The Observer | May 09, 2024

www.opelikaobserver.com

Garden in the Park event keeps Opelika Beautiful

Opelika names Environmental Services director

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — The city of Opelika announced the appointment of Jasen Spoon as the new director of Opelika Environmental Services (OES).

“We are thrilled to have Jasen join our team,” said Mayor Gary Fuller. “With a back-

ground in Public Works and Administration, Jasen will be a perfect leader for the Environmental Services Department.”

Spoon will oversee operations of the OES department and divisions that include trash, garbage, recycling and code compliance. He has more

than 15 years of private municipal experience.

“I am excited about this opportunity,” Spoon said. “I believe in creating a work culture that will be noticed by the community. As a leader, it is my duty to positively affect change and to promote a mindset of success in my em-

ployees. Without they’re success, I have none.”

Spoon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in history and political science from Shorter University. His passion for education and mentorship led him to a fulfilling career as a teacher and coach at Opelika High School, where he

positively impacted the lives of countless students, instilling in them a love for learning and personal growth.

Spoon, who originally hails from Piedmont, has been happily married to his wife Stephanie for 24 years, and they have one daughter who is attending Auburn University.

JASEN SPOON

Opelika Mayor receives AMEA honors

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF OPELIKA

OPELIKA — Mayor Gary Fuller of Opelika, chairman of the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) Board of Directors, was the recipient of the 2024 AMEA President’s Award on Monday, April 29, during the AMEA President’s Awards Dinner in Orange Beach, Alabama. The event was held in conjunction with the 2024 AMEA Power Supply Conference April 28-30.

Fuller has been a member of the AMEA Board of Directors since 2001. He became chairman in 2019.

The President’s Award is presented to individuals who played a key role in the formation of AMEA, as well as those individuals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of AMEA’s 11 Member cities. The award is presented in recognition of their continued leadership and dedication to the organization.

“Due to Mayor Fuller’s leadership and commit-

ment to public power, AMEA has become a valued partner in Alabama’s electric utility community,” said Fred Clark, AMEA president and CEO.

AMEA, a joint action agency located in Montgomery, is the wholesale power provider for 11 public power utilities in Alabama, which serve some 350,000 customers in the cities of Alexander City, Dothan, Fairhope, Foley, LaFayette, Lanett, Luverne, Opelika, Piedmont, Sylacauga and Tuskegee.

Storm drain marker contest winners announced

Sunrise Rotary initiative highlights importance of protecting waterways

Auburn's City Market open starting May 18

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — City

Market, Auburn Parks and Recreation’s weekly farmer’s market, will return for the summer beginning May 18. The market will be held each Saturday morning through Aug. 24 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Town Creek Park. The entire family is invited to enjoy live music, fun activities for the kids and an array of fresh, local and handcrafted items to browse and purchase. Parking is available at Town Creek Park and in the gravel lot across the street from the park. City Market vendors will start selling their products at 8 a.m. sharp. For more information, visit auburnalabama.org/ citymarket or email citymarket@auburnalabama. org.

O Grows farmers market moving to new location

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Beginning May 21, the O Grows summer farmers market will be held at Courthouse Square in Opelika each Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. through August. Each week visitors will find the freshest produce and other products for sale from local and regional producers.

Established in 2012, O Grows is a community-university partnership with the

city of Opelika, Envision Opelika, Opelika City Schools and Auburn University. With headquarters at the Southside Center for the Arts (1103 Glenn St.). O Grows operates a community garden, youth programs and farmers markets year-round in support of its mission to cultivate local food, relationships and knowledge sharing with area residents. For more information about O Grows, visit the Facebook page OGrows/OGrows Farmers Market.

The City of Auburn's Water Resource Management Department recently recognized the winners of its storm drain marker contest. The artwork of 15 Auburn City Schools students in third, fourth and fifth grade will be turned into markers for storm drains throughout Auburn. This initiative, sponsored by the Lee County Sunrise Rotary Club, is a significant step in our community's efforts to protect our local waterways. The markers serve as a visual reminder that what goes into storm drains will ultimately matriculate into local creeks, streams and other waterways. The students' drawings, with their clear message that only rain should go down storm drains, are a powerful testament to the importance of this project. Winners include: Addison Rich, Avanita Deepak and Rae Kwak from Pick Elementary; Reagan Cooper, Leighton Sprayberry and Jason Hong from Yarbrough Elementary; Alyssa Hu, Audrey June and Aurielie Mehren from Ogletree Elementary; Sallie Grace Owens, Eric Wang and Joyce Ro from Creekside Elementary; and Charlotte Faircloth, Ilana Ahlzadeh and Eleanor Lumpkin from Wrights Mill Elementary.

Left to right is Laura Fuller (Mayor’s wife), Mayor Gary Fuller, and AMEA President & CEO Fred Clark.

Downtown Opelika's Envy Salon celebrates 16th year

BY ANN CIPPERLY FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — As one of the longest operating businesses in downtown Opelika, Envy Salon on Railroad Avenue is celebrating its 16th year. Over the years, owner Holly Surrency has received awards for expert hair styling and colorings, including Redken’s top award, which only a few salons receive nationwide. With increased success, Holly is celebrating the salon’s anniversary by expanding the number of stylists and redecorating the shop for the second time in 16 years.

The Gallery on Railroad, Café 123, The Breezeway, Taylor-Made and Winston Smith T Hardware are the only other shops that are still operating that were downtown when the salon opened. Holly opened the Coveted Closet Boutique adjoining the salon in 2012.

Holly has been a hair stylist for 32 years. Since she was a small child she has always wanted to do hair. In fact, she has no memories of wanting to do anything else. After graduating from Southern Union, she worked at salons in Opelika and Auburn for several years, expanding her skills and building popularity among clients.

Among them were Ashley and John Marsh, who were renovating buildings in downtown Opelika. They were also friends, and they encouraged her to open her own salon. They approached her to look at a space John had renovated on Railroad Avenue. Holly knew she wanted an upscale setting for her salon, and she was impressed with the work the Marshes had accomplished on the building, as well as liking the downtown setting.

Holly opened the salon in 2008, just as the economy began to crash. She slowly added one stylist one at a time, and now the salon now has 13 stylists, five assistants and three receptionists and is expanding.

“Two of my biggest commitments were to make sure that I educated these girls and that we go to hair shows,” Holly said. “The reason the salon does so well is because people are hired when they are in school and are shampoo assistants. When they graduate, they become part of the associate program at the salon, which is a training program that I and other stylists conduct. That program lasts several months. We train beyond their school training before they are allowed to do hair and have a station.”

The salon has at least three in-house training sessions a year by Redken artists, and stylists go to an annual hair show to stay up to date.

“We do a lot of training,” Holly said. “It is the most important thing to me. In hair school students learn how to pass the state board, which is important, but they need further training. A lot of salons don’t do the extra training, but we do.”

Holly and stylists have attended hair shows in New York, Las Vegas, Dallas and Orlando, among other places. They are attending a hair show in Nashville this year.

“We get along well and have fun on the trips, too,” Holly added. “It is important to me that they are happy. We are a team.”

Another of Holly’s commitments is that clients experience a blissful experience in an elegant setting at the salon. When a client is seated, they are asked if they would like a refreshing beverage or a complimentary glass of wine to sip for relaxing. A sideboard is stocked with pastries, assorted teas and coffees.

Music is upbeat in the styling area and soothing in the color processing and shampoo room that also has soft lighting. At the end of shampooing, staff

provides a scalp massage. Clients leave the salon with beautifully styled and perfectly colored hair.

“We want people to feel that they are well taken care of while here,” Holly said.

While at the salon, clients can shop a wide variety of Redken hair products and browse Coveted Closet for a new outfit or an accessory. On the day clients have their hair appointment, they receive a 10% discount off clothes and jewelry in the boutique.

Auburn Chamber receives Award of Excellence

“I work hard to have the best salon,” Holly said.

“That is my goal. I am not competing against other salons, I am competing against myself. I always want to train these girls and make my salon the best possible.”

Holly said she feels it is also important to redecorate the salon every seven years.

“We are on trend with hair styling, fashion and decorating,” she said.

“There is a trend in hair styles and also in decorating. It is important to

me that the salon looks updated.”

Envy is a Redken Black Elite Salon and one of the only ones in Alabama. Holly has both a Redken design and a color certification that she received after two tests in New York City.

The salon has clients from around east Alabama. As Holly looks back on the salon’s success in 16 years, she said, “I can’t think of any other place I would rather be than in downtown Opelika. I love it.”

Holly Surrency is owner of Envy Salon, which is celebrating its 16th year in business in historic downtown Opelika at 829 S. Railroad Ave. Envy is a Redkin Black Elite Salon, one of only a few in the state of Alabama.

The Auburn Chamber received an Award of Excellence for its Shop Local, Dine Local campaign and an Award of Merit for our Welcome publication at the Public Relations Council of Alabama’s (PRCA) conference. The Shop Local, Dine Local campaign encourages community members to support local businesses and help bolster the Auburn economy. The Welcome publication is tailored to new and prospective residents, showcasing all the wonderful aspects that make Auburn an exceptional place to live.

Lee County Master Gardeners present Fairy Nature Trail

The Lee County Master Gardeners hosted the Fairy Nature Trail May 4 & 5 at Monkey Park in Opelika. The Caroline Dean Wildflower Trail was decorated with tiny displays that delighted young and old.

Garden in the Park offers homemade art, food and entertainment

A large crowd turned out for this year's Garden in the Park event, which offered local-made treats, arts, crafts and entertainment, all in the name of raising money for Keep Opelika Beautiful's projects throughout the city.

Auburn mayor to host Memorial Day Breakfast, wreath laying ceremony

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — The Auburn community is invited to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice at the 24th annual Mayor’s Memorial Day Breakfast. The event will begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 27, at the Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

Marine Corps Sgt. Eugene Stanaland will be the guest of honor and the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Veteran Award. The Auburn Heroes Remembered Award will be presented to the family of Marine Corps Capt. David Miller. Tickets can be purchased at City Hall (144 Tichenor Ave.) and are $25 a person or $250 for a

table of eight. A free memorial wreath laying ceremony will follow the breakfast at 10 a.m. at the Auburn Veterans Memorial Monument at the northeast corner of Ross Street and Glenn Avenue. The ceremony will include a rifle detail performed by VFW Post 5404.

Attendees are encouraged to park at the Douglas J. Watson Municipal Complex, Felton Little Park and the East Glenn Avenue Municipal Parking Lot. Ross Street between Glenn and Harper avenues and Glenn Avenue between Burton and North Debardeleben streets will be closed during the ceremony to provide room for on-street accessible parking.

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Inside the State House

Senator/Coach Tuberville is quietly effective

BY

OPINION —

As the end of 2023 was approaching, the U.S. Senate had ignored the custom to adjourn around Thanksgiving for a month-long Christmas break. Instead, they were working right up to Christmas. Alabama’s senior Senator, Tommy Tuberville, was quietly and effectively maneuvering to get things accomplished with an adroitness exhibited by U.S. Senate veterans.

Tuberville has become an adept political operator during his three and a half years in the upper chamber of Congress. Political observers did not know what to expect when a man, who prefers the title “Coach” to “Senator” came to Washington, and he has surprised many with his ability to get his priorities accomplished.

A good example of the Coach’s savvy occurred in the days leading up to Christmas, as the Senate worked to craft an

end-of-year nominations package. These packages often come together at the close of the year and approve multiple presidential nominees for senior executive branch positions in the final days of the congressional session. Leadership and the Senate’s most senior members control which nominations make it into the package.

Tuberville collaborated with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure his friend and fellow Alabamian, former 11-term Congressman Spencer Bachus, was included in the package in the final hours of the 2023 session. The Senate operates on the rule of unanimous consent, meaning that a single Senator can throw a wrench into its operations and bring the entire body to a standstill. The Coach has established credibility in the Senate, and his colleagues have come to learn that when he threatens to hold up a legislative package, they had better take him at his word. This credibility has given him the ability to get things done.

As a result of Tuberville’s efforts, Bachus was included in the year-end package and confirmed unanimously by the Senate for a second term on the Board of the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. Originally appointed by President Trump,

Bachus’ senior leadership role at America’s leading development finance bank has allowed him to provide financing to strategically important companies and industries to ensure the U.S. remains competitive with adversaries like China.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed supply chain vulnerabilities in the United States, and the Export-Import Bank has played a key role in helping to fortify domestic supply lines for industries vital to national security. Thanks to Tuberville’s efforts, Alabama will continue to have a voice at this powerful federal agency in Bachus.

This year-end coup by Tuberville to get the revered Jefferson County former congressman reappointed to the Export-Import Bank was expedited with the assistance of Coach’s brilliant young assistant, Emory Cox. Folks should not underestimate Coach Tuberville. He is used to working in the trenches. Alabamians should also not underestimate how close Tuberville and former President Donald Trump are. If Trump is reelected, Tuberville will be Trump’s closest ally and friend in the U.S. Senate. Alabama will be in the catbird seat in a Trump administration because of Tuberville.

