Opelika Observer 3-7-2018 E-Edition

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Vol. 10, No. 22

pelika O Observer

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Adventure Awaits Where convenience and inconvenience intersect

Opelika Middle School student stars in Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ film

Michelle Key/ Opelika Observer

By Michelle Key & Morgan Bryce The BigHouse Foundation held their 9th Annual BigHouse Support Dinner last Thursday night to promote and

she and her husband, Blake were called to start the organization while they were in college. Working primarily with foster families, she explained that the BHF connects them to See Bighouse, page A3

raise awareness about the impact of the organization both locally and statewide.

Micah Melnick, BHF's executive director and founder, addressed the crowd and shared how

Leigh Krehling: The Heart of a Volunteer

Submitted to the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Reflecting on his role in Marvel’s “Black Panther”, which has netted more than $800 million worldwide, Opelika Middle School’s

Butcher Paper BBQ serves up food with love, eclectic style

Ashton Tyler said he knew from the beginning that the film had the potential to be a blockbuster.

“I knew it was going to be huge ... it’s just an amazing film,” Tyler said.

See Panther page A3

Elizabeth Burton to run for LCC District 5 seat

Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer Shawn Kirkpatrick/Opelika Observer

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer Working for the city of Opelika isn’t just ‘punching the time clock’ for Community Relations Officer Leigh Krehling. It’s a job she loves, giving back to her community, and she does it with the heart of a volunteer.

Krehling was just awarded Volunteer of the Year by the United Way See Krehling, page A3

By Kendyl Hollingsworth For the Opelika Observer Opelika native Mark Coxwell, the owner and chef behind Butcher Paper BBQ, has sought to bring a modern taste to traditional-style barbecue in Opelika since the summer of 2016.

After working for a short time at Chuck’s Bar-B-Que 13 years ago, Coxwell spent time living in Nashville and Georgia but said he always had an idea in the back of his mind for something more. It was not until

he moved back to Opelika that he decided to tackle the process of bringing his idea to fruition.

“It’s scary to get started,” Coxwell said. “My goal was to start it and start as close to debt-free as possible. I’ve been pretty good about it … I feel like there’s been a good response so far.”

Butcher Paper BBQ began as a catering company in June 2016, and Coxwell ran the business part time.

In May 2017, he decided to move his operations to 128 Columbus Parkway.

See BBQ, page A11

Index OPINION.................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY........A12 SPORTS...................................B1

RELIGION.................................B3 COMMUNITY.............................B8 ENTERTAINMENT.....................B12

Special to the Opelika Observer Lifelong Lee County resident Elizabeth Burton has announced that she will run for the open Lee County Commission District 5 seat, which was currently held by John Andrew Harris.

Harris joins Jeremy Gray, Patsy Jones and Ronnie Reed in running for the District 83 seat held by the late State Rep. George “Tootie” Bandy, a See Burton, page B4

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A2 March 7, 2018

County supports jet trainer Smiths Station City Council honors project for Macon County Sgt. Dan Scivicque during meeting recruit new board candidates, pointing out the outstanding accomplishments of the Beulah Public Utilities Board over recent years, once qualified new members were appointed.

In other action, the commission: • further delayed approval of a lounge retail liquor license for the Speed Zone Package Store in Smiths Station until the commission is assured that a separate entrance to the lounge area is completed (as required

by Alabama law), • began the process of vacating the old right-of- way of Lee Road 86 at its intersection with U.S. Hwy. 280 halfway between the Bottle and Waverly by scheduling the required public hearing for April 9, just before the regular commission meeting • approved adjustments to the FY 2018 budget • gave approval for Environmental Services to participate, in cooperation with the cities of Auburn and Opelika and Auburn University, in the Alabama Recycling Fund Grant Program again this year.

MacDonald-Douglas, but their trainers are in the design and/ or developmental stages, while Leonardo-DRS’s T-100 is already in production and widely used.

The U.S. Air Force will make the contract award within the next 90-120 days State Sen. Tom Whatley appeared again before the commission to urge them to associate with his law firm and the BeasleyAllen firm on the nation-wide opioid litigation. Whatley made the point that he was appearing as Tom Whatley, local attorney, and not as Tom Whatley, state senator.

The commission reappointed members to the Lee County Youth Development Board and the East Alabama Mental Health Board. After this action was taken, Commissioner Robert Ham pointed out that both reappointments were long-serving members and that commissioners had previously agreed to seek out new appointments to county boards.

He challenged the other commissioners to renew their efforts to locate and

By Fred Woods Opelika Observer Lee County Commissioners are drafting a resolution supporting the T- 100 jet trainer project proposed for Tuskegee and Macon County. Joe Turnham made the request for the support resolution at the most recent commission meeting. Turnham pointed out the significant benefits of the proposed aviation facility, not only for Macon County, but for neighboring counties, including Lee, as well.

The T-100 trainer will replace the old T-38, which was used for many years to train jet pilots, and will be built by the Italian firm Leonardo-DRS. Turnham told the commission that the firm is a highly respected world-wide producer of trainer jet aircraft and that the T-100 is a stateof-the-art 21st century aircraft already in production and currently used by a number of U.S. allies including Israel, Poland, Italy, United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

Other major rivals for the project include Boeing and

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor The Smiths Station City Council presented Sgt. Dan Scivicque of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office with the James W. Anderson Award during its regular meeting Tuesday night.

Named after a former Lee County deputy who lost his life in 2010 in the line of duty, the peerchosen recognition is given to the officer who demonstrates the same level of service and sacrifice as Anderson.

“It’s a great honor.

I did not expect such kind words from my captain, and they were very nice to hear ... it’s always great to get affirmation,” Scivicque said on receiving the award. “First and foremost, my goal is to uphold the law in the county. I do enjoy the public relations side of it and meeting people from all walks of life ... I love that.”

The council also entered into an agreement with Premier Landscaping LLC to handle its roadside trash collection/ disposal, a contract

Special to the Opelika Observer

worth $31,200 a year. Copeland said the measure would improve the quality of life and overall streetscapes for Smiths Station residents.

“We’ve entered into a contract with a company that will maintain our city streets. The county already does it, but this right here will be a double barrel, because the county is so limited ... which is why we have to do something to help our city out,” Copeland said. “If you go to Opelika, their streets are clean, if you go to Auburn, their streets are clean. We need to have our city streets as clean as theirs are.”

In other business, the council:

• approved a general fund budget for the month of January • announced two citywide events: a seminar March 19 at the Smiths Station High School auditorium on smartphones, sex and social media, presented by Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes and Chief Assistant District Attorney Jessica Ventiere; and a meet-and-greet March 20 with Smiths Station’s new football coach Mike Glisson.

The Smiths Station City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Government Center, located at 2336 Lee Road 430. For more information or meeting times, visit www. smithsstational.gov.

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Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com

Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer

Editor: Michelle Key Associate Editor: Morgan Bryce Journalist: Shawn Kirkpatrick Marketing: Woody Ross, Doug Horn & Emily Key Photographer: Robert Noles

w w w. o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r . c o m 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

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pelika O Observer Panther, from A1 Starring as young T’Challa, Tyler appears in a flashback scene for the film’s protagonist, who is portrayed by Chadwick Boseman.

After months of auditions, Tyler was selected for the role and spent three weeks last summer in Atlanta for production, an experience he said he will never forget.

“The sets that they made for the film were amazing ... they were all actual sets. It was amazing to watch, just seeing and getting to meet all the people like (writer/director) Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong’o,” Tyler said. “It’s a very hopeful film, and I think its message is for both adults and kids. We have a lot of problems in our govern-

Krehling, from A2 for her work on the city’s fundraising campaign.

“I just feel so honored.

I could not have done it without the committee that was behind me,” Krehling added. “I really had a good group of people here at the city that jumped in, rallied and got the competition going. I’m just honored. I really am.”

It all started when Kreh-

Bighouse, from A1 resources including a clothes closet, and ‘New to Care’ bags.

BHF also provides events that benefit parents and their children.

"We know that foster care is not easy, it is not a light decision. It takes a lot of commitment, and we want to show these families how much we care about them," Melnick said.

The keynote speaker for the event was Keith Howard, vice president of services for the Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care. He spoke on the challenges of foster care and the need for organizations such as the Big House Foundation.

Through the story of his family's adventure in fostering and then adopting a sibling group of four children, Howard challenged the audience to listen to their hearts and find what their role in the foster care system and the support of the BHF could be. While recalling how he first came into contact with the children that would eventually move into his home and

ment and we have a lot of problems in ourselves that we need to fix, and this movie shows people that there is a way and that it is possible to do that."

Black Panther, however, is just a follow-up for Tyler’s stellar start in acting.

In 2016, Tyler appeared as the son of Octavia Spencer in the Oscarnominated film “Hidden Figures”, which focuses on a team of female African-American mathematicians who made major contributions to NASA’s development of the U.S. space program.

“I get a call from my agent (Susan TolarWalters) and she was like, ‘hey, you got the part in Hidden Figures.’ (After I hung up the phone) it was just an amazing moment that me and my mom got to share together,” Tyler said.

Being an actor is the lifelong realization of

a dream come true for Tyler, who announced to his parents at 6 years old that he wanted to act.

Two years later, Tyler and his mother Adrienne traveled to an acting showcase in Atlanta, where he would later meet his future agent, Tolar-Walters.

Prior to “Hidden Fig-

ling applied for the city position a little more than a year ago. “During my interview, the mayor (Gary Fuller) said, ‘the first thing I want you to do is to raise more money for United Way,’ Krehling said. “I’m challenging you to do better for the city. That’s the number one thing I want you to focus on.”

After she was hired, Krehling immediately set things in motion. She set up a committee, and they started brainstorming about what they could

do to raise money. The group decided on a community yard sale, a Fair Share Giving contest and a Penny War. “We had departments battling it out. Pennies were negative (points), and any nickel, dime or quarter counted as so many points. This went on for about a month,” Krehling explained. “On the last day, there were several departments that thought they had won, and then the police department comes in at the last minute. They

his heart, Howard said that he realized that "where convenience and inconvenience intersect, that's where adventure awaits."

Howard also praised the work of the BHF and their willingness to serve not only the OpelikaAuburn area but also other parts of the state.

"When everyone is looking at you like you're crazy, like you're doing something extraordinary and unordinary

A3 March 7, 2018

ures”, Tyler had appeared only in commercials, going more than 130 auditions without a part.

“Some people have a natural-born talent, and some learn to be amazing.

For me it was a little bit of both,” Tyler said. “I knew I had a natural talent, because of the 180 people at that showcase, I was

one of those three that got picked. That helped me know that I had something to work with.”

Tyler recently finished filming for his third movie, “Uncle Drew”, a sports comedy set to air this summer that will feature the likes of former and current NBA stars Shaquille O’Neal and Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics, as well as acclaimed actor and comedian Lil Rel Howery.

With appearances in films spanning the dramatic, science fiction and comedy genres, Tyler said he enjoys using his platform to spread his joy and passion for storytelling with movie audiences.

“The reason why I started acting was to make people feel emotions the same way I do. Acting for me is just a way to express emotions that I probably didn’t even know that I had,” Tyler said. “It’s something I love doing and something

I can keep doing in the future.”

Tyler’s mother, Adrienne Pruitt, said she believes the sky is the limit for her 11-year-old son.

“I’m really proud of who he is. He’s a really, really good kid, which I hear everywhere I go,” Pruitt said. “I’m proud that he has impacted the world so much at such a young age and I see him continuing to do that because I’ve been told since he was a baby that he was going to do something special,” Pruitt said.

Outside of acting, Tyler said he enjoys spending time with his friends, playing basketball and working through his nonprofit “Ashton’s Closet”, which encourages children to be involved and give back to their communities.

