Opelika Observer 2-27-19

Vol. 11, No. 21

pelika O Observer

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

East AL NWTF Banquet

March 1 at 6 p.m.

Buy tickets at events.nwtf.org

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

ALDI to hold ribbon-cutting ceremony Two scheduled for new Tiger Town location March 7 March events to benefit APD’s Justin Sanders Special to the Opelika Observer

Grocery shopping in Opelika just got smarter, faster and easier. ALDI, a leader in the grocery industry, will open its first store in Opelika as part of a $3.4 billion investment to expand to 2,500 stores nationwide by the end of 2022.

ALDI has set the stan-

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer dard for quality and affordability. Now, Opelika residents can join the millions of shoppers who

turn to ALDI each month for high-quality, affordable food. To celebrate the store opening, ALDI will host a

ribbon-cutting ceremony March 7 at 8:45 a.m., followed by its popular Golden Ticket giveaway offering gift cards to the first 100 customers. Shoppers can also sample ALDIexclusive brand foods and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a year’s supply of ALDI produce.

“Everyone deserves great food at affordable

See Aldi, page A3

Keep Opelika Beautiful’s annual ‘Citywide Cleanup’ returns Saturday Special to the Opelika Observer Volunteers of Keep Opelika Beautiful will be participating in the Citywide Cleanup March 2 beginning at 8 a.m.

This local effort, an extension of the national Great American Cleanup program, is an opportunity for citizens to join together in

the fight against litter.

More than 260 volunteers participated in last year’s event.

The Great American Cleanup was established by Keep America Beautiful, the nation's leading nonprofit that builds and sustains clean, green and more beautiful communities. The event is the nation’s

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

See Cleanup, page A3

By Morgan Bryce Editor

The Auburn-Opelika area is rallying behind officer Justin Sanders with two major fundraising events during the month of March.

Sanders, a member of the Auburn Police Department, was shot and injured during a traffic stop of a robbery in Auburn on Feb. 15.

Since the shooting, the community has to come to the aid of the Sanders family, launching a GoFundMe that exceeded its $25,000 goal within the first four days of its posting.

Following are details on each event, based on chronological order.

“Pancake Benefit Breakfast” - (Please Bold This) Niffer’s Place’s Auburn location will be hosting a pancake benefit

Sanders breakfast March 9 from 7 to 10 a.m.

Meal tickets will be available at all three Niffer’s locations in Auburn, Lake Martin and Opelika or online at www.niffersplace.com/pancakebreakfast, and will cost $10 each. Breakfast will consist of a stack of pancakes, sausage and choice of coffee, fountain drink or juice to drink.

Those who purchase tickets will also be automatically entered into a raffle for a $200 Niffer’s gift card. All ticket sales will be given directly to Sanders’ family.

For more information, call 334-821-3118, like See Sanders, page A3

Mayor Gary Fuller speaks at ALM Media Luncheon

DA Brandon Hughes announces arrests in daycare fraud case Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Tyler Roush/For the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor District Attorney Brandon Hughes announced the arrests of two individuals connected to the public assis-

tance fraud investigation of four Opelika daycare centers during a press conference last Thursday at the Lee County Justice Center.

According to Hughes, See Daycares, page A13

The Boar’s Breath opens in USA Town Center

By Morgan Bryce Editor

An authentic taste of Midwestern cuisine can be found at Boar’s Breath, the latest addition to Opelika’s USA Town Center.

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 RELIGION..............................A5 COUNTY NEWS............................A7 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A9

Owned and operated by Missouri native Kevin Medler, the restaurant opened in the shopping center in early January. Previously a competitor on the Kansas City Barbeque SoSee BBQ, page A3

SPORTS................................B1 CALENDAR....................................B5 LEGALS ......................................B6 ENTERTAINMENT......................B12

Photo by Robert Noles/For the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama League of Municipalities executives and committee chairmen met in Montgomery last week with local media to discuss the league’s coming

legislative year. League executive director Ken Smith gave the welcome and league deputy director Greg Cochran gave an overview of the items the league thought were important and look at items the

pelika O Observer.com

See ALM, page A11

pelika O Observer

A2 February 27, 2019

Tax considerations for landlords and homeowners

Mackenzie Kayler joins Opelika Chamber as manager of programs and events

The real estate market is hot, but beware of possible tax consequences

By Justin Smith For the Opelika Observer

More and more people are finally selling their formerly underwater rental homes or upgrading to their dream forever home as the economy continues to grow and as home prices strengthen. It’s a great problem to have, and home ownership is one of the greatest wealth building investments in America.

Short Term Rentals Can Be Tax Free Companies such as Airbnb make it easier than ever to rent out your home or even a bedroom on a short-term basis.

Savvy homeowners can command attractive rental rates during football weekends, graduations or other events in which the demand for short-term lodging exceeds the supply.

The best part is that under the current tax law, homeowners can rent out their home for fewer than 15 days during the year, and take all the profits tax free! You cannot deduct the expenses related to the shortterm rental, but you don’t have to report any of the income.

That’s a great way to pocket free money.

Gains on Sale of Primary Residence Can Be Tax Free Selling your primary residence can provide another excellent wealth-building opportunity that isn’t subject to

Smith tax. Federal law allows single taxpayers to exclude up to $250,000 in profit ($500,000 for married taxpayers) on the sale of their primary residence.

Profit is broadly defined as the realized gain (sales price, less costs of sale such as commissions, less your basis in the home). You typically must have lived in the home for at least two of the previous five years.

Considering how much home prices are increasing in the current market, this represents an excellent opportunity to shelter substantial profits from tax.

The best part is you can take advantage of this benefit multiple times as long as you own and live in a home as your primary residence for the minimum required time. As with most tax benefits, there are exceptions and nuances (such as waiving the two-year requirement for active service members who relocate due to military orders).

Rental Income for Land-

lords Is Complicated Taxpayers who own rental property can face complicated tax situations. The new Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBIC) covered under Section 199A provides a 20 percent deduction of business income, and I have seen arguments on all sides regarding whether you can include rental income under this deduction.

Typically, home rental income and expenses are reportable on your taxes, and items such as depreciation on the home and improvements (land is never depreciated), property taxes, HOA dues, insurance and repairs must be considered.

Mortgage interest is deductible, but the principal payments are not. When you sell the home, capital gains taxes must be considered along with depreciation recapture.

Ultimately, it’s best to consult with or engage a tax professional when you become a landlord.

However, even with taxes considered, renting property can be a great wealth building tool.

You may not “get rich quick” in real estate rentals, but you can get rich.

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.

Kayler Special to the Opelika Observer

she helped with were concerts downtown on the square, shopping events to bring shoppers downtown and free movie nights and watch parties for big Troy football games.

Events have always been a passion for Kayler because they are an opportunity to bring people together.

“I think an event can add excitement to a person’s day by either giving them an experience they have never had before, an opportunity to further develop a relationship or the ability to meet someone new,” Kayler

To start the new year, the Opelika Chamber welcomed Mackenzie Kayler as the new manager of programs and events.

Mackenzie received her bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with a minor in event management from Troy University. She is a Roswell, Georgia native.

Before moving to Opelika, she worked for the city of Troy and assisted with community events and special projects.

Some of the events

See Kayler, page A12

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pelika Observer

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pelika O Observer

Opelika selected as ‘2018 Tree City USA’ Special to the Opelika Observer The City of Opelika was recently named a “2018 Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Opelika achieved recognition by meeting the foundation’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“It is a great honor

Aldi,

from A1 prices. This is our mantra at ALDI, and we’re excited to introduce it to customers in Opelika with our brand new store,” said Jefferson division vice president Shaun O’Keefe.

“ALDI stores are designed with shoppers’ time and money in mind, and we’re proud to bring the community a better grocery shopping option.”

The new Opelika ALDI store layout provides an improved in-store experience and features additional refrigeration space to accommodate even more fresh, healthy and convenient products.

Compared to last year, 20 percent of the ALDI product selection is new. The product expansion is the next phase of the company’s aggressive, national growth and remodel plan.

As part of the product expansion, ALDI is increasing its fresh food selection by 40 percent with many organic, convenient and easy-to-prepare options.

Sanders,

from A1

and follow the restaurant’s social media pages or visit www.niffersplace.com.

“Back the Blue: Benefit for Justin Sanders” Opelika resident Billy Walls is the mastermind of “Back the Blue: Benefit for Justin Sanders” March 24 at Waverly’s Ruffin Farms.

Lasting from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the event will feature food and music

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

About the Arbor Day Foundation The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the program is available at arborday. org/TreeCityUSA.

for Opelika to be once again recognized as a Tree City USA. For 2019, we are working with a certified arborist to access and inventory all trees on city property in Opelika. We look forward to many more years

of a successful tree program,” said Keep Opelika Beautiful executive director Tipi Miller.

Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help

ALDI stores also feature open ceilings, natural lighting and environmentally-friendly building materials. The store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The ALDI Experience ALDI stores are different by design to give customers the best possible grocery shopping experience. A few ways ALDI provides value to its customers include: • Offering a streamlined selection that removes the guesswork from shopping.

Stores don’t carry two dozen types of peanut butter. The focus is carrying the best options at the best prices.

• Making the hottest food trends affordable and accessible and carrying a wide variety of awardwinning products. In fact, ALDI has earned more than 300 product awards and recognitions since 2017 for its exclusive brands.

• Simplifying operations, including a .25-cent grocery cart rental and asking customers to bag their own groceries.

• Selling random items on purpose. Premium food

and household products sold in stores for a limited time, called “ALDI Finds,” are available when customers need them most, like rain boots in the spring or Dutch ovens near Thanksgiving.

This innovative approach has made ALDI one of the fastest-growing retailers in the U.S. As part of the company’s aggressive expansion plans, ALDI is adding 25,000 new jobs in stores, warehouses and offices nationwide by the end of 2022.

ALDI was named to the Forbes list of “America’s Best Large Employers” four years in a row and is proud to offer staff market-leading salaries and benefits. The retailer was also recognized as a 2018 National Top Workplace

by Energage for the second consecutive year.

ALDI is always exploring ways to make grocery shopping even easier for its growing customer base.

Online grocery delivery service via Instacart is now available to ALDI customers across 35 states in 5,000 new ZIP codes, bringing convenience, quality and value to shop-

pers’ doorsteps.

About ALDI U.S. A leader in the grocery retailing industry since 1976, ALDI operates more than 1,800 U.S. stores in 35 states. More than 40 million customers each month benefit from the simple, streamlined approach ALDI brings to retailing. ALDI sells frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which meet or exceed national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI has been one of America’s favorite grocery retailers, and for the eighth consecutive year, the value leader for grocery shoppers, according to a 2018 survey of U.S. consumers by Market Force Information. ALDI also backs up its products with a “Twice as Nice Guarantee,” replacing the product and offering a full refund. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us. *According to annual surveys of U.S. consumers conducted from 2011 to 2018 by Market Force Information®

from some of the area’s best local artists and bands.

Walls, a volunteer fireman with the Huguley Fire Department in Lanett, said he sees the event as a way to help Sanders and his family cover some of their expenses and pay honor to the sacrifice of a first responder who put himself in harm’s way.

“This guy was a first responder who put his life on the line every single day and I just felt the need to step up and do something to repay him for his service,”

Walls said.

All proceeds will be donated to the Auburn Police Department, which they will present later to Sanders and his family.

No food trucks have been announced yet but following is a full musical lineup for the event, subject to change until March 24.

11 - 11:30 a.m. - Clay Ammous 11:35 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.

- TJ Arwood 12:10 - 1:10 p.m. Kyle Wilson 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. - Jessie Wilson 2:20 - 3:20 p.m. - Dan-

iel and McDaniel 3:25 - 4:30 p.m. - Ashley Walls Band 4:35 - 5:35 p.m. Mardee Brooks and Junior 5:40 - 6:40 p.m. - Ben Sutton 6:45 - 7:45 p.m. - Brandon Holden 7:50 - 8:50 p.m. - Chris Posey, Tony Brook, Dallas Dorsey and Matt Cain 8:55 - 9:55 p.m. - 4 Daze Dead.

The venue is located at 3085 County Road 86 in Waverly. Alcohol will not be allowed on the premises during the event.

A3 February 27, 2019

BBQ,

from A1 ciety circuit, he has made waves in Alabama’s barbecue scene since moving to the state in 2004, most notably receiving a firstplace award for their ribs which are known for their signature “rib rub.”

The menu reflects Medler’s barbecue background, with meats available including baconwrapped chicken thighs, brisket, cajun chicken, pulled pork and ribs.

There is an abundance of side options, ranging from mystic beans and German potatoes to smoked corn and Texas caviar.

Opening at 7 a.m. every morning, Medler said there are plenty of breakfast offerings available

Cleanup,

from A1

largest annual cleanup, beautification and community improvement program. Each year, the Great American Cleanup engages more than four-million volunteers in 20,000 communities across the country to take action in their local communities to create positive change.

“For the past 17 years, Keep Opelika Beautiful has coordinated this one-day cleanup for our city,” said KOB executive director Tipi Miller. “Most of these

for patrons, but dishes like the bayou scramble and hot kane biscuit provide a slightly different option.

At lunch, there is a $7.99 meat-and-three lunch combination, with a slight up-charge for brisket and ribs when available.

Other daily specials include Friday and Saturday’s fried catfish plate, which comes with a 7-ounce catfish fillet, three hushpuppies, houseseasoned french fries and cole slaw.

The restaurant is open everyday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. with dinner service on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 5 p.m.

For more information, call 334-749-9229, like and follow their Facebook page or visit www.boarsbreath.com. Boar’s Breath is located in Suite 220 in USA Town Center, which is located at 1220 Fox Run Parkway. volunteers clean their designated roadways throughout the year but this is one day where we all work together.”