FLOWERS, page A7

Avenue B bridge to get new name

BY MICHELLE KEY, PUBLISHER

OPELIKA — In Tuesday night’s meeting, the Opelika City Council passed a resolution to rename the Avenue B bridge after Thomas Kidd Davis III. as

the “Thomas Kidd Davis III Memorial Bridge.” Davis and several members of his family were in attendance. Davis was recgonized by Mayor Gary Fuller and the council due to his service

See OPELIKA, page A7

Auburn City Council notes

BY DANIEL SCHMIDT FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Due to technical difficulties during the live-stream of Auburn's City Council meeting on Tuesday night, a detailed reporting of the meeting is unavailable.

AGENDA ITEMS:

- The council approved what is expected to be more than $4.8 million worth of non-educational ad valorem and sales and use tax abatements for ILJIN America Corporation. Documents from the city show ILJIN expects to hire 123 new employees and invest $73.2 million over the next three years.

- The council approved a $3.32 million contract with D&J Enterprises, INC for the Fiscal Year 2024 Streets Resurfacing Project. That project will see 39 sections of road throughout Auburn resurfaced.

- The council approved a nearly $30,300 contract with Auma Actuators, Inc. to replace a valve actuator, which

helps regulate the flow of fluids, at the H.C. Morgan Water Pollution Control Facility.

- The council approved a roughly $39,700 contract with Ryan Public Safety Solutions for support and maintenance services for technical assistance, remote equipment diagnostics and software and firmware support for the 911 call handling system.

- The council authorized the submission of the 2023 Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Annual Report to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. According to that report, the H.C. Morgan Water Pollution Control Facility and Northside Water Pollution Control Facility scored 34 points and 28 points, respectively, on a scale of zero to 783. Scores below 71 points on that scale indicate facilities are properly operated and maintained.

- The council approved a resolution concurring with the Industrial Development Board in support of the sale of the industrial facility at 979 W. Veterans

AUBURN COUNCIL, page A7

STEVE FLOWERS

Opelika City Council members, Mayor Gary Fuller, T.K. Davis III and his family with the new sign for the Avenue B. bridge.

to the Opelika community. According to the resolution, some of his accomplishments include his service as a member of the Opelika Kiwanis Club for 56 years where he served as president; his services as Director of the Museum of East Alabama; a member of the Board of Directors of the Opelika Industrial Development Authority for almost 30 years and as its chairperson from 1991 to 1997; and his tireless efforts and long-term vision to promote economic development in our community and the city of Opelika will benefit for years to come by the work that has been done and the economic development that will come.

During his tenure on the board, the Opelika Industrial Development Authority acquired, planned and developed the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park, a 2,200-acre industrial site located along I-85, which has become the home to a wide range of industries. Davis worked tirelessly to attract new industries to the community, including Wal-Mart Distribution Center, JoAnn Distribution Center, HL Mando America, Hanwha Advanced Materials America, Cumberland Plastics, Gambro, Daewon America and Pharmavite.

Also during his tenure on the board he worked to attract new commercial ventures to the community, including the Grand National Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones 54-hole course built on a 600-acre site at Lake Saugahatche Fuller and the council issued a proclamation declaring the month of May as Building Safety Month. The proclamation reads, “Each year, in observance of Building Safety Month, people all over the world are asked to consider the commitment to improve

Bachus had a successful 22-year run as the 6th district’s congressman. However, his successor, Gary Palmer, is doing a Yeoman’s job in this seat.

The 6th congressional district is an affluent district, which includes the upscale suburbs of Jefferson County as well as burgeoning upscale Shelby County. Palmer is beginning his 11th year

building safety, resilience and economic investment at home and in the community and to acknowledge the essential service provided to all of us by local and state building departments, fire prevention bureaus and federal agencies in protecting lives and property.”

SERVICE AWARDS

Fuller presented services awards to several city employees during the meeting. The most notable being:

• Assistant Chief of Police Casey Brown - OPD - 30 years

• Chris Moore - OFD - 25 years

• Terry Coxwell - OPS25 years

The council held five public hearings during the meeting for the following agenda items:

• An ordinance to vacate a portion of Speedway Drive between Randall Drive and Veterans Parkway;

• Demolition of property located at 401 N. 16th Place;

• A weed abatement assessment for 615 Martin Luther King Blvd.;

• A weed abatement assessment for 2102 S. Long St.; and

in the U.S. Congress. He disposed of two opponents in the March GOP Primary and should have clear sailing for as long as he wants to stay in this seat.

Palmer has become a player among the Republican congressional ranks. Prior to going to congress, he founded and ran the very conservative “think tank” – the Alabama Policy Institute. Therefore, he is viewed as an expert on policy issues. He is a leader

• An ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map to rezone nearly 99 acres of land between Gateway Drive and Cunningham Drive from C-2, C-3 and R-4 to a Planned Unit Development (PUD). The council later introduced an ordinance for this rezoning for its first reading.

OTHER BUSINESS:

- The council approved a request by Family Dollar Stores of Alabama LLC, dba Family Dollar Store 20320, for a retail beer and wine off premise alcohol license.

- The council approved a request by Tiger 1 Management Inc., doing business as On Point 2, for a retail beer and retail wine off premise alcohol license.

- The council approved a request for a downtown street closure by Red Clay Brewing for a food truck event on May 9.

- The council approved a request for a downtown street closure for the Kids Community Market Event on May 11.

- The council approved a request for a downtown street closure by Red Clay Brewing for a bike night event on May 23.

in the GOP steering committee that sets policy and the agenda for the Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also serves on the very important House Energy and Transportation Committee.

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 request for a downtown street closure by Pride on the Plains for a parade on May 31.

- The council approved a request for a downtown street closure for the Juneteenth Celebration on June 21.

- The council approved a request for a downtown street closure by O Grows Farmers Market for the open-air market on Tuesdays from May 21 through Aug. 27.

- The council approved a request for the 2024 Collinwood Christmas Luminaries event to be held Dec. 13.

The council approved the purchase of one 2023 F-Series SD Truck with Crane from Truck Equipment Sales Inc. in the total amount of $129,497.50.

- The council approved expense reports from various departments.

- The council approved a resolution to designate city personal property as surplus

and to authorize its disposal.

- The council approved the purchase of turn-out gear in the amount of $34,600 for the Opelika Fire Department (OFD) under HGACBuy Contract No. EE08-19.

- The council approved the purchase of two-way radios and related equipment from Motorola Solutions for the OFD, utilizing state of Alabama Contract No. MA230000003341-2 in the amount of $66,588.30.

- The council approved a resolution pertaining to the annual authorization to levy tax on property within Opelika.

- The council approved a resolution pertaining to the annual MWPP reports for the East and West Sewer Treatment Plants for the Public Works Department.

- The council approved an agreement with Barrett Simpson Inc for a drainage study and design of improvements due to ongoing drainage issues within the area of North Railroad Avenue and 1st Avenue, and a comprehensive drainage study has been completed. This study offers solutions to the drainage issues and this proposal intends to redesign, modify and construct drainage improvements within this drainage basin.

- The council approved an agreement with CDG Engineering & Associates Inc. for the design, construction Inspection and testing for the Northpark Drive extension over Halawakee Creek for an amount of $822,470.

- The council approved a resolution to amend the agreement with Witt O'Brien's LLC for grant management services to increase the compensation to an amount not to exceed $225,000.

- The council approved a resolution to amend an order form with Flock Group Inc for two additional ALPR camera systems for the Opelika Police Department.

- The council approved a request for an extension of tax abatement of sales and use taxes for Pharmavite LLC.

- The council approved a master sign plan for the Landing Entertainment District on Gateway Drive authorizing the placement of two free-standing signs.

- The council approved a service agreement with All Funeral Services for an initial integration fee of $224,000 plus software subscription and maintenance fees.

- The council approved a temporary crane swing easement agreement with East Alabama Health Care Authority to assist in the construction of three additional floors to the West Pavilion of East Alabama Medical Center located at 2000 Pepperell Parkway.

- The council authorized an application for a planning grant under the Safe Streets for All Program.

- The council tabled the resolution for the demolition of property located at 01 N. 16th Place.

- The council approved weed abatement assessments for 615 ML King Blvd. and 2102 S. Long St.

- The council approved a special appropriation to the Domestic Violence Intervention Center for $3,500.

- The council approved a special appropriation to Hold Up the Light (H.U.T.L.) for $300 from the discretionary funds of President Pro Tem and Ward 2 Council Member Erica Norris.

www.opelikaobserver.com

Matt Battles, pcitured far right, presents

Bank of East Alabama during Tuesday's city council meeting. Enough money has been raised during the five years that Opelika has hosted the Empty Bowls event to cover the cost of almost one million meals.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF MARSHALL COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2936 & 2937

IN RE: THE ADOPTION PETITION OF HECTOR

HERNANDEZ AND VERENISE HERNANDEZ

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.

Attorney for Petitioners: E. Shane Hollaway P.O. Box 758 Guntersville, AL 35976

Petitioners: Hector & Verenise Hernandez 106 Auburn Avenue Albertville, AL 3595 ANDREA

LECROY

JUDGE OF PROBATE

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

SEIZURE AND PROPOSED FORFEITURE NOTICE

Lee County, Alabama District Attorney commenced forfeiture against property listed below. The property was seized in violation of Alabama’s laws concerning controlled substances and is subject to forfeiture pursuant to Ala. Code §15-5-61(1975).

“Dope man” whose true identity and whereabouts are unknown may contest forfeiture of the listed property by filing a claim no later than 11:59PM CST 30 days after final publication of this notice, or, thereafter, a default judgement may be rendered against him in Case Number CV 2023-000187.00, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama. Claimant must describe the seized property, state ownership or interest in the property, and be made under oath, subject to penalty of perjury.

CV-2023-000187.00: U.S. Currency in possession of Courtland Crosslin seized July 19, 2023, in Opelika, Alabama, Legal Run 04/25/24, 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT EARL McKENDREE, Deceased

Case No.: 2024- 2 3 5

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Janice McKendree, Personal Representative on the 18TH day of April, 2024, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Legal Run 04/25/24, 05/02/24 & 05/09/24

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA LACORA NICKERSON, Plaintiff, v. CHAYN LOPEZ, Defendant. CASE NO.: 43-DV-2023-901070

NOTICE OF ACTION

TO: Chayn Lopez, Defendant, Named Above, whose whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence: You are hereby notified that on the 13th day of November, 2023, a Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding a tortious injury allegedly caused by your negligence that occurred on or about December 25, 2022. By reason of an Order for service of a summons by publication entered by the Court in this cause on April 15, 2024, you are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint and file such response with the with the Clerk of said Court and serve upon Kenneth S. Nugent, PC, attorneys for the party to this action whose address is 1234 First Avenue, Suite 200, Columbus, Georgia, 31901, on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. This the 16th day of April, 2024. Mary Roberson, Clerk of Circuit Court, Lee County Legal Run 04/25/24, 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

Construction of a Multi-Use Trail Along the Banks of Pepperell Branch ADECA RTP Project 22-RT-54-03

Form of Advertisement for Completion Legal Notice for Bid# 23031

In accordance with Chapter I, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Robinson Paving Company Inc, Contractor, has completed the Contract for The Construction of a Multi-Use Trail Along the Banks of Pepperell Branch, for the City of Opelika/ADECA, owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Jeffrey Robinson, 5425 Schatulga Rd Columbus, GA 31907, in writing. Legal Run 05/02/24, 05/09/24, 05/16/24, 05/23/24

PUBLIC NOTICES

JUDGE OF PROBATE

Robert H. Pettey, Attorney Samford & Denson, LLP

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE B. WINGARD, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No: 2024-242

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 23rd day of April, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

WESLEY L. WINGARD

Personal Representative

Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345

Opelika, AL 36803-2345

Legal 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROBERT ASHURT WARD, DECEASED

Case No. 2024-141

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Matthew A. Ward as Administrator for the Estate of Robert Ashurt Ward, deceased on April 24, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Done this the 24th day of April 2024.

BILL ENGLISH Probate Judge Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LURA ATKINS, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No: 2024-244

TO:Michael Brad Sullivan, Rufus Ray Wilson, Sharon J. Ekdahl, David Johnson, Tommy Johnson, Beverly McDaniel, Wesley Lance Johnson, Bobby Johnson, any unknown heirs of Jerre Allen Baker, and any unknown heirs of Lura Atkins also known as Lura Johnson

Atkins

NOTICE: On the 22nd day of April, 2024, a ce1tain writing, purporting to be the Will of LURA ATKINS also known as LURA JOHNSON ATKINS was filed in my office for Probate by TERESA LAMBERT and the 4th day of June, 2024, at 11:00 o'clock a.m. CST electronically via Zoom was appointed a day for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to said Zoom hearing. Given under my hand, the 24th day of April, 2024.

BILL ENGLISH

P.O. Box 2345

Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504

Legal Run 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals will be received by Auburn City Schools at the office of Auburn City Schools, 855 East Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830 until 3:00 PM local time Thursday, May 30, 2024 for the: AUBURN HIGH SCHOOL SCOREBOARD AND VIDEOBOARD UPGRADES AUBURN, ALABAMA at which time they will be publicly opened and read. A Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Wednesday May 22, 2024, at 9:00 AM at the Auburn City Schools Central Office located at 855 East Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830. If weather and circumstances permit, those in attendance may have the opportunity to visit the project site at Auburn High School (address provided above in bold).

