Opelika Observer 04-03-19 E-Edition

pelika Observer O Vol. 11, No. 26

Wednesday, April 03, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

One month later

Sheriff Jay Jones recalls witnessing the ‘heart of the community’ in action

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor Thirty-one days ago today, Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones remembers the scene when he arrived at the intersection of Highway 51 and Lee County Road

38 in Beauregard.

Only 15 minutes before, a .87 mile-wide EF-4 tornado hit “like a blade scraping the earth,” according to Jones’s description.

“I didn’t know how large the tornado was at that time, but I remember thinking the

damage stretched nearly a mile. It was just incredible,” Jones said.

Walking down Lee County Road 38 and other nearby side roads, Jones said he witnessed individuals out with chainsaws clearing roads for other first

responders, neighbors helping neighbors and strangers aiding strangers.

“It was impressive how many people we knew were coming to help, but especially the number that were already there immediately after the tornado

passed. As long as I live, I’ll never forget seeing the faces of people I know who were affected by the storm but were out helping others, even if their home was severely damaged, or just gone,” Jones said. “It really gives you a look into the

heart of what this community is all about ... despite what their circumstance may be, they were out there helping their neighbor.”

Minutes after evaluating the situation, Jones invoked See Jones, page A6

National restaurant provides meals Homebrewing, winemaking shop to open in downtown Opelika to tornado survivors, volunteers Special to the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor

The Little Caesars Love Kitchen rolled into Providence Baptist Church last week to provide fresh pizza meals to more than 350 people in need who were impacted by the March 3 tornadoes..

“The Love Kitchen was created to provide quality meals for people

Area homebrewers and winemakers can hone their skills or pick up necessary ingredients for making their beverage of choice at Whistle Stop Brew Shop, a new business slated to open in mid-May to early June in downtown Opelika.

Located at 830 N. Railroad Ave. between

who need them,” said Little Caesars franchisees Rebecca Moyer

and Michael Osman.

“As a member of the See Love, page A7

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A9 RELIGION..............................A12

CALENDAR..................................A14 SPORTS................................B1 LEGALS ....................................B13 ENTERTAINMENT......................B14

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

La Cantina and Smith T Hardware, the shop’s

name comes from its

See Whistle Stop, page A2

pelika O Observer.com

pelika O Observer

A2 April 03, 2019

How you should handle large tax bills Don’t ignore your taxes; they aren’t going away

By Justin Smith For the Opelika Observer No one likes to hear they have a large tax bill due at the end of the year.

As an accountant, I do not look forward to communicating large tax bills to a client. However, once your tax return is prepared, completed and filed with a payment due, you have several options available for consideration.

The first option is to pay the full amount due in a single payment. Be sure to send your payment with a payment voucher (Form 1040-V) to ensure it is properly credited to you.

While taxes are actually typically due by December 31, you won’t have much problem from the IRS if you owe less than $1,000 and pay by April 15. The IRS has extended Lee County’s due date to July 31 because of President Donald Trump’s disaster declaration.

However, taxpayers may often find themselves in a difficult situation in the event they owe significantly more than expected or are able to pay in a single payment. This may occur because of selfemployment taxes (often the result of successfully operating a side job or moving from a W2 job to being an independent contractor), significant increases in compensation, a hefty capital gain, or fail-

Smith ing to withhold and remit sufficient taxes when you withdraw funds from a retirement account and cannot avoid the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty.

Whatever the case may be, the most important thing to do in these situations is not to panic!

Do not avoid filing your tax return in this situation – the IRS is much more lenient to taxpayers who file their taxes but don’t pay them immediately (0.5 percent late payment penalty for each month, plus 6% interest) as opposed to those who do not file their taxes at all (5 percent failure-to-file penalty for each month past the due date you don’t file, plus the late payment penalties and interest). The maximum penalty on your taxes can be quite substantial at 47.5 percent!

So, go ahead and file your tax return timely, and then deal with how to pay.

Several methods of dealing with large tax bills are available. First, pay as much as you can by the due date. If you can and do pay off your tax bill

within a few months, you will likely not hear from the IRS beyond a regular payment due letter with some penalties and interest tacked on.

If you need a longer period of time (more than 120 days), the IRS will generally let you set up an installment agreement through automatic withdrawals or via a credit card. It’s best not to use a credit card though – the interest you pay on most credit cards vastly exceeds the interest charged by the government. The IRS is typically very willing to work with you to pay off your tax bill, and you’ll find the best results occur if you stay in communication with them and regularly pay on your tax bill.

Lastly, you may be able to establish an offer in compromise, in which you settle with the government for a fraction of what you owe. This is a combined legal and accounting matter, and should typically only be used after you have exhausted other options.

Visit www.irs.gov/payments for more information and resources on how to pay.

Justin Smith is a licensed certified public accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting. He can be contacted at 251-209-2579 or Justin@ JSmithCPA.net. His website is www.jsmithcpa.net.

Whistle Stop, from A1 close proximity to the trains which pass by its storefront on a daily basis, according to owner Scott Brown.

A Mobile native, Brown went on to have a 28-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, with the latter part of his career spent in the Baltimore area. Retiring from the service in 2011 as a lieutenant commander, he began working as a federal contractor.

Nearly a year later, Brown’s sons purchased him a homebrewing kit.

Already a beer enthusiast and fan of sampling craft beers from local breweries, he said he soon discovered that this was far more than a hobby.

“I had played golf for years and gave up because I knew that wasn’t going to get me anywhere. I also rode motorcycles some, but this was the most interesting thing I’d done,” Brown said.

In 2017, Brown and his wife Julie relocated from Maryland to the Auburn-Opelika area.

Soon after settling into his new home, he joined the Auburn Brew Club, where he said he discovered the area’s need for its own homebrewing and winemaking supply store.

“The closest store like this is in LaGrange, which isn’t a problem, but I know that others like myself like to

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

shop locally as often as they can. That was my primary motivation for pulling the trigger and going forward with this,” Brown said.

Brown signed a lease agreement for the 2,500 square foot space and the neighboring building in January. Built in 1920, the structure formerly housed a creamery, and he said he plans to retain most of the building’s features, including its “beautiful interior brickwork.”

In the heart of downtown’s entertainment district, Whistle Stop is within a close proximity to John Emerald Distillery, as well as Red Clay and the soon-to-beopened Resting Pulse breweries. Brown said he has been cultivating a strong relationship with those nearby businesses and is excited to see how they can work together moving forward.

“People who like to brew their own beer always go to local breweries. We already have the right clientele coming down here,” Brown said. “Those who make their own beer don’t

stop going to their local breweries and enjoying the opportunity to meet folks. And they’ll also be able to taste things that they haven’t had before and want to try to make themselves.”

Once opened, the shop’s offerings will include access to a broad array of the hops, grains and yeasts needed in beer production, as well as those used in wine.

Brown said he also plans to begin offering instructional courses taught by local experts for those interested in homebrewing and winemaking.

“I hope that it does impart a passion for homebrewing and winemaking and that people get excited about it. Ideally, after a couple of years and gaining recognition, people will feel comfortable enough to come here and know exactly what they need and how to make their beer or wine,” Brown said.

For more information or updates, like and follow the business’s Facebook page or visit www.whistlestopbrewshop.com.

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pelika Observer

Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and Michelle@opelikaobserver.com D. Mark Mitchell

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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 City of Opelika announces employee recognitions, hirings, recycling changes

A3

April 03, 2019

Huguley receives Economic Development Award Special to the Opelika Observer The City of Opelika honored Economic Development Directory Lori Huguley for receiving the 2019 Site Selectors Guild Excellence in Economic Development Award during the guild’s annual conference in Salt Lake City.

This prestigious award is presented to outstanding economic development officers who have gone above and beyond in their work.

“We are extremely

Huguley blessed to have Lori and congratulate her for this well-deserved recognition,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller.“The City of Opelika has certainly benefited from all of her efforts throughout the years.”

Huguley was nominated by and received the award from guild member Jay Garner, Garner Economics.

The Site Selectors Guild is the only association of the world’s foremost professional site

Opelika to make changes at recycling centers Special to the Opelika Observer The city recently made changes at its recycling centers as a result of contamination issues that Opelika Environmental Services is facing, primarily with bags and styrofoam.

In the past, recycling centers have been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but the aforementioned problems have prompted a need for these facilities to be manned at all times.

As of April 1, the city has closed the recycling centers at Covington Recreation Center and Floral Park.

Individuals who use these locations are asked to bring their

recycling to the 8th Avenue Recycling Center near Denson Recreation Center, or to the Jeter Avenue Recycling Center across from Jeter Primary School.

The 8th Avenue Recycling Center will be open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and the Jeter Recycling Center will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Hours of operation at both locations will be 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Residents may also sign up for the city’s curbside recycling program for $10 a month, with the first two months free.

Sign up by calling Opelika Power Services at 334705-5170 or www. opelika-al.gov.

Officials have asked that residents not bring grocery bags or styrofoam, and wash out all food containers.

Grocery bags are recyclable, but the city is unable to take them because they clog the automated recycling system at the Columbus Recycling Center.

The following Opelika stores accept plastic bags: Winn-Dixie, Walmart, Piggly Wiggly, Kroger, Target, Best Buy and Kohl’s. Styrofoam should be bagged and placed in a garbage cart or with yard waste.

For more information, contact OES at 334-705-5480 or visit www.opelikaal.gov.

selection consultants.

Guild members provide location strategy to corporations globally for every industry, sector and function. They are nominated by peers, vetted and must demonstrate significant professional location advisory experience.

“I am highly honored to receive this recognition from the Site Selectors Guild,” Huguley said. “It is a validation of our team approach here in Opelika. My staff and I are so fortunate to have a Mayor, City Council and

Industrial Development Authority that understand Economic Development and support our goals and objectives to keep Opelika growing.”

As the economic development director, Huguley recruits and retains businesses and industry that will bring economic growth to Opelika.

She was appointed to the position in 2011 after serving as Opelika economic development project manager for six years.

Huguley also serves as secretary

of the Opelika Industrial Development Authority; board member of the Alabama-Germany Partnership; Ex-Officio of Opelika Chamber of Commerce; Janus Forum Fellow and member of the Economic Development Association of Alabama, the International Economic Development Council, the Southern Economic Development Council and the Southeast U.S. Japan Association.

For more information, visit www. opelika-al.gov.

Lee McInnis hired as City of Opelika’s assistant engineer Special to the Opelika Observer The City of Opelika and its engineering department are excited to announce Lee McInnis as its new assistant city engineer.

In his position, McInnis will be in charge of performing inspections of new construction, public relations, conducting studies, preparing contract specifications and bid packages, reviewing construction plans, designing and preparing construction plans and maps and performing related administrative and clerical task.

Prior to joining the city, McInnis worked at Volkert, Inc. in Montgomery as a project engineer on more than 20 roadway construction projects with clients, including Alabama Department

McInnis of Transportation and state municipalities.

McInnis graduated from Auburn University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.

Throughout his college years, he worked as a lab technician for the National Center for Asphalt Technology where he was involved in the testing of different pavements from various DOT’s across the United States.

“I plan on using my 12 years of experience in roadway construction and erosion

control to add to the city’s engineering department. As this community is continuously growing, I look forward to having his family being a part of this growth,” McInnis said.

“The engineering department is pleased to have Lee join the staff. We are confident that Lee’s experience and knowledge in transportation project management, and his professional engineering license will be a vital addition to the Department. Lee will have an active role in all aspects of the administration of the Engineering Department as we look to continue to grow and develop with the City of Opelika,” said city engineer Scott Parker.

For more information, contact Parker at 334-705-5451.

Robyn Bridges of the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau selected for two-year term with Southeast Tourism Society Special to the Opelika Observer Robyn Bridges, vice president of the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, has been elected to a two-year term on the board of the Southeast Tourism Society.

Founded in 1983, STS promotes travel and tourism throughout a 12-state region.

The organization focuses on education, advocacy, recognition and Networking for travel and tourism industry professionals and their respective destinations. Bridges will serve on the STS board through 2021.

Bridges “The STS board of directors are leaders within the travel and tourism industry, who we look to as the visionaries for our organization,” said STS CEO and president Monica Smith.

“The board’s leadership provides valuable insight as STS continues to grow and support the tourism industry, particularly in regards to promoting travel to our 12 member states. Each board member brings a unique skillset or expertise that helps us develop programs to enhance professional development within our industry.”

Bridges has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She was employed with the Hotel at Auburn University before joining Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau in

2003.

Bridges has been active on a variety of industry and civic boards and committees, including the Alabama Hospitality Association, the Alabama Travel Council, the Public Relations Council of Alabama, the Southern Public Relations Federation, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County and United Way. She is passionate about the AuburnOpelika community and sharing the culture of this destination to audiences around the country and beyond.

About STS

Headquartered in Roswell, Georgia, STS is an association that works to unite all segments of the travel and tourism industry through its four pillars of education, advocacy, recognition, and networking.

Established in 1983, STS is an engaged network of 1,000-plus members from twelve states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. For more information, visit SoutheastTourism.org

About AuburnOpelika Tourism The Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau is an economic enhancement tool for the communities of Auburn, Opelika and Lee County.

They promote and develop the area through the travel and tourism industry and introduce the unique spirit of Auburn-Opelika to visitors from around the world.

For more information or to view a full calendar of area events, visit www. aotourism.com.

Their office is located at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

pelika O Opinion A bet is a bet - part 2 Voice of the Turtle A4

April 03, 2019

W

hen last we “met,” I was standing on an island just off the coast of Florida, contemplating the consequences of making a bet in a sport I haven’t played in over two decades against an opponent who plays often and whose friends have set the wager on his behalf. On that island, under the moonlight, surrounded by people who felt like an instant family, I was ready to settle my bet.

Before I could think it through, I shed a few (not all) of my clothes and ran into the slowly rolling waves until I was waist-deep in the Gulf of Mexico. I raised my arms toward the moon and tilted my head back. The world looked simply astounding from that spot in that moment.

And then the shock of the cold sent me running back to shore.

The group was waiting for me, clapping and laughing. The friend who decided on my wager was clapping louder than the rest. “Girl, that was one crazy thing to do,” he said. “That water is freezing!”

“Tell me about it,” I said through chattering teeth.

“But you kept your bet. You’re cool in my book,” he whispered as he hugged me.

Captain T wrapped a blanket around my shoulders and said, “You’re pretty amazing.”

That alone kept me warm all the way back to the marina.

The next day Captain T gave me another amazing gift – an up

I

had dinner with an old friend. I haven’t seen him in years.

He looks different since he moved to Tennessee. He has a shaggy beard, lines around his eyes, a bigger waist and three kids.

Here’s the kind of guy he is: Earlier today, he opened his front door to find me standing on his porch.

“Wow,” he said. “Do I look as old and ugly as you?”

“Yes.” “Getting old sure stinks, don’t it?”

“Speak for yourself, I plan on using my AARP card to get free coffee at Waffle House.”

“Waffle House doesn’t accept AARP.” Long ago, we were close. Back then, I needed a friend like him. I was a kid who had survived my late father’s mess, and I wasn’t exactly Mister Sunshine.

He was a good pal.

And he was no stranger to the rain, either. His mother died when he was six, from similar circumstances. His kid

By Wendy Hodge

close look at a pod of dolphins.

They jumped and played in the waves as if they knew we were watching. I took pictures and videos and then just sat in silence and gave them my full attention… living in the moment.

We ate meal after delicious meal and strolled on the beach at sunset.

We went to Pier Park and shopped (and ate yet again).

We mingled with guests in neighboring cabanas, all of whom were retired – “snowbirds” who had escaped to the South. There was Ms. Blue Hair, whose hearing aids were always visible in her ears but were never actually turned on, so conversation was done at a higher volume than with anyone else. And Mr. Bicycle Pants, who may have been in prime Tour de France shape a few decades ago, but who now… well… some things are just better left to the imagination and not to the efforts of spandex. His vision was just about nonexistent, so we could never be sure to whom he was actually speaking.

And then there was the leader of the group, whom I affectionately thought of as The General.

He was barrel chested and looked imposing but was in fact a teddy

bear with a weakness for orange Sunkist and Danielle Steele novels.

Despite that the others definitely deferred to him in matters of shuffleboard tie breakers and other critical decisions.

We watched pinochle tournaments, cheering on our favorites. We learned some smooth dance moves while big band tunes floated in the breeze. And we laughed along with our “neighbors” who took such pleasure in going nowhere in a big hurry.

Our time passed so quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was check-out day. The sky was overcast, and we decided to take one last stroll in the sand.

As we walked, a cluster of older folks caught my eye. There were two men digging in the sand while a group looked on. As we got closer, I realized they had already unearthed mounds of seashells.

The taller of the two gentlemen was displaying one of his treasures to the group who cheered and clapped.

They welcomed us into their circle and all began speaking at once.

“Look what he found!” Ms. Blue Hair yelled. One hearing aid had become dislodged in the excitement.

“That there’s a valuable piece of history!”

Mister Bicycle Pants shouted in the general direction of the ocean itself.

“It’s definitely from World War II,” The General said. “That’s a bullet. I am familiar with that particular item.

See Hodge, page A6

T

hose who follow my columns will recall that a while back I observed how Solomon in his “song” (2:11-12) pointed out that in the spring “the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.”

OK, I know it’s a turtledove and the dove got lost in translation, but I'm a King James Version guy. It sounds better. (Besides, as my Sunday school teacher, Miss Kling Dacy, told us after she read the verse, "if God wanted to give turtles a voice, he could." So there.)

But I'm not here to write about turtles, or doves, or Miss Kling. I'm here to write about spring in the South.

I love Southern springs - especially early spring, when those first flowers push up to remind us of things past. Ride around town and see paper narcissus and jonquils scattered about in vacant lots where once there were homes and people. Venture into the countryside and catch the outline of a long-gone house defined by daffodils where, years ago, a farm wife put out bulbs to add a bit of beauty to her life.

