development leaders can see if what they are doing is actually working, and if it is not, they will change what they are doing.

Senate President Pro Tem

See FLOWERS, page B10

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — The Opelika City Council voted against an ordinance that would have changed the zoning of property located at 414 N. 10th St. from R-2 (residential zoning) to I-1 (industrial zoning). The proposed ordinance had been the topic of much debate and heated public hearings since it was introduced earlier this year. During the discussion portion of the motion to remove the item from where it had been tabled since February, Ward 3 Council Member Tim Aja gave a summary of a town hall meeting that he held in March regarding a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance that would allow conditional use permits for bed and breakfast facilities under certain conditions across all residential zones. A public hearing is scheduled for that proposed amendment at the upcoming planning commission meeting next week on Tuesday, April 23. The meeting starts at 3 p.m. Following the vote to remove the item from the table and the discussion, the council voted against the proposed I-1

Wilmore Park to receive $10 million in

BY DANIEL SCHMIDT FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Lake Wilmore Park will receive more than $10 million in upgrades after the Auburn City Council on Tuesday approved contracts to install several fields, pickleball courts and light fixtures.Mayor Ron Anders said the projects, which consist of four artificial multi-purpose fields, six new covered pickleball courts and the lighting, fulfill the city’s Parks and Recreation Department’s promise to the community. “This is very exciting, and what a tremendous,

tremendous development for our community (and) our children,” Anders said. “I'm thankful for the efforts to get us here to this point and look forward to the smiling faces and the loud noises and the activity that's going to come from the ball games and all the things that’ll occur out here.”

Parks and Recreation Director Alison Hall told council members they were year-long contracts but cautioned work could take longer than that to complete.

Once completed, the four fields will be large enough to become eight flag football fields, three tackle football

fields, two full-sized lacrosse fields or two smaller lacrosse fields. According to Hall, the synthetic fields also provide the city the flexibility to create additional uses through powder-based paint, which can be removed. Other benefits she mentioned included improved durability, less maintenance, decreased use of pesticides and increased play time for athletes.

Once completed, the six additional pickleball courts will also give the park 18 covered, lit and fenced courts amid a time when the sport continues to grow in

The Opelika Character Council and Opelika City Council President Eddie Smith recognized J and Ginger Stern as the Character Council's Citizens of Excellent Character. Pictured on the back row from left to right are Ward 2 Council Member George Allen, Barbara Patton, Rusty Sheehan and Tom Tippett. Pictured in the front are Beatrice Allen, DeDe Jackson, Ginger, J and Smith.

Groups file suit to block new law against voter assistance

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

ALABAMA — A

coalition of civil rights, voting rights and disability rights organizations filed a lawsuit challenging

Alabama’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1), which was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on March 20. The law, set to take effect on Oct. 1 ahead of the November general elections, imposes severe restrictions on nonpartisan civic engagement efforts, criminalizing most forms of assistance in applying for absentee ballots.

The Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Greater Birmingham Ministries, League of Women Voters of Alabama and the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, represented by Campaign Legal Center, Legal Defense Fund, Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama and Alabama

zoning change.

During the meeting

The Council President and Ward 4 Council Member Eddie Smith presented a proclamation declaring the month of April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month to bring public awareness about sexual abuse, harassment, and assault and educate communities about how to be involved in prevention.

A proclamation was also presented to Lee County Relay for Life declaring May 3, 2024, as Lee County Relay For Life Day.

Smith also recognized J and Ginger Stern as the Character Council's Citizens of Execellent Character for the month of April. April's character trait of the month is honesty. J and Ginger are the son and daughter of Henry and Roslyn Stern.

IN OTHER BUSINESS

- The council approved a request from the Opelika Songwriter’s Festival for a downtown street closure for May 17. This is an add-on request to

Disabilities Advocacy Program, are the plaintiffs in this lawsuit. They are suing Secretary of State Wes Allen, Attorney General Steve Marshall and the state’s 42 district attorneys, aiming to block the enforcement of SB 1.

The lawsuit challenges SB1 as violating the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution, the Voting Rights Act and the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

Bernard Simelton, president of the Alabama NAACP, a lead plaintiff in the case, said he is frustrated by the state’s contradictory actions.

