Vol. 11, No. 20
pelika O Observer
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
East AL NWTF Banquet
March 1 at 6 p.m. Buy tickets at events.nwtf.org
“By local people, for local people.”
‘The Pointe School of Dance’ relocates to downtown Opelika By Morgan Bryce Editor Previously located in Auburn, The Pointe School of Dance has found a new home at 204 S. 8th St. in downtown Opelika, the former location of Studio 3:19. Owned by Shelley Stansell, the studio offers classical dance
Opelika, Alabama
education, with classes available in acrodance, contemporary pointe, modern, pointe and partnering as well as ballet taught through the Vaganova and Cecchitti curriculums. “We’re different from most in this area because we’re performance and technique oriented as opposed to Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Officer injured in shooting Friday night expected to recover; community offers support with ‘GoFundMe’ donations, food and love
See Dance, page A3
New mentoring group opens door for local kids; seeking participants, mentors Special to the Opelika Observer
By Michelle Key Publisher
On a sunny Friday afternoon, more than 40 sixth and seventh graders filed into the fellowship hall of a local church. Wide-eyed and eager, the children took their seats and ate snacks as they anticipated what would happen next. A young man named Dominique Reese took the floor in front of the children. See A2, page A8
Photo special to the Opelika Observer
Winners announced for first time Community Foundation of East Alabama mini-grants
Southern Union plans Black History Month programs Special to the Opelika Observer
Pictured left to right: Tom Tippett, Circles of Opelika; Shirley Lazenby, CFEA; Regina Meadows, Circles of Opelika; John Stephenson, Camp ASCCA; Dana Rickman, Camp ASCCA; Brandon Morgan, CFEA and Barbara Patton, CFEA.
Special to the Opelika Observer The Community Foundation of East
Sanders
Alabama Board is proud to announce the two winners of the first-ever mini-grants See CFEA, page A3
In celebration of Black History Month, the Office of Diversity Programs at Southern Union State Community College has planned two programs during the month of February. On Feb. 26, Southern Union will welcome Dr. Harold A. Franklin, the first African-American student to enroll at Auburn
Index
OPINION.....................................A4 RELIGION..............................A5 COUNTY NEWS............................A7 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A9
University 55 years ago, to the college with programs on the Wadley and Opelika campuses. A morning program is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. in the Renaissance Theatre in Wadley, followed by an afternoon program at 2:15 p.m. in Room 104 of the Health Sciences Building in Opelika. “We are honored to have Dr. Franklin with us this year,” said Dr. See SUSCC, page A3
SPORTS................................B1 CALENDAR....................................B5 LEGALS ......................................B6 ENTERTAINMENT......................B12
The name of the officer that was shot and injured during a traffic stop of a suspect in a robbery Friday night in Auburn has been confirmed. Officer Justin Sanders stopped the suspect’s vehicle and was met with gunfire upon stepping out of his car. Sanders sustained serious injuries and was transported to
East Alabama Medical Center and was then later transported to UAB (University of Birmingham) hospital in Birmingham in the early morning hours of Saturday. Sanders is listed in stable condition and is expected to recover. Friends and family of Sanders have set up a GoFundMe account to help defray the cost of expenses during his recovery which according to the fundrais-
See Sanders, page A2
‘Circles of Opelika’ launch anti-poverty initiative; holds first poverty simulation By Morgan Bryce Editor Lessening poverty and helping people find a pathway to personal success is the goal of “Circles of Opelika,” a
nonprofit organization under the umbrella of the Envision Opelika Foundation. Launched Dec. 1, Circles of Opelika is a See Circles, page A3
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pelika O Observer
A2 February 20, 2019
Why your tax refund is smaller this year
The bottom line is important, but look at your overall situation By Justin Smith Special to the Opelika Observer It is being widely reported this year that taxpayers are seeing smaller refunds thus far as compared to last year’s tax filing season. I have seen this in my own practice as well, although it is certainly not true for all of my clients. The Internal Revenue Service is reporting that refunds are down by an average of 8 percent from last year. The first response is often surprise, especially since the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act has been reported far and wide as a tax cut (which it is). When you think about it, a tax return (and associated refund) is nothing more than an annual reconciliation of all your taxable income and deductions, credits, taxes owed and paid, and a correction for the variance. Most people receive tax refunds because payroll systems have historically been programmed to slightly over-withhold, and many taxpayers will intentionally elect to have more taxes withheld out of their paychecks than is strictly required. This creates a “forced savings” program that can only be withdrawn from annually. Why then are refunds smaller if you did not make any significant changes to your withholding elections? Many payroll software providers, large and small, adjusted
Smith Example of changes: 2017 income - $100,000 2017 tax - $9,800 2017 refund - $5,200 2018 income - $109,000 2018 tax - $8,300 2018 refund - $3,600 their withholdings tables in early 2018 so that taxpayers would see an immediate rise in their paychecks. Fewer taxes being withheld provides an immediate increase in take-home pay. However, the larger paychecks (while welcomed), mean that you had less tax withheld throughout the year, setting you up for a smaller refund. With all that said, what I have noticed is that most taxpayers are seeing a material decrease in their actual tax liability. That is, the final tax (and effective tax rate) owed to the IRS is lower for 2018 when compared to 2017. Therefore, the tax cut has actually
cut taxes, but you may not have noticed it during the year as the savings were spread out throughout the full year. A $2,000 reduction in your tax liability, when spread over the year, is worth nearly $167 per month, which is not as dramatic as the large cash deposit in the early spring after you file. It’s best not to judge your taxes by your refund alone. Instead, figure your total tax as a percentage of your total income (effective tax rate), and compare it against last year. That’s a better comparison, and hopefully you will find that your tax has indeed been reduced. What I am seeing so far is that most clients have growing income and either a similar amount of tax when compared to last year, or slightly less. I have had a number of conversations this year to discuss the practical implications of smaller tax refunds and how to handle 2019. Whether you prefer a large cash refund at the end of the year or smaller increases in your paycheck throughout the full year, it’s important to keep in mind that the overall objective is to reduce your tax liability. The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act has done that. Justin Smith is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting. He can be contacted at 251-209-2579 or Justin@ JSmithCPA.net. His website is www.jsmithcpa.net.
Sanders,
and extinguished the fire. According to a statement from Lee County Coroner Bill Harris, members of his office, the police and the fire department located two deceased persons in a back room of the apartment. Harris pronounced both subjects dead at the scene at 11:55 p.m. On Monday, Harris released a statement saying the postmortem examination results show that the two suspects did not die from the effects of the apartment fire. It is believed that Wallace shot the female suspect and then turned the gun on himself in a murder-suicide. The case is still under investigation. Publisher’s note: Myself and the rest of the staff at the Observer would like to thank the officers from Auburn, Opelika, Lee County Sheriff’s office and the Alabama State Troopers Division for their courage and efforts in keeping the community safe not only during the events of Friday night, but everyday. We realize the sacrifices that are made and we appreciate each of you. We offer our sincere prayers for Officer Sanders and wish him a full and speedy recovery. It is times like this that one sees some of the worst of humanity, but we also have the opportunity to see some of the best as well. There have been reports of numerous restaurants providing food for the officers as they remained vigil, waiting for news on Sanders. Some businesses have set aside days to donate a portion of that days sales to Sanders and his family. So, let us all focus on not only seeing the good in our community but BEING the good in our communities. Michelle Key
from A1
ing page could take months. The original goal of $25,000 was met within the first few days but donations can still be made at the GoFundMe website, www. gofundme.com/v8z5awprayers-for-justin. Members of the community have been leaving encouraging messages of support for Sanders and his family on the GoFundMe page. Sara from Lee County wrote “Justin, all of Lee County is praying and we all want to thank u for your service.” Steven wrote “My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Thank you for serving our community.” Sander’s girlfriend, Amanda Carter, told the Observer that they are grateful for all the love and support they have received from the community. Timeline of events Following the shooting of Sanders which occurred in the early evening of Feb. 15, the suspect, later identified as Christopher James Wallace, age 38, and an unidentified female, fled the scene. Officers later located them in Auburn in an apartment complex across the street from the Auburn University Veterinary School on Wire Road. Attempts to enter the apartment were met with gunfire. A fire broke out inside the apartment and the unit was quickly engulfed in flames. The Auburn Fire Department responded to the blaze
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pelika O Observer
Keep Opelika Beautiful to host town hall meeting about Community Canopy Program Feb. 21 Special to the Opelika Observer Keep Opelika Beautiful will host a townhall style meeting Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library in regard to its Community Canopy project. Opelika has contract services with a certified arborist to provide an assessment and inventory of all
Dance,
from A1 team and competition oriented. My program also tends to stay smaller because I like to know everybody,” Stansell said. “We’re very specialized, therefore our classes do not get extremely large.” At 30 years old, Stansell began taking ballet courses in Ormond Beach, Florida. Considered by her instructors to be an “adult prodigy,” she eventually joined a local performance company and played several lead roles,
Circles,
from A1 member of “Circles USA,” a national organization with a belief and concept that poverty is a nonpartisan, systemic issue and can be solved through “(focusing) both on what individuals can do to change their situations and what society can do to remove the barriers that stand in their way.” During the last 11 weeks, Director Regina Meadows has been busy laying the groundwork for the foundation, hosting informational meetings and leading a poverty simulation program at Southern Union last Saturday. “The ultimate goal that we have for people who go through this program is to help them be self-sufficient
trees on city property. This includes rightof-ways, parks and along sidewalks. “Our hope in this community canopy meeting is to raise awareness to the importance of assessing trees in our city, to answer questions and address any concerns of our citizens” said KOB Executive Director Tipi Miller. A tree assessment
allows the city to better plan for sidewalks renewals and give future businesses the opportunity to look further in moving into the City of Opelika. Following is the meeting agenda: • welcome and general information • certified arborist overview • questions from citizens • invitation to tree
planting event March 2 • closing remarks “We would love to have as many citizens as possible to attend our meeting to learn more about the Community Canopy and ways Opelika can support this new venture” Miller said. For more information, 334-749-4970 or visit www.keepopelikabeautiful.com.
under the tutelage of notable instructors from both Germany and Russia. Later, Stansell and her family relocated to Knoxville and eventually to the AuburnOpelika area in 2011, enjoying a smooth transition from performer to teacher. Seeing an overall need for a dance school like Pointe locally, she opened the business in January 2013. Through wordof-mouth advertising, dancers from across Lee County and the Chattahoochee Valley enrolled in the studio, helping it outgrow its original space in Auburn.
During the last eight years, Stansell said she had been looking for an opportunity to open her own studio in Opelika, and is finally able to realize that dream. “I have been wandering around in downtown Opelika for years, peeking into windows, dreaming of the potential a studio could have here. I love the area and I love the people,” Stansell said. “The camaraderie is unbelievable and the move here has been such a positive for us.” Signups for classes are posted intermittently, based on scheduling and space. People of all age groups are welcomed, with special
programs like “Mommy and Me” serving as a basic introduction of dance to toddlers who are able to stay with their mothers during instruction. Classes are taught throughout the week. Stansell and her staff are preparing for their performance company’s rendition of the C.S. Lewis’s classic novel “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” March 30 at Telfair Peet Theatre on Auburn University’s campus. For more information, call 334-7405118, like and follow their Facebook page, or visit www.aupointe. com.
and self-sustaining financially. It’s more than just money, it’s a holistic approach,” Meadows said. “One of our taglines is ‘long-time strategy versus a short-term fix.’ We’re not a crisis-intervention program but instead one that gives people an out and who want something different for their lives.” Individuals interested in joining Circles of Opelika must submit an application, which will be thoroughly vetted before that person is granted approval to join the program. If approved, they will go through a 12-week program featuring weekly meetings that will provide individuals with information and guidance to the proper community resources they need to be successful. After graduation, Circle graduates will be paired with vol-
unteers supporters or “allies” for 18 months, who will help them through the challenges of this 1.5-year-long commitment toward bettering themselves. That portion of the program will include monthly meetings with each Circles graduate and their ally, as well as family fun nights and sessions designed to reach youth. Meadows said the program has already received solid support locally, as Southern Union’s Adult Education Department has committed to assisting Circle’s efforts and several community leaders and prominent individuals pledged to be allies. “When it’s all said and done, we want to see people have increased savings accounts, more employable skills, as well as deep lasting bonds between graduates and their allies. We hope
that the relationships that they’ve established during that 18 months doesn’t end at 18 months … we want it to be a lifelong commitment and bond because many people in poverty don’t have access to positive resources that they can call on in a time of need,” Meadows said. All future Circles of Opelika meetings will be held at the Southside Center for the Arts at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika. A website for Circles of Opelika is under development, and Meadows mentioned that applications will start being accepted in coming weeks. For more information or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, call 334-203-1860, email rmeadows@myops.net, like and follow the organization’s Facebook page or visit the national Circles website www.circlesusa.org.
A3 February 20, 2019
CFEA,
from A1 handed out by the organization. The initiative was announced at the 2018 Non-Profit Summit held at Auburn University on Oct. 22, 2018. Applications were accepted through Jan. 31 online at www.cfeastalabama.org. Winners were selected for proposals that strengthen their organization and outreach. Two $250 grants were awarded: Easter Seals’ Camp ASCA and to Circles of Opelika. “We plan to purchase a Go-Pro (camera) that will capture the fun of water sports, ziplining, concerts and other activities offered to children and adults with disabilities that Camp ASCA serves
SUSCC,
from A1
Fred Williams, College Diversity Programs Coordinator at Southern Union. “He helped pave the way for admission to some of the University's other notable African-American students to include Vickie Orr, Carolyn Jones, Ruthie Bolton, Bo Jackson, Charles Barkley, Harvey Glance, Frank Thomas and Cam New-
year-round. The video will help so much with social media and recruiting, too,” said Camp ASCA Marketing Director Dana Rickman. According to Circles of Opelika Director Regina Meadows, she “plans to use the grant for promotion and printing of brochures for Alabama’s first Circle based on the national poverty reduction initiative, CirclesUSA.” CFEA was incorporated in 2007 with the mission of “Connecting people who care with causes that matter,” serving a 5-county region that includes Chambers, Lee, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. For more information on local grants and scholarships, call Barbara Patton at 334744-1020 or visit the organization’s website and Facebook page.
ton to name a few.” “Dr. Franklin has a fascinating story to share, regarding the challenges and obstacles he faced while integrating one of Alabama's largest higher education institutions during the heart of America's Civil Rights Era,” Williams added. These programs are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Williams at (334) 7456437, Ext. 5151 or by email at fwilliams@ suscc.edu.
pelika O Opinion
A4 February 20, 2019
M
Cornbread
months of the land beost of the time, ing sound asleep it is I am fairly now awakening with punctual with life. There is still a my writings and having slight chill in the air, a topic to write about. but it’s bearable with Other times, I have mothe warm rays of the ments where I sit and sun. The warmth of the stare at a blank computer By Lucy Fuller sun is appreciated by screen with coffee in my everyone and everything hand trying to pull an right now. Our dogs are relishing idea out of thin air. This is one in these sunny days. They lay in of those “other times.” I’m sitthe green patches of clover for ting in my porch swing drinking hours soaking up every bit of it. coffee while my 12 year old is trying to figure out how to down- Sometimes they lay so still that I load the “app” that I use to write. instinctively call their names just to get them to move a little. I told her it was called Word. I don’t have to call anyone’s She is busy on her laptop trying name today. There is plenty of her hardest to figure out how to movement with our 16-month download this “app” to her comold daughter and the 9 week old puter so she can write with me. puppy we just… I just adopted. Notepad just won’t do. With all due respect, he adopted We are loving the early spring us. He somehow made his way this year. The sky is blue, the from the little farm up the road to birds are singing, and Jody is sneezing. We have been at Terra- our barn one cold rainy day. He wouldn’t let any of us touch him pin Slide for about 9 months and this is our first official springtime and he would hide as soon as he saw us. I was determined to save allergy season. Besides allerthis little guy, and I did. I had to gies, springtime always seems to trap him with my father in laws awaken something inside of me. New possibilities, new ideas, and possum trap, but I caught the sudden bursts of energy that I had little guy, nonetheless. His name is Cornbread. He has forgotten I was capable of bloom come out of his shell and cominside of me like these beautiful pletely stolen the hearts of evblossoms on the trees next to our eryone who has had the pleasure barn. I just heard Jody sneeze again. After a mild winter and several See Fuller, page A12
Trying to reason with children
L
inda... Listen, My two children think that just "because their friends can" they should be able to get, buy or do something. I encounter this problem often these days and it happens mainly during bedtime. My children are ages 14 and 12. They need to learn to appreciate the good parents they have because we do not give in to all of their requests. We have tried to make them understand that we aren’t as wealthy as some of their friends parents and that getting “everything” you want right now will set them up for failure down the road. Linda, any suggestions that may help us with this situation would be appreciated. Sincerely, The Mean Parents in
Opelika Dear Mean Parents in Opelika, At ages 14 and 12, your children are mature enough to understand that not all families are alike. Just because a friend of theirs enjoys a certain privilege or has the latest and greatest phone or video game does not mean that your children must. I wish you had been more detailed about the problem occurring at bedtime. . If they are arguing about the time they go to bed, they need to understand that for them to do
well in school and make good grades they need a good night's sleep. It is proven in several studies that sleep-deprived kids can't learn. If your children are asking for "things," then let me remind you that parents who give in to a child's every wish fail to teach them one of life's most valuable lessons: how to cope with disappointment. Therefore, please don't feel guilty about putting your foot down. You are doing the right thing now but most importantly you are shaping them into hard working independent adults. Good Luck! Linda Submit your questions to Linda at listenlindaopelika@gmail.com.