Scope of Work: The project includes new scoreboards for the baseball field, softball field, and gymnasium, as well as a new videoboard in the gymnasium. Performance Time: The overall project must be completed on, or before August 8, 2024. The anticipated “Notice to Proceed” is June 12, 2024, for the initiation of Shop drawings, Submittal Data and Product Procurement.

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to “AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS” in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract. Drawings and specifications may be examined at Auburn Reprographics & Supply, INC, 660 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830 and may be obtained electronically from Auburn Reprographics greg@ auburnrepro.com) or Harvest Engineering (deiland@harvesteng.com) after April 30, 2024. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Engineer or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect (Engineer); the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgement, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS (Awarding Authority)

TCU CONSULTING SERVICES (Owner’s Representative)

HARVEST ENGINEERING, LLC (Engineer)

Legal Run 05/02/2024, 05/09/2024 & 05/16/2024

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY ESTATE OF DENISE R. HERRON, DECEASED Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 23rd 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 my hand and seal this the 23rd day of April, 2024.

BENNIE J. HERRON Legal Run 05/02/2024, 05/09/2024, 05/16/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2024- 243 IN RE: The Estate of DAN O. ROBERTS, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to CYNTHIA LYNN ROLLIE, as Personal Representative of the Estate of DAN 0. ROBERTS, deceased, on the 22nd day of April 2024, by Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

CYNTHIA LYNN ROLLIE Personal Representative of the Estate of DAN O. ROBERTS Legal Run 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE MATTER OF THE MINOR NAME CHANGE PETITION FILED BY MONQUETTA BERNICE BARNETT CASE NO. 2024-203 NOTICE OF HEARING TO: CALIXTO FORTUNATO IBARGUEN III Notice is hereby given that Petition for a Minor Name Change has been filed in the Lee County, Alabama Probate Office, by Monquetta Bernicia Barnett on April 4, 2024, to change the name of C.A.I, born on March 29, 2007, in Montgomery County, Montgomery, Alabama to Calixto Furtunato Ibarguen, II and Monquetta Bernicia Barnett. A hearing has been set for the 24th day of June, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. central time, electronically via "ZOOM", Should you intend to object to this 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 Deputy Chief Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama at 334737-3670, 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. Hon. Bill English Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 05/02/24 05/09/24, 05/16/24 & 05/23/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of ETHERIAL J. JACKSON, deceased NOTICE OF HEARING TO: KATHY MATHEWS, LINDBURGH JACKSON, ANY AND ALL OTHER HEIRS OF ETHERIAL J. JACKSON

You are hereby notified that on the 13th day of February 2024, Henry Lee Jackson filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama a petition for the probate of record in this Court of a certain paper writing, purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of ETHERIAL J. JACKSON, deceased, and on that day, said Will was filed in said Probate Court. It is therefore, ordered that a hearing be set for the 3rd day of June 2023, at 10:00 o'clock, a.m. in the Lee County Probate Court, 21S South 9th Street, Opelika, AL. BILL ENGLISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 05/02/24, 05/09/24 & 05/16/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2020-187 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JESSIE MURIAL WILLIAMS, Deceased NOTICE OF HEARING TO: ANY AND ALL HEIRS OR INTERESTED PARTIES OF JESSIE MURIEL WILLIAMS ESTATE

You are hereby notified that on the 29th day of April 2024, Asaila Nakema Thomas by and through her attorney Cody W. Foote filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama a Motion for Approval of Sales Contract in the Estate of JESSIE MURIEL WILLIAMS, deceased. It is therefore, ordered that a hearing be set for the 10th day of June 2024, at 10:00 o’clock, a.m. electronically via “ZOOM” for the hearing of said petition, and the taking of testimony in support thereof, at which time any next of kin can appear and contest the same if you see proper. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part.

BILL ENGLISH Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 05/09/24, 05/16/2024 & 05/23/2024

APD promotes two sergeants to rank of lieutenant

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

The Auburn Police Department recently announced the promotions of two sergeants, Jimmy Butler and Joshua Procise, to the rank of lieutenant.

“Lt. Butler and Lt. Procise are entrusted with the critical task of leading, guiding and inspiring their fellow officers,” said Assistant Police Chief Jameson Presley. “They have proven themselves time and again, not just through the promotional process, but through their actions in the department and within our community. I have no doubt they will continue to make this department proud as they embark on this new chapter of their careers.”

Butler came to Auburn with seven combined years of patrol and

investigative experience from the Cities of Lafayette and Tuskegee. He began his career in law enforcement with the city of Auburn in 2004 as a patrol officer. He was promoted to patrol corporal in 2007, patrol

sergeant in 2012, narcotics sergeant in 2013 and criminal investigations sergeant in 2021.

Lt. Butler will now oversee the day-to-day activities of the Detective Division of the Auburn Police Department.

Procise had prior law enforcement experience with the Valley Police Department as a patrol sergeant and detective sergeant before joining the Auburn Police Department as a patrol officer in 2014. He served on the Lee County SWAT Team from 2015 to 2023. He was promoted to sergeant in 2020.

He holds a B.S. degree in criminal justice administration summa cum laude from Columbia Southern University, and he graduated from the United States Air Force Airman Leadership School in 2004, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and USAF Special Investigations Academy in 2008, the FBI Basic Police Sniper/Observer Course in 2020 and USAF Squadron Officer School in 2021.

He currently serves as an adjunct instructor at the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy. He served in the Alabama Air National Guard,

Air Force Reserve and Mississippi Air National Guard, retiring at the rank of major. Decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, distinguished graduate of the USAF Security Forces Academy and the Top Gun award from the USAF Special Investigations.

Lt. Procise will now command the Hiring and Recruiting Section of the Auburn Police Department.

APD makes arrests for identity theft, burglary, mischief

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — On April 29, Auburn Police, with assistance from the Montgomery Police Department, arrested Dmitri Miguel German, 19, of Montgomery on a felony warrant charging him with identity theft.

Auburn Police received a report involving a fraudulent check on Nov. 15, 2023. Officers met with a complainant who reported that a check made out to a business was mailed to the intended recipient from a location in Auburn. While in transit, the check was stolen, altered and depos-

ited in a bank account associated with an unknown suspect.

German was developed as a suspect, and after further investigation, an arrest warrant for identity theft was obtained. He was located by the Montgomery Police Department and arrested in obedience to the warrant.

German was transported to the Auburn Police Department, and later transported to the Lee County Jail, where he was held on a $5000 bond.

AUBURN — On April 29, Auburn Police arrested Salvatore Giusppe Guerrero, 39, of Auburn on felony warrants for two counts of third degree burglary and two counts of first degree criminal mischief.

Auburn Police received burglary report on April 29. A complainant reported that an unknown suspect unlawfully entered two vacant apartments located in the 200 block of West Longleaf

Drive between April 26 and April 29. The complainant also advised that

the suspect caused a large amount of damage inside of both apartments.

Salvatore Giuesppe Guerrero was developed a suspect, and he was located by Auburn Police several hours after the incident was reported. After further investigation, Guerrero was arrested for charges associated with the burglaries and damages. Guerrero was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on a $12,000 bond.

OPD seeks help to identify suspects in recent theft

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — On April 17, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a retail theft which occurred at Ulta, located at 2690 Enterprise Drive. The suspects, both black females, en-

tered the store and concealed merchandise in their bags before leaving in an older model Honda passenger car. The first suspect is seen on surveillance video wearing a black hat and black shirt and the second suspect is seen wearing a red shirt with a few red extensions in her braided hair.

If you have any information on this incident or the identity of the suspects, please contact the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220 or the Secret Witness Hotline at (334) 745-8665. Tips can be submitted through our Opelika Police Mobile App.

Beulah fifth-graders meet Deputy Greer & K9 Officer Bella

You may wish to remain anonymous. Tips can also be forwarded through Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at (334) 215-STOP (7867), toll-free at 1-833-AL1STOP, or via their Facebook page: www. Facebook.com/215stop or their website: www.215STOP.com.

DMITRI MIGUEL GERMAN

SALVATORE GUISEPPE GUERRERO

LT. BUTLER LT. PROCISE

Deputy Greer & K9 Officer Bella had a great time recently educating fifth grade students at Beulah Elementary School about how and why canines are used in law enforcement and public safety.

Religion

BY WALTER ALBRITTON

OPINION —

Now that walking is impossible for me without the use of a walker, it helps to remember friends who endured far worse physical pain without complaining. Their example inspires me to cease whining about a minor inconvenience on my way to heaven.

One of those examples was a young preacher in Nashville. Dean and I were 22, and I was a seminary student at Vanderbilt

BY BRUCE GREEN

OPINION —

Do you recognize where these slogans come from?

“Caring is part of our package.”

“Find your family at ..."

Did you guess Jack’s? If so, you only get

Altar call

Bible verse of the week

Cast all your anxiety on [God] because he cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:7

Thursday, May 9, 2024

The sound of those crutches

University Divinity School. We lived within a block of a Methodist Church in south Nashville. With our infant son David, less than a year old, we began worshipping there. When the pastor, Tom Chappell, learned that I was studying for the ministry, he offered me a part-time job working with the youth. I quickly discovered that Tom, who needed crutches to walk, was a remarkable man. Less that 40 years old, Tom had been crippled by rheumatoid arthritis. Crippled so severely that he could no longer stand erect. When preaching, he sat on a special stool positioned behind the pulpit. Using his crutches,

he would thrust his twisted body upon the stool without assistance.

I never heard Tom complain about his condition. Not once. He neither expected nor asked for sympathy. He went about his pastoral work with a cheerful spirit, never asking to be excused from any of his duties because he was a disabled person. His preaching was inspiring and passionate. I was amazed by his courage and his capacity to smile while enduring pain every time he moved his limbs.

After working with Tom for almost a year, I was devastated by the news that our son had leukemia with probably less than two years to live. Tom

Studying His word

provided pastoral support for us not only on Sunday; he began coming by our home on weekdays to cheer us up and pray for us. I can shut my eyes and still hear the sound of his crutches on our doorstep. Hearing that sound meant a servant of Jesus was coming up those steps. Our front door was 13 steps up from the sidewalk, so we could hear Tom coming before he knocked on the door. Once inside, he would chat with us for a while and then get down on the floor and play with David, letting him sometimes play with his crutches. Tom was just being Tom, but he was doing more than playing with a sick child. He was

teaching me secrets of pastoral ministry that were not taught in the seminary.

One day I explained to Tom that the cortisone medicine caused serious side effects for David, one of which caused him to become very irritable. Tom listened patiently but never admitted what I learned two years later – that Tom was receiving cortisone shots himself. That partly explains why Tom was a remarkable man. He was able to ignore his own crippling pain and focus entirely on a child, offering loving encouragement to young parents struggling to understand why their little boy was dying. Years later I realized that inside

Tom’s crippled body was a perfect heart in which Jesus was Lord. I not only admired and respected Tom. I wanted to be like him, for he was the epitome of a true servant of Jesus. So, when I stop and listen, and hear in my memory the sound of those crutches on our doorsteps, I remember that God is always sending his love to the front door of all my problems. I just need to stop moaning and let him in. God used Tom Chappell to teach me that when Jesus is everything, nothing — not even crutches — can stop us from living as servants of Jesus.

Friends, followers and community

partial credit because the business’s name is actually Jack’s Family Restaurants. In their branding as well as in their hiring, they want you to associate them with belonging. It’s no surprise they have a community section on their website. But back to the quotes. They are displayed prominently on signs at our local Jack’s as you go through the drivethrough. Now Jack’s is just like every other company—they are always on the lookout for good people to hire. I find it fascinating that in their appeal for workers this is what they’ve chosen to emphasize—not

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

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

something about the pay they offer, the possibility of advancement in their company, flexible hours, or anything else. They are recruiting people by offering them community!

I’m sure they did their research before adopting this strategy. In a culture that is tilted toward individualism, they seem to understand we have this hidden hunger for community.

Everyone’s got “friends” and “followers” on social media, but that doesn’t scratch our itch—we want something more. We want to be part of something bigger than ourselves. So, we see businesses like

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

Jack’s stepping forward to say, “Come work for us and you’ll find your family, you’ll find your caring community.”

The story of Joseph and his brothers fittingly concludes the book of Genesis. The climax of the story isn’t Joseph going from trials to triumph and becoming second only to Pharaoh in terms of power and authority as it might have been if Hollywood was telling the story to our individual first/community second culture. Instead, the biblical witness turns that upside down to a community first/individual second ethic. That makes the zenith of Joseph’s story

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 Lee-Scott Academy 334-209-0074

EPISCOPAL- AME

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

as it’s told in Genesis his reconciliation with his brothers and his saving of the world. It’s not that Individualism is ignored in the biblical witness—it’s not by any means. But it is celebrated only when it is rooted within context of community. To the individual first/community second Corinthians, Paul said, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Notice that their primary identity was community (“you are the body of Christ”) and secondarily individual (“each of you is a part of it”). Their individual

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

Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148

Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949

Father’s House Christian Fellowship

REACH OUT BY ADDING YOUR CHURCH

Add your church to the directory for only $100 a year, or consider a display ad like the one at right for only $20 per week. Email michelle@opelikaobserver.com or call (334) 749-8003.

identity as an ear, an eye, a finger, or some other body part derived its meaning from the body it was part of. If they were not attached to the body, they lost their meaning and function, and their “individuality” became something self-destructive. This is something to think about and appreciate as Genesis celebrates the reconciliation of the brothers and their re-establishment as community.