“The State of Alabama is engaging in double talk, claiming to make voting easier while erecting barriers for our most vulnerable communities,” Simelton said. “We saw a record number of absentee ballots cast during the 2020 election when barriers were

the previously approved street closure request.

- The council approved a request from Heritage House for a downtown street closure request for an event on June 8.

- The council approved a request for a downtown street closure for a USA Cycling social event to be held June 15.

- The council approved expense reports from various departments.

- The council approved a resolution to designate city personal property as surplus and authorize the disposal of said property.

- The council approved the purchase of additional scanning conversion services for police records from Business Systems & Consultants Inc. for an amount not to exceed $56,730.

- The council approved the purchase of AED monitoring equipment from Cardiac Solutions LLC for an amount not to exceed $116,891.

removed. People will vote absentee if we eliminate obstacles.”

The 2013 Shelby v. Holder Supreme Court decision weakened key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, emboldening states to enact laws that restrict access to the ballot, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities, according to a press release from Alabama Values.

“Our past has always informed our present in the fight for voting rights,” said Rhayne Wagner, sen-ior policy manager at Black Voters Matter Fund. “Black people have always had to have our voting rights legislated in court. Today is no different. We will fight back against these coordinated attacks on our voting rights.

“SB 1’s cruel restrictions aim to harm eligible voters in disenfranchised communities through

- The council approved the purchase of two 2024 Ford Transit Passenger T-350 Wagons from National Auto Fleet Group for a total amount of just under $123,000 for the Parks and Recreation Department.

- The council approved an agreement with Sain Associates Inc. for the design of intersection improvements at the intersection of Gateway Drive and Frederick Road. The estimated amount due to Sain for its professional services is $306,000.

- The council approved a contract with Casey Chambley doing business as Chambley's Display Fireworks for the 2024 Freedom Festival to be held July 3, starting at 5 p.m.

- The council approved a license agreement with the Opelika City Schools Board of Education for the July 3 fireworks exhibition and display.

- The council approved a grant application with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program.

- The council approved a proposal by Byard Consulting LLC for the EECBG grant application at a compensation rate of $175 per hour.

- The council approved

voter intimidation tactics,” said Rodreshia Russaw, executive director of The Ordinary People Society (TOPS). “This lawsuit is a shameful waste of tax dollars and wreaks havoc on the upcoming elections.”

The severity of the penalties prescribed by SB 1 is a point of contention, with critics arguing that the bill assigns disproportionate consequences for actions related to assisting voters with absentee ballots, raising concerns about the potential negative effect on civic engagement and the accessibility of the voting process criticized the severity of the law’s penalties, “SB 1 equates assisting someone with their absentee ballot application with offenses like manslaughter and statutory rape by making it a Class B felony,” said Alison Mollman, legal director at the ACLU of Alabama. “This law is

a resolution to authorize an engagement letter with Hand Arendall Harrison Sale LLC to represent the city of Opelika in regard to a dispute with respect to an economic development project.

- The council authorized the execution of a funding agreement with East Alabama Healthcare Authority in an amount of $300,000 to be disbursed at the rate of $100,000 annually for three years to assist with the construction of a new mental health hospital.

- The council authorized the execution of a funding agreement with Mercy Medical Ministry in the amount of $100,000 to assist with the construction of a new clinic in Opelika.

- The council authorized the execution of funding agreement with The Food Bank of East Alabama in the amount of $100,000 to assist with the construction of a new Community Market.

- The council approved a request for a refund of occupational taxes paid in error by Kevin Haefner.

unconstitutional, and we stand with our clients to protect their constitutional rights.”

“Alabama Forward and its member organizations are dedicated to ensuring that Alabamians have adequate access to the ballot,” said Deanna Fowler, interim director. “While this fight continues in the court, we will continue our collective efforts to empower every Alabamian to engage in the democratic process.”

Alabama Values encourages citizens to stay connected and informed around important election deadlines, which can be located on the Secretary of State’s Alabama Votes website: www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes. To report any issues at the polls on election day, call (866) OUR-VOTE, a hot line administered by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

Greg Reed is leading the charge on this effort.

He has been a leader in economic development throughout his tenure in the legislature.

This bipartisan plan will also invest in communities through key resources, such as funding for highspeed internet expansion, industrial site development for industry recruitment, and other key areas.