Pets, our friends forever!
W
e remember Patti Page’s song, “How Much Is That Doggie in The Window?” How much is that doggie in the window? The one with the waggly tail. How much is that doggie in the window? I do hope that doggie’s for sale.” This sings the heart desires of both the young and old. The month of February is “Responsible Pet Owners’ Month.” Pets make people happy. They make people smile! We all like to pet a dog, stroke a cat, or take time with a cute little puppy or kitten. From cute, furry little animals to looking at an aquarium with fish gracefully swimming around, pets are just fun!
By Beth Pinyerd
Previously, I served as a volunteer in a retirement village in Spanish Fort. I would love to hear the residents whom I served on a daily basis talk to the parrots that occupied bird cages in our hallways. Pets provide great health benefits to the elderly. I have taken the time to observe and talk to the residents I served on how pets made them feel as well as medical experts on the health benefits that pets provide. Following my hus-
band’s passing, the director of the facility I served at brought one of her precious little rescue dogs named Cookie. She has truly helped me so much this past year as I have healed and has become my best friend! Read below for other benefits that pets can provide for their owners. 1. Pets Help Us Interact With Other People. Walking or carrying a pet is a natural conversation starter. Whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit, or other animal, pets provide a conversation starter. During an evening event with senior adults, the residents director would shared her cute hedgehogs See Pinyerd, page A12
D
New Friends
ear Katrina, Thanks for the story you sent me. I read it twice because it was so good. I especially liked the part about the magical princess falling in love with the NFL player. Love stories are the best. From your letter, it sounds like this year has been hard on you. Not only did your parents get divorced, but you’ve relocated to a new state. You asked me a question: “I don’t have friends at my new school, how do I get everyone to like me?” That’s a tough one, Katrina. I don’t really have an answer. But, judging by your well-written letter, and your three-page story fairytale romance, this is not going to be difficult. You are a very bright ten-year-old with a unique talent. I know this because in your story you used the word “exquisite” when you described your main character. Most girls would’ve chosen a different word. They would’ve used the word “beautiful,” or worse: “pretty.” But not you. You went for the gold medal. That shows real smarts. When I was your age, I also had an unusual talent. I could memorize song lyrics after only hearing a tune once or twice. My father thought this ability was wonderful. He would turn on a
I
By Sean Dietrich
radio, let me listen to a song, then flip it off to see if I could remember the words. Usually, I could sing almost every verse. At school, however, I was an outsider. I wasn’t a natural athlete, I wasn’t a good student, I had an overbite, and I was chubby. I didn’t have many friends. But that all changed one fateful day. Our class had an after-school party. I don’t remember what we were celebrating, but I remember cake. The kids ate so much sugar it made them insane. Especially George Walborsky. And if you knew George Walborsky, like so many of us did, you knew he got mean when he ate sugar. Soon, George was using a stapler as a lethal weapon. Benjamin Phillips tried to disable him by dumping a pitcher of Kool-Aid on his head, but this only led to a brawl. Soon, kids were screaming, the teacher was shouting, the swat team was called, and the U.S. government declared martial law. Our stressed-out teacher tried to gain control of the classroom by suggesting an impromptu show-and-tell time.
None of the students had prepared to “show” anything. Furthermore, no third-grader should ever be allowed to “tell” a tale by memory. An average eight-year-old can talk for nineteen hours about earthworms. So the teacher asked me to sing for the class, since I sometimes led the National Anthem at assembly. This was my big moment. Maybe my peers would finally notice me. I took the stage. For my first number, I sang Wayne Newton’s “Danke Schoen,” holding a chalkboard eraser for a microphone. I flipped up the collar on my shirt, I sauntered across the room, winking at my audience. The class loved it. So I started taking requests. My second tune was “Copacabana,” which is always a real crowd pleaser. I only knew the first verse, but that was enough to get a decent conga line going. Next, I sang “Three Times a Lady.” My classmates howled when I took a knee and sang the last chorus directly to the teacher. I sang “I Got You Babe.” Karen Jensen joined me on stage, singing backup like Cher Bono. After a few minutes, we had a crowd. Mrs. Daniels’ fourth-grade class had gathered outside our door to see what the commotion was about. Fifth-graders, were lingering nearby. See Dietrich, page A12
Skeeters
found the malaria parasite hate mosquitoes. in their blood. When she More to the point, I compared my figures to the hate female mosquitoes. scale of what is considered They are the ones who an epidemic, yep, that was suck your blood. what it was. They are the ones that Alabama was hardly leave the itchy, throbbing alone. Every summer welt that just plain hurts. By Hardy Jackson throughout the South They are the ones that mosquitoes swarm out of kill more people around the world than any other animal – except the stagnant water that collects in cans and drains and pots and troughs. Mosquitoes human ones – every year. love it. And it is mosquito season. Even with the full frontal assault Now, I know mosquitoes are God’s on the bug and its habitat, enough slip creation like other living things, but I through to pester man and beast. sorta wonder that maybe God created Still, we are lucky. In Africa, for mosquitoes as part of one of the plagues example, malaria killed over 400,000 last he smote the Egyptians with back in year. Moses’ time? And when He was cleanHelp, however, might be on the way. ing up afterward He forgot to undo what Now folks, I will admit upfront that He had done and mosquitoes slipped my ability to understand, much less through the cracks. explain, complex scientific theories, Alabama has a special place in mosquito lore, for it was an Alabamian, Wil- is pretty close to nil. If you want the liam C. Gorgas, who around 1900, was a whole thing, go to the June, 2016, copy of Smithsonian Magazine and read “A leader in advocating controlling yellow fever and malaria by controlling the mos- World Without Mosquitoes.” I took to the title right away, for a quitoes that transmitted the diseases. Back in the 1920s, when the Alabama world without something I hate, not to mention that kills people, sounds like a Power Company was building dams on pretty good world to me. the Coosa and Tallapoosa, the comBut how? pany took extraordinary steps to screen Well, molecular geneticists are workworkers for signs of malaria and destroy ing on a way to create a lethal mutation mosquito habitats. and insert it into the DNA of male mosSo prevalent was the disease that quitoes, rendering them sterile. Then the shortly after I published a book on this males would go out and breed. But there dam building (Putting Loafing Streams would be no off-spring. Called the “sterto Work, University of Alabama Press), ile insect technique,” it is something like a writer working on a history of malaria giving vasectomies to male mosquitoes called to ask me about the epidemic that and ending the line once and for all. swept the state back then. I recall some years ago when the fruit Epidemic? fly was wrecking havoc on the Florida I had not called it an epidemic. orange crop scientists proposed catching Then she quoted figures from my thousands of fruit flies, zapping them book that told of how many job applicants had to be rejected because tests See Jackson, page A12
Opelika
A5
Family & Religion
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February 20, 2019
Justice, mercy and faithfulness J esus chastised the Pharisees for overlooking “the more important matters of the law” (Matthew 23:23). He identified these as justice, mercy and faithfulness. Whether these three things alone constitute the most important matters or are representative of them is a discussion worth having, but this much is clear: justice, mercy and faithfulness are top-tier concerns in the kingdom of God! They are a substantial part of what is involved when Jesus tells us to seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness in 6:33. That the Pharisees weren’t doing this is crystal clear and why Jesus said our righteousness must exceed theirs (5:19). Justice is doing the right thing regardless of the status quo. That “everyone” slacks off at work or takes home things not belonging to them is no excuse for dis-
a century ciples to do or two so. That some ago didn’t owners pay live by the workers only standards what they we do today are required (if it's any to by law By Bruce Green consolation rather than Teaching Minister at they would what they are 10th Street Church of be equally worth or play Christ in Opelika appalled by games with the way we their hours to live), or that an athlete’s keep them from getting tweets as a teenager were benefits—that’s not right either. Justice is not about insensitive. Maybe most troubling though is the wanting to change the lack of mercy that is world—it’s about wantshown. What typically ing to change yourself happens is someone is and seeing where God singled out for something, takes it from there. there is an enormous rush Mercy is going the to judgment followed by extra mile in terms of a feeding frenzy (often compassion. With social before checking to see media has come a great if we have our facts coremphasis upon social justice. Like anything else rect). We take little mistakes that are best handled humans are involved in, at the level at which they there is much good and occurred and broadcast then there is also a lot of gnat-straining. People are them over the planet. Our outraged over everything: smart phones are used to do dumb things. There is someone appropriating a different culture by wear- no mercy in that. Mercy is when we treat ing its clothes, that people
Church calendar
• Pepperell Baptist is continuing to offer a Wednesday evening program from 6-7 p.m. for preschool and elementary children called WOW-Worship on Wednesdays. The evening program of Bible messages for children, crafts, fun activities, and snack is ongoing throughout the year. The youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.. This is an evening of prayer, Bible Study, and discussion. For more information, contact youth and children’s pastor Ryno Jones if you need more information at 334745-3108.
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
• First Baptist Church of Opelika’s Womens Ministry will hold an event titled “A Night to Proclaim II: Salt and Light” March 28 from 6:30-8 p.m. There will be a salad supper served. Tickets cost $10. For more information or to register, call 334-745-5715 or visit www. fbcopelika.com. • Airview Baptist Church offers praise and worship services on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. and on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. Sunday school classes are held at 9:45 a.m.
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
plete her voyage—Sunderland was picked up by a fishing ship somewhere in the Indian Ocean after the boat’s mast was broken by a rogue wave and Wild Eyes had to be abandoned. It showed up at the end of last year near Australia. Some believe the boat has circled the globe at least once in the eight years it has been at sea—it’s still doing what it was supposed to do. The writer of Proverbs will speak of “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (18:24). Like Wild Eyes, they will go around the world for you. Even if you forget them, they will not forget you. Justice, mercy and faithfulness. These are the things that make life worth living and how we bear witness of the kingdom of God. You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.
Verse of the Week “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
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
people the way we want to be treated when we make a mistake. We don’t want to be excused, but neither do we want to be executed on the internet either. We are willing to bear the consequences of our actions, but we also want to receive forgiveness and compassion that will help us to do better in the future. Finally, faithfulness is never-ending loyalty. It's not the blind fidelity you see practiced by some families and friends that overlooks and rationalizes—that’s toxic. It is the kind of loyalty that calls people to something better and higher. It is Ruth's loyalty to Naomi, Barnabas hanging in there with John Mark and Jonathan helping David "find strength in God." In 2010, Abby Sunderland was 16 years old as she attempted to sail around the world alone in her 40-foot sloop Wild Eyes. She didn’t com-
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 27:1 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
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A6 February 20, 2019
OBITUARIES Mary N. Adkins A memorial service for Mary N. Adkins, of Opelika, Alabama. was held Saturday, February 16th at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn, AL. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. The Rev. Geoff Evans officiated. Visitation was Friday, February 15th
Otis Harold Lynn, Jr. Funeral services for Otis Harold Lynn, Jr. (Hal) was held Friday, February 15, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home, with Reverend Tim Cadenhead officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery. The family received friends preceding the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Hal was born to Otis H. Lynn, Sr. and Marcel Lacy Lynn on October 30, 1959, in Opelika, and passed away February 12, 2019, at Bethany House in Auburn.
Robert E. Martin, Sr. Memorial services for Robert E. Martin, Sr., Retired, 75, of Opelika, were held Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 3:00 pm, CST, at Jeffcoat Funeral Home. Visitation with the family was from 2:00 - 3:00 pm CST. Reverend Gary Perry officiated. Lillie Culpeper Lillie Culpeper, 85, of Opelika, Alabama, passed away February 15, 2019 with cherished family and friends by her side. Lillie was born August 19, 1933 in Opelika, Alabama and spent most of her 85 years in her beloved home town. She married the late Edward Culpeper, Sr. in 1966. Lillie is survived by her brother, Clarence Evans of Opelika; her sisters, Rita Littrell, of Iowa; Barbara Martin, of Texas, Rosie Lee Dobson, of Jacksonville, Alabama, Betty Florence O’Neal and Betty Hobbs, both of Opelika; and four of her five children: Gayle Metcalf Prather Funeral services for Gayle Metcalf Prather, 77, of Hatchechubee, AL who passed away Friday, February 15, 2019 will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church, Marvin, AL this Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. CST with visitation 1 hour prior to service with
from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Mrs. Adkins, who died Tuesday, February 12th was born August 17th 1931, in Opelika, Alabama. Her family remembers her as a quiet woman of strength and grace, a caring mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend who could always be counted on to be there when needed.
We will always picture her sitting peacefully crocheting and listening to southern gospel music. She is the bedrock of our family. She is survived by husband Bennie Adkins of Opelika, AL., daughter Mary Ann Adkins Blake (David), sons Michael Adkins (Christine) and W. Keith Adkins (Jaime), brother Cecil Arington, and many grand-
children, great-grandchildren, and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by sons: Dennis Adkins and Wayne Adkins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of a donation to The Bennie Adkins Foundation at www.bennieadkinsfoundation.org. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.
Hal was one of God’s sweet and special blessings, with a pure, childlike heart and mind. He loved everyone, and everyone loved him. Hal was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church and attended faithfully until his health declined. He also loved to sing and play the piano at church whenever he could, and old gospel hymns were his favorite. Hal also enjoyed “working” at Valley Haven School and eagerly attended Camp ASCCA for many years. In addition to his parents, Hal was prede-
ceased by a sister, Daphine Lynn; a brother, Tommy Wayne Lynn; and his grandparents, Huey Lacy, Mae Lacy Chance, Douglas Lynn, and Mary Lynn. Survivors include his sisters, Denise Jackson (Donnie), whom lovingly cared for him daily the last 10 years, and Darlene Armstrong (Randy); a very special aunt, Christine Stillwell; and Hal’s nephews and niece and their families, whom he loved dearly and bragged about often; PJ Jackson (Jamie), Haley, Drew, and Emma; Glenn Jackson; Jus-
tin Armstrong (Susan Burch), Allie, Olivia, and Lillian; and Mallory Cutts (Timmy), Bo and Lacy Lynn. The family would like to thank Dr. John Abrams and his staff for their many years of kind and compassionate care for Hal. We would also like to acknowledge the heartfelt care the staff at Compassus/Bethany House provided to Hal and our family. Flowers are appreciated or donations in Hal’s memory may be directed to Valley Haven School or Camp ASCCA. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.
Mr. Martin passed away on February 12, 2019. He was born September 20, 1943 in Opelika, AL to the parents of Hughie Martin and Colie Vincent. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Richard Donald Martin. He is survived by his wife Wanda Martin;
son, Robert (Carla) Martin Jr; daughters: Robin Martin and Jennifer (Toby) Taylor; stepson, James (Racheal) Abney; stepdaughter, Jamie (Jason) Clark; 2 brothers: Larry Martin and Eddie Martin; sister, Mary (Earl) Jackson; He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 4
great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Robert E. Martin, Sr. to the American Cancer Society at the following address P.O. Box 42040 Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or online at www.cancer.org Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.
eldest son, Terry (& Kathy) Ramsey, of Athens, Alabama; her honorary son, Dean Franklin, of Opelika, Alabama; her beloved daughters, Cindy (& Jack) Scebra, of Helena, Alabama, and Marion (& Archie) Battle, of Gardendale, Alabama; and her youngest son, Eddie (& Terry) Culpeper, Jr., of Valley, Alabama. Lillie is also survived by six grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Ed, in October 2017, and her son, Randy Berkshire, in July 1978. Lillie attended Heritage Baptist Church
and adored her church family. At home, she was happiest watching birds (especially those “red birds”) come to the many feeders in her yard and tending to her vegetable and flower gardens. Summers usually found her busy in her kitchen freezing vegetables and canning preserves and jellies. Lillie was famous among her grandkids for her strawberry fig preserves and if she could make some today, those kids would be covering her biscuits in that heavenly concoction! Mornings were spent reading her Bible and daily devotion before she cooked breakfast, and her evenings after supper were spent
watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Lillie loved “Find-aWord” puzzles and in their later years, Lillie and Ed, a Sudoku expert, would sit quietly together in the living room or on the front porch working their puzzles. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Heritage Baptist Church Building Fund, 1103 Glenn Street, Opelika Alabama 36801. Visitation was at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home on Monday, February 18th, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. The funeral followed at 12:00 p.m., with interment at Garden Hill Cemetery. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral home directed.
burial in the church cemetery. Dr. Rusty Sowell and Reverend Nyle Irvin will be officiating. Mrs. Prather is survived by her three sons, Byron (Melissa) Prather Jr. of Opelika, Richard Prather of Montgomery, Todd Prather of Opelika, grandchildren, Kelsey, Craig, Ansley, Nathan, Samantha, Bryson and Tyler
Prather, two sisters Cathie (Ted) Adams and Pamela (Dennis) Ledbetter. Mrs. Prather was born December 31, 1941 in Ozark, AL to Walter and Ruth Metcalf. She was preceded in death by her husband, Byron Jack Prather Sr., her parents and brother, Larry L. Metcalf. She spent most of her life in Lee County and a
1960 graduate of Beauregard High School. She was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church and a retired bus driver from the Lee County school system. Mrs. Prather was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and a friend to many and will be deeply missed. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.
