Opelika Observer 01-02-19 E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Vol. 11, No. 13

Wednesday, January 02, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Farewell to 2018

By Opelika Observer Staff

During 2018, the Opelika Observer extended its news coverage in Lee County to provide readers with information and stories beyond the Opelika city limits. However, the Observer has and always will be an Opelika-first newspaper, dedicated to finding the best that this city has to offer.

We would like to express our gratitude to the loyal advertiser, followers and readers of the Observer who support our mission of providing local news for local people. We hope you enjoy the recap of the biggest stories from this year.

Jan. 10 - Downtown Opelika’s Red Clay Brewing Company announced the launch of their own canned craft beer line.

The beer is available for purchase across Alabama and portions of Georgia and Florida.

Jan. 18 - The Milken

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer This photo comes from the annual “Farm-City Breakfast” Nov. 13, which was attended by members from all portions of Lee County. This event not only shows the partnerships that exist between rural and urban communities, but a coming together of our area leaders and municipal governments in an effort to be one. In a similar fashion, the Observer’s goal is to report positive community news from across Lee County, stories that gel and bind us together. Pictured in the front row from left to right: Loachapoka Councilwoman Pat Conover, Lee Vanoy; constituent service representative for Congressman Mike Rogers, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, City of Smiths Station Executive Assistant Brenda Dockery, Lee County Farm-City Chairman Bob Harris, recently elected City of Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Lee County Commissioner Robert Ham. Institute Best-Performing Cities Index named the Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Area No. 10 in the “Best Performing Cities Annual Index.” Opelika

Mayor Gary Fuller attributed this accomplishment to the city’s ability to “attract major industries, as well as take care of our medium to small busi-

nesses, because of our education and workforce development, unparalleled school systems, our affordable cost of living and the exceptional quality

of life we offer businesses and citizens alike.”

Jan. 31 - Opelika Medal of Honor recipient and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins was

one of 14 other Medal of Honor recipients to be recognized during the coin toss preceding Sunday’s Super Bowl LII matchup between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.

Feb. 14 - The Observer published its first-ever “EEdition,” a free resource for Observer readers to flip through the pages of a digital copy of that week’s newspaper. It is shared weekly on www. opelikaobserver.com and the newspaper’s Facebook page.

Feb. 14 - Opelika native and actor Jock McKissic announced that he would star in “Paterno,” an HBO film on the controversy surrounding Pennsylvania State University and the legendary figure in charge of its football program, Joe Paterno.

Feb. 20-21 - Opelika High School’s Caleb Ross announced Feb. 20 that he was returning to his alma See 2018, page A2

‘Griff Goods’ to open retail space in Lewis Cooper Library’s holds downtown Opelika in mid-January annual ‘Fa La La Festival’

By Morgan Bryce Editor Classic Southern style with a twist will be the focal point of products that Abby Griffin plans to sell at her soon-to-beopened downtown Opelika business, “Griff Goods.”

See Goods, page A3

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 SPORTS................................B1

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

CALENDAR....................................B3 LEGALS ......................................B5 RELIGION..............................B6 ENTERTAINMENT......................B7

pelika O Observer.com

pelika O Observer

A2 January 02, 2019

2018,

from A1 mater Prattville to be their next head coach. A day later, the Observer broke the news that longtime defensive coordinator Erik Speakman was named as the next head coach of the Bulldog program.

March 7 - Opelika Middle School student Ashton Tyler spoke of his role in Marvel’s “Black Panther,” a blockbuster release that has generated more than $1 billion in box offices worldwide.

March 14 - Downtown Opelika’s Irish Bred Pub announced a grand re-opening/rebranding under restaurant founder Joe Garofalo and manager Chris McBride.

April 2 - The City of Opelika unveiled a rebranded city logo that was affixed to all city property and business.

April 18 - Through funding provided by the “Alabama Health Food Financing Act,” Governor Ivey presented Opelika’s Wright’s Market and six other Alabama businesses/ nonprofits with $300,000 in grants to meet the nutritional needs of communities statewide that have limited access to grocery stores. That money money helped launch a pilot version of an online SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and expand the route and services offered through the store’s Wright2U delivery service, which already delivers throughout the

Opelika-Auburn area.

April 25 - Two representatives from the Opelika Police Department and Lee County Sheriff’s Office won a national shooting marksmanship competition that featured 44 teams from across the country.

May 2 - The City of Smiths Station adopted its first-ever ad valorem tax to tackle infrastructure problems within the city.

May 15 - Plans for the construction of a new Beauregard High School were announced by Principal Richard Brown.

May 15 - Local author and retired Auburn University professor Dr. James Hansen discussed plans for his book on the life of Neil Armstrong to be turned into a major motion picture. Directed

by Academy Award winner Damien Chazelle and starring Ryan Gosling as Armstrong, the film has received praise from film critics across the globe since its Oct. 12 release.

May 24 - Mike Pugh is named as the new athletic director of Opelika High School.

May 30 - The Observer brought home five APA awards for best news headline, best local sports column, best sports photo, best news photo and best photo essay.

June 6 - East Alabama Medical Center announced the construction of a new cancer center. The “E.L. Spencer, Jr. and Ruth Priester Spencer Cancer Center” will feature two linear accelerators, 28 regular infusion therapy chairs, 18 exam rooms,

a pharmacy, a boutique, four conference rooms, a resource library and a chapel.

June 19 - After 92 years of being in existence, members of Pepperrell United Methodist Church announced that the church would be holding its final service the following Sunday.

June 20 - Representatives from the Lee County Special Olympics announced that a large contingent of its athletes and coaches would travel to the National Special Olympics Games in Seattle July 1-6.

June 20 - Chris and Angela George of O Town Ice Cream announced the closure of their downtown location and relocation to Second Avenue. The new shop is slated to open soon.

June 20 - Opelika businessman Richard Patton discussed two major developments coming to Opelika - an entertainment hub along First Avenue and new subdivision called “Southside Opelika.” Two businesses within the entertainment hub, 10,000 Hz Records and Mama Mocha’s Coffee Emporium, are open. Others are nearing completion.

June 27 - Former Roundhouse owner Kyle Sandler was arrested on Lee County warrants in Bryan, Texas. He later pled guilty to two fraud charges and is currently awaiting a hearing while under house arrest in Jasper, Alabama.

June 27 - Opelika High School names Zac Blatt

Oct. 31 - The Observer held a celebration of its 10th anniversary. During the celebration, Michelle Key announced that she was assuming the role of publisher and that Morgan Bryce would become editor.

Nov. 16 - The childhood and humorous experiences of Opelika native and comedian Dusty Slay will be the subject of a new ABC comedy currently under development.

Nov. 20 - Beulah High School’s football coach Cody Flournoy reflected on a season that saw the Bobcats finish with their best record (8-3 overall) in 23 years and make their first playoff appearance in a decade. Flournoy was recently named the 3A Coach of the Year.

Nov. 29 - After a long, successful tenure at LeeScott Academy, Robert Maddox announced that he would be retiring from the school.

Nov. 29 - Opelika’s cherished “Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour” celebrated its 25th year of existence Dec. 5 - The Observer launched its first-ever advice column titled “Listen Linda” Dec. 12 - Cities of Auburn, Opelika move forward with plans for joint skate park.

Dec. 19 - Medical Arts Pharmacy celebrated 50 years of serving the community Dec. 26 - Resting Pulse Brewing Company expects to open its doors in March 2019. The business will be located in a new entertainment district created by Opelika businessman Richard Patton.

area, miniature library and walking trail.

Sept. 5 - The City of Smiths Station announced the construction of a new Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores at the corner of Lee Road 248 and U.S. Highway 280/431. The development is expected to generate more than $3 million in taxable sales and create 40 full-time jobs.

Sept. 12 - Opelika residents Rocky and Shealy Langley proposed “The Creekline Project,” an effort to construct bike paths and trails to increase the city’s overall connectivity and appearance.

Sept. 19 - Former Olympic swimmer Tyler Mcgill was named the City of Opelika’s head swimming coach.

Oct. 3 - Opelika High School’s Bradi Jones is named a member of the USA Swimming Scholastic All-American team.

Oct. 17 - The City of Opelika announced the sale of OPS ONE and their telecommunication assets to Point Broadband of West Point, Georgia, for $14.1 million.

Oct. 24 - More than a year after closing for damages caused by an electrical fire, Opelika fine-dining establishment Warehouse Bistro reopened under new executive chef/owner Paul Diaz.

Oct. 31 - Construction of a new Aldi’s in Tiger Town is underway, and expected to open next year.

Oct. 31 - Acre’s Executive Chef David Bancroft announced that his Texasstyle barbecue house “Bow and Arrow” would open Nov. 5.

as its head baseball coach following the departure of Nick Richardson to his alma mater Tuscaloosa County.

July 5 - Through the discovery of a program flyer and photographs, Smiths Station city officials were able to confirm that country superstar Conway Twitty lived there for a time.

July 18 - Beloved Opelika dining establishment Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar is passed down to a fifthgeneration family member in Blake Boothe.

July 25 - Google representatives confirmed an August visit to Opelika’s Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library as a part of the “Grow with Google” tour, which educated participants on all the resources available through the platform.

Aug. 8 - Charlie Edwards of “The Firing Pin LLC” announced his plans to expand and relocate his business to First Avenue.

The new store is nearly finished and will be named “Firing Pin Shooting Sports.”

Aug. 22 - Opelika’s Trinity Christian School celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Aug. 23 - Representatives from Alabama’s Most Haunted confirmed the filming of an episode at Spring Villa Mansion, which is known locally for its supernatural happenings.

Aug. 29 - During an Opelika City Council meeting, Opelika natives Ginger and J. Stern announced the gifting of a park to the city. Located at 409 1st Ave., the park features a fenced-in dog

WE KNOW HOW TO GET YOU HOME

BILL PRICE 334.663.1752

pelika Observer

O

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

Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writer: Rick Lanier

w w w. o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r . c o m 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Marketing mail postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS permit #205 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

CORRECTIONS The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or

CAROL NOLAN 334.703.7515

Subscribe to the Opelika Observer Today!

Name: Address: City: Phone number: Email address:

State:

ZIP:

Payment Type (circle one): Check / Credit Card Visa or Master Card # Exp. Date:

/

Security Code:

Amount Paid:

• $32 for 1 year (inside Lee County) $42 for 1 year (outside of Lee County) •

inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be re-

Return to: Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th St. / Opelika, AL 36801

quested by contacting the Editor at (334) 749-8003.