Between the leadership of Ivey, Ainsworth, Speaker Ledbetter,

Editor’s Note: The Observer received a press release from the Secretary of State’s office which said Allen stands by his previous statements supporting SB1 and its role in protecting the absentee elections process in Alabama: “I am dedicated to ensuring fair, secure, and transparent elections. SB1 provides Alabama voters with strong protection against activists who profit from the absentee elections process. I stand firm in my support of SB1 because now, under Alabama law, Alabama votes are not for sale.”

Reed, Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels and others all working together to get this done, the result will truly supercharge Alabama’s economy and workforce for years to come.

It is good to see all of our state’s top elected leaders coming together and Working for Alabama.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers' weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. steve@ steveflowers.us.

- The council approved a special appropriation of $2,500 to Keep Opelika Beautiful for 2024 Garden in the Park.

- The council approved a request for a special use permit by Verizon for Request for Approval of a Special Use Permit by Verizon to modify its equipment located at 1015 West Point Parkway.

- The council approved a special appropriation of $5,000 to the American Cancer Society for it’s annual Relay for Life event.

- The council took no action and left an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance & Map to rezone 1.24 acres of land located at 414 N. 10th St., from R-2 to I-1 on the table until further notice.

- The council approved an ordinance pertaining to the annexation petition by Shelly A. Perry and Annie P. Perry for the annexation of 2.05 acres of land located at 5400 US Highway 431 North.

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IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE MINOR NAME CHANGE PETITION FILED BY: CAITLIN CONCI FLICKINGER CASE NO.: 2024-104 & 105 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Clinton Ward Robinson

Please take notice that a petition for minor name change was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Caitlin Conci Flickinger on February 15, 2024, to change the name of C.R.R. born on May 22, 2018, in Opelika, Alabama, and C.H.R. born on April 17, 2020, Opelika, Alabama to Clinton Ward Robinson and Caitlin Conci Flickinger. A hearing has been set for the 23rd day of April 2024 at l o'clock p.m. Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Should you intend to object to either minor name change, you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Jason C. Riggs, P.O. Box 954, Auburn, AL 36831 or 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. Dated on this the 15th day of

ALABAMA, LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2024-183 ESTATE OF JAMES DONALD MCSPADDEN, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said James Donald McSpadden, deceased, having been granted to Kimberly J. Petrina this 26th day of March 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Kimberly J. Petrina, Personal Representative Legal Run 04/04/24, 04/11/24 & 04/18/24

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL May 7, 2024, 6:00 P.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the right-ofway of Speedway Road between Randall Drive and Veterans Parkway. All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing. The portion of Speedway Drive proposed to be vacated is more particularly described as follows:

RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION OF A PORTION OF SPEEDWAY DRIVE

COMMENCE AT A POINT UNDER ASPHALT LOCALLY ACCEPTED AS THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 26 EAST, AUBURN, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE NORTH 21°46'52" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 2070.89

FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF A RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION MORE FULLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: THENCE NORTH 00°49'50" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 216.29 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00°49'50" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 110.44 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°10'10" EAST, A DISTANCE OF 48.78

FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00°49'55" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 110.16

FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00°49'55" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 99.88

FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00°49'55" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 99.90

FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00°49'55" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 99.92

FEET; THENCE SOUTH 00°49'55" WEST, A DISTANCE OF 37.57

FEET; THENCE WITH A CURVE TURNING TO THE RIGHT WITH AN ARC LENGTH OF 130.20 FEET, WITH A RADIUS OF 2662.7

FEET, WITH A CHORD BEARING OF NORTH 21°10'12" WEST, WITH A CHORD LENGTH OF 130.19 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, SAID RIGHT-OFWAY VACATION CONTAINING 18,949.9

SQUARE FEET OR 0.44

ACRES, MORE OR LESS. Being further described according to and as shown on that certain survey or drawing dated January 29, 2024, by Arthur R. Nettles, Registered Surveyor, attached hereto and marked Exhibit “A”.