Robert (Scoop) Owsley Funeral services for Mr. Robert (Scoop) Owsley was 12:30pm Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Visitation was held Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home beginning at 11:00am until 12:30 pm. Dr. Mike King officiated. Mr. Owsley was a life-long resident of Opelika. He served his country in the Navy in World War II, and served in the Alabama National Guard for thirty-three years. Mr. Owsley was a member of First Baptist Church Opelika where he served as a deacon, and was best known for his Senior High Retreat Trips. Mr. Owsley worked John Wyatt Stevenson Funeral services for John Wyatt Stevenson, age 70, of Roanoke will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at 12:00 PM at the Roanoke First United Methodist Church with Rev. Chris Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery with Quattlebaum Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, February 22, 2019. Mr. Stevenson will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to services beginning on Saturday. Mr. Stevenson passed away Thursday, February 14, 2019, at his residence. Survivors include his wife, Jennifer Chandler Stevenson of Roanoke; one brother, David Stevenson (Patricia) of St. Petersburg, FL; mother-in-law, Kay Merrill of Birmingham, AL; father-inlaw, Terry Chandler of Albertville, AL; sisters-in-law, Laurie Huddleston (Bill) of Winchester, TN and Melinda Azar (Zack) of Montgomery, AL; brothers-in-law, Thomas L. Merrill, Jr. (Susan) of Birmingham, AL, and Win Chandler of Albertville, AL; nieces, Heather Altork of Roanoke, Larissa Ryss of Lilburn, GA, Madelyn Snow (Andrew) of Colorado Springs, CO, Emily Kay Woods of Chicago, IL, Margeaux Woods of San Francisco, CA, and Ashley Hoggle (Chris) of Guntersville, AL; nephews, Dan Stevenson of St. Petersburg, FL, Michael Woods of Denver, CO, Michael
for the O/A News covering the Opelika Bulldogs, and the Auburn Tigers, he was also an award winning photographer. Mr. Owsley is preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 62 years Leverne Owsley; parents, Robert and Mattie Lou Owsley; sister, Lucille Daughtry; brother, Jack Owsley; sister, Catherine Owsley. Mr. Owsley is survived by his daughters: Kathy (Bobby) Moates, and Donna (Nelson) Pipkins; grandchildren: Robin Moates, Patrick Moates, Ashley Moates, and Austin Pipkins; sisters: Margaret Davis, and Mary Jo Pfeiffer, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Red Cross or the USO. Azar and Allen Azar, both of Montgomery, AL, and Trey Merrill of Birmingham; beloved dog, Mercy, and many additional furry children. Pallbearers will be Bill Ragle, Sr., Rodney Wright, John Hodges, Cary Manning, Bob Landers, and Tom Ziglar. A Roanoke native, Mr. Stevenson was born on August 8, 1948, the son of John B. and Gwen Wyatt Stevenson. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Roanoke and was a United States Army veteran. Mr. Stevenson held a Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and a Master’s degree from Pepperdine University. He was the owner/ editor and publisher of The Randolph Leader for the past 36 years and past editor of the The Randolph Press(Wedowee). He was the past president of the Alabama Press Association and the National Newspaper Association. Mr. Stevenson was the recipient of the Alabama Press Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and Auburn University’s Distinguished Alabama Community Journalist Award. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, J. B. Stevenson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Randolph County Animal Shelter at 104 Animal Shelter Road, Wedowee, AL 36278 or to the Alabama Press Association’s J. B. Stevenson Scholarship c/o Felicia Mason APA Journalism Foundation, 3324 Independence Drive #200, Birmingham, AL 35209.
pelika O Observer
Around Lee County
Sgt. Billy Dingler Jr. presented with ‘James Anderson Award’ for his service By Morgan Bryce Editor Sgt. Billy Dingler Jr. of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was presented with the 10th annual “James Anderson Award” during Smiths Station’s regular city council meeting last Tuesday. Deputy Anderson was struck and killed during a routine traffic stop on Sept. 24, 2009. Since 2010, the City of Smiths Station has presented an annual award named in his honor to officers from the department as a way of recognizing their service and honoring Anderson's sacrifice. During the award presentation, Mayor Bubba Copeland told the audience of his longtime friendship with Dingler and expressed his gratitude for his more than 25 years of service with the sheriff’s office. "I’ve watched you and known you for
The “Special Olympics Lee County Area Bowling Tournament” will be held March 5-6 at Auburn Lanes. Participation in the tournament is open to athletes eight years old and older. Many athletes have been training weekly since August for the chance to compete and win a first-place ribbon at the area tournament. Winners will have a chance to be chosen to compete in the State Games in May and represent Lee County. The Lee County
February 20, 2019
‘Smiths Stations Service Day’ event draws more than 100 volunteers
Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer
many, many years … as a friend first of all and then as a sheriff’s deputy. You have always conducted yourself with professionalism,” Copeland said. "Never have I ever seen you do anything selfishly. This award could not be given to a better person than you." The council also approved a resolution allowing Copeland to enter into an agreement with Alabama Power for the installation of new lighting fixtures in the Smiths Station Government Center’s
parking lot to enhance safety. In other business, the council: • received a $2,000 economic development grant check from East Alabama Chamber of Commerce President/ CEO Dennis Beson, which can be spent at the city’s discretion • approved a petition from nearby residents Samuel and Mary Malloy allowing them to annex their property into Smiths Station. The Smiths Station City Council meet on the second and
fourth Tuesday of each month. During the coming months, the first Tuesday’s work session will begin at 5 p.m. E.S.T., and second Tuesday’s will begin at 5:30 p.m. E.S.T., followed by their regular meeting at 6 p.m. E.S.T. Meetings are held in the council chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430. For more information, call 334-297-8771 or visit www.smithsstational.gov.
‘Special Olympics Lee County Area Bowling Tournament’ to be held March 5-6 at Auburn Lanes Special to the Opelika Observer
A7
Special Olympics group is excited to welcome all of the athletes to the bowling tournament and supporters and spectators are encouraged and welcome to attend. Because of the high number of athletes participating, the tournament takes place over two days, with competition starting each day at 9 a.m. For more information, follow the Lee County Special Olympics Facebook page or contact Director Elizabeth Kaufman by calling 334-501-2939. The bowling alley is located at 719 Opelika Road in Auburn.
Photos special to the Opelika Observer
By Michelle Key Publisher The city of Smiths Station held a “Smiths Station Service Day” Saturday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. According to Mayor Bubba Copeland, more than 100 volunteers participated in
Buying or Selling?
See Service, page A13
Auburn University announces construction of three major facilities By Amy Weaver Special to the Opelika Observer
Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer
the city-wide cleanup effort. The Smiths Station Panther mascot was on site to cheer on the participants and thank them for their hard work. “Dr. King was and still is such an important part of the Amer-
Three significant classroom and research buildings are coming to Auburn University. The academic classroom and laboratory complex, the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center and the Advanced Structural Testing Laboratory are significant not just for their size – 334,500 square feet between them – but for the enormity of what they mean for academics at Auburn. The university’s Board of Trustees
agreed on the final plans for each construction project at its Feb. 15 meeting at Auburn University-Montgomery. The academic classroom and laboratory complex, or ACLC, will increase the existing state-of-theart classroom and laboratory inventory that started with construction of the Mell Classroom. It will include amenities such as 20 adaptable academic spaces that can operate as either a classroom or a laboratory. The 151,000 square-foot facility, and a new central See Auburn, page A10
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A8 February 20, 2019
Country singer-songwriter Mike Ryan to perform Feb. 23 in Auburn Special to the Opelika Observer
Singer-songwriter Mike Ryan is set to perform at Bourbon Street Bar & Grill in Auburn Feb. 23. Ryan is touring in support of his acclaimed album “Blink You’ll Miss It” and his recently released single “Other Side Of The Radio.” The song already has more than 800,000 streams on Spotify and is climbing the Texas Music charts. Ryan’s previous song, “‘Damn Good Goodbye” amassed nearly 3-million streams on Spotify and hit the top-5 on the Texas Music charts.”Damn Good Goodbye” followed his highly-lauded single “The Rewrite,” featuring Brad Paisley on guitar. Blink You’ll Miss It
A2,
from A1 Reese stood in the middle of the room with a strong
debuted at #6 on iTunes Top Country Albums chart. The album garnered rave reviews from fans and press. Pandora and The Boot named Ryan an Artist To Watch and Music Row called the new music “Essential listening.” For tickets and more information, visit www.aubourbonstreet. com/. Listen to “Other Side of the Radio,” at www. spoti.fi/2DIi2ko. Blink You’ll Miss It was highlighted by Rolling Stone Country, Sounds Like Nashville, and NASH Country Daily as a standout collection of songs that shine a light on Ryan’s knack for impressive songwriting, pop sensibility and vocal prowess. Cowboys and Indians pointed out, “Singles like ‘New Hometown’ and
‘Sad Song’ offer only a small taste of the overall talent displayed on Blink You’ll Miss It” and Lonestar Music Magazine added that the results on the album “...suggest that his career will only take off even more…” Ryan
presence and a voice to match. “What are your goals?” Reese posed to the group. Hands shot up, children excited to share their answers. From becoming a football player to simply
growing taller, almost every child had a goal in mind. Reese continued to speak to the children about rules and expectations, before they broke into groups with mentors to begin the first Advancing Adolescents
powerful, emotive vocals and beautifully simple piano playing give the track an ultimately uplifting and wholly authentic, if not entirely hopeful, feel.” “Sad Song” was a featured Sirius XM Highway Find. View the music video on YouTube. Blink You’ll Miss It hit #15 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart and #43 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart. The project is Ryan’s third studio album and follow up to Bad RepuCourtesy Of Mike Ryan tation which peaked at #34 on Billboard’s Top shared some of the inCountry Albums chart spiration behind his third and yielded three #1 studio album and his singles on the Texas Muwriting process with San sic Charts and New Male Antonio Magazine and Vocalist of the Year at Celeb Secrets. The Boot the Texas Regional Radio premiered the music Awards (2015). video for “Sad Song” and The San Antonio, shared, “Ryan’s intensely Texas native’s talent has
captured the attention of fans in the Lonestar state and it hasn’t gone unnoticed in Nashville, Tennessee and beyond. Signed as a songwriter to Sea Gayle Music Publishing, Ryan co-wrote Brad Paisley’s “Last Time For Everything,” with Paisley, Smith Ahnquist, Chris DuBois, and Brent Anderson. Influenced early on by his grandfather’s musical ability, Ryan taught himself how to play the guitar while in college and he has since built an enviable following of avid fans, performing more than 150 shows per year, including headlining shows at the iconic Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information and for a full list of tour dates, visit www.mikeryanband.com.
meeting of 2019. Dominique and his wife Christian are the founders of A2 Advancing Adolescents Inc. mentoring program, referred to as A2. The vision, described by Dominique, is to establish lifelong relationships with mentees, while instilling morals, values and character. “Our mission is to build relationships with our mentees,” he said. “We want an extra layer of support to our kids by teaching, guiding, loving and exposing our mentees to new experiences.” The idea of A2 was born from the Reese’s personal experiences throughout their youths. “I experienced my first mentor in the sixth grade,” Dominique said. “Throughout junior high and high school, I encountered mentors that followed me through college and into adulthood. Those group of mentors were there to answer questions, check up on me and support me through love and resources.” When Dominique was a student at Georgia Tech, he knew he wanted children to have the same opportunities as he did through mentorship. “Growing up in a singleparent-home, the extra support was needed, more so than I realized,” he said. “My college roommate and I started creating a plan for mentorship then. He grew up with both parents, and constantly told stories of his mentors, just like I did. At that point, it hit me. All kids need mentors. I wanted to create an avenue for kids to access mentors.” During each A2 meeting, held at True Deliverance Holiness Church in Auburn, children are broken into small groups and paired with one or two mentors. Mentors assist the children with their activities, and soft skills are also discussed at each meeting. The meetings are concluded with a hot meal, provided by generous donors and volunteers. Christian works directly with a volunteer operations team, as well as community
Pastor Calvin Patrick have opened their doors and schedules to help accommodate our need for a location,” Christian said. “While we are located in Auburn, we have opened arms to kids across Lee County. While singing the praises of True Deliverance, the Reeses also gushed about the support they have received from the community. “Our community has been overwhelmingly supportive of our initiative and plan,” Christian said. “From the beginning, the buy-in was huge.” Dominique and Christian said there has been an outpouring of support from teachers, community members, Auburn High alumni, parents, local authorities and True Deliverance Holiness Church. Additionally, sponsors have been key in the immediate success of A2 . “We are so thankful to our sponsors,” Christian said. “I am a firm believer of supporting those who support us. A2 is a brand new non-profit organization, and the support we have received is nothing short of amazing.” A2 is currently accepting mentees and mentors., according to Dominique. “As we continue to accept new mentees, we will need more mentors. Commitment is the name of the game with A2 ,” he said. “If you feel you can positively pour into our youth, reach out via Facebook or email, dominiquereese@advancingadolescents.com.” The Reeses are celebrating the success of their first meeting, but are already looking ahead to a bright future. “The kids were everything I’d envisioned and more,” Dominique said. “Our mentors embraced our kids, and are now working toward our goal of creating lifelong relationships.” For more information regarding A2 , visit thewebsite, www.advancingadolescents.com or their Facebook page, www. facebook.com/advancing. adolescents/.
members, to ensure each meeting includes a learning activity or a skill lesson. Skill lessons will include cooking, interacting with authority figures, how to tie a tie, how to use power tools, etiquette, and more. “We want to teach our children life skills,” she said. “These are skills they can use for the rest of their lives and will even assist with securing a job one day. Our goal is to better prepare them for the world out there.” Currently there are 46 mentees enrolled in A2 . The majority of children’s ages range from 10 to 13, or fifth grade through seventh grade. The mentor team is comprised of 17 mentors. “We have teachers, therapists, coaches, community members, young professionals, law enforcement and clergy members,” Dominique said. “None of these folks were sought out. We came together organically. Each mentor has had a relationship with me or Christian in some manner, or was recommended by someone I knew.” Dominique described his mentors from his youth as “very diverse,” and said the same of the current A2 mentor group. “I knew that it would be important to provide a diverse group with diverse skill sets,” he said. “When thinking about pairing up our mentors with kids, we wanted our kids to have access to all mentors, and more importantly, we never wanted the opportunity to disappoint a mentee in the event one mentor could not attend the meeting.” Although the Reeses reside in Mobile, they make weekly trips to the AuburnOpelika area to ensure mentors and mentees are provided with the resources needed for the program to succeed. Dominique is an Auburn native, and Christian is from Phenix City. The location for the meetings was decided upon based on the needs of A2 and the generosity of the church. “True Deliverance, Bishop Torbert, and Youth
Opelika E vents, Society, & Food
UPCOMING EVENTS: Feb. 23 - Empty bowls Feb. 23 - Mike Ryan Feb. 28 - David Jacob-Strains March 2-3 - The crankdown in Tigertown March 2 - 5th annual Dyslexia Dash of east alabama
Nutrition educator provides healthy eating tips, recipes Ann Cipperly’s
Southern
Hospitality
A
busy working mother, Allison Drake enjoys cooking healthy meals for her family. Allison, who is a certified diabetes educator at the Diabetes and Nutrition Center at East Alabama Medical Center, is providing her favorite recipes and tips for healthy eating. Allison plans menus ahead for her husband, Joseph, and their two children, Wynton, 4, and Emmy, 3. Born in Dallas, Texas, Allison and her family moved to Dothan, Alabama when
she was five years old. After high school, she attended Auburn University and graduated in nutrition and food. She then attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she completed a dietician internship and received a master’s degree. Allison started her career at the Lanier Hospital in the Valley as a clinical dietician. Four years ago she began working parttime at the Diabetes and Nutrition Center at EAMC.