Wisteria fills the air with perfume. And forsythia (or "switch bushes" as they were called in families where the parents knew nothing of Dr. Spock or “positive

By Hardy Jackson

encouragement,” except to say that “if you do that again I'm positive I gonna cut one of them and lay some encouragement on you.”)

But don't get too used to it. February thaws often lead to March freezes.

“Thunder in February, frost in April,” my mother used to say.

Spring in the South can also make a liar out of you, as it did me once, long ago.

It had been one of those wonderful late February days, bulbs were blooming, buds were budding, the earth was squishy under your feet, and the air was full of damp delights. And my friend Jim was in Iowa.

Now Jim was from Georgia, so I figured it was my Christian duty to call him up, remind him of how things were down here, needle him a little, so I did.

His wife came on the phone.

"Let me speak to Jim." "He can't come right now. Our gutters froze over, one has already come down, and he is up on a ladder trying to save the others. And it's 10 degrees. Can

Good Old Boys

brother was more like his son. We sort of leaned on each other.

I remember when he got a job at a sporting goods store. The store sold shotguns, ATV’s, crossbows, and for a few bucks you could get a fishing license. He loved this job because my friend is your allAmerican deer hunter.

This store also had a tall rock-climbing wall. He invited me to try it once, but I didn’t want to because I was fourteen, chubby, and I was no athlete.

I have always been the sort who spectates.

Especially when it comes to sports. As a boy, I was a professional spectator. I spectated four or five times per day sometimes.

One time my friend brought me to the sporting goods store and brought me to the rock wall. He issued a dare.

Before I knew it, he had fitted me with a rappelling harness.

It is impossible for chubby boys to look dignified when wearing a harness secured to

By Sean Dietrich

their pelvic regions.

“I don’t wanna do this,” I told him.

“I promise, you’ll enjoy it.”

“What if I fall and break my neck?”

“You won’t.”

“You don’t know that.”

“You’ll be fine.”

“How do you know?”

“Because you’re wearing a helmet.”

“You’d make a terrible trial attorney.”

At age fourteen, I was in a bad way. I both hated my late father, and I missed him.

And worse, I felt guilty for having the two emotions at once. My friend was someone who understood this.

He secured the harness, cinched the rope, and told me to start climbing.

I placed one hand over another. I should not have been climb-

ing that wall. Boys like me didn’t climb things. Boys like me ate Moonpies and had kankles.

When I ascended six feet, I slipped. I lost my grip, but I didn’t fall.

The rope caught me.

“You’re doing good!” shouted my friend who was miles below, tugging the rope from which my life dangled. “Keep climbing!”

I used my scrawny muscles to take me higher. I ascended, little by little. I’m certain I looked ridiculous to people watching.

And there were several watching.

The onlookers were local high-schoolers, most of them worked at the store and already knew how to climb rock walls.

There was Matthew—a young man built like Arnold Schwarzenegger, who lettered in three sports and knew how to talk to girls.

There was Rachel—a blonde Matthew often talked to.

There was Dillon—a

fisherman, basketball player, Boy Scout, humanitarian, alpha male, and international supermodel.

And me. A little fat boy on a string.

“I can’t do it!” I shouted.

“Yes you can!”

“No I can’t!”

“You’re doing great!”

My arms and legs were Jello, and I hated myself for getting stuck on this medieval amusement device.

My entire adolescent reputation hinged on whether I could make it to the top, and it wasn’t looking good.

I slipped again. I wanted to disappear.

“Don’t worry!” said my friend, “I’ve got you!”

Don’t worry? I looked like Baby Huey on the flying trapeze.

Everyone would remember this embarrassing stunt forever. I would probably make the newspaper.

I finally reached the last rung. At the top was a brass bell. I rang the bell as hard as I could. I let go of the

I have him call you back?"

Now I could have told her "No, just tell him that it is over 60 here, birds are singing, and kids are already playing baseball." Or I could have said, "Sure, tell him to call when he gets down." And when he did I could have described, in detail, the dandy day he missed by being up there.

But friends don't do that to friends.

In cases like this, friends lie. Which was what I did.

"No," I replied, "just tell him that we are in the middle of an ice storm and I wanted to see if things were as bad in the North."

There was no reason to remind Jim what a Southern spring was like.

Anyone who has lived through one remembers and can’t wait for another.

And a few years later Jim took a job in Mississippi – which he knew was the right decision, he told me, when the feeling returned to his fingers and toes.

And he is in the South still, just like me. And I bet, right now, he is listening out for that turtle.

Just like me.

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

wall. I hung suspended in the air.

My friend lowered me to the bottom.

When I arrived on the floor, my friend started applauding. Then, the whole store applauded me. Every single person clapped.

Me. The round child who’d hung from a string and rang a bell because someone told me I could.

“You did it,” my pal said, slapping me on the back. “I told you so.”

“I didn’t do anything,” I said. “I fell a bunch of times, it was only because of you that I made it.”

Well. Maybe I ought to finish the story right here.

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

pelika O Observer

A5 April 03, 2019

Inaugural ‘Opelika Giving Day’ seeks to raise awareness, funding for area nonprofits seeking to make a difference in the community

By Morgan Bryce Editor Helping promote and raise funds for organizations seeking to make a difference is the goal of the Community Foundation of East Alabama’s inaugural Opelika Giving Day on May 1.

According to chief event organizer Wendy Bonner, Opelika Giving Day is a “24-hour fundraising challenge that (will) support local nonprofits, celebrate the joy of helping others and inspire a culture of giving.” Both Bonner and CFEA executive director Barbara Patton said their goal is to raise not only money but also awareness of the many organizations in the Opelika area

dedicated to helping the community.

“All these projects are different from each other, but at their heart, have the same mission – to make a positive impact on the Opelika community. What’s great about this is that there is something for everyone,” Bonner said.

“For example, you can support the arts with the Arts Association of East Alabama, local agriculture with O Grows Community Garden and more.”

Susan Forbes of O Grows said the monies they receive will be used to improve access and parking to her organization’s community garden as well as increase their production output.

“Currently, the area

is prone to flooding and the run-off empties into the garden work space.

We would fully cover the existing parking area with a gravel and limestone mix and install a butterfly garden along the fence line that borders the parking area,” Forbes said. “By improving the parking area, rain water run-off into the garden will be eliminated, which will allow for greater productivity from the garden. It will also provide more parking for those coming to the community garden and farmers market. Installing the butterfly garden will beautify the area and attract pollinators to the garden, because more pollination equals more produce and more donations to Opelika

Victims of Crime and Leniency receives Community Awareness Project funding for 2019 National Crime Victims’ Rights week Special to the Opelika Observer Victims of Crime and Leniency, VOCAL, a statewide victims’ rights and services organization, has received federal funding to promote community awareness of crime victims’ rights and services during 2019 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 7 to 13.

The funding will be used to enhance and expand the agency’s traditional candlelight vigil held annually to remember victims of violent and other crimes and to honor their families and friends. The grant funding will enable VOCAL to partner with statewide and local agencies to recognize a number of people in Alabama who have been longstanding and meaningful voices for victims, and to expand activities for children. The funding comes from the U. S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) through the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators (NA-

VAA).

This year’s candlelight vigil and victims’ memorial service will be held April 12 at 7 p.m. at the back entrance to the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, across from the State Capitol at the corner of Bainbridge Street and Dexter Avenue. The theme for 2019 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) is “Honoring our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.” Victims will share information about their experiences, and VOCAL leaders will honor VOCAL Founder Miriam Shehane and others. Special children’s activities and educational items will be provided.

“The support from OVC and NAVAA for our 2019 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities will help us help crime victims,” said VOCAL Executive Director Janette Grantham. “Members of our community are encouraged to honor the past achievements of programs that aid crime victims and survivors, and join us in creating hope for a future where

all crime survivors are treated with dignity and respect, and receive the services they need and deserve.”

Since 2004, OVC’s NCVRW Community Awareness Project has provided financial and technical assistance to more than 1,000 community projects that promote victim and public awareness activities, and innovative approaches to victim/survivor outreach and public education about victims’ rights and services during NCVRWk. VOCAL was one of the 92 projects recommended by NAVAA and selected for funding

by OVC for 2019 from the 200 applications that were submitted nationwide.

For additional information about VOCAL’S 2019 NCVRW activities or about victims’ rights and services in Alabama, call 334-262-7197. For information about national efforts to promote 2019 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, please visit the Office for Victims of Crime website at www.ovc. gov/ncvrw.

citizens suffering from food insecurity.”

Another program that will benefit is The Creekline Project, headed by the husbandand-wife duo of Rocky and Shealy Langley, which would increase the city’s connectivity and encourage a more active lifestyle through the construction of more than 13 miles of shared-use, ADAaccessible paths.

“Opelika Giving Day is an excellent way for our community to show that we want recreational walking and biking trails that link points of interest in Opelika. Every dollar donated on May 1 will go toward the planning, promotion and development of Phase 1 of the Creekline Project

along the Pepperell Branch,” the Langleys said. “A great turn out on May 1 will demonstrate that the Creekline is a citizen-supported endeavor, strengthening our voice in grant proposals and among funders.”

Bonner said the end goal of Opelika Giving Day is to encourage support from donors at all levels and help make this event sustainable for years to come.

Auburn University public relations major and Opelika Giving Day intern Savanna Oakley is actively interviewing representatives and members of the selected organizations and will post each of their stories on the event’s website, which is expected to launch in

mid-April.

Following is the full list of selected organizations: • Arts Association of East Alabama • Circles of Opelika •The Creekline Project •East Alabama Youth for Christ’s after-school program •Exodus Ranch • Haddie’s Home • Harvest Evangelism • O Grows Community Garden • Southside Center for the Arts • Way2Serve For updates, like and follow the event’s Facebook page or visit www.opelikagivingday. org.

For more information about the CFEA and its mission, visit www. cfeaeastalabama.org.

Senior community adds new home builder Special to the Opelika Observer The Springs of Mill Lakes, an Opelika-based community for active senior adults, has added a new home builder.

Jim Mathews, president of Montgomery-based Mathews Development Company, will join the Birmingham-based Harris Doyle Homes to create a variety of beautiful homes at the community with quality, style, and features home buyers 55 and older seek.

Mathews brings 30 years of construction experience to the community. An Auburn University graduate and a certified graduate builder, he was the 2015 president of the Greater Montgomery Homebuilders Association. He takes pride in his hands-on approach to every aspect of the home building process, with attention to detail, design and selections. Mathews’ wife, Kimberly, also

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

works in the family business, handling back office operations, as well as client and vendor coordination.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jim, Kimberly and their team of exceptional home builders to The Springs of Mill Lakes,” said the community’s developer, Allen C. Harris, founder of Chapman H LLC and CEO of BaileyHarris Construction.

“Jim is well-known in the home building industry for his long-term success and leadership in the industry. His company’s reputation for quality building and outstanding customer

service will fit in well with our vision for the community.”

The 80-acre community is bordered on the west by a perpetually protected wildlife sanctuary, and encompasses two 3.5-acre mature lakes, a wandering creek and waterfalls.

Homeowners enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful natural setting just minutes away from Auburn and Opelika’s shopping and dining districts, as well as excellent medical facilities and Auburn University.

For more information, call 334-4544663 or visit www. thespringsofmilllakes.com.

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pelika O Observer

A6 April 03, 2019

Chick-fil-A at TigerTown named ‘Small Business of the Quarter’

By Kelly Daniel For the Opelika Observer The Opelika Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly Business Over Breakfast event on March 28 emphasized civic engagement and quality of life as important factors in economic success.

Dr. Joe Sumners, who has advised and taught leaders in economic development for nearly 30 years and serves as executive director of the Government and Economic Development Institute at Auburn University, delivered an inspiring and informative presentation on how investing in local communities is important to both enhancing quality of life and enabling economic success.

At the end of the breakfast, the Chamber recognized Chick-fil-A of TigerTown, which is well known for community involvement and charitable giving, as Small Business of the Quarter.

Andrew Barnes, the owner and operator of Chick-fil-A of TigerTown, reacted with gratitude toward the community, the Chamber, and the hardworking Chik Fil A employees.

“We are so honored to be recognized as the Small

Jones, from A1

the mutual-aid clause, requesting assistance from other sheriffs statewide.

Law enforcement agents from Chambers, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa counties were already on the ground providing assistance, and Jones accepted the invitations of others from Mississippi and Tennessee to “come on and help us.”

Setting up a command post at that intersection, Jones and other Lee County Sheriff’s Office representatives assumed leadership of coordinating search-andrecovery efforts, maintaining access in and out of the hardest hit areas as well as frequent patrolling of areas most susceptible to looting.

As darkness began encroaching on that Sunday evening and death toll continued rising, Jones said they made the decision to halt search-and-recovery efforts until the following morning, the beginning of what would be a “long and emotional week ahead.”

Although all 23 tornado

Business of the Quarter by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce,” Barnes said.

As to their success and ranking as the secondhighest Chick-fil-A in Alabama for sales volume, Barnes said, “We owe our thanks to the Opelika/Auburn community. We love our guests and take pride and joy in serving them.”

Prosperity Through Engagement and Infrastructure In his talk, Sumners explained that while people often think of economic development as primarily attracting new businesses to a community, effective local governments and active civic organizations create the conditions necessary to attract workers and businesses.

“At the foundation of an economy, you’ve got your physical, your human, and your civic infrastructure.

Those provide a foundation on which you build your economy,” Sumners said.

Without that foundation, the argument goes, a community doesn’t have what businesses are looking for when they search for a place to expand.

While physical infrastructure refers to utilities, roads, and other tangible resources, human infrastructure is created and enhanced when a commu-

nity educates and empowers its citizens to reach career success.

“The biggest issue in economic development is attracting and growing your workforce, providing good schools, and a good workforce system to create skilled workers,” Sumners said.

Sumners has found that a trained workforce is one of the most in demand factors for businesses, who often make decisions on where to expand based on the ability to recruit skilled workers.

Supporting existing local businesses is another crucial factor in economic success for Sumners because he has found that most of the job growth in a community comes from existing businesses owned by local people.

Civic infrastructure is the community leadership that Sumners views as crucial for community development because that leadership provides strategic planning to guide the community toward economic growth and increased quality of life.

Leadership was one of the top three things that Sumners and other rural economic experts found is needed for strong Alabama communities, in a round table conference that took place at Auburn

victims were found that afternoon and evening, Jones and other law enforcement agencies were responsible for locating the others who were missing. By the mid to latter portion of the week, all had been found and accounted for.

Jones represented the LCSO at five press conferences held that week at Beauregard High School, sharing his knowledge with local, national and international media on the “greatest natural disaster to ever hit Lee County.”

On Wednesday and Friday of that week, Jones and his team helped coordinate visits from Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania to the portions of the Beauregard community most ravaged by the storm.

The focus has since shifted to recovery mode, but Jones and his team are still diligently helping with recovery efforts in Beauregard and Smiths Station, as well as preventing tornado survivors from being scammed by unauthorized contractors or repairmen looking to take advantage

of the situation.

“These type people do shoddy work, if any work at all. We’re trying to get the word out to people to make sure they’re dealing with reputable people who should have the proper identification and registration,” Jones said. “We’re also encouraging folks who haven’t registered with FEMA to do so if they haven’t and make sure they’re in line to receive help.”

Though it is a scenario Jones said he would desire to never experience again, he believes the state, nation and world have witnessed the true heart of this community he has served for nearly 21 years.

“I just can’t say enough about the local organizations that stepped up to help and lead during this time.

There was an overwhelming sense of the community’s desire to help that just permeated and underlies everything that’s happened,” Jones said. “Looking at that, it just makes me really proud to live in Lee County. I really can’t think of another place I’d rather be.”

University in 2006, and in a follow-up to that conference held in 2017.

Strong communities provide the foundations for “quality of place,” which Sumners defines as the quality of life that citizens experience within a particular place or community.

Optimized quality of place provides a healthy, well-educated workforce who support the economy as consumers and as employees, while encouraging the growth of community leaders who can coordinate efforts to support existing local business while bringing in new industry.

The factors of effective physical, human and civic infrastructure are outlined in the many educational programs offered by the Government and Economic Development Institute at Auburn University.

Examples of Excellence As two fast growing communities that are ranked third in the nation in job growth for small cities and first for economic growth potential, according to a 2018 report in Business Facilities Magazine, Opelika and Auburn are uniquely positioned to bring in new talent and business.

Sumners lauded

Hodge, from A4

More familiar than I would like to be, as a matter of fact.”

The group grew quiet and clustered around the two strangers. And then the stories began.

Stories of fathers and brothers and uncles who went off to war and made heroes of themselves.

Or came home a different person, broken and scarred. Or never came home at all.

I had no paper or pen with me, but I can close my eyes and hear their words even now.

I don’t know how long we stood there, but the sound of the waves brought me back to the present. I stepped backward and narrowly avoided stepping squarely on a sharp metal object.

Bending down, I realized I had found another bullet. I pulled it free, and it was large and heavy in my hand.

The shorter of the two

Opelika’s economic developer as well as its human, physical, and civic infrastructure.

Mackenzie Kayler, who serves as manager of programs and events at the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, reflected on the success of the Opelika area and how strong leadership made it possible.

“Some examples include our great education system in Opelika, our access to quality healthcare at EAMC, and the growth of our downtown area and events that make Opelika a fun place to live,” Kayler said.

Just as Opelika and Auburn exhibit strong civic engagement as communities, the Chamber views Chick-fil-A of TigerTown as providing this kind of leadership among businesses by consistently contributing toward efforts to enhance the wellbeing of local communities.

“The recognition committee unanimously voted for Chick-fil-A at Tiger Town in recognition of their consistent willingness to assist with community projects as well as their generosity in donating time and resources to the Chamber and other community outlets,” Kayler said.

A Chamber of Commerce strangers realized what I had found and moved toward me as if he wanted to take the bullet out of my hands.