A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 1st Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Contact Person, at 334-705-5134 at least two

The Kiwanis Club of Opelika welcomed guest speaker Bryan Moore, the new head football coach at Opelika High School. The speaker on April 25 will be Tiffany Gibson of Girl Steps.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Adoption of: LME (6/16/2020) LME (6/16/2020) JLC (9/5/2018) JJC (7/22/2019)

TJC (3/2/2016)

TO: Any and all alleged/ unknown fathers

Take notice, that Petitions for the Adoption of the children, LME, female child born 6/16/2020; LME, female child born 6/16/2020; JLC, female child born 9/5/2018; JJC, a male child born 7/22/2019; to Jasmine Lynette Erskine at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, Alabama and TJC, a female child born 3/2/2016 to Jasmine Lynette Erskine at Vaughan RMC-Parkway Campus in Selma, Alabama have been filed in this Court by Charles Ballard, III, Amy Renea Ballard and by Gailrenette Patrice Pickett. Your failure to file an answer to these petitions could result in said Petitions being granted. You must respond in writing within (30) days of the last publication of this notice with counsel for said Petitioners, whose name and address are shown below, and with the Probate Court of the said Lee County, AL in order to contest said petition.

BILL ENGLISH, Probate Judge

Margaret Ann Mayfield Attorney for Petitioners P.O. Box 809 Opelika, Alabama 36803 (334) 745-0333

Legal Run 04/11/24, 04/18/24, 04/25/18 & 05/02/24 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

In the Matter of Thelma Zachery – an alleged incapacitated person

NOTICE OF HEARING:

TO: Any relative or interested party: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for the person of Thelma Zachary. A hearing has been set for the 15th day of May, 2024, at 10:00 central time, electronically via “ZOOM”. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of this matter.

Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge

Margaret Ann Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O. Box 809 Opelika, Alabama 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 04/11/24, 04/18/24 & 04/25/18

CITY OF OPELIKA

SYNOPSIS OF ZONING

NOTICE

The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district, as follows:

From a C-2 District (Office/Retail District), C-3 District (General Commercial District) and R-4

Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama, being shown and identified as Lot 1, 500,798 SF+/-, 11.50 AC+/-, on that certain plat of survey entitled “Clark-Adams Subdivision, Section 23 T19N R26E, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama”, dated December 14, 2020, prepared by Precision Surveying and recorded in the Office of the Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama, which is incorporated herein and referred to for the more particular description of said lot.

Gateway Development, LLC – Lot 1 (Lawler’s Business Park, Section Three) Lot 1 of Lawler’s Business Park, Section Three as shown on map of said subdivision filed for record in Plat Book 27, at Page 162, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Gateway Development, LLC – Parcel 2 (Subdivision of WP Properties Opelika, LLC) Parcel 2 of Subdivision of WP Properties Opelika, LLC as shown on the map or plat of said subdivision of record in Plat Book 36, at Page 144, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Said Property further described as: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 23, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 73 degrees 26 minutes 26 seconds East, a distance of 899.65 feet to the westerly margin of Cunningham Drive; thence along said easterly margin South 00 degrees 43 minutes 55 seconds East, a distance of 685.31 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING; from said POINT OF BEGINNING leaving the easterly margin of Cunningham Drive South 89 degrees 43 minutes 24 seconds East, a distance of 684.69 feet; thence South 47degrees 56 minutes 06 seconds East, a distance of 144.39 feet; thence North 60 degrees 06 minutes 29 seconds East, a distance of 449.45 feet; thence South 89 degrees 24 minutes 38 seconds East, a distance of 1158.20 feet; thence South 00 degrees 06 minutes 56 seconds West, a distance of 1285.95 feet; thence South 89 degrees 47 minutes 17 seconds West, a distance of 1573.89 feet; thence South 00 degrees 45 minutes 36 seconds East, a distance of 1600.35 feet to the northerly margin of Fredrick Road; thence along said northerly margin South 71 degrees 01 minutes 29 seconds West, a distance of 42.51 feet; leaving said northerly margin North 00 degrees 36 minutes 52 seconds West, a distance of 2075.09 feet; thence North 05 degrees 53 minutes 57 seconds West, a distance of 677.56 feet; thence North 89 degrees 43 seconds 24 minutes West, a distance of 648.06 feet to the easterly margin of Cunningham Drive; thence along said easterly margin North 00 degrees 43 minutes 55 seconds West, a distance of 40.01 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING; said described tract containing 49.505 acres, more or less.