Please do not send cash through the mail.

pelika O Observer

Opelika Police Department holds annual Christmas cash giveaway

A3 January 02, 2019

Good Ol’ Boys to host ‘Pete the Cat Night’ Jan. 19

Special to the Opelika Observer

By Robert Noles Photojournalist For the fifth year in a row, a local merchant played “Secret Santa” by giving the Opelika Police Department money to help those in need and strengthen their bond with the community they serve.

OPD’s Lt. Tony Amerson helped hand out 10 Christmas

cards, each filled with a brand new $100 bill.

Distributed to Opelika citizens, each recipient exhibited gratitude and an appreciation for what they had received.

One recipient, a lady with four children leaving a grocery store with only a handful of groceries in her cart, said she would use the money to buy Christmas presents and a pair of shoes for her young

daughter.

Inside the store, Amerson approached a woman on the toy aisle. Unsure of why a police officer was approaching her, she turned her buggy away and went down another aisle. Once she got the card, a smile came to her face. A store employee saw what happened and she gave the customer a hug and was so happy for the woman that Amerson

decided to give her a $100 Christmas card.

Lastly, a child with a big smile caught Amerson’s eye, and he walked over and presented her mother with a Christmas card.

Mother to seven children and three foster children, she said she was trying to purchase Christmas presents for each of them, which the $100 gift helped make possible.

Good Ol’ Boys Restaurant in Auburn will host a “Pete the Cat Night” Jan. 19 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The event will feature a dramatized reading of Pete’s adventures, themed crafts and games and photo opportunities for children with the beloved cat.

Written by the husband-and-wife duo of James and Kimberly Dean, the first book in

the “Pete the Cat” series was self-published in 2008. Two years later, Harper Collins joined in to promote the book, which has since turned into a collection of 60-plus stories.

A donation of $5 per family is requested for the event.

For more information or updates on the event, like and follow Good Ol’ Boys Restaurant Facebook page.

The restaurant is located at 1843 Sandhill Road in Auburn.

Don’t Miss a MoMent

Performance Series subscriptions gurantee you’ ll have the best seats for e v e ry s h ow, re n e w abl e s e a s o n to season.

Sign up now for our discounted sample subscription, and be f i rs t i n l i n e fo r t h e Performance Series 2019-2020 season announcement and p u rch a s e o p t i o n s !

National-Tour Productions Right Here at Home!

We ShAll OverCOme

The CZeCh NATIONAl SYmPhONY OrCheSTrA

January 29, 2019

February 18, 2019

tenThING BrASS

rodgers & hammerstein’s

The KING & I

Check us out!

Call 334.749.8105 or visit e a s t a l a b a m a a r t s . o rg

April 2, 2019

April 22, 2019

pelika O Opinion

A4 January 02, 2019

L

Listen Linda

isten Linda ... I love the holidays really, I do, but I am so confused by my family. When we decided our date for getting together this year, it was clearly said that we would only bring gifts for the kids. Adults would each bring a dish for our meal and we'd enjoy seeing the little ones open presents and play.

It was not my idea, but we all agreed. Yay?!?

Well, since then, I've heard that someone is bringing a goody basket for each couple, another has Christmas socks for all, cakes are being baked for everyone to take home, blankets, scarves and knit beanies are being made ... each time, I asked "I thought we weren't doing gifts?" All wonderful, sweet things but should I call everyone else to say gifts are happening but not necessary? I don't want anyone feeling panic that they aren't prepared with anything in return even if it isn't expected.

I don't really have time to call everyone or get last minute gifts now since we're meeting at my house which has it's own to do list, but I'm freaking out! What would you do? (Where are the elves when I need them?)

Sincerely, Probably Adopted

Dear Probably Adopted, I have been right where you are. We always have Christmas at my house and just getting the house ready and clean is enough stress for anyone!

As far as I see it, you have three choices.

First, you can stick to the original plans and only get the kids a gift.

Second, you can stress yourself out and go on a panic mode shopping spree.

Or third, you can play a game such as Christmas movie trivia, or guess how many ornaments are on the tree and give away a bag of cookies or candy to the winner!

My choice would be number three because it takes the focus off of the gifts, etc. and it shows that you made an effort to have some family fun!

Hope this helps your situation and that you have a Happy New Year!

Linda Please submit your questions to listenlindaopelika@gmail.com.

Word Count

Editor’s Note: Due to holiday deadlines, the publishing of this column was delayed.

U

sually Wednesday night finds me and my best friend at our favorite Mexican restaurant, at our usual table, eating my #22 and his #54.

There is something comforting about walking into a place where you don’t even have to order – your margarita and quesadillas show up like clockwork, and the staff know you well enough to notice if you aren’t there when expected.

They will miss us tonight at our table on the left because Christmas has changed our schedule a bit. My best friend is on the road, so now I sit and write what I realize will be my last column of the year.

My previous column exceeded the allotted word count – again. I’ve been reminded to do better at limiting myself…

I am not very good at this, at least not when it comes to words. Or chocolate. With chocolate, I know no limits.

When I was young, it was my grandmother more often than anyone else who listened to me chatter and ask questions and repeat myself and just be a nuisance in general. My words must have washed over her in waves, but she never let on, even for a moment, if she grew tired of me.

There was one long winter afternoon when the weather kept us cooped up for hours that I remember with perfect clarity. The two of

By Wendy Hodge

us, Gussie and I, were sitting on the hardwood floor of her living room with a 1000 piece puzzle between us on the coffee table. The puzzle was a picture of a horse running in a pasture. It irritated me, this puzzle, because while I very much loved horses I did not have much room in my heart for the color brown. Brown was a boy color and had absolutely nothing to do with my pink and purple, Barbie and glitter, little girl life.

In my memory, I can hear myself asking my patient grandmother, for at least the twelfth time, if there were maybe some way… if I was really, really good… we could possibly buy a horse of my very own!

“Tell me where you think we might keep a horse and how would we take care of it, Wendy Lynne,” my grandmother said.

“Well, I know exactly what to do!” I answered…. and proceeded to tell her, at great length, about what a wonderful horse owner I would be and where in back of her house would be the perfect spot for a stable and what time I would feed it in the morning and ride it in the afternoon and the perfect names for a girl horse and for a boy horse…. until finally I breathed, and my grandmother

said, “Wendy Lynne, you have a word or TEN for everything!”

She said it with a smile and kindness in her voice, and I knew she was absolutely right.

I love words. Just about all of them I’ve ever heard. I like learning new ones and using old ones nobody ever utters anymore. I am in awe of the sounds words make and the emotions they can evoke. Think of the word ‘home.’ It conjures up images immediately, whether comforting or not, for all of us. The word ‘love’ can make you smile or make you weep. The word ‘goodbye’ can bring us relief or bring us to our knees with grief. Words are powerful things indeed.

About 40 years after that conversation with my grandmother, I was offered a monthly column in a Tennessee newspaper. In her honor and memory, I named it A Word or Ten. I think she would have been very proud. Through that one phrase, I carry her with me every time I write.

The New Year is approaching. The year that is ending is being recapped and analyzed, and resolutions are being made for the year to come. Tonight, as I sit here, watching the word count meter go up with every letter I type, I wonder what my verbal word count for 2018 would be.

How many words have I spoken since January 1?

For that matter, what if we each had a lifetime word count? If every word we ever uttered See Fuller, page A6

I

New Year

t’s New Year’s Eve and I’m writing you from a cold front porch in Eclectic, Alabama. Over the last years, I’ve written from some interesting places.

Barbecue stands, hotel lobbies, airplanes, hurricane shelters, Episcopal beer festivals.

Funny. If you would’ve told me five years ago I’d be writing at all, I would’ve called you clinically insane.

This is because most of my life’s dreams have died slow, agonizing deaths.

As a boy, I wanted to be a pianist—I don’t talk about that very often because it seems silly now. I’ve played piano since age nine. Once, I competed in a piano competition. I wore a suit and played before a large theater.

My hands were trembling. The other contestants backstage were kids from big cities who spoke with New-York accents.

One kid shook my hand and said, “I’m gonna blow you out of the water, sucker.”

“Pleased to meet you,” said I. “Aw, your mother sniffs your underpants, loser.”

I came in last place.

As a newlywed, I tried opening a landscaping business. I sunk my savings into commercial mowing equipment.

Business was bad. On weekends I’d print hundreds of flyers and shove them in mailboxes.

“FIFTY PERCENT OFF!” the flyers read.

By Sean Dietrich

“CALL NOW!” Pretty please. With sprinkles on top. My business folded.

I did handyman work.

I laid floors, hung drywall, renovated bathrooms. I tried to do this on my own, doing odd jobs. Disaster.

I played music in rundown bars. Not fancy tourist joints. I played ugly rooms, for folks who tipped a buck to dance to “Crazy” one more time.

I’ve even worked in a few churches.

I’d rather push-mow Jordan-Hare Stadium.

After I finished community college as an adult, I applied to three major universities. The idea was to do something with my life. Writing, perhaps.

I received three response letters. Here’s one from Tallahassee: “Dear applicant, we regret to inform you that whereupon reviewing your submission and transcripts, we believe that your mother sniffs your underpants, loser.”

I worked as a commercial painter, a concrete crewman, a deliveryman, I even worked in an ice cream shop.

One night, an old friend walked into the ice cream shop to see me behind the counter.

He was a contractor. His

business had become an overnight success. He had a beautiful family, a Land Rover, he took hunting trips to Canada.

I was wearing a pink and gray uniform with a paper hat. I asked if he wanted sprinkles. He didn’t.

He got them anyway.

I’m older now. And smarter—I hope. And there’s a reason I’m writing this. I’m not a great writer, but it doesn’t take someone great to tell you that you’re okay the way you are.

This year, it’s okay not to achieve your dreams.

It’s okay to come in last place. There is no exit exam for life. No gradebook.

Some people try for greatness. Maybe they were made to be gorgeous, important, athletic, award-winners, and to hunt endangered albino squirrels in Canada alongside CEO’s of fast-food franchises.

And then there are people like me. I was made to put sprinkles on your ice cream.

But that doesn’t mean I’m not important. And the same goes for you.

People like us must mean something to the Man Upstairs, because he made so many of us.

Anyway, I’d better get back inside. It’s almost midnight, and I’m halffrozen.

I love you more than you’ll ever know.

Happy New Year.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South.

Doing New York better Editor’s Note: This is a previously unpublished New Year’s column from a few years ago.

O

n New Year’s Eve I went to bed shortly after 9 pm.

Just like I always do, unless the game I am watching is a close one. Then I might stay up.