For more information about Tyler or to keep up with his acting career, like or follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

had figured out that nickels gave them the most positive points. They came in with like $300 of nickels from their own pot. They hit it out of the park. They beat everyone with like 350,000 points, or something ridiculous.”

Krehling, along with United Way representatives, also went around to all the city departments to dispel some of the myths about the organization.

“People think the executive director makes all this money, that it (money)

doesn’t stay local. We tried to dispel the myths that are in people’s minds,” Krehling said.

“Through the twomonth campaign, I also sent out emails each week to help educate people.

For so long we just lay dormant. We just hoped people gave money. I really tried to stay in front of people.”

When it was all said and done, Krehling, with the help of city departments, raised more than $30,000 for United Way. “I was

just really excited that we almost doubled our giving,” Krehling said.

While Krehling plans the next campaign for United Way, she is tapping into the needs in Opelika by using her “volunteer heart” to give her time at her son’s schools, to be a bell ringer for The Salvation Army and to help at Jean Dean RIF (Reading Is Fundamental), tapping into the needs in Opelika.

“I love giving my time and giving back to my community,” Krehling said.

and ‘why would you do that,’ Big House says, 'we're going to walk with you, we're going to hold your hand, and we're going to support you.'

Big House fills in the gaps that occur when children are thrown in an ‘ad-

venture’ that they did not ask to be in," Howard said.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www. ourbighouse.org, email Melnick at micah@ourbighouse. org or call 334-3632634.

Michelle Key/ Opelika Observer

Keith Howard speaks on behalf of The Big House Foundation at their annual Bighouse Support Dinner.

mammograms and pap smears If you are age 40 to 64, have no insurance and a low income, you may qualify for a FREE Mammogram and Pap smear.

With you every step of the way from FREE SCREENING to FREE TREATMENT For more information, call toll-free 1-877-252-3324 alabamapublichealth.gov/bandc

A4 March 7, 2018

pelika O Opinion

Man’s best friend Old trucks T S way to argue that we had fewer aw where a beagle named children than we had, for there Ono won the top dog prize they were, eyes pleading for at the Westminster Kennel puppies.

Club dog do-rah.

And having two, there was Good for Ono. no way to argue that they Good for beagles. should share a dog, because Reading this I paused to reflect I knew that despite all my efon dogs I have known and loved.

By Hardy Jackson forts (and their Mama’s) sharNow I’m not opposed to cats. ing was not something they did They are OK. But, well, it’s like when this cat took up at my house and I tried on a regular basis.

So I reluctantly agreed, to give it to my buddy Brad.

On one condition.

Me: “Have I got the cat for you.”

They would have to be Beagles.

Brad: “I don’t want a cat.”

Now I did not know of anyone around Me: “This cat is no trouble at all.” here that raised Beagles. But assuming that Brad: “I don’t want a cat.” my wife could find someone, at least I would Me: “This cat won’t care if you’re there have dogs I wouldn’t mind taking care of, or not.” since I was pretty sure that is what I would Brad: “Who wants a pet that doesn’t care be doing – sooner or later. if you’re there or not”?

And I left the ball in their court.

I kept the cat.

“When you find them, let me know.”

Dogs care. They are always glad to see Which my lovely wife took as a challenge. you. And of the dogs I have owned, Beagles And so it came to pass that in the weeks were among the gladdest.

I got my first beagles when I was about 12 that followed she scoured the classified ads, years old. A pair. Got them on George Wash- looking for what I hoped wasn’t there.

Until the day she came in and showed it to ington’s birthday, so I named them George me. and Martha. Naturally.

“Free to a good home.” (The price was Those beagles led to more beagles and right.) “Part-beagle and part Walker in time I was the go-to guy if you wanted a Hound.” small dog for rabbit hunting.

“Walker Hound!”

But I grew older and in the process of putNow my sweetheart, bless her, grew up ting away childish things I also got out of the in the Atlanta suburbs. She knew about as Beagle business.

Still, I never gave up my love of the breed. much about Walker Hounds as I knew about shoe sales at Macy’s. So I gently asked, Years passed and I had other dogs. Then I went dogless, until my children, then 9 and 4, “Have you ever seen a Walker Hound?”

“No,” she admitted, “but they can’t be began lobbying. very big if they can mate with a Beagle.”

With all the usual promises.

And once again I was caught in the web of All the usual lies. wifely logic from which there was no escape.

“We’ll feed it.”

And a few days later we were on the way “We’ll clean up after it.” to see the puppies. And of course the chil“We’ll . . . . “ You know the rest. dren loved them. Who doesn’t love puppies.

I held them off with cost. We’d have to hire someone to take care of it when we were Small, warm tummies, little ears and big feet. away. We’d have to fence the yard. Get a Big Feet! I feared for the future. dog house. Have it spayed. I hemmed and And in the months and years that followed hawed and delayed and made excuses. the puppies – named Freckles and Sprinkles And they enlisted Mama. Mama.

If you are married and have children then I – grew. As they did “free to a good home” don’t have to tell you that when Mama sides cost me a chain-link fence, spaying (both were girls), increasingly large bags of dog with the kids you are done for. food, vet bills, and dog sitters.

And if you are not married or are but They also grew in ways I never imagined. don’t have children, read on and learn. At Sprinkles became a sleek Walker Hound moments like this all you can hope for is a with a voice to match. few concessions to save at least a shred of Not a hint of beagle in her. And dumb as a dignity.

Pater Familias my foot. So I said, “OK, but brick (“challenged” according to my wife).

Meanwhile Freckles evolved into a black it will be an outdoor dog.” and white sausage on toothpick legs. An eatAnd my wife said “they.” ing machine. But I love them. For they are And I said, “they?” glad to see me when I come home.

And she, “They. The two dogs.”

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is ProfesAnd I, “Two dogs?” sor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State And she, “We have two children.”

University. He can be reached at hjackI could see the logic, but more than that, son@cableone.net.

I could see the inevitability. There was no

makes a deal. Old his story isn’t men who drive mine, but I’m candy-apple Fords going to tell it have been known to like I heard it. I first do that. heard it from an old When the workman who drove a day is over, the old Ford. And I have a soft man pulls into the spot for old Ford men.

By Sean Dietrich kid’s jobsite again.

So there he is. The The kid is loading old man is driving. work vehicles.

He sees a car on the side of the “What’re you doing here?” highway. A kid stands beside it.

Hood open. The man pulls over. the kid asks.

“Came to give you a ride He’s America’s quintessential home.” old man. He drives a half-ton The kid hops in. They drive.

Ford that he’s been babying since the seventies. He changes They talk again. The sun is lowering. The kid smells like sweat the oil regularly, waxes it on weekends. The candy-apple red and sawdust. They arrive in a supermarket parking lot. The paint still looks nice. old man shuts the engine off.

He looks under the kid’s “What’re we doing?” the kid hood. He can see the problem right away, (a) the transmission says.

The old man points at an is shot, and (b) it’s not a Ford. ugly truck with a for-sale sign.

Fixing it would cost more than the vehicle. The kid is in a “What do you think of that truck?” hurry, and asks, “Can you give The kid’s face gets serious. me a ride to work? I can’t afHis eyes become large. ford to lose my job.”

“I asked you a question,” the So, the old man drives the old man says. “I know it don’t kid across town. They do some talking. The man learns that the look pretty, but with a little work, it can be a dependable boy has four children, a young wife, and a disabled mother liv- vehicle.”

The kid is unable to speak. He ing with him. The boy works hard for a living. Bills keep pil- looks like he might even cry.

The old man doesn’t care ing up. It rips the man’s heart much for tears—men from his out. generation don’t. So, he tosses They arrive at a constructhe kid a set of keys. “She’s all tion site. There are commercial yours,” the old man says. framers in tool belts, operating “You gotta be kidding,” the nail guns. The kid pumps the old man’s hand and thanks him boy answers. “You BOUGHT that truck for me? You don’t for the ride. even know me.”

“Take care of yourself,” the “No, son,” the man says. man tells the kid. The kid takes “I didn’t buy that truck for his place among workmen, climbing on pine-framed walls, you. I bought it for ME. I’m gonna fix’er up, make her pretty swinging a hammer. again.”

The old man decides to help The old man pats the steering the kid. He doesn’t know how. wheel of Candy-Apple Red. Or why.

“This is the one I’m giving to But it’s a decision that seems you.” to make itself. That same day, Old men. May I live long he’s at a stop light. He sees enough to be one someday. something. An ugly truck, sitSean Dietrich is a columnist, ting in a supermarket parking and novelist, known for his lot. A Ford. commentary on life in the AmerA for-sale sign in the window. He inspects it. Single cab. ican South. His work has apFour-wheel drive. Low mileage. peared in Southern Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, SouthThe paint is flaking. Rust on ern Magazine, Yellowhammer the doors. It’s a glorified hunk News, the Bitter Southerner, the of metal, but they don’t make Mobile Press Register and he them like this anymore. has authored seven books.

Out of impulse, the old man

Inside the Statehouse

A

s the June primaries for our statewide races get closer, there is a lot of media attention and stories written about the power being wielded by special interests, PACs and big money. They focus on the large amount of cash and influence being bet on the horses for governor and the legislature.

The Business Council of Alabama and ALFA are getting prepared to protect their friends and allies and punish their enemies. These two powerful and money laden special interests will be players in the 2018 horse races. Surprisingly, these two pro-business organizations are not riding the same horses in a good many races, especially statewide.

Quietly behind the scenes is another power in Alabama politics, Milton McGregor. You can bet he is playing ball. Mc-

and will Gregor’s insupport fluence is felt them, they in decision know they making races can take it in the state to the bank. from governor There is a to every legpolitical islative race.

By Steve Flowers maxim used McGregor is by longtime the E.F. Hutpolitical vetton of Alaerans who have been in bama politics. When he the Legislature for years speaks people listen, and and have fought major more importantly when battles over controversial he speaks politicians lisissues – the type of battles ten. He also transcends party. He supports people where you have to get a good toehold and stakewho are his friends regardless of political party. out your position and stay put. Thus, the saying is He epitomizes the analogous to being in a golden rule of politics. monumental battle where He is loyal to his friends. you get into a foxhole In a day when some people’s word is no good, to survive. Therefore, if a politician says about McGregor’s is solid as a rock. In politics and busi- another that he is someone I would want in my ness your word is your foxhole in a war they are bond, and that is why McGregor is revered and talking about someone respected by the majority they would trust with their life. That saying has of Alabama’s political been used to describe folks.

McGregor on more than If McGregor tells someone he is their friend one occasion.

Most people assume that Milton McGregor’s only interest is gaming.

However, he is invested in the Nursing Home industry, the real estate business and farming.

He has been successful in each of these endeavors.

McGregor grew up in the Wiregrass. His family was very politically connected, so he got his love for politics honestly. McGregor idolized his older brother, Tom, who was a political icon in the Wiregrass.

Tom McGregor was instrumental in electing the legendary George Andrews to Congress.

In fact, Tom McGregor got Andrews elected to Congress while he was still overseas in the Navy.

Andrews was elected to Congress in the 1940’s and served in Congress more than 20 years, became a power and is the reason Fort Rucker is located in Ozark/

Enterprise. The elder McGregor was Andrews’ right-hand man for more than 20 years.

Milton McGregor loves politics, but he loves his wife of over 50 years, Pat, more than life. He is considered one of the most loyal family men in the state. Unlike many of his so-called religious and pious detractors, there has never been a hint of personal scandal around Milton McGregor.

His generosity is unlimited. There are stories about his allowing politicians to ride in his luxury airplanes, and they have.