Gateway Development, LLC – (21.20 Acres Center Point Subdivision)

That certain Property consisting of 21.20 acres of land at terminus of Center Point Subdivision and designated for future development on that certain plat of Center Point Subdivision First Revisions and First Addition recorded in Plat Book 14, at Page 152 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

Gateway Development, LLC - Parcel 1-C (Saucier Investments, LLC)

Parcel 1-C of the Administrative Subdivision, Saucier Investments, LLC as shown on that certain map or plat of said subdivision of record in Plat Book 44, at Page 158, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Cornerstone, LLC – Lots 4 & 5 (Virginia Woods Subdivision)

All those tracts or parcels of land lying and being in Section 14, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama and being more particularly described as follows: Begin at the southwest corner of Section 14, Township 19North, Range 26 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama; thence along the south line of Section 14 South 89°42’42” East, 3949.86 feet to a point of beginning of the property herein described; thence North 00°00’33” East, 976.13 feet to a point; thence North 75°43’58” East, 235.42 feet to a point located on the southwesterly right of way of U. S. Highway 280; thence along a curve to the left of said right of way South 41°31’11” East, a chord distance of 68.29 feet to a point; thence continue along said right of way South 57°21’45” East, 211.05 feet to a point; thence continue along said right of way South 52°09’35” East, 200.25 feet to a point; thence continue along said right of way South 47°14’05” East, 322.91 feet to appoint; thence continue along a curve to the right of said right of way an arc length of 621.33 feet, a chord bearing 30°02’18” East, a chord distance of 615.56 feet to a point located on the south line of Section 14; thence along the south line of Section 14 North 89°42’42” West, 1163.48 feet to the point of beginning.

The above-described property contains 18.8530 acres and is more fully shown as Lot 4 on a survey by Joe D. McElvy Alabama Registration 9686 dated September 29, 1995, made a part hereof by reference.

Rodney C. Jones and Laurie S. Jones - Lot 5 (Virginia Woods Subdivision)

Beginning at the southeast corner of Section 14, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 89°42’42” West, 1320.01 feet to a point; thence North 00°31’35” East, 976.13 feet to a point, said point being the point of beginning of the property herein described; thence North 00°31’35” East, 406.00 feet to a point located at the intersection of the southerly right of way of CSX Railroad and the southwesterly right of way of U.S. Highway 280, thence along the southwesterly right of way of U.S. Highway 280 a chord bearing 32°49’14” East, a chord distance of 414.06 feet, an arch length of 415.25 feet to a point; thence leaving said right of way South 75°43’58” West, 235.42 feet to the point of beginning, containing

0.9750 acres.

The above described property is more fully shown as Lot 5, Virginia Woods Subdivision, by Joe D. McElvy Alabama Registration 9686 dated September 29, 1995, as recorded in Book 17, Page 194, Lee County, Alabama.

The above-described property, containing approximately 98.8 acres, is located between Gateway Drive and Cunningham Drive. The Development Plan (Master Plan) provides for a mixed-use, master planned development, consisting of various commercial uses, as well as several types of multi-family residential uses with corresponding open space areas and on-site stormwater detention. Multi-family residential uses include town homes, twin homes, apartments and cottages. Commercial uses are to be determined, but may include a shopping center, climate-controlled storage and other commercial/light industrial uses. The development will be accessed primarily from Gateway Drive and Cunningham Drive but will also have access to Frederick Road via Center Hill Drive. Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on April 11, 2024, in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Sections 11-5277 and 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975). The City Council reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. At the public hearing, all persons who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the proposed ordinance. 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 Brian Weiss, the City’s Interim ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 18th day of April, 2024. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE

CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA

LEGAL RUN 04/18/24

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

ESTATE OF HELEN BEATRICE GRANTHAM, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 5th day of April, 2024, 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 5th day of April, 2024.

LINDA ANN HOLMAN Legal Run 04/11/24, 04/18/24 & 04/25/24

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ETHEL JEAN

MORRIS, Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO. 2024-195

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to DEMITRES MARICE MORRIS, the 3rd day of April, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate, Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Attorney of Petitioner: J. Matthew Williams, Esq. ANDERSON, WILLIAMS & FARROW, LLC

7515 HALCYON POINTE DRIVE MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 334-272-9880

jmw@awf.law PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE DEMITRES MARICE MORRIS 444 ESSIE MORRIS ROAD AUBURN, AL 36830 Legal Run 4/11/2024, 4/18/2024 & 4/25/2024

Notice of auction of an abandoned vehicle.