It wasn’t.

So I didn’t.

Then, just before 11 p.m., my lovely help-mate, whose staying up power is greater than mine, woke me to say that it was almost midnight in New York, so I should come out and watch the ball drop in Times Square.

You can only imagine my joy at being awaken to watch that.

Not to make light of what happens in Times Square when Dec. 31 becomes Jan. 1. And this year was the 100th anniversary of them doing it. So of course my wife knew I didn’t want to miss it.

New Yorkers are not the only folks

By Hardy Jackson

who drop things as the old year morphs into the new.

Farrah, the lovely young woman who is often seen in the company of my son (much to his betterment according to his sister), sent me a link to an article she knew that I would “find of interest.” I clicked and there it was: “16 weird things we drop to ring in the New Year.”

Not long after Farrah was introduced to the family she realized that “weird things” interested me. She is quick, that girl.

Scanning the list, I was struck by the variety of objects being dropped, not to mention the varied rationale for dropping them.

Wanting to do a drop, local leaders in Fredrick, Maryland hit on the idea of

dropping a big-oldKEY. A key? Frances Scott Key, author of The Star Spangled Banner, was from Fredrick, Maryland, duh.

In Mechanicsville, Pennsylvania, they drop a giant wrench.

True to our capitalist tradition, “weird things” are often dropped to promote local products – a mushroom (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, “Mushroom Capital of the World”), a 200 lb. bag of Hartley’s Potato Chips (Lewistown, Pennsylvania, home of the company since 1935), and in Bethelem, Pennsylvania, home of the PEEPS candy company, a big, larger than life, fiberglass PEEPS Chick is lowered, to the delight of all.

Lest you think Pennsylvania has a lock on promotional droppings, Boise, Idaho drops a big potato. Mount Olive, North Carolina, home of the Mount Olive Pickle Company, drops a humongous pickle.

Not to be outdone See Jackson, page A6

pelika O Observer

Around Lee County

A5 January 02, 2019

Smiths Station City Council Lee County ranks as one of highest grossing ‘Airbnb’ holds final meeting of 2018

By Morgan Bryce Editor The Smiths Station City Council unanimously voted for the implementation of a new employee handbook during their rescheduled meeting held last Thursday night.

In previous meetings, Mayor Bubba Copeland described the former handbook as “severely outdated” and “in dire need of change.”

“This handbook is much needed and done

out of necessity. This handbook gives us teeth and gives us the concrete details on how we can be can better conduct and operate our city government as a whole,” Copeland said.

Copeland discussed specific issues addressed by the handbook, including disciplinary action for city employees and condensing of their sick leave and vacation time into “paid or personal time off,” a grand total of four weeks.

“I want to make it very clear to everyone in attendance: by doing this, we’re not taking anything from anyone.

Employees who have (time) built up will get whatever they have earned,” Copeland said. “As of Jan. 1, 2019, the barometer in which PTO time is levied will be different than what it is now.”

At the end of the meeting, Copeland thanked city council members and city employees for their contriSee Smiths, page B2

Highlights from the 2018 Gingerbread Village at Auburn University

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

locations in Alabama

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Pictured is an Opelika loft listed with Airbnb. This property and other local rentals can be found via a search of the website www.airbnb.com Special to the Opelika Observer Airbnb, the world’s leading community driven hospitality company, announced last week that its Alabama host community earned a combined $31 million in supplemental income while welcoming nearly 215,000 guest arrivals to the state in 2018.

This comes as Alabama residents increasingly embrace the home- sharing platform as an opportunity to earn supplemental income and make ends meet. There are more than 2,600 Alabama hosts who share their homes via Airbnb, typically earning about $6,100 annually in supplemental income.

In Lee County, the total host income for 2018 was $1 million with nearly 8,000 guests.

In addition to the new income going into the pockets of Alabama homeowners, the state is generating new revenue through a tax agreement between Airbnb and the Alabama Department of Revenue that allows the company to collect the state sales tax and local lodging taxes on behalf of its local hosts and remit the revenue directly to the state. Airbnb also has individual tax agreements with the cities of Auburn, Birmingham, Opelika and Tuscaloosa to collect and remit the tax revenue for their respective lodging taxes.

The home-sharing community provides significant value through expanded lodging capacity for Alabama communities when hotels sell out during big events. These include Tuscaloosa and Auburn during college

football weekends, Talladega during big races, Mobile and Birmingham during major conferences and festivals and the Gulf Shores community during summer tourism season.

About Airbnb Founded in 2008, Airbnb’s mission is to create a world where people can belong through healthy travel that is local, authentic, diverse, inclusive and sustainable. Airbnb uniquely leverages technology to economically empower millions of people around the world to unlock and monetize their spaces, passions and talents to become hospitality entrepreneurs. Airbnb’s accommodation marketplace provides access to 5+ million unique places to stay in more than 81,000 cities and 191 countries.

Auburn Zeta Youth give back, spread Christmas joy in area nursing homes Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

It’s the time of the year that you might hear, “it’s better to give than to receive.”

This saying could not be more true for the Auburn Zeta Youth groups around the holidays. Service learning, a core

Buying or Selling?

component of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. is about giving your knowledge and time to make your community a better place.

For the Zeta Youth Affiliates, the holiday season is always a busy time as we try to squeeze a whole bunch of exciting and festive volunteer opportunities into our schedule. Each year, the Auburn Zeta youth heads to a local nursing home to

make a joyful noise.

With our merriest of attire and best singing voices, we stroll the hallways caroling for the residents, stopping to chat and share some cheer.

Since you can’t always know what a resident’s food sensitivities might be, we don't pass out candy or food. Instead, we bring personalized Christmas cards (made with love) for all of the residents.

Call:

Lisa Thrift (334) 444-8099 “I can get you where you want to be...Home” lthrift1984@gmail.com

www.thedensongroup.com

Best lunch in town . . . any town

Just $5.95 includes a drink

917 So. Railroad Ave. Opelika, AL 36801 334-787-5989

1151 Opelika Road Auburn, AL 36830 334-821-3118

www.niffersplace.com dine in only, Mon-Fri 11-2

pelika O Observer

A6 January 02, 2019

Goods,

from A1 “For people who don’t want to wear a suit-and-tie to work, but don’t know the bridge between exercise clothes, suit-and-tie or a polo with khaki pants, which is very traditional here. I want to be able to offer a new way to introduce styling that fits in that classic mold that we’ve forgotten,” Griffin said.

A Mobile native, Griffin is an apparel design graduate from Auburn University. Since childhood, she said her dream had been to own and operate her own business, a dream that will be realized in the coming weeks.

“I’ve always known that I wanted to do my own business, and I always knew that I wanted to do menswear.

It’s a little easier to get into the market for menswear ... and I decided to

stay in the South after school, where there is minimal menswear,” Griffin said. “A lot of people need help dressing and there’s not a big variety of men’s clothing down here.”

With the opening of her store will be the launch of her own clothing line, “Griff,” which will draw inspiration from Griffin’s life experiences in the South, possess tinges of her own “aesthetic design and preferences” and rely on materials which are sustainable and ethically sourced.

“We want to be a trusted place where you can find clothing that is made well and good quality but you know that the people that are behind it are having fair wages and that they’re not living in slums and that they’re being taken care of,” Griffin said.

Housed in the new entertainment district being developed by Opelika businessman

Richard Patton, the space that Griff Goods occupies will be divided in half, with the front being designated for a retail space and back for designing, pattern-making, production and a studio space which will be in eyesight of customers.

“Traditionally, the fashion industry is a very closed-off, secretive process, and I want to open that up to people.

When people walk in, they’ll be able to see me (in the) back sewing, cutting or working,” Griffin said.

Griff Goods has already been open for a handful of soft openings, but will remain closed until mid-January as Griffin prepares the shop for extended hours and fullfledged opening.

For more information, like and follow the business’s social media pages or visit www. shopgriffgoods.com.

The shop’s physical address is 719 First Ave.

Hodge,

from A4 was tallied up on a giant scoreboard that flashed above our head, what would that grand total be on your last day on this earth?

If you ask my best friend, my total number of words spoken would be higher than the average person’s.

He says this with a smile and kindness in his voice, and I know he is absolutely right.

The real challenge, in a world filled with so much noise and so many voices clamoring to be heard, is to make each word count.

It’s easy to forget, in a modern technical life with apps and emojis and virtual reality, that spoken words still carry weight.

All of them, I am convinced, whether another soul is present or not,

Jackson,

from A4 Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, with nothing other than a name, does the same.

While in Vincennes, Indiana, they hold a Watermelon Drop.

The melon is fake, thus avoiding the twitter-wrath of our presidentelect for not buying American – where can you get a good melon in December? Mexico?

Just why they do this is unclear, but apparently it has something to do with looking forward to summer. Indiana in December! Bet they are.

Those Hoosiers should ring in the New Year in Savannah where, in homage to the city ordinance that allows folks to legally walk around with their adult beverages in To-Go-Cups, city celebrants lower, you guessed it, a To-GoCup – empty I presume.

If it isn’t, knowing Savannah as I do, it will be before it hits the ground.

New Years Eve droppings often come with controversy. In Brasstown, North Carolina, and Tallapoosa, Georgia, plans to hold a “Possum Drop” was met with opposition from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which argued that the “Drop” was a form of animal cruelty. Rather than take on an expensive court battle the Carolina folks opted to use a dead possum.

This apparently satisfied PETA, so long as the possum shucked off its mortal coil by natural causes.

are heard somewhere in the universe.

And every word changes the fabric of the universe for us all.

So my resolution for the New Year is two-fold: First, I resolve to embrace the word count.

On my last day, I will be glad for the sheer volume of my words because they are the truest expression of my soul.

And second, I resolve to make each word count… to say everything, every little thing, with all of my heart.

Say it before the chance passes me by, and say it loud and clear.

Happy New Year to you all!

Wendy Hodge is an Opelika native, an empty nester and lover of all things Opelika. She previously had a column titled A Word or Ten, which was featured in the Tennessee Star Journal and is currently awaiting release of her first novel with Harper Collins Publishing Company.

After some discussion, death by legal hunting was added to the list of accepted ways for a possum to go.

Tallapoosa, which was the location for the New Years Eve special of “Here comes Honey Boo Boo” (the show that took the “learning” out of the Learning Channel), decided that rather than going out after Christmas to scour the roadsides for a dead possum, they would take one of the dearly departed marsupials, have it stuffed by a local taxidermist, and use it year after year.

(It is rumored that this won first prize in the Alabama Possum Ranchers annual “What to do with your dead possum” contest.)