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

214 Morris, Ave., Opelika

Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika

Southern Plains Cowboy Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280, Waverly 334-401-1014

PENTECOSTAL

Gateway Pentecostal Sanctuary 1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn 334-745-6926

PRESBYTERIAN

Providence Presbyterian Church 1103 Glenn St., Opelika 256-405-8697

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

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach

S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

St. Dun's Buns makes three donations in April

Upcoming Services

FLETCHER LEWIS UNDERWOOD

Visitation 10 a.m., Homegoing celebration, 11 a.m.

May 9

Central Baptist Church, Opelika

DOROTHY GRIMES

Memorial service, May 10, 10 a.m.

Lakeview Baptist Church, Auburn

DAVID LEE STEVENSON

Visitation, Sunday, May 19, 4-6 p.m.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, Opelika. Graveside service Monday, May 20, 10 a.m. Memorial Park, Auburn

FLETCHER LEWIS UNDERWOOD

Fletcher Lewis Underwood, age 71 of Opelika, entered his Heavenly home from Arbor Springs Health and Rehab, on Sunday, May 5, 2024.

Fletcher and his identical twin brother, Mitchell Lane Underwood, were born on Dec. 15, 1952, to Dorothy Mitchell Underwood and John Lewis Underwood in Valley. He graduated from Valley High School in 1971, Southern Union State Community College in 1973 and Auburn University in 1975 with a degree in business and personnel management.

He was employed for many years as a human resources director in the Valley and Atlanta areas. He moved to Opelika several years ago to be near to his brother and other family members.

Fletcher was predeceased by his parents, Lewis and Dot Underwood, as well as his brother, Mitchell.

He is survived by his daughter, Chloe' of Tallapoosa, Georgia; sisterin-law, Lynda Underwood (Mitchell) of Opelika; niece, Amy Underwood Spain (Jim) of Opelika; and several cousins. He was very active at Central Baptist Church of Opelika, where he served as a deacon.

Fletcher loved his Lord and

definitely had a servant's heart for helping others.

A memorial Homegoing Celebration will be held on Thursday, May 9, at Central Baptist Church, 1611 Second Avenue, Opelika. Visitation with the family will be at 10 a.m., and the memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Fletcher to Central Baptist Church at the above address.

DAVID LEE STEVENSON David Lee Stevenson of Auburn passed away May 3, 2024. He graduated from Auburn High School in 1976. He later graduated from Auburn University where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and earned a degree in civil engineering. After he and his wife Michelle were married in 1980, they embarked on six years of service with David serving in the U.S. Navy. For the next 13 years he worked as a project manager in construction engineering jobs in six different states. After living in South Carolina for 15, years they moved back to their beloved community of Auburn in 2014.

A gifted athlete, David played almost every sport during his lifetime, with

his favorites being football, baseball, basketball, golf and fishing. He was an avid supporter of the Auburn Tigers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Eugene Stevenson and Mavis Mayberry Stevenson. David’s legacy lives on through his devoted wife, Michelle Lange Stevenson; their three children, Alice Emily Stevenson, Jack David Stevenson of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Rachel Ann Stevenson of Everett, Washington; his siblings, Jane Stevenson and John Stevenson; his niece, Mary Kathryn Papaioannou (J.P.); nephews, Jesse Stevenson and Lane Stevenson; and grand-niece, May Papaioannou. He was blessed with wonderful in-laws, Jerry and Barbara Lange and Nancy Levin. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika. A graveside service will be held Monday, May 20, at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park in Auburn, with Pastor Trip Martin officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Auburn First Baptist Church.

SANDRA RIDDLE ASHURST

Sandra Riddle Ashurst, age 73, of Auburn passed away on May 2, 2024, after a 21-year battle with Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia. She was born on Feb. 20, 1951. Sandra was a beloved mother and grandmother. Sandra dedicated her life to education, holding a Bachelor of Science from Auburn University and a Master of Science in counseling from Troy State University Montgomery.

OBITUARIES

She was an instructor of adult education in Selma. Her specialties were helping others obtain their GED and the implementation of workforce development initiatives.

In her free time, Sandra cherished moments with her children, granddaughter and dogs. She was a passionate supporter of Auburn University.

Sandra is survived by her daughter, Amanda Ashurst; son, William Ashurst (Shelly); and granddaughter, Emmy. She was preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Riddle, and father, Bertrand Riddle.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation (iwmf.com) in the hope of a cure.

HOWARD RAY DORMAN

Howard Ray Dorman of Auburn passed away peacefully at his home on April 29, 2024. He was 83. He attended Auburn University and served his country in the Alabama Air National Guard. He loved music, boxing, but most of all, he loved his family and the time he spent with them. He was born on Dec. 11, 1940, to the late Artie Mae Dorman and Clements Ray Dorman. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Horn Dorman, and sister, Sarah Dorman Russell.

He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Howard Dorman; granddaughter, Erin Grace Dorman; grandson, Benjamin Jeffrey Dorman; brother, Martin Clements Dorman; and nephews Barry and Bradley Dorman.

A small memorial service was held at the Auburn Town Creek Columbarium on May 7.

ELOISE JIMMERSON DABBS

Frances “Eloise” Jimmerson Dabbs passed away at Bethany House in Auburn on April 30, 2024. She was born on July 31, 1939, in Ozark. She was a member of Auburn First Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School in Alabama, Tennessee and Maryland and served in Training Union (Discipleship Training), Women’s Missionary Union and Girl’s Auxiliary (GAs). She began college when her children were in school. She graduated with honors from Auburn University with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocational rehabilitation. She worked as a counselor with the State of Alabama in Dothan.

Her previous employment included Alabama Highway Department, Easter Seals Achievement Center and final employment was with the Auburn City School System as a substitute teacher. She loved her family and devoted her life to all of them. Being a polio survivor, she assisted disabled people, young and old. As she aged, others helped her as she struggled with post-polio syndrome difficulties.

Mrs. Dabbs was preceded in death by her husband, Eldridge Huey Dabbs, parents James Thomas and Muna Frances Woodham Jimmerson, her twin brother, George Thomas Jimmerson, two half-sisters and five half-brothers.

Survivors include her son, Kevin Hugh Dabbs (Kendra) of Phenix City; daughters Karen Frances Dabbs of Auburn and Kimberly Grace Sistrunk (Harris) of Society Hill;

six grandchildren, Adam Dabbs (Becky) of Auburn, Kristen Dabbs Banks (Ryan) of Easley, South Carolina, Trent Dabbs (Kristin) of Phenix City, Katelyn Sistrunk Johndrow (Justin) of Auburn, Lauren Sistrunk Dowdell (James) of Auburn and Lindsey Sistrunk of Society Hill; 14 great-grandchildren with two more to be born this year; brother-in-law Harlon H. Dabbs (Gen) of Festus, Missouri; nephew, Michael Jimmerson of Wittmann, Arizona, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held May 3 at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery, with Dr. Tripp Martin of Auburn First Baptist Church officiating. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Family would like to thank Bethany House and their staff for the care for her and the family in her last days and Home RN, especially Tawanna Wagner and her special pre-nursing students that loved on her so much. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Auburn First Baptist Church.

DARRYL LEE RODGERS

Darryl Lee Rodgers, 80, of Lafayette passed away on April 29, 2024, at East Alabama Medical Center. He was born in LaFayette on Jan. 24, 1944, to the late Jimmy and Thelma Rodgers.

Darryl graduated from LaFayette High School and Auburn University. He taught in Chambers County at LaFayette High School for most of his career and retired after 25 years. He was also a songwriter, singer and musician in his spare

See OBITS, page A13

Stamp Out Hunger: Letter carriers to collect for food bank Leave canned goods by your mailbox for pick up on May 11

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — The Food Bank of East Alabama is asking for the community’s support on May 11 by participating in Stamp Out Hunger, the largest single-day food drive in the country hosted annually by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC).

The Food Bank of East

Alabama is a non-profit distribution center committed to efficiently providing donated and purchased food through more than 200 qualified agencies such as soup kitchens, shelters and emergency food pantries that serve people in need. Each month throughout seven counties in East Central Alabama, more than 32,450 people rely on the Food Bank for assistance.

“Stamp Out Hunger is like no other food drive,” said Martha Henk, executive director. “It allows every community across the country to collectively come together on one day to do their part to fight hunger. We are so grateful to community members who donate non-perishable items and for the letter carriers who take the time to collect each bag to help fight hun-

ger in our community,” To participate, simply collect non-perishable food items and leave them in a sturdy bag near your mailbox before the mail is delivered on the morning of May 11. A letter carrier will collect the donations and deliver them to the Food Bank of East Alabama. Items will then be distributed to those facing hunger right here in East Central

Alabama. The foods most needed include:

• Cereal

• Pasta and rice

• Canned fruits & vegetables

• Canned meals such as soups, pasta, stew

• Peanut Butter and jelly

• Pasta sauce

• Macaroni & Cheese and other boxed meals

• Canned protein – tuna,

chicken, etc.

• 100% juice

The Stamp Out Hunger food drive was created in 1993 by the National Association of Letter Carriers to encourage communities to come together in an effort to stock the shelves of local food banks and pantries nationwide. The event is held on the second Saturday of May each year.

Opelika Giving Day to support 10 select projects

BY DANIEL SCHMIDT FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — Lee County residents have the opportunity to support local nonprofits on May 22 when Envision Opelika hosts the sixth annual Opelika Giving Day.

The event exclusively helps Opelika-based nonprofits promote their causes and raise money to supplement their existing funding. According to Envision Opelika board secretary Lisa Harrelson, the event can have a significant impact on participating organizations despite lasting only 24 hours.

“People who are going to go online and look at these organizations are already the

giving kind of people that want to assist, and they may not have the time to do it, or they might not have the skills to do it,” Harrelson said. “It’s a great way to let the community know about the different organizations that are out there, what they do, how they assist, and give them an opportunity to contribute to that.”

According to its website, Opelika Giving Day has raised around $150,000 over the years to help 35 local nonprofits cover the cost of specific projects or initiatives.

Envision Opelika limits the number of participants to maximize opportunities and avoid excessive competition for oftentimes limited funding. This year, organizers select-

ed 10 nonprofits from among 14 applicants to participate. The organizations will used funds raised as follows:

• Nourish Foundation will produce food boxes;

• Opelika Community Theatre will expand the Penguin Project;

• United Way of Lee County will renovate Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library; EAMC Foundation will fund Take a Step Toward Wellness;

• Girls STEPS Inc. will fund the Girl’s Boxx Entrepreneurship Camp;

• Women’s Hope Medical Clinic will host Strolling for Dad;

• Once Voice Shelter will enact the Northridge Home Transportation Project;

• Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity will construct Habitat Home No. 77;

• Creekline Trails of Opelika will purchase tools and safety gear; and

• Worth2 will fund a clothing closet.

To make a donation, visit https://opelikagivingdays.org on May 22.

Donors may also visit the Envision Opelika office at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika if they prefer to donate via check or cash. Those proceeds will go toward the specific initiative the donor chooses.

father 37 years ago. Your contribution will help other families experience the same joy he did. https:// lifelinechild.org/how-todonate.

GAYLE MARGARET CROSS

that teaching was a better schedule for the family. Then they handpicked Auburn as the destination where James would build his teaching and research career and together they would raise their family.

held May 11 at Kingdom Hall in Auburn. JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

A funeral service was held May 8 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Wayne Ivey officiating. Burial followed at Garden Hills Cemetery. OBITS >> from A12

time. On March 20, 1970, he married Barbara Smith of Opelika, and they raised one daughter. Darryl loved the Lord and was a lifetime member of LaFayette First Baptist Church.

In addition to his loving wife, Barbara, he is survived by his daughter Amanda Grubbs (Stephen) of Wilmington, North Carolina, and their three children Nathanael, Natalie and Noah Grubbs, who brought him immense joy; and several nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janice Edwina Rodgers Collins, and her husband Travis Collins.

A graveside service was held May 2 at LaFayette Cemetery, with Revs. Bill Hand and Stephen Grubbs officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider a donation to Lifeline Christian Services in Birmingham. This adoption agency played a pivotal role in Darryl's life, making him a proud

Gayle Margaret McDonald Cross, 75, of Auburn passed away May 4, 2024.

Gayle was born on March 15, 1949, in Huntsville, Texas. She and her three younger brothers, Mike, Mark and Brian, were raised in Pasadena, Texas.

She met James Cross in January 1967 in physics class during their senior year at Sam Rayburn High School. They were married two and a half years later on July 18, 1969. Gayle earned degrees in math and English from Sam Houston State University and a law degree from the University of Houston.

James and Gayle lived in Okinawa, Japan, for six years, where Jae and Kelby were born. They lived in Chorleywood, England (near London), for two and half years, then moved to College Station, Texas, where James finished up graduate school and Gayle worked as an associate at a law practice before deciding

Gayle’s love of travel continued through the years as she visited many different countries.

Along with loving her family and traveling, Gayle found a great passion in learning about the Bible. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Nov. 30, 1985. She served as a full-time pioneer for 17 years, volunteering many hours each month to teaching others about Jehovah and the beautiful promises in the Bible.