She learned how to cook from her mother, who always had her children in the kitchen watching and helping. Allison now does the same with her two small children. “I like to get the kids involved,” she said. “Now that I have children, I realize how much more patient you need to be, but it is worth it.” Allison adapts recipes and adds her own touches to suit her family’s taste. “When I talk to people about eating healthy,” Allison said, “I tell them
Photo by Ann Cipperly Allison Drake, a certified diabetes educator at the Diabetes and Nutrition Center at East Alabama Medical Center, enjoys cooking for her family. She is providing her favorite recipes and tips for healthy eating. Allison is pictured with her husband, Joseph, and their two children, Wynton, 4, and Emmy, 3.
if they don’t have an ingredient in a recipe, such as an herb, they can omit it or substitute another herb that they have on hand. For instance, if a recipe calls for oregano or basil, another option is an Italian blend herb.” Allison enhances the flavor of roasted chicken and vegetables with Herbs de Provence. If you don’t have that in your spice cabinet, she suggests substituting
rosemary and thyme. Generally, she tries to adapt or develop a recipe using ingredients that are readily on hand. She suggests cooking what is season, which can save on the grocery budget. Allison makes it a priority to list menus with ingredients for the week before going to the grocery store. “I will know if we need to have leftovers one
night. I think a little planning goes a long way.” On her off days, she will cook ahead or at least prep for meals. Just having some things chopped ahead make creating dinner easier when she come home from work. “I am a strong believer your children are going to eat like you eat,” she said. “They will only know fruits See Recipes, page A11
Emeril Lagasse to be featured at 2019 Husband-and-wife duo ‘Sugarcane Jane’ to make Sundilla debut March 22 Women’s Philanthropy Board Spring Symposium and Luncheon April 8
Special to the Opelika Observer Sugarcane Jane, the husband-wife duo of Anthony and Savana Crawford, will make their Sundilla debut March 22. Anthony alone, and Sugarcane Jane, might be quite familiar to music fans both local, and far and wide. Together, they account for 40 percent of the band Willie Sugarcapps (along with Will Kimbrough, Grayson Capps and Corky Hughes.) Before meeting and marrying Savana, Alabamaborn Anthony went from Opryland to the Grand Ole Opry with Roy Acuff, to being on tour with Sonny James, Neil Young, Steve Winwood, Vince Gill and Dwight Yoakam. He has had appearances on Hee Haw, Austin City
Written by Amy Weaver Special to the Opelika Observer
Photo special to the Opelika Observer
Limits, Live Aid, Farm Aid, Showtime, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Today Show, Grammy Awards and more. Anthony has been called the Forrest Gump of the music business, and those who say that mean it in the most complimentary and respectful way. Not
the goofy Forrest Gump who stared into space and spouted one-liners that would look good embroidered on a pillow, but the Gump who seemed to be everywhere. His ability to play anything with strings has given him the kind of career that most artists only dream about. But, the last decade has been an intricate part of
Tickets are currently available for the 2019 Women’s Philanthropy Board Spring Symposium and Luncheon featuring renowned chef Emeril Lagasse
Emeril Lagasse April 8 at The Hotel at Auburn University
and Dixon Conference Center. Lagasse is the chef and proprietor of 11 restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas, Miramar Beach, Florida and at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem in Pennsylvania. He is a national TV personality, See Lagasse, page A10
See Sundilla, page A10
Monday-Tuesday 11 AM - 3 PM Wednesday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM
pelika O Observer
A10 February 20, 2019
Auburn,
from A7
dining hall, will be located where Parker Hall and Allison Laboratory currently stand. The ACLC is scheduled for completion in summer
Lagasse,
from A9
having hosted more than 2,000 shows on the Food Network and is the food correspondent for ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Lagasse has appeared as a guest judge in four seasons of Bravo’s hit series, “Top Chef,” was a co-host on the 10th season of the “Rachael Ray Show,” and has appeared on the Cooking Channel with five seasons of “Emeril’s Florida.” Lagasse is the bestselling author of 19 cookbooks, including the latest, “Essential Emeril: Favorite Recipes and Hard-Won Wisdom from My Life
2021. Construction of an 800-seat central dining hall will begin this spring following demolition of Allison. The three-story facility will include six food stations, two commercial dining venues and four flexible spaces where faculty and staff can
meet with students. It is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2020. The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center will provide students interested in hospitality and culinary sciences with hands-on learning experiences in a teaching hotel and a
teaching restaurant, as well as a range of classrooms and demonstration and food production laboratories. Construction of the 142,000-square-foot facility at the corner of South College Street and East Thach Avenue will begin after a ground-
breaking ceremony in April and is expected to be completed in 2021. The Advanced Structural Testing Laboratory will be a 41,500-square-foot facility, boosting a high bay laboratory with specially engineered floors and walls capable of han-
dling extreme structural testing loads; a geotechnical test chamber; a concrete materials research and testing laboratory; a wind testing facility and faculty and graduate student spaces. For more information, visit www. auburn.edu.
in the Kitchen.” He established the Emeril Lagasse Foundation in 2002 to support children’s educational programs that inspire and mentor young people through the culinary arts, nutrition, healthy eating and important life skills. To date, the foundation has distributed $10 million benefitting children’s charities in New Orleans, Las Vegas and on the Gulf Coast. In 2013, the James Beard Foundation recognized Lagasse as the Humanitarian of the Year for his dedicated efforts to further the culinary arts in America, as well as his philanthropic work. Lagasse’s restaurant company, Emeril’s
Homebase, is in New Orleans and houses culinary operations and a test kitchen for recipe development. The morning symposia will begin at 10 a.m., with Olivia Hails and “The Science of Negotiating: A Guide for Women.” She is the Southern Division Retirement Director with Janus Henderson’s Defined Contribution and Wealth Advisor Services Team in Atlanta. In this role, Hails consults with financial advisors, platform partners and Janus Henderson directors to navigate today’s complex retirement landscape. Teri Lovelace will present “Social Impact Investing” at 11 a.m. She is president of LOCUS Impact Invest-
ing, a social enterprise empowering placefocused institutions to invest their assets locally to build vibrant and prosperous communities. Lovelace has more than 27 years of experience in the philanthropic, mission investing and nonprofit sector. The luncheon featuring Lagasse will follow the symposia at noon. Because of construction in the hotel parking lot, attendees should arrive early or park off-site. Complementary valet parking is available. Individual, openseating reservations for the luncheon are $125 and a platinum pair of reservations is available for $1,000. Reserved sponsorship
tables of 10 seats are available in the following price structure: Gold Table, $1,500; Platinum Table, $5,000 and Diamond Table, $10,000. Reservations and sponsorships may be purchased at www. carycenter.auburn.edu/ wpb About the Women’s Philanthropy Board The Women’s Philanthropy Board, or WPB, is the flagship division of the Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies, an academic center in Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences. In addition to hosting educational outreach programs, WPB sponsors mentoring initiatives for Auburn
students and practices collective philanthropy by supporting scholarships and philanthropic impact grants. Since its establishment in 2002, WPB has provided more than $700,000 to support student scholarships, faculty and programs in the College of Human Sciences. WPB is funded through the generous support of more than 200 individuals and corporate and business partners. WPB’s 2018-19 educational programs are sponsored by Alabama Power. For more information about the Women’s Philanthropy Board or the 2018 Spring Symposium and Luncheon, call 334-844-3524 or email wpbchs1@auburn.edu.
Sundilla,
from A9
Anthony’s ultimate direction. After marrying musical partner Savana Lee and settling down in the rural southern Alabama town of Loxley and having three children, Anthony is well planted in fertile soil. His focus now lies in his family which led him to create Admiral Bean Studio and Baldwin County Public Records. It is what now drives him as well as enables him to spend more time at home while continuing to explore all creative avenues. When he and Savana are not together performing as Sugarcane Jane, they are performing with Willie Sugarcapps, and or recording CDs in the studio. Showtime at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is set for 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at Spicer’s Music, World Cup Coffee and online at sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door is $20. Sundilla organizers will provide free coffee, tea, water and food, and attendees are always welcome to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer. For more information, go to www. sundillamusic.com. The venue is located at 450 W. Thach Ave.
Kreher Preserve and Nature Center staff, volunteers work to improve park’s bird housing and habitat Special to the Opelika Observer Staff and volunteers at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center are working hard to build a number of new houses and habitats for the countless birds that frequent the 120-acre outdoor forest. Since the Alabama Birding Trails added the site to its lineup last summer, the birds have drawn in their biggest audience ever, so the changes couldn’t come at a better time. “We have an incredible diversity of birds and wildlife on the property of the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center but now it’s being recognized on a broader level,” said Michael Buckman, who came on board as the facility’s manager in November. The center is operated by Auburn
University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. Kreher’s project for Tiger Giving Day, a 24-hour online funding event on Feb. 21, is focused on birding. The project includes installing houses for purple martins—a bird species that, like many that once flourished, is declining—as well as at least 15 bluebird houses, and houses for wood ducks and raptors such as the screech owl and the barred owl. There will also be new birding signage throughout the site that educates visitors about the diversity and life history of the bird species they may find while exploring. Buckman said the inclusion in the Alabama Birding Trails, specifically its Piedmont Plateau region, is putting Kreher, and the approximately 80 bird species
that visit it during the year, in the spotlight. It ensures increasing recognition of the preserve as a go-to wildlife preservation and education hub as well as a great place for hiking and simply enjoying nature. With about 60 million birders and birdwatchers in the U.S., the activity is among the fastest-growing outdoor pastimes in the nation. Bird lovers spend about $40 billion annually on travel and equipment, and they are among the strongest advocates for preservation of bird populations, particularly those that are in decline. Lew Scharpf, a community volunteer and lifelong birder, Scharpf estimates he has seen 400 to 500 bird species and has photographed about 250, including around 50 at Kreher alone. He posts
his birding adventures on his YouTube channel, which he says has put him in contact with birders around the country. Buckman stressed the urgency of the projects now underway. “These birds would not exist without proper habitat,” he said. “As native vegetation and food sources continue to diminish all over the world, bird species are declining, even those we don’t think of as ‘going extinct.’ Within our rapidly developing geographic area, the Kreher Preserve serves as a bird sanctuary—providing a convenient opportunity for people to learn about and enjoy many species not commonly found in suburbia.” For more information, visit wp.auburn.edu/preserve/.
pelika O Observer Recipes,
from A9 and vegetables if they are offered and see you eating them. Healthy nutrition for your children starts with yourself. Give yourself that time and self-discipline to eat healthy foods and make that the option.” She suggests seasoning vegetables well and adding a little oil or butter to enhance the flavor. Instead of boiling broccoli, she prefers to oven roast the vegetable. “Some people think healthy means eating bland foods, but that is not true,” she said. For snacks, she recommends oranges, grapes and bananas for children. “If they want a granola bar or goldfish snacks, that is alright sometimes,” she added, “but I always try to offer things like fruit, cheese or rolled up luncheon meat that is not just junk food.” Goldfish and graham crackers aren’t that bad, but they are not full of nutrition. They are empty calories. Children will learn to eat those things if that is their option. “If you have fruit, Little Debbie Cookies and cakes at your house, children are going to choose the Debbie Snacks and cakes, not the fruit.” When asked about their favorite food, Wynton said he likes green beans, while Emmy said her favorite is broccoli. Allison feels people often confuse eating healthy as being more expensive. She tells class members if they find items on sale, it is not more expensive. While it takes more time to prepare and cook, the bottom line is it is less expensive than picking up junk food at a grocery store or drive through. During the winter months, Allison makes soups and puts the leftovers in the crock-pot on low or warm to have it ready to serve when she comes home from work. Joseph, who is a pharmacist at Main Drug Store in Union Springs, also cooks. He grew in Dothan a couple of blocks from Allison, but they did not meet until they were students at Auburn. His mother was also a dietician and enjoyed cooking for her eight children. If Allison is working on Joseph’s day off, he will cook dinner. One of his favorite recipes to prepare is Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken. He will brown the chicken in a skillet and finish in the oven or cook it on a Green Egg. Both Joseph and
Allison enjoy growing vegetables and herbs. Allison is close to her grandparents in Texas, “ReRe and Baboo,” who always have a garden, and she relies on their suggestions on gardening. “It is important to me to cook for my family,” Allison said. “It is a way I care for them and love them by cooking a balanced meal. I also think it is more than just for health. God gave us food not just to eat for our health but for enjoyment; I think you can have both.” “When we eat at the table,” she added, “we find we are able to talk to each other. The kids will say things without asking. We can talk about the good and bad parts of our day. It is something really special.” “If we didn’t sit at the table, we wouldn’t have these conversations,” Allison said. “The kids say the cutest things they wouldn’t have said if we were sitting in front of the television.” Allison’s Healthy Eating Tips • Plan ahead and make a menu for the week, making a shopping list for items you will need. • Include on your list items for a healthy breakfast and healthy snacks. Ideas are eggs, oatmeal, toast, peanut butter, yogurt and fresh fruit. • When you go to the grocery store, never go on an empty stomach, and try to stick with the items on your list. • A budget saving tip is to make your menu with the grocery store’s weekly ad, so you can know what produce and meats are on sale. • Take a couple of hours and prep your meals (wash veggies, chop, assemble dishes) on a day off so that when you are busy you will have things semi-prepared. • Stick to your meal plan. Resist the urge to grab a bite to eat at a drive through. Instead, eat what is at your house, even if it may take a few extra minutes to prepare. • Involve the entire family, if possible, in making the menu and preparing the meals. This will allow your children to learn how to cook. They may be more inclined to try something new if they helped prepare it. • Sit at the dinner table together, with phones put away and turn the television off for at least two week day meals (or more if possible!). • If time allows, go for a 10-15 minute walk after meals to help digestion and blood glucose regulation. Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com
Chili 1 lb. ground turkey or lean ground beef ½ lb. Italian sausage 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1 bell pepper, diced 1 Tbsp. flour 4 cups low sodium beef broth 1 can black beans 1 can pinto beans 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can crushed tomatoes 1 can Rotel tomatoes 1 small can tomato paste 1 packet chili seasoning 1 bay leaf Brown meat and drain excess fat. Add in onions and peppers until tender. Add flour and stir; allow to cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add broth and continue to stir. Add in the remaining ingredients and simmer on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove bay leaf before serving. Enjoy with homemade cornbread or grilled cheese! Tomato Basil Soup 2 Tbsp. olive oil or canola oil 2-3 shallots or 1 small yellow onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cans Italian style diced tomatoes 4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth 4 Tbsp. fresh basil or 2 teaspoons of dried basil 1 cup half and half Heat oil over medium heat and add in shallots (or onions) and cook until tender. Add in garlic. Add the tomatoes and broth and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup. Before serving add in the half and half and basil. Lemon Dill Soup by Shuana Niquist 2 cups chopped onion 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped celery Olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 6 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth ½ cup brown rice (uncooked) 2 cups cooked chicken and shredded ¼ cup juice from fresh lemon 4 sprigs fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 to 2 tsp. dried dill) Salt and pepper Over medium heat, pour in oil and sauté onion, celery and carrots until soft. Add garlic. Add broth and rice and allow rice to cook most of the way though. Five minutes before rice is cooked through, add chicken and lemon juice and dill. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chicken Divan Soup 1 Tbsp. olive oil or canola oil 1 medium onion,
chopped 1/8 cup all-purpose flour 4 cups low sodium chicken broth 1 large head fresh broccoli, or frozen 2 cups cooked chicken and shredded 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can of evaporated milk 1 tsp. curry powder 1 tsp. lemon juice Cooked rice Shredded cheddar cheese Over medium heat, pour in oil and sauté onion until soft. Add in flour and allow to cook for 1-2 minutes. Add in, slowly, broth and broccoli. Allow broccoli to cook for about 10 minutes and then add in the remaining ingredients except rice and cheese. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serve over cooked rice and sprinkle with shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Note: The soup is also good served without the rice and cheese. Ricotta Stuffed Chicken Breasts 2 large chicken breasts 15 oz. container ricotta cheese 1 egg 1 tsp. oregano 1 tsp. Italian seasoning blend ¼ cup Parmesan cheese 1 jar marinara sauce 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Pound out chicken breasts to make them about ¾ to 1 inch thick. In a small bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg and oregano. Salt and pepper chicken breast on both sides. Add oregano to chicken. Place chicken on 9 x 13 baking dish and place half the ricotta mixture on each chicken breast and fold it over. Pour the jar of marinara sauce over chicken and around the sides. Cover in foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Take foil off and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Allow cheese to melt and/ or until chicken is thoroughly cooked through (165 degrees internal temperature). Serve alone with a side salad or add spaghetti squash for an extra special taste! Darlin’s Enchiladas 1 lb. ground turkey or ground beef ½ medium onion, chopped ½ large bell pepper, chopped ½ poblano pepper, chopped 1 small can diced chili peppers 8 corn and flour tortilla blend 1 can red enchilada sauce 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese Brown meat and drain excess fat. Add in
A11 February 20, 2019 onions and peppers and cook until soft. Add in diced chili peppers. In a 9 x 13 baking dish pour about half of enchilada sauce into pan and assemble each enchilada by scooping 1/3 cup of meat mixture and cheese into each tortilla. Place in pan seam-side down. Continue to do this until all of the tortillas are full. Pour the remaining sauce on top and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly hot. Good served with cilantro and sour cream and side of black beans. Sheet Pan Chicken with Roasted Vegetables 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs ½ lb. brussels sprouts, halved ½ lb. broccoli ½ lb. carrots ½ medium onion, chopped ½ bag of small fingerling potatoes (or 3-4 red potatoes), chopped 2 Tbsp. olive oil Salt and pepper 1-2 Tbsp. herbs de Provence (optional or substitute rosemary and thyme) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line sheet pan with parchment paper or foil. Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper and herbs de Provence. Place chicken on pan and then add all the vegetables around the chicken. Drizzle everything well with olive oil. Cook for 40-50 minutes until chicken is done and vegetables are tender. Super quick and easy meal that is sure to please the entire family! Roasted Curry Carrots 1 lb. carrots, sliced 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp. curry powder 1 Tbsp. honey Garlic powder, salt and pepper Mix carrots with all the ingredients and place of sheet pan. Roast in oven at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until carrots are tender. A kid favorite! Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Cheese Stuffing: 1 egg 4 oz. goat cheese 4 oz. feta cheese 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp. each parsley, tarragon, thyme 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 2 large chicken breast (or 4 small ones), flattened out Salt and pepper both sides of chicken. Mix all ingredients for cheese stuffing together in a small bowl. Add about 1/2 of the mixture to one side of each chicken breast. Fold over the chicken breast and secure with a few toothpicks, if needed.
In a cast iron skillet drizzle about 1-2 teaspoons of canola oil. Pan sear both sides of chicken for about 3-4 minutes each side. Place chicken in 375 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes or until center reaches 165 degrees. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies 1 cup butter, room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 3 cups oats (old fashioned) 1 bag chocolate chips Cream butter and sugar together with mixer; incorporate eggs and vanilla. Add flour, salt and soda and mix well. Lastly, add in oats and chocolate. Using a scoop, line baking sheet with cookies. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. For sure to be a crowd pleaser! Vegetable Lasagna 1 small eggplant, peeled 1 Tbsp. olive oil 2 medium sized zucchini 1 small onion, chopped 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey 4 oz. button mushrooms, diced finely (optional) Jar marinara sauce 15 oz. container ricotta cheese 1 egg 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning blend ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese Thinly slice eggplant and place on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt and pepper. Roast in oven (400 degrees) for 15-20 minutes. Using a vegetable peeler, cut zucchini longwise and place on sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Add salt and pepper. Roast in oven (400 degrees) for 5-10 minutes. Over medium heat, brown meat and drain excess fat. Add in onions and mushrooms and allow to cook for 15 minutes. Add jar of marinara sauce. Allow to simmer. In a small bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning blend and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. In 9 x 13 dish, line the bottom with the eggplant, then some of the meat/sauce mixture, then some of the ricotta cheese mixture. On the next layer, place strips of zucchini and repeat the process until all ingredients are used. Top with Parmesan cheese and mozzarella. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly. It is a little time consuming but is really delicious and low in carbs.