My favorite drop wasn’t weird enough to make Farrah’s list.

Down in Mobile a 600 lb Moon Pie is lowered from a downtown building.

Why a Moon Pie? Good question. Moon Pies are cranked out by the Chattanooga Bakery, not locally, so there is no commercial connection there.

Not that it bothers Mobile, for there Moon Pies aren’t baked, they are thrown.

From Mardi Gras floats.

So why drop one on New Years?

Why not?

It’s Mobile.

So off we go into the New Year.

May this year be your best year yet.

But not the best ever.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University.

He can be reached at hjackson@ cableone.net.

Anthony Terling speaks to Opelika Kiwanis Club

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Anthony Terling spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Opelika about the AuburnOpelika Tourism Bureau. The bureau is an unbiased non-profit that brings events and facilities to the area to serve visitors and the local public. Sports tourism continues to be our area's biggest draw. AOTB has sponsored events such as Super 7, The Johnny Ray Century bike ride, BEST Robotics, Bo Bikes Bama, triathlons, Grand National events, and much more. With all these events comes the need for help from the community. The tourism bureau is asking for volunteers for future events in exchange for rare experiences and SWAG. To get involved, visit aotourism.com/volunteer.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS: • Jan. 11 - The Ransom Notes • Jan. 12 Dallas Dorsey at Docks • Jan. 19- Pete the Cat night • Jan. 25 - Dennis Warner • Jan. 29 - MLK Jr. Celebration at OPAC

Warm up on cold days with steaming bowls of soup Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

A

fter the holidays, January calls for steaming bowls of soup to warm body and soul.

Whether it is creamy, thick or chunky, hearty soup can be a meal in itself or served with a salad or sandwich. When you come home tired from a busy day, you will be glad to have a batch of soup simmering in a slow cooker or tucked away in the freezer to thaw and warm.

Vegetable soup is popular, and there are many versions to suit any taste. My mother made a

simple recipe by boiling stew beef for a couple of hours, then adding a can of tomatoes and chopped potatoes to simmer for another hour. When served on a cold night, we thought it was a blissful supper.

Another favorite has been Jane Walker’s Vegetable Beef Soup. Jane was a beloved Opelikan who was active in civic and church organizations for many years. When Jane and I worked on a soup lunch for United Methodist Women, we looked at many recipes to pick one for sev-

Photo by Ann Cipperly eral members to bring to For a special lunch or supper, try Shrimp Bisque. Prepare it a day or two serve a large group. We decided on her Vegetable ahead for the flavors to blend for a delicious soup for offering hospitality.

Beef Soup since the beef Wingfield’s Potato Soup. Ann Swanson prepares me of being in Santa could be cooked the day Southern Chowder with I have tried several reciFe, New Mexico with ahead and then simmered leftover ham, chicken or pes, but this one is our family. While some were the next day with vegshrimp. favorite.

Children espeskiing, our daughter and etables. It is good served Now that shrimp is cially enjoy adding their I enjoyed shopping at the with cornbread, crusty readily available at local own toppings.

These unusual shops and visitbread or crackers. grocery stores, try Patrican include sour cream, ing art galleries.

Julie Rawlinson cia Fox’s Shrimp bisque. grated cheddar cheese, We checked out the Barefoot prepares a tasty It is better made a day or chives, crumbled cooked soup options at Coyote Vegetable Soup with two ahead.

Prepare this bacon or chopped ham.

Café as the rest of the Gumbo Vegetables. ahead for a Sunday lunch The soup can be prepared family savored lunch at She uses ground round after church and invite ahead and keeps well. the top of the mountain instead of stew beef, and friends to join you.

Chowders are hearty in the snow. the soup is ready to eat Although the Santa soups, and you can add For years, we went skimuch quicker.

Fe Soup recipe has been almost any meat to the ing in January, mostly in If your children are around for a while, it is base.

Sally McCorColorado.

For a southpicky about vegetable still popular during winmick cooks Hamburger soup, try serving Pat ter. This soup reminds Chowder, while Mary See Recipes, page A8

Sundilla Concert Series announces first shows of 2019 Special to the Opelika Observer Sundilla’s second show of 2019 brings another first-time performer in folk/ Americana musician Dennis Warner Jan. 25.

Performing in more than 100 cities each year, Warner has established a well-deserved reputation for captivating audiences with his smooth vocals, distinguished songs, enthusiastic personality and stellar playing on both six and 12-string guitars.

Special to the Opelika Observer

Dennis Warner He has also found a niche as a popular guest speaker at various community gatherings throughout the United States and Canada.

In November 2018, Warner appeared as a headline performer at the Parliament of the World’s ReliSee Warner, A10

The Colorado-based string band “The Ransom Notes” will headline the first Sundilla performance of 2019 on Jan. 11.

Schooled in the precision of classical music and steeped in homegrown tradition, The Ransom Notes epitomize the phrase "best of both worlds.” Drawing inspiration from genres such as bluegrass, folk, Americana and Celtic fiddling, this eclectic group has enthralled audiences for nearly two decades.

Band members showcase their talents through a multitude of different instruments, including fiddle, cello, mandolin, guitar, banjo and dobro. In addition to instrumental prowess, the group

The Ransom Notes inspires audiences with soulful vocals that are considered by many to be one of the best features of this talented ensemble.

During their career, The See Notes, A10

11 AM - 3 PM Tuesday - Wednesday, Saturday 11 AM - 7 PM Thursday - Friday

pelika O Observer

A8 January 02, 2019

Recipes,

from A7 erner, freezing was not my idea of a good time, but this is what can happen if you marry a Yankee.

While snow is not in the forecast (thankfully) for Opelika, there is probably nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of soup on a cold day. Choose from the following variety of soups to add one or more to your menus this week, and ladle a bowl of comfort to warm up your family.

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com

Food Ratings Zoe’s Ice Cream Delite 2757 Alabama Highway 169 Opelika Score: 100 Robert’s Frozen Delight 2801 Watson St. Opelika Score: 99 Del Ranch 4920 Lee Road 430 Smiths Station Score: 99 Longhorn Steakhouse 2601 Gateway Drive Opelika Score: 98 Wendy’s 1002 2nd Ave. Opelika Score: 98 Newk’s Eatery 2664 Enterprise Drive Opelika Score: 98 MaFia’s Italian Restaurant 811 S. Railroad Ave. Opelika Score: 96 Irish Bred Pub 833 S. Railroad Ave. Opelika Score: 96 Jim Bob’s 1006 1st Ave. Opelika Score: 96 Huddle House 2020 Gateway Drive Opelika Score: 92 McDonald’s 2900 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 90 New Tokyo Hong Sheng 2524 Enterprise Drive Opelika Score: 85 O’Charley’s 2501 Gateway Drive Opelika Score: 84 Side Track Coffee 817 S. Railroad Ave. Opelika Score: 81

Potato Soup with Toppings Pat Wingfield Can cook on stovetop or in slow cooker.

6 large russet potatoes, peeled, cut into ½-inch pieces 1 large onion, chopped Three 14 oz. cans chicken broth 3 tsp. minced garlic 2½ tsp. salt 1¼ tsp. pepper 1/3 cup butter 1 cup (4 oz.) sharp Cheddar, grated 1 cup whipping cream or half & half 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives, optional Toppings: sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, chives, crumbled cooked bacon or chopped ham Combine potatoes, onion, chicken broth, garlic, salt and pepper in large stockpot.

Bring to a boil; simmer until potatoes are tender.

Coarsely mash mixture; stir in butter, cheese and heavy cream and chives.

Serve toppings of choice. Makes 8 servings.

Slow Cooker Method: Combine potatoes, onion, chicken broth, butter, salt and pepper in five qt. crock-pot. Cover and cook on high for four hours or on low for eight hours.

Coarsely mash mixture; stir in heavy cream, cheese and chives. Serve with topping of choice.

Southern Chowder with Ham, Chicken or Shrimp Mary Ann Swanson 2 cups diced potatoes ½ cup sliced carrots ½ cup sliced celery ¼ cup or more chopped onion 1½ tsp. salt Two 14 oz. cans chicken stock or water ¼ cup butter or margarine ¼ cup flour 2 cups milk 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese 1 lb. can (2 cups) cream style corn 2-3 cups diced ham, cooked chicken or 1 lb. shrimp Combine potatoes, carrots, celery, onion and salt; cover with chicken broth or just enough water to cover, about 2 cups. Cover, bring to a boil and simmer 10 minutes; do not drain.

In a large pan, melt butter; add flour and blend. Stir in milk and cook until mixture comes to a boil, stirring constantly until mixture is thickened. Add cheese, corn and potato mixture with liquid.

Stir in ham or shrimp; cook until well heated. Can use cooked or fresh shrimp. If using fresh, cook three minutes until shrimp are pink.

Jane Walker’s Vegetable Beef Soup 1 chuck roast 2 frozen bags VegAll vegetables 1 onion, chopped 1 can tomatoes Cook chuck roast covered with water until tender about four hours.

Place roast and water in refrigerator.

Next day skim fat from broth and cut roast into bite size pieces. Place on burner. Bring to a boil; add vegetables, onion and tomatoes.

Cook until vegetables are tender. Serves 12 or more.

Shrimp Bisque Patricia Fox 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 lb. raw shrimp, shelled and deveined 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped 4 cups seafood or chicken stock ½ cup fine breadcrumbs 1/2 cup or more heavy cream 2 Tbsp. dry sherry Salt to taste Pinch of cayenne pepper 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley Melt butter in skillet; add onion and garlic. Sauté until slightly softened. Add tomatoes and stock; cook until tomatoes are softened, about 5 minutes.

Set aside half of shrimp. Add remaining shrimp to broth with breadcrumbs.

Cook over medium heat until shrimp turn pink, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Puree soup mixture in processor or blender until smooth.

Return mixture to pan; add cream, sherry, salt and pepper.

Slice reserved shrimp into one-inch pieces. Just before serving; add shrimp and cook until pink.

Garnish with parsley.

Makes 6 to 8 servings. Better prepared a day or two ahead.

Hamburger Chowder Sally McCormick ½ lb. ground sirloin ¾ cup chopped onion 4 Tbsp. butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. dried basil 1 tsp. dried parsley 3 cups chicken stock 4 cups peeled potatoes, diced ¼ cup flour 1½ cups evaporated milk 2 cups cubed Velveeta cheese

¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper 1 can Rotel In a stockpot brown sirloin; drain and set aside. In same stockpot, sauté onion in butter until tender.