AUBURN

FROM B9

questions from Ward 3 Council Member

OTHER BUSINESS: The council reappointed Kathy Powell to the Board of Education. Her five-year term begins on June 1 and ends on May 31, 2029. Powell previously served one full term on the board.

The council approved a warranty deed with The Bottle Land Investment LLC that deeds a single lot to the city to locate a public sanitary sewer lift station. That station, which will sit 0.5 miles north of the intersection of North College Street and Farmville Road, will serve the Northgate Development.

Beth Witten about the bid process, City Manager Megan McGowen Crouch said the firm has an extensive history working on public projects. The contract for the lighting will cost the city $625,000 and will be handled by Musco Sports Lighting.

The council accepted public drainage and utility easements at 1415 Barkley Circle from Gordon Thompson and Robin Thompson following the redivision of Grove Hill-Ridgeview Subdivision lot.

The council approved an additional $1.5 million contract with D & J Enterprises for the Fiscal Year 2023 Streets Resurfacing Project. City documents show that the additional contract covers full depth reclamation work on Owens Road and the resurfacing of additional streets. The original agreement was worth $2.75 million.

The council approved a nearly $272,000 contract

Albertville, AL 3595

ANDREA LECROY

JUDGE OF PROBATE

Legal Run 04/18/24, 04/25/24, 05/02/24 & 05/09/24

ORDINANCE NO.

005-24

NOTICE OF ADOPTION HEARING (Ala. Code §26-10E-17 (1975)) To: Bridgette Lashea King and Francisco Hernandez Please take notice that a petition for adoption in the above-style matter has been filed in said Court by the Petitioners named below. As a notified party, you may appear in the adoption proceedings to contest or support the attached petition. Please be advised that if you intend to contest this adoption, you must file a written response within thirty (30) days of service of this notice with counsel for said Petitioner, whose name and address are as shown below and with the Clerk of the Probate Court at the following address: 425 Gunter Ave #110, Guntersville, AL 35976 (mailing address). If you fail to respond within thirty (30) days and appear at the hearing, the Court may construe that failure as an implied consent to the adoption and waiver of the right to appear and of further notice of the adoption proceedings. If the adoption is approved, your parental rights, if any, will be considered terminated.

DONE this 15th day of April, 2024.

ORDINANCE ANNEXING CERTAIN PROPERTY INTO THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA (Property located at 5400 U.S. Highway 431 North)

WHEREAS, Shelly A. Perry and Annie P. Perry (hereinafter referred to as the “Petitioners”) being the owners of the property hereinafter described, heretofore filed a Petition for Annexation (the “Petition”) with the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, requesting the annexation of certain property owned by the Petitioners as more particularly described below; and

WHEREAS, the Petitioners are the owners of all of the lands described in their Petition; and

WHEREAS, the territory to be annexed is contiguous to the existing corporate limits of the City of Opelika and does not embrace any territory within the corporate limits of another municipality, and when annexed into the City of Opelika will form a homogenous part of the City; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Opelika did find and determine that it is in the best interest of the public that said property be annexed

with Kadre Engineering for the North Donahue Drive Widening Project. That agreement includes civil engineering design, permitting services and construction administration services. City Engineer Alison Frazier said the project could begin by 2026. The council approved Foresite Group’s performance residential use application for the construction of a five-unit residential development at 814 N. College St. That approval moved forward despite objections from longtime property resident Lindburgh Jackson, who claimed he has a case in front of the Alabama Supreme Court

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED

by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows:

Section 1. The City Council of the City of Opelika, finds and declares, as the legislative body of the City of Opelika, that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Opelika, to bring the territory described in Section 2 of this Ordinance into the corporate limits of the City of Opelika.