See Recipes, page A13
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A12 February 20, 2019
Dietrich,
from A4
Even the principal was poking his head into our classroom. Mrs. Reynolds, the school nurse, shouted, “Hey! Do you know ‘I Just Wanna be Your Everything?’” Did I? I could sing it backwards, standing on my head. My cousin, Amanda, would sing this song at least eighty times per day to a poster of Andy Gibb on her bedroom wall. I sang everything I
Jackson,
from A4 with something to make them sterile, then sending them out into the world not to reproduce. Not sure how that has worked, but there seems to be plenty of orange juice in the stores. However the fruit fly plan was small stuff compared to a program that would create “a world without mosquitoes.” Now there are a few hitches in process. The science is complicated. Creating the mutant gene and getting it into the mosquito is not as easy as it sounds, and it sure doesn’t sound easy to me. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that
knew, including “America the Beautiful,” “Night Fever,” “My Boogie Shoes,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Rhinestone Cowboy.” When I finished, the class gave me a standing ovation. Then, a frenzied mob lifted me onto their shoulders, and shouted “Hip, hip! Hooray!” Outside on the school lawn were red-white-and-blue fireworks exploding in the sky. Well, maybe I’m exaggerating about the fireworks. The truth is, I don’t remember what color they were. Anyway, the next day
at school, I had all sorts of new friends. People actually noticed me, and I felt like less of an outsider for the first time in my life. And I learned a valuable lesson that day. Be yourself, Katrina, hold nothin back, and the right friends will magically find you. I don’t know how it works, but it does. Let this world see how unique you are, and let them all know that you’re not just beautiful. You’re exquisite. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South.
the female mosquito is not only the most dangerous, it is the most selective. Somehow Ms. Mosquito can distinguish between which male is firing blanks and which isn’t. Once that is determined, she will pick Mr. Fertile over Mr. Sterile every time. The thought of hoards of frustrated mosquitoes out there looking for blood is not a pleasant one. Then there are the economic consequences, for if mosquitoes are eradicated, companies that make mosquito repellants will go under, jobs will be lost, families will go hungry, and politicians will feed on the anger. It could happen. And there is the ethical question. Should we drive a whole species to extinction? We
have done it before but usually as a consequence of habitat destruction, over hunting, and such. This would be a program calculated to remove one of God’s creatures from the face of the earth. Think about it. If mosquitoes are part of the Lord’s Plan, who are we to interfere? But remember those Egyptian Plagues? What if God was just so busy getting the Children of Israel to the Promised Land that He forgot to tidy up the mosquito mess? An oversight that we can rectify. But do we want to? Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hjackson@cableone.net.
— SM ALL CH ANGE —
BIG
DIFFERENCE Follow these tips to lower your power bill.
Program your thermostat to 68° or lower.
Set ceiling fans to run clockwise in winter.
Raise your blinds to let the sun help heat your home.
Fuller,
from A4 of meeting him. He is a typical country dog. We aren’t sure what breed he is, but by the loud howling, I’m fairly certain he is some sort of hound. An Alabama hound dog with lots of will and plenty of ways. He is smart, clumsy, and adorable. He makes us all laugh, and I love that. Emily must have figured out how to download the “writing app” (Microsoft Word.) She is sitting in the rocking chair just down from me typing away. A few moments ago she turned to me, sighed, and said “I can’t think of anything to write about.” I laughed a little and told her to start with that sentence and go from there. It seems to work for me, usually. If you’re curious, here is Emily’s story: Sitting on the Porch By: Emily K.B. I can’t think of what to write about.
Pinyerd,
from A4
with the residents to hold, pet and learn more about. Sharing her pets was a conversation and interaction starter among the residents in getting to know each other. 2. Pets provide companionship and company. Man was not meant or made to live alone. Companionship prevents sickness, while isolation can cause loneliness, leading to depression in many cases. Taking care of a living animal, whether it be dogs, cats, fish, etc., encourages one to emotionally feel needed and wanted. It gives one a purpose. We senior adults as well as children can benefit so much from taking care of a pet. 3. Taking Care of
As the dogs lay in the wild grass, and the cat watches the birds, I think “how could life get better than this?” As the wind blows the smell of spring onto the porch I close my eyes and breathe in deeply. How can life get better than this? Jody is enjoying this day. I’m hearing coughs and sneezes echo up and down our road along with the sound of the little red wagon that is hard at work holding our sweet Abby. The wheels are rolling over the rocks and asphalt as Laney, our Jack Russell, keeps her company. Yes, the dog rides in the wagon with Abby, and if you look closely you will see our cat, Maggie, following behind. So if you happen to drive down our road on a sunny day please slow down, because there is a 99.9% chance that you will be greeted by our little parade. Jody has just passed by the house again. This time he stopped and said “Hey, lets pack a lunch and walk down to the river.”
I replied quickly. I rarely turn down a trip to the river on a sunny day. The Tallapoosa River is a part of me now. It’s seen my tears and heard my laughter over the past 9 months, along with that of my husband and children. As the water flows steadily down its banks, the blood flows steadily through my veins, and no matter what, it reminds me that life goes on. I love that river. I better get inside and start packing us a lunch. Jody made some pimento cheese yesterday and I’ve got some fresh bread. That’s a good start. I can throw in some potato chips and some fruit. That should be sufficient for a river lunch. Who knows, maybe I’ll even bring along Cornbread. Lucy Fuller is a lover of nature, animals, gardening, and old houses. She is a full time mother and wife. She currently resides in Dadeville with her husband, two daughters, 4 dogs, and cat. She may be reached at fullalove2017@ gmail.com.
a pet adds schedule, routine, and structure to a day. Pets do require regular feedings. Health requirements of pets need to be met too. Dogs require a consistent schedule of exercise. Having a consistent routine of exercise not only keeps your dog calm and balanced, but keeps us calm, balanced and less anxious. This is important for us as we age. 4. Having a pet decreases anxiety, provides sensory, stress relief. Touch and movement are natural ways to manage stress. In early childhood education, we teachers learn that young children need movement, hugs and pats on the back for encouragement in order to feel secure and stay calm. The same is true as we age. Stroking a dog, cat, or other pets helps us to feel calmer and less stressed. Being
less stressed lowers blood pressure. 5. Taking care of pets boost energy and vitality. I love to watch my senior friends engage in playfulness, exercise, and happiness with their pets. This increases energy for the elderly person even if they are sitting down or in a wheelchair. The simple acts of pet-petting, cleaning, brushing, and feeding pets provide mild activity which leads to more energy and a better mood. If a senior adult is mobile, walking a dog provides immeasurable benefits of cardiovascular exercise. 6. Having a pet can increase confidence and self esteem. The elderly years can be a lonely time of life. The unconditional love of a dog, cat, parrot and other pets can stimulate us mentally and renew an interest in living life to the fullest in our elderly years. Pinyerd has taught young children in the Early Childhood Classroom for 34 years as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings. She has taught and outreached in the schools in the Opelika Community and Baldwin County Community. She holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Child Development both from Auburn University. and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@att.net.
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Recipes,
from A11 Baked Spaghetti Squash Medium or large spaghetti squash 15 oz. ricotta cheese 1 egg 1 tsp. Italian seasoning blend (or basil and oregano) 1/8 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 lb. ground turkey or ground beef Jar marinara sauce 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice spaghetti squash in half (using a steak or serrated knife works best) and scoop out seeds. Drizzle a little bit of canola oil and add salt and pepper to inside of squash.
pelika O Observer Service,
With insides face down, bake spaghetti squash for 25-30 minutes or until fork tender. Allow to cool. Meanwhile, brown beef and drain fat. Add marinara sauce and simmer. In a medium size bowl, mix together ricotta, egg, spices and Parmesan cheese. Take a fork and fork out spaghetti squash and place into 9x13 baking dish (spray non-stick cooking spray first). Add ricotta mixture on top of squash. Pour meat mixture over top and add mozzarella cheese. Bake in oven 20-30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
from A7 ica we know and love today, and events like this are just a way for us to commemorate him and his accomplishments which have richly benefited our society. This will also allow us to clean up and beautify the city that we love and call home,” Copeland said. All photos special to the Observer.
Food Ratings Best Wings and Thingz 1515 2nd Ave. Opelika Score: 97 Subway 1791 Shug Jordan Pkwy. Auburn Score: 97 Guthrie’s 1673 Shug Jordan Pkwy. Auburn Score: 96 KFC 101 N. 6th St. Opelika Score: 96 Marco’s Pizza 1459 Fox Run Parkway
334-528-6191
Opelika Score: 95 Mandarin House 3800 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 95
Score: 100 Zaxby’s Restaurant 2089 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 99
Niffer’s Place Durango 1151 Opelika 1107 Columbus Road Parkway Auburn Opelika Score: 99 Score: 95 Red Lobster Hibachi 1805 Opelika Sushi and Grill Road, Auburn Buffet Score: 98 3903 Pepperell Parkway Byron’s Opelika Smokehouse Score: 90 436 Opelika Road Burger King Auburn 415 2nd Ave. Score: 98 Opelika
www.eamcfoundation.org
Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org
A13 February 20, 2019
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A14 February 20, 2019
Young at Heart Dinner & Dance held at Opelika Sportsplex last week
Photos by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer The Opelika Parks and Rec and the Sportsplex hosted the annual “Young at Heart Dinner & Dance” last Tuesday night. DJ Todd Blackmon played tunes from motown to country to the latest line dance music. It was a night of fun for those 50 years and older.
NEAR HIS HEART a special night for parents and caregivers of those with special needs
JOIN US
02.22.2019 Friday | 6PM | Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Avenue | Auburn, Alabama
guest speaker Phillip Sealy
Register for the dinner and for child/adultcare at www.nearhisheart.org
Opelika Schools & Sports Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports
OPELIKA BASEBALL SCHEDULE • Feb. 22-23 @ Troy Tournament • Feb. 26 - @ Wetumpka • March 1 - v. Brookwood March 2 - doubleheader v. Oak Grove and Wetumpka March 6 - @ Auburn
Varsity girls advance to ‘Final 56’
Lady Bulldogs claw Carver; win 61-54 By Robert Noles Photojournalist
On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell
Opelika’s soccer teams enjoy solid start to season SOCCER Opelika girls and boys Soccer teams were busy last week, playing at home and in Foley. GIRLS Opelika defeated Troup County 10-0 in the home opener last week at the W. James Samford Soccer Complex. Estefany Alba scored three goals while Eleanor Wilson, Amiya Brown, Megan Moon scored two goals apiece. Abby Noon scored one goal. The team travelled to Foley for the “Southern Shootout Tournament” last weekend. The lady Bulldogs split matches, beating Daphne 2-1 and losing 4-1 to Cullman. Amiya Brown netted both goals in the win over Daphne. Kaitlyn Goodman scored against Cullman after an assist from Megan Noon. BOYS Opelika opened the season with a 6-1 win over Troup County at home. Yordy Chavez scored two goals to lead the Bulldogs. Opelika finished 1-1-2 at the
“Southern Shootout” in Foley last weekend. The Bulldogs beat Theodore 2-1 behind Caleb Rujana’s two goals. Chavez scored the lone goal against Baldwin County and Murphy, both 1-1 ties. Marshall Meyers had two assists and the lone goal against Theodore, in a 2-1 loss. GIRLS ADVANCE, ELITE 8 The OHS girl basketball team (24-6) defeated Eufaula 7463 last Friday at the 6A Regionals Basketball playoffs in Montgomery. Both teams started slow because of the 9 a.m. tipoff and the college-style basketball court. The Lady Bulldogs picked up the pace in the second half and expanded the lead to 16 points before winning by 11. Kaitlyn Bryant scored a game- high 22 points. Claire Worth, Ananda Hughley and Haley Sanders scored 11 points apiece. Opelika played Carver in the finals of the Regional yesterSee Sports, page B3
The Opelika High School varsity girls basketball team defeated Carver High School in the regional play-offs yesterday. This win advances OHS to the ‘Final 56’ playoffs in Birmingham.
The Lady Bulldogs’ leading scorer was Ananda Hughley with 16 points, two assists and three steals. Hughley was named the game’s MVP during the awards ceremony following the game. The girls’ next opponent was not determined as of press time.
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Lee County Board of Education honors Teachers of the Year
Photo by Michelle Key/Opelika Observer
By Michelle Key Publisher The Lee County School Superintendent James McCoy and the Board of Educa-
tion recognized the 2018-19 Teachers of the Year during their regular scheduled meeting last night. All 14 schools within the Lee County school system
recognized their top educator. Each of these outstanding teachers were selected by their co-workers and peers. Elementary Schools Robin Fraley was
selected as the Beauregard Elementary School Teacher of the year and was also selected as the Elementary Teacher of the Year for the county. See County, page B3
O.H.S. ‘Walks the Dawgs’ Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Turn to B2 for photos and story.
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B2 February 20, 2019
Lee County Family Court recognizes ‘Characters in Action’ winners Special to the Opelika Observer The Family Court of Lee County held an awards ceremony Feb. 6 for members of its Characters in Action program. This program recognizes children from Lee County who, by their own actions, make a positive contribution that is above and beyond normal expectations to their home, school, or community. Receiving awards from Judge Mike Fellows were: Lawson Hare, Banks Tatum, Madison Winters and Savannah Woodley. Lawson is the son of Jamie and Crystal Hare and is a 4th grade student
at Yarbrough Elementary. He was nominated for Character in Action by Mrs. Fugatt. In Fugatt’s class, Hare has been a great role model to other students, and in particular, a student with special needs. Helping the student remain calm and showing them love comes from his belief that “everyone deserves to have someone care about them.” Banks is the son of Payton and Miles Tatum Sr. and is a 2nd grade student at Southview Primary. He was nominated for Character in Action by Lauren Mask. Banks is a kind and loving child with a true servant’s heart. Without being asked or told, Banks is
Photo special to the Opelika Observer Pictured is Judge Mike Fellows with the latest Characters in Action award winners: Savannah Woodley, Madison Winters, Lawson Hare and Banks Tatum. a wonderful friend to all, including an autistic child in his class.
Savannah is the daughter of Lauren and Travis Woodley and is a 2nd
grade student at Southview Primary. She was nominated for Character
in Action by Lauren Mask. Savannah has gone above and being to welcome and befriend a deaf peer in her class. When given the chance to become an “expert” in a certain topic for a class project, Savannah chose sign language so that she could understand her new friend better. Madison is the daughter of Corey and Michelle Winters and is a 1st grade student at Richland Elementary. She was nominated for Character in Action by Beth Culp. Without any parental influence, Madison decided to donate a large amount of her hair to organizations that make wigs for children battling cancer.
Opelika High School sends wrestling team to State games with traditional ‘Dawg Walk’ Special to the Opelika Observer Seven members of Opelika High School’s Wrestling Bulldogs participated in the state championships last week. Following is a list of results for each:
- Ben Daughtry, 2-2 - Zeak Jones, 2-2 - Cameron Reese, 4th place finish - Timmy Tolbert, 6th place finish - Trint Vaughns, 6th place finish - Bevin Williams, 4th place finish - Cameron Williams,
1-2. As a team, the Wrestling Bulldogs finished 10th out of 36th teams, a collective effort which was its best in nearly a decade. For more information on Opelika athletics, visit www. opelikaathletics.com.