She was predeceased by her parents, Floyd and Margaret McDonald, and younger brother Mark McDonald. She is survived by her husband, James; children, Jae and Kelby (Conway), son-in-law Joel; grandchildren Reagan, Oliver and Izzie; younger brother Mike McDonald (wife Anne) and baby brother Brian McDonald (wife Rose); as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service was

ANNELLE W. GRAY

Annelle W. Gray, 86, of Opelika was born on July 24, 1937, in Deatsville and passed away May 5, 2024, at Arbor Lakes Nursing Home in Auburn.

Annelle has been a resident of Tallassee, Opelika, Dadeville and Lake Martin over her 86 years of life.

She retired from the payroll department of Uniroyal Tire Co. in Opelika. The Grays were active members of Northside Baptist where she sang in the choir. Annelle was active in multiple churches during her lifetime teaching the youth. She had a true servant's heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ottis Wilson and Edna Wilson, as well as her husband. Donald H. Gray.

Survivors include her son, Craig (Sally) Gray of Dothan; two daughters, Susan (Brian) Bass of Opelika and Beth (Thomas) Milner of Opelika; brotherin law, Doug (Ann) of Jasper; nine grandchildren,

Aubry Gray of Phenix City, Jimmy (Beth) Gray of Millbrook, Cole (Jennifer) Gray of Hoover, Craig W. (Evie) Gray of Chelsea, Emily (Paul) Whitfield of Jupiter, Florida, Brian (Jessica) Bass of Opelika, Stephanie Bass of Opelika, Joshua (Elizabeth) Milner of Auburn and Jacob (Sara) Milner of Columbus; 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

May 9, 2024

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of LEONA ESTELLE STRONG LAKE, AKA LEONA E. LAKE, deceased

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by HOWARD DWIGHT LAKE on May 2nd, 2024, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 05/09/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA

Case Number.: 2024-202

IN RE: The Estate of MILTON F. STOKEY, JR.

A/K/A MILTON FRANCIS STOKEY, JR., Deceased) TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to PATRICIA WARREN STOKEY as Executor of the Estate of MILTON F. STOKEY, JR., deceased, on the 5th day of April, 2024, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred Bradley R. Coppedge, Attorney for the Estate of Milton F. Stokey, Jr. Legal Run 05/09/24, 05/16/24 & 05/23/2024.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE WATER WORKS BOARD OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

PURPOSE

The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance:

ORDINANCE NO. ____ AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA TO CHANGE THE USES ALLOWED IN THE INSTITUTIONAL DISTRICT

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows:

Section 1. Amendment of Section 7.3C of the Zoning Ordinance. That the use categories in the pertinent portion of the matrix table for the Institutional District (I-1) as shown in Section 7.3C of the Zoning Ordinance are hereby amended to read as follows:

[SEE TABLE TO THE RIGHT]

Unless otherwise indicated above, all other use categories in the Institutional District (I1) are not allowed (N).

Section 2. Severability. If any section, clause, provision or portion of this Ordinance shall be held to be invalid or

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a meeting of the board of directors of The Water Works Board of the City of Opelika will be held on May 20, 2024, beginning at 3:00 PM, in the board room of the Administrative Building located in the W. Warner Williams Water Resource Park, 4055 Water Street, Opelika, Alabama. The meeting agenda will be posted as specified in State law. The regularly scheduled meeting on May 27, 2024, has been cancelled. DATED this the 22nd day of April, 2024.

ERIC CANADA SECRETARY OF THE WATER WORKS BOARD OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 05/09/2024

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of CHARLES WESLEY JONES, deceased

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by DEBBIE DONALDSON on MAY 7th, 2024, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law, the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 05/09/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2023-001 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARY JANE THOMASON, An incapacitated person NOTICE OF FILING OF PARTIAL SETTLEMENT

You will take notice that Neil Thomason, as Conservator of the Estate of Mary Jane Thomason, filed his account and vouchers for a Partial Settlement of the Estate on the 19th day of April, 2024, and that the 3rd day of June, 2024, at 2:00 o’clock p.m. has been appointed to hear said partial settlement.

Done this 7th day of May, 2024.

BILL ENGLISH Judge of Probate Legal Run 05/09/24, 05/16/24 & 05/23/24

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

CASE NO. 2024-259

ESTATE OF JAMES EMORY MORTON SR., DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE

COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of JAMES EMORY MORTON, SR., are hereby granted to James E. Morton, Jr. on the 30th day of April, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

James E. Morton, Jr. Legal Run 05/09/24, 05/16/24 & 05/23/24

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: The Estate of FLARCIE M. HOPKINS, Deceased

CASE NO.: 2024-253

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to LISA H. CLEVELAND, as Personal Representative of the Estate of FLARICE M. HOPKINS, deceased, on the 25th day of April, 2024, by Bill English, Lee County Probate Judge.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

LISA H. CLEVELAND

Personal Representative of the Estate of FLARICE M. HOPKINS

Legal Run 05/02/2024, 05/09/2024, 05/16/2024

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JESSIE MAE POLLARD, DECEASED.

Case No. 2024-189

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Patricia Sims, as Executrix of the Estate of Jessie Mae Pollard, deceased, on the 28th day of March, 2024, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

Patricia Sims, Executrix Of the Estate of Jessie Mae Pollard, Deceased

Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308

Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033

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

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA Z. CURRY, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No: 2024-213

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 8th day of April, 2024, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

JOHN E. CURRY

Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345

Opelika, AL 36803-2345

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

INVITATION TO BID

24020

Sealed bids for the construction of the McCoy Street Improvements shall be received at the

Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on May 21, 2024, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”.

All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number.

Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. Drawings and Specifications may also be downloaded from the City’s website at www. opelika-al.gov/bids.aspx.\

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete

original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: McCoy Street Improvements\ LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA

204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120

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

PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF : THOMAS E. POLLARD, an incapacitated person NOTICE OF FILING OF FINAL ACCOUNTING INTERESTED PERSONS TAKE NOTICE THAT BIRDIE P. PETERSON, as Conservator of THOAMS E. POLLARD, an incapacitated person has filed her final accounting requesting approval of the same. The 22 day of May 2024 at 10:00 a.m. has been set the time to review the final accounting. Contact the Lee County, Alabama Probate Office for directions to participate electronically. Done this the 18th day of April, 2024. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 04/25/24, 05/02/24 & 05/09/24

unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, said holding shall not effect any other section, clause, provision or portion of this Ordinance which is not in or of itself invalid or unconstitutional.

Section 3. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.

Section 5. Publication. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. Section 6. Codification. Codification of this Ordinance in the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the _____day of ______, 2024.

END

All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing. Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Contact Person, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 9th day of May, 2024.

/s/Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA LEGAL RUN MAY 9, 2024

Painter Jo Ann Williams Walker exhibits angel art

On the Mark

Opelika sports roundup

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

OPELIKA SPRING FOOTBALL

Opelika high football coach Bryan Moore officially kicked off spring practice last week, his first as OHS head coach. Moore appeared on my radio show, "On the Mark," earlier in the week to discuss the spring practice.

The Dogs have huge numbers. More than 130 players are participating in spring practice with another eight student athletes coming from Track and Field this week. Moore said his team has six to eight players being recruited by colleges and he said he hopes the number will rise as the program continues to grow. The defense is ahead of the offense which is normal; coaches often put the best players on defense because "execution on offense is slow because executing offense is difficult.” Moore also said he puts better players on defense because it is important to stop teams from moving up and down the field.

Bryan added four staff members: JD Atkins as the offensive coach and assistant head coach; Tyler Dawkins as co-defensive coordinator; Mike Murray is back coaching in the secondary and Marshall Meyers (a volunteer assistant) will coach the kickers. Kade McGee was hired as the Opelika City School (OCS) as the system-wide strength and conditioning coach.

OHS has held two practices and will have seven more practice days, including an inter-squad scrimmage on May 7, prior to a May 16 scrimmage game against Clay-Chalkville. The Junior Varsity will play for two quarters followed by two quarters of varsity play.

You can attend the game at Bulldog Stadium or listen to the broadcast on WKKE 97.7 Kicker FM. Van Riggs and crew will be on the air at 5:30 p.m. with kickoff at p.m. You can also listen online at www. kickerfm.com or download the free app iHeartRadio app on your smart phone.

See ON THE MARK, page B2

AU to host 2024 SEC Softball Tourney

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN –– There’s no place like home for Auburn University softball.

After taking two-out-of-three over the weekend at home against No. 17 Alabama, Auburn will stay at Jane B. Moore field to host this year’s SEC Softball Tournament. Finishing the season at 27-18-1, the Tigers drew the No. 10 seed and will face No. 7-seed Georgia to begin postseason play at 4 p.m. CST on Wednesday.

Auburn went 19-10-1 on the Plains this season and played its final nine regular-season games there. The Tigers went 4-5 while playing Kentucky, Ole Miss and Alabama in that stretch. They only won the series with the Tide and took a game apiece in the other three-game series.

Auburn did not face Georgia (38-15) in the regular season. The Tigers went 9-15 in conference play in 2024.

If Auburns beats UGA, it will face No.2-seed Florida (43-12) on Thursday. Auburn didn’t play the Gators either, but it lost two-ofthree to top-seeded Tennessee and was swept by No. 3 Texas A&M. The highest seeds Auburn won series’ with are No. 8-seed LSU and No. 9 Alabama. How-ever, it avoided being swept by any other squad than the Aggies. Despite having one of the bottom offenses in the conference, transfers provided some bright spots in the lineup. DePaul transfer third baseman and catcher — Anna Wohlers — led the team with a .309 batting average, Maryland transfer first baseman – Amelia Lech — led the team with 12 homers and a 1.068 OPS, and in her second year at

Auburn, NC A&T transfer outfielder — Icess Tresvick — led the club with 40 hits.

In their senior years, KK McCrary posted a .973 OPS with eight homers and Makayla Packer stole 15 bases with 30 base hits. Shelby Lowe went 8-4 with a 2.59 ERA and 69 strikeouts, and Maddie Penta posted a 14-10 record with a save and a 1.82 ERA and ranks fifth in the NCAA with 224 Ks.

The lefty-righty duo of Lowe and Penta will leave a historic legacy in Auburn after pitching for four seasons together. Penta now holds the program record for most career wins with 73, ranks second in program history with 901 career strikeouts and comes in at third in program history with a 1.77 career ERA. Lowe graduated with a 36-24 career record, 460 Ks and a 2.21 ERA.

See SOFTBALL, page B3

Beulah's Fitzpatrick wins 3A state high jump championship

L.J. (Lajalean) Fitzpatrick of Beulah High School recently won the 3A boys high jump state championship. He won with a 6-foot, 4-inch jump, which he followed with a personal best of 6-feet, 5-inches. "I wanna thank my coaches and teammates for believing me and pushing me to win," he said. Teammate Greedy (Jedarrion) Foreman finished the competition in a tie for third place.

AREA BASEBALL SHOWDOWNS

Valley hosted Mobile Christian in the semifinal round of the AHSAA 5A State baseball championship at Crestview Field in Fairfax. The two teams played a doubleheader Wednesday and the "if" game scheduled for Thursday.

Lee-Scott and Glenwood played in the AISA 3A State Championship series Wednesday at Patterson Field. The two teams were scheduled to play a doubleheader Wednesday with the "If" game scheduled for Thursday at 11 a.m.

Central hosted Auburn Wednesday in the semifinal round of the Class 7A baseball playoffs. The Tigers won 2 out 3 games against the Red Devils three weeks ago, punching their ticket to the playoffs as the second seed out of this area. AHS head coach Matt Cimo announced he will retire and the end of the season after 32 years as baseball coach.

TRACK & FIELD

The AHSAA state track meet was held in Gulf Shores over the weekend. Hoover dominated the meet, winning both the girls and boys division. Opelika took several athletes to the state meet. The following is an individual breakdown of each student from OHS:

(Moni)

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.

AHS tennis team finishes as state runner-up

Beulah athletes head to state

AU hires Szabo as new women's tennis coach

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Jordan Szabo, a two-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Assistant Coach of the Year, has been named Auburn women's tennis head coach, Athletics Director John Cohen announced Friday. A former men's tennis player at Texas A&M, Szabo has been the associate head women's coach at his alma mater for the past two seasons and is in his seventh season with the women's program in College Station. Szabo has helped the Aggie women to three consecutive Southeast-

SOFTBALL >> from B1

With head coach Mickey Dean set to retire after this season, he along with the four seniors will look to finish the season strong. Dean is 206-109 at Auburn, according to the AU Athletics website, and Dean is looking for his first SEC Tournament victory in his seventh year at Auburn.

Dean helped Auburn Softball secure its 1,000tth win in program history in the season finale on Saturday, and it will be hoping to send Dean out with his first College World Series appearance – Auburn’s first since 2015.

ern Conference regular season titles, four straight conference tournament final appearances, while in the NCAA Tournament they have reached the Elite Eight the last two seasons and Sweet 16 every year since 2019.

“Jordan is an outstanding evaluator/recruiter, has been a direct part of championships, and cares deeply about the development of student-athletes both on and off the tennis court,” Cohen said. “We are extremely excited to have Jordan and his wife Grace join the Auburn family.”

