FamilyCalendar

game, scavenger hunt, data collection activity; a craft which ties the two experiences together. https://columbusbotanicalgarden.org/events/littlesprouts/

Every Tuesdays

Opelika Public Library Jr. Book Club

4:30 PM Be a part of an epic journey with Peter and Pax! Bring friends and make new ones with the Jr. Book Club as we explore with games, crafts, and reading! For students in grades 2-5.

Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Wednesdays

Walk This Way Walking Club

8:30 AM Join Anita at our Story Walk Trail to walk and talk about everything from community happenings to family, to good books, and anything else you want to talk about. All ages are welcomed and no one gets left behind.

Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Wednesdays

Opelika Public Library Baby & Me Storytime

9:30 AM Get the little ones bouncing and singing with colors, numbers, and shapes! Rhymes and stories will encourage them to discover the world around them! And there is always time to crawl and play! For ages 0-2 years old.

Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Thursdays

Opelika Public Library Jr. Robot Crew

4:30 PM Jr. Robot Crew will inspire kids of all ages by teaching them the tools to imagine and invent the future! Meet and talk with Dash and Dot through code! Dash and Dot can throw and pick up objects and the kids will teach them how! Don’t worry if you’ve never coded before, Dash and Dot are here to teach you how!

Library@opelika-al.gov

Every Fridays

Opelika Public Library Storytime

10:00 Opelika Public Library Storytime. Library@opelika-al.gov

Every First and Third Fridays

Food Truck Friday www.facebook.com/opelika.chamber

Downtown Opelika Spend your first and third Friday of every month, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks from downtown restaurants, bars & breweries, and up to five different food truck partners each week. Enjoy your brews, bites, and beautiful downtown Opelika. Check out the Opelika Chamber of Commerce online to find out who will be parked where, and what’s on the menu!

Sports

February 1, 11, 14 & 22

Auburn University Men’s Basketball www.auburntigers.com

February 10 & 24

Auburn University Gymnastics www.auburntigers.com

February 17-19, 22 & 24-26

Auburn University Softball www.auburntigers.com

February 18 & 25

Auburn University Equestrian www.auburntigers.com

February 3 & 4

Auburn University Swimming and Diving www.auburntigers.com

February 5, 9, 16 & 26

Auburn University Women’s Basketball www.auburntigers.com

February 8-10 & 26-28

Auburn University Golf www.auburntigers.com

: Tell us a little

I am the wife of a Military Veteran. We will be celebrating 17 years married in May. My husband and I lived in Italy for four years and we traveled extensively around Europe. We have two daughters, Myah (10) and Jordyn (7), and one son, Jeremiah Jr., who is nine months old.

Originally I am from Fayetteville, NC, and I moved here five years ago. My husband is from Reeltown, AL, which was why we

I have my bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Administration and am currently employed with PCA (Packaging Corporation of America) as a Plant Accountant.

AOP: You mentioned living in Italy; how neat! What were some of your favorite parts about living overseas?

MJ: I’m such a foodie! True Italian food is amazing. The convenience of taking a weekend trip anywhere you would like in Europe was pretty awesome. Living in Italy was a learning experience for sure - learning the culture and language was different.

AOP: You mentioned that you have been working for the Packaging Company of America for the past five years. How did you begin your career there?

MJ: I started at Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) as a temp employee through our local temp agency, Resource MFG. We had just moved here from North Carolina.

I started in Customer Service as a Customer Service Representative, and in November 2021, I moved to Accounting as a Plant Accountant.

I absolutely love the company because of the fantastic benefits and the culture PCA has cultivated. In addition, I have amazing bosses who value family, which helps when I must leave early for the kid’s events. I look forward to furthering my career here at PCA.

AOP: How do you juggle being a family of five and working outside the home? Do you have any tips for other working moms?

MJ: Well, I can’t take all the credit; I have a wonderful support system! We have a dry-erase board at home with everyone’s schedules on it. We also prepare on Sunday for the week ahead - this means all clothes for the week are picked out, and our dance and Jiu Jitsu bags are packed. It takes teamwork for sure.

AOP: Tell me about your spouse. When and where did you meet?

MJ: My husband is medically retired from the Army. He was stationed in my hometown Fayetteville, NC, and we met at Fort Bragg. We married on May 19, 2006, before he deployed to Iraq for 15 months.

AOP: Being married for 16 years is a huge accomplishment. What advice would you give to others walking into or through marriage?

MJ: I would say to communicate and don’t give up. You have to fight for each other. Put yourself in your spouse’s shoes or vice versa. Know what makes your spouse tick. I recommend a book called ‘The Five Love Languages’ by Gary Chapman.

AOP: If you could go back and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

MJ: Never give up on any dreams you may have. ALWAYS believe in yourself! Be adventurous, have fun and take risks.

AOP: Being a mom often means putting everyone’s needs before your own, especially when you stay home all day. How do you take care of yourself?

MJ: Honestly, sometimes I might try to get away for a few hours and get a manicure or pedicure. Other times, I try to get the kids to bed early to enjoy a few moments of quiet time and read a book. I might even try to go grocery shopping without the kids. It doesn’t seem like much, but those few moments of peace are all I need.

AOP: What activities do you value or prioritize as a family?

MJ: Making memories! Sometimes we play Uno as a family or go 4-wheel riding with the girls. One thing we do that is super important to us is sit at the dinner table and eat as a family. No phones or TV, just the five of us sharing our day.

Mandy Johnson and her husband Jeremiah have three children and love the life they have built in Opelika. She loves reading and spending time with her family. She also enjoys taking Kickboxing classes at Auburn Mixed Martial Arts.