“She found another one!” he yelled.

The whole group cheered and began chattering again. I grinned at Captain T and said, “We have time for me to dig a bit, right?”

“We sure do,” he said with his easygoing smile.

And so I spent the next two hours on my hands and knees, elbow-deep in the sand.

If we had not had to check out, I would still be happily digging away.

When all was said and done, I had unearthed many pounds of beautiful seashells, intact and perfect, along with three WWII bullets, three spent flares, and a round metal ring covered in rust and with seashells attached by time and sand. Was it a piece of a cannon? Part of a ship? Imagine the hands that had touched the cold metal as they

Dedicated to Growth and Learning The Opelika Chamber of Commerce considered the breakfast to be a great success, as it was well attended and featured a renowned keynote speaker.

The tables at the breakfast were full almost to capacity, with more than 80 people in attendance at the event.

Educational events are considered crucial to the Chamber’s mission of providing an atmosphere that invites prosperity for organizations and community leaders. ”Providing educational opportunities through speakers for our chamber members is important because it gives each business an opportunity to learn something new to where they can apply it to their business, become a more knowledgeable Opelika citizen, or apply what they learned to every day conversation or networking.” Kayler said.

The overarching theme of the breakfast seems to be that when local people have access to the resources that they need for effective strategic planning, they can make better decisions as individuals and for the civic organizations, government agencies, and businesses that make up a community. made their way to war.

What had they been feeling and thinking?

Were they among the ones who had returned or were they lost forever on some shore far from home?

Like the wind from the ocean, my sister’s words came back to me.

Life is all about the bets we make – with ourselves, with each other, and with the universe itself. If we keep them and how we keep them says so much about what our soul is made of.

I bet my best friend and I will be back at this spot again. And, as a wise person recently told me, a bet is a bet is a bet.

Wendy Hodge is an Opelika native, an empty nester and lover of all things Opelika.

She previously had a column titled A Word or Ten, which was featured in the Tennessee Star Journal and is currently awaiting release of her first novel with Harper Collins Publishing Company.

pelika O Observer Opelika’s law enforcement will be looking from above to earn donations on Friday

By Tyler Roush For the Opelika Observer The annual Cops On Top event will be held on April 5 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Opelika Kroger. An additional event will be running at the Auburn Kroger during the same timeframe.

The events are hosted by the City of Auburn and the City of Opelika police departments to raise money and awareness for the Lee County chapter for Special Olympics and Law Enforcement Torch Run. Special Olympics athletes from the county will be present for a meet-and-greet with incoming and outgoing shoppers.

To Opelika’s Capt.

Bobby Kilgore, the event showcases the athletes.

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

“This is an extremely important cause,” Kilgore said. “This is a great group of guys and girls, they put their hearts and souls into these games and they do well. We’re absolutely excited to support them and help them in any way that we can.”

Now in the event’s fifth year, police officers from both Opelika and Auburn will be positioned on the roof and ground of either Kroger

location to encourage donations.

In an effort to support the local Olympians, Kilgore said that the event encourages passing shoppers to not only donate, but to get to know the athletes as well.

“We would just encourage everybody to come out and take a second or two to talk to some of the guys and give us a little donation,” Kilgore said.

A7 April 03, 2019

Councilwoman Patsy Jones creates ‘Disaster Recovery Fund’ for family member that remains in hospital following March 3 tornadoes Special to the Opelika Observer Councilwoman Patricia “Patsy” Jones has always been a forerunner in aiding citizens in Opelika and surrounding areas in time of need, especially during tragic incidents.

She has often been one of the first to set up accounts for the families who have sustained the unfortunate tragedies because she knows there is always a need to be able to rebuild.

This time, Jones has personally encountered a great loss of her cousins in the EF-4 tornado that touched down in Beauregard. The tornado on March 3 killed three members of her family: Mr. Jimmie Lee Jones, Sr. (89), Mrs. Mary Louise Jones (83), Mr. Emmaniel Jones (53). There was

so much devastation and the family lost everything. Emmaniel’s brother Benjamin was the sole survivor of the household. While he survived the tornado, he remains in the hospital.

The family knows that medical bills can be expensive.

After an outpouring of support from the community, friends, and relatives wanting to help her family, Jones has setup an account at Auburn Bank.

To contact Jones, call 334-559-2214 cell or home 334-745-6656.

The account is in the name of BENJAMIN JONES DISASTER RECOVERY FUND. Donations can be made at any of the eight branches of Auburn Bank. All donations should be made to Benjamin Jones Disaster Recovery Fund.

Donations can be made as follows: • Electronically: Download Cash App (with green dollar sign): $Benj303 • Mail to: Benjamin Jones Disaster Recovery Fund c/o Auburn Bank 1851 Frederick Road Opelika, AL 36801 • Mail to: Councilwoman Patricia “Patsy” Jones 1407 Harper Street Opelika, AL 36801 This fund is setup to help with Benjamin’s recovery and to help him rebuild his way of living. Any amount given is greatly appreciated.

Please keep Benjamin and all other tornado victims and their families in your prayers.

May God bless you and thank you so very much for any support you can give.

Carnival returns to USA Town Center this week

By Michelle Key Publisher The community is invited to head over to USA Town Center for the 2019 Spring Carnival by Modern Midways. Victor Vance, co-owner of the venue, said that

Love, from A1 area business community, it’s important for us to support people when they need it and help make the community stronger. We’re excited to support this program with food and staff to provide a quality meal for people who otherwise may not get one.”

this annual carnival is a premier carnival event with something for everyone to enjoy.

The event will run daily start April 4 through the 13th.

Weekday hours will be from 5 to 10 p.m. and weekends they will be open from

noon to 10 p.m.

Modern Midways is known throughout the nation as the "Midway Specialists." The family owned business takes pride in providing premiere services and "Complete Carnivals" for fairs, festivals, and celebrations.

The Little Caesars Love Kitchen has fed more than three million people in each of the 50 states, and four Canadian provinces. It has also responded to disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes, as well as the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 and the 1995 Federal Building bombing in Oklahoma City. The Love Kitchen was estab-

lished by Little Caesars in 1985, and exemplifies Little Caesars strong tradition of giving back to America’s communities.

“We know that it’s important to reach out to the communities where we do business and help make a difference,” said Little Caesar’s President and CEO David Scrivano. “As a family company, we are proud to work together with our local franchisees and

company-owned stores to coordinate the vehicle, staff and food and to be there for the people in Opelika who need assistance.”

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pelika Observer O

A8 April 03, 2019

Lost and found: Montgomery woman’s jewelry recovered in Opelika lakebottom

By Morgan Bryce Editor For nearly 33 years, Montgomery resident Judy Bressler Williams was left to ponder what happened to some of her family’s most prized possessions.

On May 23, 1986, while Williams and her family were en route to a family vacation, their house caught on fire, later determined to be an act of arson. Though her home was not completely destroyed, items in a jewelry box containing her Virginia high school and Huntingdon College class rings, charms, husband’s cufflinks and most importantly, a French-made necklace purchased in Paris by her father for her mother during WWII, were gone.

“I looked all around that night, and afterward, thought to myself, ‘I’ll probably never see them again,’” Williams said.

However, in midMarch she was surprised to find out she was

wrong.

A recently broken spillwell on Opelika’s Lake Forest has resulted in severely decreased lake levels. Cindy Cannon, who was hosting her grandchildren Christopher and Carter during their spring break, tasked them with exploring the lake bottom to see what they could find with a metal detector.

“They found one thing, then another. I didn’t know what to think,” Cannon said.

“It’s just like (the thief) stood on the side of the lake and tossed them in.”

While examining the Huntingdon class ring, Cannon found the initials “J.B.” and “Class of 1970,” clues that she turned over to friend and neighbor Judy Mardre, who also attended Huntingdon.

Through a quick online search and finding Williams’s mother’s obituary, Judy’s daughter Mari was able to help Cannon crack the identity of the missing

jewelry’s owner.

Later that day, Cannon called Williams, eager to share the good news.

“I didn’t recognize the number, so at first, I thought it was a solicitor. But I ended up picking up anyway,” Williams said.

“I told (Williams) that I thought we had found some jewelry that belonged to her, and she said, ‘what?

How do you know that it’s my jewelry?’” Cannon said laughingly.

Last Monday, Williams and her husband made the trip to Opelika to retrieve the jewelry, with most pieces still retaining their beauty even after being covered in mud for nearly 33 years. She said she plans to have some of the pieces refinished in the coming weeks.

Mystery still surrounds the finding of Williams’ belongings being found more than 50 miles away from home, where they were being taken to and why

the thief would drive so far out of his way to dispose the jewelry. In any case, Williams said

she is still incredulous that these pieces were found.

“It’s just really, really

special … never in my (wildest) dreams did I think this would happen,” Williams said.

& Flea Mall

METAL TOY CAR look for a new find each week!

Photos by Opelika Observer Staff

334-745-3221 • angelsantiqueandfleamall.com 900 columbus Pkwy, oPelika 36801 oPen everyday 10-7 • sun 1-5

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

Calendar of Events: April 6 - Red Clay’s 4th Anniversary Party - 5 to 11 p.m.

April 13 - Walk for Camp Seale Harris at Opelika Sportsplex, beginning at 9 a.m.

April 13 - Pioneer Day at Fort Mitchell, beginning at 9 a.m.

Trinity bake sale to honor Sharron Robinson Fuller Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

When Trinity United Methodist Church holds its Mission Barbecue Chicken and Bake Sale April 6, many in the church will honor the memory of Sharron Robinson Fuller. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church fellowship hall.

The “Prayers and Squares” Quilting Ministry will also host a craft fair with handmade quilts and other items. Fuller served as chairman of the bake sale for many years and was instrumental in its success. The beloved church member passed away last fall from a

tragic car accident. Her presence will be greatly missed this year. Ladies of the church decided to honor her memory by baking her cake recipes.

“Once Sharron became chairman of the bake sale it really took off,” said Steve Bass, the Trinity Minister of Youth. “She was so loved that when she asked people to do something, they wanted to do it. The bake sale grew.”

“Last year Sharron baked 32 cakes for the bake sale,” added Bass.

“She sent me photos throughout the week with flour all over her

kitchen. The past few years we have made nearly $4,000 on the bake sale for missions.”

Bass said Fuller was well known in the community.

“We hope people who normally bought barbecue tickets and cakes from her will be here to honor what she loved the most, which was our youth and the Mexico mission trip,” he said.

“Sharron went every year and was a key leader. She went the past seven years.

From the first time she went, she never missed another one. She loved

Photo by Ann Cipperly The annual Mission Barbecue Chicken and Bake Sale will be Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. The “Prayers and Squares” Quilting Ministry will also host a craft fair with quilts, blankets and other items. The bake sale is honoring the memory of Sharron Robinson Fuller, and many ladies will bake her special cake recipes. Pictured (from left):, Steve Bass, Youth Minister; Anne Davis, craft fair; Hannah Jackson, bake sale; Jodie Wells, bake sale; and Melinda Jackson, Senior Adult Minister.

to go to serve, and she loved serving with our youth here.”

Trinity Senior Adult Minister Melinda Jackson said Fuller “loved Jesus Christ deeply and displayed a true servant heart by her many contributions daily to her church family at Trinity.”

“Each year she worked diligently to make the barbecue event a huge success,”

Jackson added. “Not only did she bake numerous cakes, Sharron also organized all the details of the bake sale.

Sharron will be greatly missed at this year’s barbecue,but it will be a great day to celebrate the life and legacy of our precious friend and sister in the Lord.”

The Second Avenue bridge was the first project Fuller headed when she worked for

the Department of Transportation. After her accident, the city renamed the bridge in her honor.

The “Prayers and Squares” Quilting Ministry at Trinity will host a craft fair at the barbecue and bake sale event. Handmade baby quilts, lap quilts, blankets, burp cloths and pillow cases, as well as items for the kitchen, See Recipes, page A10

Fort Mitchell to hold Opelika Sportsplex to host benefit walk April 13 Pioneer Day April 13 Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer Fort Mitchell, a national historic landmark, will hold its annual Pioneer Day on April 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m E.S.T. The fort is located at 561 Highway 165 in Fort Mitchell next to Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.

Admission is $5 for adults, children 10 and under admitted free. There is a $20 maximum fee per family.

The site includes an original circa 1840 log cabin home, a visitors center with a museum and theater, the Indian Heritage Center and

Memorial, the Carriage House, the reconstructed 1813 stockade Fort, a reconstructed Trading Post and a historic cemetery.

Attractions include a quilt show and contest, an art show and contest, blacksmith demonstrations, live bluegrass and country music, food vendors, craft vendors, sweet shop treats, souvenirs, horse drawn wagon rides, reenactors of the Creek Indian Wars, pioneer crafts for children and a car raffle.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ HistoricalFortMitchell or www.visitfortmitchell.com.

On April 13, Camp Seale Harris for children with diabetes will host the annual Diabetes WALK for Camp Seale Harris from 9 a.m. to noon at the Opelika SportsPLEX. The Diabetes WALK will feature a free family friendly 1K and 5K fun-run/walk around the green space at the back of the Opelika SportsPLEX, DJ Todd Blackmon, a bounce house and face painting for kids and free healthy snacks for all participants. Each

participants’ fundraising efforts or donations will enable kids to attend Camp Seale Harris – Alabama’s only diabetes camp. Type 1 Diabetes is an incurable autoimmune condition that cannot be prevented. Camp Seale Harris gives children independence and confidence in managing diabetes, and support from friends that understand. Camp Seale Harris gives them skills and hope to be healthy and live well.

Those interested can register for the Diabetes WALK by visiting https://secure.qgiv.com/ event/auowalkforcsh/.

There is no registration fee to participate. All participants that raise $50 or more in donations will receive an official Diabetes WALK t-shirt, or they can be purchased for $10 at the event.

Sponsors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, EAMC Diabetes & Nutrition Center, OmniPod, Southern Union State Community College Mu Alpha Theta, Target, Wright’s Market, Lowe’s, Home Depot and Sam’s Club.

Join them as they welcome the community to a day of healthy activity

and diabetes awareness.

Camp Seale Harris is a program of Southeastern Diabetes Education Services (SDES) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that encourages, educates, and empowers children and their families to live well with diabetes. Year-round camp and community support programs provide direct services to over 1700 people statewide each year. Camp Seale Harris is accredited by the American Camp Association. To learn more about SDESCamp Seale Harris, visit www.campsealeharris. org.

Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

pelika O Observer

A10 April 03, 2019

Recipes,

from A9 including potholders, aprons, grocery bags and bowls, and vases will be on sale.

“Many of these items are great for Mother’s Day gifts,” said Anne Davis, chairwoman of the quilting ministry at Trinity.

A drawing will be held for a quilt. Tickets are $5 for the chance to win the quilt.

While Fuller and other women at Trinity generously shared recipes over the years, the chicken recipe is a tightly guarded secret.

The recipe was found on the back of a portrait in an old county church in Chambers County.

Jim Jackson is the head grill cook for the chicken. Last week, a group of men from Trinity constructed a 50-foot cement block pit in the parking lot across from the church.

The chicken will

marinate in a vinegar base sauce. On Friday afternoon, the Trinity men will fire up the grill and start cooking 2,000 chicken halves. It will take all night to cook all of the chicken. As the chicken grills, it will be brushed every ten minutes with the sauce when the racks are turned.

When the vinegarbased sauce is brushed on the chicken, it creates a lot of smoke, which gives the chicken its flavor. Each chicken half is slowly grilled for three and a half hours. Then, the chicken is placed in coolers to steam to keep it tender and moist.

Generally 40 to 50 men assist with grilling during the night. The chicken is finished cooking at 6 a.m.

The specialty barbecue chicken is served with coleslaw, chips and bread for dine-in or take-out. Sweet tea will be provided to those dining in the fellowship hall.

Anyone who desires dessert will have a

variety of choices at the bake sale.

Take a break from the kitchen this Saturday, and bring the family for delicious barbecue chicken and homemade desserts, while helping a variety of mission programs. Take home a special cake baked using Fuller’s treasured recipe in remembrance of a special lady.

Barbecue tickets are $10 in advance and $12 on Saturday. Tickets are available at the church office until noon on Friday. Trinity United Methodist Church is located at 800 Second Avenue. For additional information, call 334745-2632.

While Fuller enjoyed baking for the Trinity bake sale, she also loved preparing these recipes for her husband, John, and their two children, Kathryn and Houston.

Cipperly can be contacted by email at recipes@cipperly.com.

See Recipes, page A11

Food Ratings Taco Mama 149 E. Magnolia Ave. Auburn Score: 100

Wendy’s 1002 2nd Ave. Opelika Score: 99

Cluck It Bucket 2505 Lee Road 430 Smiths Station Score: 100

New China 1515 2nd Ave. Opelika Score: 98

The White House Restaurant 2487 Lee Road 266 Cusseta Score: 99

Louie’s 1479 Fox Run Pkwy Opelika Score: 97

Which Wich 2105 Interstate Drive Opelika Score: 99

Mike and Ed’s BBQ 307 N. College St. Auburn Score: 95

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pelika O Observer

A11 April 03, 2019

Benefit concert for APD’s Justin Sanders raises $1,500 Photos special to the Opelika Observer A benefit concert featuring Dallas Dorsey and friends was held March 24 to help raise funds for Justin Sanders. Sanders who is an officer with the Auburn Police Department, was shot several times while attempting to stop a robbery suspect on Feb. 15. Sanders is still recovering from the injuries he sustained in the shooting. The benefit raised $1,500. Pictured on the far right is Dorsey and Sanders.

Recipes,

from A10 Mandarin Orange and Pineapple Cake Sharron Robinson Fuller 1 (18.25 oz.) pkg. yellow cake mix 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar 20 oz. can crushed pineapple with juice Two 8 oz. cans mandarin oranges, drained 3.5 oz. pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix 8 oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed Mix and bake cake mix following package instructions for two 8 or 9 inch round layers. Cool layers. Split each layer in half to make four layers. In a large bowl, whip cream cheese until soft; gradually add confectioner’s sugar.