Add chicken stock, sirloin and potatoes.

Bring to a boil; reduce heat and cover, simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Add flour and cook, stirring 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually add evaporated milk, stirring constantly Boil and cook 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low; add cubed cheese, salt, pepper and Rotel. Stir until cheese melts.

Vegetable Soup with Gumbo Vegetables Julie Rawlinson Barefoot 2 lbs. ground round ½ cup butter ½ cup flour 1½ quarts water 1½ cups chopped onion 1 cup chopped carrots 1 cup chopped celery 15 oz. pkg. frozen McKenzie vegetable gumbo 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes (do not drain) 15 oz. can tomato sauce 4 beef bouillon cubes 1½ tsp. salt 2 tsp. pepper 1 can chicken broth 1 can creamed corn Brown beef in large Dutch oven, stirring to crumble. Drain well and set aside.

Add flour and cook over low heat 3-5 minutes. Gradually add water, stirring constantly over medium heat until bubbly; stir occasionally.

Add ground beef and remaining ingredients. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour. Makes 1 gallon.

Slow Cooker Corn and Cheese Chowder 1 onion, chopped 1 minced garlic clove 1 Tbsp. oil 3 cups chicken broth 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped 1 cup canned creamed corn 2 cups frozen corn 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 13 oz. can evaporated milk Sauté onion and garlic in oil in small pan. Add to crock-pot along with remaining ingredients, except for cheese and milk.

Cook until potatoes are tender. (Cook on low for at least 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.)

Add cheese and milk during last hour of cooking. Serves 6.

Easy Chicken

Noodle Soup 2 Tbsp. butter or oil 1 carrot, peeled and chopped 1 onion, chopped 2 ribs celery, chopped Salt and pepper 6 cups chicken stock 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped ½ lb. wide egg noodles Parsley, optional Sauté vegetables in butter; season with salt and pepper. Add stock; bring liquid to a boil.

Add chicken; return soup to a boil, and reduce heat to medium. Cook chicken 2 minutes and add noodles. Cook soup until noodles are tender. Stir in parsley, if desired.

Santa Fe Soup 1 to 2 lbs. ground chuck 1 onion, chopped 1 pkg. dry Ranch dressing mix 2 pkg. taco seasonings mix 1 can black beans 1 can pinto beans 1 can kidney beans 2 cans shoe peg corn 1 can Rotel tomatoes 1 can diced tomatoes 2 cups water Toppings: grated cheese, sour cream, green onions, tortilla chips Cook ground beef and onion. Add other ingredients except toppings. Do not drain cans.

Bring to a boil and simmer for two hours.

Serve with desired toppings.

Can cook in a slow cooker.

Split Pea and Ham Soup 1 ham bone 1 onion, chopped 1 pkg. split peas 4 or 5 garlic cloves Salt and pepper to taste Small ham pieces Boil ham bone and onion for two hours.

Add split peas, which have been rinsed, and garlic.

Cook for one and a half to two hours longer. Add ham pieces and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook until soup is heated.

Remove ham bone and serve.

Butternut Squash Soup 2 medium butternut squash, split and seeded 2 onions, chopped 3 Tbsp. butter 6 cups chicken broth Salt pepper to taste Sour cream and/or croutons for garnish Preheat oven to 375.

Coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray and place squash cut side down. Bake for about 40 minutes or until fork tender (very soft). Set aside to cool. In a large soup pan cook onions in butter about 5 minutes. Add 4 cups of the stock and bring to

a simmer. Scoop out the squash and add it to the stock. Simmer for about ten minutes.

Either transfer to a blender in small batches or use a submersible blender to achieve desired smoothness. Add more stock or water as needed to reach desired consistency. Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish and enjoy!

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup After simmering the Butternut Squash Soup for about ten minutes, stir in one-cup heavy cream.

Famous Barr Onion Soup Marian Scharpf 5 lb. onions, peeled and thinly sliced ½ cup butter 1½ tsp. fresh grated pepper 2 Tbsp. paprika ¾ cup flour 3 qt. beef bouillon 1 cup white wine, optional 2 tsp. salt French bread ½ lb. Swiss cheese Sauté onions slowly, 1½ hours. Add other ingredients, except bouillon, bread and cheese.

Sauté another 10 minutes. Add bouillon and simmer 2 hours.

Adjust color with liquid browning sauce, if desired.

Refrigerate overnight. To serve, heat soup.

Fill ovenproof bowls with soup and top with bread and cheese. Broil about 5 minutes at 350 degrees.

Quick Creamy Tomato Soup with Cheese Toast 2 (15-oz.) containers, chicken or vegetable broth 28 oz. can concentrated crushed tomatoes 1 cup heavy cream Fresh or dried basil, optional Cheese Toast, for garnish, recipe follows Combine broth and tomatoes in a medium saucepan over moderate heat. When soup bubbles, stir in heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Season with salt and pepper and basil; simmer gently 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Puree soup.

If desired, serve with Cheese Toast.

Cheese Toast 4 slices crusty bread 2 cloves garlic Extra-virgin olive oil Freshly ground black pepper ½ lb. shredded cheese of choice, such as cheddar or Swiss Toast bread slices in your toaster until golden. Rub the toasted bread rounds with crushed garlic.

Arrange bread on cookie or baking sheet.

Drizzle with extravirgin oil and top with a grind of black pepper and a layer of shredded cheese. Place under hot broiler to melt cheese until toasts are lightly brown.

pelika O Observer

A9 January 02, 2019

Musical celebration of Girl Scout Cookies set to make MLK Jr. to be held Jan. their return in coming weeks at Opelika Performing Arts Center Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer

The Arts Association of East Alabama will host “We Shall Overcome - A Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.” Jan. 29 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.

Inspired by the words and action of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the event will showcase repertoire from across the African-American music traditions that electrified generations of civil rights activists and defenders with interwoven spoken word from his recorded speeches.

Musical Director/ Producer Damien Sneed’s musical career and background covers a wide breadth of genres. He has conducted and collaborated major original works for Wynton Marsalis, regularly accompanies Jessye Norman, collabo-

rated with Lawrence Brownlee and has toured extensively with Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin and the Clark Sisters.

This production ties together a living lineage of music and culture that includes traditional gospel, modern gospel, classical, jazz, Broadway and spirituals. From Aretha Franklin to Wynton Marsalis; Duke Ellington to Stevie Wonder; Nina Simone to Donny Hathaway and traditional spirituals and music from “The Wiz’s” unique understanding of each genre allows him to fluidly cover so much musical ground in a single performance.

For more information or to pre-order tickets, call the East Alabama Arts Box Office at 334-7498105.

Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Never fear, Cookie Season is almost here!

Soon, Girl Scouts will be hitting the neighborhoods, bringing with them order sheets for Thin Mints, Caramel deLites and more of their famous cookies.

This means consumers will again be able to get their hands on the mouthwatering cookies that power unique and amazing experiences for girls with each and every purchase. A win-win for everyone.

GSSA is celebrating with a tasty new way to support young female entrepreneurs with a recently debuted Girl Scout Cookie: Caramel Chocolate Chip, which joins classics like the Thin Mints®, Caramel deLites®, Shortbread, Lemonades™, ThanksA-Lot®, Peanut Butter Patties®, Peanut Butter Sandwich, and S’mores™. Caramel Chocolate Chip features rich caramel, semisweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

334-528-6191

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

salt in a chewy glutenfree cookie.

New this year, Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama is paying for half of your shipping when you purchase from a Girl Scout online.

Also new this year, purchase a gift box of cookies for a special someone. Not only are the cookies delicious, but it also teaches the girls financial literacy.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the nation’s largest girl-led business and the leading financial literacy program for girls.

Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls learn five essential skills to leadership: goal setting, decisionmaking, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

Soon, Girl Scouts will be showing off their cookie-selling skills by participating in booth sales (starting Jan. 18), door-to-door, cookie drive-thrus, and digital sales from now until Mar. 3. The more cookies girls sell, the more earnings they have to power impactful community projects and personal enrichment experi-

ences, such as STEM activities and traveling.

Every purchase of Girl Scout Cookies is an investment in girls both now and in the future and their leadership capabilities, with 100 percent of the net revenue staying local.

To learn more about the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and to find out when Girl Scouts will be selling near you, visit girlscoutssa. org.

About Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama serves more than 5,000 girls,

ages 5-17 and 2,500 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) to change the world.

They have been the preeminent leadership development organization for girls for more than 100 years. With programming across 30 counties, GSSA offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success.

To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join, call 800-239-6636 or visit www.girlscoutssa.org.

pelika O Observer

A10 January 02, 2019

Wreath-laying ceremony held at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery Special to the Opelika Observer The tombstones of more than 5,000 American heroes were decorated with a wreath this holiday season through the efforts of volunteers involved with the national “Wreaths Across America” event.

Alabama State Sen. and Lt. Col. Tom Whatley served as they keynote speaker during the Wreaths Across America ceremony held Dec. 15 at

Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.

In addition to guest speakers, the ceremony highlighed wreaths being placed for each branch of the armed services as well as prisoners of war and those missing in action.

For more information on the national Wreaths Across America organization, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. The cemetery is located at 553 Alabama Highway 165.

Photos special to the Opelika Observer

Warner,

from A7

gions gathering in Toronto, attended by more than 10,000 people representing more than 80 nations and 200 spiritual backgrounds.

For his songwriting talents, Warner was honored with an invitation to perform in concert at

the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Other accolades include being a three-time “New Folk” finalist for songwriting at the internationally acclaimed Texas based Kerrville Folk Festival, co-founded by legendary performer Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul & Mary).

Besides being a gifted musician, Dennis Warner is

also an outstanding entertainer, cleverly blending ballads, up-tempo songs, audience participation and humor into a memorable event.

He is noted for his warm stage presence and ability to connect with his audience.

“It’s not enough to just show up and sing a few songs.

I’m an entertainer at heart,” Warner said.

“My concert is more than the music. I want it to be fun and hopefully a bit thought-provoking,

too. It’s also the conversation, the stories and the connection. I am grateful to be given that opportunity.”

Sundilla shows are held at the Auburn Unitarian Universality Fellowship, which is located at 450 E. Thach Ave. Advance tickets cost $15 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, World Cup Coffee and online sundillamusic. com, and tickets at the door cost $20.

Showtime is set for 7:30 p.m.

& Flea Mall

LOOK FOR A NEW FIND EACH WEEK!