Check Out Our New Tiger Town Location Across from Lowe’s, another convenient location to serve our customers
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer AuburnBank’s Tiger Town Kroger location has 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 three drive-up windows, a drive-up ATM, a night deposit drop, safe deposit boxes, consumer and commercial loans in addition to all our checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts,
Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT
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pelika O Observer
B3 February 20, 2019
Opelika’s Dawson looks to maintain stronghold on statewide wrestling competition as he prepares for senior season By Tyler Roush For the Opelika Observer He holds onto his elbow, a clear wrap goes around a bag of ice attached to the back side of his arm. He doesn’t wince as the wrap squeaks and pops with movement, his arms steady with a calming grin and his head held high. Up until he dislocated his right elbow, James Dawson had an undefeated record in his junior season wrestling for Opelika High School. The scenario was no different, Dawson said, until he and his opponent both landed on the weight of his arm. He smiles and laughs while talking about his injury, remembering when he was an 85-pound five year old in Prattville earning his first victory in a state tournament. It was the feeling of victory that he latched onto, knowing that he hadn’t won a single match up until that
point and knowing that he didn’t want to let it go. “The feeling was so good,” Dawson said. “I was like, ‘I want to keep having this feeling of winning,’ and it just kind of stuck.” Dawson moved to Opelika and continued to wrestle when he was in seventh grade. A year later, he joined varsity and has been with the team ever since. He leans back in his chair, recognizing what it was like to lose and learning how not to do it. Every now and then he’ll get a phone call from one of his teammates asking how they can improve, how they could learn to not lose. He laughs again when remembering one teammate explicitly asking “How do you win?” over the phone one night. Dawson will send text messages, telling his teammates and friends that hard work will pay off and that winning will
come. It just takes time. During his freshman season at Opelika, Dawson remembers getting angry during his matches and doing something off-course that would get him beat. Through the emotions of wrestling, Dawson said that he has learned to become more patient and levelheaded. “It really helps to control your emotions,” Dawson said. “Stuff happens. You can get mad, and as much as you want to pick somebody up and just bring them over the top, you can’t. A lot of that is really just controlling yourself and knowing what you can and can’t do.” Since joining the varsity wrestling team, Dawson would join the varsity football team in ninth grade as an offensive lineman. With the techniques of hand placement for an offensive line and the continuous movement of his feet, the football
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
mindset carries over onto the wrestling mat. And from the wrestling mat back onto the field. “Wrestling is really what translates best into football,” Dawson said. “If I didn’t wrestle I feel like I wouldn’t be anywhere near the football player I am.” Inside the wrestling practice room, head coach Jim Davis will watch as the other players look toward Dawson’s lead. The 6-foot-1, 280-pound junior had been named the team’s captain for the
third year in a row under Davis, with one more year to keep the streak going. “The boys really look up to him,” Davis said. “I let them choose their captains. I put some criteria down, these are the ones who qualify, vote for them now. Who are you going to follow? And they choose James every year.” Why do they choose James? “He’s one of the best in the room,” Davis added. “He’s got a 17,000 IQ,
and they know he’s going to use that. They look up to him.” Dawson’s wrap squeaks again as he rubs his elbow. Every Wednesday morning, Dawson will arrive at the school before 6 a.m. for spring football practice. When he was a freshman, getting up early wasn’t part of the plan, but he knew that he had to get to practice. The younger teammates will arrive, not knowing why the midweek morning had to begin so early. Dawson is excited and ready for another season, knowing that his elbow will be all right and that there are more games to play. In the mornings at Opelika High School, Dawson and his teammates will continue to work toward a winning season. In late-night calls between the Bulldogs, winning is a mindset that you build on. It just takes time.
OLLI at Auburn to host Jeanie Thompson for lecture series Feb. 27 Special to the Opelika Observer The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will host its lecture series titled “Wisdom Wednesday’s” on Feb. 27 from 2:30-4 p.m. at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art which is located at 901 S. College St. in Auburn. OLLI members, guests and friends are all invited to learn more about OLLI at Auburn course offerings, social engagements and initiatives. Poet Jeanie Thompson will provide a presentation to OLLI at Auburn entitled “The Journey
County,
from B1
Fraley is a 4th grade teacher. Beulah Elementary School – Charlotte Smallwood. Loachapoka Elementary School – Sharon Owens. East Smiths Station Elementary School – Dakora Farrulla South Smiths Station Elementary School – Jon McGowan Wachoochee Elementary School – Barbara Lucas West Smiths Station Elementary School – Heather Blain Secondary Schools Zulaica Konz-Gonzallez was named the Smiths Station High School Teacher of the Year and was also selected as the the Secondary Teacher of the Year of the Lee County School System. Konz-Gonzalez teaches Spanish at SSHS. Sanford Middle –
of The Myth of Water: Poems from the Life of Helen Keller” to OLLI members. Thompson published the work after researching Keller’s personal life, less known than her public one, and Keller’s array of interests in the arts, travel, and advocacy for the deaf-blind around the world. In the beginning, Thompson found Keller’s personal life so compelling that she thought the book would only focus on Keller the woman who loved and gave her heart to the world. But as she researched, she discovered that Keller’s life was truly
phenomenal in its interaction with many cultures, and her impact on others was immeasurable. Ultimately The Myth of Water is a taste of Keller’s life, Thompson said. For the Olli Wisdom Wednesday program, she will discuss how she took a journey in historical persona poetry with the book and how that journey changed her writing life. Thompson is the founding director of the Alabama Writers’ Forum, a statewide service organization for literary arts. The Forum is a partnership program of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, and works closely with the council on many initiatives. Since its
inception, the Forum has shone a light on Alabama’s literary talent by creating awards for young writers, the annual Harper Lee Award for Alabama’s Distinguished Writer of the Year, and in 2015, The Alabama Writers Hall of Fame. The Forum is engaged in literary arts education for students in alternative settings as well as public schools. Among Thompson’s literary credits are five collections of poems, an anthology of Alabama authors memoirs (“The Remembered Gate”), edited with Jay Lamar, and numerous articles and interviews. Her awards include fellowships in literary
arts from Louisiana and Alabama, and the Alumni Artist of the Year Award from The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences. Thompson also teaches in the Spalding University low-residency MFA Writing Program in Louisville, Kentucky. OLLI at Auburn offers academic not for credit programs for adults aged 50 years or older through program sites at Auburn University, AUM in Montgomery and the Chambers County Public Library in Valley. Membership includes several benefits such as participation in social engagements, our lecture series, day trips, and other
programming initiatives. OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University. OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property which is located at 1031 S. College St. For more information regarding this event or if you would like to assist the organization as a volunteer faculty member, volunteer service assistant, or sponsor, call Ileeia A. Cobb, Ph.D., OLLI Director, at 334-844-3105, email olli@ auburn.edu, or visit the website at www.olliatauburn.org.
Kammy Gilmer Beauregard High School – Scott Fleming Beulah High School – Lucinda McGinnis Loachapoka High School – LaBrawnski Salter Smiths Station Junior High – Amy Brown Smiths Station Freshman Center – AliciaStonbraker Board member, Larry Patterson offered thanks for these educators and the Lee County school system. “Lee County is on the map. Everywhere you go, everybody asks you about Lee County. Thank you for what you do for our children, Lee County and the State of Alabama,” Patterson said. “We have some great teachers,” Board Member Brian Roberson stated. “They really have instilled some great things in my children but also throughout the whole county.” Lee County Schools Superintendent Dr. James McCoy expressed his gratitude for
the teachers and their daily sacrifice to better the lives and future of students. “There were several common themes from Lee County Schools Teachers of the Year award ceremony: ‘she has a wonderful relationship with her students,’ ‘he goes the extra mile to engage all of his students,’ ‘her classroom is her family and they address each other as family members,’ “his students are actively engaged everyday,” McCoy said. “No matter who was introduced the message was similar. The men and women who were recognized have a calling to be teachers. I thank God daily that he has blessed me to be a part of such a wonderful system and has allowed me to work with great educators. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for all the hard work they put in every single day.” In other business, the board: • approved the policy
changes as presented for the 1st reading during the January meeting for Policy 5.10 – Admittance/Enrollment Requirements, Policy 5.28 – Jamari Terrell Williams Student Bullying Prevention Act and Policy 6.72 – Drug-Free Workplace. • approved the purchase of seven new 72-passenger school buses and one special needs 72-passenger bus. The bid was awarded the lowest bidder, Southland International in the amount of $617,850.41. The funds for these buses comes from state provided funds according to Transportation Director, Lee Lindsay. • approved out of state or overnight field trips for – Beauregard High School’s track team for the State Indoor Track Championship – Smiths Station Freshman Center’s BETA Club for the Alabama Senior BETA Club Convention – Smiths Stations
Freshman Center’s History Club for a trip to the National Infantry Museum- Smiths Station Junior High BETA Club for the Alabama Senior BETA Club ConventionSmiths Station High School’s BETA Club for the Alabama Senior BETA Club ConventionSmiths Station High Schools Special Education Students for the Fort Benning Tri-Community Field Day- Smiths Station High School’s JROTC for the MCSD JROTC Cadet Summer Leadership CampSmiths Station High School’s Baseball team for a 9th grade baseball game in Harris County, Georgia- Loachapoka High School Band for a band competition in Atlanta, Georgia- East Smiths Station Elementary 3rd grade trip to the River Center Performing Arts for a presentation by Doktor Kaboom – Beulah High School FBLA for the FBLA State Leadership Conference in Birmingham- Beulah High School band for a
trip to Atlanta- Sanford Middle School 7th grade for a trip to the National Infantry Museum • approved the monthly financial reports and cash reconciliation for the month of December 2018 as presented by Chief School Financial Officer Ken Roberts. According to Roberts, the school system has completed 25 percent of the fiscal school year, the system has spent 24 percent of the budget demonstrating fiscal restraint and adherence to the accepted budget. • approved several human resource recommendations. The next scheduled school board meeting will be March 12 at 6 p.m. Meetings are held at the Board of Education office which is located at 2410 Society Hill Road in Opelika. All board meetings are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend. Meeting agendas and minutes can be found on the district’s website www.lee.k12.al.us.
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B4 February 20, 2019
Winter Flatlands
A
nother painting completed. I remove it from a wooden board and pin the new gouache study to the studio wall. On the easel, I place a new large sheet of Arches. The evening light fades quickly. In the last moments of dusk light I pencil a light sketch inspired by a winter landscape just down the road. On one recent outing, I took a backroad across several nearby hunting plantations. Along the drive I passed numerable relics, architectural port-
holes to pastime, abandon ruins and swampy winter flatlands. The setting sun pierced the bare tree-line striking the road, fences and still-frosty puddles sharply is hues of yellow and warm white. Along this path, a dark object seemingly tangled in a tree top caught my eye. As I neared, I thought “it couldn’t be..,’ and then I saw. The large bird must have been struck during a hunt. The sight still seems hauntingly strange; the large black fowl caught in midflight, tangled and suspended
I want to remember it. I feel compelled to paint it. Memoirs, cookbooks, and fine antique editions have formed numerous stacks around my writing desk. I clear them. It’s a new year. I long to write more and properly document the things worth contemplation, paint, pen and ink. Books are neatly organized and arranged by respective subject. I retrieve a black composition notebook for letters. The tradition of draft and review before final writing remains
By Sarah West there to die. The treenature’s spider’s web. This image remains with me now. In the days since, I return to this thought and draw from memory in my field sketchbook. It’s quite gothic, a peculiar subject, yet
with me since grade school. Before each letter, I pen a draft, revise my written thoughts and then write the formal letter with pen and ink on my preferred Italian writing paper. This is a new era, a new age in which I strive to refine, categorize and address all things in an orderly, and mindfully efficient way. Believing that each experience, whether initially perceived as either good or bad, occurs to inevitably shape us into who we are and how we react;
I endeavor to keenly observe and practice this consideration daily. The moon retreats. Falling like a white marble on a blanket of cerulean felt, the sun replaces it. Streams of honey pour o’er the cold umber terrain. The sound of acorns and leaves crunch behind the dense line of sapling pines. Cardinals and doves descend from the magnolia to feast upon scatterings of farmyard feed. Up above a large black bird flies untangled and free.
YOUR DESTINATION for CONTINUED FINE ARTS EDUCATION STUDIO CLASSES | DRAWING, PAINTING & MORE for ALL AGES www.thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com
Sports,
from B1 day. The girls defeated Carver 61-54. The Lady Bulldogs will be headed to the ‘Final 56’ for the second straight season. TENNIS The Opelika boys and girls tennis teams
opened the season with losses to Columbus High. Following is a roster for both squads: Boys - Ben Estes, Parker McKay, Dawson Rush, Jack O’Quinn, Jack Whatley, Andrew Hudson and Baker Rowton. Girls - Raeden Gagliano, Laney McTier, Hope Bearden, Kalyn
ASBESTOS LITIGATION If you began working in a
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bus, Georgia. • Feb. 21- Junior Varsity Girls Soccer v. Pacelli at 4:30 p.m. at Sportsplex • Varsity girls v. Pacelli at 6 p.m. at the Sportsplex • Boys v. Park Crossing at 5 p.m at the Sportsplex • Feb. 25 varsity girls v. Brookstone at Brookstone at 4:30
Yountz, Kathlene Trotter, Lily Kucik, Victoria Tufts, Luci Long and Laura Tyson Daffin. OHS ATHLETICS UPCOMING • Feb. 20 Girls v. Brookstone at 4:30 p.m. at Sportsplex. • Boys v. Brookstone at 5 p.m. at Brookstone in Colum-
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Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law, ARPC7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
“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.”
p.m. • Boys v. Smiths Station at 5:30 p.m. at Sportsplex OPELIKA BASEBALL The Opelika High School varsity baseball team opened their season with losses to Enterprise and Smiths Station. In game one of the day’s doubleheader, the Wildcats defeated Opelika 9-1. No statistics or information from that game was provided. In the second game, the Bulldogs took an early lead 2-0 against Smiths Station in the first inning. Zane Faulk hit a solo home run in the second inning to pull the Panthers within a run. Opelika answered with three runs in the second. Jackson Craft knocked in Brody Davis and Trent Fields belted a 2-run home run, extending their lead to 5-1. The Panthers rallied for five runs to lead 6-5 heading into
the 7th. The Bulldogs loaded the bases but were unable to score in the seventh. OPELIKA DIXIE BASEBALL Opelika Dixie Youth is now registering for the 2019 season. Anyone interested in playing baseball between the ages 7-12 years old can register online at www.opelikadixieyouth.com. DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL Opelika Dixie Boys Baseball will hold registration for the upcoming season in March. Anyone 13, 14 or 15 years old can register at the Opelika Sportsplex during regular business hours. Registration runs through March. For more info, email D.Mark Mitchell at foxonthemark@yahoo. com. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
FRIENDS FAMILY COWORKERS MOTHERS TEACHERS SONS DAUGHTERS NURSES GRANDPARENTS NIECES FATHERS AUNTS Looking UNCLES EMPLOYERS NEIGHBORS COUSINS FAMILY COWORKERS Ahead. NEPHEWS DOCTORS PARENTS OPIOID ADDICTION FRIENDS FAMILY COWORKERS MOTHERS IS COLOR BLIND. TEACHERS We share with our neighbors a common WE ARE ALL AT RISK. WE MUST ALL SPEAK OUT.
goal—the health, education and well-being of people statewide.
Poarch provides over 9,000 jobs to Alabamians, pays millions in state taxes each year, and makes charitable contributions reaching nearly EMPLOYERS $9 million annually.
GRANDPARENTS NIECES FATHERS AUNTS UNCLES NEIGHBORS COUSINS NEPHEWS FIRST RESPONDERS DOCTORS We are proud to be a partner in Alabama’s PARENTS FRIENDS FAMILY COWORKERS MOTHERS TEACHERS progress. SONS DAUGHTERS NURSES GRANDPARENTS NIECES FATHER
ALABAMA NATIVES. ALABAMA NEIGHBORS. PoarchNeighbors.com pci-nsn.gov
24/7 Helpline 844-307-1760 COURAGEFORALL.COM a message of the Alabama Department of Mental Health
pelika O Observer
B5 February 20, 2019
Community Calendar: Events around town
• Feb. 20 Ribbon Cutting at Onin Staffing • March 1 - Employment Law Seminar • March 14 - MAX Credit Union Business After Hours • March 26 - Women’s Business Council Expert Series: Bikes • March 28 - Business Over Breakfast - Dr. Joe Sumners • March 28 - Lifestyle Group Business After Hours • April 11 - Genesis Health Business After Hours 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 334-2094641. 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: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 South 4th Street, Opelika • 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 Community 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 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 8261899 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, 7491584. • 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. • 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 nonvoting 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 Ope-
lika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706518-9122. • 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 8261899 or 502-0216. • 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. • 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 lun-
cheon 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 334-528-1076 for more information. New Events • Feb. 21 - Opelika Ward 1 Councilwoman Patsy Jones is organizing a meeting to discuss 8th grade registration for students planning to Opelika High School. The meeting will be held Feb. 21 at Carver Primary School, which is located at 307 Carver Ave. For more information, call Jones at 334-7456656. • March 10 Unique Le U Productions presents “Fight Back” on March 10 at 4 p.m. at Logan Hall on the Campus of Tuskegee University. This play is a compelling and riveting family drama that is explosive and filled with suspense that tackles what children should do when confronted with sexual abuse. “Fight Back” not only brings awareness to causes that significantly impact our society such as sexual abuse and mental illness, it also displays the exceptional talents of members of our local Tuskegee community and was written by our very own local author and play write, Andrea Foye. In the United States, approximately, one out of every four girls and one out of every six boys is sexually abused. For tickets and more information on how you can sponsor this local production, visit: www.uniqueleu.com or call 334552-1825. • March 12 - The Low Vision Support Group will meet from 2 - 3 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center which is located at 2027 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika. For more information, call Shiquita Fulton, M.Ed/Vision Rehab Therapist at 334-705-2024. • April 12 - East Tennessee singer/ songwriter Emi Sunshine will perform at the River Center for the Performing Arts April 12. She is noted for both her vocals and instruments which are deeply rooted in the heritage of Appalachian mu-
sic. Tickets range in cost from $25-$75 and can be purchased by visiting www.rivercenter.org. • Wildlife in Watercolor An exhibit featuring local art students Smiths Station City Hall Art Galleries Exhibition is Open Daily, is Free, Family Friendly, Open to the Public • Sketches from Local History An exhibit featuring recent acquisitions by the City of Smiths Station curated by The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art A Center for Cultural Arts At Smiths Station City Hall Art Galleries Exhibition is Open Daily Free, Family Friendly, Open to the Public •After School Art Classes for Children & Youth Weekly Studio Classes featuring Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 •Afternoon Art Classes for Adults featuring Studio Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided Thursdays at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Evening Art Classes for Adults Fundamental Drawing Studio - Every Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Portrait Drawing Studio - portrait drawing classes for beginners, Every Wednesday 2 p.m. EST *all fine art supplies are provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Senior Studio Art Classes Every Wednesday 11 a.m. EST *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided - Enroll Today334-480-2008 Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.