Stir in pineapple with juice and drained mandarin oranges, reserving about five oranges for garnish.

Mix in dry pudding mix.

Fold in whipped topping.

Place one layer on serving plate cut side up; spread with frosting. Place other layer cut side down; top with frosting. Repeat until all layers are used. Spread frosting on top and sides of cake; garnish with orange wedges. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Old Fashioned Coca Cola Cake 1 box Duncan Hines White Cake Mix 4 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 1 stick butter, melted 1 cup Coca Cola 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 large eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows Place cake mix, cocoa powder, melted butter, cola, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute.

Increase speed to medium and beat 2 more minutes or until well blended. Fold in marshmallows with a spatula. Pour into a lightly greased 9 x 13 cake pan. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly pressed with your finger.

Remove from oven and let cake cool on wire rack in the pan for 15 minutes.

Make frosting while cake is cooling.

Coca Cola Frosting 1 stick butter 4 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder 1/3 cup Coca Cola 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 cup chopped pecans Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.

Stir in cocoa powder and cola.

Let mixture come just to a boil, stirring constantly, and remove it from the heat.

Stir in the confectioners’ sugar until frosting is thickened and smooth. Fold in the pecans. Pour frosting over the cake and cool for 20 minutes before serving.

Note: This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or wrap it in foil and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw cake overnight on the counter before serving.

3 Day No Peak Coconut Cake 1 Duncan Hines Butter Cake Mix Bake according to package directions in two 9-inch cake pans.

Cool on wire rack and split both layers in half.

Frosting/Filling: 16 oz. sour cream 12 oz. frozen coconut, thawed 2 cups sugar 1 small carton Cool Whip Extra coconut to sprinkle over top Filling: Mix together sour cream, coconut and sugar. Reserve 1 cup for frosting.

Spread mixture between layers.

Frosting: Fold reserved 1 cup filling with Cool Whip. Frost top and sides. Sprinkle top of frosted cake with coconut. Place cake in a Tupperware type cake plate and refrigerate for at least 3 days keeping the lid closed – no peeking – serve and enjoy!

NOTE: Letting it stand for 3 days makes this cake super moist.

You don’t really have to wait the 3 days to enjoy it.

Italian Cream Cake

Sharron Robinson Fuller 1 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup shortening 2 cups white sugar 5 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup flaked coconut 1 tsp. baking powder 2 cups all-purpose flour Frosting 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 tsp. vanilla extract 4 cups confectioners sugar 2 Tbsp. light cream 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup flaked coconut Preheat oven to 350

degrees. Grease three 9 inches round cake pans.

In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in buttermilk; set aside. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter, shortening and white sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk mixture, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1 cup coconut, baking powder and flour. Stir until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared pans.

Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Allow to cool.

To make frosting: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 1/2 cup butter, 1 tsp. vanilla and confectioners sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.

Mix in a small amount of cream to attain the desired consistency. Stir in chopped nuts and remaining flaked coconut.

Spread between layers and on top and sides of cooled cake.

Strawberry Cake Cake 18.25 oz. box white cake mix 3 oz. box strawberry flavored instant gelatin 10 oz. pkg. frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed 4 large eggs 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup water Preheat oven to 325.

Lightly grease 9 x 13 cake pan.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix and gelatin. Add strawberries, eggs, oil and water; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer.

Pour into prepared pan, and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Let cool in pan before icing. Spread Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting on top. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries, if desired.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, thawed (try not to get any juice) 16 oz. box confectioners sugar In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and strawberries at medium speed with an electric mixer.

Gradually add confectioners sugar, beating until smooth.

Note: You can substitute fresh strawberries if you like. In the cake I substitute about 1 cup of fresh chopped strawberries and substitute 1/2 cup fresh chopped strawberries in the icing.

Mimi Robinson’s Key Lime Cake 1 pkg. Duncan Hines Lemon Cake Mix 1 1/3 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 3 oz. pkg. lime flavored Jell-O 3/4 cup orange juice Combine cake mix, Jell-O, oil, eggs and orange juice in mixer.

Pour into 2 or 3 round greased cake pans and bake according to instructions on the cake mix box.

Allow to cool, then frost with Key Lime Frosting.

Note: Can make cupcakes or mini cupcakes (baked according to cake mix package) and frost using decorating bag and tip.

Key Lime Frosting 1/2 cup butter, softened 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (1 box) 3 Tbsp. lime Juice (I use bottled like lemon juice) 3 Tbsp. lime Jello (about ½ of 3 oz. box) In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until fluffy and light. Add lime juice and sugar. Mix and smooth on cake.

Note: If frosting is too runny, add additional powdered sugar and/or refrigerate until ready to ice the cake/cupcakes.

My Favorite Coffee Cake 1 box butter cake mix 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup water 1/3 cup oil 4 eggs 1 cup sour cream 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 cup pecans, chopped Mix together cake mix, sugar, water, oil, eggs and sour cream until wellblended.

Pour half of the batter into a greased, floured Bundt pan. Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter in the pan. Add remaining batter. Bake for 45 minutes at 325 degrees.

Glaze 1 cup powdered sugar 2 Tbsp. milk Mix and pour over warm cake. Great for breakfast or anytime of the day.

Ilah Dean’s Pound Cake 2 sticks butter, softened 1/2 cup Crisco shortening 3 cups sugar 5 eggs 3 cups Swan Down cake flour 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 1/4 cups sweet milk Cream together butter,

Crisco and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Beat well. Add baking powder and mix. Add flour slowly to mixture. Mix well; add milk and mix.

Pour into greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 1/2 hours or inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Houston’s Favorite Peanut Butter Pie 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 cup confectioners sugar 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1 tsp. vanilla 8 oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed 9-inch prepared graham cracker crust Beat together cream cheese and confectionerssugar. Mix in peanut butter and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon into graham cracker pie shell; cover, and refrigerate until firm.

Note: You can use a store bought pie crust or make your own following the graham cracker crumb box recipe. I prefer the homemade crust. Enjoy!

Banana Pudding with Chessmen Cookies Sharron Robinson Fuller 12 oz. container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whip 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 2 cups milk 5 oz. box instant French vanilla pudding 6-8 bananas, sliced 2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies Line bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.

In a bowl, combine milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer.

Using another bowl, combine cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold whipped topping into cream cheese mixture. Add cream cheese mixture to pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour mixture over cookies and bananas and cover with remaining cookies.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Black and White Pan Cookies 1 box Duncan Hines Butter Cake Mix 1 small box instant vanilla pudding 2 large eggs 2/3 cup oil 1/2 cup water 6 oz. white chocolate chips

6 oz. milk chocolate chips 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir with a spoon until well blended.

Press mixture into a 9x13 lightly greased jellyroll pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes (lightly browned). Take out of the oven; let cool in pan. Cut into bars and serve. Kids and adults love these, and they are so easy!

Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Sharron Robinson Fuller Bottom Layer: 18 1/4 oz. pkg. yellow cake mix 1 egg 8 Tbsp. butter, melted Combine the cake mix, egg and butter; mix well with an electric mixer.

Pat mixture into bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan. Prepare filling.

Filling 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 8 Tbsp. butter, melted 16 oz. box powdered sugar In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

Add eggs, vanilla and butter; beat together. Next, add powdered sugar and mix well. Spread over cake batter and bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to overbake as the center should be a little gooey. Let cool and cut into bars.

Monster Cookies (Gluten Free) 1/4 cup raisins, optional 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup multi-colored chocolate candies 1 stick butter, softened 12 oz. jar creamy peanut butter 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup granulated sugar 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar 3 eggs 2 tsp. baking soda 4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

In a very large mixing bowl, combine eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add salt, vanilla, peanut butter and butter. Mix well. Stir in chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, baking soda and oatmeal.

Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Do not over bake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool.

When cool, store in large resealable plastic bags.

Opelika

A12

Family & Religion

April 03, 2019

Jesus and the fulfillment of Scripture

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

n Matthew 5:17 Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Fourteen times, Matthew will speak of Scripture being fulfilled

by Jesus. Fulfillment is much more than the raw idea that the Scripture predicted something and Jesus came and did what was predicted (although it most assuredly includes that). We’re much closer to the concept of fulfillment if we think of Jesus being like the hub of a bicycle wheel.

All of the spokes (predictions) point toward Him. But there’s more to it than that. The spokes are attached to the rim (the overall

with His narrative). exposiThe hub tion of the anchoring Torah that the spokes is faithful give the rim to God’s its circularpurposes ity and the

By Bruce Green and intent. bicycle (the Teaching Minister at Whether Scripture) 10th Street Church of He is moves Christ in Opelika teaching by ahead. Jesus contrast, in fulfills Scripparables (chapter 13) ture by bringing it all or through apocalyptogether in Him. tic speech (24), He is He also fulfills expounding on the true Scripture by expoundmeaning of Torah. ing upon it. Still in Jesus also fulfills Matthew 5, we hear Scripture by modelthe phrase, “You have ing it. When John heard that is was said tells Jesus he needs to . . .” over and over (v. be baptized by Him 21, 27, 31, 33. 38, 43).

With these words, Jesus rather than Jesus being is alluding to the teach- baptized by him, Christ ing of the Pharisees and says, “It is proper for us to do this to fulteachers of the law. He goes on to contrast that fill all righteousness” (3:15). While it’s true with, “But I tell you . that Jesus has nothing . . “—which has to do

Church calendar

• Pepperell Baptist is continuing to offer a Wednesday evening program from 6 to 7 p.m. for preschool and elementary children called WOWWorship on Wednesdays.

The evening program of Bible messages for children, crafts, fun activities, and snack is ongoing throughout the year. The youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. This is an evening of prayer, Bible Study, and discussion. For more information, contact youth and children’s pastor Ryno Jones if you need more information at 334745-3108.

• Registration for Farmville Baptist Church’s

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

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

First Steps Preschool program for fall 2019 is now open to the public.

For more information or to register, call 334-8877361 or visit them at 3607 Alabama Highway 147 N. in Auburn.

• April 13 - Pepperell Baptist Church will holding special Easter-themed activities April 13 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., including an Easter egg hunt, bouncy house, face painting and more. Guests are invited to come enjoy the festivities and celebrate Passion Week and the story of Jesus’s resurrection. For more information, call 334-745-3108. The church is located at 2702 2nd Ave.

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

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to repent of or sins to be forgiven of (Mark 1:4), in the spirit of Torah mercy He has come to identify with those who do. And God is “well pleased” with His actions (Matthew 3:17). In the wilderness, He refuses to turn the stones into bread because “Man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (4:4). His obedience is ultimately expressed in going to the cross where He fulfills His Father’s will (26:39, 42).

Matthew would have us to see Jesus as the embodiment of Scripture--though not in the way that Homer, Shakespeare or Victor Hugo are of great literature. The

Scripture is more than great literature—it is a revelation from God and a revelation of God. It reveals not only what God’s will is for us but His very nature.

Taken this way, Jesus is the embodiment of Scripture in that He is the ultimate prophet and teacher who makes known His Father’s will (see John 12:48-50 and Hebrews 1:1-2). He is also the embodiment of Scripture because He reveals God completely and ultimately (John 14:9; Hebrews 1:3).

In Jesus, we have a clear word from God and about God! 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 “...through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

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

Romans 5:2-4 Events can be emailed to the Observer at editor@opelikaobserver.com.

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

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

pelika O Observer

A13 April 03, 2019

OBITUARIES Dawn Motley Dawn Motley, 54, passed away on March 28, 2019 in Opelika, Alabama.

Visitation was at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama on Monday, April 1, 2019 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

CST. Funeral was at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Burial will follow at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Dawn was the

daughter of Roger Lamar Motley, Sr. and Gussie Anne Motley; sister of the late Roger Lamar Motley, Jr. and the late Betty Motley Foshee (John); aunt of Michael Motley (Elizabeth), Amanda Sanders (Erik), and Melanie Thomas (Holt).

Dawn was the gentlest soul you could hope to meet in this world.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home of Opelika, Alabama directed.

James Patrick Murphy Mass service for Mr. James Patrick Murphy, Jr., 66, of Opelika, Alabama was Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 1:00pm at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home. Bruce Krause officiated. Visitation was Friday, March 29, 2019, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Mr. Murphy, who died Wednesday, March 27, 2019, at EAMC, was born February 2, 1953, in Flushing, New York.

Mr. Murphy was a Fireman, Policeman, Paramedic and EMT in Lee County, Alabama. He helped start the Lee County Ambulance Service and was a registered nurse at EAMC for eleven years. He was an Army Veteran with the Special Forces in Vietnam, MAST unit, Helicopter Medical Rescue Unit. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Elizabeth Louise May Richards Funeral services for Elizabeth Louise May Richards, age 88, of Opelika were held on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Newman officiating.

She was preceded in death by her parents, G.T. May Jr. and Lizzie Nell Brantley May, her brothers, Thomas F. May and George T. May III, her husbands Clifford Burt, Alford Holloway and Arthur Richards, her daughter, Brenda Kennamer and her son, Jeffery Burt.

Louise is survived by her siblings Joyce M. White, Charles May, Dan May (Arlene), Clifford May (Betty) and Mary Nell Wood (Doug), and her children, Van Burt (Donna), Brenda Pottinger, Gregory Lenford Chisum Gregory Lenford Chisum of Opelika was born on September 2, 1976 and passed away in Auburn on March 27, 2019. He was 42 years old.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Max Glover.

He is survived by his wife, Heather Nicole Chisum; daughter, Mackenzie (Bryan)

Anne Motley Anne Motley, 83, passed away on March 28, 2019 in Opelika, Alabama. Visitation was at FrederickDean Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama on Monday, April 1, 2019 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

CST. Funeral was at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Burial followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Anne was the daughter to the Eulys Langster Coxwell, Sr. and Gussie Lavenia Bradberry. She was mother

He is survived by his wife Kimberly Klepper Murphy of Opelika, Alabama; children: Mandi (Tiff) Murphy, Kelly Walls, Erica (Matt) Leach, Katie (Clay) Dawson, and their mother Nancy Phipps Murphy; and Madison (Trent) Hamil and James Patrick (Anah) Murphy III; sisters: Pat Murphy (Fred Pedro), Kathy (Danny) Kirwin, Coleen (Joe) Lahera, Margie (Greg) Murphy-Harlin, Christine Dale (Charlie), Erin Murphy, Cherokee Cingoranelli; grandchildren: Hannah (13), Ava (8), Henry (5), Sadie (2), Eleanor (2), Colin (1), Olivia (2 months); and his mother and fatherin-law: Al and Bettie Klepper.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ellen (Betty) Guckian and James P. Murphy, Sr. and two grandsons Carson and Logan.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Larry Burt (Merry), Cindy Luangkhot (Pon), and Terry Holloway.

She was blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Louise grew up in Macon County on Society Hill road, attended elementary school at Society Hill and High school in Tuskegee.

Mrs. Richards worked for more than thirty years at West Point Pepperell. She loved flowers, enjoyed gardening, sewing, attending gospel singings and was known for her banana pudding. Most of all, she loved her family, friends, and above all her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Visitation was held in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home on Monday, April 1, 2019 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

CST. Belcher; son, Camden Chisum; mother, Donna (Eddie) Ward; father, Joel (Michelle) Chisum; grandmother, Martha Glover; grandfather, Gene Chisum (Glenda); brother, Brad (Melissa) Chisum; niece and nephew, Mallory Chisum and Caleb Chisum.

Memorial service was held Monday, April 1, 2019 at Southview Assembly at 2:00 p.m. and Pastor Clint Capps officiated.

to the late Betty Ann Foshee, the late Roger Lamar Motley, Jr. and the late Dawn Motley.

She was also sister to Eulys L. Coxwell Jr. and Betty Hodge.

Anne’s grandchildren include, Michael Motley, Melanie Thomas, Amanda Sanders, and Addison Sanders; and Greatgrandchildren include, Luke Motley and Lee Thomas.

Anne was the loving inspiration of her family.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home of Opelika, Alabama directed.

Royce Allan Stanford, Sr.

Royce Allan Stanford, Sr., age 86, of Bryant, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord on March 23, 2019. He was born on September 12, 1932 in Pepperell, Alabama to C.W. and Bessie (Leverette) Stanford. He grew up in the tight-knit mill village of Pepperell where he made relationships and memories which he spent his lifetime recalling with great fondness. He graduated from Clift High School in Opelika, Alabama in 1950 and Auburn University in 1954. Afterwards, he served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He worked as a chemical engineer and spent his career in the wood products industry.

He retired in 1990 as a Senior Vice President

Betty Anne Motley Foshee

daughter of Roger Lamar Motley, Sr. and Gussie Anne Motley; sister of Roger Lamar Motley, Jr. and Dawn Motley; mother to Melanie Dawn Thomas (Holt); aunt of Michael Motley, Amanda Sanders, and Melanie Thomas; and grandmother to Lee Frank Thomas.

Betty Anne Was brimming with an electric warmth that filled the room with joy and love.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home of Opelika, Alabama directed.

Betty Anne Motley Foshee, 65, passed away on March 28, 2019 in Opelika, Alabama. Visitation was at FrederickDean Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama on Monday, April 1, 2019 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

CST. Funeral was at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Burial followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Betty Anne was husband to John Foshee;

for the Weyerhaeuser Corporation.

Royce married Martha Vann Lee on August 9, 1953. Together they had three children and lived all over the United States, making lifelong friends wherever they went. Royce will be remembered for his quiet, steadfast love and devotion to his family. He was a hard-working, conscientious, and well-respected friend to many. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha. He was a beloved father to Allan (Cindy) Stanford, Jr., Julie Stanford, and Joe Stanford, and muchcherished “Pap” to his grandchildren: Jason (Lindsay) Gornto, Mary Beth Stanford (Casey) Picker, Jill Gornto (Donald) Raymond, Allan (Lindsay) Stanford III, Bill (Mei-Lyn) Stanford,

Mihaela Stanford, and sixteen great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express their thanks to Mrs. JoJeana Allen for her tireless and loving care of Royce, and to the congregation at Indian Springs Baptist Church, Bryant, Arkansas, their home church, for their constant support and encouragement.