“I am so excited to be the

head women’s tennis coach at Auburn,” Szabo said. “I will give my all to Auburn and the women’s tennis program and be relentless in my dedication to helping the student-athletes develop and elevating the program further with the goal of winning championships.”

A native of Bayswater, Victoria, Australia, Szabo’s tennis career began at an early age, at local tennis courts located behind his home. His love for the game blossomed and he eventually began training with the national tennis academy through the Tennis Australia Federation. Szabo advanced to

the Round of 16 in the Australian Open Juniors and finished his youth career rated as one of the top-five players in Australia.

While a student-athlete at Texas A&M, Szabo was a part of 82 dual match victories from 2012-15. The Aggies secured four NCAA Tournament trips during his career, highlighted by an NCAA Elite Eight appearance in 2015 and a NCAA Sweet 16 berth in 2013. A&M also captured the 2015 Southeastern Conference regular season championship in addition to the 2014 and 2015 SEC Tournament titles and 2013

SEC Western Division crown. Szabo picked up 73 career doubles victories fueled by a trio of 20-win seasons and high-lighted by a final No. 56 doubles ranking in 2015, qualifying for the NCAA Doubles championships in the process. He tallied 56 singles wins for the Aggies over the course of his collegiate tenure, earning 2014 SEC All-Tournament Team honors.

A 2016 graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in sports management, Szabo is married to Grace Wright, a former member of the Texas A&M soccer team.

The Auburn High School Varsity Girls Tennis team finished as Runner-Up in the

consecutive years, the seniors on this team have

AU infielder Amelia Lech (34) during the game between the Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Jane B. Moore Field in Auburn on May 4.

New turf ready in time for spring practices

Opelika High School's football team has started spring practices in preparation for the fall season. The re-turfing of the field at Bulldog Stadium was completed just in time for spring training.

Memories made and recalled at Relay for

Works by students displayed at Superintendent's Art Show

The fourth annual OCS Superintendent's Art Show was held May 4 at the Art Haus in Opelika, featuring artwork from students in grades K through 12.

Students from Opelika High School's art program, directing by Jeff Conway, recently upgraded the fence at the Art Haus in Opelika by painting it before the recent art show.

Education

Thursday, May 9,

Teachers from Auburn City Schools making headlines

BY BETH PINYERD

OPINION —

From “Here Comes A Hug” (author anonymous): It’s Wondrous what a hug can do. A hug can cheer you when you’re blue. A hug can say “I love you so” or “I really hate to see you go.” A hug can soothe a small child’s pain and bring a rainbow after the rain. Hugs are great for fathers and mothers, Sweet for sisters and brothers. No need to fret about your store of ‘em; The more you give, the more there’s more of ‘em. So, stretch those arms with-out delay and give that friend a hug today!

This coming Sunday,

May 12, we can give big hugs to those we call Mother, Mama, Mom, Mommy, etc. which spells love to our hearts and ears. I want to review this annual tribute to honor those women we love as we celebrate Mother’s Day. There are so many female role models that have touched my life in their actions of teaching, nurturing, guiding and sharing. Even though they may not have had children of their own, their touch on my life has been like a mother. I know many of you and many of our children are touched by women who love and care for them

from the heart. As a teacher, when my young students call me “mama” by mistake as they are caught up in their work or activities, I know they are referring to me as a caregiver, which is such an honor of love for me as a teacher. “Happy Mother’s Day” is a heart issue for someone who has shown love and care to children from their heart.

The history of Mother’s Day in the United States began when Miss Anna Jarvis at Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia, where her mother had served as a Sunday School teacher for more than 20 years, celebrated the first Mother’s Day. This was in honor of her late mother, Mrs. Jarvis, who had held “Mother’s Friendship Day,” to heal the pain of the Civil War. Anna Jarvis’ steady campaign moved President Woodrow Wilson to declare that Mother’s Day should be celebrated as a national holiday on the second Sunday in May. With Mother’s Day, we focus on the central truth about mothers and that is this: Mothering matters.

Hugs for mothers

The heart of a mother not only affects children and families, but it affects communities, cities, town and the world.

We teachers of early childhood see and realize this is such a critical time in a child’s life of bonding, learning, the molding of a child’s personality, learning how to adjust, socially interacting with other children, as well as adults. Not only does a child’s ability to learn happen at an early age, but their ability to love is a need at an early age. A mother’s nurturing love and those people who touch your child’s life at an early age builds the foundation of the child’s ability to adjust to his or her environment. The bonding that happens with folks who love them affects a child’s entire self-structure, who they are, their identity. Mothers have such a huge responsibility in multi-tasking and raising children in today’s busy world. With this truth, it is so important for moms to take care of themselves, too, for the sake of their children and families.

Hope and perspective

are two references that moms list as their way of balancing mothering responsibilities. With hope, even though I may have had a bad day with my child or children, there is a new tomorrow. We moms are only human. We cannot do it all. Believe it or not, children are the most forgiving little individuals who forget if you had a bad day and are ready to start anew with a bunch of hugs, kisses and let’s meet the new day! Our children are our best cheerleaders in the challenges of mothering.

Perspective is another big need. You may have one child still bottle feeding, another that needs to be potty trained and another who needs help with homework. Moms have to have an extra measure of grace in order to accomplish everything needed to be done.

In talking to young moms in mothers of preschool groups, they have said they just want to know how to hang in there when everything gets so confusing and unpredictable. All of us who mother children or care for them realize

that we just have to flex, delegate and know this is just normal.

In raising children, moms so many times self-impose standards that are not necessary. For example, making sure your home is thoroughly immaculate, everything perfect, vacuum cleaner in hand all the time. During this season of a mom’s life, who cares if your home is perfect? Certainly not your little ones. They would rather have “Mommy time” which spells love. Children only go through life once, so savor each day because they do grow up quick.

I hope all you ladies who are identified as moms will benefit from this article in one way or the other. On this upcoming Mother’s Day, be sure to wish those who have influenced your lives in wonderful ways a Happy Mother’s Day. This will be the greatest gift they may receive.

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

Blue Cross & Blue Shield expands scholarship program

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

ALABAMA — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proud to expand its medical scholarship program to further address health disparities, particularly in rural and underserved areas of our state. Blue Cross started its medical scholarship program in 2016 which has been renewed and expanded for 2024. These scholarships serve to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare for all Alabamians.

To date, 145 students have been awarded Blue Cross scholarships and 29 have graduated and are now practicing in rural areas across Alabama. In addition to renewing the $11 million in scholarship funding provided since 2016, Blue Cross has committed an additional $13 million towards medical scholarships.

“Blue Cross is working

to emphasize improvement in areas that are currently underrepresented,”

said Dr. Darrel Weaver, Vice President of Provider Engagement, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. “It is often the cost of medical school and education which prevents people from choosing careers in the medical industry. Scholarships enable more people to choose a career in medicine, and this is good news for rural Alabama and other underserved areas.”

In addition to renewing and expanding existing scholarships, Blue Cross is also using scholarships to fight several ongoing crises across the state.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), mental illness rates have been rising for the last 20 years. This crisis disproportionately affects veterans, people

Your local community college offers classes in the summer that transfer. STOP BY OR

who suffered trauma as children, or those who came from abusive homes.

In Alabama, roughly 41% of the population requires mental health or substance abuse services according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

NURSING SHORTAGE

According to a survey from The Alabama Board of Nursing, roughly 39,000 nurses are expected to leave the profession in the next five years. Based on that information, the current nurse deficit of 5,000 is expected to balloon upward to an overwhelming 14,000 by 2027.

To increase the number of qualified nurses, Blue Cross is now offering scholarships to nursing students at select community colleges. These scholarships will support nurses working towards their degrees as Registered

Nurses (RNs).

DENTISTRY SHORTAGE

Rural areas often struggle to attract dentists, and the number of dentists in rural Alabama is shrinking. There is at least one county in the state without a single dentist.

MATERNAL HEALTH DISPARITIES

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), infant and maternal mortality rates in Alabama are a huge problem. Infant and mortality rates in Alabama are well above the national average. Blue Cross is now providing scholarships to Certified Nurse Midwives and Family Medicine Obstetrics to support a larger Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association goal of reducing maternal health disparities by 50% within five years. Certified Nurse Midwives are medical practitioners educated in graduate programs

accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) to provide comprehensive care for maternity patients. Family Medicine Obstetrics are medical doctors who practice Family Medicine that receive additional medical training through a fellowship program where they receive in-depth education in obstetric care so they can fully practice obstetrics for their patients, including operative obstetrics.

For 2024, scholarships will go to students at Auburn University's Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine in Dothan, UAB School of Medicine, USA College of Medicine in Mobile, Jefferson State Community College, Calhoun Community College, West Alabama Community College and Coastal Alabama Community College.

A condition for these scholarships requires recipients practice in underserved areas of Alabama after graduation for a period of three years. This investment ensures many Alabamians will have access to the quality healthcare they need, giving them peace of mind and resulting in better health outcomes.

The unfortunate news is many in Alabama currently lack adequate access to healthcare. The good news is these scholarships are making a real impact.

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 AlabamaBlue.com.

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Food &E ntertainment Community Calendar

BY ANN CIPPERLY

As Mother’s Day approaches, Kathy Harrison remembers her wonderful mother who passed away too soon, and reflects on a full life as a grateful mom with a large family of children and grandchildren. Kathy and her husband, Dr. Darryl Harrison, feel “blessed beyond measure” for their family as they both serve in a variety of ministries.

Dr. Harrison often fills in as guest speaker at Trinity Church and Oak Bowery Methodist Church. Together the Harrisons teach preschool music at Trinity Church and sing at the Trinity Troopers meetings. As they share their faith, Kathy and Darryl have begun writing music.

Darryl holds degrees from Samford University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he has a doctorate in Instructional Leadership from the University of Alabama.

After serving as a pastor for 18 years, Darryl began a 30-year career in higher education. He served as president of Gadsden State Community College before accepting a position as vice president for adult and professional studies at Point University (formerly Atlanta Christian College). Darryl held the position for 10 years. During his time at Point, he also served as professor of Biblical studies and Christian ministry.

Growing up in East Point, Georgia, Kathy learned at an early age to rely on God,

Southern Hospitality

Kathy Harrison reflects on motherhood, ministry

which led her to ministry.

“My parents divorced when I was in the first grade,” she recalled. “Sadly, my father was not a part of my life growing up. My mother worked seven days a week to raise three children on her own. It was a very difficult time for her and our family.

“Over the years, I truly came to appreciate just how hard that must have been and what a tremendous sacrifice she made to give us stability, despite the financial trials she faced,” she said. “There was a feeling of pain through their divorce. My mom was very hurt by their marriage ending, but she carried on in strength and perseverance. She was a tremendous mother.”

Both of her parents had been singers, which inspired Kathy and her siblings to have a love of music. Even though life’s struggles were difficult, Kathy and her siblings remained in church choir and grew their musical skills. They would sing together at youth rallies in their teens, which were among their happiest times.

Kathy’s sister, who was in high school, became like a mother to her. The sister would take their mother to work at a dry cleaner where she began working at 6:30 a.m. Then she would take Kathy to school and pick her up. After keeping her younger siblings, the sister then picked up their mother at work.

“It made my sister like a mom half the time,” said Kathy. “She always took good care of me.”

Kathy’s mother became ill with cancer and only lived a few months after the diagnosis.

“It was such a shock to lose my mother at 20 years old,” she said. “I struggled without her. Both of my siblings had moved away to other states. I remember dreaming and waking up crying a few times in my younger years because I dreamed my mother had died. I came to believe God

was preparing me for that outcome. I really missed them all, and moving on was difficult.”

The first Mother’s Day without her mother was extremely sad for Kathy.

“I wasn’t prepared, and it hit me hard,” she said.

After Kathy married her first husband and had two children, Joey and Brandy, they were the lights of her life. She was a stay at home mom when the children were young, which she was thankful to be able to do since her mother had worked so much. The family was busy with baseball, scouts, softball and life on her husband’s family’s farm.

It was important to Kathy that her children were raised in church and came to know God.

“I also wanted them to know that there wasn’t anything in their lives that they couldn’t bring to me,” she said. “It was in their teen years that they wanted to talk about difficult things. They both learned to work hard and are successful in their chosen professions because of the strong work ethic instilled in them.”

After Kathy’s children were grown and finished college, her marriage ended. Kathy worked as an LPN and later at Endoscopy Practice at Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville, Georgia.

“I found a new strength in myself that I had not experienced before,” she said.

After Kathy met Darryl, she discovered they both loved music, Alabama football and golf, but mostly they loved the Lord and serving in various ministry capacities.

Together, they have five children and 14 grandchildren as a blended family. Kathy’s son, Joey and his wife, Saneth, live in Idaho and have five children, J.C., Amelia, Annika, Abigail and Annalise. Her daughter, Brandy, has two daughters,

AACT presents awardwinning murder mystery 'The Game's Afoot'

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) will present “The Game’s Afoot” — winner of the 2012 Edgar Award for Best Play from The Mystery Writers of America — over the course of two weekends beginning on May 10. The play will mark AACT's return to the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center following the center's recent renovation and expansion.

The play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette, who has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. When one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in the isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. It’s

up to Gillette himself, who just happens to think he’s Sherlock Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and laughter are nonstop in this glittering whodunit.