The truth is he is doing it more out of friendship rather than for personal gain or favoritism. There are ten times more occasions where he has given free use of his planes with his pilots to shuttle an indigent cancer patient to a hospital to save their life.

Milton reached the point financially, long

ago, where he does not need any more money.

He plays politics for the love of it. He has given more than $300 million to charities over the years. That is 300 million dollars more than the Indian casinos have given Alabamians.

My mama always said that you can tell who a real gentleman is by the way he treats the person less fortunate. Milton McGregor epitomizes this quality. He treats the lowest janitor in his racetracks with the same sincerity, warmness and dignity that he does to the wealthiest people in America whom he rubs shoulders with every day.

See you next week.

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

pelika O Observer

March 7, 2018

BPEC holds comedy competition

Opelika’s Cowboy Club Every day, members of The Cowboy Club gather in downtown pelika to not only share tall tales but mememories of the good old days. The Museum of East Alabama now has a collage of former and current club members, which covers nearly 50 years of its history.

Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer

A5

By Lawton Vallely For the Opelika Observer Do you think you are funny? The Bottling Plant Event Center will be hosting ‘Battle for O-Town,’ a weekly amateur comedian contest, where two winners from each show will compete in a finale show to win $500.

“The goal is to continue to grow the competition, which I feel like we are doing and then eventually move to a bigger space like

one of the ballrooms,” said Bottling Plant Event Center Owner Lisa Ditchkoff. “Everybody that has come has loved it and they come back and then they have brought other people with them.”

Qualifying shows will be every Wednesday from March 4 to April 25, beginning at 7 p.m.

The event will be hosted by stand-up comedian Michael Statham and will cost $5 for admission. Details on the event finale will

be announced at a later date.

“Comedy has been something different for the city of Opelika,” Ditchkoff said. “We have done quite a few comedy shows and I am in the process of lining up some other ones. We’ve really become fairly established as far as being a location that holds comedy events.”

To sign up for the competition or for more information, contact Statham at 205-5326090.

Auburn Rotary Club and local chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama host Sean Dietrich at luncheon

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Acclaimed columnist and author Sean Dietrich spoke to members of the Auburn Rotary Club and local members of the Public Relations Council of Alabama last Wednesday at the Saugahatchee Country Club.

Known more commonly by his fans as "Sean of the South", Dietrich's writings in particular focus on the people and ways of life in the American South.

During his speech, Dietrich employed a raconteur-like style to recount stories to the audience of his youth and the origins of his writing career.

Originally from Missouri, Dietrich, his mother and younger sister moved to Walton County, Florida, when he was 14. Following the death of his father two years earlier, he dropped out of school to work to help support his family.

Working in construction and newspaper delivery, Dietrich later

switched to a full-time career in music, performing in area churches, bars and restaurants to earn money.

Years later, without a high school diploma or GED, Dietrich said he wanted to go back to school to earn a degree. It was in an English class taught by a teacher named Ms. Fish where he said he unearthed his Godgiven ability to express himself through writing.

“I sat in (her) class early in the very front desk and said, ‘I’d like to be writer one day I think.’ She said, ‘great, well you’re a little early for class. It doesn’t start for another 20.

Wanna write something for me then?’”

Dietrich said. “I said, ‘yes ma’am, I would.

She said, ‘ok, just tell me who you are in 500 words.’

Within minutes, Dietrich said he penned a piece that moved his teacher to tears.

“My first opening line was, ‘my father shot himself on a Thursday.’ I was

always told that the opening line was the most important,” Dietrich joked. “She read it before class and I saw a tear form in the corner of her eye. After class, she took me aside and she said, ‘oh my God. This was really a blessing to read (for) me.

And I think truly you might be my first writer that I’ve had in a class, ever.’”

Now, Dietrich is the author of seven published books and has columns that appear in some of the South’s most well-known publications, including the Yellowhammer News, Bitter Southerner and Mobile Press Register.

Currently on a tour of the Southeast with his wife Jamie, Dietrich said his appearance in the Opelika-Auburn area was his fourth in the past year, a community he said he has quickly fallen in love with.

“This is where we would move if we were to sell our house down where we live in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida ... no doubt about it that

Renovate your homeowners policy.

Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer

we would move here.

We have friends here and we look forward to coming here (each visit),” Dietrich said.

For more information or to read samples of Dietrich’s work, visit www.seandietrich.com

or follow his channel on YouTube. He posts a new column daily on his website.

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pelika O Observer

A7 March 7, 2018

History-making appointments for Opelika Housing Authority chair

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer It has never been done before in Opelika, or in our state. Opelika Housing Authority Chair Henrietta Snipes is the first person in the history of the organization to hold three appointments, plus chair of the Opelika Housing Authority, simultaneously, that according to President of the Alabama Association of Housing and Redevelopments Authorities (AAHRA) Danny Walker.

Snipes has been elected to serve as Vice President of Commissioners for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment (NAHRO), Vice President of Commissioners for the Southeast Re-

gional Conference of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment (SERC), and appointed Chair of the Alabama Association of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities this year.

“Holding all three has made it easier for me. NORHA is the mother of the group. So everything from NOHRA filters down through the region and the state. I am at an advantage because I am right there at the beginning of the planning,” Snipes said. “I am ahead of the game by being the VP of NOHRA. Now I am better equipped to take it (information) back to my region.”

Snipes, has been on the Opelika Housing Authority board for 21 years, serving the last 13 as chair.

She is already focusing on her

goals for the state and local housing authorities.

“I really want to push professional development in the state a lot more. In Alabama we are a little slow in training our commissioners and that’s been a problem for me. I want to push certifications that commissioners don’t take advantage of.”

For people living in government housing in Opelika, Snipes said there is hope.

“We are about encouraging people, to let us help them and tell them about all the programs that are out there. Let us help you, then move on and get out (of housing).”

Shawn Kirkpatrick/ Opelika Observer

Jeremy Gray speaks at Opelika Rotary Club luncheon on ways to serve the community Special to the Opelika Observer Jeremy Gray recently made an inspiring presentation to the Opelika Rotary lunch group regarding The Curtis House, a program he established to serve the needs of the elderly, adults, and especially children in Opelika.. The Curtis House, located at 125 Jeter Avenue, offers projects such as sports camps, feeding programs, and afterschool activities. Mr. Gray, a former professional football player, is also a candidate for the district 85 seat in the Alabama House of Representatives. Pictured (from left): Harry Cullinan, club president; Gray; and Brandon Morgan, club member.

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pelika O Observer

A8 March 7, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town crops, and many more To view the full schedule please visit http://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.

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 334209-4641. 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 256-307-1449.

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

parents to connect with each other.

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

• The Opelika 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 2975581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org.

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

• The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-528-4197 or deboarhowen@eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No

reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

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

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes 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 question 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

Camellia Show at Pioneer Park Special to the Opelika Observer The Auburn-Opelika Men’s Camellia Club will host its annual spring show during Second Saturday events at Pioneer Park in Loachapoka on March 10, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Depending upon the weather, hundreds of camellia blooms will be on display in the Trade Center Museum. At 11 a.m,, Dr. Charles Mitchell and Ken Rogers will conduct a workshop on camellia culture and propagation in the Heirloom Camellia Garden next to the Trade Center Museum. A limited number of camellia varieties in 3-gallon pots will be on sale during the event. If you have an old camellia in your landscape that you would like to have identified, bring a blossom to the show for comparison with the many named varieties on exhibit.

Members of the Camellia Club will be on hand to help answer questions about the State Flower of Alabama.

There will be other Second Saturday activities at Pioneer Park. Adults can learn “rag rug” crocheting upstairs in the Trade Center Museum with Tom Westmoreland. Westmoreland has a very interesting and attractive method for making rectangular rugs, placemats, and other pieces beginning in the middle and crocheting out to the desired size. You may bring your own cloth (old clothes, sheets, fabric) or there will be cloth available. For those who do not know the basic crochet stitch, there will be a beginner section. These classes are free and will begin at 9:30 a.m. All participants should also bring a pair of scissors and a jumbo crochet hook.

Gibbs Couch and her OLLI storytelling class will be telling tall tales, fairytales and a few real-life adventures for children and adults outside under the pavilion or inside the museum depending upon the weather from 10 a.m. - noon.

Come listen or share a story of your own.

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote.

For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

• A monthly educational program on topics for autism parents, caregivers and teachers will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika from 6-7:30 p.m.

Childcare is provided but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@leecountyautism.com to make sure there are enough volunteers.

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

• The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:306:45 p.m.

• Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard.

The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6–8 p.m.

8685 AL Highway 51.

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

Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved.

The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College

and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706518-9122.

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

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 502-0216.

• Auburn-Opelika Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) meets every fourth Wednesday. CCL is a nonprofit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. We consider a national carbon fee which would be distributed as a dividend to all U.S. households as the most important solution to climate change. Meetings are held at the Hubert and Grace Harris Center Meeting Room (425 Perry St., Auburn, AL 36830 --- directly across from the Auburn, AL U.S. Post Office), 7:00-8:30 PM. To learn more about CCL go to our website: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/ • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

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

Thursdays: • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@ yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the

autism spectrum. They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights. This event is held the third Thursday of each month.

Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call 770845-2277 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 334-528-1076 for more information.

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

• March 9 – Cancer Center Linear Accelerator Media Event – 11:30 a.m. in the Cancer Center of East Alabama (on EAMC campus). We have purchased and installed a new linear accelerator for the radiation treatment of patients with cancer. Dr. John Cabelka (radiation oncologist) and John Faircloth (director) will “unveil” the new equipment and discuss its use. This will be the first time that EAMC will have two linear accelerators in use.

• March 20 The March meeting of NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Avenue in Auburn. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited.

To add your community events to the community calendar, email us at editor@ opelikaobserver.com

John McCutcheon to perform at Auburn church March 23 Special to the Opelika Observer Nationally renowned folk musician, storyteller and multi instrumentalist John McCutcheon will be live in Auburn at the United Universalist Church. Show details at www.sundillamusic. com/john-mccutcheon.

He is not a religious performer but is often hosted at churches for his touring.

John's forthcoming release “Ghost Light” is his 39th, and it can be streamed or downloaded at bitly/2mNDXkS. It features appearances from friends Kathy Mattea and Stuart Duncan. One of the top tracks is "The Machine" with its great lyric, "Woody Guthrie had this guitar with the best sign I have seen

-- this machine kills fascists - we must be the machine."

During the course of John's 40-plusyear career, he helped start the first traveling musician's union, the Local 1000 - www. local1000.org. Johnny Cash once referred to him as "the most impressive instrumentalist I've ever heard."

John plays numerous instruments, including piano, guitar, auto harp and banjo. He is one of the world's master players of the beautiful hammered dulcimer.

You will hear him play all or most of these instruments during his one-man show. He was one of the nominees for Artist of the Year at this year's Folk Alliance International conference in Kansas City.

pelika O Observer

A10 March 7, 2018

Best places to shop and earn rewards in Opelika Special to the Opelika Observer A new study from the website SmartAsset shows Opelika is among the best places to shop and earn rewards across Alabama.

The study was based on five key factors: total stores, store concentration, sales tax rate, crime rate and credit score.

Also, the study separated out the total

number of stores in each city into the following categories: Clothing/Jewelry, Luggage, Furniture, Electronics Appliance, Hardware Construction, Food, Small Gift Stores and Miscellaneous.

Opelika is ranked 7th on the website’s list for rewards shopping, with Florence ranked number one.