ANTIQUE CHEST 334-745-3221 • ANGELSANTIQUEANDFLEAMALL.COM 900 COLUMBUS PKWY, OPELIKA 36801 OPEN EVERYDAY 10-7 • SUN 1-5

Notes,

from A7 Ransom Notes have performed at venues across the country, including The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.; Musicians Corner Concert Series in Nashville; Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in Bristol, Virginia; Dollywood BBQ & Bluegrass Festival in Sevierville, Tennessee and more.

In addition to their extensive performance resume, The Ransom Notes have also filmed several television appearances for PBS, including the awardwinning “Bluegrass Underground” series in McMinnville, Tennessee, “Song of the Mountains” in Marion, Virginia and “Music City Roots” in Nashville.

Along the way, The Ransom Notes have had the opportunity to appear on bills with many notable artists featuring the likes of Paul Simon, Yo-Yo Ma, Steve Earle, Del McCoury, The SteelDrivers and Rhonda Vincent.

After many years of earning a reputation along the Front Range of Colorado, The Ransom Notes relocated from its long-time home base to be at the heart of the music industry in Nashville, Tennessee. This change in scenery has continued to increase the popularity of the group, and fans can catch them performing at venues from California to Virginia and everywhere in between.

Sundilla shows are held at the Auburn Unitarian Universality Fellowship, which is located at 450 E. Thach Ave. Advance tickets cost $15 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, World Cup Coffee and online sundillamusic. com, and tickets at the door cost $20.

Showtime is set for 7:30 p.m.

The Sundilla Concert Series & Radio Hour has been bringing the world’s music to Auburn since 1993.

Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and as always attendees are welcome to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer.

Opelika Schools & Sports Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

OPELIKA BASKETBALL SCHEDULE (Boys and Girls) Jan. 4 @ Auburn Jan. 5 v. Northview Jan. 8 v. Russell County Jan. 11 v. Benjamin Russell Jan. 17 @ Lafayette

Opelika wrestling sweeps Central, Shades Valley

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Basketball, wrestling teams continue solid play during holidays

T

he Opelika City School system dismissed students Dec. 20 for the Christmas and New Years holidays.

Winter sports continued, however, as the boys and girls basketball and wrestling teams competed that week.

Boys basketball started the week by playing three games in three days in the “Handley High Holiday Tournament." The Bulldogs, 7-7 overall, won two out of their three games, beating Central High of Clay County and Valley back-to-back after losing 47-46 to Harris County in the opening game.

Harris County outscored Opelika 28-23 in the second half to win by one point. Ant MaGuire lead with 12 points, followed by Taye Fields' 10 points and Jared Willis' eight points.

On day two, the Bulldogs blew out CentralClay 70-36, including a 34-17 lead at halftime.

Willis scored a gamehigh 19 points, Fields added 15 and Jamius Mitchell scored 10 points.

Coach John Wadsworth’s team beat Valley 58-32, in the third and last game in Handley. Boone and Jarred Willis scored

15 points apiece to lead the Bulldogs. Taye Fields played his normal steady game, scoring 14 points and contributing at both ends of the court.

The boys basketball team ended the week by losing to 68-39 at Eufaula. Fields scored 12 points to lead Opelika in scoring.

Coach Devin Booth took her girls basketball team to Hoover for the “Spain Park Christmas Tournament “ at the end of that week.

The Lady Bulldogs improved to 13-3 after going 2-1 in the tournament.

Wenonah beat Opelika 46-33 in the opener. Kaitlyn Bryant led the girls with eight points. Ananda Hughley and Evite Debrow scored seven and six points respectively.

Opelika beat Midfield 57-47 and Murphy 62-46 to finish on a winning note.

Bryant scored a game high 20-points against Midfield and Hughley added 12 points against Murphy.

Quala Walton and Hughley led the Lady Bulldogs with 15 points apiece against Murphy.

Claire Worth and Haley Sanders added 10 points See Sports, page B2

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer On Dec. 20, Opelika hosted a rare afternoon tri-match, welcoming the Central High School Red Devils and the Shades Valley Mounties.

Squaring off against Shades Valley in the first match, the Bulldogs fell behind 27-0 before ripping off 33-consecutive points to take a 3327 victory. Earning wins for Opelika were Zeak

Jones, Eli Schwenk, Timmy Tolbert, Trint Vaughns, Bevin Williams and James Dawson.

Against Central, Opelika got off to a slow start, trailing 24-6.

Six-straight pins for the Bulldogs by Jones, Cole Lazzari, Ben Daughtry, Vaughns, Cameron Reese, and Dawson helped build a 42-24 lead. Depsite 12 more Central points, Opelika managed to cling to a 42-36 victory.

On Mat 2, Opelika Middle School’s Wrestling Bulldogs competed against the South Girard Jr. High School squad, whom they beat handily 42-18.

Winners from that match include: Trace Gaither, Nijah Durham, Sam Haynie, Logan Sheridan, Andre Smiley, Keon Brazier, Trey Thomas and Jaquaveous Edwards.

The Wrestling Bulldogs will go to Alexander City Dec.

22 to participate in the Buzzbee Duals.

Varsity members will be off until Dec. 27, which will mark the beginning of the AHSAA 6A Region 3 Duals tournament at Benjamin Russell High School, a qualifier for the AHSAA 6A State Duals tournament. The top 2 teams from Opelika’s region, which includes Benjamin Russell, Oxford, Pell City and Russell County will advance to the state tournament.

Lee County Special Olympics to benefit from 7th annual ‘Polar Plunge’ Jan. 26

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer The 7th annual “Auburn Polar Plunge” event will be held Jan. 26 from 9-10 a.m. at Samford Pool.

Proceeds from the

event will benefit the Lee County Special Olympics, which provides organized sports programs for people with special needs, with last year’s helping raise more than $12,000.

Once one has regis-

tered, they are asked to seek as many sponsors as possible to support their plunge.

Prizes will be awarded to the individuals who raise the most money and have the best costumes.

To register, visit

campscui.active.com/ orgs/CityofAuburn#.

For more information, call or email City of Auburn’s League Sports Coordinator Ryan Molt at 334-501-2943 and rmolt@auburnalabama.org.

pelika O Observer

B2 January 02, 2019

Varsity Schedule Opponent Site Prattville High School Home Hazel Green Tournament Away Northview High School Away

Date Nov. 8 Nov. 9-10 Nov. 12 Nov. 15 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 11 Dec. 12 Dec. 14 Dec. 17-19 Dec 20-22 Dec. 21 Dec. 28-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 17 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 apiece.

Jan. 31 Opelika’s Wrestling Feb. 1 team hosted a rare matiFeb. 4, 6 or 8 nee tri-match the last day Feb. ,7,or 9 of school against5CenFeb.and 11 tral of Phenix City Shades Valley.Feb. 12 The Bulldog grapplers Feb. 13-21 Feb. 25 – Mar 2

Sports,

from B1

Loachapoka High School Lagrange High School Columbus High School Troup County High School Smiths Station High School Carver High School(Montgomery) Central High School - PC Prattville High School Smiths Station High School Carver High School(Montgomery) Lafayette High School Handley Tournament Spain Park Christmas Tournament Eufaula High School Ball N Prep High School Auburn High School Northview High School **Russell County High School **Ben Russell High School Spencer High School The Bulldogs beat fell behind Shades ValLafayette Central High School 42-36 in the ley 27-0 before Opelika Russell Highmatch.

School second Opelika went on a 33-0**Ben run to win **Russell County High 24-6 School fell behind before 33-27. a massive rally to help The following BullPelham High School secure the sweep. dogs earned wins: Zeak Auburn High School Jones, Eli Schwenk, Jones , Cole Lazzari, High SchoolVaughns, Timmy Tolbert,Loachapoka Trint Ben Daughtry, Vaughns, Bevin Wil-Area Tournament Reese and Dawson Area Tournament liams and James Dawson. pinned their opponents Cameron Reese wonSub-Regionals to secure the Opelika an exhibition match forSub-Regionals victory. the Bulldogs.

The middle school and Regionals Final Four

SUPERINTENDENT: DR. MARK NEIGHBORS PRINCIPAL: DR. FARRELL SEYMORE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: MIKE PUGH ** AREA GAME **REVISED - 11/5/18

Check Out Our New Tiger Town Location Across from Lowe’s, another convenient location to serve our customers

moved to a new, full-service location on Frederick Road in front of Lowe’s. Under the leadership of City President Eddie Smith, our new location provides deposit drop, safe deposit boxes, consumer and

Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic products and services.

We look forward to serving you at the new Tiger Town Branch.

ICK RD.

FREDER

Tiger Town

Our New Location Lowe’s

R.

D AY TEW GA

Kroger

Visit us here: www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

I-85

1851 Frederick Road Opelika

TBA 3:00 6:00 4:00 3:30 6:00 6:00 5:30 5:00 6:00 6:00 TBA

Thompson HS TBA Away 4:30 6:00 Home 3:00 4:00 Home 4:30 6:00 Home 4:30 6:00 Home 5:00 2018 season. Ninety-six junior varsity wrestling Away 4:30 different schools used 6:00 the teams defeated South Away 4:30 system which resulted6:00 to Girard Jr. High 42-18.

4:30 6:00 103 opportunities.

Winning Away matches There were 96 chalfor the Junior Varsity Home 4:00 lenges which Bulldogs were: Trace Home 4:30 resulted 6:00 in 23 calls on the field Gaither, Nina Durham, 6:00 overturned.

Sam Hayir,Away Logan TBASmiInstant Replay was Sheridan, Andre TBA Trey used during the Super 7 ley, Keon Brazier, Thomas andTBA Jaquaveous Championship at JordanHare Stadium in Auburn Edwards. TBA last month.

AHSAA INSTANT Montgomery, AL During the seven REPLAY RECAP AL championships games, TheBirmingham, AHSAA released there were 12 chalthe “DVSports Instant WADSWORTH lengesJOHN by coaches which Replay”VARSITY results forBOYS the COACH:

Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

VB 6:30 4:30 7:30

5:00 7:30 7:30 7:00 6:30 6:30 7:30 7:30 TBA TBA 7:30 5:30 7:30 7:30 resulted in four reversals.

All scoring7:30 plays were 7:30 also reviewed.

7:30 Head The AHSAA of Officials5:00 Mark Jones believes instant 7:30 is here to stay. One of the major 7:30 that concerns that was

not an issue was the average reply taking between 90-120 seconds.

D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

JUNIOR VARSITY BOYS COACH: TOM LANDERS ASSISTANT BOYS COACH: WESLEY BUTTON VARSITY GIRLS COACH: DEVIN BOOTH Morris Jackson and Smiths Station.”