Performances will be held on May 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m., with matinees on May 12 and 19 at 2 p.m.

"The Games Afoot" is a murder mystery comedy. Some content may not be appropriate for children under 13. This production includes two gunshot sound effects and brief simulated lightning effects.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children, students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (334) 246-1084. Email info@auburnact. org for group rate information.

Kylie and Ali, and reside in Roanoke.

Darryl’s children are Chris, Chad and Amanda, and they all live locally. Chris has two daughters, Stella and Lucy. Chad has a daughter, Prezleigh, while Amanda and Jimmy have four children, Bella, Bauer, Jillian and Kinley. At an upcoming wedding in June the family will gain two more granddaughters. Darryl will honorably perform their ceremony.

With their families living locally, Kathy and Darryl enjoy taking grandchildren for ice cream and going to watch them play sports.

Sometimes they take grandchildren to sports practice or games to give their parents a break.

“It is such a privilege to be a Nana,” she said. Kathy also has a love of cooking southern style. She enjoys making dishes from scratch and feels home

cooking is the best. She wishes she had paid more attention to the dishes her mother made since she was a wonderful cook. Kathy remembers a special cake she made that was a work of art.

Other “moms” in her life taught her cooking skills, including her first mother-inlaw and Darryl’s mother that she remembers as a beautiful person inside and out.

Since the Harrisons are busy in ministry on Sundays, Kathy will often cook on Saturday and reheat dishes after church. The chicken casserole is good to prepare ahead and reheat.

“To me, making good food feeds not just our body, but our mind and soul,” said Kathy. “It brings comfort in a variety of ways. Darryl enjoys my homemade biscuits and cornbread fritters. Regardless of what I am cooking, it is a joyful experience that fills me with gratitude to be able to do what I love.”

Kathy is also interested in painting, floral arrangements and other crafts.

“My newest hobby has me writing songs that gives me great joy,” she said. “This is always a reminder that God is not through with me yet.”

For young mothers without family support, Kathy suggests finding someone in their church or where they work to mentor them, such as an older lady who has raised children. She said she believes in encouraging children and being slow to anger. Talk to children about why they did something and how it made them feel.

“For me, [motherhood] means my two children were gifts from God to love and cherish always,” she said. “I feel so fortunate to have been given the blessing and responsibility of motherhood. I am so proud of our children

With a love of cooking for family, Kathy Harrison feels fortunate to have been given the blessing and responsibility of motherhood. She and her husband, Dr. Darryl Harrison, serve in various ministry capacities.

Cheese Curd Update Bryson "ducks" under the wire, heads to finale

BY ANITA STIEFEL ANITAS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — The semifinal of MasterChef Junior took on a more serious tone than previous episodes, with the four remaining young cooks challenged to keep up with world-renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay as he prepared one of his signature dishes.

Straightaway, Ramsay was all-business, giving the contestants a hands-on demonstration of how to properly butcher a duck. One of the judges commented that it was nerve-wracking to watch the contestants, who ranged in age from 8 to 11, working with long, sharp knives as Ramsay rapidly barked instructions.

The challenge was to prepare Ramsay’s recipe for duck a l’orange with chili and garlic broccolini and caramelized endive — but the twist was that the youngsters would be working at the same pace along with the famous chef as he prepared the dish.

“Now, I’m going to show you exactly how it’s done, and if you want to make it into the finale, you cannot fall behind,” Ramsay told the contestants. “This isn’t just about speed tonight; it’s about making a dish that looks and tastes exactly like mine.”

“I’ve gotta keep up with Chef Gordon, the number one, the G.O.A.T., the best chef in the world?” said 11-year-old Michael from New Smyrna, Florida. “I’m only 11 — how am I supposed to do this?”

“This dish is probably, like, made in the 1800s,” said perplexed 10-year-old Remy from Hollywood, Florida. “That’s how old it is. And I don’t even know what duck tastes like. I don’t know if it’s good or bad that it’s pink, I don’t know if it’s supposed to be purple…”

“I don’t even know how to say it. It’s just like, so fancy,” said Opelika’s Bryson “Cheese Curd” McGlynn, who was 11 when the show was taped. “It was hard keeping up with Chef

Ramsay breaking down the duck, so how am I supposed to keep up with him doing this whole entire cook? He has been cooking this dish for more [years] than I’ve been alive!”

Only 8-year-old Asher from Yakima, Washington, was confident.

“I feel like a lucky duck, because I’ve cooked a duck many times,” he said. “I think I’m probably the only one who’s cooked duck before here.”

Ramsay yelled instructions at the contestants as he worked, who answered, “Yes, chef!” as they struggled to keep up with him, each cooking in three skillets at the same time — one for the sauce, one for the endive and one for the broccolini — while the duck breasts finished in the oven.

“C’mon guys, keep up!” Ramsay yelled.

“He’s going as fast as he does with adults,” celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez said to the other judges.

“Oh, my goodness, chef Gordon is going so fast,” said Bryson. “And it’s really, really hard to manage three pans and only a little bit of time. So, I feel a lot of pressure right now.”

Looking on, the judges motioned for him to remember to shake his pans to stir the vegetables.

“I feel like everybody is keeping up with Chef Gordon, but I am falling behind right now, and I am very worried,” Bryson said. “It’s not going well for me. My veggies are burnt. Like, this is not good. But I’ve got to hurry up, I’ve got to do this right.”

The timer ticked down to zero, and Bryson was visibly upset that he didn’t finish plating his dish.

“It just looks terrible,” he said through tears. “My plate looks like it just got thrown together, it went through, like, a hurricane.”

The other three contestants quickly surrounded him in a consoling hug, offering words of encouragement.

“I don’t want to let my family down, I don’t want to

let my dad down, and I am praying for a miracle right now,” Bryson said.

In the end, Michael won his second straight challenge, producing the dish that most looked and tasted like Ramsay’s. He sprinted to the safety of the balcony, followed shortly afterward by Remy, whose dish also looked and tasted good, even though it needed more sauce and her broccolini was slightly undercooked.

For the first time this season, Bryson’s dish fell in the bottom. His disappointment was clear as he admitted to the judges his plate was rushed and sloppy.

“Bryson, do you know what I was doing when I was 11?” Ramsay asked. “Kicking a soccer ball. So, remember what you’ve done, even if it’s the last time you cook in the kitchen tonight, whatever happens, you’ve got to hold your head up high.”

Ramsay sliced into the duck breast and the judges each took a bite.

“Okay, young man, the good news is, the duck is beautiful,” said Ramsay. “Skin is crispy, seasoned to perfection. Now for the bad news. The broccolini is hammered… it’s charred. But remember, whatever happens tonight, you cooked the duck beautifully.”

Also in the bottom was Asher’s dish. Not only was his duck too rare, but his

dish was missing a crucial ingredient — the orange sauce. The judges were torn between which of the two contestants would be eliminated.

“Bryson nailed the hard part,” said guest judge Tilly Ramsay. “He managed to cook that duck perfectly, and he did get the other ingredients on the plate, and they did all taste very well. It’s just a shame about that

broccolini.”

“It’s a tough one,” Ramsay said. “Do we go with the dish that looked closest to mine but undercooked the duck or the one with the messy plate but nailed the duck?”

Ultimately, Asher lost the contest. Bryson let out a huge sigh of relief when Ramsay told him, “The plating was a mess, but it was more than enough to get

yourself into the finale.”

Next week the three remaining young

will face off in the final

lenge in front of a

audience to see who will go home with the trophy, the $100,000 prize and the title of MasterChef Junior. There will be a watch party for the final episode on Monday, May 13, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Hey Day Market in Auburn.

cooks

chal-

studio

Pictured above is Bryson in his chef's coat chatting with fans as Chef Gordon Ramsay is seen on the many televisions at Walk Ons Sports Bistreaux, which hosted a watch party for the semifinal episode.

Opelika's Raven Harvis is shown on TV with Steve Harvey, host of Family Feud, on which her family competed. A joint watch party with Bryson McGlynn (MasterChef Jr.) was held May 6.

Antione Harvis and his wife Raven (pictured far left and far right) and Bryson "Cheese Curd" McGlynn (center) gathered with friends and family to watch each other on TV as contestants on Family Feud and MasterChef Junior. On hand to cheer them on were Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore (second from right) and his wife, Sarah.

BY SEAN DIETRICH

OPINION —

“I am a little old woman who lives in an assisted living facility…” her email began.

Her following message was about the length of “War and Peace.” She is a woman who is as sweet as Karo syrup. But—and I mean this respectfully— brevity is not her strong suit. Reading her email took me three or four presidential administrations.

“I had a baby when I was fourteen…” she wrote.

The 14-year-old gave birth in the single wide

Sean of the South

A mother's love

that Darryl and I share together and all of our beautiful grands that make our life so full.

“We are surrounded by people we love and enjoy sharing time together. We love serving the Lord in different capacities as well. Every day is a gift, and we rise in the mornings grateful for the blessing of a new day that we can share together.”

Kathy’s Good Chicken Casserole

½ stick butter

6 to 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 can cream of celery soup

½ tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. Kitchen Bouquet

browning sauce, optional

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 cup extra sharp cheese, shredded ½ tsp. salt and pepper each

½ cup milk

Melt butter. Place chicken breasts in large casserole dish and pour melted butter over chicken. Mix both soups, cheese, all seasonings and milk together in a medium size bowl. Spread evenly over chicken. Make topping and spoon and spread on top of casserole.

Bake casserole at 350 degrees for 1 hour covered with foil. Then uncover, cook another 15 minutes until topping is light brown.

Topping:

1 long sleeve Ritz crackers or 3 small stack sleeves

1 stick butter

Crumble Ritz crackers

well. Melt butter and mix with crumbled crackers.

Cornbread Fritters

1 cup self-rising white

cornmeal

1/3 cup self-rising flour

1 tsp. sugar

1 egg

Buttermilk

Canola oil

Combine dry ingredients and add egg; mix well.

Add buttermilk in small increments into mixture to a consistency that is a little thicker than pancake batter.

In a skillet, pour canola oil to cover the bottom of

trailer that belonged to an aunt. The delivery was in secret. Nobody knew her son existed. Least of all her immediate family.

Finally, the aunt put the child up for adoption. It was impractical for a girl of 14 to raise a child. This was a different era.

The goodbye between mother and son was almost too much to bear. The 14-year-old held her infant in her arms when officials came to take him away. Over time, the girl grew into a woman. The woman grew into a wife. The wife had three kids. The wife’s husband made decent money.

She moved into a nice house. Her children did pretty good in school. Her off-spring grew up to be successful and handsome and beautiful and well-off and happy. Fill in the blank. But the woman had a void in her heart.

pan and heat oil on medium to high. When hot, drop cornbread mixture in skillet in silver dollar sized spoonfuls, cooking on both sides until brown and firm.

My Mom’s Barbecue Beans

1 lb. lean ground beef

½ cup sweet onion, chopped

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

1 lb. 12 oz. can of pork and beans

½ cup ketchup

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire

sauce

2 Tbsp. vinegar

½ tsp. Tabasco sauce

Brown ground beef and onions. Drain fat. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Put into a large casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Lasagna with Four Cheeses

3 Tbsp. cooking oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

1½ lbs. ground chuck

Three 16 oz. cans tomato

sauce

1 Tbsp. parsley

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. oregano

1 cup ricotta cheese

16 oz. mozzarella cheese

1 box lasagna noodles

16 oz. bag of sharp cheddar cheese

3 oz. Parmesan cheese for the top

In oil, brown onion, garlic and meat. Add tomato sauce, parsley, sugar, salt and oregano.

Simmer on very low heat for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles; drain. (Or you may use the flat unbaked kind like Barilla if you choose.)

Layer noodles, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until lasagna is bubbly and slightly brown on top.

Darryl’s Sausage Balls

1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 cups Bisquick baking mix

Hot sauce, optional

1 lb. Jimmy Dean mild

“A child is a piece of you, physically. Like an organ. People who’ve never had kids can’t understand.”

She dreamed about her son. Every night. Without fail. In her dreams, she could see him. She watched him grow. She saw saw his smile. She heard him speak. Once again, she cannot explain what she means. But she tries.

“It’s like a radar,” she explains. “My soul was sending out a radar signal, and I think God was sending me radar signals back.”

I took a break from reading the email. I still had 78,000,000 words left to read before finishing her story.

So I’ll hit the high points.

On her son’s 42nd birthday, she had an unusually vivid dream. This dream was the strangest one she ever had.

In this dream, an old man told her to search for her lost

sausage

¼ cup milk (if too dry)

Mix sausage, cheese and Bisquick. Add milk if difficult to mix. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.

John’s Cheese Ball

12 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 small onion, finely grated

3 Tbsp. hot sauce

Chili powder to taste

Additional chili powder for rolling Crackers for serving Mix cheese, cream cheese, onion, hot sauce and chili powder together. Mix well. Form into a ball and roll into more chili powder for the outside. Chill. Serve with Sociable crackers or crackers of choice.

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

3 lbs. red potatoes, washed and quartered

3 Tbsp. olive or Canola oil

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

½ tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. salt

2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 Tbsp. olive or Canola oil to grease cookie sheet

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place potatoes in a large bowl or a gallon Ziplock bag. Drizzle oil over potatoes and toss. Mix all dry ingredients and cheese, then toss over potatoes until evenly coated.