According to the website Yelp, the top

10 best places to shop in Opelika are: 1. Tigertown 2. Southern Crossing 3. Angel’s Antiques and Flea Mall 4. USA Factory Store 5. The Mint Julep Boutique 6. Fringe Consignment Boutique 7. Kohl’s 8. Ross Dress for Less 9. Alumni Hall 10. Village Mall

Best Cities for Rewards Shopping Index

Help by giving blood Special to the Opelika Observer In March, while basketball teams are fighting for the chance to be crowned champions, patients battling cancer and other illnesses are fighting for their lives. The American Red Cross is asking blood donors to help patients rebound by making a lifesaving donation this spring.

Middle school basketball player Olivia Stoy received blood and platelet transfusions during treatment for T lymphoblastic lymphoma. With the help of blood and platelet donations, the 14-year-old has returned to the basketball court and, more importantly, beat cancer.

“We are so thankful that the blood products

were available to Olivia for the almost two years of her treatment. They have made it possible for Olivia to regain her strength and get back to doing the activities she loves,” said Megan Stoy, Olivia’s mother.

Donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure that the Red Cross can collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations needed every day for patients like Olivia.

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1800- 33-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 16-31 • Chambers County -

Valley 3/20: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Beulah HS Community, 4848 Lee Road 270 • Lee County - Auburn 4/3 - 4/5 : 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Auburn University, 3130 Auburn University Student Center • Montgomery 3/5 noon - 6 p.m., Montgomery Blood Donation Center, 5015 Woods Crossing 3/7- 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., St. James High School PTA and Community, 6010 Vaughn Road 3/12: noon - 6 p.m., Montgomery Blood Donation Center, 5015 Woods Crossing 3/19: noon - 6 p.m., Montgomery Blood Donation Center, 5015 Woods Crossing 3/26: noon - 6 p.m., Montgomery Blood Donation Center, 5015 Woods Crossing 3/31: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall Street 4/2: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., AUM Athletic Department, AUM Taylor Center, Rooms 221 and 222 4/2: noon - 6 p.m., Montgomery Blood Donation Center, 5015 Woods Crossing • Russell County Phenix City 3/13: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Phenix City Library, 1501 17th Avenue.

pelika O Observer BBQ, from A1 There, he has a kitchen in which he can prepare the different meats, sauces, dry rubs, stew and macaroni he sells out of his trailer every week.

“I built the smoker by myself, and I built the trailer over the summer by myself,” Coxwell said.

“I started with just a flat trailer and designed it and built it.”

It takes Coxwell almost an entire day to prepare all the food that will be sold between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. the next day.

“Style-wise … I like to call [my barbecue] ‘eclectic,’” Coxwell explained.

“I don’t take from one particular style of barbecue.”

Butcher Paper BBQ has been selling lunch out of their signature red trailer

for six months. They offer classic barbecue sandwiches with a choice of either pork, chicken or brisket — their most popular meat option. Coxwell said he has several repeat customers for his brisket, which sells out quickly each week. He also makes four different types of barbecue sauce: sweet, mustard, vinegar and spicy.

“Each one has its own purpose, in my mind, but you can do whatever you want to with them,” Coxwell said. “If somebody asks me, I’ll tell them with the brisket, either do no sauce or do the spicy. With the pork, I like to do the vinegar … the sweet is the go-to if you just like standard barbecue sauce … and then the mustard I would highly recommend on the chicken.”

In addition to their sandwiches, Butcher Paper BBQ offers Bruns-

My Travel at Midtown

...your travel professionals

A11 March 7, 2018 signature red trailer on Wednesdays in addition to Fridays from 10 a.m.

– 2 p.m. next to Bubba’s Medicine Shop at 512 2nd Ave. in Opelika.

For more information

or for catering inquiries, call Coxwell at 706-2471215 or email butcherpaperbbq@gmail.com.

Butcher Paper BBQ can be followed on Facebook and Instagram.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

wick stew, “BBQ Mac and cheese,” ribs, as well as a variety of sides and drinks. Customers may also purchase meat by the pound. Coxwell said all of his food is homemade apart from the bread, pickles and potato chips.

“They’re my recipes,” Coxwell said. “I put a lot of work and a lot of effort into it, and I hope that it comes across. I hope that when somebody tastes something of mine, that they know that it was homemade … there was effort and there was love put into it.”

Coxwell said he has plans to expand his business, including an

additional smoker to give him the potential to serve more often and larger spaces to help increase his overall capacity in the future.

“It’s a local business, it’s a small business, and we’re growing, and we want to be a part of Opelika,” Coxwell said. “I don’t have any plans to really go anywhere else.

This is my home, I grew up here, I live here, I’m raising my family here— it’s my town. I want to be a part of it, and I hope that I can continue to be a part of it.”

This week, Butcher Paper BBQ will begin selling lunch out of their

Best lunch in town . . . any town

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

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

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outhern S Hospitality

A12 March 7, 2018

Busy mom Sherri Rowton enjoys cooking for family, friends

SH Ann Cipperly’s

Southern Hospitality

Living in the Historic District in Opelika, Sherri and Philip Rowton are enjoying their lovely older home and being part of a close neighborhood. The house was built in 1927, and many people remember it as once being the home of former Mayor Miles Thomas. Since Sherri likes cooking, the kitchen was redone with spacious marble counters and an island with a chef’s six-burner gas stove top.

Sherri recalls when they moved in the house 13 years ago, the kitchen was narrow and small. The space was completely remodeled, adding a long wet bar with an icemaker that comes in handy for parties. Some of the windows are wavy, which she decided to keep, as they add character to the sleek, all white modern kitchen.

Since Sherri’s father was in the Air Force, her family lived in different places. She was born in Warner Robins, GA., where she attended elementary school. She

spent her junior high years in Lexington, VA., when her father was on staff at the Virginia Military Institute. She graduated from high school in Montgomery.

Her mother and grandmother cooked southern dishes, while her father prepared more exotic and difficult recipes. She is sharing her Dad’s recipe for Chicken Brunswick Stew, which has many ingredients but is worth the effort.

Sherri began cooking after graduating from Auburn University. She then lived in Nashville, Hawaii and Atlanta.

Sherri had moved back to this area when she and Philip married. They held their reception at the Brownfield House. “Little did we know,” says Sherri, “that later we would be living just a couple of blocks away.”

After they married, the couple lived in Dallas, TX., for a couple of years, which was his hometown. Philip also graduated from Auburn.

He had ties to the area, as his grandfather taught in the theater department in the 1950s.

Philip works from home for VISA, based outside Denver, CO. He does some travel associated with his work.

Sherri is a development officer for the College of Sciences and Mathematics at Auburn University. “I enjoy working with so many accomplished alumni and friends, who, through their generosity and support, are making a difference at the

Recipes Dad’s Chicken Brunswick Stew 3 lbs. chicken 6 cups water 4 medium onions, chopped 1 large potato, diced Two 28 oz. cans whole tomatoes, do not drain 14 oz. ketchup 2 1/2 oz. mustard 2 1/2 oz. mayonnaise 2.5 oz. Worcestershire sauce Juice from 1 lemon 1/2 cup butter 1/2 Tbsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 can creamed corn (17 oz.)

1 can whole kernel corn, drained 16 oz. baby lima beans 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley 1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1 bay leaf 1 1/4 tsp. hot sauce Bring chicken and water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. Remove chicken from broth, reserving broth. Skin and shred chicken; cover and chill. Chill broth and remove fat.

Reheat broth; add onions, potatoes, tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, lemon juice, butter, salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 hours.

Stir often.

Add reserved chicken, corn and beans.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 hours.

Remove bay leaf before serving.

Crème Brûlée 2 cups heavy whipping cream 5 egg yolks 6 Tbsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. vanilla Scald cream; set aside. Beat yolks, sugar and vanilla with mixer for 5 minutes (should have consistency of cake batter).

Pour hot cream into mixture while con-

tinuing to beat at low speed.

Prepare a water bath in a casserole or roasting pan and place six ramekins, which have been filled 3/4 full.

Bake at 325 for 45 minutes.

May be chilled until ready to serve.

Sprinkle sugar on top and caramelize with a kitchen torch.

Mango Chutney Deviled Eggs 1 dozen boiled eggs 1/2 cup mayonnaise 3 Tbsp. mango chutney 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Peel and slice eggs, removing the yolks.

Blend yolks with remaining ingredients in a food processor. Fill egg halves. For an attractive presentation, pipe filling into egg halves.

university and beyond,” she says.

The Rowtons decided to live in Opelika, as Sherri prefers older homes with character. They like the neighborhood and feel a part of the community.

They have two sons, Joullian (Sherri’s maiden name), who is 13 and a student at Opelika Middle School; and Baker (Philip’s mother’s maiden name), who is 15 and is a 9th grader at Opelika High School. Baker is a kicker for the Opelika Bulldogs.

Sherri is sharing many of her family’s favorite recipes.

Crème Brûlée is Joullian’s favorite dessert. Sherri finds it is easy to prepare by mixing cream, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla for about five minutes until it has the consistency of cake batter. Sometimes she adds fresh raspberries. She spoons the mixture in ramekins to bake in a water bath.

After it has chilled, sugar is sprinkled on top and caramelized with a kitchen torch.

These small torches can be found in local stores.

Her go-to appetizers are Mango Chutney Deviled Eggs and Pimento Cheese with Pecans. Sherri places the filling for the deviled eggs in a blender to process until smooth and then pipes it into the egg whites for an attractive presentation.

She roasts salted pecans for the Pimento Cheese. The recipe is easy to double to have plenty on hand, as it is always popular with family

Photo by Ann Cipperly Sherri Rowton is enjoying living in the Historic District in Opelika and cooking in her remodeled kitchen at their 1927 home. While she is a busy working mom, Sherri prepares easy, tasty recipes for her family and friends. and friends.

The Curry Chicken and Rice Salad is a favorite recipe from a high school friend’s mother. Sherri made it for a luncheon with high school friends and their English teacher, who continue to get together during the holidays.

It is a flavorful, make ahead dish with curry laced dressing.

The Shrimp and Dill Salad is another favorite make ahead dish that is also good for luncheons.

Sherri combines steamed shrimp and seedless red grapes with mayonnaise and finely chopped dill. She collected the recipe from a small café near where her parents lived in Ohio.

For special occasions, Sher-

Pimento Cheese with Toasted Pecans 8 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded 2 oz. diced pimentos 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup finely chopped salted and roasted pecans

1/2 tsp. hot sauce (I prefer Frank’s) Salt to taste Combine all ingredients. May be easily doubled. Serve with crackers as a spread or a filling for sandwiches.

Shrimp and Dill Salad 2 lbs. steamed shrimp 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 lb. red, seedless grapes

1 bunch dill, finely chopped Mix ingredients and chill well before serving. Shrimp and grapes may be cut into smaller pieces.

Philip’s Mother’s Oven Roasted Beef Tenderloin 3 lbs. beef tenderloin (have butcher trim) 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 3 oz. Cavender’s Greek Seasoning Have beef close to

room temperature.

Cream butter with Greek seasoning.

Spread over beef.

Roast at 450 for 10 minutes.

Reduce heat to 350 and roast for 30 additional minutes.

Let roast sit for 15 minutes before slicing.

Curry Chicken and Rice Salad 3 cups cooked rice 3 cups cooked, diced chicken 3/4 cup roasted pecans, chopped 1/3 cup minced green onions 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Dressing: 3/4 cup mayonnaise 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 1 Tbsp. curry powder 1 Tbsp. garlic vinegar Combine salad ingredients. Mix dressing ingredients, blending well. Toss dressing with chicken and rice. Chill thoroughly.

Bourbon Balls 16 oz. powdered sugar 1/3 cup Bourbon (I use Maker’s Mark) 1/4 cup softened butter 50 pecan halves 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 Tbsp. Crisco Mix sugar, bourbon

and butter. Chill overnight. Shape into 1-inch balls. Press pecans into two sides. Chill 8 hours.