A memorial service was held on Friday, March 29th at 11 a.m. at Pepperell Baptist Church in Opelika, Alabama.

Visitation with the family was at 10 a.m. at the church. The family held a private, graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or other benevolent organizations.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Opelika resident, military veteran Wallace Jackson Paschal to be laid to rest today

By Morgan Bryce Editor Opelika resident and military veteran Wallace Jackson Paschal passed away Saturday at the age of 86 years old.

Born Sept. 4, 1932, Paschal was raised in the Riverview community, part of the city of Valley. He worked his way through the Boy Scout ranks to become an Eagle Scout and graduated from Valley High School in 1951.

After high school, Paschal married Lorene Sims and joined the Air Force.

Following four years of active duty service, he came home and accepted a position with Alabama Gas Corporation, where he remained until his retirement in 1991.

During the latter portion of his military career, Paschal followed in the path of his children and went to college, obtaining an associate’s degree from Faulkner University

in 1990.

Paschal’s military service did not end after leaving the Air Force. As a member of the Alabama Army National Guard, he worked his way through the ranks, eventually attaining the rank of command sergeant major, the highest rank possible for an enlisted member. At the conclusion of an eight monthlong tour in Saudi Arabia in 1992, Paschal retired from military service.

Retirement found Paschal as active as ever, enjoying time spent with his family, his community, and as a leading member of the Cowboys Coffee Club and Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEOs) lunch group. As a man of faith, he was heavily involved as a member of First United Methodist Church.

Paschal is survived

by Lorene, his wife of 65 years, sons Wallace Jackson Paschal II and Noel Jay Paschal, 11

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, among many nieces and nephews.

Fellow Cowboy Coffee Club member Woody Ross shared that “Wallace was a great friend. An outstanding listener.

He will be very much missed by all of us at the Cowboys Coffee Club ... I know he has a good place in Heaven now.”

According to Paschal’s obituary on Jeffcoat Trant’s website, “visitation will be 2:30 to 4

p.m. today in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church. Funeral services are planned for 4 p.m. with Rev. Robin Wilson officiating. Paschal will be buried in Shady Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (donate online) or First United Methodist Church (Building Fund), 702 Avenue A, Opelika, AL. 36801. JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home is directing.

pelika Observer O

A14 April 03, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• April 5 - Carswell Insurance Agency Ribbon Cutting at 11 a.m.

• April 5 - Firing Pin Ribbon Cutting at 4 p.m.

• April 11 - Genesis Health Business After Hours Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 8876659 or at 256-3071449.

Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th Street, Opelika • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika.

• The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room.

Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

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

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

Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-528-4197 or deborahowen@eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30 to 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 to 7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 7491584.

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension 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 questions via email.

The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more.

To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces.edu/anr/ beginningfarms/webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann

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

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

Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

• The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented.

Car ownership is not required.

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

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

• Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6 to 8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51.

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

There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122.

• The Auburn Com-

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

• East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika.

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

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

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

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

• The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway.

For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

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

Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334737-5215 or cheri. paradice@gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of

the month.

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

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

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

New Events • April 3 - The Lee County Master Gardeners meeting will be held April 3 at the Opelika Municipal Park pavilion, located across the street from the Opelika Parks & Recreation Center, 1102 Denson Dr. The meeting starts at 12:30 p.m. and the public is invited. The speaker this month is Billie Oliver, a long time Lee Co. Master Gardener and lead coordinator of the Caroline Dean Wildflower Trail.

There will be a brief talk on shade plants and then a guided tour of the trail. For more information, visit LeeMG.org.

• April 6 - The Circle of Care Center for Families’ RENEW HOPE 85 invites you to participate in a one-mile Hope Walk to raise awareness to human trafficking taking place in East Alabama and West Georgia. Those interested in attending are asked to arrive at Langdale United Methodist Church’s THE OAKS April 6 at 10 a.m. E.S.T. For more information or to preregister, visit renewhopeinitiative.com.

• April 12 - East Tennessee singer/ songwriter Emi Sunshine will perform at the River Center for the Performing Arts April 12. She is noted for both her vocals and instruments which are deeply rooted in the heritage of Appalachian music. Tickets range in cost from $25-$75 and can be purchased by visiting www.rivercenter.org.

• April 28 - The Junior League of Lee County will hold an Alice in Wonderlandthemed fundraiser and silent auction April 28 at the Moore’s Mill Club pavilion. Called the “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party,” the event will begin at 2 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.juniorleagueofleecounty.com. The

venue is located at 1957 Fairway Drive.

• Wildlife in Watercolor An exhibit featuring local art students will be held at the Smiths Station Government Center. Exhibition is open daily, is free, family friendly, open to the public • Sketches from Local History An exhibit featuring recent acquisitions by the City of Smiths Station curated by The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art A Center for Cultural Arts At Smiths Station City Hall Art Galleries Exhibition is Open Daily Free, Family Friendly, Open to the Public •After School Art Classes for Children & Youth Weekly Studio Classes featuring Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 •Afternoon Art Classes for Adults featuring Studio Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided Thursdays at 3 p.m.

Eastern Standard Time The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Evening Art Classes for Adults Fundamental Drawing Studio - Every Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Portrait Drawing Studio - portrait drawing classes for beginners, Every Wednesday 2 p.m. EST *all fine art supplies are provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Senior Studio Art Classes Every Wednesday 11 a.m. EST *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided - Enroll Today- 334480-2008 Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

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A15 April 03, 2019

Opelika native promotes novel

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Inspired by the likes of fantasy authors Robert Jordan and J.R.R. Tolkien, Opelika native Br. Benedict Dyar is actively promoting his first novel “The Flame of Telbyrin,” which was published last year.

Describing it as a “fantasy adventure with (elements of) action, double-crosses, romance and suspense,” Dyar said the book also possesses characters and storylines derived from the Bible.

“I enjoy writing stories full of it. I believe readers will get that message in our world where fiction currently seems widely dark ...

Dyar the book is really a Christian fantasy,” Dyar said. “I hope the readers will really take that message home.”

The book’s setting is Telybrin, a world inhabited by elves, humans, wood fays and

the story’s antagonists, the Meldrons. In the world’s center is the Sacred Flame of Telybrin, the exact location where the creator brought the world into being.

Protagonists Orilin and Larilyn Aland-

iron discover that the flame’s brightness is slowly being snuffed out, and must determine the cause before it is too late.

Book critics and reviewers have praised the book, with many describing it as “cleverly written.”

“Masterful storytelling with a spiritual perspective. Even readers who aren’t already fans of the fantasy genre will be in drawn in through Brother Benedict’s twists, turns and double-crosses, with sprinkling of humor throughout,” wrote journalist and editor Greg Richter.

Fellow author Laura Axelrod said she enjoyed the novel’s

“deftly drawn characters and (its) distinctive storyline.”

Dyar’s love of both writing and the fantasy genre stems from his childhood. While progressing through the Opelika City Schools system, he would craft stories for his mother to read and enjoy.

Jordan’s and Tolkien’s writings were particularly influential in his high school years.

Writing is now a natural process for Dyar, with personal inspiration for stories coming during his days at Cullman’s St. Bernard Abbey.

“I get my ideas for my stories purely for my love of fantasy adventure. I enjoy writ-

ing stories full of light; something that will make my readers walk away feeling great and hopefully want to read more,” Dyar said. “It’s when I’m exercising or doing my job of baking bread here at the monastery when the ideas mostly come.”

Dyar’s next booksigning event will be at the annual Bloomin’ Festival April 6 to 7, a benefit for the St. Bernard Preparatory School, which is run by fellow Benedictine monks.

For more information, contact Dyar by email at brbenedictrose@ gmail.com. Copies of the novel are available on Amazon and Goodreads.

Publishing house to host local workshop, book signing April 6 Special to the Opelika Observer Imperial Publishing House will host a publishing workshop and book signing April 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Opelika’s Collaboration Station.

Led by presenter Shani Greene-Dowdell, the workshop will focus on helping individuals turn their passion for words and love of writing into a profitable business.

Topics covered will include backgrounds on copyrights, writing tips,

30-day publishing plans and marketing, as well as promoting one’s work.

Mentor Renata Dowdell and guest author Kashinda Marche will also present.

Attendance of the book signing is free, but tickets are required to participate in the workshop. Tickets are $20 in advance and can be purchased by calling 334-787-0733 or by email, imperialpublishinghouse17@gmail.com.

Tickets will cost $25 on the day of the event.

The Collaboration Station is located at 216 S.

8th St. About Shani GreeneDowdell Greene-Dowdell has won the following awards: Interracial Romance Expo Reader’s Choice Award (2018), Liberty Theater Director Award (2014), Pink Diamond Award from the Sister Friend Book Club (2010), African American Award Show: Self Published Author of the Year (2008), Imani Book Club Appreciation Award (2007). She is the owner of Imperial Publishing House.

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

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

OPELIKA BASEBALL SCHEDULE • April 4 - doubleheader at Stanhope Elmore at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

• April 9 - at Russell County at 5:30 p.m.

•April 11 - v. Russell County at 7:30 p.m.

•April 12 - at Central Park Christian at 3:30 p.m.

Headed to the ‘Final 4’

Auburn beats Kentucky 77 - 71 in overtime

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika soccer splits with American Christian, Auburn last week

T

he Opelika High and Middle school athletic departments were busy with multiple teams playing the week after spring break.

Opelika’s soccer teams played American Christian Academy (Montgomery) and Auburn on the road last week. The Lady Bulldogs beat ACA 6-4 Tuesday in Montgomery. Amiya Brown led the offense with four goals. Kaitlyn Goodman and Megan Noon added goals. Goodman, Brown, Ashley Hilyer, Erica Mathews and Abby Noon each recorded an assist.

The Opelika boys beat ACA 3-2. The Bulldogs goals were from three different players, Yordy Chavez, Jose Cruz and Caleb Rujana. Omar Perez and Meyers picked up assists.

SOCCER FOR A CURE The annual ‘Soccer for a Cure” Soccer games between Auburn and Opelika was last Friday at Duck Samford Stadium. Opelika and Auburn team to raise money for the East Alabama Medical Center Cancer Foundation. The

money raised helps local people with cancer travel to and from treatments and many other needs. The two junior varsity teams split, with Opelika’s junior varsity boys losing and girls winning.

The Auburn varsity girl team broke a 1-1 tie in the second half, scoring six goals on their way to a 7-1 win.

Opelika’s goal came from leading scorer Brown with an assist from Erica Mathews.

Opelika’s Osmar Perez scored a game-tying goal late in the boys game, helping his team break a long streak of losses to Auburn. Marshall Meyers set up the game tying goal with an assist. The tie against Auburn was the first in many years, as the Tigers have dominated the series as of late.

Both Opelika’s boys and girls teams hosted area foe Russell County Tuesday night. The results were not available at press time.

TENNIS Trinity and Montgomery Academy defeated Opelika’s tennis teams last week. The boy’s and girl’s teams play at Pell City and See Sports, page B5

By Tyler Roush For the Opelika Observer In its 77-71 win over 2-seed Kentucky on Saturday, Auburn advanced to its first-ever Final Four after defeating 1-seed North Carolina and 4-seed Kansas in the span of eight days.

Jared Harper, who finished with a team-high 26 points, including 12 in overtime, said that the team will maintain its confidence heading to Minneapolis to play 1-seed Virginia.

“We wouldn’t have wanted it any other way,” Harper said. “We have confidence in our team. If we do the things we can do, I feel like we can beat any team in the country.”

See Tigers, page B5

Photo courtesy of Auburn Athletics

Opelika City School board recognizes Lady Bulldog basketball team for finishing as 6A state runner-up

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

By Beth Pinyerd For the Opelika Observer The Opelika board of Education honored the Opelika High School Girls’ Basketball team during their meeting last

Thursday.

Those in attendance who were recognized included coaches Devin Booth, Allison Gregory, Morris Lockhart, Sarah Chandler and Jaclyn Waitz. Players were Claire Worth,

La’dajah Huguley, Amia Vaughns, Kaitlyn Bryant, Ananda Hughley, Quala Walton, Haley Sanders, Evita Debrow, Jasmine Stokes and Trinity Love. On behalf of the school board, OCS Superintendent

Dr. Mark Neighbors presented a resolution of congratulations and recognition to the Lady Bulldogs.

In other business, the school board: See Bulldogs, page B5

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B3 April 03, 2019

A new day dawns

he drowsy sound of an orchestra plays as Fred Astaire sings, “heaven, I’m in heaven…”

Tousled blossoms sway outside my window. The branches swish and I take a closer look. A bird has return to its’ nest, a nest that I photographed last year when vacant.

The tangled little apartment is occupied once again. I wonder if this a new tenant. I stand still ‘tempting not to startle the feather French gray neighbor.

I pour water from the red kettle. Steam rises and old window panes sweat. The early light breaks in cold hues.

It’s late March. Spring begins to bud. The air is cool and damp. First sips are savored as paper is scored by pen. A new journal holds notations, and begins again where the last volume abruptly ended.

Winds, fury, tragedy

YOUR DESTINATION for CONTINUED FINE ARTS EDUCATION STUDIO CLASSES | DRAWING, PAINTING & MORE for ALL AGES www.thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com

By Sarah West and then efforts towards recovery. Storm-torn remnants plagued my return to writing. The longing to paint weighed heavily, and for a while, would surrender to other things. In times like these, one might say less trivial things. Now, the brushes call. I pick them up one by one. I squeeze pigments from metal tubs, and mix them on cold ceramic. Defin-

ing moments aren’t what they once were. Now, everything is different.

For a while, I’ve felt reluctant, questioning when is the right time to carry on. I reach for a new book, turn to the first page and begin to read as a new day dawns.

Sarah West serves the Opelika Observer as a contributing columnist, with written works of Cultural Arts

relevance and prose. She is a preservation, and conservation advocate, activist, and visual artist of American Illustration with a focus on Regional Narrative Painting. She is founder of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts, Smiths Station, Alabama’s premier fine arts destination. She is the appointed Official Artist to the City of Smiths Station,

a Lee County syndicated columnist, the director of her art center’s Cultural Arts Outreach Initiative which partners with local schools to make the arts accessible to all. She also serves a chief curator to the City of Smiths Station, City Hall Art Galleries. She is a founding member of the Smith Station Historic Commission. She is a member of the Women’s Philanthro-

py Board- Cary Center, Auburn University College of Human Science.

She is an elected member of the Society of Illustrators- NYC. She mentors art students of every age through weekly classes at her studio located in the heart of Smiths Station, Alabama. To learn more about her work and activism visit, www. thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com.

Your child is a promise

Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer

A

s a teacher, I love to plan butterfly release parties for science classes in the springtime. All butterflies undergo a “complete metamorphosis,” growing into a beautiful adult butterfly.

The four metamorphosis stages are egg, larva, pupa and adult.

Children are fascinated by observing these stages of a butterfly’s life. It is a gift!

Just like the stages of a butterfly’s life, children are a gift and promise as well. In sharing this with you, I’d like to take each letter of the word promise as we realize that your child is a promise and a possibility, as we explore ways we can encourage each child to be all they can be. As Psalm 139:14 reads, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

P - Praise and encourage your child. Verbal praise is important for young children to hear when they have done a good job. Pats on the back or eye-to-eye contact, or a wink saying I am proud of you mean so much to children, as well as we adults. Time spent with your child spells LOVE! 1 Cor-

inthians 13:13 - “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is love.”

R - Reach out to your child. In our world today, we spend so much time on the run. With your child, it is more important to spend free time with them rather than spending time on too many structured activities.. Free play is also important for young children, and serves as an outlet for children to work, grow, and express themselves.

It is so neat to let your child swing up to the beautiful spring sky, run or walk around the yard or play at one of our beautiful community parks. During the children's’ ministry on Wednesday evenings, even the older children let me know they need to play for a few minutes before we settle down to a lesson. Psalm 34:8 - “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

O - Optimism is contagious to be around.

Children love to be around happy people.

Just like Play-Doh, young children’s hearts can be molded by our actions and words. I love the term “POP” in sharing with children, which is the P-positive,

O-Optimistic, PPeacemaker. In guiding children to share and make friends, it is so important to guide them toward being positive. Life is not going to always be a bowl full of cherries, but it is our attitude and how we handle life’s circumstances that counts.

You’ve heard the old expression about making lemonade out of a lemon, and it is so true. Teaching children early how to live life no matter how tough the tough gets going is a valuable lesson not only for children, but also adults. Ecclesiastes 3:12 - “I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.”

M - Meeting the strengths of your child’s gifts and talents, how they are made and enabling them to be all they can be. Being available to offer learning sessions, activities which enhance what they are inclined to do, is a true gift every child deserves. Talking and listening to your child will truly win them over, and they will see the love from your heart that you care. Just as we water our spring flowers, children need to be nurtured too, so the flowers of confidence and motivation will blossom. Ecclesiastes 7:14 - “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.”

I - Interaction is important in reaching and teaching a child. There are several approaches to learning. 1. Visual learning is when a child learns more by seeing

pictures or demonstrations.

- Reflective learners generally learn best when they are alone.

These children are usually observers for a long time in assessing their situations. They may be the children that will separate themselves by playing alone, looking at books by themselves, and pondering on new learning situations.

- Logical learners are geared to learn by following patterns or sequences. We think of ordering numbers or alphabet sequence when we think of this kind of learner.

- Physical learners learn best by activity, such as being active with their hands, feet, or their whole body.

We see these young children engaged in pretend play, as well as enjoying outside play and games.

- Relational learners interact and relate well to other children. They are social and love to work in groups.They learn by interacting with their friends.