Place potatoes in a single layer on a large baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes then turn potatoes, then cook an additional 20 minutes.

Kathy’s Easy Apple Cobbler

Pour crust mixture into baking pan and top with apples. Crust will rise to the top.

4 Granny Smith apples and 4 Fuji or Honeycrisp apples

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/3 cup light or dark brown

sugar

1 Tbsp. cornstarch

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 capfuls real lemon juice

½ stick butter

½ tsp. salt

son. It was undoubtedly an angel, the woman believes. He wore the quintessential white gown. He had the shining halo. The whole celestial enchilada.

The next morning, she contacted an agency who helped with this sort of thing. It didn’t take long to find her son.

Her son was living in Texas. And for the purposes of this story, let’s just say he was an important guy. A very, very important guy.

The agency gave her his address. She made no calls. She gave her son’s family no advanced warning. She simply got in her car and drove to Texas. Alone.

“I didn’t want my husband or my kids to go with me,” she said. “This was something I had to do.”

She arrived at a nice house. She got through the gate by saying, “I don’t need an appointment, he’ll want to meet me, I promise.”

Peel apples, then cut apples into 1-inch pieces and place in a large boiling pot with water to cover about half of the apples. Add all other ingredients, stirring often. Simmer on low heat until soft.

Crust:

1 stick butter, melted

1 cup milk

1 cup self-rising flour

1 cup granulated sugar

In a medium-sized bowl, mix all ingredients together. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Pour crust mixture into pan and then top with cooked apples. The crust will rise to the top while baking. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 to 40 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Our granddaughters love these!

1 cup softened butter

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. cornstarch

¾ tsp. salt

¾ tsp. baking soda

2 ½ cups chocolate chips, semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400

In a few moments, a man came down the stairs. It was him all right. She would have known him anywhere. She’d watched him grow up in her mind’s eye.

“Do I know you?” he asked.

“No,” she said. “But I know you.”

“How?”

She began to cry. “It’s a very long story,” she said.

The man, unexpectedly, began to cry along with her.

He apparently understood what was going on here.

“Are you my mother?” he said in a kind of shell-shock.

All she could do was nod.

They embraced. And there on the porch of a sprawling Texan estate, they dehydrated themselves, snug in each other’s arms.

“I always knew you’d find me,” he said.

“How did you know?” she said.

“You’re going to think I’m crazy if I tell you.”

degrees. Cream butter and both sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and continue mixing for 1 minute. Add flour in small increments, along with the cornstarch, baking soda and salt: mix well together. Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed. With a soup size spoon, drop dough onto parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 11 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before removing from cookie sheet. Then, remove to a cooling rack to cool.

Mrs. Prince’s Cheese Wafers

1 lb. extra sharp Cabot brand cheese, shredded 2 sticks butter, room temperature

3 cups allpurpose flour ½ tsp. red pepper

1 tsp. salt Mix cheese and butter together well; add remaining ingredients.. Either roll out and cut round half-dollar sized biscuits or 2-inch strands. Bake at 325 degrees for 10 minutes or until the edges are light brown.

Ann’s Peanut Butter

“Try me.”

“I’ve been dreaming about you every night since I was a baby.”

In an age when it’s hard to believe in anything good; when crisis and insanity rule the airwaves; when visions of hell are the only things television journalists can report on; I am glad—no, I am eternally grateful—for little old ladies in assisted living facilities who write extremely long emails.

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.

Balls

2 sticks butter, room temperature

16 oz. powdered sugar

12 oz. creamy peanut butter

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ bar paraffin wax

Mix butter, powdered sugar and peanut butter with a stand or portable mixer. When blended, scoop out with a spoon and roll into balls. Put in freezer for an hour. Melt chocolate chips and paraffin wax in a double boiler: stirring well and often. Remove peanut butter balls from freezer, and using a toothpick dip each ball into the chocolate mixture and let cool on wax paper. Fill toothpick holes with chocolate mixture.

This is a big hit, and you can store these in your refrigerator or freezer.

Crock Pot Candy 2 lbs. chocolate bark (white or milk chocolate) 1 pkg. German sweet chocolate bar 24 oz. unsalted peanuts 18 oz. semi-sweet morsels Place all ingredients in the crock pot on low for two hours, stirring often. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let candy cool on wax paper or place in refrigerator. Store candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Spring Sundown concerts to be held during month of May at Auburn's

Kiesel Park

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — The 2024 Spring Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park will be held Thursdays in May from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The concerts are free.

The community is invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and en-joy great music, with food and sweet treats available for purchase from the Chill Spot. Pets on a leash are welcome.

SPRING SUNDOWN CONCERT SERIES

The concert lineup includes:

May 9 — AHS & AJHS Jazz Bands

May 16 — Sally Brown Band

May 23 — Soul Therapy

May 3o — Austin Ritch

Kiesel Park is located at 520 Chadwick Lane in Auburn.

For the most up to date information on performers delays or cancellations, visit the Auburn Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

The 2024 Spring Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park in Auburn will be held Thursdays in May from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The concerts are free. The community is invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy great music, with food and sweet treats available for purchase from the Chill Spot. Pets on a leash are welcome. The concert lineup includes: AHS & AJHS Jazz Bands on May 9, Sally Brown Band on May 16, Soul Therapy on May 23 and Austin Ritch on May 30. Kiesel Park is located at 520 Chadwick Lane in Auburn. For the most up to date information on performers delays or cancellations, visit the Auburn Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

NOON TUNES CONCERT SERIES

Celebrate the arrival of summer every Wednesday in May on Courthouse Square in Opelika for a free lunchtime concert. Bring a brown bag lunch (or purchase lunch from a local restaurant), a quilt or lawn chair and relax by the fountain for an hour of unforgettable musical entertainment.

SUMMER SWING

Every Tuesday evening the Opelika Parks and Recreation Dept. hosts a free outdoor concert at 7 p.m. at the Municipal Park in Opelika. This 13-week concert series offers a wide variety of musical entertainment including Gospel, Soul, Jazz, R&B, Oldies, Country, Folk and community band music. The Opelika Band Boosters will prepare hamburgers and hotdogs for a nominal fee from 6:15-7:30 p.m., ideal for a family picnic. The Rocky Brook Rocket will give complimentary rides from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family, a quilt or lawn chair and relax on the banks of Rocky Brook Creek for an evening of musical fun, fellowship and relaxation. For more information call (334) 705-5560 or email LChesser@opelika-al.gov.

COMMUNITY THEATRE PERFORMANCE

Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) presents “The Game’s Afoot,” winner of the 2012 Edgar Award for Best Play from The Mystery Writers of America. Performances will be May 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. with matinees on Sundays, May 12 and 19, at 2 p.m. All shows will be at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, located at 222 E. Drake Ave. in Auburn. "The Games Afoot" is a murder mystery comedy. Some content may not be appropriate for children under 13. This production includes two gunshot sound effects and brief simulated lightning effects. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children, students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling (334) 246-1084. Email info@auburnact.org for group rate information.

KIDS COMMUNITY MARKET

The Kids Community Market will be held in downtown Opelika at courthouse square on Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. until noon. The event will include vendors with arts and crafts, homemade baked goods, lemonade and homemade juices, jewelry, fresh eggs, fresh fruit and more.

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.com. 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

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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.

EAST ALABAMA COMMUNITY BAND

The East Alabama Community Band will hold a concert at the Opelika Sportsplex Amphitheater on Monday, May 13, at 7 p.m. Bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy the 70-piece band, directed by Joshua Wine, which will be playing many diverse pieces, including music from Star Trek and Apollo 13. For those interested in joining the band, practices are on Monday nights from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Auburn Junior High School band room.

'PETE THE CAT' BOOK SIGNING

The Opelika Public Library will host an evening with "Pete the Cat" creator James Dean on Tuesday, May 14. This event, which will include an author talk and book signing, is recommended for all ages. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with all seats first come, first served. The library is located at 1100 Glenn Street.

HANDGUN SAFETY COURSE

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will offer a basic handgun safety course May 14-18. Learn the rules of safe gun handling/ shooting, marksmanship and laws pertaining to gun ownership. Fee is $99, which includes hearing and eye protection and range fees. The class will meet 6-8 p.m. on May 14 & 16 and 8-10 a.m. on May 18. Register at bit.ly/handgunsafetymay24.

AUBURN CITY MARKET

City Market, Auburn Parks and Recreation’s weekly farmer’s market, will return for the summer beginning May 18. The market will be held each Saturday morning through Aug. 24 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Town Creek Park. The entire family is invited to enjoy live music, fun activities for the kids and an array of fresh, local and handcrafted items to browse and purchase. Parking is available at Town Creek Park and in the gravel lot across the street from the park. City Market vendors will start selling their products at 8 a.m. sharp. For more information, visit auburnalabama.org/citymarket or email citymarket@auburnalabama.org.

HAY DAYS

Hay Days at the Farm at Rocky Top is set for May 18 & 19. The farm, located at 2910 Lee Road 145 in Salem, will be open both days from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5, with children under age four admitted free. There will be more than 80 vendors at the event, offering a variety of arts and crafts items to explore, as well as plenty of delicious edible treats.

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

The Auburn-Opelika Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Sunday, May 19, starting at 1:30 p.m. at First Methodist Church of Opelika, 702 Avenue A, Opelika, AL 36801. The group meets monthly and is for people with Parkinson’s, their care partners and their adult children.

CONFEDERATE CONSCRIPTION LECTURE

The Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities at Auburn University (Pebble Hill) will sponsor “Confederate Conscription and the Struggle for Southern Soldiers” with Dr. John Sacher on Monday, May 20, at 3 p.m at the Museum of East Alabama, located at 121 9th St., Opelika, AL 36801.

OPELIKA GIVING DAY

Envision Opelika will host the sixth annual Opelika Giving Day, a 24-hour online fundraiser which will support specific projects of 10 local nonprofits. Visit https://opelikagivingdays. org to see this year’s projects seeking funding. Donors may also visit the Envision Opelika office at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika if

they prefer to donate via check or cash. Those proceeds will go toward the specific initiative the donor chooses.

SUSCC MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE

Veteran Services at Southern Union State Community College will host a Memorial Day observance on Thursday, May 23, at 10 a.m. at the Southern Union Southern Room on the Opelika Campus. The Southern Room is located in the Business and Technology Center near West Point Parkway. There will be several guest speakers and performers from the area, and a light lunch will be served at the conclusion of the service. All are welcome to attend.

AU MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

Auburn University will host a Memorial Day ceremony on Friday, May 24, at 11:30 a.m. on the Cater Lawn.

AUURN MAYOR’S MEMORIAL DAY BREAKFAST

The annual Auburn Mayor’s Memorial Day Breakfast will be held Monday, May 27, at 8 a.m. at the AU Hotel and Conference Center. Tickets are $25 per person or $250 for a table of eight and are available at City Hall, 144 Tichenor Ave. A wreath laying ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Monument, located at the northeast corner of East Glenn Avenue and Ross Street.

PRIDEFEST 2024

Pride on the Plains, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, will host several events during the week leading up to PrideFest 2024, including: Bingo at Red Clay Brewery downtown Opelika 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, May 26; Karaoke at The Jailhouse inside Rock ‘n’ Roll Pinball downtown Opelika at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28; Trivia at Avondale Bar and Tap Room downtown Auburn 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29; Fresh Faces open stage fundraiser on Thursday, May 30; the family-friendly 6th Annual Pride Parade in downtown Opelika at 6 p.m. followed by a party with Denali at the AU Alumni Center at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 31; and the family-friendly 6th Annual PrideFest at Auburn’s Kiesel Park noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 1. Vendors invited to sign up now. For more information, visit prideontheplains.com.

SUMMERNIGHT DOWNTOWN ART WALK

The 2024 SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is scheduled for Friday, June 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. in downtown Auburn. The festival features the work of local and regional artists, live music, merchant specials, children's activities and a culinary contest. Presented by the City of Auburn/Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn Arts Association, Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church and the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association. Visit auburnsummernight.org for sponsorship, vendor and volunteer information.

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 kindergarten 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.

ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI

The Lee County Alumni of Alabama State University is holding a membership drive. Increased membership will allow the group to offer more scholarships and support financial and other vital needs for student success at ASU, as well as will foster a sense of pride, visibility and connection to the community. For more information, contact President Dwight E. Howard at (334) 745-7293.

Club News

Opelika Kiwanis

Auburn Kiwanis

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.

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 meets at Pepperell Baptist Church, 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika. 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 205-267-2986 for more information. The group will also meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Ave. in Auburn. Judge Christopher Hughes, Circuit Judge will speak on his mental health docket. The public is invited. There will be time for sharing after the program.

Want help spreading the word about your event? We can help! editor@opelikaobserver.com

Pictured left to right are Kiwanis Club of Auburn President Mike Martin, Speaker Kris Patton, and Kiwanis Club of Auburn Speaker Coordinator Walter Northcutt. Patton is the Attorney for the Lee County Foster Care System and gave our members an update on what’s going on in their department.

The speaker at the Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting on May 2 was Laura Fuller with Friends of Internationals at Auburn Univeristy. The speaker for May 16 will be John Sweatman, Opelika Economic Development director.

The Rotary Club of Auburn participated in “Mulch