ASSISTANT GIRLS COACH: ALLISON GREGORY In other business, the Richard Cooley ASSISTANT GIRLS COACH: MORRIS LOCKHART • voted to fill Chief council: voted to apASSISTANT GIRLS COACH: SARAH CHANDLER Financial Officer Shelprove the formation of ASSISTANT GIRLS COACH: JACLYN BUTTON by Branton’s seat on a personnel committee,

Smiths,

from A5

butions toward making 2018 “a great year for

made up of Copeland and council members

On-the-Job Training Program trains workers for YOUR business

FIND READY TO WORK EMPLOYEES

JOBLINK.ALABAMA.GOV

three drive-up windows, a drive-up ATM, a night

accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts,

4:00 4:30 4:30 4:00 5:30 4:00 4:30 4:30

VG

On-the-Job Training helps employers hire now!

Up to 75% wage reimbursement!

AuburnBank’s Tiger Town Kroger location has

commercial loans in addition to all our checking

Home Columbus High School Columbus High School Home Home Away Away Away Away Home Home Away Away

JVB 5:30

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

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

the financial committee with Copeland, who previously served as a non-voting member • heard and approved the general fund budget report presented by Branton for the month of November.

The Smiths Station City Council regularly meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, with a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m. E.S.T. and regular meeting starting at 6 p.m. E.S.T. Their meetings are held in the council chambers within the Smiths Station Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430.

For more information, call 334-297-8771.

pelika O Observer

B3 January 02, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated.

Pick up is provided.

Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256307-1449.

Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for parents whose children have autism will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika.

• The Opelika Com-

munity Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

• Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 297-5581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org.

• The Lee County Voters League meets the first Monday of every month at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1335 Auburn St. in Opelika.

• The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway.

For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-528-4197 or deborahowen@eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

• The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays

of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m.

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Teamorganizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November.

During the presentation, participants can send questions via email.

The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website.

Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more.

To view the full schedule, please visit www. aces.edu/anr/beginningfarms/webinars.php.

Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu.

For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn.edu.

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

• A monthly educational program on topics for autism parents, caregivers and teachers will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika from 6-7:30 p.m. Childcare is provided, but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@ leecountyautism.com to make sure there are enough volunteers.

• The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required.

• The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m.

Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30-6:45 p.m.

• Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public.

Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6–8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles

north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122.

• The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook.

• East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m.

Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika.

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 5020216.

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

• Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 - 8 p.m.

Thursdays: • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika.

• The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of

every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum. They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights. This event is held the third Thursday of each month. Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/ Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes.

The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri.paradice@gmail. com for more information or luncheon location of the month.

• The Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group meets at the Health Resource Center at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of each month.

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334528-1076 for more information.

Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

Opelika Bicycle Opelika native Dallas Dorsey Advisory Committee to perform with Marde Brooks to hold next Jan. 12 at Dock’s in Valley meeting Jan. 17 at James Bros. Bikes Special to the Opelika Observer Easiest New Year's Resolution ever: pencil in the third Thursday of every month for 2019 Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee meetings which are held at 5:30 p.m. at James Bros. Bikes, located at 113 S. Ninth St. in historic downtown Opelika. The next meeting is Jan. 17.

Agenda items will include: • planning for the Johnny Ray Century

Sept. 7, 2019 • final 2018 check to Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's and pictures • Back on Backroads Series scoop • preview of medal and Primal Wear jersey • Officer elections • 5-year birthday celebration and Bike Month plans • Updates on Skate Park and Airport Road construction.

For more information or organizational updates, like and follow the group’s Facebook page.

Photos special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Local musicians Dallas Dorsey and Marde Brooks will perform at Dock’s Jan. 12 from 7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. E.S.T. Both artists are respected guitarists and known for

their rich, soulful vocals.

Dorsey, an Opelika native, is fresh off the release of his second album, a self-titled EP that contains five tracks. With his music falling into the “alternative country” category, a review on alternativeaddiction.com describes

Dorsey’s latest effort as having “ a lot going for it.

Really, Dorsey has a lot going for him. His guitar, vocals, and song writing are all great and his style his pretty unique too. It’s kind of like Will Hoge, with less angst and a lighter vocal. Dorsey does

a tremendous job with this EP. Country or alt-country, whatever you want to call it, it’s worth listening to. “ For more information or updates, like and follow Dock’s Facebook page.

The restaurant is located at 9883 Lee Road 379 in Valley.

pelika O Observer Celebrate Your Child

B4 January 02, 2019

Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer

T

oday is my son’s birthday.

We always went all out in preparing for this special day once a year. My husband and I had so much fun in celebrating this day with our child!

Why wait till your child or your children have their birthday?

Celebrate their life every day in little ways and you will be surprised at what a joyful journey you will take through the eyes of your child.

Usually over the holidays our lives have slowed down quite a bit, the children aren’t in school. T-I-M-E spells love to your child or children!

Time spent with your young child or children is something that they will always remember. You don’t have to spend a lot of money or plan so many activities in their lives to keep them happy. Having

mom, dad or any other important adult in their life is really all a child’s heart desires.

Also, time spent with your child contributes to healthy growth, teaches them to positively interact with others and gives them a sense of feeling special and secure.

I have listed a few of tried and true ways to celebrate the life of your child. I hope these help.

With young children those brightly crayoned colored pictures done at school or at home are your child’s treasure from their hands and heart for you to ooh and ahh over. If you can’t make it out with a ton of wet glue or scribbling--still give a lot of positive comments over this because this is their masterpiece for you.

What a conversation maker to discuss every little detail of their picture. It

doesn’t take that longjust a focused eye and ear is all your child needs to feel like they are your little queen or king. When you spend that special quality time with your child, just not half listening, but focused time, celebrates your child and makes them feel so very, very special. Notice the green leaves or small flowers your child clutches tight in order to give to you.

In my interactions with young children, they delight in giving something special which is straight from their hands and hearts to us adults.

Also a simple hug from mom or dad can crown your child with joy, happiness, and security. From the poem “Here comes a Hug,” author unknown, has a lot of

good childrens advice when it says “A hug can soothe a small child’s pain, and bring a rainbow after the rain. So stretch those arms without delay and give your child a hug today.” What a simple gesture of celebrating your child.

If you have more than one child pick a day in a week where that child celebrates his/her day with mom, dad or grandparents. It doesn’t have to take long at all. It can simply be a walk in the park or around the house just you and that child. It can simply be to go get an ice cream cone with the child who is celebrating their day or even to have a special seat next to mom, dad or grandparents at the dinner table or in the car. Taking your child to a

special lunch just you and them will bring a beaming smile to your child. Your child will look forward to their day week after week.

Read their favorite story at bedtime.

They can fall off to sleep feeling so very special.

With your older children, celebrate their day by listening and engaging in activities they enjoy, like ball, board games, looking at cars, building model cars, clothes shopping, etc.

And really just listening and positively receiving their ideas and giving them your full undivided attention will be the best celebration of all.

Last but not least, express to your child from your heart how they have truly made a difference in your life. Express to them

• Sales & Service/Pick-up & Delivery • Authorized E-Z-GO Dealer • Accessories Available • We Service And Repair All Makes of Golf Carts

no matter how young they are by note or verbally how they have brought happiness to you and others. Yes, these children are your child, but they are separate, unique individuals. Helen Keller’s quote is so true,(keep in mind she was blind, deaf, and at one time could not speak), “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.” With the child’s song ‘Look all the world over, there’s no one like you, no one like you’ is so very true.

Encourage your child to be uniquely who they are. Cherish and celebrate each day and on their special day celebrate what makes them unique.

Start early and your child will be your friend for life.

• Rentals- Daily, Weekly, & Monthly • Rear Seat Kits, Utility Beds, Lift Kits, Tires & Wheels, Trojan Batteries • Gas & Electric Carts

618 Lee Rd. 113 • Opelika Jim Hadaway, owner

www.funcarts.net

334-745-0660

pelika O Observer

B5 January 02, 2019

LEGALS CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: J.L.M. A minor child JU2017-475.02 NOTICE TO: The unknown father of J.L.M. born 10/07/2017 and to the mother of J.L.M.: LaDonna Marie Morgan, aka: Stround, aka:Pierson-born at EAMC in Opelika, AL. Custody of the minor child J.L.M. was vested with Lee County DHR on 11/21/2017. The unknown father and mother must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Family Court of Lee County, AL by Lee County DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a final judgement may be rendered in Juvenile Case Number JU-2017-475.02 in the Family Court of Lee County, AL terminating all parental rights to the minor child.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK - Lee County Justice Center 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O. Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 12/12/18, 12/19/18, 12/26/18 and 01/02/2019

FORM OF ADVERTISMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that KNIGHT SIGN INDUSTRIES, Contractor, has completed the Contract (Construction) (Revenue) (Alteration) (Equipment) (Improvement) of SOUTHERN UNION STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, at RANDOLPH COUNTY, WADLEY, AL CHAMBERS COUNTY, VALLEY, AL LEE COUNTY, OPELIKA, AL for the State of Alabama and the (County)(City of) (Listed above), Owner(s) and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for lavor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify PH& J ARCHITECTS, INC, (Architect) KNIGHT SIGN INDUSTRIES (Contractor) 5959 Knight Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (Business Address) NOTE: This notice must be run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00, for projects of less than $50,000.00, run one time only. Proof of publication is required.

Legal Run 12/12/18, 12/19/18, 12/26/18 and 01/02/2019.

IN THE PROBATE COURT

OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM G. COPELAND, DECEASED. Case No.: 2018-C-093 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that Letters Testamentary of the Estate of WILLIAM G. COPELAND, deceased, having been granted to WILLIAM E. COPELAND on the 5th day of December 2018, 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 such claims within the time allowed by law, or the same will be forever barred.

Um E All WILLIAM E. COPELAND Legal Run 12/19/18, 12/26/18 & 01/02/2019

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE ROY L. JOHNSON, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that Letters Testamentary of the Estate of ROY L. JOHNSON, deceased, having been granted to MYRA JEAN JOHNSON on the 16th day of Nov. 2018, 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 such claims within the time allowed by law, or the same will be forever barred. monaroknsor MYRA JEAN JOHNSON Legal Run 12/19/18, 12/26/18 & 01/02/2019

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF LEE IN THE PROBATE COURT CASE NO.: 2018-C-052 RE: LILLIE BELL COOPER, Deceased, Estate of NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 5th day of November, 2018 by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Austin Joe Williams, Executor Lauryn A. Lauderdale Attorney for Executor Lauderdale & Lauderdale, P.C. 700 Avenue D Opelika, Alabama 36801 Telephone: 334-749-5196 Facisimile: 334-749-5532 Legal Run 12/19/18, 12/26/18 and 01/02/2019

IN THE PROBATE COURT

OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Lena Johnson, Deceased, Case Number: 2018-C-033 NOTICE TO CREDITORS BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Christine Washington as Administrator of the Estate of Lena Johnson deceased, on the 13th day of December 2018 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate.