pelika O Observer
B6 February 20, 2019
LEGALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL March 19, 2019 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the southwesterly rightof-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) located at the corner of West Point Parkway and Sportsplex Parkway. All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing. The portion of the right-ofway of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) proposed to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land containing 0.18 acres located in Section 34, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East; thence N83°23’32”E 5950.38 feet to a point on an old highway right-of-way limit, the point of beginning; thence leaving said right-of-way limit N33°02’34”E 74.48 feet to the southwest rightof-way limit of Sportsplex Road; thence along said southwest right-of-way limit S56°57’26”E 23.15 feet; thence continue along said southwest right-of-way limit S13°11’19”E 79.37 feet to the northwest rightof-way limit of West Point Parkway; thence along said northwest right-of-way limit S33°00’10”W 100.00 feet to point on old highway rightof-way limit; thence along said old highway right-ofway limit N11°59’50”W
113.81 feet to the point of beginning. A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5131 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. DATED this the 20th day of February, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 2/20/19, 2/27/19, 03/06/19 & 3/13/19
NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS ESTATE OF CHARLOTTE KATHLEEN KEYES. Notice is hereby given that on the 21st day of December 2018, Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Charlotte Kathleen Keyes, deceased, were issued to the undersigned by the Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama. All persons having claims against the estate must file itemized and verified statements of such claims in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, within six (6) months after the granting of Letters Testamentary or the claims will be barred. This 21st day of December 2018. /s/ John Anthony Keyes, Sr. Personal Representatives Legal Run 02/06/19, 02/13/19 & 02/20/19
March 4, 2019, and will be opened and read immediately for the following: Sale of Surplus One 2007 Freightliner M2 106 Medium Duty w/Altec Lift Bids must be in accordance with specifications advertised on the City of Opelika website at http://www. opelika-al.gov . The bid is available for pick-up at the Purchasing Department, 204 S.7th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801. Bidders shall be responsible to check for any bid addendums. The vehicle is available for inspection by appointment only Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 3:00pm except for city holidays. All bidders are urged to inspect the vehicle before submitting bids. Call Bill May for an appointment at 334-705-5125 or Lanorris Jones at (334)-705-5126. If you have any questions, contact Bill May at the above telephone number or at the city warehouse located at Opelika Public Works Facilities located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, AL 36801. LILLIE FINLEY-REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 2/13/19 & 2/20/19
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT COURT OF PROBATE ESTATE OF WILLIE D. GIBSON Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 5th day of February, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand, and dated this the 5th day of February, 2019. Steven D. Gibson Cheryl L. Lutz Legal Run 2/6/19, 2/13/19 & 2/20/19
LEGAL NOTICE FOR SALE OF SURPLUS ITEMS BID# 19012 The City of Opelika will receive sealed bids at Opelika City Hall, 204 S. 7th St, Opelika, Alabama at 2:00 P.M, local time on Monday,
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL March 19, 2019 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the northwesterly right-ofway of Anderson Road and a portion of the northwesterly right-of- way of Sportsplex Parkway. All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing. The portions of the rightsof-way of Anderson Road and Sportsplex Parkway proposed to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land containing 0.56 acres located in Section 34, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Com-
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUVENILE DIVISION J.T.F. a minor child (DOB: 5/27/2009), Case No. JU 15-618.02 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any alleged or unknown father of J.T.F. born at East Alabama Medical Center on 5/27/2009 to Joanna Foreman., a minor child. The legal Custody of J. T. F. was vested in the
mence at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East; thence N81°16’14”E 5991.60 feet to a point on an old highway right-of-way limit, the point of beginning; thence along said old highway right-waylimit N32°54’33”E 104.55 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-waylimit S57°23’58”E 112.20 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-waylimit N77°36’02”E 141.42 feet to a point on the northwest right-of-way limit of Anderson Road; thence along said northwest right-of-way limit S33°55’21”W 136.02 feet to the northeast right-of way limit of Sportsplex Road; thence along said northeast right-of-way limit S79°09’19”W 101.25 feet; thence continue along said northeast right-of-way limit N56°57’26”W 136.12 feet to the point of beginning. A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5131 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. DATED this the 20th day of February, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 2/20/19, 2/27/19, 03/06/19 & 3/13/19
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL Mach 19, 2019 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council mee ing on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit Lee County Department of Human Resources on May 16, 2017. Any alleged or unknown father must answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of the alleged or unknown father filed in the Juvenile Court of Lee County, Alabama within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Clerk of Court located at 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801 or thereafter, a final judgment may be entered in Case JU 15-618.02 terminating his parental rights and placing the child for adoption. Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Hon. Harold S. Patrick Attorney for Lee County DHR 223 S. 9th - St., #3 Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 741-0809 Legal Run 2/13/19, 2/20/19, 2/27/19 and 3/6/19
Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1412 Opelika Road. Auburn AL, 36830 on 03/11/2019 at 2:00 p.m. Quinton Foster Unit# F85 539 Boykin St. Auburn, AL, 36832 House Hold Items Mark Brumbeloe Unit# 255 194 Winterset Ln Notasulga, AL, 36866 Books and boxes Mark Brumbeloe Unit# 256 194 Winterset Ln Notasulga, AL, 36866 Books and boxes Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.-
of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the southwesterly right-of-way of Sportsplex Parkway and a portion of the southwesterly right-ofway of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29). All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing. The portions of the rightsof-way of Sportsplex Parkway and West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) proposed to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land containing 0.20 acres located in Section 34, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East; thence N83°23’32”E 5950.38 feet to a point on an old highway right-of-way limit, the point of beginning; thence along said old highway right-of-way limit N11°59’50”W 27.61 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-of-way limit N56°59’50”W 93.03 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-of-way limit N32°54’33”E 77.04 feet to the southwest right-of-way limit of Sportsplex Road; thence along said southwest right-of-way limit S56°57’26”E 112.74 feet; thence continue along said southwest right-of-way limit S33°02’34”W 20.00 feet; thence leaving said rightof-way limit S33°02’34”W 74.48 feet to the point of beginning. A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South7th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5131 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require Legal Run 2/20/19 & 2/27/19
IN THE MATTER OF ESTATE OF JEAN RAINER MEADOWS, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2019-A-067 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Robert T. Meadows, III and Sterling Rainer Meadows, on the 7th day of February, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Robert T. Meadows, III, CoExecutor Sterling Rainer Meadows, Co-Executor Legal Run 2/13/19, 2/20/19 & 2/27/19
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Willien S. Homes a/k/a Willien S. Robey, deceased Probate Court, Lee County Case No: 2019-A-048 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of Willien S. Holmes a/k/a Willien S. Robey, deceased, having been granted to Willie Smith on the 4th day of February 2019 by the Honorable Bill English, 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. Willie Smith Legal Run 2/13/19, 2/20/19 and 2/27/19
special accommodations due to a disability. DATED this the 20th day of February, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 2/20/19, 2/27/19, 03/06/19 & 3/13/19
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL March 19, 2019 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the easterly right-of-way of Anderson Road and a portion of the northerly rightof-way of U.S. Highway 29 (West Point Parkway). All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing. The portions of the rightsof-way of Anderson Road and U.S. Highway 29 (West Point Parkway) proposed to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T-20-N, R-27-E, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE RUN N 00º00’00” W,754.92 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN S 90º00’00” E, 938.10 FEET TO A FOUND CONCRETE MONUMENT LYING AT THE BEGINNING OF A RIGHT OF WAY FLARE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE EASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF ANDERSON ROAD (ROW VARIES) AND THE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLYN W. STROTHER, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 4th day of February 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. STEVE WADE STROTHER and GREGORY JAMES STROTHER Co-Personal Representatives Legal Run 2/13/19, 2/20/19 & 2/27/19
STATE OF ALABAMA CASE #: 2019-A-64 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF BILLY GENE HOLDER, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Billy Gene Holder, deceased, having been granted to Carolyn Pound Holder this 11th day of February 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred. Carolyn Pound Holder, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030 Legal Run 2/13/19, 2/20/19 & 2/27/19
NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 29 (300’ ROW); THENCE RUN ALONG SAID FLARE S 11º17’08” E, 140.79 FEET TO A FOUND CONCRETE MONUMENT LYING AT THE END OF SAID RIGHT OF WAY FLARE; THENCE CONTINUE ALONG SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 29 S 57º07’29” E, 224.90 FEET TO A FOUND CONCRETE MONUMENT LYING AT THE BEGINNING OF A RIGHT OF WAY FLARE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 29 (300’ ROW) AND THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF INTERSTATE NO. 85 (ROW VARIES); THENCE LEAVING SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY, RUN S 32º52’31” W, 75.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN N 57º07’29” W, 256.61 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN N 11º17’08” W, 95.71 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN N 33º02’19” E, 107.34 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID DESCRIBED PARCEL LYING AND BEING SITUATED IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 34, T-20-N, R-27-E, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA AND CONTAINS 0.618 ACRES (26,925 SF.) MORE OR LESS A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5131 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. DATED this the 20th day of February, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 2/20/19, 2/27/19, 03/06/19 & 3/13/19
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID LOUIS GRIEGER, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 7th day of February, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. JENNIFER KAY GRIEGER WALKER Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 02/13/19, 02/20/19 & 02/27/19
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ALICE M. ROBINSON, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO.: 2017-A-164 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of ALICE M. ROBINSON, deceased having been granted to Emma Welch on the 15th day of November, 2017, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Cuma Wells Emma Welch Legal Run 2/20/19, 2/27/19 & 03/06/19
See Legals, page B11
pelika O Observer
B7 February 20, 2019
How children learn
Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer
M
idyear, we teachers and parents assess how our students have progressed. As a teacher, I am called not only to teach the “school smart” of teaching daily lessons so children do well academically, but teach a child to wholly recognize their talents and gifts. As parents and teachers, we must realize that children have natural gifts in one or more ar-
eas and that it’s our job to help our children discover and develop these gifts. What a challenge but a rewarding experience each teacher and parent has in helping a little life develop to its fullest potential. I am delighted at the uniqueness of each child I teach. They have different expressions of who they are and what they do. They do go through the same stages of development at different rates.
But because all young children are different, they approach learning in one or more of the following approaches: visual, reflective, logical, physical, relational, musical, natural and verbal. During this midyear time, this is a very good time for you to assess how your child learns. Step back, observe and provide even at home activities that will challenge your child’s approach to learning. 1. Visual learners have to see and visualize what they are learning. They love to draw, color, and paint. With this kind of learner, a teacher or parent has to plan lessons with a lot of visuals, pictures, and demonstrations. They could look at pictures for hours even as little ones. 2. A reflective
learner usually is an observer and likes to work alone as he thinks concepts through. He/she likes to have their own defined space. As a teacher or parent you will notice this child entertains himself by reading a book, working on an activity for a long time or pondering ideas on the computer. 3. A logical learner is a child who learns by seeing patterns, systems, and reasoning comes very easy for them. They have a sense of closure when they fit things together in proper order or complete a puzzle. 4. If your child is a physical learner, they use their minds and whole body as they learn reading and math. 5. A relational learner is a child who
interacts and relates well with other children. The relational learner has many friends and usually organizes his friends into games and activities out at recess in school or playing in the neighbor. These kind of learners are very good listeners and know how to respond to your questions. 6. When I hear a student humming, whistling, or singing their favorite songs to themselves, I know they are a musical learner. Their love of music expands into their expression in language, reading, etc. 7. A natural learner
is one who loves the world outside! This kind of learner loves to look for bugs, lizards, frogs, plants, etc. 8. If your child is a verbal learner they love making up words, telling stories, and jokes. This kind of learner in my classroom loves to write stories and read them to the class. With all the different approaches I have listed to help you identify how your child learns, keep in mind that the different approaches may overlap because each child is a unique learner. I hope this article helps you in helping your child.
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pelika O Observer
B8 February 20, 2019
SUSCC Bass fishing teams compete in YETI FLW College Fishing Southern Regional Tournament
Photo special to the Opelika Observer Pictured after their top-20 finish are Chace Gregory and Jake Maddux.
Special to the Opelika Observer Southern Union State Community College's bass fishing team had two boats competing in the YETI FLW College Fishing Southern Regional Tournament on Lake Seminole in Bainbridge, Georgia, last Saturday, which was the first stop of their season. The duo of Jake Maddux and Chace Gregory finished 17th out of 175 boats,
weighing in at 15.14 pounds. This qualifies them for a slot at the FLW College Fishing National Championship. Also competing were Connor Crosby and Riley Ear. The Bison Bass Fishing team will be competing throughout the semester in both the Bassmaster and Cabela Boats U.S. college series, as well as the remaining FLW events. Their next event is in two weeks on Lake Norman, North Carolina.
The YETI FLW College Fishing event on Lake Seminole was hosted by the Bainbridge Convention and Visitors Bureau. It was the first of three regular-season qualifying tournaments for Southeastern Conference anglers and the first YETI FLW College Fishing event of 2019. For more information on the Bison Bass Fishing Team contact team sponsor, Jackson Bonner, at jbonner@ suscc.edu.
Opelika varsity boys basketball fall to Carver 44 - 41 last Friday
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
By D. Mark Mitchell For the Opelika Observer Opelika boys basketball Coach John Wadsworth coached his team to a familiar place … the AHSAA 6A basketball Regionals in Montgomery to play Carver. Despite having a significant height advantage over Opelika, the Wolverines struggled to get their offense going against the Bulldogs’ smothering defense. The Bulldogs led 25 of the 32 minutes in the game, including a 26-19
halftime lead. Carver’s JayKwon Walton, a 6’8” Georgia commit, took over the game in the fourth quarter. Walton started driving to the basket, causing Opelika to foul. Opelika took a 41-40 lead after Brandon Howard nailed a 3-pointer with 2:03 left in the game. After several possessions by both teams the Bulldogs had the basketball, down 43-41, with :26 seconds left in regulation. A 3-point shot rattled out of the goal, ending Opelika’s dreams as the buzzer sounded. Taye Fields led Opelika with 21 points.
Wadsworth said he was pleased with his team’s efforts. “Our kids were fired up and ready to play. We were outmanned on paper, size, all the stats….but heart and effort. This team is full of good kids that gave it all they could. I feel so bad for my players, but I am happy with the class and character we displayed.. I congratulated JJ ( Carver Head Coach James Jackson) and wish his team the best, they are good,” Wadsworth said in a post-game interview. The Bulldogs will return all but one senior next year.
Auburn University students place second in ASC Competition Special to the Opelika Observer Rosendin, one of the nation’s largest employee-owned electrical contracting firm, is proud to announce the winners of the Electrical Problem at the 2019 Associated Schools of Construction Student Competition Regions 6 and 7. Out of 10 university teams, students from Milwaukee School of Engineering came in first in Rosendin’s electrical challenge to construct the second phase of a new data
center using Bluebeam® Revu® software. Students from Auburn University came in second and Chico State third. “All these students were so impressive in how they quickly learned the software and developed a comprehensive plan under immense pressure,” said Rosendin Division Manager and competition judge Brandon Stephens. “This was the first time many of the competitors had seen this type of project and we are impressed by everyone’s
commitment.” Rosendin’s Electrical Problem required teams to use data from the first phase of the data center to create a plan for the second phase including manpower availability, equipment, costs, scope gaps and contractual risks. Six Rosendin judges chose the winning team – but not before telling students how they solved the problem in real life. “It was important for us to select a project we actually completed to give students a scenario they might
encounter in their careers,” said Rosendin Project Manager and competition judge Rob Clark. “The students loved hearing how we tackled the project and discussing alternatives.” Rosendin judges had a unique perspective because three of them had been there before. Stephens, Clark and Mark Stone all competed as students in the ASC event before working at Rosendin. Clark and Stone were even recruited by Rosendin at the competition. “The men and women here today are the best of the best in college construction
programs, so it makes sense that we would want to recruit them,” Stone said. “Rosendin has been around for 100-years and we want these talented young people to help us build the future using advanced technology.” The ASC’s 32nd annual competition in Sparks, Nevada attracted nearly 1,500 top graduate and undergraduate college students from 53 schools in Western states. College teams solved complex construction problems in fields such as electrical, commercial, design-build, mixed use, sustainability and more. The event also featured a career
fair with 110-companies recruiting for jobs and internships. About Rosendin: Rosendin, headquartered in San Jose, Califorinia is an employee-owned electrical contractor. With revenues upwards of $2 billion, Rosendin is one of the largest electrical contractors in the United States employing over 6,000 people. For 100 years, Rosendin has created a reputation for building quality electrical and communications installations, building value for clients, and building people within the company. For more information, visit www.rosendin.com.
Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Inside the Statehouse Alabama leads the way with female government leadership: Kay Ivey, Katie Britt and Twinkle Cavanaugh
T
here has been a lot of talk about the advancement of women in politics over the past year. It has been suggested that more progressive states have led the way with this change. Alabama can very well make the case that we lead the nation in women taking leadership roles in our state. It is very doubtful that any state in the nation can claim a female governor and a female chief executive of their states leading business organization. Kay Ivey became Alabama’s governor in 2017. She previously served as state treasurer from 20032011 and lieutenant governor from 2011-2017. She was elected to a full 4-year term during last year’s midterm election cycle. On Jan. 2, Katie Boyd Britt took over the reins of the state’s most powerful political organization, the Business Council of Alabama. She is the first woman to serve as the BCA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. She is not only the first woman CEO, she is by far the youngest CEO in BCA history. Britt comes to the BCA from Sen. Richard Shelby’s office where she has been our Senior Senator’s Chief
By Steve Flowers of Staff. Alabama Power CEO, Mark Crosswhite, who chairs the BCA’s Executive Committee said, “As the top staff member for Senator Shelby, she has worked daily with businesses and elected officials from Alabama and the country. Britt has always been a bright star on the Alabama political stage. She grew up in Enterprise and served as President of the Student Government Association at the University of Alabama then graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law. Before becoming Chief of Staff, she worked in several posts in Senator Shelby’s office including Press Secretary. She is married to Wesley Britt, a former Alabama and professional football player and they have two children. As Senator Shelby’s top advisor for the last five years,
she has headed his Judicial Nomination Task Force. She has spearheaded the effort to recommend young talent for the eight vacancies serving Alabama on the Federal Circuit and District Court Benches. As the senator’s Chief of Staff, Katie has managed all of Shelby’s D.C. and state operations including matters relating to personnel throughout his six offices. She has overseen an administrative annual budget of almost $4 million. In addition, as Chief of Staff, she has been our Senior Senator’s ambassador before constituents’ community leaders, industry association heads and senior executives across our state and nation. Upon taking the BCA reins, Britt said, “My heart is in Alabama. Our state has made significant progress in recent years and I am honored to have been chosen to lead the BCA during this time of growth.” Ivey and Britt are not the only female governmental leaders. Twinkle Cavanaugh serves as President of the Alabama Public Service Commission. She has been a state leader for decades. She is a past Chairman of the State See Flowers, page B10
Secretary of State John Merrill testifies before Committee on Homeland Security
Photo special to the Opelika Observer Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill met with Rep. Mike Rogers last week in Washington. Merrill is in town to testify before the Committee on Homeland Security at a hearing titled, “Defending Our Democracy: Building Partnerships to Protect America’s Elections.” Rogers serves as a ranking member of the CHS.
Congressman Mike Rogers issues statements on funding bill; state of emergency Special to the Opelika Observer House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Mike Rogers (RAlabama) released a statement last week after he voted against the government fund-
ing bill. “Securing our borders and supporting law enforcement used to be bipartisan priorities. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. I was hopeful Democrats on the conference committee could put
politics aside and embrace an all-ofthe-above approach to border security, a strategy that includes investing in physical barriers, 21st century technology, and manpower. See Rogers, page B10
Planning commission approves change for monthly meetings Special to the Opelika Observer Beginning in February, the City of Opelika’s planning commission has approved the movement of work session meetings from the third Tuesday of the month to the fourth Tuesday before
the planning commission meeting. This change will allow citizens, commissioners and applicants the ability to attend both meetings with less disruption to their daily schedules. Work sessions normally start between 2 - 2:45 p.m. prior to
the monthly planning commission meeting. Starting times can vary depending on what must be covered during the session. Times for each session are given in the agenda documents. For more information, visit www. opelika-al.gov.
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B10 February 20, 2019
LEE COUNTY VOTERS LEAGUE Invitation to the public
Merrill
Flowers,
from B9
Republican Party. Our 7-member congressional delegation boasts of two female delegates to Congress. Given the fact that we only have seven congressional seats, two out of seven is a pretty good percentage. Congresswoman Terri Sewell has represented the seventh district of Alabama for close to a decade. She is on a fast leadership track in the Democratic House caucus. She is a Harvard educated lawyer who was born and raised in
President Lindsey Bickerstaff cordially invites all the public to attend our next Lee County Voters League meeting 6 p.m. March 4 at Bethesda Baptist Church which is located at 201 South 4th St. in Opelika. Secretary of State John Merrill will visit us again as our guest speaker to update us on voting issues and address our concerns and questions. Our membership drive continues to fund Voters League efforts in Lee County for those who wish to join us. Your kindred Spirits of democracy, Lee County Voters League Selma. Her sprawling district, includes Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery and all of the Black Belt. Congresswoman Martha Roby has represented southeast Alabama’s second district for close to a decade. She too is on a fast track within her party ranks. She is a favorite among the House Republican leadership. Therefore, folks, Alabama does not take a backseat to any state when it comes to females in leadership roles in government. Governor Ivey came out strongly in favor of a gasoline tax to meet the
state’s infrastructure needs in her inaugural address. If successful, she will not only go down in history as the first female Republican governor and first female governor elected in her own right, she will also leave a legacy of improving Alabama economically for decades to come. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers. us.
Rogers,
from B9 “Ultimately, this agreement did not go far enough in advancing those goals. It doesn’t give President Trump enough for a border wall system, provides no new funding for border patrol agents, and limits ICE’s ability to enforce our immigration laws. “I applaud Sen. Shelby and Rep. Granger for their good faith efforts to reach the best possible deal, especially given the difficult hand they were dealt. President Trump has the authority to build
on what Congress has given him to secure our southwest border. I look forward to hearing more about his plans to use his executive authority to do so. I support President Trump’s efforts to keep America safe.” State of Emergency Rogers later released this statement following President Trump’s announcement that he is declaring a national emergency to secure the southwest border. “It’s the president’s job to keep America safe from threats to our nation. I stand by President Trump’s decision to use his executive authority to secure our southwest border. An
emergency declaration will give him the resources Democrats in Congress failed to provide to address the cartel activity, influx of drugs, and illegal immigration flows that have created a humanitarian and national security crisis at our border. I’m disappointed that Democrats failed to take this crisis seriously, forcing the president to resort to these measures.” Background Rogers led Homeland Security Republicans in calling on the Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Committee to pursue an “all-of-the-above” approach to border security.
OPELIKA POLICE DEPARTMENT INVITES YOU TO SIGN UP
CITIZEN’S POLICE ACADEMY
THURSDAYS MARCH 28, 2019 - MAY 9, 2019 6 - 8 P.M. EACH EVENING FIRST MEETING WILL BE HELD AT LEE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION Opelika citizens are invited. Eight weeks of hands on learning to educate the public on the various aspects of police work within the City of Opelika. The department will be taking up to 20 applicants. If you are interested, contact Captain Bobby Kilgore at OPDjobs@opelika-al.gov and request an application. Please include “CPA” in subject line of email. You will then receive an application to fill out and send back to Captain Kilgore. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on March 15. For more information, visit www.opelika.org or call Captain Kilgore at 334.705.5231. 2019 Obs CPA ad
pelika O Observer Heroes Hub of East Alabama hosts employment workshop for veterans at SUSCC By Todd Rauch For the Opelika Observer Military veterans from the East Alabama Area attended the Inaugural Veterans Employment Workshop at Opelika’s Southern Union State Community College Campus last Friday. The workshop was hosted by the Heroes Hub of East Alabama which provided veterans 1-on-1 assistance with resume and interview prep and priority interviews with local employers. Southern Union’s Director of Workforce Development Greg Leikvold kicked off the event by introducing the veterans to his highly qualified team, many of them veterans themselves. “If we’ve done our job by the end of the day, our veterans will have an excellent resume, really solid interviewing skills, and a better
Photo special to the Opelika Observer
understanding of the educational opportunities right here at Southern Union,” Leikvold said. The agenda of the event covered insightful employment topics such as: • current and future career landscapes • critical employment skills • fundamentals of effective resume writing • practice interview sessions • career preparation opportunities at SUSCC. At the end of the day, the purpose of the workshop was to prepare veterans to receive an offer of
hire at the upcoming Veterans Hiring fair on March 29. “We want our veterans to leave here with a direction in mind, which we can then take to businesses and company’s in the area to match them up with the right job,” Leikvold said. “Our goal at the hiring event on March 29 is for veterans to leave with a job, but at the very least we want Veterans to leave with a 2nd interview lined up.” For more information, call Leikvold at 864-704-6272 or visit the Facebook Heroes Hub of Opelika page.
Opelika Rotary Club learns from arborist George Barker
Photo special to the Opelika Observer George Barker of Natural Resource Consultants, has contracted with the City of Opelika for arborist services. NRC is beginning a street tree inventory here, identifying healthy trees as well as those needing removal. Barker will also plot locations suitable for planting new trees. Areas to be included are the city rights-of-way along with public parks. There will be a “community canopy meeting” on Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lewis Cooper Jr., Memorial Library. All citizens are invited to discuss healthy trees in Opelika. Pictured above are Tipi Miller, club member, and George Barker.
Legals,
from B6 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the mortgage executed on the st day of May, 2014, by Jimmy Morris, a unmarried man, as mortgagors in favor of Mike Johnson, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company, as mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book No. 4054, at Page No. 54, and said default continuing, the mortgagee, under power of sale contained in said mortgage will sell at auction for cash to the highest bidder on the steps of the Lee County Courthouse in Opelika, Alabama on Monday, the 10th day of April, 2019, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said mortgage, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: PARCEL 1: Commence at the intersection of the East Margin of Highway No. 51 with the South section line of Section 12, Township 17 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama, run thence East for 695 feet to a point, run thence North 7 degrees 00’ West for 1317.2 feet to a point; run thence North 86 degrees 16’ East for 418.36 feet to a point; run thence North 83 degrees 50’ East for 420 feet to a point; run thence North 85 degrees 00’ East for 15 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel of land to be herein described and conveyed: From said point of beginning run thence North 85 degrees 0’ East for 200 feet; run thence South 07 degrees 00’ East for 220 feet; run thence South 85 degrees 0’ West for 200 feet; run thence North 7 degrees 00’ West for 220 feet to the point of beginning. Being shown by that certain map or plat of the aforesaid described property prepared by Henry D. Moore, Ala. Reg. No. 2470, a copy of said survey being of record in Deed Book 1031 at page 447 in the office of the Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama. Together with any and all improvements thereon and all appurtenances thereunto appertaining. This conveyance and the warranties contained there in a are made subject to any and all restrictions, easements, covenants and rights-ofway of record in the Office of the Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama affecting said described property. Being the identical property as conveyed to Ann Malone from Sallie J. Malone and husband, Yarsie Malone, by virtue of warranty deed dated September 26, 1983 of record in Deed Book 1158 at page 247 in the Office of the Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama and being further conveyed to
B11 February 20, 2019 Joe N. Johnson, individually by Joe N. Johnson, as Administrator of the Estate of Ann Malone Johnson by virtue of Administrator’s Deed filed on January 17, 2003 at Deed Book 2233 page 302 in said Office. ALSO: One (1) 1979 28x60 Mobile Home. Said sale is made for the purpose of foreclosing of said mortgage, paying the mortgage debt, the costs and expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fee. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid on the subject property. Said mortgage is a first mortgage and is not junior to another mortgage of record. Said sale is also subject to unpaid taxes or assessments whether of record or not. Mike Johnson, LLC Mortgagee J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Mortgagee 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, AL 36801 Legal 2/20/19, 2/27/19, & 3/6/19
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the mortgage executed on the 20th day of August, 2015, by Omar and Krista Mendoza, as mortgagor in favor of Jerry W. Medders, as mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book No. 4155, at Page 942, and said default continuing, the mortgagee, under power of sale contained in said mortgage will sell at auction for cash to the highest bidder on the steps of the Lee County Courthouse in Opelika, Alabama on Monday, the 10th day of April, 2019, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said mortgage, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: Parcel Numbered ThirtySix (36) as shown on Plat of Survey of Second Addition to Spring Valley Estates, of lands located partly in Section 2, Township 17N, Range 26E, and partly in Section 35, Township 18N, Range 26E, Lee County Alabama, prepared April 13, 1970 by David H. Miller Land Surveyor, Ala. Reg. No. 6259, more particularly described as follows, to wit: From an iron at found fence corner which marks the southwest corner of the southeast quarter of northwest quarter of said Section 35, run North 89 degrees 12 minutes East 1207.6 feet to an iron located on the westerly margin of West Spring Valley Road; thence run South along the westerly margin of said road R= 201.5’ L= 87.6’ to an iron; thence run South 48 degrees 10 minutes East, across said road 50 feet to an iron located on the easterly margin of said road; thence continue South 48 degrees 10 minutes East 1183.3 feet to an iron located on the westerly margin of East Spring Valley Road, thence run North 34 degrees 50 minutes East
along westerly margin of East Spring Valley Road 539. 1 feet to an iron; thence run South 55 degrees 10 minutes East across said East Spring Valley Road 50 feet to an iron located on the easterly margin of said East Spring Valley Road; thence run North 34 degrees 50 minutes East along easterly margin of said East Spring Valley Road 350.0 feet to an iron marking southwest corner of said Parcel 36 for point of beginning and from said point of beginning run North 34 degrees 59 minutes East along easterly margin of said East Spring Valley Road 176.0 feet to an iron; thence run along easterly margin of said East Spring Valley Road R=460.0’ L=152.8’ to an iron marking Northwest corner of said Parcel 36; thence run South 74 degrees 10 minutes East along line separating said Parcel 36 from Parcel 35, 636.0 to iron located on west bank of Creek; thence run in Southwesterly direction along centerline of said Creek 543.0 feet to iron on West bank of said Creek, thence run North 55 degrees 10 minutes West along line separating said Parcel 36 from Parcel 37, 680.0 feet to iron at point of beginning. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/ OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. Said sale is made for the purpose of foreclosing of said mortgage, paying the mortgage debt, the costs and expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fee. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid on the subject property. Said mortgage is a first mortgage and is not junior to another mortgage of record. Said sale is also subject to unpaid taxes or assessments whether of record or not. Jerry W. Medders, Mortgagee J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Mortgagee 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, AL 36801 Legal 2/20/19, 2/27/19, & 3/6/19
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B12 February 20, 2019
pelika Observer O
Last week’s answers:
2-13 Scramblers Answers: 1. Devise, 2. Surge, 3. Density, 4. Bridle Solution: INVITED
pelika Observer O
B13 February 20, 2019
COMICS
A good laugh heals a lot of hurts. — Madeleine L’Engle
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B14 February 20, 2019
Letter to the Editor:
The Case for State Control of Alcoholic Beverages Special to the Opelika Observer It’s that time of year again. The Alabama Legislature is only days from its opening session, and lawmakers across the state are drafting bills they say will make Alabama better. As in years past, some special interest groups – big-box retailers and liquor distributors – are pushing again to privatize liquor sales in Alabama. By privatize, they mean closing state-operated liquor stores and handing over the sale of all liquor in the state to
private businesses. On the surface, that might sound sensible. Why should the state even be in the liquor business? Look closer, though, and you will see that privatizing hurts state budgets, public safety and health, and even Alabama consumers. I like to tell people that Alabama is not in the “liquor business”; the state is in the “control business” – controlling the sale of alcohol and protecting the people of the state from the harmful effects of alcohol. Last year, the Ala-
bama Alcohol Beverage Control Board’s operations provided $262 million to state and local governments. Most of that went to the habitually challenged General Fund and agencies such as the departments of Human Resources, Mental Health and Public Health and law enforcement. The argument from those pushing for privatization is that the state will come out ahead financially because it no longer would incur the costs of operating stores. That argument is false. Every state in
T h e Q u i n t e s s e n t i a l S p r i n g C u l i n a r y C e l e b r a t i o n
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recent memory that has privatized elements of alcohol sales it once controlled has lost revenue or had to raise taxes. The most recent example is the state of Washington. After Costco pushed through the state legislature a referendum to privatize liquor sales and spent $22 million to make sure the referendum went the way Costco wanted, Washington voters in 2011 approved closing state stores in favor of opening private stores. The result? Stores selling liquor went from 328 to more than 1,400, two large distributors grabbed 93 percent of the wholesale market while big-box stores dominated retail sales, and the state raised liquor taxes by 27 percent to make up for lost state revenue. Today, Washington has, by far, the highest liquor prices in the country. As someone deeply concerned about the harm alcohol inflicts on families and society in general, I have no problem with higher liquor prices. I do, however, worry about already struggling state agencies that assist families and protect public safety and health taking a financial hit due to lost revenue. I am also concerned about the ABC Board’s ability to adequately “police” the sale of what is a destructive substance. Remember, one of the agencies the ABC Board funds with dollars from its stores is itself. Take away that revenue, and the ABC Board would not be able to inspect, license and investigate stores and restaurants that sell any form of alcoholic beverages to ensure their
Godfrey compliance with state laws. Just like prisons and Medicaid, the ABC Board would be dependent on funds from the General Fund. We all know the struggles the Legislature has had patching together the General Fund budget. Let’s be frank about alcohol. It is not just any commodity, and we shouldn’t treat it like buying bread, milk or eggs. Alcohol is a mindaltering, addictive drug. It kills more people each year – 88,000, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – than all illicit drugs combined, including opioids. Excessive drinking costs the U.S. economy $249 billion each year, the CDC says. It costs Alabama more than $3.7 billion. (www.cdc.gov/ features/costsofdrinking/ index.html) Alcohol is a factor in a majority of violent crimes, including rape and murder. About half the suicides in our country are linked to alcohol. Most of the people in our prisons had alcohol
in their system when they committed their crimes. I am especially alarmed by the great harm alcohol inflicts on families. Alcohol is a major cause of domestic violence, child neglect, unwanted pregnancies and divorce. My question to lawmakers is this: Why would you want to make all of those problems worse? Make no mistake about it, that’s exactly what privatization would do. It would multiply the number of stores selling liquor, hamstring enforcement and take money away from critical state agencies that assist and protect our most vulnerable citizens. Who benefits from privatization? It’s not Alabama citizens. The only winners are those who sell liquor, particularly corporate-owned superstores and other chain retailers – based out of state – that see liquor as a way to further increase their profits. BUT, at YOUR expense. It is that time of year again. Spring is getting nearer, and so is the arrival of lawmakers gathering in Montgomery. It is also a good time for us to get smarter and put to rest for good the notion that we can make it easier to sell liquor without all of us paying a higher cost. Joe Godfrey, Executive Director Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP) Birmingham, Alabama