Miller added that KOB is partnering with the Pepperell Branch Watershed Committee to host an environmental fair and creek cleanup during the cleanup from 8 to 10 a.m. at Shady Park.

The Opelika Exchange Club will feed all volunteers, and East Alabama Medical Center will provide supplies. For more information or to register, call Miller at (334) 7494970 or send email to tipi@keepopelikabeautiful.com.

pelika O Opinion

A4 February 27, 2019

W

The Ocean Instead

hen I was in the first grade, I had a tremendous crush on my teacher. Mrs. Stejskal (pronounced Stay-Skull) was perfect, and I adored her.

She wore an amethyst ring that sparkled when she wrote on the chalkboard. Her perfume was the exact smell of the magnolia tree in our backyard. And her hair was dark and thick and wavy. My heart’s desire was to be just like Mrs. Stejskal when I grew up.

To say I was the teacher’s pet would be an understatement.

There was no extra work I wouldn’t do, no task too menial, if it meant I could spend extra time with my favorite person.

Every student in our first-grade class had been paired with a reading partner. Mine was a surly girl named Charlotte, whose large hands and vacant stare gave me the creeps.

Charlotte never uttered a word in my presence.

Wendy Hodge

So when we learned Charlotte was moving away only a few weeks into the school year, I was relieved. Because everyone else already had a partner, Mrs. Stejskal became mine.

Mine!

Thanks to my mother and sister, I was already an avid reader before starting school, but it was Mrs. Stejskal who introduced me to Nancy Drew. She owned every single book in the series and brought them, one by one, to share with me.

While the other kids were reading Dr. Seuss and Frog and Toad, I was working my way through The Hidden Staircase and The Mystery at Lilac Inn. Mrs. Stejskal even allowed me to take Nancy Drew home with me, with the

promise that I would take good care of her books. And I did – I treated them like the treasures they were.

Time passed quickly, and soon the end of school was only a few weeks away. Mrs. Stejskal made a big announcement – we would be having a cookout to celebrate finishing first grade, and it would be at her house! I was so excited I could barely stand myself! I marked the days off on the calendar that hung in our kitchen… counting down until the day in May that was circled in red.

Life has a funny way of tripping us up… just when we think things can’t get any better, the rug gets pulled out from under our feet and we are reminded that every up has its down.

Three days before the cookout, three days before the red-circled calendar day, three days before the one thing See Hodge, page A12

Trying to reason with children

L

inda.... Listen,

A few months ago, my sister, "Amy," and her husband bought a new home telephone with all the features, including speaker, where everyone in the room can hear and contribute to the conversation.

Anytime someone calls, they automatically hit the speaker button. I learned the hard way one day when I was discussing something very private with Amy and heard her husband say something in the background.

I find speaker phones extremely rude. Amy will do dishes, help with kids homework or even walk away to another room while we're talking and I feel she doesn't give me her undivided attention. I've tried making subtle remarks such

as, "I'm sorry, but I can't hear you," but that hasn't worked.

Other members in our family feel the way I do and call much less because they don't want a group discussion. I miss the private and personal conversations I used to share with Amy .

Linda, how can I resolve this?

Sincerely, Sick of Speaker Phones in Opelika Dear Sick of Speaker Phones, I couldn’t agree more with you regarding the use of speaker phones. I could

understand if this was a business conference call or both parties were already aware that the speaker part would be used prior to the conversation. I do have a some suggestions for you.

The first is to stop dropping "subtle remarks" and tell your sister exactly what you have told me - including how the rest of the entire family feels about what she's doing.

If that doesn't work, give her a taste of her own medicine by starting your next conversation with, "Amy, remember when ..." and discuss her most embarrassing moment - something only a sister would know.

Hopefully she will get the point and exercise privacy with all of her future conversations!

Good Luck!

Linda

Baby Boomers volunteer their time, hearts

V

olunteering to help others doesn’t cost a thing except your time.

Many of we baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) are entering into our retirement years. For some of us, it might mean that a regular work schedule slows down. Because of the change of economic needs, many baby boomers will continue to work full time and part time.

One model that the greater generation has provided for us is to freely give back to the community as volunteers, no matter how busy our lives are. We have talents, gifts, skills and wisdom that we can share with others. The benefits of a sense of purpose and relationships are so gratifying.

There are things that

By Beth Pinyerd

money cannot buy.

Helping others is one of those commodities. Baby boomers are searching out ways to stay healthy. Volunteering can benefit us socially, mentally, physically and emotionally.

This week, I would like to cover the benefits of volunteering and from a baby boomer’s perspective, share helpful tips on how to get started as a volunteer.

Embarking on volunteer opportunities provides time for you to explore your interests and the “when, where, and why” of wanting to vol-

unteer in certain areas.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself.

1. Do I want to do something I am good at like music, reading, crafts, mentoring, tutoring, etc. ?

2. Do I want to make the community and world I live in a better place?

3. Do I want to try something new?

4. Do I want to meet people who are different from me?

5. What can I do with my spare time to help others?

These are a few helpful questions you can ask yourself once you’ve decided to commit to volunteering: 1. How much time can you commit to volunteer activities?

2. How do you want See Pinyerd, page A12

The Columnist

I

’ll never forget it.

I was a boy. An old man visited our house. He was a friend of our family, though I don’t remember how.

“I knew your daddy before he died,” the man told me.

I can hardly remember that man. All I can remember are the colorful socks he wore.

They were brightcolored, with pictures of dogs on them.

Before he left, he handed me a book. It was a hardback, titled: “Kathy Sue Loudermilk, I Love You: A Good Beer Joint is Hard to Find, and Other Facts of Life.”

I read the first page.

The words sort of jumped off the page and made me smile.

It’s funny what a few words can do to a boy.

I read the book of humor columns in one sitting. Then, I read it again. The next week, I went to the library and found every book the columnist ever wrote.

I’ve loved him ever since.

After my father’s death, we lived in Atlanta, briefly, in the upstairs bedroom of my uncle’s house. In the mornings, I would trot to the end of the driveway to retrieve the newspaper before Fifi the Terrorist Pomeranian made her morning rounds.

Often, I would unfold the paper and read

By Sean Dietrich

my favorite columnist there in the driveway.

Then I would use scissors to cut out the column for a keepsake.

In the evenings, when my uncle would shake open his paper after a long day at the office, there would be a large hole on page A4. And he would cuss.

I loved everything the columnist wrote, and I read almost every one of his words.

When he wrote about his father, I cried. When he wrote about his dog, I laughed. When he wrote about traveling backroads, I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

But time intervened, like it often does.

Mine was a hard childhood, I won’t go into details. Life sort of keeps going. I became a blue-collar.

I never went to high school. And I had a haircut that looked like my uncle Merel had trimmed my hair with a dull pocketknife in the back of a moving livestock trailer.

But I had a friend, and he made life bearable—as long as I could find him in print.

Of course, nobody lives forever. The beloved columnist died of complications during heart surgery. I mourned him.

All of a sudden, the newspapers felt empty without his words.

And so did I. I know it sounds dramatic, but when you fall in love with someone’s words, it’s real.

After his death, I tried my hand at writing. At first I wrote 250-word columns on a Lettera typewriter my mother gave me, or on a legal pad. It was only for my own enjoyment.

The writing led nowhere, I was not very educated, and I had no experience with the written word.

Even so, I enjoyed writing because when my fingers moved on a keyboard, it made me feel like I was no longer the lovable loser with a prison-camp haircut, but a budding writer. And somehow, the written word took over my life.

Years later, I met a middle-aged man at church. Service was over, I was heading out the door. I was late for work.

His name was Michael. He followed me to my truck to pay me a compliment.

“Hey,” he said. “I read some of your writing, and I liked it!”

He actually liked it?

The man went on to say that he had lived See Dietrich, page A12

Puttin’ and Poutin’

T

he legislature of the state of Alabama never ceases to amaze me. Especially when it comes to passing innovative laws to get around other laws. And of all the laws gotten around innovatively, liquor laws are the most innovatively gotten around.

Consider. Back at the start of the 20th century, in an effort to shut down honky tonks, the legislature passed a law that prohibited the sale of draft beer in the state. The theory behind the plan was that, since draft beer was consumed on the premises of such places, not allowing draft beer would reduce the number of premises where beer was sold. (Think about it, and when it makes sense you’ll know you are one of us.)

It probably sounded like a good idea at the time. Like the law that made it illegal to serve a drink to someone standing up, it passed on the logic that if you keep drunks seated they won’t get in

By Hardy Jackson

fights ‘cause no one ever got in a fight sitting down.

But the legislature soon had second thoughts about the draft beer prohibition. (I’m back up on the first point, work with me now.)

Legislators learned that some of the immigrants who came to dig potatoes and mine coal were gonna leave if they couldn’t get beer on draft. So our representatives, to keep cheap labor on the job and the big mules happy, passed another law that said that counties with a significant immigrant population could have draft beer – which is why some off the best seafood joints were in Baldwin County.

You still with me?

Now jump ahead.

In 1992, legislators found themselves facing a bigger problem.

How to keep the rich and powerful tipsy and happy when the poorer, weaker, prohibitionminded majority didn’t want them to be either. Specifically, legislators were distressed to learn that one of their former members was having trouble getting folks interested in a golf course community he wanted to build in dry Marshall County. It seems that the rich and powerful didn’t want to buy into a place where the country club didn’t have a bar. So the legislature passed a law that created dry-county “community development districts” in which beer, liquor and wine could be sold, so long as one municipality in the county was wet.

(That’s another example of a law to get around a law, letting cities be wet when the county is dry, but let’s not go there now.)

All you needed to get yourself one of those “districts” See Jackson, page A12

Opelika

A5

Family & Religion

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February 27, 2019

Seeing others as people first

J

oe South was from just down the road in Atlanta. That wasn’t his real name; it was Joseph Souter.

Joe South was just the name he was known by professionally. He was a songwriter, singer, and studio musician— probably in that order.

Before Brook Benton, Glen Campbell or Al Green recorded Don’t It Make You Want to Go Home, it was Joe South’s song. His voice resonated with an earnestness that made you think he knew exactly what he was singing about.

His career peaked in the late sixties and early seventies. It was a time not unlike our present in that there

through the was a good eyes of othdeal of soers rather cial unrest. than just A controtheir own. versial war He got was being right down fought,

By Bruce Green to the probschools Teaching Minister at lem when were being 10th Street Church of he wrote: desegregatChrist in Opelika “And ed and there yet we were racial spend the day throwing tensions, and people stones at one another, were always meeting ‘Cause I don’t think and marching in proor wear my hair same test to something. Joe South touched upon the way you do.

Well I may be comneed for people to push mon people, but I’m past their differences your brother, and come together in And when you songs like The Games strike out and try to People Play and Walk hurt me, it’s hurting A Mile in My Shoes. you.”

In the latter song, We belong to each South called on people other! We live on the to do just that—to same planet. We have learn to see the world

Church calendar

• Pepperell Baptist is continuing to offer a Wednesday evening program from 6 to 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 at 334-745-3108.

• First Baptist Church of Opelika’s Womens

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

Ministry will hold an event titled “A Night to Proclaim II: Salt and Light” March 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There will be a salad supper served. Tickets cost $10.

For more information or to register, call 334745-5715 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

When Jesus talked of those who were strangers, in prison, hungry, homeless or hurting, He spoke of them as His “brothers and sisters” (Matthew 25:40).

He showed solidarity with them because He recognized that whatever else they were, they were people first.

They were part of the human family therefore they were part of His family.

This won’t solve all of our problems by any means, but it is a productive place to start.

It is also an equally excellent place to return to time and time again.

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

Verse of the Week “Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, He will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’”

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

the same Father. We are part of the same family. What a difference it would make if we would remember that about each other before we thought about our differences.

What if we tweaked our speech just a little?

Instead of saying, “disabled person,” “veteran,” “black person” or “white person,” we started saying “person who is disabled,” “person who is a veteran,” “person who is black,” and “person who is white?” What if we just saw everyone as person before we saw them in any other way?

For us to live with this understanding is what God desires.

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

Isaiah 35:4 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

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

pelika O Observer

A6 February 27, 2019

Two Maids & A Mop meets housecleaning needs of cancer patients

By Tyler Roush For the Opelika Observer

ing For A Reason, a nonprofit organization that provides free house cleaning to women undergoing treatment for any type of cancer.

As a breast cancer survivor herself, as well as having family members who have battled cancer, Akers also understands that having a clean home

At Two Maids & A Mop, owner Nicole Akers understands that no one enjoys cleaning a house.

Since opening at its location at 715 E. Glenn Ave., the cleaning service has been partnered with Clean-

also provides a healthier atmosphere.

“When you’re battling cancer,” Akers said, “not only do you not have the energy to do it, but it’s just something that’s so important to be done because a patient can have slower immune systems, so it’s something that’s very important as well as some-

thing that’s just nice to be taken care of.”

In the 13 years since its inception, Cleaning For A Reason has provided cleaning services for 33,000 women and with more than $11 million in donated house cleanings.

Akers opened Two Maids with her husband, Blue, in December 2017. The Auburn

location currently serves 12 cities across Lee, Tallapoosa, Macon and Chambers Counties.

To apply for services offered by Cleaning For A Reason, Nicole said that a cancer patient themselves, or a friend and family member, could apply on the organization’s website.

“It’s that easy,” Ni-

cole said.

Applications are available either online at cleaningforareason. org or by calling 877337-3348.

“Nobody likes to clean a house,” Nicole said, “so we love to be able to provide a service that can take a burden off of people, so they can do other things.”