Melt chocolate chips and shortening in saucepan over medium heat.

Dip chilled balls into chocolate and place on waxed paper.

Chill until hardened.

ri prepares Philip’s mother’s recipe for Oven Roasted Beef Tenderloin. She combines softened butter with Greek seasoning and coats the roast before baking to enhance the flavor.

Philip also does some cooking. During the summer months, he grows vegetables at the O Grows Community Garden in Opelika and will grill them. He also hunts and prepares the Deer Bites. The recipe can also be made with beef cubed steaks.

“I love living here,” says Sherri, “it is truly a community. After living in so many large cities, I really prefer small town life.”

Ann Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@cipperly. com.

Whipped Ricotta, Tomato and Lemon Salad 1 container ricotta (full fat taste better) Extra virgin olive oil 1-2 lemons 1 pint small tomatoes, halved 4 cups arugula ½ tsp. kosher salt (plus more to taste) Cracked black pepper to taste ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped In a food processor,

combine ricotta, 2 tsp. olive oil and the zest of one lemon. Set aside.

Combine tomatoes with the following to taste: fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh basil. Set aside. When ready to serve, lightly toss arugula with fresh lemon and olive oil.

Spread ricotta mixture onto a platter, top with greens and then tomatoes and fresh cracked black pepper.

Cheesy Venison Enchiladas 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbsp. chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, chopped (remainder freezes well for future use) 2 cups tomato sauce 1 tsp. chipotle or regular chili powder (plus more for flavoring) ¾ tsp. ground cumin (plus more for flavoring) 1 cup chicken broth Kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste 1½ lbs. ground venison 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped 1 small red or yellow pepper, finely chopped 8-10 large flour tortillas 3 cups Colby jack cheese, shredded ¼ cup fresh cilantro, for garnish, if desired 1 avocado, chopped for garnish, if desired 1 cup cream sauce, if desired (recipe follows) In a medium saucepan, spray oil and sauté garlic, being careful not to burn. Add chipotle chilies, chili powder, cumin, chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Set aside until ready to use.

The sauce freezes well if you wanted to make extra for future use.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 13 x 9 casserole dish.

Next, brown venison until cooked through and drain. Add peppers and fresh spinach and sauté an additional 5 minutes.

Add ½ cup enchilada sauce plus cumin, chili powder, salt to taste.

Stir 1 cup of cheese into meat mixture.

Add 1/3 cup venison mixture to each flour tortilla and place in casserole dish seam side down. Cover with remaining sauce and cheese.

Cover with foil and bake and 20-25 minutes.

Take off foil the last 5 minutes. Serve with cilantro, avocado and cream sauce. Serves 6.

See Recipes, B7

Opelika Schools, ports ociety S &S

March 7, 2018

Section

B

Inside • Puzzles • Restaurant Health Scores • Religion page

Opelika City Schools honors Carly Parker and family

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

“We sure do appreciate all you’ve done for us - Dr. (Farrell) Seymore and everybody out there. It means a lot to our family that you recognize us and we are blessed,” said Scott Parker.

The Opelika City Schools Board of Education began its meeting last Tuesday, by honoring 17-year-old Carly Parker, who died last December after a long battle with cancer. The board presented the Parker family - Scott, Miki, and Ava, with a resolution of appreciation,

Lady Bulldog basketball team ends season with OHS Bulldog Classic held Saturday loss to Ramsey The Opelika Lady Bulldogs basketball team ended their season with a 60-39 loss to Ramsey in the state tournament semifinals last week.

Ramsey was too much for the Bulldogs, limiting Opelika to 22 secondhalf points.

Alexis Browning continued her solid play, scoring a game-high 13 points, while teammate Abrea Green added 10 points.

Ramsey head coach Ronnie Jackson praised Opelika’s efforts after the game.

“Shout out to Opelika, they have a good team that never quits,” Jackson said in the post-game press conference.

Opelika finished the season with a 2210 record and several accomplishments, including regular season area champions, area tournament champions, regional champions and first trip ever to the Final 4 in Birmingham.

Coach Devin

Booth continues to put a winning product on the court.

Congrats to the Lady Bulldogs.

BASEBALL The Opelika baseball team improved to 6-4 after playing four games last weekend.

Head Coach Nick Richardson continues to schedule challenging opponents.

The Bulldogs beat Charles Henderson 18-7 and Fort Payne 12-1 and lost to Robertsdale 3-1 and Stanhope 2-1.

Opelika recorded 18 hits against Charles Henderson.

Andrew Parr belted a homer along with two hits to lead the Bulldogs. Taekeel Demunn and Latrell Gullate each added three hits.

The Bulldogs beat Fort Payne behind three hits each from Jared Bartlett and Jarred Willis. Jace Rhodes earned the win pitching five scoreless innings, striking out five.

SOCCER See Sports, page B2

as well as an engraved honorary brick that will be put in the Dawg Walk at Opelika High School’s Bulldog Stadium.

“We are blessed with the im-

Bulldogs place third in ‘Dawg Pound Classic’

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika boys and girls soccer teams participated in the ‘Dawg Pound Classic’ Saturday at the Opelika Sportsplex. The boys finished 2-0-1, beating Valley and Carroll and tying with Gadsden. The Lady Bulldogs went 1-1-1, beating Carroll, losing to Southside and tying with Shaw of Columbus, Georgia. Turn to B2 for more photos.

A division of

SPORTSMED

OPELIKA

See Parker, page B5

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The annual Bulldog Classic to benefit Opelika High School’s golf and tennis teams was held last Saturday at Indian Pines Golf Course in Auburn. Played in a four-man scramble format, the event awarded prizes to the first and secondplace teams, and to those with the longest drives and closest shots to the hole.

www.theorthoclinic.com

742-6408

pact your daughter Carly Parker made, not only to our school, but also to our community,”

749-8303 OPELIKA

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer

B2 March 7, 2018

Sports, from B1

The Opelika soccer teams hosted the ‘Bulldog Bash’ last weekend at the W. James Samford Soccer Complex.

The Bulldogs beat Valley 11-1 and Carroll 3-2 . Opelika tied Gadsden 1-1.

Opelika finished third in the tournament.

Jafeht Marion scored multiple goals during the tournament with help from Marshall Meyers.

The team is 4-3-2 overall.

The Lady Bulldog soccer team beat Carroll 4-1 in the tournament opener, lost to Southside 4-1 and tied Shaw 1-1.

SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE Opelika baseball hosted Smiths Station last night (the results were not available at press time).

Opelika travels to Auburn tonight for a 6 p.m. first

pitch. and will travel to Tuscaloosa this weekend to play several games.

The Opelika girls and boys soccer teams will host area opponent Benjamin Russell Thursday at the Samford Soccer Complex.

BOYS AND GIRLS TENNIS The Opelika boys tennis team lost 9-0 to Saint James.

Both teams travel to Dothan Friday for matches with Dothan and Northview.

For more information on Opelika Athletics, follow me on Twitter @ VOICEOFTHEDAWGS and by listening to the “On the Mark “ radio show weekdays from 7-9 a.m. on WTLM 1520, 97.7 FM or kickerfm. com.

FOOTBALL NEWS Opelika Coach Erik Speakman has named Adam Massey as defensive coordinator and named Jonathan Chandler as offensive coordinator.

TWO OHS BASKETBALL PLAYERS CHOSEN FOR ALA/GA ALL-

STAR GAMES Opelika basketball players, Jorden Heard and Alexis Browning were chosen to be members of the Alabama All-Star Team. They will join other players across the state to form Team Alabama.

The Alabama and Georgia All-Star Teams will play March 16. The girls will start at 7:15 p.m. and boys at 8:30 p.m. in the Columbus Municipal Auditorium.

Congrats to Jorden and Alexis.

REGISTER FOR DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL (13-15 YEAR OLDS) Registration is underway for Opelika Dixie Boys at the Opelika Sportsplex.

Cost is $45 which includes jersey and cap. All players will be placed on a team.

Registration ends April 1.

For more information, email Mitchell at foxonthemark@yahoo.com.

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

Opelika Middle School softball - early season wins Special to the Opelika Observer The OMS Lady Bulldogs softball team has had success early in the opening games of the season. The Bulldogs opened the season with a 6-5 win against Russell County. Despite some offensive woes, the offense managed to put together enough hits to win the game. The defense also contributed, led

by McKay Yountz’s nine strikeouts from the circle and stellar shortstop play

by Nylen Thomas.

The Lady Bulldogs

finished third in the Opelika Middle School Invitational tournament in February with a significant 5-4 victory over Prattville, which ended with a game-winning base hit in extra innings by K.D. Lee. Opelika followed that with another one-run victory, 10-9, against Smiths Station, thanks to an extra innings two-run RBI single

by Sanai Stringer for the comeback win. Erin Estes and Yountz combined for six strikeouts on the night.

Cailin Birdsong and Sophia George also contributed with hits in the game.

The girls will travel to play Auburn tonight, with first pitch set for 5 p.m.

Following is a current team roster: #1 McKay Yountz #2 Cailin Birdsong #7 Allison Bearden #9 Ke’Aja (K.D.) Lee #9 Nylen Thomas #10 Leah Bales #11 Memoree Lyles #14 Brylee Gregory #15 Erin Estes #17 Sophia George #20 Sanai Stringer #21 Martha Pugh #22 Sydney Lowe #24 Kathryn Page #25 Ava Parker.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

~Every customer gets FREE Delivery. ~The MINIMUM discount every customer gets is 5%.

They may try to shoot the basketball (2 tries) for either a 10%, 15%, or 20% discount INSTEAD of the 5% (DO NOT COMBINE). If they miss the basketball goal, they still get the 5% discount. So every customer gets either a 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% discount AND Free Delivery.

3797 Al Highway 169, Opelika

Opelika

B3

Family & Religion

March 7, 2018

Flipping the script

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

od is with us —that’s vital to know, isn’t it?

From Psalm 23 to Romans 8, the Scripture tells God’s people in no uncertain terms that He is with them. It’s a little strange in light of this that we spend as much time as we do wondering about the presence of God in our lives.

It’s as if God is in one room and we’re in another and there is a connecting door between the two.

The room God is in is always brightly lit because God is light.

The room we’re in is sometimes light, sometimes dark and a lot of in-between.

During the dark times we anxiously cut our eyes over to

Could the closed the answer door and be that we look for the are putting light shining too much around its effort into edges to be worryassured of

by Bruce Green ing about our Father’s Teaching Minister at God’s presence on 10th Street Church of presence the other Christ in Opelika in our side. That’s life and understandtoo little into making able—such occasions sure we are present in call for added assurGod’s life? To go back ance, don’t they? to our two room illusIt’s the other times that are more puzzling. tration for a moment, there is better way to If God is with us, if be assured of the presHe has clearly told us ence of God than conso in His word, then why do we have such a tinually looking at the door to see if the light difficult time embracis shining through? ing this and moving What is it? forward?

How about walking We’re like an airover to the door and plane in a continual holding pattern despite throwing it open!

Then the light of the fact that the tower God’s presence would has cleared us to land.

Church Calendar

• Liberty Baptist Church invites everyone to “Music Only” services every fifth Sunday night. Special groups and singers will be invited to participate and lead the worship. Liberty Baptist is located at 2701 West Point Parkway.

• Every fifth Sunday evening, Lake Pointe Baptist Church, located at 8352 Highway 50 in Dadeville, hosts a gospel singing at 6:30 p.m.