- Musical learners love to sing, hum and enjoy playing musical instruments. When tambourines, bells, cymbals are available, they love to march around the room and learn.

- Natural learners love the outside world.

They are naturally little scientists who love to look closely at nature with its plants and animals. Usually these learners will migrate to the science table.

Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

S - Special is what

children are! Just like a canvas with white paper that we can draw or paint,a child’s life is like this! Children love to hear their names and they love to receive encouragement. On the canvas of a child’s life, we as parents and teachers can paint beautiful life masterpieces for our children and students!

E - “Every” is such an important word as we watch our young children grow up so fast. Every day is a gift wrapped up in a bow when young children are at the beginning of their little lives. Parents, they grow up so fast. With a blink of an eye, they are grown and out on their own.

Cherish every single day of your child’s life.

Never take one take for granted, savor each moment as you watch your promise grow up to be a possibility!

James 1:17- “Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turn.”

Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for 34 years as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings. She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika and Baldwin County.

She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education as well as a bachelor’s degree in family and child development both from Auburn University. Her husband is the late Carl Pinyerd and she has one son, Gus Pinyerd who has taught her so much about learning.

Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools, and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth, and families. Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures, and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@ att.net.

Rebuild Alabama Plan:

A small cost for a safer and brighter future for Alabama.

OUR ROADS. OUR FUTURE. OUR RESPONSIBILITY.

pelika O Observer

B4 April 03, 2019

Annual Opelika High School LCERA holds monthly meetings at Saugahatchee Country Club spring sale returns April 8

Photos special to the Opelika Observer children understand families in transitionand appreciate the ing away from homestate's coming bicenlessness by providing tennial celebration. them with food, help, Pictured left is motel vouchers and Murray following her housing placements. presentation. Pictured LCERA's February right from left to right: meeting was also held LCERA president Dot at the Saugahatchee Strickland; District 5 Country Club, with director Katie Walauthor and illustrator ton, One Voice vice Laura Murray as the president Selena highlighted speaker.

Daniel, District 5 elect She is known for her Jean Madden and One contributions to the Voice president Jean Amazing Alabama coloring books helping Causey.

Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika High School's annual spring plant sale opens April 8 at 12:30 p.m. The sale will take place behind the school at the greenhouses. It will continue each weekday from 12:30 to 3 p.m. until all plants are sold. A variety of items including assorted ferns, annuals, perennials and hanging baskets will be available for purchase. Preparing for the plant sale are OHS horticulture students pictured left to right: Levina Roberts, Houston Woods, Ethan Patterson, Tucker Eiland, Timorian Armstrong and Emily Washburn.

Members of the Lee County Education Retirees Association held their January meeting at the Saugahatchee Country Club, featuring guest speakers Jean Causey and Selena Daniel of Opelika's One Voice Shelter Coalition, Inc. A nonprofit, the organization's mission is to assist individuals and

LPGA event coming to Opelika’s Alabama Universities rank best online MBA programs Grand National golf course Special to the Opelika Observer The Zimmer Biomet Championship will be May 23 through May 26 on the Lake Course at Opelika’s Grand National, where the players will compete for $300,000, the largest in Symetra Tour history.

Zimmer Biomet will be designated the official joint replacement provider of the LPGA and the official joint replacement provider of the Symetra Tour, the LPGA Tour’s official qualifying tour.

Additionally, LPGA and World Golf Halls of Fame member and 48-time LPGA Tour

winner Nancy Lopez will serve as the company’s brand ambassador.

“Representing a company that has a product that has changed my life is pretty exciting, and to be the spokesperson for Zimmer Biomet and to talk about it is fantastic,” Lopez said, who had her left knee replaced in Florida last November after having her right knee replaced one year prior. “It’s going to be a lot of fun to reach out to people that pretty much are afraid to do anything with knee replacements.”

Zimmer Biomet will also be a title sponsor

on the Symetra Tour.

The Lake Course previously played host to the PGA TOUR from 2015 to 2017.

“We are grateful to Zimmer Biomet for embracing the Symetra Tour,” said Symetra Tour business officer Mike Nichols. “The inclusion of Nancy Lopez as the hostess for this inaugural event makes for a special week for our players, sponsors and fans.”

Lopez will attend both the proam competition and the pro-am party at the Zimmer Biomet Championship. For more information, visit ww.rtjgolf.com.

Special to the Opelika Observer

A new study shows seven Alabama Universities made the list of best online Master of Business Administration programs in 2019.

Auburn University was ranked no. 1, Troy University was ranked 26, Samford University was ranked 28, University of Alabama – Birmingham was ranked 59, Jacksonville State University was ranked 189, Auburn University – Montgomery was ranked 196, and the University of North Alabama was ranked

202.

While traditional MBA enrollment is down across the board, online MBA programs are seeing record numbers of people enroll due to lower tuition costs and the ability to study from anywhere.

The U.S. News and World Report 2019 list of online MBA programs includes 301 schools, and increase from 170 in 2017.

BusinessStudent. com analyzed all programs and released a study on the 202 Best Online MBA Programs in 2019.

Programs without accreditations (AAC-

SB or ACBSP) were not included. The rankings were determined by analyzing five criteria: tuition, accreditation, acceptance rate, student support and engagement.

As part of the study, more than 100 former online MBA students were surveyed and 83 percent ranked tuition price as their number one consideration when choosing a program Based solely on tuition, BusinessStudent.com also ranked the 25 highest priced online MBA programs and the 25 most affordable programs.

Savor the fun of a spring picnic

By Beth Pinyerd For the Opelika Observer New life is bursting out all over with beautiful flowers and luscious green foliage.

In the early part of the evening, you can hear frogs croaking, katydids singing as the sun sets, and the stars and moon begin to shine.

The other day as I was running errands, I picked up the sweet fragrance of yellow and white honeysuckle flowers. Immediately, I recalled daydreaming as a child about the fun of summer approaching.

Near the end of the school year, it was hard to stay focused, as I daydreamed of swimming, free time, vacations, etc. As a teacher, I fully understand where students’ thoughts are as they

review lessons, testing, and projects. during this busy time of the year!

Spring is also a busy time with baseball, recitals, graduations and all the end-of-theyear traditions. Sometimes family times of togetherness seem to get pushed out. A quick family picnic can be scheduled during spring time busyness.

A picnic is not hard to plan, as you try to keep the family together during these busy times of the year.

The Auburn-Opelika area offers a perfect scene for a quick or prolonged family picnic, whatever fits your schedule. Picnics can also be enjoyed by grabbing a quick burger and sitting one of our beautiful city parks.

Picnics can take on the form of an inex-

pensive family activity that is carefully planned out. Children of all ages enjoy planning a picnic, and the delicious food and time spent outdoors.

Whether there are just two family members or more, take the time with your child to enjoy a special togetherness that a picnic offers. It is so neat to dine in the spring.

Even your infants and toddlers can be a part of the meal-planning process. It’s best to keep the meal simple to tasty foods that both children and adults enjoy. Language skills and thinking skills can be developed and encouraged when planning a family picnic.

Making a list of foods that they would like to take on their picnic can be a part of a language arts lesson. Letting them see

the list as you go over the different foods they want to bring can encourage reading readiness in your preschooler.

Picnic baskets whatever form or size are inexpensive.They can be made from brown paper bags and vegetable baskets. Ask your child what is needed in the picnic basket. Guide them to respond to the simple necessities of plates, cups, utensils, napkins and wipes to clean hands. Let your preschool child count out the necessities that are needed for your family and friends, this is a math lesson.

Placing items in a picnic basket teaches a preschooler about sorting or even patterning.

Be sure to grab a quilt or blanket for your infant to crawl on and bring the stroller. One

thing young children love to bring is their favorite stuffed toy such as a teddy bear. As a teacher I have always loved to take teddy bear picnics with my preschool students.

When you get to your picnic destination let your younger children set the table.This covers the math skills of one-to-one correspondence and patterning.

“Can You Remember Game” is an excellent memory and comprehension exercise.

You put a tablecloth, blanket, or towel in the middle of an area. Put several items under the cover that you bring on the picnic. Let the children see the full group of items. Have your child or children close their eyes as you remove some of the items. Lift the tablecloth and have the children guess what you

have removed. Children love this game!

I hope this helps busy families, as well as families searching an inexpensive fun of family togetherness. Capture the fun of spring and a picnic through the eyes of a child.

Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for 34 years. The Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools, and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth, and families. Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures, and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@ att.net.

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B5 April 03, 2019

Southern Union announces global partnership with Swiss 3D printer Sintratec Special to the Opelika Observer Representatives from Southern Union State Community College and Swiss 3D printer developer Sintratec announced a global partnership at the Opelika campus's Center for Integrated Manufacturing last Wednesday.

Sintratec founder and CEO Dominik Solenicki made the seven-hour flight to be present for the ceremony and donation of a KIT SLS printer for the community college's additive manufacturing program.

This printer will give students the opportunity to create parts that can be used as functional prototypes in mechanically demanding applications.

"Manufacturing technology is rapidly

evolving, and we in the industry need bright young minds to help pave the future. I am delighted that we have found such a capable partner in Southern Union and can do our part in enabling the workforce of tomorrow," Solenicki said.

The partnership will fully blossom this fall, as the college will begin offering coursework in advanced manufacturing with concentration in additive manufacturing.

Through these courses, students will be given a full understanding of these processes and move toward a career in an industry requiring technicians capable of performing CAD design and slicing, printing, post finishing and maintenance.

Auburn business owner and SWIGRO

Additive Manufacturing president Renato Gross voiced his support for the partnership.

"We're delighted with Sintratec's contribution and the community college's system for developing a capable workforce to support the manufacturing industry. We talk daily with manufacturing customers (who) witness their need for having capable equipment and the competent people to succeed," Gross said.

"The direction from the industry is clear: to fully integrate additive manufacturing into the traditional manufacturing process."

For several years, additive manufacturing has been a prominent part of the community college's engineering and design program,

Spratlin wins prestigious M. Cecil Padgett Award Special to the Opelika Observer Southern Union State Community College Financial Aid Clerk Tammy Spratlin was recently awarded the M. Cecil Padgett Outstanding Achievement Award.

Given by the Alabama Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (AASFAA), the Padgett Award is the highest honor bestowed

by AASFAA. Named for the distinguished financial aid director at Spring Hill College in Mobile who passed away in 1999, the award is presented to an association member who has provided exemplary service in the area of financial aid over a sustained period of time. The

Bulldogs,

from B1

• approved the OHS Robotics team to enter the First Robotics World’s

Tigers,

from B1 Harper combined with Bryce Brown’s 24 points to put Auburn just one game away from a national championship berth.

To Brown, the team rallied around Okeke, who tore his ACL in the team’s win over UNC two days earlier.

“It’s amazing,” Brown said. “Above all, I’m just happy we got it for Chuma.

This game was specifically for him. We went out there and battled for him.”

Once down by 11 in the

award is intended to recognize outstanding contributions to higher education and student assistance programs in Alabama.

“Spratlin has served the Association and the financial aid profession for many years in a number of important positions. Never one to seek the spotlight, over the years Spratlin has become an indispensable member of AASFAA, and she is universally respected in our Association for her quiet contributions to the profession during her 27 year career in financial aid career at Southern Union,” said Dr. Chip Quisenberry of Enterprise State Community College, who chaired the committee.

“I am extremely humbled and honored Championship in Houston, Texas April 17-21 • approvaled OHS’s Mu Alpha Theta group to attend the Six Flags Math and Science Day in Austell, Georgia • approved an amendment to the 2019 first half, Bruce Pearl’s squad cut the deficit to just five going into halftime.

Harper scored on a driving layup with 37 seconds remaining in the second half to tie the game at 60 apiece before overtime.

After ultimately relying on a 3-pointer by Horace Spencer to end regulation, Pearl said that you could tell where Okeke was missing.

Despite the miss by Spencer, however, Pearl’s squad is now in uncharted territory.

“We’ll have to play better to advance,” Pearl said.

“We’ve got confidence in Horace, Anfernee, Austin and Danjel. They all played

to be chosen to receive this prestigious award,” Spratlin said.

AASFAA serves financial aid professionals from two and four year colleges throughout Alabama. The membership is composed of individuals involved in the administration of student financial aid, either as active financial aid officers or in a supporting capacity at various governmental agencies and a variety of private industries.

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.

FY budget • approved personnel recommendations.

The next scheduled school board meeting is April 23. For more information, visit www.opelikaschools. org. a significant role. You could see where we missed Chuma, especially on the defensive end, but we made enough plays to win a regional and go someplace Auburn has never been.”

helping it maintain its status as one of the most innovative statewide.

SUSCC president Todd Shackett said his school's newly formed partnership solidifies the college's commitment to training students with most cutting-edge technology available in order for them to successfully compete in Alabama's expanding workforce.

"We are so appreciative of this partnership with Sintratec.

Our students will reap endless benefits from having experience in additive manufacturing, allowing them to fine-tune skills that will make them marketable not just locally, but around the world," Shackett said.

The Alabama Community College Sys-

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

tem's vice chancellor of workforce development Jeff Lynn said this partnership will help students realize their full potential and opportunities available to them.

"We at the (ACCS) embrace the knowledge of our industries in order to train stu-

Sports,

from B1

Oxford on April 8 and 9, respectively.

TRACK Opelika participated in the “Mississippi High School Invitation” track meet last weekend. The meet featured more than 50 high schools from Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Alabama. Final standings were not available, but the following Opelika athletes finished in the top-5.

Girls - Ashley Jackson placed fourth in the long jump (6-11.75), fourth in triple jump (35-0) and sixth in the high jump. Priscilla Perry placed third in Discus with a throw of 1032.

Boys - Brantan Barnett won the 100-meter sprint with a time of 10.84 seconds. The Stinson brothers (Jaylen and Jerrell) combined for several points: Jaylen was fourth in the 100 meters, Jerrell was fifth. Jarrell placed third in the 200 meters, Jaylen was fourth. Jarrell won the 400-meter dash, Jaylen was third.

Danial Kindred was fifth in the 110-meter hurdles. Eric Watts won the long jump (21-10), Ladamien Rowell placed second in triple jump and the 4 X 400 relay team finished. Opelika track and field team will host the “Mike Spain Invitational” April 20 at the Sam Mason Track on the school’s campus.

SOFTBALL Opelika’s softball team beat Dadeville 3-0 last week at West Ridge Park, home of the Lady Bulldogs.

“Makai (Gagliano) pitched well, a stellar performance. Kayla

(Fourtenbary) and Chelsea (Carr) did a nice job offensively,” said Opelika coach Tina Deese.

Fourtenbary hit a home run and Carr finished 3-for-3.

Auburn visited West Ridge last Thursday and walked away with a 13-3 win. Opelika recorded five hits, with Makai Gagliano going 2-for-3 at the plate, and Chelsea Carr, Dreamer Denmark, Avery Davis and Takhia Mims added a hit apiece.

OMS SOFTBALL 20-4 The OMS Lady Bulldog softball team improved their record to 20-4 after a 6-0 win over Auburn.

McKay Yountz continues to dominate in the circle. She struck out 12 Auburn batters to earn the win.

Offensively, Nylen Thomas, KD Lee, Ava Parker and Memoree Lyles all had hits during the game.

BASEBALL The Opelika baseball team (7-21, 1-1 in area play) split a pair of area games with Benjamin Russell last week, but lost the third game of the series. They beat Opelika 7-4 at Bulldog Park.

The Wildcats scored three runs in the last two innings to earn the win.

Brayden Thomas recorded two hits for the Bulldogs while teammates Micah Christian, Colten Dunson, Kory McCoy and Brody Davis each added hits.

The Bulldogs travelled to Alexander City for two games last Thursday. In game one, Opelika beat the Wildcats 5-2 in eight innings.

Christian earned the win, pitching 7.2 innings, allowing one earned run with two strikeouts. Andrew

dents within the classroom, with hands-on training in our labs and through work-based learning opportunities.

It's about building a world-class workforce that is prepared for careers, not just jobs."

For more information, visit www.suscc. edu.

Parr relieved Christian, recording the final out.

Parr led at the plate with three hits and one RBI. Julliun Duke added two hits and McCoy added a single.

Opelika lost the second game of the doubleheader 3-0.

Parr pitched 4.1 innings, allowing only two earned runs. The Bulldogs scattered three hits.

2019 OHS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Opelika’s 2019 football schedule features nine games, six home games and three road games.

The Bulldogs will open the season Aug. 22 against Calloway at Bulldog Stadium.

Auburn will pay a visit to Bulldog Stadium on Aug. 30. The first road game will be Sept. 6 at Selma (R), Sept. 13 v. Wetumpka, Sept. 20 at Central-Phenix City, Sept. 27 open, Oct. 3 v. Benjamin Russell, Oct. 11 v. Calera, Oct. 18 at Stanhope Elmore, Oct. 25 v.

Vigor and Nov. 1, open. Nov. 8 will be the first round of the AHSAA playoffs.

DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL Opelika Dixie Boys Baseball continues registration. Anyone 13-15 years old interested in playing baseball can register at the Opelika Sportsplex. Dixie Boys Baseball offers summer baseball for 13-15 year olds. Cost is $45 for Opelika residents or $50 outside Opelika. All players will be on a team, the jersey and cap is included in your registration fee.

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

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B6 April 03, 2019

‘Old Nancy’ a living legend, piece of East Alabama history

By Morgan Bryce Editor From participating in Opelika’s Centennial Celebration in 1954 to being a prominent display on Auburn University’s campus for decades, the 1905 Case steam traction engine known as “Old Nancy” has never ceased to grab the public’s attention.

Opelika native Steve Sasser shared the steam engine’s story in a recent interview with the Observer.

Purchased in 1906

by Sasser’s uncle J.W. Dupree, the engine was transported from the Case Corporation’s (now known as CNH Global) Racine, Wiscon-

sin headquarters to Beauregard. Sasser’s earliest memories of the engine are seeing the train rusting away in the yard of his aunt Jimmie Whatley, who lived in the Marvyn community.