OBITUARIES Melinda Susan Davis Fulmer Melinda Susan Davis Fulmer of Opelika, Alabama was born to the late Gloria Chambley Davis Herring and Charles Edward Davis on June 30, 1957 and passed away on February 18, 2019.

She was 61 years old.

She was a loving

Jewell Toney Patterson Mrs. Jewell Toney Patterson of Opelika, AL passed away peacefully Friday morning Feb 22, 2019 at 87 years old.

Visitation was held in the Parlor of Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home Sunday 12:00 to 1:45. A graveside service followed at Gar-

Jim Joe Perry Funeral services for Mr. Jim Joe Perry, 85, of Opelika, Alabama were 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Visitation was held Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funer-

Horris Carson Jackson Horris Carson Jackson of Opelika, Alabama was born on March 23, 1929 and passed away on February 20, 2019.

He was 89 years old.

wife, mother, and nana.

She was preceded in death by her step sister, Delano Ward; step-father, Thurston Herring.

She is survived by her husband, Victor O. Fulmer; daughter, Michelle Lewis (Joseph); son, Grant Fulmer (Rayna); sister, Diane Lee (Charles): step

brother, Bill Herring (Shirley); step brotherin-law, Nelson Ward; 9 grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and special friend, Kathie Cassady.

Visitation was held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Friday, February 22, 2019 from 1:45 until 2:45 p.m.

Funeral services were held Friday, Feb-

ruary 22, 2019 in the Chapel at FrederickDean Funeral Home at 3:00 p.m. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Kathie Cassady and Nelson Ward for the loving care they showed.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

den Hills Cemetery.

Preceded in death by her husband Woodson Patterson, parents John & Ruby Toney and sister Doris Duncan.

Jewell is survived by three daughters: Toni Smucker of Atlanta, GA, Beth Hardison of Port Orange, FL and Joanie Graham (Allen) of Mobile, AL; grandchildren: Brit-

tany Branyon, Eryn Cundiff (Joel) & Amber Skufca (Donnie); great grandchildren: Jude Cole, James Cundiff & Charlotte Skufca.

Jewell was a member of the First Baptist Church of Opelika, an auxiliary volunteer “The Pink Ladies” of Lee County Hospital and retired from the City of Opelika after

24 years of service.

Known to family as a devoted mother with a strong faith in the Lord. We know she is happy now being with the Lord, her parents and Daddy Woody!

She can walk, talk, and eat all the chocolate she wants while dancing and laughing with her loved ones.

May this God loving angel Rest In Peace!

al Home beginning at 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Minister Claude Flynn officiated.

Mr. Perry was a long time member of Shady Grove Christian Church. He served his country in the Army and received the National Defense Service Medal. Mr. Perry was

a member of Civitan and Jaycees.

Mr. Perry is preceded in death by his parents William Henry Perry and Mary Jimmerson Perry. Also, a brother and two sisters.

Mr. Perry is survived by his wife Eleanor Chambers Perry of sixty years, sons:

David Perry, Bill (Jane) Perry, and Joe Perry; daughter: Denise (Terry) Hanner along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Flags for Vets, Incorporated.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Quillie and Flora Bass Jackson; his daughter, Loretta Jackson Dubose and his wife of 65 years, Jeanette Howard Jackson.

He is survived by

sons, Carson “Buddy” Jackson (Vickie) and Tony Jackson (Pam) 5 grandchildren, 12 Great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren A graveside service was held at Gar-

den Hills Cemetery, Opelika, Alabama on Friday, February 22, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Grady Dubose officiating.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

Donald Gary Swanson Donald Gary Swanson went to be with the Lord on February 17, 2019.

He was born in Los Angeles California June 11, 1935.

He was predeceased by his parents Rex and Elsie (Robinson) Swanson, his brother Loren, and his first wife of 43 years, Kathryn (Epp). He is survived by his second wife Mary Ann (Oliver), his children Lynne (Yang) and her husband, A-Sen, Chris and his wife, Cindy, Robert and his wife, Connie, his step-children Andy and Beth Beno, Mike and Susan Tate, and Brent Langford; along with his grandchildren: Jacob, Toby and Isabel Swanson, Olivia and Nicholas Yang, and 7 step-grandchildren: and 3 great grandchildren.

Dr. Swanson was a faithful and active member of Trinity United Methodist Church for over 30 years, was a member of the choir, a Sunday-school teacher, and a board member.

After earning 2 bachelor’s degrees, one in Physics and the other in Theology, at the University of Oregon and Northwest Christian College, respectively, he went on to earn his Ph.D. in physics at California Institute of Technology. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a professor

of electrical engineering and physics at the University of Texas, University of Southern California and retired from Auburn University where he taught for over 30 years and served as Chair of the Faculty Senate. Throughout his career he published multiple articles and books in the areas of plasma physics and magnetic fusion energy.

In addition to his career, he enjoyed family, friends and singing in the Auburn-Opelika Chorale. He was well-known in the Auburn-Opelika area as the “Egg man” for his beautifully painted Ukranian eggs, displayed at art fairs, museums and generously shared with friends and family.

He was devoted to his family and deeply touched each of our lives. He lived a very fulfilling life and now he will enjoy being with his Lord for eternity.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on March 9, 2019, at 1:00 P.M. Visitation will follow in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Missions Fund at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 Second Avenue, Opelika, Alabama 36801. www.jeffcoattrant. com

REAL

LIFE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

EDUCATION Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

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

www.accs.edu

pelika O Observer

Around Lee County

A7 February 27, 2019

Women’s Leadership Auburn University Alum Roberts Committee holds meeting promoted To Farmers Federation at Collaboration Station director of agricultural legislation Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer The Lee County Alabama Farmer’s Federation Women’s Leadership Committee met with members of the Cowboy Club last Wednesday at the Collaboration Station in downtown Opelika. In celebration of February being “American Heart Month,” committee members wore red and ate a healthy meal during the gathering.

The Alabama Farmers Federation promoted Preston Roberts, a five-year organization veteran, to director of agricultural legislation on Feb. 11.

Roberts joins the Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department after serving as Area 7 organization director.

Federation executive director Paul Pinyan said Roberts distinguished himself as an area organization director, earning the respect of members, elected officials and agribusiness professionals.

“Preston embraces the federation’s grassroots policy process and has proven effective in facilitating relationships among members and

Roberts lawmakers. His experience, knowledge and interpersonal skills make him an ideal choice for this position,” Pinyan said. “We are excited to welcome him to the public policy team as we embark on a new quadrennium in the Alabama legislature.”

The Shelby County native graduated from Auburn University with a degree in fisheries and

allied aquaculture and previously worked for the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. He joined the federation in 2014 serving farmers in Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Lee, Macon, Randolph and Russell counties.

“I’m honored to serve our members and farm families in this new role,” Roberts said. “I look forward to working with the GAP Department and state legislators to fight for agriculture in the legislative arena to make sure farmers' voices are heard.”

In his free time, Roberts enjoys turkey hunting and spending time with his wife, Mandy, and his son, Sam. The Roberts family lives in Auburn.

Mike’s Grocery in Beauregard Opelika’s Grand Hotel opens hot breakfast bar Golf Resort named as one of state’s top-15 best in recent study Special to the Opelika Observer

Mike's Grocery in Beauregard recently opened a hot breakfast bar which opens at 6 a.m. Monday through Friday. Options include biscuits, "real eggs," grits and

three meats.

They also serve Southern-style cooking for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with items like barbecue sandwiches and cheeseburgers available.

On Saturdays, they serve Boston butts,

baked beans, fries, onion rings and slowsmoked ribs.

For more information, call 334-7499204 or like and follow their Facebook page.

The business is located at 4435 Lee Road 166.

Auburn-Opelika Camellia Club holds annual show Special to the Opelika Observer

The Auburn-Opelika Men’s Camellia Club held its annual Spring Camellia Show on Feb. 23 at the Pebble Hill Auditorium in Auburn from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The show was a display of the many varieties of camellias that are grown in East Alabama by club mem-

bers, who are celebrating their organization's 60th birthday this year.

Workshops on propagation, planting and care of camellias were conducted during the morning and in the afternoon. Camellia plants of many poplar varieties were for sale.

A dedication of the Tom Corley Camellia Collection of Auburn camellias will be held

at noon on the grounds of Pebble Hill. Members of the camellia club originated this unique collection of camellias.

They bear the name of Auburn people, places and events that are uniquely Auburn.

This collection of camellias will be planted on the grounds of Pebble Hill as part of the overall landscape.

Special to the Opelika Observer With spring break and summer vacations quickly approaching, U.S. News & World Report analyzed hotels across Alabama and named its Top 15 List.

Opelika’s Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa came in 13th on the list, and one of seven resorts along Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Following is a list of the other top-15 finishers: 1. The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa - Mobile 2. Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa - Pt. Clear 3. Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook, Autograph Collection -

Buying or Selling?

Mountain Brook 4. Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa - Florence 5. Fort Conde Inn - Mobile 6. The Westin - Huntsville 7. Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa - Hoover 8. Wind Creek Casino & Hotel - Atmore 9. Wind Creek Wetumpka - Wetumpka 10. Elyton Hotel, Autograph Collection - Birmingham 11. Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel Mobile 12. Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center Montgomery 14. The Admiral Hotel - Mobile Perdido Beach Resort Orange Beach Calculating the Rankings Each hotel's place in the rankings takes into account the aggregate

opinion of published travel experts and the overall customer satisfaction expressed in online guest reviews provided under license by TripAdvisor. The highest-ranking hotels are typically those that both experts and users recognize for their exceptional quality.

To rank hotels, they compute a hotel score based on the following underlying components: Awards and Recognition: They evaluate the number and prominence of awards and recommendations a hotel has received from expert travel industry sources.

A hotel with several accolades may accumulate a high number of Awards & Recognition points.

However, all such awards and recommendations are not considered equal.

Some are highly selective and may apply to only a handful of hotels across See Mariott, page A10

Call:

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

www.thedensongroup.com

Best lunch in town . . . any town

Just $5.95 includes a drink

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

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

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

pelika O Observer

A8 February 27, 2019

Averitt Express employees contribute more than 4,100 hours of community service Special to the Opelika Observer Averitt Express associates recently combined to provide more than 4,100 hours of community service as part of its annual 40 for 40 Community Challenge. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 of 2018, they served 4,166 hours, with 87 facilities across Averitt’s system giving to various efforts including clothing, food and toy drives, and blood

donations.

The total hours were a 40 for 40 Community Challenge record.

“The 40 for 40 Community Challenge is an important tradition for our team, and the amount of service we gave as a team shows the quality of associates we have,” said Gary Sasser, Averitt’s chairman and chief executive officer.

“I’m proud of the commitment our associates have to serving in our

communities, and I’m even more excited about the potential we have to make a difference throughout our network in the future.”

The event began in 2011 as a way to commemorate Averitt’s 40th anniversary. Since that time, each facility across its network is encouraged to donate 40 hours of service to various charitable causes between October and December.

For more information

about Averitt’s 40 for 40 Community Challenge, visit InsideAveritt. com/40for40.

About Averitt Express Averitt Express is a leading provider of freight transportation and supply chain management with international reach to more than 100 countries. The company is a founding SmartWay? partner, and specializes in delivering customized transportation solutions

that include cross-border, dedicated, expedited ground/air, intermodal COFC/TOFC, international ocean/air, local customization, lessthan-truckload, PortSide®, retail solutions, temperature-controlled, transportation management, truckload (dry van, flatbed, brokerage) and warehousing services.

Averitt's technology offerings include a full suite of web-based shipping tools, electronic

data interchange (EDI), warehouse management systems (WMS), and transportation and operations management systems. Together, these services and technology solutions provide "The Power of One" to shippers, allowing them access to multiple transportation solutions from a single provider. For more information, call 1-800-AVERITT (2837488) or visit AverittExpress.com.

Averitt Express’s Mark Belk Opelika Lions Club holds meetings, gearing honored for 20 years of service for annual ‘Pancake Jamboree’ March 9

Special to the Opelika Observer Averitt Express recently honored associate Mark Belk of West Point for 20 years of

service.

He is one of the more than 1,000 active Averitt associates who are members of the company’s “Over 20 Team” an exclusive group of

associates who have served 20 or more years with Averitt.

Averitt’s Opelikaarea facility is located at 701 Westpoint Parkway.

Special to the Opelika Observer Mayor Gary Fuller welcomed Opelika Lions to his office recently to celebrate the 2019 Opelika Lions Club Pancake Jamboree to take place on March 9 at the Opelika Middle School cafeteria. Tickets can be purchased from any Opelika Lions club member or at the door on the day of the event for $5 each. Proceeds from the event help Lions help many Alabamians with sight related issues each year. Pictured left to right: Lion Gayron Davis, current Lion President Doug Hicks, Mayor Fuller, Lion John Jenkins and Lion James Morgan, Jr.

Special to the Opelika Observer Allison Drake, left, certified diabetes educator, was a recent guest of the Opelika Lions Club. She coordinates area diabetes prevention programs from East Alabama Medical Center emphasizing healthy eating habits and staying active to reduce risk of diabetes and many related diseases. She was introduced by Lion Gayron Davis, right.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS: Feb. 28 - David Jacob-Strains March 2-3 - The crankdown in Tigertown March 2 - 5th annual Dyslexia Dash of east al March 17 - Irish bred pub’s all day street festival

Duffy Stewart prepares quick, easy recipes for busy days Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

Y

ears ago, I wrote about Duffy Stewart being an organized working mother. With her children now grown, Duffy has developed more ideas for being organized, preparing quick and easy meals for hectic days. Duffy plans to have dinner on the table within 30 minutes of arriving home. “These meals are not fancy,” she said, “but they are good and healthy.