• The Auburn Music Club Singers practice on Tuesdays during the academic year from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the music ministry room at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Church Drive off South Gay Street. New members are welcomed.For more information, contact director Phyllis Gauker at 334-8877261 or at pgauker@bellsouth. net.

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

Please submit your church announcements to editor@ opelikaobserver.com!

Content must be turned in by Friday at noon for Wednesday publication.

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

ANIMAL HEALTH CENTER

HOMER S. (BUDDY) BRUCE, D.V.M. BRUCE ENTERPRISES, INC.

1520 Second Ave. Opelika, AL 36801

745.0060

24-Hour Service

• A community-wide program for people with memory loss will be held at Auburn United Methodist Church every Tuesday and Thursday, starting in May. Classes will last from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information, contact program director Betsy Lethander by email at Betsy.Lethander@aumc.net, or by phone at 334-444-9632 for more information.

• Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, located at 201 South 4th St., will observe their annual Missionary Day Program March 18, beginning at 2 p.m.

Rev/Dr. C.L. Daniel and the Historic Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Notasulga will be present at the event.

flood our room.

There would be no need to anxiously check the door every few minutes. We would be living in the light.

When we are present in God’s life, we are in His word and hear His voice. We commune with Him in prayer.

We are sensitive to the needs of others and allow our hands to be His hands in reaching out to them. We are not seeking to have our will approved in heaven so much as we are trying to implement heaven’s will on earth.

Being present in God’s life is a choice that we make. Do you need to open the door and start living in the presence of God?

Three thousand people did so on the day of Pentecost when they came to God as they were baptized and received His Spirit (Acts 2:36-39).

In v. 42-47 we’re told about some of the ways they made themselves present in God’s life. All of this reflects the principle of Philippians 2:12-13—we work out our salvation as God works in us.

Want to experience God’s presence in your life? Try flipping the script and putting your effort into making yourself present in His life.

Bruce has written a book on the model pray called Praying in the Reign. It is available through 21st Century Christian.

Verse of the Week “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved,”

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

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

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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

The Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home Gospel Train Sunday mornings from 6-10 a.m.

pelika O Observer

B4 March 7, 2018

OHS Lady Dawgs fall to Ramsey 60-39 in 6A Final Four

Tom Ewart/For the Opelika Observer The Opelika Lady Bulldogs fell to Ramsey in the state tournament semifinals last week. The girls were led by Alexis Browning’s 13 points, while Abrea Green added 10. With the loss, Opelika fell to 22-10. In the 2017-18 season, the team achieved several milestones, including regular season area champions, area tournament champions, regional champions and first trip ever to the Final 4 in Birmingham.

Burton, from A1

man that Burton said she wants to model her political career after.

“He was a wonderful man of God, that was

dedicated and believed in helping others. Being a woman of God myself, ‘I put Him (God) (in) first place in my life,’” Burton said. “I have the same beliefs; I love helping people. I have been told that I am an angel, and I know without a shadow of a

doubt, I can and I will make a difference.”

If elected, Burton said she will work to serve the needs of all citizens in Lee County.

Some of her campaign platforms are improving roads throughout the county, bulking up police presence to

enhance safety and create positive outlets for area youth, seniors and inmates.

“I have morals, dignity, and self-respect, and I love God and I love others. I will always put God first in my life ... it is my desire that everyone be

blessed, and I promise that my goals will be accomplished, and they will be done to perfection,” Burton said. “I will work hard to make sure that the citizens of Lee County's needs are met, by working with Judge (Bill) English and the entire commis-

sion team to get the job done.”

Burton is a member of St. Luke AME Church in Opelika, pastored by Rev. Monique Summers.

The date for both Democratic and Republican primaries is June 5.

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LINDA SUSAN HULL, : Case No: Deceased. : NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTOR In the Matter of the Estate of LINDA SUSAN HULL, Deceased, Letters Testamentary having been granted to MARK STEVEN HULL on the 4 th day of December, 2017, by the Honorable Judge of the Probate Court IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF MICHAEL GEORGE LANCE, Plaintiff, vs.

JANINE K. LANCE, Defendant, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY,ALABAMA CASE NO.: DR-2018900031.00 NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION Janine Lance, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Michael George Lance’s Petition for Divorce and other

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding on March 21, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Extra Space Storage facility located at: 1412 Opelika Rd. Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 703-6337 The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes, and appliances.

Joshua Spraggins Unit# W389 1837 Coopers Pond Rd Auburn, AL 36830 Misc. household items, furniture, clothing, boxes etc.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the time of sale. All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase. Extra Space Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid. Sale is subject to adjournment.

Legal Run 2/28/18 & 3/7/18

of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within six months after the grant of letters, or within five months from the date of the first publication of this notice, whichever is the later to occur, or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand this 4 th day of December, 2017.

First publication: 2/28/2018 /s/ Bill EnglishJudge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 2/28/18, 3/7/18, 3/14/18 relief by the 15th day of February, 2018, or thereafter judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No. DR-201890031.00 Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Done this the 15th day of February, 2018.

Mary B. Roberson CIRCUIT CLERK LEE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT Legal run: 2/28/18, 3/7/18, 3/14/18, 3/21/18

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Monday, April 2, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 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 1242 N. Dean Rd. Auburn AL, 36830 on 03/21/2018 at 1:30 p.m.

Linda Renegar Unit#99 1321 Sycamore Drive Auburn, AL, 36830 Furniture, clothes, household items Keith Renegar Unit#2 1321 Sycamore Drive Auburn, AL, 36830 Household Items Kieth Renegar Unit#2 1321 Sycamore Drive Auburn, AL, 36830

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF : MISTY LEE HALL, : Case No: Deceased. : NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Matter of the Estate of MISTY LEE HALL, Deceased, Letters of Administrationhaving been granted to MICHAEL ROGERS HALL, Personal Representative, on the 22 nd day of February, 2017, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County,

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Friday, Mar 30, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

2MEBM7FVOAX613505 - 2010 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS Legal Run 2/28/18 & 3/7/18

36801.

1GNEK18K8RJ346694 1994 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER 1B7GE16X7LS745105 1990 DODGE D150 Legal Run 3/7/18 & 3/14/18 Household Items Tiffany Sorenson Unit#159 2212 Grand National Parkway Opelika, AL, 36801 Household goods Felecia Fuller Unit#501 903 Chappie James Ave Tuskegee, AL, 36083 Crates, boxes, electronics, and miscellaneous household items Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

2/28/18 & 3/7/18

notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within six months after the grant of letters, or within five months from the date of the first publication of this notice, whichever is the later to occur, or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand this 22nd day of February, 2018.

First publication: 2/28/2018 /s/ Bill English Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 2/28/18, 3/7/18, 3/14/18

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on MONDAY, Mar 26, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

2G1WX12X3T9197528 1996 CHEVY MONTE CAROL 2C4GP44G01R161058 2001 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY Legal Run 2/28/18 & 3/7/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY STATE OF ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF TOMMY JUSTIN FARMER, deceased.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 26th day of January , 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate 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. /s/ TERESA ANN ROBINSON FARMER Legal Run 2/21/2018, 2/28/2018, & 03/07/2018

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO: 2018-A-109 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of JOHN THOMAS MCGUIRE, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by MICHAEL SHANE MCGUIRE on February 28, 2018, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE - Legal Run 3/7/2018

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE ESTATE OF: DANNY RUSSELL WINNINGHAM, deceased/ Letters of Administration on the estate of said deceased were granted to BRITTNEY WORLEY on the 14th day of February, 2018 by the Hon. Bill English, Probate Judge 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. BRITTNEY WORLEY, Adminsitratrix Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Estate, P.O. Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803 Legal Run 2/21/18, 2/28/18 & 3/7/18

CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL, FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: C.L.B. A minor child, JU2016-483.02 NOTICE TO: The unknown father of C.L.B. born 8/29/2008 at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, in Newnan, GA. Custody of the minor child C.L.B. was vested with the Lee County DHR on 10/27/016. The unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Fmaily Court of Lee County, AL by Lee County DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of the notice, or a final judgment may be renderedin Juvenile Case Number JU 2016-483.02 in the Family Court of Lee County, AL terminating all parental rights to the minor child.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK, Lee County Justice Center, 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield, Attorney for Lee County DHR, P.O. Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803, (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 2/21/18, 2/28/18, 3/7/18 & 3/14/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of James Truett Gullage, Deceased. Case No. 2018A-084 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Julia C. Gullage, as Executrix of the Estate of James Truett

Gullage, deceased on the 23rd day of February, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English.

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

JULIA C. GULLAGE, Executrix of the Estate of James Truett Gullage, deceased BILL ENGLISH Probate Judge Legal Run 2/28, 3/7 & 3/14

pelika O Observer

B5 March 7, 2018

SUSCC’s Burdette earns Master Educator credential Special to the Opelika Observer Southern Union Heating and Air Conditioning instructor David Burdette recently earned his Certified Master HVACR Educator (CMHE) credential.

Awarded by HVAC Excellence, the series of creden-

different exams in a variety of areas.

Burdette is now among an elite group of instructors nationally to have the credential bestowed upon them. He will be recognized at the 2018 HVACR Educators and Trainers Conference March 26-28 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

tialing exams called Certified Subject Matter Educator (CSME) enables Heating and Air Conditioning instructors to verify the depth of their knowledge and ability to relate subject matter effectively.

In order to earn the credential, instructors must pass seven

With campuses in Wadley, Opelika and Valley, Southern Union State Community College is the second oldest two-year college in the state and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees.

Special to the Opelika Observer

Lee County District Attorney’s Office holds seminar on dangers of social media for children

By Lawton Vallely For the Opelika Observer

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Parker from B1

said Chairman Patsy Boyd Parker.

The board also approved a resolution

in honor of retiring board member Katy Parrent Leonard.

It was Leonard’s last meeting. She is retiring to Alexander City after serving on the board for 13 years.

Tipi Miller will be filling the seat as a new board member.

Miller is the director of Keep Opelika Beautiful.

Other items on the agenda approved: - classroom renovations at Morris Avenue Intermediate School, as well as bids for an HVAC system at the school

District Attorney Brandon Hughes and Chief Assistant District Attorney Jessica Ventiere held a conference Feb. 22 at the Opelika Justice Center informing parents of the potential dangers posed by children’s phones.

Highlights of the hour-long seminar included discussions on unsafe apps for children, how to access parental controls on iPhones, longterm and short-term repercussions of underage sexual activity such as sexting, and the importance of sexual education in this technological age.

“Look, cell phones are not evil.

Apps are not evil. Some apps are not good,” Hughes said. “Some apps were created for nefarious means, but like anything else, the criminal mind is capable of a lot of things,

and it doesn’t take them long to figure out how to worm their way in and use apps which are designed for good things to get to your children.”

Both Hughes and Ventiere agree that it is never too early to start educating your kids on the consequences of sex and technology.

“I cannot stress enough that you can actually start the sex talk with your kids as young as two,” Ventiere said. “I am not talking about the dirty details of sexual intercourse. Start with correctly naming the body parts. Stress to your kids that this is your body, and it is private to you.”

The presentation will be held again March 20 at Smiths Station High School beginning at 6 p.m.

Parents looking for more information can visit leecountyda.org/ resources or to view the full video of the seminar visit www.facebook. com/leecountydistrictattorney.

- consideration of a technology bid for WAN connectivity and internet access for all Opelika City Schools - an amendment to the FY 2018 budget - five different state field trips for Opelika High School Students.

Photo by Shawn Kirkpatrick/Opelika Observer

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika Lions Club held its annual pancake breakfast last Saturday at Opelika Middle School. Proceeds raised were used to benefit the club and its mission of meeting the needs of people in the community.