The steam engine derived its nickname of “Old Nancy” from a steam railway locomotive called “Nancy Hanks,” which traveled along a railroad line between Atlanta and Columbus. For two generations, Old Nancy provided power for the family’s sawmill operation.

In the mid-1950s, the steam engine participated in Opelika’s Centennial Parade and back-to-back July 4 celebrations.

Years later, the steam engine was

decommissioned and fell into a state of disrepair.

In the early 1970s, Whatley family members approached Auburn University about lending the steam engine to the institution for repairs and to display on campus, symbolic of the school’s original focus on agriculture.

The parties signed a two-page agreement that the engine would be restored and be on public display for a minimum of 25 years on Auburn’s campus. Later, the steam engine was restored, a story spotlighted by several publications. “‘Old Nancy’ is the story of steam power, engineering and agriculture in America.

She also represents

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

the love shared by family and the professors and ag engineer students at Auburn,” Sasser said.

Old Nancy was on display on Auburn’s campus for several

years, but later moved to the E.V. Smith Research Center in Tallassee, where it is in present day. Sasser said he is attempting to convince the school to honor its

original agreement and return it to campus.

For more details or information about the engine, visit www. stevesasser.me/oldnancy.

Southern Union gives State DAR recognizes Opelika teacher students a head start in careers Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer Parents are invited to attend information sessions on the dual enrollment program at Southern Union State Community College’s Valley and Opelika locations April 15 and 16.

The dual-enrollment program allows students to take college courses while still enrolled in high school. By participating in this program, high school students earn credit for a college class on both their high school and college transcripts. Dual-enrollment programs differ from advanced placement programs in that students take college courses rather than high school courses with college-level content.

“Dual Enrollment provides opportunities for students who want to get started in their careers earlier by working towards a degree or certificate in certain fields or for those students who want to get a jump on academic transfer courses while saving money,” said SUSCC dual-enrollment liaison Eddie Pigg. “It is a wonderful opportunity for area students.”

To enroll in a dual enrollment course, students must be in the grades 10 through 12, and have a minimum cumulative (unweighted) high school grade point average of 2.5.

Students who take part in dual enrollment classes have a seamless transition into college or a career.

There is opportunity for financial assistance for students who dual enroll in technical education and health sciences courses.

The Alabama Legislature approved funds for the Alabama Future Workforce Initiative which are allocated to assist secondary career and technical education students earn postsecondary credits while still in high school.

Valley’s information session will take place in room 101 of the Carmichael Building at 6:30 p.m.

EST and in Opelika in the Southern Room at 6:30 p.m. CST. A $500 scholarship will be given away at each meeting. Parent’s attendance at the meeting qualifies their student to enter the drawing. For more information, contact Pigg at 334-745-6437 or epigg@suscc.edu.

Opelika High School teacher Don Shirley has been recognized by the Alabama Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution as this year’s winner of the ASDAR Outstanding Teacher of American History Award.

The Award was presented to him at the ASDAR State Conference on March 8.

Shirley was nominated by the Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter. The Outstanding Teacher of American History contest is just one of

DAR’s many outreach efforts in the area of education. Notable fulltime teachers of American History, grades 5 through 12, are selected and recognized by local DAR chapters across the nation to compete in this annual competition.

All nominees for DAR Outstanding Teacher award must be current teachers of American History with an incisive knowledge of the subject, high academic standards, excellent rapport with his/her students and a unique ability to relate history to modern life.

Candidates must also demonstrate a spirit of

Photo special to the Opelika Observer patriotism and loyal support of our country and constitutional government, while being committed to his/her students and the teaching profession.

Local and state-level winners go on to com-

pete at the national level for DAR’s Outstanding Teacher of American History. The winning teacher is honored during DAR’s annual Continental Congress in Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C.

O Zone baseball in full swing

ASBESTOS LITIGATION If you began working in a

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or any other industrial setting before 1980: You may have a claim against the asbestos manufacturers.

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Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law, ARPC7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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B7 April 03, 2019

Opelika softball falls 13-3 to Auburn OMS splits series with Auburn last week

Opelika Charitable Giving Facts As the economy improves and confidence grows, charitable giving is making a comeback. Now could be a good time to evaluate giving and consider new ways to support the causes that you care about.

Philanthropy Philanthropy has played a role in every major civilization.

Whether the goal is to make a big impact or a modest gift, and whether you’re planning for the end of the year, or an enduring legacy, there are many options. Choosing wisely can be the key to making the biggest impact while minimizing present and future tax exposure.

REASONS FOR GIVING A desire to be philanthropic, to create a legacy, sense of moral duty Tax minimization, asset management, estate planning Serving Retirees • families • small business Owners • Nonprofits • Individuals

Financial planning for today, for tomorrow, for life.

208 South 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 www.investopelika.com Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Railroad Investment group is not a registered broker dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Inc., member FDIC/SIPC.

Owners, RIG Financial Advisors, RJFS BLAKE HENRY LAUREL CALLAWAY Office - 334-748-9999 Fax - 334-748-9998

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Opelika Middle School split its series against Auburn last week, winning the first game 3-2 and losing 11-4 in the second outing.

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

Call us today to discuss your charitable giving strategy Raymond James financial advisors do not render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professionals.

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moved to a new, full-service location on Frederick Road in front of Lowe’s. Under the leadership of City President Eddie Smith, our new location provides three drive-up windows, a drive-up ATM, a night deposit drop, safe deposit boxes, consumer and commercial loans in addition to all our checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts,

Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic products and services.

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

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AuburnBank’s Tiger Town Kroger location has

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B8 April 03, 2019

pelika O Observer

High fives, smiles signal the opening day for Miracle League of East Alabama

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Lee County’s Michael Key awarded $3,600 scholarship in automotive manufacturing program from AAMA/ACCS Special to the Opelika Observer Forty-eight students have each been awarded a $3,600 scholarship to study in automotive manu-

facturing programs at Alabama’s community colleges.

The scholarships, along with a mentorship program led by seasoned automotive manufacturing

Character Word of the Month

Tenacity • n. mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship.

professionals, were provided through the combined efforts of the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association and the Alabama Community College System to help fill more than 10,000 automotive manufacturing jobs in Alabama within two years.

The following student from Lee County has been awarded a scholarship to pursue a technical education certificate or associate degree at the following institutions: • Michael Key, Manufacturing Technology/Technician at Calhoun Community College.

Key was required to have at least a 2.5 GPA, submit an essay on why he wants to work in Alabama’s automotive industry and reference letter.

ACCS has community colleges in every region of the state that offer one or more automotive programs.

About AAMA Since 2001, the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has provided awareness of manufacturing trends, techniques

and concerns within the automotive manufacturing industry through interaction among automotive companies in Alabama. The association’s mission is to promote growth and continuous improvement of automotive manufacturing in Alabama.

About ACCS With 24 community colleges in more than 130 locations, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) is Alabama's gateway to first-class, affordable education and technical training to compete in a constantly evolving workforce. More than 168,000 Alabamians benefit from the various certification, credential, dual enrollment and degree programs ACCS offers alongside leading industry partners. The s ystem includes the Alabama Technology Network, which provides extensive training and service offerings directly to business and industry. ACCS is governed by the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, April 03, 2019

Inside the Statehouse Smiths Station to collect State budgets: priority number one fee for cell towers

A

fter their successful special five-day Special Session, the Legislature has been in their regular session for a few weeks now. The session will end in June so it is about one-fourth over.

Almost one-third of the members are new, freshmen if you will. Even though they are, for the most part a bright and talented group, they are still wet behind the ears when it comes to legislative ways.

Most are still striving to find their way to the bathrooms.

Most major issues, especially revenue enhancement measures, are addressed in the first year of a four-year quadrennium. Bless their hearts, right off the bat they were hit with a major vote to increase the gas tax to support an infrastructure plan. That will make the rest of their first year a downhill slide.

There are indeed other issues that need addressing in the good old Heart of Dixie. Most Alabamians want the right to vote for a lottery, which they would vote for in a New York minute. Most folks think it is ludicrous that we simply give our money to our sister states. It is not a popular subject, but our prison overcrowding problem has to be addressed.

Democratic members are vitally interested in expanding Medicaid to improve and

By Steve Flowers meet the state healthcare needs. Rural hospitals need help.

There is also a lot of interest in reforming our criminal justice system.

Even though these aforementioned problems and priorities need to be addressed, there is one constitutional certainty that the two state budgets must be crafted and put to bed. Our state constitution also mandates that they must be balanced.

The Education Trust Fund budget is in good shape. Tax revenues that support education grew tremendously last year. Lawmakers will have more money to appropriate for schools. In fact, this will more than likely be the largest education budget in state history.

The education coffers will also be enhanced by the Supreme Court ruling that allows the state to collect online sales taxes. In Alabama, state and local sales taxes are the cornerstone of support for basic services.

The state’s growth taxes, income and sales, are earmarked

for education. This lack of growth in the dollars that support the general fund has caused headaches for the legislative leaders who write these budgets. However, these budget leaders have done a good job. In this current year’s general fund budget, they were able to increase funding for state prisons. They also added extra dollars for mental health and law enforcement, as well as the state court system.

In addition, the state budget gave state employees their first cost-of-living raise in decades.

The $2.04 billion general fund budget passed easily in the 2018 election year session. It was a different scenario in 2015 and 2016 when lawmakers took multiple special sessions to pass the budgets and reject an array of tax increases and lottery bills to close a large funding gap.

A bill passed in 2016 during a special session created a salvation for the general fund – a plan to allocate most of the one-million BP oil spill settlement monies. It allowed legislators to carry more than $93 million from the 2018 budget to this year.

In actuality, the state legislative leadership has very little discretion in budgeting. The vast majority of our state dollars directed to our state general fund needs See Flowers, page B11

By Morgan Bryce Editor Smiths Station will now be able to collect a business license fee on existing and future cell towers within its city limits following the council’s vote to contract with a municipal telecommunication consultant group during last Tuesday’s city council meeting.

Through their agreement with the New York-based Center for Municipal Solutions, City Clerk Scott Johnston explained that the

city will be able to tap into previously untouched revenue.

“They, in no short terms, will do all of our maintenance and homework - everything from writing our city ordinance to tracking down the two cell towers already in existence for fees, licensing or anything else to do with the maintenance and installation of cell towers in our area (and planning jurisdiction).

It will not cost the city a penny - they will get paid after the installation of a cell tower,”

Johnston said. “Everything they do is regulated by the FCC. For every application the city receives, we will receive either $2,500 or $5,000 - money that is not refundable. In my opinion, it’s a win-win for everybody and takes the onus off us.”

The council also approved Mayor Bubba Copeland’s plan to renew its annual contract with the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce, a new partnership that has paid off dividends for the city.

See SSCC, page B11

No changes to Alabama’s congressional district map Special to the Opelika Observer Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall announced that a federal judge’s favorable initial ruling in a voting rights lawsuit against the State of Alabama’s congressional redistricting plan means there will be no change in Alabama’s congressional district map for the upcoming 2020 U.S. House elections.

“I am pleased that U.S. District Judge Bowdre agreed with the Attorney General’s argument that the plaintiffs in the voting rights lawsuit against the State of Alabama’s congressional districting plan waited too long to file their legal challenge,” Marshall said. “Any attempt by the plaintiffs to alter Alabama’s congressional map, should they ultimately prevail in their lawsuit, would not occur

until after the upcoming 2020 congressional elections. The bottom line is the upcoming 2020 congressional elections in Alabama will not be affected by the lawsuit as it progresses in court.”

The plaintiffs in Chestnut v. Merrill, an action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, alleged that the Voting Rights Act requires Alabama to draw a new congressional redistricting plan that includes two majority-black districts.

Plaintiffs argued that the litigation should be rushed so that new districts could be in place for the 2020 congressional elections.

The attorney general questioned whether two majority-black districts can be drawn in Alabama without splitting important communities of interest or engaging in

unconstitutional racial gerrymandering.

The federal court’s order addressed the attorney general’s arguments that the plaintiffs waited too long to file suit. The challenged districts have been in place since 2011, but the plaintiffs waited until 2018 to file suit, after the challenged districts were used in four elections, and just two years before the next census, which will require the Alabama Legislature to draw new districts. The district court agreed that back-to-back redistricting would prejudice the state and that Alabama can use the existing districts in the next election. The plaintiffs’ remaining claim for a declaratory judgment will go forward, but the district court ruled that the plaintiffs’ claim See Marshall, page B11

pelika O Observer

B10 April 03, 2019

A challenge on the Right? “…I’m very concerned about where we are, where the Republican Party is, and where the country is…,” Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan told The Washington Post last December. Perhaps motivated in part by this sentiment, Hogan is reportedly mulling a primary challenge to the sitting president.

If he indeed decides to run for president, he would join former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld in the race for the Republican nomination. Other challengers could emerge in the coming months. In the meantime, the charismatic Hogan seems to be readying his pitch to voters, despite his insistence that he is focused on his current role. “I appeal to Republicans because my message is: I haven’t abandoned my principles. I’ve just said let’s deal in the art of the possible,” he recently told The Washington Post.

Any primary challenge to an incumbent president is fraught.

The last sitting president to lose his party’s nomination was Former President Chester

A. Arthur in 1884.

Not exactly the kind of historical precedent a potential candidate can find solace in when plotting out the nuances of a primary challenge.

Despite this lack of historical success, primary challengers often play the role of spoiler, at least in the modern era. In 1992, Former President George H.W. Bush’s support within his party was weakened by a stronger than expected challenge posed

by Pat Buchanan. This was the beginning of his eventual defeat at the hands of Former President Bill Clinton in 1992. In 1980, Former President Jimmy Carter faced a stiff challenge from Sen. Ted Kennedy, eroding his support among members of his own party. Carter would eventually be defeated in a landslide by Former President Ronald Reagan.

For the opposing party, the idea of a primary challenge is therefore quite appealing. Such intra-party disagreement can lead to a victory for the other side come November. Despite the

By Samuel MooreSobel fact that this is likely not the intent of the challenger. No matter the level of disagreement, any potential Republican primary opponent will likely be more aligned with the president’s policies than those espoused by the eventual Democratic nominee in 2020.

Hogan is markedly different from the typical national candidate, as he has won two terms as governor in one of the most liberal states in America. His noted brand of “centrism” is a marked change from the typical campaigns waged in a primary.

Instead of catering to the party’s base, he seems intent on appealing to a broader, bipartisan coalition.

A strategy that could prove to be a muchneeded antidote to the partisanship currently raging within our na-

tion.

Such stark odds present an interesting question. What is behind the power of incumbency? Certainly, the sitting president has built-in advantages when it comes to party infrastructure and support. Yet is it the backdrop of the White House when the president speaks that allures potential primary voters or the built-in advantage in media coverage? There must be some reason why when it comes to primaries, the house nearly always wins.

As Hogan weighs his options amid growing speculation of a possible presidential bid, an opportunity emerg-

es for us to examine our own political landscape. Is the twoparty system providing Americans with the most qualified and inspiring candidates?

In the past, some have chosen to run for president in order to bring more attention to a pet issue, or advocate for a cause not often broached in the national discourse. Should candidates with good ideas that could be adopted whether they win or lose be discouraged from running in a primary simply because such a bid could erode party unity?

For now, Hogan seems to be playing coy. “Of course you couldn’t win a Repub-

lican primary challenge today,” he told The Washington Post.

“But I also have been around long enough to know that things can change very rapidly…” If anything is true about politics, it’s the fact that things can change at a moment’s notice. Hogan seems to be intent upon waiting, surveying the landscape until he sees an opening. Perhaps his time will come.

After all, in the words of Otto von Bismarck, “Politics is the art of the possible.”

Samuel MooreSobel is a freelance writer. To read more of his work, visit www. holdingontohopetoday. com.

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pelika O Observer

B11 April 03, 2019

Local high school students seek Vietnam veteran’s stories for oral history project Special to the Opelika Observer To mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and 200 years of statehood, Auburn High School students invite Alabama veterans of the Vietnam War to join them as they seek to document the history of Alabama’s Vietnam War service.

On April 26, the school will host Vietnam veterans for oral history interviews in an effort to honor their service and preserve their story.

Those who wish to share stories of their

service can reserve an interview for 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Auburn High School history teacher Dr. Blake Busbin explained participation in oral history interviews offers an opportunity for reflection and remembrance for those sharing, in addition to providing a chance for students to gain a greater understanding of the Vietnam War through the veteran’s eyes.

“These interviews allow veterans and students to come together in an intimate conversation passing on the history of

our nation from one generation to another,” Busbin said.

“The Vietnam War was one of the most consequential events of the 20th century for America, yet it remains a period of time that is highly misunderstood, with the stories of those who served often going unnoted.”

Interviews are audio-recorded and last between an hour to 90 minutes. Two or three students will lead the interview process, allowing them to become the historians that day.

After concluding a

month-long study of Vietnam, students worked with professional historians to build their interview skills before leading the oral history session. Questions are carefully crafted to allow veterans to respond with the memories they wish to share. In addition to participating, veterans will receive a copy of their interview and a copy will be archived with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

Auburn High is an official partner of the Department of Defense Vietnam

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

War Commemoration program and participating veterans who have not already been so recognized will be presented with the 50th anniversary commemoration lapel pin.

Interviews have been officially endorsed by the Alabama Bicen-

tennial Commission.

For more information or to sign up for an interview, email Busbin at wbbusbin@ auburnschools.org or call Auburn High School at 334-8872120. The school is located at 1701 E. Samford Ave.

Sen. Doug Jones denounces efforts to dismantle health care reforms; issues statement on ‘Green New Deal’ Special to the Opelika Observer U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, denounced the latest effort by the Administration to dismantle federal health reforms.