“When I get up in the morning, I don’t quit until bed time. When I am cooking dinner, I have the television on to listen to the news. Otherwise I

never watch television,” Duffy said.

Growing up in southwest Alabama about 30 miles north of Mobile, Duffy recalls a happy childhood in the small town and trips to Mobile for Mardis Gras in Mobile, never thinking it was held any place else.

Both parents were good cooks. While her mother was a stay-at- home mom who did not let the children in the kitchen to help cook, her father taught his two daughters how to make coleslaw and his specialty dishes. Her mother wanted the girls to focus on homework and

making good grades.

After high school, Duffy attended business school in Birmingham and then worked at a bank in Mobile. Since she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do for a career, she enrolled at Livingston College, which is now the University of West Alabama.

A year later, while she was home for Christmas holidays, her roommate at Livingston called to tell her about United Airlines holding interviews for flight attendants and wanted her to go too. “I went to the interview,” Duffy said. “I didn’t

Photo by Ann Cipperly Duffy Stewart enjoys staying busy and plans quick and easy recipes to prepare for dinner after work. She adapts recipes she has collected from family and friends over the years, as well as favorites from cookbooks. She has also created a few easy ones of her own. A former flight attendant for 37 years and now a realtor, Duffy prefers recipes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.

know what I was doing. I had been on a plane one time. There were 65 girls interviewing, and they took the last two, and I was one of them.”

Duffy and her roommate attended classes in Chicago to become flight attendants. Both girls picked Newark, New Jersey. for their base and later transferred to Kennedy Airport in New York and then other cities.

Duffy and her husband, Leroy, met in high school. While Duffy was attending Livingston, Leroy was a student at Auburn University. They had continued to date over the years and decided to get married. Duffy moved back to Opelika and began commuting to Chicago.

Once they were married, she went back to school at Auburn University while continuing

to commute three days a week to Chicago as a flight attendant.

Duffy worked at United for 37 years, 20 of those years including international travel. Asian countries were her favorite.

Since she enjoys being busy, Duffy took classes in upholstery, painting and bridge after retiring.

When Leroy starting taking real estate classes, she decided to go too.

See Recipes, page A11

Make-A-Wish Alabama, Jersey Irish Bred Pub to host ‘All Mike’s Subs to partner for ninth Day Street Festival’ March 17 annual ‘Month of Giving’ campaign

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Special to the Opelika Observer Make-A-Wish Alabama is joining forces with Opelika's Jersey Mike's Subs location for the ninth annual March “Month of Giving” campaign.

During March, customers can make a donation to Make-A-Wish Alabama at participating Jersey Mike’s restaurants.

The campaign will culminate in Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving on March 27, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales to Make-AWish Alabama.

On the Day of Giving, Jersey Mike’s owners

and operators throughout the country will donate their resources and every single dollar that comes in to more than 180 different charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.

“Last year’s nationwide Month of Giving initiative raised more than $6 million for charities making a big difference in their local communities, and this year, we hope to raise even more,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO. “From the early days, it’s just what we’ve always done — give to give, as they say. This March, I invite you to visit Jersey Mike’s to help support

an important cause in your neighborhood.”

For a list of participating area restaurants and more information on the company's charity partners, visit their charity listing by state.

Last year’s Month of Giving campaign raised more than $6 million for 170 local charities nationwide. Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country have raised more than $34 million for local charities and distributed more than two million free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes.

For more information about Jersey Mike’s Subs Month of Giving, please visit: www.jerseymikes.com/mog.

Downtown Opelika's Irish Bred Pub will be the go-to destination for St. Patrick's Day festivities March 17 with their All Day Street Festival.

According to its Facebook page, the event will include live music performed by local bands, greencolored beers, authentic Irish fare and

more, which is open for the public to attend.

Events like this are part of the restaurant's commitment toward being a "place where people gather and congregate" and "place to build community," according to an Observer interview with co-owner Joe Garofalo last March.

For more information, call 334-3632235, like and follow their social media

pages or visit www. irishbredopelika.com.

The restaurant is located at 833 S. Railroad Ave.

Monday-Tuesday 11 AM - 3 PM Wednesday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

pelika O Observer

A10 February 27, 2019

Opelika band Martha’s Trouble invites fans to join them for inaugural concert cruise Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika husband-andwife folk duo Martha’s Trouble Rob and Jen Slocumb will be setting sail Oct. 6 - 13 on their first-ever concert cruise. Fans of the pair’s much-loved music are encouraged to join them for a special, intimate fan experience on the high seas on board the Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas. Fans must purchase a cabin through the duo’s site on Fan Club Cruises (https://fanclubcruises.com/event/ marthas-trouble-concertcruise) in order to partake in three Martha’s Trouble concerts, meet-and-greet and a very special Q and A storytelling session during the course of the cruise.

The fan club offering is limited to 50 cabins,

Special to the Opelika Observer Get your cookies before it’s too late! Cookie season is coming to an end, but luckily those delicious cookies taste just as great if not even better frozen. Now is the time to fill those freezers full of Thin Mints, Caramel

Mariott,

from A7

the globe; hotels that have earned these more selective accolades will receive a higher number of points in the awards and recognition category. Other awards apply to a vast number of hotels and are thus considered less selective and

Magazine, as well as USA Today, AOL Music, Sirius XM Satellite Radio and Performing Songwriter.

Their songs have received awards and have been featured in the show “Army Wives” and madefor-TV movies on Lifetime and CBS. The duo’s band name comes from a

Bible story about Martha and Mary, one that they say is a reminder to stop and smell the roses and to keep an eye on the bigger picture and the important things in life.

In late 2015, Martha’s Trouble offered some new additions to their holiday repertoire with two digital singles, “River” and “White Christmas,” which followed on the success of two independent holiday albums, Christmas Lights (2002) and This Christmas (2008). Prior to that, they also released: Jen Coates’ Seed Sessions (2014), A Little Heart Like You (2012), Anchor Tattoo (2011), EP (2008), Forget October (2006), Still (2003), Sleeping Dogs (2002), and The Road Ahead (2000).

To sink their roots even deeper into their hometown of Opelika, in 2016

Martha’s Trouble purchased an historical Victorian house, originally built in 1907, in downtown Opelika, and spent a year rehabilitating the structure into a creative studio space called The Sound Wall. The studio officially opened its doors to the public in March 2017.

Since then, the Sound Wall has hosted recording sessions, a monthly supper club, special events, and acoustic concerts, and has been featured in Alabama Magazine. Located at 605 Ave. B in Opelika, the studio entices artists from near and far who are seeking a small-town recording experience in a premiere space, and it has become a special addition to the already existing and expanding arts community in town.

For more information, visit www.thesoundwallopelika.com.

provide programs that encourage leadership, learning and life skills for girls of all ages in southern Alabama.

Girl scouts will be at retail locations every weekend until the program is over. To find cookies near you, a cookie locator app can be downloaded for iPhone

and Android devices.

You can also visit www. girlscoutssa.org or call 800-239-6636 and a staff member can put you in touch with a local troop.

Please help the GSSA continue to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

About Girl Scouts of

Southern Alabama Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama serves more than 5,000 girls, ages 5 to 17 and 2,500 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Gogetter, Innovator, Risktaker, Leader) to change the world. We’re the preeminent leadership development organiza-

tion for girls for more than 100 years. With programming across 30 counties, GSSA offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success.

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

hotels may go above and beyond to earn critic accolades.

Hotel Class: A hotel's class rating – a 3.5-, 4-, 4.5- or 5-star rating – is a general indicator of quality.

However, it is by no means universal. Many travelers may be surprised to learn that a hotel labeled a 3-star property by one publication may be considered a 4.5star property by another.

In our analysis, U.S. News

editors have reviewed multiple sources to estimate the mean-average class rating for each hotel that they rank. In their rankings calculation, a hotel may receive up to 10 points for its average hotel class. The number of points is directly proportional to the class rating. A 3.5-star hotel receives 7 out of 10 points, a 4-star hotel receives 8 out of 10 points, a 4.5-star hotel receives 9 out of 10 points

and a 5-star hotel receives 10 out of 10 points.

Guest Rating: A hotel's guest rating is calculated using data provided under license by TripAdvisor.

The guest rating is worth between 7.5 and 12.5 points in our hotel rankings methodology, with the weighting based on the number of underlying guest reviews.

Hotels with fewer guest reviews will see a guest rating weighted closer to 7.5

points, whereas hotels with thousands of guest reviews will have higher weightings for the Guest Rating.

U.S. News combines the number of points earned by the hotel and divide that by the number of points for which the hotel was eligible. On a given list, hotels are ranked highest to lowest according to the calculated hotel score.

For more information, visit www.usnews.com.

so the shows and special Martha’s Trouble events on board the ship will be intimate and personal for fans who join the fun. Departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, the cruise will visit Labadee in Haiti, San Juan in Puerto Rico and Phillipsburg in St. Maarten before returning to Florida.

“We are so excited to have discovered Fan Club Cruises. What a killer concept, artist and fan together on a cruise ship," the Slocumbs said. "It’s a great opportunity for our fans and friends from all across the U.S. and Canada to join us for a sevennight cruise filled with concerts, storytelling, and Q and A sessions. Plus, they also get to enjoy all that the ship has to offer.

It’s going to be amazing – we can’t wait. Our hope is to make it an annual event.”

Martha’s Trouble, called “a hidden gem”

by Billboard Magazine, is known for its signature sound of folk and Americana, which has been praised by some of the most influential and well-respected music critics. The group has been listed and featured in the aforementioned Billboard

deLites and Peanut Butter Patties.

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) will be selling Girl Scout Cookies until March 3. Each purchase of Girl Scout Cookies goes directly to support the 7,500 girls and volunteers the council serves. Proceeds from the Cookie Program help worth fewer points. Each year, we evaluate award sources and seek out the top industry influencers to take into consideration. A hotel may receive up to 10 points for Awards & Recognition. In addition, up to three more points may be earned by hotels with a higher than expected ratio of accolade points to popularity (as approximated by user review counts), acknowledging that newer or less-visited

Martha’s Trouble

pelika O Observer Recipes,

from A9 Leroy, who had managed a small financial company, now sells commercial real estate for Great Southern Lands. Duffy has been a realter for more than 11 years and has worked for Berkshire Hathaway for five years.

They have two children; Rob, who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, is married and has two children; Philip, who lives in Auburn.

“I have always been conscious of preparing balanced meals for my family,” Duffy said.

“Making a healthy meal on a daily basis is really not as difficult as one would think. Since I work long days as a realtor, I usually cook a meat, a starch and a vegetable when I get home from work.”

For a while, Duffy and Leroy went out to dinner every night, but she thought dining out took more time than preparing a balanced meal at home. She now cooks almost every night during the week, and they enjoy dining out on weekends.

She cooks most of the dinners in cast iron skillets. “While I am cooking a steak in one of the larger skillets,” she said, “I am steaming or braising vegetables in another.

“While I am cooking these foods on top of the stove, I can cook a potato in the microwave.

Sometimes, the meat is a pork chop or hamburger steak. With the pork chop, I might have a sweet potato in the microwave while I am steaming cabbage in one of the skillets. With the hamburger steak, I usually cook rice and make mushroom gravy after I drain the drippings from the hamburgers.

The braised and steamed green beans go good with these meats too.

“For special occasions, I do not mind spending more time in the kitchen chopping and stirring complicated

Empanadas Pastry: Two 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese ¾ cup softened butter 2 ½ cups flour ½ tsp. salt 1 egg, beaten, for sealing edges of pastry Preheat oven to 450.

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Slowly add flour and salt . Knead the dough, cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Filling: ¼ onion, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 or 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 1 small pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water pressed out 1 small container cottage cheese Dash of nutmeg, optional 1 tsp. salt Sauté onion and garlic in bacon grease. Add spinach and cottage cheese. Mix all ingredients together well.

Roll out chilled dough on a floured board. Cut into 3 inch rounds.

Place 1 tsp. filling on one side of each round.

Fold over and seal the edges with a brush of the egg.

Use a fork to press the edges together.

Pierce the top of the pastry with fork to vent.

Brush top of the pastry with beaten egg.

Place on cookie sheet and place on center rack of oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 450.

Watch closely and adjust temperature, if needed.

recipes,” she said.

When having guests, Duffy serves warm empanadas with salsa, as it gives guests something substantial to munch on while dinner is being prepared. It is her go-to appetizer she first prepared for a supper club years ago.

The Greek salad was given to her by a friend when she was a flight attendant based in Chicago. When her friend spent weekends boating on Lake Michigan, she packed the salad in individual plastic containers for serving.

The tart lemon pie is her favorite dessert accompanied with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, while the Crustless Cheese Pie is her easiest dessert topped with fresh fruit or raspberry puree.

The seafood stew is one of the recipes she assembled. When she was working first class on flights from New York to San Francisco, the entrée selections included popular cioppino, which was quickly gone before the flight crew could try it.

Duffy decided to create her own recipe. She serves the Seafood Stew every Christmas Eve to her extended family. “It is my claim to fame,” she said.

The ham jambalaya is her own version of the recipe she made from having ham leftover at Christmas. It can be tweaked for individual tastes.

Being busy, Duffy keeps a well-stocked pantry. “I try to use what I have on hand.

One of my pet peeves is finding out while cooking that I have to stop and run to the store for a spice or just one ingredient,” she said.

“These days I have a new interest in eating right and trying to eat three times a day,” Duffy added. “When I am working, time flies and I forget to stop and eat. I am finding that I can eat good and not spend a lot of time in the kitchen.”

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com

Marinated Greek Salad 3 tomatoes, diced 1 cucumber, peeled and diced 1 bell pepper, diced 1 onion, chopped 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. vinegar 1 Tbsp. oregano 2 Tbsp. parsley 1 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper ½ cup olive oil 4 oz. feta cheese, optional Combine tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper and onion in a bowl.