AUXILIARY

334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org

Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

pelika O Observer

B6 March 7, 2018

Lee County Cattlemen hold annual meeting

Opelika Sportsplex holds winter league games for area 2nd and 3rd graders Saturday

Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer Top - Lee County Jr. Cattlemen’s Association: L-R Front Row: Sam Hunter, Faith P’Poole, Victoria Thompson, Hannah Grace McHughs, Mary Elliott Martin, Hope P’Poole, Silas Gullatt, Jayden P’Poole, Mr. and Mrs. Smokey Spears with Cade McHughs, L-R Back Row: Madisyn Hunter, Jewel Thompson, Sarah Parker, Emily Bryce, Mary Hannah Gullatt, Isiah Kelly, Nathan Gullatt. Bottom - Lee County Cattlemen’s Association Officers/Directors Annual Meeting Jan. 25.

Seated: James Caldwell-President, George Richburg- 1st Vice President, Mitch Lazenby-2nd VicePresident, Jenny Britton-Secretary, Daniel Mullinex-Treasurer.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

& FLEA MALL

Pure

Local Honey Look for a new find each week!

334-745-3221 • angelsantiqueandfleamall.com 900 columbus pkwy • opelika 36801 Open Everyday 10-7 • Sun 1-5

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

Let Tucker Simmons and the staff at Beauregard Drugs help you manage your seasonal allergies.

The Opelika Sportsplex hosted winter league basketball games for area 2nd and 3rd graders Saturday.

The facility offers a youth basketball league in the winter for boys and girls in 1st through 12th grade. For more information about the league or to register, read the Park Bench Activity Guide or call 334-705-5560. The Sportsplex is located at 1001 Andrews Road.

pelika O Observer

B7 March 7, 2018 Special to the Opelika Observer

Submitted to the Opelika Observer

Recipes, from A12 Artichoke Dip with Mozzarella 2 cans artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 1 3/4 cups mayonnaise 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Blend all ingredients together well.

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

Serve with pita chips or Fritos Scoops.

FOOD RATINGS BurgerFi 339 S. College St. Auburn Score: 99 Mandarin House 3800 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 99

Cheese Grits 1 cup uncooked grits, cooked as directed on package 1 stick butter 14 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded 2 oz. Velveeta Praline Sweet Potatoes 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (I cook them in microwave) 1/2 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. vanilla 4 eggs, beaten 1 cup heavy whipping cream Combine ingredients and spread in greased

Venison Meatball Sliders with Slow Cooked Marinara Sauce 1.5 lbs. ground venison 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan 2 Tbsp. freshly chopped basil 1 ½ tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. fresh cracked black pepper ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg 1 extra large egg, beaten

1 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/4 tsp. seasoned salt 1/8 tsp. garlic powder Dash of Liquid Smoke Combine all ingredients and stir well until butter and cheeses are thor-

casserole dish.

Topping: 1 stick butter 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over potatoes.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

2 Tbsp. ketchup or tomato paste ¼ cup milk Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling Slider buns 8 slices provolone, cut in half Extra Parmesan for garnish, if desired add Arugula, for garnish, if desired Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, basil, nutmeg, egg and milk in a bowl.

Combine very

Deer Bites 1 lb. venison cubed steak 8 oz. cream cheese 1 lb. bacon 1 large jalapeño, seeds included 1 red bell pepper Finely dice peppers and add to softened cream

lightly with a fork.

Using your hands, lightly form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs.

Place meatballs on a lightly greased sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Bake 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

Place meatballs in marinara sauce, cover and simmer on the lowest heat for 20 to 30 minutes or until ready to serve.

Turn oven to broil. Place a meat-

The Auburn University School of Accountancy hosted a financial literacy fair for sixth graders from Opelika and Drake Middle Schools last Friday at the Auburn Student Center. The fair focused on educating children about check-writing, balancing budgets and more.

Pictured L-R:Aubie joins OMS students as they learn about manufacturing costs, using LEGO creations; 6th grade students from OMS show off the LEGO automobiles they created while learning about manufacturing costs.

oughly melted.

2 eggs 1 cup milk Add eggs and milk, blending well.

Pour into greased baking dish.

Bake at 375 for 1 hour.

cheese.

Place dollop on 1-inch pieces of venison.

Wrap in uncooked bacon and secure with toothpick.

Grill until bacon has reached desired level of crispness.

ball on each slider bun (shaking off excess sauce). Place slider buns open on cookie sheet, top with cheese and lightly broil until cheese has melted.

Garnish with arugula and/or Parmesan, if desired. Serve sauce on the side.

Makes 14-16.

Slow Cooked Marinara Sauce ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3-4 carrots, roughly chopped

½ tsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. cracked black pepper 2 (28 oz. cans) San Marzano peeled tomatoes 3 Tbsp. freshly chopped basil In a large casserole pot, heat oil over a mediumhigh. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn, about 3-4 minutes.

Add carrots and 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper. Sauté until all the carrots are soft, about 10 min-

Cream Sauce: Mix together even parts sour cream with mayonnaise.

Add fresh lime juice, lime zest, cumin, kosher salt and/or chipotle in adobo to taste.

utes. Add tomatoes and simmer uncovered over low heat until the sauce thickens, about 1 hour. The last 30 minutes, add basil.

Place an immersion blender into the sauce and blend until desired consistency. Season sauce with more salt and pepper to taste.

(The sauce can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat over medium heat before using.)

El Taco Veloz and Mexican Grill 1107 Fitzpatrick Ave. Opelika Score: 98 Moe’s Original Bar-B-Que 125 E. Magnolia Ave. Auburn Score: 96 Tacorita 138 N. College St. Auburn Score: 96 Hardee’s 2503 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 95 Bizilia’s Cafe 134 N. College St. Auburn Score: 95 Little Italy 129 E. Magnolia Ave. Auburn Score: 93

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who want to be part of a winning team. Sales Consultants daily responsibilities include prospecting (self generate), follow-up on company sales leads, presenting security products and services to businesses and homeowners, ensure proper contracts and continuous communication with sales management. We offer defined and established territories. Base salary plus an aggressive commission structure. Car allowance, company smart phone and IPad provided. Professional weekly training with dedicated sales trainer with one-on-one sales support. Excellent benefits including 401k, health/dental/vision/life insurance. Opportunity to qualify for 3 all expense paid trips a year.

Job Requirements: Positive attitude and strong character. Strong prospecting (self generate) skills. Ability to run all set appointments. Adept at working referral business. great networking skills,, Alarm industry experience preferred but not require, Reliable transportation.

ADS Security is a leader in the rapidly expanding home and commercial security industry. Our advanced solutions include Life Safety and several advanced services. This position is for the Auburn/Opelika branch location that is one of ADS 22 locations, the Auburn/Opelika location provides services in several counties the surrounding area. We provide security installation, service and monitoring through our own UL certified 5 diamond central station. You may submit your resume through the link shown below, email your resume to rgarrido@adssecurity. com or by mail to: ADS Security 1619 Thomason Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 (NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE).

pelika O Observer

B8 March 7, 2018

Citizens Police Academy welcomes Class of 2018

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Will Schusterick holds disc golf clinic at Opelika Sportsplex Friday

Happy Birthday Art Cooper

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Local resident Art Cooper celebrated his 100th birthday last week.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Three-time U.S. Disc Golf Champion Will Schusterick, above, hosted a free clinic at the Opelika Sportsplex last Friday. The clinic served as an introduction to the basics of disc golf, one of the country’s fastest growing sports.

pelika O Observer

B9 March 7, 2018

Sip & Savor Spring, presented by Callaway Resort & Gardens Special to the Opelika Observer Sip & Savor Spring is the new culinary celebration, bringing together the region’s top chefs, beverage experts, authors and more to welcome in the spring season March 15 – March 18, 2018.

Join the festivities on the beautiful, blooming grounds of Callaway Resort & Gardens for an unforgettable weekend of tastings and demonstrations while celebrating warmer weather, great company and delicious food and drinks.

Culinary stars and authors Nathalie Dupree and Cynthia Graubart will be joining the prestigious lineup of chefs and sommeliers at the James Beard Foundation, Celebrity Tour Dinner and Bloom Master Class Se-

ries. While they are food industry icons in their own right, this dynamic duo has worked together on multiple books and demos to spread their love of southern cooking with readers, on TV and in classrooms.

Each ticket to every event includes full access to Callaway Gardens for the day of the ticketed event. Tickets and event information are available at www.sipandsavorspring.com. Limited tickets are available to many events.

March 15, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. | JBF Celebrity Chef Tour Dinner | The Lodge and Spa Conference Center A foodie’s dream! To kick off the weekend’s celebration, attend this one-of-a-kind gourmet dinner prepared by prestigious James Beard

Foundation Awardwinning chefs all in one place, including Hugo Ortega, David Bancroft, Kenny Gilbert, Erik Niel, Nathalie Dupree, Cynthia Graubart, and more.

Hand-selected wines from sommeliers and well-known winemakers will be paired alongside the multi-course meal for an intimate evening among the culinary world’s best. Tickets: $175 per person.

March 16, 11 a.m.

– 4:30 p.m. | Bloom Master Class Series | Various Locations Get schooled on your favorite sips and savory bites with an afternoon of educational, interactive classes led by masters in their respective fields.

Class One: Butterflies & Brews, Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, 11 a.m.

– 12:30 p.m.

Learn the ins and outs of creating a butterfly garden from Michael Buckman, Day Butterfly Center manager and master gardeners, while sampling bites prepared

by Callaway’s Chef Sid Krurrimbukus and Georgia craft brews on tap in the new Cason Tap Room at Callaway.

Class Two: French Cooking with Herbs and Edible Flowers, Virginia Hand Callaway Discovery Center, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. with Georgia’s very own Chef Jennifer Hill Booker and Master Sommelier, Michael McNeill will lead you through the art of growing, sourcing and cooking herbs and edible flowers with a French flair alongside wine pairings.

Class Three: Biscuits 101 & Bourbon, Virginia Hand Callaway Discov-

ery Center, 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Always wanted to try making a true southern biscuit? Now’s your chance at this class, led

by Nathalie Dupree and Cynthia Graubert, where they’ll give you tips and tricks to mastering the staple while sipping on excellent samples of Four Roses Bourbon.

Tickets: $49 per person; $99 per person all access “class pass” (on ticket to each class).

March 16 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Sip & Savor | Callaway Gardens Ski Pavilion The namesake event will feature over 30 tasting stations with gourmet culinary bites, wine, beer and spirits samples provided by some of the region’s best, including Kenny Gilbert, B’s Cracklin’ Barbecue, Certified Burgers

& Beverage, Acre, and more. Make the rounds at all your favorites while enjoying live music on the beach from the Mango Strange band, along with a live auction with luxury items, benefiting the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation. Tickets: $60 per person.

March 17, 10:30 a.m.

– 12:30 p.m. | Waffle House Showdown | FSU Circus Tent Come hungry and ready to cheer on celebrity chefs David Bancroft, Jennifer Hill Booker, David Carrier and Chris Hall as they compete for the title of “Waffle House Master Chef.” All that cheering will have you hungry, and that calls for your favorite Waffle House items along with champagne and a Bloody Mary bar. Tickets: $45 See Spring, page B10

Annual Taste of the Town scheduled for April 24

By Ann Cipperly Opelika Observer With 17 of the area’s best restaurants and caterers, along with two wineries, the 6th annual Taste of the Town will provide an exciting evening of fabulous food April 24 from 6-8 p.m. at the Museum of East Alabama in downtown Opelika. From appetizers to desserts, chefs will showcase a tasting of their best dishes while a silent auction will feature a variety of items and packages.