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.

By: Chustine Washington Christine Washington Personal Representative of the Estate of Lena Johnson Legal Run 1/02/2019, 1/09/2019, & 1/16/2019

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

1G4HP54KXY4170728 2000 BUICK LASABRE 1J4HR48N55C530528 - 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 1G1AK52F057667171 - 2005 CHEVROLET

COBALT 1B3ES26C64D507529 2004 DODGE NEON 1FALP4041SF187077 1995 FORD MUSTANG 1G1AK55F277347431 - 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT LEGAL RUN 12/26/2018 & 01/02/2019

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO.2018-C-115 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF SUSAN BOOTHE KELLY, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of the Estate of Susan Boothe Kelly, deceased having been granted to Mark Earnest Kelly this 21st day of December, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Mark Earnest Kelly, Administrator Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-7452564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030 Legal Run 01/02/19, 01/09/19, 01/16/19

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Help Wanted CyberZone is currently hiring for a variety of positions: Saturday and night availability is required. Interviews start next week. Immediate openings for: • Supervisor, experience required, avg 25-35 hours per week • Key Holder, experi-

ence required, avg 15-25 hours per week • Attractions Rotation, avg. 5-15 hours per week • Event Coordinator, experience required, avg.

8-20 hours per week plus commission Near Future openings for: • Party Host, avg 4-12 hours per week plus tips • Kitchen cook/runner, avg. 4-12 hours per week

All we require is a cheerful, outgoing, welcoming disposition, the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high energy environment, self-motivation, initiative, and a drive for excellence.

For Rent 809 2nd Avenue 7000 sq. ft. commer-

cial building for rent or sale.

Contact The Brown Agency at 334-745-3584 or visit thebrownagency. com/rentals/listing/127 Affordable office space Located in downtown Opelika for low traffic business. Utilities included. Two small offices for $395.00 each and 1 large office for $525.00. All are upstairs.

Call Rice Rentals at 334364-0480.

Coming Soon!

459 Lee Rd 2087, Salem - Cute & Clean, 3 bd/2 bath with single carport and large back yard. Smiths Station School system. $900.00 per month. Call Rice Rentals at 334-364-0480 Coming Soon!

900 Cutler Ridge Rd., Opelika - 3 bdrm/2 bath with garage and fenced back yard. $1375.00 per month Call Rice Rentals at 334-364-0480 2428 East University 3 bdrm/2.5 bath condo with single car garage.

Available March 2019. $1150.00. Call Rice Rentals - 334-364-0480

ALASCAN CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES LEADING SMART home provider Vivint Smart Home has an offer just for you. Call 1-877-220-8817 to get a professionally installed home security system with $0 activation.

WANT YOUR ad to be seen in 120 newspapers statewide? Place your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (a participating ALASCAN member) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!

INSURANCE LOWEST PRICES on

Health Insurance. We have the best rates from top companies! See how much you can save, CALL NOW! 1-844-335-8693.

SAVE ON your Medicare supplement! Select Quote is dedicated to finding a Medicare plan right for you and your wallet. Call 1-833-841-6243 today and receive a free quote from one of our multiple carriers HEALTH/BEAUTY A PLACE For Mom has helped over a million families find senior living.

Our trusted, local advisors help find solutions to your unique needs at no cost to you. Call 1-855-398-9908.

HPV VACCINE FACTS:

ATTENTION: VIAGRA and Cialis Users!

A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special-$99 + FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. Call Now: 1-855-3824115 HAVE A CPAP machine for SLEEP APNEA? Get replacement FDA approved CPAP machine parts and supplies at little or no cost!

Free sleep guide included!

1-855-667-6541 (Mon.Fri.) OXYGEN -ANYTIME. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The all-new Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! Free info kit:

1-844-264-9500.

als with disabilities.

HELP WANTED THE UNIVERSITY of Alabama, College of Continuing Studies seeks a qualified Safety Consultant -507913 for UA SafeState, Alabama’s 21(d) OSHA Consultation Program to provide independent, routine safety consultation services, including onsite visits to businesses and industries in Alabama.

Job close date 01/11/2019.

Visit UA’s employment website at staffjobs.ua.edu for moreinformation and to apply. The University of Alabama is an equalopportunity employer (EOE) including an EOE of protected vets and individu-

FINANCIAL SERVICES DONATE YOUR Car to Charity. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details.

1-844-810-1257

1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING: Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

SAVE YOUR Home! Are you behind paying your Mortgage? Denied a Loan Modification? Threatened with Foreclosure? Call the Homeowner’s Relief Line now for Help! 844-7451384 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY NEW AUTHORS Wanted!

Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer!

Why wait? Call now: 1-888-283-4780 WANTED TO BUY FREON R12 wanted: Certified buyer will pay cash for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 1-312-291-9169; www.refrigerantfinders. com FOR SALE HALLMARK STORE Closing. Upscale, commercial grade fixtures suitable for business or home. All merchandise must go! 422 Southbrook Village, Alabaster. Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm.

REAL

LIFE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Prevents 90% of HPV Cancers.

HPV 4 out of 5 vaccine can people will prevent get HPV in at least 6 their lives. types of cancers.

HPV VACCINE IS CANCER PREVENTION!

alabamapublichealth.gov/imm

EDUCATION Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

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

www.accs.edu

Opelika

B6

Family & Religion

January 02, 2019

God’s Traveling Mercies

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

suppose prayer language is a bit like barbecue—each region has its own distinctive flavor. Some phrases seem to have made the circuit and are employed everywhere (guide, guard and direct, until the next appointed time, well-pleasing in Thy sight). Then there’s one I’ve only heard a handful of times that I really gravitate toward: traveling mercies.

It’s a compressed way of asking God to watch over people who are on the road.

We all know that not everyone who travels makes it to their destination.

When our loved ones travel, we feel a cer-

tain vulnerability for them (and ourselves) that leads us to ask the Almighty for His protection of them.

What parent doesn’t know the anxiety of having their high school or college aged “child” out on the road or the sigh of relief the comes when they text to tell us that they have arrived safely at their destination?

Psalm 121 proclaims God’s traveling mercies. It’s part of the writings known as the Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134).

These were the psalms pilgrims recited as they drew near (ascended) Jerusalem for one of the three annual feasts.

Many traveled great

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

distances and though the dangers of travel in the ancient world were lessened by traveling in a group, they were still very real.

The psalmist travels in trust. As he nears the elevated surroundings of the city (Psalm 125:2), he is reminded that protection for the journey comes from the One whose presence is specially manifested there.

The Almighty neither slumbers nor sleeps so

Church calendar

• Pepperell Baptist is offering a Wednesday evening ministry program from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. for preschool and elementary Children called “WowWorship on Wednesday.” The evening program of music, Bible messages for children, crafts, fun activities, and snack begins on Sept. 5. Registration forms are filled out on the first evening. Contact Ryno Jones Childrens, Youth Minister, or Beth Pinyerd at 334-745-3108.

• Christian comedian Tim Hawkins will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Feb. 7. Besides comedy, Hawkins is known for his songwriting and singing abilities. For more information or ticketing options, visit www.timhawkins.brushfire. com.

• First Baptist Church Opelika will host “Aspire” Feb.

Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 1311 Second Ave. #758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta #742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy #749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. #749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. #745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy #749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B #7064421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. #745-6670 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave #742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. #745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd #745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. #745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. #745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. #742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr #749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. #887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika

16, an evening full of femaleled music and worship. For more information or ticketing options, call 480-812-1100 or visit aspirewomensevents. com.

• Members of Opelika’s Church of the Highlands campus will participate in the biannual “21 Days of Prayer” event Jan. 6-26. Held each January and August, these two months are intentional, as they begin new seasons of the year.

Together, members faithfully seek God first, trusting in His power alone to create lasting impact in their lives, their church and their world.

For more information, visit 21days.churchofthehighlands. com.

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Mon-Sat - 8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm

difficulties of life.

To believe or act as though belonging to God means that we are entitled to a life free of pain or problems is poor theology and makes for even worse biography. This psalm assures us the Maker of heaven and earth will always get us where He needs us to be.

“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (v. 2). The One who has the power to create all things is the One who watches over us.

He can in the words of James Mays, “sustain the journeys of life and the journey life is.”

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

Verse of the Week “Love the Lord, all His faithful people. The Lord preserves those who are true to Him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”

Events can be emailed to the Observer at editor@opelikaobserver.com.

314 S. 9th St. #745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. #745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E #741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. #703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue #742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. #749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. #363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Liberty Baptist Church 2701 West Point Pkwy #749-9632 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. #745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 #334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy #745-5340 Pepperell Baptist Church 2702 2nd Ave. #745-3108 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd #749-2773 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Rd 166 #745-0807 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. #745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd #741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. #821-7238

we are secure (v. 3-4).

He watches us in our “coming and going” (v.

8). Traveling mercies indeed.

And yet we know that not every disciple arrives safely at their destination.

People do slip, the sun wearies them, or the dark night upsets them. It is important that we understand this psalm to be saying “not that we shall never stub our toes, but that no injury, no illness, no accident, no distress will have evil power over us, that is, will be able to separate us from God’s purposes in us” (Eugene Peterson). This is the bigger picture of traveling mercies.

Disciples are never promised exemption or immunity from the

CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. #749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy #742-9721 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St. #745-5181 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. #745-6015 Church of Christ 2660 Cunningham Drive #745-6377 CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd #749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place #7496432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court #745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. #749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. #745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 Opelika, Ala. 36804 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. #826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. #742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A #745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 #745-0460

Psalm 31:23-24 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

Family Life Christian Center 601 S. 7th St. #741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. #749-1070 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd #749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. #745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. #749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad #749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd #749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd #741-1006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy #749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy #741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy #737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy #745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy #745-7770

pelika Observer O

Last week’s answers:

12-26 Scramblers Answers: 1. Laden, 2. Divert, 3. Follow, 4. Strive Solution: Leftovers

B7 January 02, 2019

B8 January 02, 2019

pelika Observer O

COMICS

“Sometimes crying or laughing are the only options left, and laughing feels better right now.” ― Veronica Roth, Divergent