Whisk lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper until salt dissolves.

Food Ratings MK’s Asian Kitchen 2490 Enterprise Drive Opelika Score: 100 Susie K’s 1801 2nd Ave. Opelika Score: 99 Bob’s Victory Grill 2353 Bent Creek Road Auburn Score: 99

Taco Bell 2400 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 98

Waffle House 110 W. Glenn Ave. Auburn Score: 94

Bojangles 2520 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 97

Brick Oven Pizza 2520 Enterprise Drive Opelika Score: 94

O’Charley’s 2501 Gateway Drive, Opelika Score: 96

Sushi Hero 1642 S. College St. Auburn Score: 84

Whisk in oil one tablespoon at a time. Pour over vegetable and stir to coat. Add the feta cheese or omit if you do not like it.

Cover and chill for several hours.

Seafood Stew 6 to 8 slices bacon, cut into small pieces 1 large onion, diced 8 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 medium can tomato sauce 2 tsp. Zatarains concentrated liquid shrimp and crab boil 1 Tbsp. oregano or Italian seasoning 2 large cans tomatoes 2 cans water 1 pkg. sliced frozen okra Salt and pepper to taste Shrimp, crabmeat and scallops (as much as you like) Cook bacon in large soup pot.

Sauté onion and garlic in bacon drippings.

Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, oregano and crab boil.

Bring to a rapid boil and add okra.

Stir occasionally to break up okra and tomatoes.

Simmer for 2-3 hours.

Add more water, if needed.

Add seafood 30 to 40 minutes before serving.

Serve over white rice.

Ham Jambalaya 2 cups ham, diced 1 small can tomatoes 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 small onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 hot pepper, chopped 1 cup long grain rice 2 cups water Brown the ham in the olive oil. Add onions and sauté. Add the peppers and stir all together.

Add tomatoes.

Add rice and water.

Cook until mixture simmers. Turn temperature to low; cover and simmer until rice is cooked.

Braised Brussel Sprouts or Green Beans Cut fresh Brussel sprouts in half.

ALM,

from A1 league will be supporting in the coming year.

Following were the list of mayors in attendance: Mayor Ronnie Marks, Athens; league vice president and Mayor Todd Strange, Montgomery; league executive committee member and Mayor Gary Fuller, Opelika; league legislative committee chairman and Mayor Leigh Dollar, Guntersville; League Committee of The items that ALM will be working on during this legislative agenda include: 1. Improving infrastructure by increasing the gas tax by 15 cents.

Broken down, eight

A11 February 27, 2019 Rub a cast iron skillet with a teaspoon of olive oil on a paper towel.

Heat the skillet until hot and pour in the sprouts.

Sear sprouts until lightly browned.

Remove from heat.

Turn heat to low and toss sprouts with a teaspoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of lemon pepper, and a half teaspoon of salt and pepper.

Cover and heat on low for 3 minutes.

Tart Lemon Pie The sweetness of the ice cream and the tartness of the pie make a delicious dessert.

3 eggs 1 medium lemon, quartered and seeded 1 ¼ cups sugar 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ¼ cup butter, melted 1 unbaked pastry shell In food processor, combine the first 4 ingredients until smooth.

Add melted butter and process 30 seconds.

Pour into pastry shell.

Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Crustless Cheesecake Pie ¼ tsp. vanilla flavoring 2/3 cup sugar Two 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese 3 large eggs Preheat oven to 350.

Grease a pie pan.

Process all ingredients in a food processor or blender.

Pour into greased pie pan.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Cool for 25 minutes.

Topping: 1 pint sour cream 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring 3 heaping Tbsp. sugar Fresh fruit or raspberry puree or pie filling, optional Combine sour cream, vanilla and sugar; blend together. Pour over cheesecake.

Put the cheesecake back into oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Top with fresh fruit or other fruit topping.

cents of that tax will go to the state, three cents to counties and four cents to municipalities. This money will go toimproving roads, bridges, and the Mobile Port. The tax would raise $31 million and would be the first time this statewide issue has been addressed in nearly two decades.

Also, ALDOT has set up a $10 million grant for municipalities to apply to receive.

2.Online Sales Tax, where online malls and third-party retailer will pay and remit sales tax.

3. Adjust Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) 4.Municipal Employee Liability to make sure employees are covered as of Li-

Pork Chops with Tomatoes 4 pork chops 1 medium can tomatoes 1 bell pepper, sliced 1 small onion, sliced 1 cup long grain rice Salt and pepper to taste Sprinkle salt and pepper on chops; then brown on both sides in a heavy skillet. Place a ring of bell pepper, a ring of onion and a whole tomato on each pork chop. Cover and cook on low for a few minutes until vegetables are soft.

Add rice, 2 cups water and liquid from tomatoes. Stir rice and water.

Cook on medium until simmers, then lower temperature and cover until rice has finished cooking.

Dad’s Cole Slaw 1 tightly packed head of cabbage 1 onion Olive oil About 1 capful of white vinegar Salt to taste Cut cabbage in half and finely shred; then slice an onion and finely slice it. Drizzle on a small about of olive oil and toss with two forks.

Add vinegar to taste; toss. Add salt just before serving.

Coq au Vin 1 small chicken, cut into pieces 4 slices bacon ½ cup olive oil 1 medium jar sliced mushrooms (can use fresh) 1 can chicken broth ½ cup Pinot Noir wine Flour Salt and pepper Cook bacon. Remove bacon from the pan. Add oil to the bacon drippings.

Mix flour and salt and pepper. Sprinkle mixture onto the chicken pieces.

Cook chicken in the oil/drippings on medium until browned on all sides.

Add mushrooms, chicken broth, bacon and wine.

Cover and simmer on low until chicken is fork tender about 30-35 minutes.

ability.

Some legislative issues are unfunded mandates that the ALM currently tackling: *Insurance policy for firefighters cancer coverage *Right-of-way for small cell towers.

ALM working to make this a local issue * *Keep police jurisdictions intact where there is a push to try to eliminate. Municipalities would lose control of this area as it grows.

Mayor Fuller is the head of a 49-person committeed dealing with state and federal legislative issues.

The ALM has been in existence since1935 and has more than 450 member municipalities. For more information, visit www.alm. com.

pelika O Observer

A12 February 27, 2019

Kayler,

from A2 said.

Coming from out of state and having worked in another

Dietrich,

from A4

and worked in Atlanta as an artist for many years. My ears perked up.

Whenever I hear the word “Atlanta” I think of two things.

The lovable, yet misunderstood Braves and my favorite columnist for the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The man smiled at the mention of the columnist’s name. He told me he had been friends with the late author.

I lost it. I probably made a fool of myself.

“You knew him?” I shouted.

Thus, it was on a clear summer day, in a parking lot located

Jackson,

from A4 was a wet town, 200 residential sites, a country club with membership requirements, and an 18-hole golf course.

Those living outside the district had no say in the matter.

But the problem didn’t go away.

Over in Blount County, the golf course community of Limestone Springs wanted to get in on the “community development district” deal. Sadly they are a little short of residential sites and Blount is bone dry.

But fear not, Sen. Pat Lindsey from down in south Alabama saw the problem and introduced a bill that cut the number of home sites by half and dropped the wet municipality provision.

And before you could say, “make mine a Miller” the

Pinyerd,

from A4

to serve? Do you want to serve behind the scenes or do you want to be a leader?

3. How much responsibility will be expected from you in a particular volunteer role?

4. As a Baby Boomer, what skills and talents can be tapped into for the volunteer job you are considering to take on?

5. Do you want to volunteer in serving adults, children, fami-

city, Kayler brings a different perspective to the Opelika Chamber. She is most excited to start developing relationships with community and business leaders and make each event special for chamber

members.

During her time at Troy, Kayler also worked for Troy University’s Student Involvement Office as a graduate assistant. In the student involvement office, Mackenzie assisted

in the heart of Walton County, Michael indulged me.

He told tales I would’ve never heard otherwise. Tales about frequenting taverns with a hero, working with him, laughing with him, and about the last telephone exchange they had.

Our chat only lasted 10 minutes, but it was one of the most meaningful conversations of my entire life.

That day in the parking lot, he shook my hand, and that’s when I noticed this man was wearing multi-colored socks.

He left me with the words: “Keep writing, Sean, I think you woulda made him proud.”

He’ll probably read this next sentence, so I hope he knows I mean

it with all my heart: his words meant everything to me.

That day, I changed my plans. I called in sick from work. I went home and I started writing something a lot like this. And since that day, I haven’t found a good reason to stop.

It’s funny what a few words can do to a boy.

I will always love you, Lewis Grizzard.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter Southerner, the Mobile Press Register and he has authored seven books.

Senate said OK. One of those dry counties affected by Lindsey’s bill was the one in which my daddy lived.

Here, I thought, was an economic opportunity that could secure him comfortably in his twilight years and leave a legacy for him son – that would be me.

Back behind the family home are sites for 100 or more mobile homes and trailers.

Down by the creek is about five acres ideally suited for an 18-hole course, complete with windmills, dinosaurs and all those obstacles folks love to putt around. And daddy’s Poutin’ House, where he and his friends gather every Wednesday night to cuss and discuss matters at hand, would make a firstrate country club membership included with the purchase of a lot.

Daddy has a friend with a bush-hog and

another with a dozier. They could clear and level.

And we’ll sell the sites electricity from an outlet at the “club” for just a nominal charge. The whole thing can be up and running in six weeks, tops.

There’ll even be a few acres left over for those who don’t golf to plant a patch and put up a deer stand.

“Poutin and Puttin,” that’s what we’ll call it.

Carpe diem, y’all.

Unfortunately, Daddy died before the scheme could be set in motion and my tee-totaling mother frowned more poutin’ so the matter died.

If anyone wants to revive it, I can be reached at the address below.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hjacson@cableone.net.

lies, animals, environmental upkeep, etc.

6. Where do you want to volunteer? a. Educational settings b. Senior centers, retirement homes c. Libraries d. Animal shelters e. Museums f. Places of worship g. Local food banks h. Service organizations i. Youth and children’s organizations j. Other volunteer opportunities present in the Auburn-Opelika area.

Benefits that volunteering provides are:

1. Social: In my growing up years in Opelika, I always noticed and was impressed how unpaid volunteers were the glue that held our community together. Those scout leaders, Sunday School teachers, volunteer workers at our healthcare facilities, volunteers in service organizations were names that I remember to this day.

When you volunteer, you make new friends!

No task is too small in helping to enrich the lives of people, animals, service organizations and places of needs. As a volunteer, you meet

with events such as freshman orientation, sorority recruitment, honors convocation and graduation ceremonies.

She is currently working on her masters of public administration from her

Hodge,

from A4 my six-year-old heart had been counting on the most…. I woke up with chicken pox.

Despite my protests and insistence that I was “perfectly fine,” my mother took me to the doctor who confirmed that I was indeed not fine and that any activity involving my classmates was strictly prohibited.

I was devastated.

Completely heartbroken. The gnawing aggravation of those itchy sore spots that covered my arms and legs and belly were nothing compared to the pain in my soul.

I was crushed and spent those next three days lying on the couch, covered with calamine lotion and feeling sorry for myself. The morning of the cookout, I could barely bring myself to leave my bed. But my mother insisted.

“You never know,” she said. “You may have a visitor.”

“Who wants to visit me?” I asked. “I look so gross.”

My mother just smiled and insisted I put on some nicer clothes and make myself presentable.

I watched the clock, ticking off the minutes, imagining my friends eating hot dogs and throwing water balloons and playing Red Rover… all at Mrs. Stejskal’s house, for crying out loud!

Just as the afternoon was wearing thin, and I was getting drowsy, there was a knock on the door. My mother opened it, and there she stood. Mrs. Stejskal. I thought I was surely having calamine-induced hallucinations. But she

present needs and provide a lasting memory of gratitude.

2. Volunteering is good for you mentally.

When you are helping and doing good for others, you just cannot help but have a good sense of accomplishment. The role you have as a volunteer gives you a sense of purpose in your baby boomer years. Also, freely sharing time and helpful service for others provides life satisfaction which can boost self-confidence.

Because volunteering connects us with other people, depression is

alma mater and is scheduled to graduate May 2019.

Opelika’s historic downtown area is what first made Kayler want to call Opelika home and she is excited to create new opportunities for our was real, and she was there just for me.

“Hi, Wendy,” she said and came to sit next to me. I was suddenly embarrassed at the sight of my own skin… pink and scaly and itchy. Just gross. But Mrs. Stejskal reached out and squeezed my hand. “I had chicken pox right at the end of first grade, too. I remember exactly how you feel, so I brought you some things to help pass the time.”

She had brought a box with her, and inside was a buffet of goodies. “I brought you some hot dogs and potato chips and ice cream and popsicles,” she said. She’d also brought coloring books and new crayons – the big 120 crayon box!

“Wow!” was all I could reply.

“There’s also some water balloons and a prize from Pin the Tail on the Donkey because I’m sure you would have won that game hands down!”

“Thank you!” I managed to whisper.

“And I brought you something very special that I’ve been thinking about giving you all year,” she said as she reached for a larger box and opened the lid. Inside was her entire collection of Nancy Drew books. All of them. I looked at her, and she knew what I was asking without me saying a word. “They’re yours to keep because I know you will love them and take care of them just like I did.”

My six-year-old heart melted, and the tears started pouring.

She hugged me, and I returned the hug with every molecule of my being. I loved her, pure and true.

She stayed with me for the rest of the afternoon, and we finished reading The Mystery of the Old fought and seems to fade away.