Restaurants and caterers participating in this year’s event include Café 123, Zazu, Outback Steakhouse, Longhorn, Niffer’s, Irish Bred Pub, Acre, Amsterdam Cafe, O’Town Ice Cream, Sweet Malisa’s, Ursula’s Catering, Southern Hospitality Catering, La Cantina, Jefferson’s, Butcher Paper BBQ, Chicken Salad Chick and Zoe’s.

Warm Springs Winery

and Hodges Winery will provide tastings, while Mama Mocha’s will serve specialty coffee.

Toomer’s Lemonade, sodas and bottled water will also be available throughout the museum on the upper and lower levels.

Sponsors for the fundraiser, which benefits the museum, are Auburn Bank, Opelika Observer, Henry J. Stern Family Foundation and Glynn Smith Chevrolet.

Tables for attendees will be arranged inside the museum and outside on the sidewalk.

Outdoor tables will have candles for a soft light when the sun sets.

While tasting superb dishes and sipping wine, attendees can browse the silent auction on the lower level, featuring treasures from local merchants, as well as trips and golf packages.

Proceeds from the

Ann Cipperly / For the Opelika Observer Cafe 123 is among the 17 restaurants that will be a part of the 6th annual Taste of the Town event April 24 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Museum of East Alabama in downtown Opelika. Chef Eron Bass of Cafe 123 and an assistant are shown at last year’s event. Tickets are $25 and available at the museum.

fundraiser provide for repairs and upkeep of the museum. Every year visitors from around the globe visit the museum to view the history of East Alabama.

Located at the site of the old Clement Hotel on 9th Street, the museum contains more than 5,000 artifacts from Lee and surrounding counties.

The museum was founded in August 1989 by the late Elea-

nor and John T. Harris.

Volunteers kept the museum operating until funds were available to hire a director.

The Harrises’ son, Bert Harris, who is a member of the board, reflects on the museum today, “The museum truly owes its existence to so many wonderful people who have been willing to donate their family treasures, their time and money to make the museum a success.

“The museum is preserving our heritage intact with funds from the Taste of the Town,” adds Harris, “as restaurants and wineries donate, and the community supports the event.”

Among the permanent exhibits are World War II POW Camp collection, John Herbert Orr collection, Pepperell Post Office and other items from Pepperell Mill, a covered bridge exhibit and antique doll collection.

Lee County’s business, rural and architectural heritage are also displayed. Other exhibits include Civil War, collection of arrowheads, World War II, local fire and police, vintage apparel, Roy Lee Jackson, Billy Hitchcock, a pioneer frontier kitchen with a wood burning stove and much more.

On April 24 from 6-8 p.m. enjoy an entertaining evening of delecta-

ble food while helping to continue to provide a living history for future generations.

“We thank the restaurants and sponsors for their continued support of the Taste,” says Jim Hardin, president of the board. “It is our major fund raising effort for the year and is critical for our service efforts to preserve the history of East Alabama.”

Tickets for the event are $25 and are available at the museum or online at eastalabama. org. Membership is also available on various levels. Glenn Buxton is director of the museum.

The Museum of East Alabama is located at 121 South 9th St. Hours are Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Admission is free and donations are accepted.

For further information, call 334-749-2751.

Auburn/Opelika Marriott at Grand National hosting job fair on March 8 to fill 65 jobs Special to the Opelika Observer Named one of the best golf resorts in the country by the editors of Golf Digest, the Auburn/Opelika Marriott at Grand National is looking to add 65 jobs as the busy season quickly approaches.

The hotel is nearly doubling the number of rooms and will become a Marriott resort property. A hiring Hall will be held on Thursday, March 8 from 3 - 7 p.m. at the hotel.

"We are looking to hire 65 people driven to deliver exceptional guest service," said Kevin Cross, general manager. "As the area's only Four Diamond hotel, we offer exceptional hospitality to all of our guests and are looking for great new people to help continue this tradition. From seasonal jobs to full-time positions, we have a broad variety of positions available. While having some hospitality experience would be great, we are really looking for people with great attitudes and a strong work ethic." The new guest rooms are scheduled to be complete in May and the new spa in September 2018.

The Marriott at Grand National has a variety of full-time (39), part-time (9), on-call (6),and seasonal (11) positions available.

A wide variety of openings are open with flexible scheduling options. Some of the positions available include room attendants (housekeepers), drivers, bell persons, recreation attendants, pool servers, banquet servers, dishwashers, cooks and others. Seasonal positions typically start in March or April and continue through the summer until October. This gives associates an opportunity to work at the country's top resorts. Previously, many of these seasonal associates have transitioned into full-time positions.

When: The Marriott at Grand Hotel will be holding a job fair on Thursday, March 8 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the hotel.

Where: The job fair will be at the Auburn/Opelika Marriott at Grand National in the ballroom. The address is 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail, Opelika, AL 36801.

More: Prospective employees must complete an online application at www.pchresortscareers.com/applynow prior to attending the job fair. A full

listing of job openings is on this site.

Applicants should bring two forms of identification to expedite the hiring process.

All applicants are subject to preemployment drug screening and background investigation. We are an EEO Employer; Minority/Female/ Veteran/Disabled. Applicants should be age 16 and older. Some jobs require applicants to be 21 and older. For more

information or any questions, contact human resources at the Marriott at 334-737-2162. Applications must be completed in advance for immediate consideration.

Benefits include insurance (health, dental, vision, life), competitive wages, paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave and 401K. Travel discounts worldwide with Marriott and golf discounts at all RTJ Golf Trail locations

pelika O Observer

B10 March 7, 2018

OBITUARIES Alice Fields Riddle Alice F. Riddle of Opelika, AL was born to the late Sidney Lewis Fields, Sr. and Essie Lucille Chappell Fields on November 27, 1927 and passed away on March 2, 2018. She was 90 years old.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Roy D. Riddle and her sisters Reba Hughes and Anita Wilson.

She was born and raised in Lee County, Alabama and was a member of Morris Chapel Methodist Church.

She is survived by her sons, Jerrell Riddle (Marsha), Donnie Riddle (Susan), and Dana Riddle; brother, Sonny Fields (Sue Carol); sister, Betty Jean Prescott; Betty Joyce Sims Gilmore Betty Joyce Sims Gilmore of Opelika was born on December 19, 1945 and went to her forever home on March 4, 2018. She was 72 years old.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lamar Gilmore of Opelika, her daughter, Tonya Haynie of Opelika and her parents Ruby Jewel and T. Sims of Opelika.

Joyce is survived by her brother and his wife, Beamon and Patricia Sims of Dothan, Alabama her sister and her husband, Jeanette and Tom Teeple of Eufala, Alabama; She is also survived by her partner and best friend, John Hamilton of Opelika, John’s daughter and her husband

7 grandchildren: Cristy, Kimberly, Clint, Eric, Ashlei, Misti, and Matthew; 14 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

The family sincerely appreciates and loves her niece and caregiver, Wanda Faye Dodge.

Visitation was held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:50 a.m.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, March 6, 2018 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 12:00 Noon with Reverend Dru Tubbs officiating.

Frederick-Dean Funeral home directed.

Brook and James Gates and two grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. Her best friends were, Michelle Hudson, Pat Gaylor, Karlene Spearman, and Cheryl, Tommy Cox of Opelika.

Visitation will be held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:15 p.m.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 7, 2018 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 1:30 p.m. with Brother Jeff Hardin officiating. Interment will follow at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral home is directing.

Spring, from B9

per person.

March 17, 1– 4 p.m. | Tastings Under the Big Top | FSU Circus Tent The all-inclusive tasting ticket event you won’t want to miss out on! The main event will feature hundreds of different varieties of wine, beer and spirits tastings from over 30 booths, with a souvenir crystal wine glass. The South’s best Pitmasters will be featured in the BBQ + Brews Alley; culinary tastings from celebrated chefs, both inside and outside the Big Top tent will provide delicious bites. The Sip Cocktail Challenge features a lively people’s choice competition from some of the region’s best bartenders. The Georgia Grown Market will showcase nearly 35 artisans and farmers from all around the state of Georgia. The soulful sounds of Lloyd Buchanan and the Cubed Root band will keep the relaxed spring vibe going throughout the afternoon, while enjoying the beauty of blooming flowers and trees throughout Callaway Gardens. Steal some

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS LOST AND FOUND: Jewelry found near Belks on 3/2/2018. Call 912-8055999 to described item in order to recover your lost item.

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great deals at the silent auction, benefiting the Callaway Foundation.

Cooking Demo schedule at the Atlanta Magazine Cooking Pavilion, Daniel Appliance Stage: 1:15 - 2 p.m. - Jennifer Hill Booker, Chef/Author, Atlanta, GA 2:15 - 3 p.m. - Matthew Raiford, Executive Chef, The Farmer & The Larder/Strong Roots Provisions, Brunswick, GA 3:15 - 4 p.m. - Holly Chute, Executive Chef, Georgia Dept. of Agriculture + Georgia Grown, Atlanta, GA Ida Cason Callaway Foundation Stage - “A Beautiful Place to Learn About the Natural World” 1:30 p.m. - Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center; 2:30 p.m. - Birds of Prey; 3: 30 p.m. - Spring Gardening Tips Tastings Under the Big Top All-Inclusive Tickets: $85 per person March 18 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Longleaf Brunch | The Gardens Restaurant Wrap up the festivities with a lakefront Sunday brunch at The Gardens Restaurant. A gourmet spread with culinary stations and full brunch buffet from the Callaway Resort & Gardens culinary team. Bever-

age tasting stations on the veranda with wine, beer, spirits, signature cocktails, champagne and Bloody Mary bar. Soak up the sun and the lakeside view and cheers to a beautiful, spring-filled weekend. Tickets: $65 per person.

Sip & Savor Spring S3, is a culinary destination weekend March 15 - 18, presented by Callaway Gardens & Resort and the Pine Mountain Tourism Association, produced by The AdFish Group, LLC. S3 will welcome the spring season with renowned celebrity chefs, beverage experts, authors and more during a weekend full of culinary events, tastings and demonstrations on the beautiful grounds of Callaway Gardens.

The final event schedule and talent are subject to change. Most events are for 21 and over. The weekend’s events benefit the Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, whose mission is to reconnect man with nature in a way that benefits both. There are still volunteer opportunities available to get involved behind the scenes in several events.

To purchase tickets and find out more information, visit sipandsavorspring.com.

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Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 1-888-283-4780 SPORTING GOODSAGCA SPRING Gun Show. Mar 17-18, 2018 at the Hoover Met Complex, Hoover, AL. 9 am -5 pm, Sat and 10 am -4 pm Sun., Buy-Sell-Trade, 700 tables -$10.00 adults Contact: 1-205317-0948 FOR SALE BATHE SAFELY and stay in the home you love with the #1 selling Walk-in Tub in North America. For an in-home appointment, call: 1-855-6721365KILL BED Bugs! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/KIT Complete Treatment System.

Available: Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot. com.

MISCELLANEOUSDONATE YOUR car, truck or boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 day vacation, tax deductible, free towing, all paperwork taken care of. Call 1-888-5810752

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN! Apprenticeship Programs Help YOU Land YOUR Dream Job! • Earn a salary while learning a skilled trade • Obtain a transferrable credit • Fields include: manufacturing, construction, healthcare, IT, and MORE • Increase your skills and earn higher wages For more information, visit

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

Know that the people protecting your home are licensed by the State of Alabama.

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pelika O Observer

B11 March 7, 2018

COMICS

A well-balanced person is one who finds both sides of an issue laughable. — Herbert Procknow

B12 March 7, 2018

pelika O E ntertainment

Last week’s answers:

2-28 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Dainty 2), Robust 3), Delay 4), Cause Solution: Today