Section 2. The following described property be, and the same is hereby annexed into the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama, and the boundary lines and corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama shall be extended, altered and rearranged to include within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, in addition to the territory now included therein, all the following territory, to wit:

Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 19, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, Thence South along the Section line 53.9 feet, Thence East 2,952 Feet to the Southwest right of way of U.S. Highway No. 431 to the Point of BEGINNING. Thence run along said right of way South 43 degrees 09 Minutes East 210.1 Feet, Thence leaving said right of way run South 49 degrees 18 Minutes West 429 feet, thence run North 40 degrees 42 Minutes West 210.1 Feet, Thence run North 49 Degrees 18 Minutes East 424.5 feet to the Point of Beginning. The above-described property contains 2.05 acres, more or less, and is located at 5400 U.S. Highway 431

over concerns about how the project has advanced.

The council approved Frederick Averett’s industrial use application to operate a manufacturing facility at 380 Industry Drive. That facility will produce automatic racks for automobile steel body parts delivery.

The council approved an institutional use application for The Children's House, a private school and daycare located at 231 E. Drake Ave. That application allows The Children’s House to expand its operation from 1,400 square feet to 3,400 square feet and increase enrollment from 30 students up to 50 students.

corporate limits of the City of Opelika shall be attached to this ordinance, marked Exhibit “B” and made a part hereof.

Section 4. The Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to file with the Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama, a certified copy of this ordinance, together with a certified copy of the petition of the property owners and the Clerk is further directed to take all necessary and proper steps to perfect the annexation of said territory herein described.

This ordinance shall be published as provided by law in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama.

6. The territory described in this ordinance shall become a part of the corporate limits of the City of Opelika upon publication of this ordinance as set forth in Section 5 above.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 16th day of April, 2024. /s/Eddie Smith

PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

The council approved the purchase of nine in‐car camera systems and various parts from Axon Enterprise to reutilize 11 used systems for the Auburn Police Department. That agreement is worth nearly $75,000.

The council approved a franchise agreement with Dixie Electric Cooperative. That agreement grants Dixie Electric franchise rights for 30 years from the ordinance’s effective date.

The council approved an alcohol beverage license for Auburn Fare and Libations LLC doing business as Boulangerie French Bakery, which is located at 138 N. College St.

Section 3. A map or plat of a survey describing the territory annexed and showing its relation to the

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — On April 12, Auburn Emergency Management & Communications will launch its new multimedia-capable 911 application which allows public safety telecommunicators to receive pictures and videos and even live stream with 911 callers and texters in real time.

The Alabama 9-1-1 Board

AUBURN — On

April 10, Auburn Police

arrested 19-year-old

announced a partnership with Prepared in December 2023 to make the company’s platform available statewide to increase 911 accessibility and enhance its capabilities.

With the new ability to receive and send media, telecommunicators are now able to disseminate critical information to first responders more quickly when seconds matter. This technology can

John Howard Jr. of Auburn on felony warrants charging him with unlawfully breaking and entering into a vehicle and theft of property second degree. The arrest stems from Auburn Police receiving a call reporting an auto burglary on March 27. Officers met with a victim who stated their vehicle was parked near the 500 block of Webster Road from March 26 to March 27. During this time, someone unlawfully entered the vehicle and stole property. Howard was developed a suspect, and after further investigation, arrest warrants were obtained. Auburn Police located Howard on April 10, and he was placed under arrest in obedience to the warrants. Howard was transported to the Lee County

also improve response strategies and safety for first responders.

For the 911 caller or texter to send media or live stream, the public safety telecommunicator must first send a secure link to their mobile device. The caller or texter must acknowledge and accept permissions for Prepared to send media to the Emergency Communications Center or live stream. Telecommunicators do

Jail and held on a $6,000 bond.

OPELIKA —On April 15 at approximately 3:50 a.m., Opelika Police responded to reports of gunshots in the 1300 Block of Preston Street. Upon arrival, officers located a residence and two vehicles that had

been struck by

not have access to any other media on the mobile device.

Additional enhanced features include call or text-to-911 with two-way foreign language translation. When a 911 text or call is received in a foreign language, the Prepared application will automatically detect and translate the message to telecommunicators. Responses will automatically translate to the caller or

texter’s language. This twoway translation feature works to remove language barriers, allowing the telecommunicator’s understanding of the situation in seconds.

Auburn Emergency Management & Communications completed its migration to the Prepared technology on April 1 and is ready to utilize the technology as necessary.

This Week's Puzzle Answers