3. Volunteering is good for our health!

Many volunteer activities may require physical activity such as helping the elderly move into activities, meeting the needs of younger children, pack up boxes in service organizations and working with pets and animals has shown to decrease anxiety and improve moods, things which lead to overall good health.

4. Volunteering promotes good emotional health. In volunteering in the community my-

members to network and grow as business leaders. When not working on events for the chamber, Kayler enjoys watching sports, good food, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Clock. It’s still my favorite Nancy Drew book to this day.

I learned a lot of things in that first year of school, but the most lasting lesson of all was the one that life itself taught me – what looks and feels like a bitter disappointment may turn out to be a treasure you’ll keep forever. I missed the cookout, but I had Mrs. Stejskal all to myself for an entire afternoon.

Just last week, my bags were packed with cocktail dresses and an airline ticket.

Bound for New York, my best friend and I, to finally take the next huge step in my literary career. But life is tricky. Through a chain of events that were completely out of my control, plans were changed.

Not ended, just delayed. And so, with our trip only 24 hours away, I told my best friend that there was no New York trip after all. And without skipping a beat, he said, “Then let’s go to the beach.” Because he is as easygoing a person as I have ever met, and because he cares about me, we booked a room and made our plans, and headed south.

No skyscrapers or fancy dinners, but boat rides and the ocean instead. And just like Mrs. Stejskal was all those decades ago, my best friend is my favorite person.

Life got it just right this time. I am exactly where I belong.

Wendy Hodge is an Opelika native, an empty nester and lover of all things Opelika. She previously had a column titled A Word or Ten, which was featured in the Tennessee Star Journal and is currently awaiting release of her first novel with Harper Collins Publishing Company. self, I have noted that many of the good, committed volunteers are those who have limited mobility. People with disabilities or health conditions are so determined to help others.

It is realized that when we help others that life benefits are gained and that we feel good about ourselves. This can be good for our health at any age!

It is my hope for we baby boomers and others to realize that when we are helping others that we are helping ourselves. It is a two-way relationship where all benefit!

pelika O Observer

A13 February 27, 2019

‘Near His Heart’ banquet encourages local families

Photos special to the Opelika Observer The 2019 ‘Near His Heart’ banquet was held last Friday night at Lakeview Baptist in Auburn. The annual event was created to offer encouragement and support to local families that have family members with special needs. More than 100 famlies attended the event and more than 200 people volunteered to make the night a success.

Daycares,

from A1

sisters Cynthia Jones and Carolyn Wilkerson were taken into custody this morning, and are currently being held on a $2,500 bond.

Jones, operator of First Steps Learning Center, was arrested on 11 counts of public assistance fraud (a C-class felony) totaling $542,242.90 and one count of first-degree property theft.

Wilkerson, operator of New Horizon Learning Center, was arrested on 10 counts of public assistance fraud totaling $119,765.95 and one alleged count of first-degree property theft. Though they were related, Hughes said the

sisters maintained the daycares as separate entities.

Accumulated evidence indicates that the cases of fraud date back to as early as 2014.

Monies were illegally obtained through fraudulent abuse a federal subsidized child-care program of the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

Through a credit-like card, program participants can use a card to swipe their child into daycare each day, which transfers payments from ADHR into that facility’s bank account. According to evidence unearthed

by Hughes’s office, local DHR officials and Opelika Police Department detectives, the sisters claimed funding for 100 or more non-

enrolled children during the last five years, many of whose parents were on waiting lists to join the program and seeking employment. Hughes said those parents will not face any punishment for the offenses committed by the sisters. “(They’re) going to be on the hook for hundreds of thousands of dollars, nobody else (but) them.

They’re the ones that stole it, they’re the ones that benefitted from it, they’re the ones that came up with this scheme and they’re the ones that are going to have to pay for this crime,” Hughes said.

The sisters could face a minimum of a year and day up to a maximum of 10 years in prison for each count of fraud on which they are convicted.

While the investiga-

tion continues, Hughes added that he expects the number of arrests and charges to increase. The overall impact and scope of this case is yet to be determined, but Hughes and AHDR Governmental Affairs Liaison Stan Landers said that the subsidy program and affected daycares should continue to operate as normal.

During the press conference, Hughes took a moment to express his gratitude to the individuals involved, particularly OPD detectives, for their swift pace toward action in this case.

“I cannot say enough

334-528-6191

about the job that the Opelika Police Department has done. They’re doing this in the face of other cases coming in ... and to be able to concentrate and pull this off this investigation in this amount of time to render this number of warrants is (impressive),” Hughes said.

Toward the end of his address, Hughes issued a warning to other institutions in the county who may be involved in a similar situation.

“This is just one aspect of ways people commit public assistance fraud.

Whether it’s EBT fraud,

food assistance fraud ... if there are businesses involved or individuals partaking in this in Lee County, it needs to end today because we’re coming,” Hughes said. “Now that know what we’re really looking for and that we got a blueprint for how these investigations go, it’s going to be a lot easier next time. I would advise (them) to stop, quit, because in Lee County, we’re going to handle our business.”

Those with information on this investigation are asked to contact Hughes’s office by calling 334-7373446.

www.eamcfoundation.org

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

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

OPELIKA BASEBALL SCHEDULE • March 1 - v. Brookwood • March 2 - doubleheader v. Oak Grove and Wetumpka • March 6 - @ Auburn • March 7 - v. Valley

Opelika Middle School students win state Quiz Bowl Championship

By Morgan Bryce Editor

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Lady Bulldogs set to face G.W. Carver in Final 56 matchup in Birmingham

T

he Opelika High School Lady Bulldog basketball team (27-5) advanced to the AHSAA’s Final 56 (Final 4) after beating Carver 61-54 in the regional finals last week. This will be the second-straight trip for the Opelika girls under coach Devin Booth.

Opelika will play G.W. Carver High School of Birmingham (26-8) at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday at the BJCC Legacy Arena. The winner advances to the finals against the winner of Hazel Green and Blount. Carver enters the game riding a 17game win streak. The Rams beat Bessemer City (65-45), Muscle Shoals (58-45) and Hartselle (50-49). The two teams are familiar opponents. Opelika beat Carver 55-28 Nov. 9 in the Hazel Green Tipoff Classic.

The Lady Bulldogs departed for Birmingham yesterday. Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and Opelika Police Department Chief Johnny McEachern surprised the team with a “Blue light” police escort out of town. Opelika police vehicles led the team

from the high school to Highway 280 with police SUV’s in front and back. The team visited the arena last night, the first time since they fell in last year’s semifinals.

You can listen to the Opelika/Carver basketball game on WZMG 910 AM at 9 a.m. and online at kickerfm. com and click sports or search WZMG on the iHeart Radio app.

BASEBALL The Opelika baseball team finished the first week of the regular season 0-6. Opelika dropped two on opening day, Smiths Station 6-5 and Enterprise 8-1.

The Bulldogs lost four games in the Terry Sykes Invitational last Friday and Saturday at Troy. Following are team results: Prattville 4-2, Robertsdale 6-1, Northview 7-6 and G.W. Long 14-9. No individual stats were available.

Opelika will play Brookwood Friday at 4 p.m., and play a doubleheader Saturday against Oak Grove at 11 a.m. and Wetumpka at 3:30 p.m.

SOCCER See Sports, page B3

A seven-member team of Opelika Middle School sixth-graders took home first place in the elementary division of the quiz bowl state championships held last Saturday in Hoover.

Formed last fall, the early success of the program has wowed coach Corey Harris, who has nearly four years of quiz bowl coaching experience.

and you always have some growing pains, because there’s so much knowledge required and it’s so different from what most students learn.”

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

“They definitely superseded my expectations,” Harris said.

“This is my second time to start up a program [at Smiths Station Junior High School]

“Without a doubt, this is the most talented team I’ve ever coached.

Teams like this do not come around very often.”

Because of its victory Saturday, the team will See Quiz Bowl, page B3

Opelika Middle School’s softball team cruises to 7-0 start, dominating the diamond Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Middle School Lady Bulldogs softball team is off to a great start for the 2019 season.

The Lady Bulldogs are 2-0 on the season with wins over Smiths Station (3-2) and Russell County (16-2). The Bulldogs stayed hot this weekend and won the 2019 Opelika Pre-Season Invitational Tournament. The Lady Bulldogs defeated Beulah 3-0.

The Bulldogs defense was led by

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

strong pitching from McKay Yountz, Ava Parker and Sanai Stringer. The defense only gave up three runs in the five games played in the tournament. The entire

team contributed for a strong offensive showing throughout the weekend. The Lady Bulldogs also had wins over Tuskegee (17-0), Auburn (4-1), Russell Coun-

ty(13-2) and Prattville (8-0). The Bulldogs will be in action again this evening when they host Sanford Middle School at the West Ridge Softball Complex at 4:30 p.m.

Opelika High School’s softball team off to 0-3 start, looking for improved defense

By D. Mark Mitchell Sports Writer for the Opelika Observer The OHS Softball team is off to a tough start after one

week.

The Lady Dawgs lost twice opening day, Dothan 12-2 and Smiths Station 12-0.

Opelika finished

0-3 in the “Sidney Green Invitational” hosted by Central High School in Phenix City.

Northview beat OHS 13-4 in the

opener. Kayla Fourtenbary hit her first home run of her career and singled to lead Opelika. Chelsea Carr Dreamer See Softball, page B3

pelika O Observer

B2 February 27, 2019

Trinity Christian Schools holds first cotillion Feb. 9, an evening full of fund and laughter for students

By Carson Hoffman Special to the Opelika Observer On Feb. 9, Trinity Christian School held its first cotillion, a dinner and dance for the school’s six, seventh and eighth graders.

Held at the Southside Center for the Arts, the event was organized by fourth-grade teacher and special events coordinator Wendy Jowers.

The girls wore semiformal dresses, and the boys looked sharp in slacks and blazers. The faculty and some of the senior high students

acted as servers and stand-in dance partners for the evening.

Following dinner, students and faculty alike were able to participate in a variety of dances from the waltz to the electric slide, all DJ’d by Paul Coogle, one of Trinity’s logic and rhetoric teachers.

When asked to shout out their favorite parts of cotillion, the two things heard the most from students was “group dances” and “Mr. Coogle.”

Cotillion, unlike prom, is not just about dancing and having fun. During the prepa-

ration process, our students are taught structured dances and have etiquette lessons. They are taught social graces and are then given the first of many opportunities to practice these social graces in reallife situations.

In April, our ninth through 12th graders will participate in a similar event titled Protocol, which is a formal event. School staff are so excited for this new Trinity tradition to begin.

Thank you to everyone who made Cotillion possible!

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Local anglers perform well in regional event

Photo special to the Opelika Observer On Feb. 23, Coleman Mezick and Langston Martin of the Lee County Anglers finished second in the junior division in the East Alabama High School Fishing Trail’s first tournament of the season on Lake Wedowee.

The next tournament will be held on Lake Eufaula on March 16.

The Lee County Anglers is a BASS community club fishing team.

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

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,

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pelika O Observer

B3 February 27, 2019

Larry Sankey receives award from Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lee County

By Robert Noles Photojournalist The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lee County held a Black History Month celebration last Friday. The event featured select music by Mikayla Jackson and a dance by the Opelika Dancing Stars.

The keynote address was given by Kikki Tucker Thomas, executive director of the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation.

Thomas gave a history of the journey of from the bottom of slave ships to the American shore and along the road that out ancestries have made to get to the point we have today. She spoke of the contribution that African Americans have made during the years and encouraged each person to make a contribution.

“The past has been made but your time is now. It is your time is

Special awards were given out by Wanda Lewis, club CEO and president and Daniel E Davis, Potter-Daniel Unit Director. Larry Sankey was the recipient of the first “Larry Sankey Impact for Youth Award” for his contributions to the group during the last 29 years.

The Great Futures Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Award was also given out to Selena Daniel, now to help and to stand has been made and your Mary Ann Potter, Frazelup and a contribution,” own history is to be ma Lynn, Laura Fuller Thomas said. The past made now.”

and Rev. Clifford Jones in recognition of their contributions to engage, inspire and empower Boys & Girls club youth.

Several government officials were present on that evening. This will become an annual event to celebrate Black History Month.

For more information on how to support or volunteer, contact Daniel Davis at 334-745-2582.

Turn to B14 for more photos from the event.

Glenwood concert band earns superior ratings at competition

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Pictured are Glenwood teachers and concert band members who earned straight superiors for their stellar performance at the AISA Band Festival last week.

Quiz Bowl,

“I truly have a place in my heart for quiz bowl,” Harris said.” I think it’s a great avenue for kids to represent themselves and great avenue for the community. For people moving into this area, they hopefully will know that their kids can win

championships academically and help them push to become better people and students overall.”

In addition to becoming more well-rounded academically, Harris said quiz bowl players tend to have better ACT scores and enhanced scholar-

ship opportunities.

“If you’re a pretty successful or even an average player in high school, I can almost guarantee you that they will receive a scholarship at least at the community college level. And those who are really successful can go on to schools like Auburn, Vanderbilt or Harvard,” Harris said.

OMS’s seventh and eighth-grade team also turned in a strong showing last Saturday, finishing 2-3 in its first state appearance.

Future plans Harris has for the program include the creation of teams at other schools within the Opelika City Schools system, including Opelika High School.

For more information about the program, contact Harris by email at corey.harris@opelikaschools.org.

SOFTBALL Opelika’s softball teams lost their first two games, to Dothan 12-2 and Smiths Station 12-0.

DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL ( 13-1415 year olds) The Opelika Dixie Boys Baseball League will open registration during March. The baseball league is for 13, 14 and 15 year olds. Registration is held at the Sportsplex during regular business hours. Cost is $45 and all players will be on a team. For more information, email foxon-

themark@yahoo.com MARCH 1 My grandson, JohnMark Farmer, will celebrate his third birthday on March 1.