In a filing with a federal appeals court,the justice department said it agreed with the ruling of a federal judge in Texas that the 2010 health care reform law is unconstitutional, continuing a years-long assault on the law and supporting a path forward that would potentially cause millions of Americans to lose

Flowers,

from B9

are earmarked. The General Fund Budget accounts for only 13 percent of Alabama’s total spending of $15.6 billion.

For example, our states gasoline tax is earmarked for roads and bridges and goes into the Road and Bridge Fund, which currently totals $492 million in this year’s budget. Of course, that will be increased beginning in September.

Most folks are not really cognizant of the fact that most legislators do not really have a lot of input into the state budgets. The chairmen of the Budget Committees of each body, Ways and Means in the House and Finance and Taxation in the Senate do the work and hold the power.

the insurance coverage they rely on. At issue is a lawsuit filed by 20 state attorneys general, including Alabama, challenging the constitutionality of the law. Until recently, the administration refused to defend portions of the health law, but the justice department’s new position goes further by supporting a complete invalidation of the law without any practical alternative to replace it.

“If the courts dismantle this law, Alabama is one of the states with the most to lose,” Jones said, who has been a vocal advocate to maintain protections in the federal health law. “It’s already a The chairmen of these prestigious and powerful committees are Rep. Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa), who chairs the House Education Budget Committee and Rep. Steve Clouse (ROzark), who heads the general fund.

Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Escambia), chairs the Senate General Fund committee and veteran Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) heads the Education Finance Committee As legislators grapple with all of the issues on their plate, one thing remains the same, the state budgets are priority number one!

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

challenge for many Alabamians to access the health care they need, particularly in our rural communities. Instead of making that even more difficult, we need to be focusing on making some muchneeded improvements to our current system, like lowering the cost of prescription drugs, combating the opioid epidemic, increasing access to rural health care and finally expanding Medicaid in the state of Alabama.

The administration is playing politics with health care and we have to stand up to protect folks from losing their coverage and the vital protections that the federal health law guarantees.”

SSCC,

from B9 “They have served us well. In the last year, they have done a lot to promote us and try to bring events and activities to our city ... this is a great connection for us to have,” Copeland said.

In other business, the council: • heard and approved February’s financial statements, presented

by Chief Financial Officer Shelby Branton.

• received a check for an undisclosed

Marshall,

from B9

for injunctive relief is barred.

The lawsuit Chestnut v. Merrill is unrelated to a separate federal lawsuit filed by the State of Alabama and Congressman Mo Brooks against

If the law is struck down, more than 166,000 Alabamians could lose their health insurance.

More than 942,000 Alabamians who have a pre-existing condition could be denied coverage or charged more for health care, which represents one-third of people under the age of 65 in Alabama. Insurers could reinstate annual and lifetime limits on coverage, and women could be charged more than men for the same care.

Young adults would no longer be able to stay on their parents’ health care plans until the age of 26, which would cause 35,000 young adults in Alabama who gained coverage under this amount from CTV Beam Executive Director Melissa Gauntt.

The Smiths Station City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, with a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m. EST. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. EST. Meetings are held in the council chambers within the Smiths Station Government Center, located at 2336 Lee Road 430. For more information, call 334-297-8771 or visit www.smithsstational. gov.

the U.S. Department of Commerce (Alabama v. U.S. Department of Commerce) over the U.S. Census inclusion of illegal aliens in calculating the apportionment of congressional seats and state electoral college votes. That lawsuit is also being heard in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

provision to lose their health insurance.

Earlier this year, Jones introduced legislation to incentivize Alabama to expand Medicaid by offering states the same deal from the federal government to expand Medicaid that was originally offered in 2010. He also recently re-introduced a bill that would quantify the impact of Medicaid expansion for the states that expanded and those that did not.

Medicaid expansion was a key provision of the 2010 health reform law and is vital in the effort to sustain rural hospitals.

Since 2011, 13 hospitals have closed in Alabama, seven of which were in rural areas.

Special to the Opelika Observer U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) released the following statement on his vote last week against the Green New Deal resolution: “I firmly believe that as a country, we need to act decisively to mitigate the effects of climate change.

While I do not believe that the Green New Deal is a feasible plan to combat this issue because it is too broad and goes too far, I hope that we can come together in a bipartisan way to find a path forward to secure our future.”

Sen. Doug Jones bill to curb hate crimes Special to the Opelika Observer U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) has introduced a bill that aims to prevent online extremism from turning into reallife hate crimes.

The Stop HATE Act would require the Departments of Commerce and Justice to study how current forms of telecommunication are being used to fuel violence and hate crimes against individuals or groups, and recommend ways, consistent with the First Amendment, that the government or private citizens can combat these growing threats. A previous version of this report was released in 1993 but has not been updated in more than 25 years.

“We absolutely need to address the proliferation of hate-based violence in our country and around the world, and

this bill is a necessary step forward,” Jones said, a former U.S. Attorney who successfully prosecuted two former Klansmen for the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham that killed four young girls.

“The growth of social media has outpaced our understanding of how these technologies can be used to spread hate.

We need to examine how these new forms of communication are used to inspire hate crimes and violence so that we can take the steps necessary to prevent this type of terrorism,” Jones said.

A copy of the legislation can be found at www.jones.senate.gov/imo/media/ doc/2019.03.27%20 Stop%20HATE%20 Act%20Bill%20Text. pdf.

pelika Observer O

B12 April 03, 2019

Confederate monument rededicated

By Robert Noles Opelika Observer The local United Daughters of the Confederacy group held a ceremony to rededicate the cenotaph at the corner of Avenue C and Eighth Street last Saturday.

Finish on Dec. 7, 1910, the monument built in honor of Lee County veterans who served and lost their lives during the Civil War was dedicated April 6, 1911.

During the last few months, the area around the monument has received a face-lift, including new sidewalks, pressure washing the monument and laying of new grass.

Hundreds of people and 300 veterans attended the original ceremony, Alabama Polytechnic Institute’s band played and there was a parade.

Last Saturday, nearly 100 people gathered for the re-dedication of the stature that stands so quietly within the City of Opelika.

The ceremony started with the playing of

“Bonnie Blue Flag” played on a violin and a welcome by Robert E Lee Chapter–192 president Jean Martin and pledge of alliance.

A greeting was given

by Alabama DAR president Suzanna Rawlins, Alabama Division of Sons of Confederate Veterans Lt. Comm.

Mike McMurry and Robert E Lee Camp-16 commander Jay Hinton.

Robert E. Lee Camp 192 member Sandra Wilson gave a brief history of the monument, noting that Booker T. Washington contributed money for the monument’s construction.

The flag that has flown over the Little White house in Montgomery was presented to the Robert E. Lee Camp.

Dallas Dorsey Jr, with assistance from his father Dallas Dorsey Sr., placed a wreath at the base of the monument as Justin Belew played “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes and the traditional “Ashokan Farewell” on violin.

After the monument’s unveiling, refreshments were served as people stood around talking about family members of old.

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Pay range: $13-14.50 per hour, depending upon position.

The following positions are currently available.

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Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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pelika Observer O

B13 April 03, 2019

LEGALS STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF LEE CASE NO. 2019-A-111 RE: RITA WHITE, DECEASED NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters of Administration said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 5th day of March, 2019, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Tracy J. Hamby, Administrator Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr. Attorney for Adminstrator Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 3/20/19, 3/27/19 & 04/3/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GENEVIEVE MARIE STEBBINS, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Micki J. Baker, as Executrix of the Estate of Genevieve Marie Stebbins, deceased, on the 19th day of March, 2019, by the Hon. 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.

PREPARED BY: Blake L. Oliver Adams White & Oliver, LLP 205 S. 9th Street P. O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 3/27, 4/3, & 4/10/19

Case No. 2019-A-114 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The State of Alabama, Lee County Probate Court Estate of John Henry Kovac, deceased.

Letters Testamentary upon the Last Will and Testament of said decedent, having been granted to the undersigned on the 13 th day of March, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from the above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

Kelly Traylor, Personal Representative.

Legal Run 3/20, 3/27, & 4/03/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF ROBERT R. SHAFFER COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of March 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having cliams against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 20th day of March, 2019.

JOAN T. SHAFFER Legal Run 3/27, 4/3, & 4/10/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF EVAN FRAZIER CASE NO.: 2019-A-133 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: BROCK WALKER, address unknown. Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Evan Frazier on March 18, 2019, for the adoption of A.E.S. born on March 9, 2017 in Opelika, Alabama to Carleigh Cileste Simpson.

A hearing has been set for the 25th day of June, 2019 at 10 o’clock am Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Brett A. Smith, of Huff Smith Law, LLC, 369 S College Street, Auburn, AL 36830 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition, Dated on this the 19th day of March, 2019.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY R. SUMMERS, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of March, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

EVELYN SUMMERS GRACE Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 3/27, 4/3, &

4/10/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF MICHAEL SHANE HOLDER COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 22nd day of March, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 22nd day of March, 2019.

SHARIE HOLDER Legal Run 3/27, 4/3, & 4/10/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF JAMES C. KNOX, JR., DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE Letters of Administration of said deceased having been gratned to the undersigned on the 8th day of March, 2019, by the hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice ishereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 8th day of March, 2019.

JOAN C. KNOX Legal Run 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF HAZEL B. CAPPS COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 13th day of March, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 13th day of March 2019.

WILLIAM E. CAPPS, JR. JAMES DANIEL CAPPS Legal Run 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Douglas Craig Kistler,

Deceased Case Number: 2019-A065 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Linga Kistler as Administrator of the Estate of Douglas Craig Kistler, deceased, on the 8th day of March 2019 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Linda Kistler Persoal representative of the Estate of Douglas Craig Kistler Legal Run 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/19

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL May 7, 2019 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the southwesterly rightof-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) located at the corner of West Point Parkway and Sportsplex Parkway. All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views.

Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing.

The portion of the rightof-way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) proposed to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land containing 0.18 acres located in Section 34, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East; thence N83°23’32”E 5950.38 feet to a point on an old highway right-ofway limit, the point of beginning; thence leaving said right-of-way limit N33°02'34”E 74.48

2019 spring

plant sale Brookwood Village Upper Macy’s parking lot

feet to the southwest right-of-way limit of Sportsplex Road; thence along said southwest right-of-way limit S56°57’26”E 23.15 feet; thence continue along said southwest right-ofway limit S13°11’19”E 79.37 feet to the northwest right-of-way limit of West Point Parkway; thence along said northwest right-of-way limit S33°00’10”W 100.00 feet to point on old highway right-of-way limit; thence along said old highway right-of-way limit N11°59’50”W 113.81 feet to the point of beginning.

A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2 nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-7055131 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

DATED this the 3rd day of April, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 4/3, 4/10, 4/17 & 4/24.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL May 7, 2019 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the southwesterly rightof-way of Sportsplex Parkway and a portion of the southwesterly rightof- way of West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29). All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views.

Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing.

The portions of the rights-of-way of Sportsplex Parkway and

West Point Parkway (formerly U.S. Highway 29) proposed to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land containing 0.20 acres located in Section 34, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East; thence N83°23’32”E 5950.38 feet to a point on an old highway right-of-way limit, the point of beginning; thence along said old highway right-ofway limit N11°59’50”W 27.61 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-of-way limit N56°59’50”W 93.03 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-of-way limit N32°54’33”E 77.04 feet to the southwest right-ofway limit of Sportsplex Road; thence along said southwest right-of-way limit S56°57’26”E 112.74 feet; thence continue along said southwest right-of-way limit S33°02’34”W 20.00 feet; thence leaving said rightof-way limit S33°02’34”W 74.48 feet to the point of beginning.

A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2 nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-7055131 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

DATED this the 3rd day of April, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 4/3, 4/10, 4/17 & 4/24.

CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL FAMILY DIVISION: JUVENILE J.R.A. (DOB: 04/21/2004) JU-2017194.02 1.C.A. (DOB: 06/10/2005) JU-2017195.02 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE

BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: CLINTON RAY ANGLIN and BETTY MARIE BLACK, parents of J.R.A. and I.C.A. both born at Spalding Regional Medical Center in Griffin, GA.

See Legals, page B13

1 OUT OF 10

ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:

Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Friday, April 12 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday, April 13 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday, April 14 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Members-Only Sale Thursday, April 11

Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

Free and Open to the Public bbgardens.org/springplantsale

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

B14 April 03, 2019

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Last week’s answers:

3-27 Scramblers Answers: 1. Tremor, 2. Leash, 3. Feral, 4. Exist Solution: HIMSELF

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B15 April 03, 2019

Local civic clubs hold meetings last week

Dr. Emily Sparrow speaks to Opelika Exchange Club recognizes Law Enforcement Officer of the Year members of local SAR chapter

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Pictured left to right are Trooper Michael Carswell, Opelika Exchange Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Exchange Club Program Chairman Bill Harris and Lt. Jonathan Clifton, Opelika Police Dept runner-up. Not pictured was Deputy Greg Sumner, runner-up from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Dr. Emily Sparrow presented a program on “Comparing Eligibility, Backgrounds and Programs of DAR, Colonial Dames, and Daughters of the American Colonists” at the March 22 meeting of the Richard Henry Lee Chapter. Pictured from left to right are President Bob Harris, Sparrow and Vice President Richard Guthrie.

Census Bureau recruits temporary workers Special to the Opelika Observer The U.S. Census Bureau continues to recruit thousands of workers for temporary jobs available nationwide in advance of the 2020 Census, including 400 across Alabama.

The Census Bureau is using funds appropriated in prior years to continue all critical work in preparation for the 2020 Census, including hiring for field operations.

Legals,

from B13 The legal custody of J.R.A. and I.C.A. was vested with Lee County DHR on 3/26/2018. Clinton Ray Anglin and Betty Marie Black must answer the Petition to Terminate his parental rights within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Clerk of the Court located at 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 or thereafter, a final judgment may be rendered in Case JU-2017194.02/195.02 terminating their parental rights and placing said children for adoption.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O. Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803 (334)745-0333 Legal Run 4/3, 4/10, 4/17 and 4/24

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL May 7, 2019 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, Lee

The 2020 Census Jobs website allows applicants to apply for a range of positions, including recruiting assistants, office operations supervisors, clerks, census field supervisors and census takers by completing a single application online. Opportunities are available nationwide and offer flexible work hours, including daytime, evenings and weekends.

Available jobs include:

• Recruiting assistants travel throughout geographic areas to visit with community-based organizations, attend promotional events and conduct other recruiting activities.

• Office operations supervisors assist in the management of office functions and day-today activities in one or more functional areas, including payroll, personnel, recruiting, field operations and support.

• Clerks perform vari-

ous administrative and clerical tasks to support various functional areas, including payroll, personnel, recruiting, field operations and support.

• Census field supervisors conduct fieldwork to support and conduct on-the-job training for census takers, and/or to follow-up in situations where census takers have confronted issues such as not gaining entry to restricted areas.

• Census takers work in the field. Some field

positions require employees to work during the day to see addresses on buildings. Other field positions require interviewing the public, so employees must be available to work when people are usually at home such as in the evening and on weekends.

Applicants are placed in an applicant pool for 2020 Census field positions and are considered as positions become available. Applications will remain active and

updateable throughout the 2020 Census recruiting and hiring period.

For more information, contact 1-855-JOB2020 and select option three. Applicants may also contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800877-8339. For more information, please visit the 2020 Census Jobs page or the Census Bureau’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages.

The website for jobs is 2020census.gov/jobs

County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the northwesterly rightof-way of Anderson Road and a portion of the northwesterly rightof-way of Sportsplex Parkway. All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing.

The portions of the rights-of-way of Anderson Road and Sportsplex Parkway proposed to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: A tract or parcel of land containing 0.56 acres located in Section 34, Township 20 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of Section 33, Township 20 North, Range 27 East; thence N81°16’14”E 5991.60 feet to a point on an old highway right-ofway limit, the point of beginning; thence along said old highway rightway-limit N32°54’33”E 104.55 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-way-limit S57°23’58”E 112.20 feet; thence continue along said old highway right-way-limit N77°36’02”E 141.42 feet to a point on the northwest right-of-way limit of Anderson Road; thence along said northwest right-of-way limit S33°55’21”W 136.02 feet

to the northeast right-ofway limit of Sportsplex Road; thence along said northeast right-of-way limit S79°09’19”W 101.25 feet; thence continue along said northeast right-of-way limit N56°57’26”W 136.12 feet to the point of beginning.

A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-7055131 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

DATED this the 3rd day of April, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 4/3, 4/10, 4/17 and 4/24/19

tion for Final Settlement of Estate of Shirbie Lovvorn Lindsay, deceased.

Notice is hereby given that all persons claiming to be an heir and/or devisee of the Estate Shirbie Lovvorn Lindsay, deceased, shall appear at the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, on June 3, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. CDT. Respectfully submitted this 27th day of March 2019.

Hon. Bill English Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 4/3, 4/10, 4/17

of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/ Benjamin H. Parr OF COUNSEL Legal Run 4/3, 4/10 and 4/17/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 29th day of March 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said county in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/ Eugene Echols Jr. Eugene Echols, Jr., Administrator of the Estate of Angela Yvonne Echols, Deceased Legal Run 4/3, 4/10 and 4/17/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SHIRBIE LOVVORN LINDSAY, deceased Case No.: 2013-B-079 NOTICE OF HEARINGS Pursuant to the Order of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, a hearing will be held on the Petition for Appointment as Successor Personal Representative filed by Al Grizzard, seeking to be named as Successor Personal Representative of the Estate of Shirbie Louvorn Lindsay, deceased, as well as a Peti-

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Monday, April 29, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

2FAFP71W93X118738 -2003 FORD CROWN VIC 1G6KD54Y72U262607 - 2002 CADILLAC DEVILLE Legal Run 4/3/19 & 4/10/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE FOR RAYMOND ROBINSON JR., deceased. Case No.:2019-A-142 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Benjamin H. Parr on the 26th day of March, 2019 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANGELA YVONNE ECHOLS, Deceased.

CASE NO. 2019-A-132

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