Although he lives in Houston, I still want to take a moment to express my love and

wish him the happiest of birthdays from his Paw Paw. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

from B1

move on to Orlando in mid-June for the quiz bowl national championships, organized by National Academic Quiz Tournaments.

Similar in format to longtime CBS game show “Jeopardy!,” contestants in teams of four must attempt to answer questions first and correctly before their opponent. Topics covered include current events, geography, history, fine arts, literature and science, among others.

Harris conducts two practices per week for OMS’s elementary and seventh and eighth-grade teams, which are open for non-participating students to attend.

Sports,

from B1 Marshall Meyers scored the lone goal in a 3-1 loss to Brookstone in a tough match.

Brookstone’s girls shutout Opelika.

DAWG POUND CLASSIC Opelika’s soccer teams will host the annual Dawg Pound Classic soccer tournament on March 1 and 2 at the W. James Samford Soccer Complex.

Teams will play Friday and all day Saturday.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Softball,

from B1

Denmark, Jade Motley (double), Avery Davis and Chloe Clark added hits.

Chilton County Mercy ruled OHS 11-1 in six innings. Carr and Denmark recorded singles for OHS. The Dawgs took a 5-0 lead after two innings.

Chelsea Carr sigled and scored after Fourtenbary hit an RBI doubled.

Chloe Clark followed with an RBI single. Chelsea Carr also homered in the loss.

OMS 5-0 The OMS soft-

ball team is off to a 7-0 start, including three wins in the Opelika Invitational.

OMS beat Smiths (3-2) and Russell County (16-2) prior to their tournament.

The Lady Bulldogs won five in a row, Tuskegee (17-0), Auburn (41), Prattville (8-0) and Beulah 3-0, earning first place in the OMS Invite.

The Bulldogs pitched well in the Circe.

McKay Yountz pitched no hitters against Auburn and Russell County.

Ava Parker and Sanai Stringer combined with Yountz to pitch two-one hitters.

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pelika O Observer

B4 February 27, 2019

T

Life’s Rhythm

here wasn’t a frost. I questioned if my usual jacket and scarf was necessary as I stepped outside, and made my way to the car under a sky swept in hues of spring time. On days like this I wonder, perhaps the groundhog was right. Just the other day, I read an article listing things that might be planted during winter’s last days. Admittedly, I procrastinate a little, knowing we will have a blackberry winter.

We always do, however late. Nonetheless, I gaze back towards the raised beds, and consider planting lettuces as I drive away.

Arriving to the studio early, I settled in for morning writing in a cozy corner at my desk near the back of the gallery. The

distant rumble and rhythm reverberates through the studio, down the corridor as I hear the Rolling Stone’s 1964 record, “I say hey, Mona…”

I type in the record title, and research a bit. I replay it and listen closely. I identify nuances and musical signatures passed on by various artists since. Returning to my writing, I press on penning down thoughts that came to me in the early hours.

A few moments later, I hear the airy melody of Rocket Man, followed by our home state’s unofficial anthem, Sweet Home Alabama. Cultural history, and socially relevant prose pour o’er the radio airwaves, laced with rhythmic electricity.

There is more to be learned through the practice of listening.

In the far-off distance there is a different rumble. Within seconds the dinging of the railroad signal announces an approaching train from the west. The whistle roars as the train moves nearer. The red flashing lights stop traffic. Children rush to the windows, and

By Sarah West

stop along the sidewalk to watch it.

Conversations pause until it has passed us. There is something to be learned and observed even by the train’s interruption.

After the initial buzz of studio work, penned ideas, the early rush of passing

cars, trains and school children, the atmosphere warmed by the sun becomes calm enough for a quieted form of meditation. In the silent moments, I strive to still my thoughts. Through this practice I observe that I have learned to listen amid life’s rhythm.

Opelika Kiwanis Club hears from Joey Motley, recognizes local police officers

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Joey Motley spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Opelika on Thursday. Pictured are Joey Motley and club president, Bob Harris. Opelika's city administrator spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Opelika Thursday about the Neighborhood Mobile Wellness Clinic. In looking for ways to improve the quality of life in the Carver and Jeter neighborhoods, the city, with the help of the Casey Foundation and Mobile Studio, came up with the mobile clinic. The clinic will consist of a bus owned by the city and staffed by EAMC with the help of Auburn University. It will focus on routine checkups, nutrition, minor illnesses, and various testing. These services will be offered for free. The total cost to get started is $200,000. To date, they have raised nearly $100,000 and are looking for more funding partners.

Photos special to the Opelika Observer Auburn Mayor Ron Anders invited three Lee County Kiwanis clubs to present awards to a deputy sheriff and two police officers from Auburn, Opelika and Lee County. “This is one facet of the Kiwanis club’s involvement with Concerned Citizens Organized for Police Support and we are most proud to be able to provide our council meeting as a backdrop for this event” Anders said. “Law enforcement needs to be recognized for the job they do on a daily basis to keep our citizens safe.”

Concerned Citizens Organized for Police Support (CCOPS) is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is: To give support to members of law enforcement as they do their jobs in protecting the lives and safety of our citizens. This is achieved in three ways: 1. Interaction with the citizens and the police force, 2. Media campaigns addressing the sacrifices that law enforcement make daily, and, 3. Honoring the best. At this council meeting, three law enforcement members from Lee County were honored. These include; officer Michael Hayden, Auburn Police Department, officer, officer Shayna Hodges, Opelika Police Department and Deputy Sheriff Keith Oshel, Lee County Sheriff’s Office. These awards will be presented to these officers by members of the three Lee County Kiwanis clubs.

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pelika O Observer

B5 February 27, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• March 1 - Employment Law Seminar • March 14 - MAX Credit Union Business After Hours • March 19 - Ribbon Cutting at Southern Union State Community College Library - 4 p.m.

• 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 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-3071449.

Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th St., 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 deb-

orahowen@eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30 to 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 to 7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

• The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m.

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

During the presentation, participants can send questions via email.

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. In-

structor 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 non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30 to 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 to 8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions.

There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School.

For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-5189122.

• The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport.

The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit 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 fourth Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika.

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center.

No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 5020216.

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

• Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 to 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 luncheon location of the month.

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

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

New Events • March 6 - Planting for Birds, Bees and Butterflies.

The Lee County Master Gardeners meeting will be at the Harris Center located at 425 Perry St. in Auburn on March 6 at 12:30pm.

The public is invited.

This speaker this month is Dr. Sue Webb, a native plant specialist at Petals from the Past Garden Center, Jeminson, Alabama. She’ll be

speaking on how gardeners, by choosing the right native plants, can help reverse the current decline in native birds and pollinators and why this is important. By keeping the birds, bees and butterflies in mind when planning a garden, it can be not only beautiful but beneficial.

• March 6 - Lee County Voters League meeting will be March 6 starting at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church which is located at 201 South 4th St. in Opelika. Secretary of State John Merrill will visit the Voters League again to update us election laws and answer questions.

• March 9 - Pine Bark Mulch Sale The Lee County Master Gardeners will be hosting a spring fundraiser; offering pine bark mulch, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 9. The event will be held at the Lawrence Farm which is located at 3327 Moores Mill Rd. in Auburn. (From Auburn, 1 mile east of Publix on the left.) The pine bark, purchased from a local lumber mill, is excellent for soil amendment or top-dressing. The price, cash or check, is $25 per cu. yard for coarse and $35 for fine. There is a front-end loader tractor available for loading trucks or trailers.

There will be Master Gardeners available to answer any questions. If Saturday is a rainy day, sale will be rescheduled.

Visit LeeMG.org • 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 playwright 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 334-552-1825.

• March 12 - The Low Vision Support Group will meet from 2 to 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 334705-2024.

• April 12 - East Ten-

nessee 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 music. 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 Today- 334480-2008 •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 Today- 334480-2008 • 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 Today- 334480-2008 • 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 Today- 334480-2008 • Senior Studio Art Classes Every Wednesday 11 a.m. EST *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided Enroll Today- 334-4802008 Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

pelika O Observer

B6 February 27, 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUVENILE DIVISION J.T.F. a minor child (DOB: 5/27/2009), Case No. JU 15618.02 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 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 15618.02 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

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.Legal Run 2/20/19 & 2/27/19

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

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.

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 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, CoExecutor Legal Run 2/13/19, 2/20/19 & 2/27/19

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 Willie Smith Legal Run 2/13/19, 2/20/19 and 2/27/19

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 36803-0030 Legal Run 2/13/19, 2/20/19 & 2/27/19

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

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

Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estae 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 20th day of February, 2019.

GAYLE ELIZABETH BAKER Legal Run 02/27/19, 03/06/19 & 03/13/19

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT COURT OF PROBATE ESTATE OF JO ELLEN RICE BROWNING Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of February, 2019, by the

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF EMMA FLEMING FARR COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 22nd dy 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 22nd day of February, 2019. MARION WALLACE FARR, JR. Legal Run 02/27/19, 03/06/19 & 03/13/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLIE PAGE, DECEASED - CASE NO.: 2016-A-120 NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that Penny Holland, Guardian and Conservator of the Estate of CHARLIE PAGE, deceased, has filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, a Petition for a Final Settlement of the Estate of CHARLIE PAGE. A hearing has been set for the gth day of April, 2019 at 10 o’clock a.m. central time in the Court Room of the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Done this the 13th day of February, 2019.

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 Bill English Judge of Probate Legal Run 02/27/19, 03/06/19 & 03/13/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF CHARLIE THOMAS PAGE, Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Penny Lynn Holland on the 17th day of January 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 law or the same will be barred.

Penny Lynn Holland Legal Run 02/27/19, 03/06/19 & 03/13/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET V. KING, 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 20th 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.

MICHAEL ANGUS THOMAS, JR. Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 02/27/19, 03/06/19 & 03/13/19

See Legals, page B11

pelika O Observer

B7 February 27, 2019

Encouraging children to become young authors

Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer

T

he Read Across America Week from Feb. 25 March 1 is a wonderful initiative created by the National Education Association to encourage our children to enjoy reading and celebrate the coming birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss.

As a child, I had difficulty in learning how to read. My teachers in Opelika, however, did not give up on me. They would quietly pull me to the side and meet with me one-on-one in helping me pronounce words and to read sentences and to learn to comprehend what I had read.

I loved to draw stories! My wise teachers quickly picked up on this and they allowed me to draw pictures to go along with language experience stories. They also allowed me to write as best I could in expressing my story.

This helped me so much and I can still remember that I did not feel left out of a class project

when my teachers would encourage me to use my drawing skills.

One celebration that we had was a Young Author’s Conference at our school! This experience truly improved my ability and confidence as a child learning to read.

The whole school staff, principals, teachers, music teachers, art teachers, cafeteria, facilities, etc. came on board and encouraged the students to write and produce books which as classes we shared with our parents in a class program.

As a teacher, I adopted this idea that my own teachers used to encourage me as a child learning to read for my own classrooms during the years!

The best time to encourage a child to write and illustrate their own stories is when they are young. It is quite a treat as a teacher to see your students illustrate their stories, put music to their stories and even act out their stories.

When a child is born into the world, they be-

gin to communicate. It may be a happy gurgle, excitement, pointing, or even crying to communicate needs and to interact with his or her world.

Toddlers, twos and threes express themselves through coloring, scribbling, writing, etc.

Writing readiness is encouraged in talking and carrying on conversations with young children, listening to their questions and guiding them to learn new concepts.

When your child reaches 3 to 8 years old, there are so many creative ways to encourage him/ her to begin to write.

These are some hints to encourage writing with children.

Having colored markers, chalk, paints, etc. to let children write letters on paper, boards, or even sidewalks is a creative approach for young hands.

If children just scribble and make nonsense words, that’s a fine start!

The secret of encourag-

ing your children is to listen, spend time with them, prompt them with good ideas and praise them. With creativity in “early childhood” writing, we are focusing more on encouraging their thought processes and imaginations rather than the rules of grammar at ages 4 to 6 years old. They will get that later in the language arts development.

One language arts project that seems to delight young children, as well as their teachers and parents, is to have them narrate their stories as their stories are written on the board, flip charts, paper or computers. Seeing the words they are saying is good reading readiness and writing readiness.

You can do family stories at home or when you are going on a long trip. This is a good time to have your child share his or her ideas with you for developing a story.

Activities like these will make the time of travel go a lot faster for the fam-

ily!

An easy way for your child to make books is simply to fold several sheets of paper in half and staple the pages together.

You can punch holes on the side, thread yarn through and tie the pages together.

Covers can be made from construction paper, poster board or even old scraps of wallpaper squares, etc. I have ordered inexpensive books from companies that leave the covers blank and have blank paper so the children can write their stories and illustrate their stories on the front and back covers. Computer sites for this also offer creative avenues for children to express themselves.

Children love to make

rhymes. This can also lead to a love of poetry they can read, write and illustrate. They also love to listen to their teachers and parents read and express themselves in poems.

In demonstrating their stories, the children can even make their own props to support the stories they have written. During my teaching years, I have become so grateful to the local libraries and community in encouraging parents and teachers to help their children to become young authors. Point out to your children authors who have written books they have enjoyed!

Submit school news or events to Pinyerd by email at donnapinyerd@ att.net.

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pelika O Observer Cason, Yountz named Mr. and Mrs. OHS B8

February 27, 2019

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Adam Cason and Kalyn Yountz were named Mr. and Mrs. OHS last week. Wesley Herring and Lauren White were named first runner-up, Tyler Moore won Best Dressed and Jah Williams won for Best Interview. Following are class winners: Miss Junior Class - Julia Bush, Miss Sophomore Class - Mackenzie Ford and Miss Freshman Class -Lauren Landry.

Local 4-H program studies bees

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Lee County 4-Her’s made lotions, lip balm and candles from beeswax on Feb. 16 at the Lee County Extension Office. The group learned about honey bees as part of the program.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Inside the Statehouse Lee County Commission votes First Quarter of 2019 - eventful to support Fuel Tax legislation politically; 2020 campaigns are

By Michelle Key Publisher

kicking off

A

s the first quarter of 2019 closes, a lot has happened. The governor and all of our constitutional officials have been sworn in and have begun their four-year terms in office with Kay Ivey as governor, Will Ainsworth as lt. gov., John Merrill as secretary of state, John McMillan as state treasurer, Rick Pate as agriculture commissioner and Jim Ziegler begins his second term as state auditor.

More importantly, the state Legislature has organized and the regular session begins next week.

They will be dealing with a myriad of major issues, not the least of which are the two state budgets. In state government, the legislature can be more important than the governor. The reason being is they appropriate the money. Those who have the gold make the rules. Another common saying is that the “governor proposes but the legislature disposes.”

The powers in the 35-member Senate are Sen. Del Marsh (RAnniston), Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper), Sen. Jabo Waggonner (RVestavia), Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and Sen. Greg Albritton (REscambia). Orr and Albritton chair the finance and taxation committees.

The leadership of the House consists of Speaker Mac McCutchen (RMadison), Rep. Victor Gaston (R-Mobile), Rep. Mike Jones (R-Covington), Rep. Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa) and Rep.

By Steve Flowers Steve Clouse (R-Ozark).

Poole and Clouse chair the budget committees in the House.

All of the above lawmakers are Republicans.

There is a super majority Republican domination in both chambers. There are 77 Republicans in the House and only 28 Democrats. The State Senate is comprised of 28 Republicans with only seven Democrats.

There is only one white Democrat in the Senate, Sen. Billy Beasley of Barbour, formerGov. George Wallace’s home county.

As predicted, the 2020 campaigns have begun.

We have a presidential campaign next year.

It should be interesting. We also have a U.S. Senate race. Our anomaly, Democratic Junior U.S. Sen. Doug “the California Kid” Jones will be running for a full term as a U.S. senator. His philosophy and voting record more closely reflects a California senator than his Alabama counterpart, Sen. Richard Shelby. He is truly, unashamedly a liberal national Democrat. He votes right down

the line with the liberal Democratic leadership in Washington. His voting record is identical to Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

It is more of a parody than anomaly that one of the most, if not the most conservative states in America would have a liberal Democrat representing them in the U. S. Senate. Indeed, Jones is the only Democrat from any Deep South state in the Senate.

It would be safe to say that Jones will be the underdog next year. Unfortunately, for him, he more than likely will not have Roy Moore to run against. Although my guess is that Roy Moore might run. All of the early Republican entrees or prospects are up in age, which is not conducive to building seniority or power in the Senate. Roy Moore over is more than 70 years old. Zeigler is also 70, Congressman Byrne is 63 and Marsh is 62.

Byrne and Ziegler have significant name identification having run statewide and built a statewide organization.

They would be the early favorites. Marsh can be a player if he is willing to spend his personal money. It would take $2 to $3 million to put him in the game.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth would be the perfect choice to take the seat currently held by Jones.

Ainsworth is 37 years old and could build See Flowers, page B10

The Lee County Commissioners met Monday night to discuss a resolution to support the Statewide Gas and Diesel Fuel Tax legislation that is expected to be presented by the Alabama Legislature in the 2019 regular session.

The legislation proposed will increase the rate of Alabama’s gasoline and diesel fuel taxes in order to provide new revenue for the repairs of county roads and bridges. Lee County is currently working on a 57-year cycle for road

resurfacing due to the lack of funding. The recommended period for resurfacing roads is every 15 years.

Lee County resident Kenneth Busby spoke to the commission and asked that they reconsider the resolution and to look at other options.

“Raising the fuel tax will hit the poor people the hardest. You have single mothers scraping up change just to make it back and forth to work,” Busby said. “I think the state can do a better job and find a better way to get the money the need.”

The resolution to sup-

port the increases fuel tax was passed by the commission with a 4-1 vote with Commissioner LaGrand being the lone nay vote.

Dr. Elizabeth Yorke presented a powerpoint presentation to update commissioners on the SNYP program. Doctors Buddy Bruce from Animal Health Clinc and Gary Hunt from Opelika Animal Hospital both addressed the commission about the ongoing program. Bruce stated that for his facility the live outcome rate for dogs and cats combined See LCC, page B10

Alabama Forestry Association offers opinion on infrastructure improvements Special to the Opelika Observer The Alabama Forestry Association agrees that there is a need for additional financial resources for road and bridge infrastructure. We support the idea of finding additional revenue streams to fund infrastructure improvements for the state.

However, before new taxes are considered, there must be: (1) Transparency and accountability for existing expenditures.

Taxpayers should be provided a full accounting including specific detail by project showing how the state’s existing fuel tax revenue has

been spent in each of the last ten years.

(2) Strategic vision; Taxpayers should be provided a plan including specific detail by project showing how all revenues will be spent over the next ten years.

(3) Fiscal responsibility; Reduce or redirect existing revenues to offset or supplement any new taxes. New taxes, if any, should be limited in amount, targeted to specific projects, should expire once the project is completed and should not be used to issue any new debt.

“We conducted this survey to determine whether our longstanding position on addressing the need

for additional revenue for roads and bridges continues to be consistent with the thoughts of Alabama’s taxpayers. We have long recognized the need to address infrastructure in the state and have supported past efforts to re-prioritize funding to roads and bridges, eliminate waste and increase transparency and accountability in spending. We believe that raising new taxes should be the option of last resort and, if new taxes are necessary, taxpayers should have a full accounting of how all taxes are being spent,” said Chris Isaacson Executive VP, Alabama Forestry Association.

pelika Observer O

B10 February 27, 2019

Opelika City Council recognizes Rosanna McGinnis, city’s parks and recreation department at meeting

By Michelle Key Publisher Mayor Gary Fuller and the Opelika City Council recognized Rosanna McGinnis for her work at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library.

McGinnis was selected to the Spring 2019 Public Library Association Leadership Academy. She is one of 28 fellows selected from a nationwide pool of candidates.

Mayor Fuller also recognized the Opelika Parks and Recreation department for three awards that they recently received including the Innovated Special

Flowers,

from B9

power for the state in Washington.

The Republican to watch, if he enters the Senate race, is Merrill.

He has a free shot. He has the best and broadest statewide grassroots political organization in modern Alabama political history. Nobody will come close to outworking him.

Event of the Year for the Shine Prom held last fall, the Innovated Program of the Year for the Toddler Drive-In Movie and Professional of the Year in Recreation which was awarded to Mandy Johnson.

• received a building detail report for the month of January 2019 presented by Joey Motley • approved a bid for a city-wide asphalt paving project for $889,536 • approved a bid for a city-wide striping project for the amount of $94,875 • approved expense report(s).

• approved a resolu-

tion to designate city personal property as surplus and authorized disposal of a Ford Ranger and two file cabinets • approved a resolution to purchase in-car video recording systemSole Source for $28,350 • approved a resolution to authorize grant application to ADEM for recycling.

• approved a resolution to authorize a grant application with USDOT, INFRA program.

• approved the appropriation contract for Opelika Main Street for the 2019 fiscal year for the amount of $21,000 • approved a special appropriation to KOB -

2019 Garden in the Park in the amount of $2,500 • tabled the ordinance to amend city code, Chapter 4 Animal Control until a future meeting in March • approved the reappointment of Shirley Lazenby to the parks and recreation board.

The new term expires March 15, 2024.

• approved the reappointment of Julia Stutts to the Medical Clinic Board. The new term expires on March 2, 2025.

The city council meets at 7 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday nights of every month at City Hall which is located at 204 S. 7th St.

The presidential campaign caravan has begun.

There are a host of liberal Democratic senators lining up.

Liberal is the optimum word, but most would prefer to be labeled socialists. Their states will give you an indication of their philosophical tint.

Sen. Kristen Gillibrand of New York, Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Sen. Kamala Harris

are seeking the Democratic nomination. Also in is Julian Castro, who was housing director during the Obama administration. His philosophy is akin to Fidel Castro.

Jones should run for president. His Senate voting record is just as liberal as the aforementioned Democratic senators.

He has a proven Civil Rights record and his fundraising base is built in California and New York.

His odds are probably better for winning the Democratic nomination for President than being elected to a full term as a Democratic senator from Alabama.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state Legislature. Flowers may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

LCC,

from B9 was up to 91 percent.

Also during the meeting, the commission: • approved the minutes of commission meeting held Feb. 11, 2019.

• approved motion to ratify and approve claims • held the second reading of vacancies on various boards and approved the following people for the board positions: Beauregard Water Authority - Wes Goodson East Alabama Mental Health Center - Bill English and Anne Penney Loachapoka Water Authority - Sheri Todd and Mark Aderholt Smiths Water and Sewer Authority Mary P. Henry and Joseph Walden • received a request from the Alabama Council on Human Relations and the Community Action Partnership of Lee County requesting that the commission select a representative to the local board of directors • approved a change order for Smiths Station Ballfield and Plaza in order to cover additoinal costs associated with the removal of rock at the site as presented by County Administrator

Roger Rendleman • approved a budget adjustment on the Courthouse Annex Project as presented by Rendleman - this was not a request for additional funding but just a moving of funds into the general fund in order to complete the project.

The project is expected to be completed under budget • approved a bid for a new track mounted compact radius hydraulic excavator with a mulching head in the amount of $198,366 - this machine is used to cut and mulch limbs, trees and brush on county right-of ways.

• approved a request from the Environmental Services Department allowing the Chairman to sign a resolution allowing Lee County to administer a grant for the 2019 program year for Alabama Recycling Fund Grant Program.

Lee County parnters with the city of Opelika, Auburn and Auburn University in securing grant funds. The partnering cities take turns administering the grant each year.

The Lee County Commission meets on the second and last Monday nights of the month.

The next meeting will be March 11 at 5 p.m.

Meetings are held at the Lee County courthouse which is located at 215 S. 9th St. in Opelika.

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

B11 February 27, 2019

OLLI at Auburn to host Hal Smith for lecture series March 6 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' March 6 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art which is located at 901 South College St. in Auburn.

OLLI members,

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

guests and friends are all invited to learn more about OLLI at Auburn course offerings, social engagements and initiatives.

This week’s lecture series will feature Hal Smith, owner and operator of Wild Birds Unlimited in Auburn.

Smith and his wife Lauren opened the Wild Birds Unlimited store in 2013. Both expressed that they love helping customers better enjoy their

hobby of back yard bird feeding. Hal is originally from Athens, Alabama and graduated from Auburn University in 1984. He met his wife Lauren, married, and now have three sons and one grandson.

One son is an Auburn Alum and the other sons are students at Auburn University and at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Hal and Lauren Smith have

lived in Auburn since 2010. Both love Auburn and Opelika, and sincerely appreciate the support they have received from their friends and customers.

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 Val-

ley.

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 South College St. in Auburn. 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 334-8443105, email olli@ auburn.edu or visit the website at www. olliatauburn.org

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-of-way 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 fur-

ther conveyed to 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

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 Thirty-Six (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 RE-

CORDS 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

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,

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

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

R. Steven Baker

Attorney at Law/RN/U.S Army Veteran

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No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of the legal services performed by other lawyers.

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MISCELLANEOUS SOON THE Mark of the Beast will be enforced.

Let the bible explain Free Book and Bible Study. PO Box 171 Samantha, AL 35482.

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Call (308)340-4761

Help Wanted Now hiring part-time servers and cooks. Contact Terri.RestingPulseBrewing.com for application.

Ct., Auburn, AL 36832.

QC Engineer- Position available in Auburn, AL. Rq’d Bachelor of Industrial Eng. or Chemical Eng. Duties include developing production tracking and quality control systems; analyzing coating quality control and chemical resistance, etc. Mail resume with cover letter to “CNJ, Inc.” at 265 Teague Ct., Auburn, AL 36832.

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

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Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

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

Electrical Engineer- Position available in Auburn, AL. Rq’d Bachelor of Electrical Eng. and 2 year exp. as electrical engineer. Duties include designing, implementing, and maintaining electrical equipment, systems, and processes, etc. Mail resume with cover letter to “CNJ, Inc.” at 265 Teague

For Rent 2 bedroom furnished house on 1 acre of land. 12 miles - 10 minutes from Auburn.

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Call 334-399-1972 or 334-727-7272 for more information.

B12 February 27, 2019

pelika Observer O

Last week’s answers:

2-20 Scramblers Answers: 1. Alert, 2. Zeal, 3. Aspire, 4. Tier Solution: RAISE

pelika Observer O

B13 February 27, 2019

COMICS

A good laugh heals a lot of hurts. — Madeleine L’Engle

pelika Observer O

B14 February 27, 2019

Local Boys and Girls Club group hold Black History Month celebration

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 at i o n

March 28 - 31, 2019 Callaway Resort & Gardens | Pine Mountain, Georgia

At l ast, the SPRING escape you’ve been waiting for Callaway Resort & Gardens’ dazzling display of Spring beauty just got even better. Events feature all-inclusive tickets for food and drink tastings with souvenir glasses. The Spring celebration of culinary and beverage excellence like no other!

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

SipandSavorSpring.com O FFI C I A L S P O N SO RS

M ED I A S P O N SO RS

LEE COUNTY VOTERS LEAGUE Invitation to the public

Merrill

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