Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer

Vol. 10, No. 32

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Opelika, Alabama

Turn to A7 for the inspirational story that led to formation of the first “Be the Light” 5K coming up on May 19.

“By local people, for local people.”

Welcome Home

‘First Man’ set to air in theatres this fall

Soldiers of the 135th ESC return from deployment

By Michelle Key Editor

Families welcomed home their loved ones last Wednesday when the soldiers of the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command returned home from their almost yearlong deployment.

The unit was deployed last June just days before Father’s Day as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (Spartan Shield).

Members of the 135th ESC provided vital ground, sea and air services throughout their area of responsiblity which encompassed 10 countries.

Opelika resident Capt. Elijah Beaver, pictured left, was one of several members of the community

Submitted to the Opelika Observer Retired Auburn University Professor of History Dr. James Hansen pirctured with the late Neil Armstrong. Hansen’s book, “First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong,” has been turned into a major motion picture featuring Ryan Gosling and a host of Hollywood stars.

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor A local man’s book on the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong has been adapted into a major motion picture set to release this fall.

“First Man,” based off a book of a similar title by author and retired Auburn University Professor of History, Dr. James Hansen, will highlight NASA’s Apollo 11 mission in which Armstrong made history as the first human to ever walk on the moon.

Directed by Academy

Award-winning filmmaker Damien Chazelle, the movie’s all-star cast will include the likes of Ryan Gosling as Armstrong, Claire Foy, Kyle Chandler, Pablo Schreiber and Jon Bernthal.

As the film’s co-producer, Hansen said he collaborated heavily with screenwriter Josh Singer during the scriptwriting process.

“Here I am, someone who had spent a lot of time with Armstrong and knew the history. I knew that a movie was a movie, and See Hansen, page A5

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer One-in-five adults in the United States have a mental health condition. That’s more than 40 million Americans, and more than the populations of New York

and Florida combined.

Among children and teens, mental health issues are increasing every year with severe depression being a major contributor, according to the website MenSee EAMHC, page A9

Lee County Sheriff Jones saves co-worker’s life

By Morgan Murphy and Anna Riley For the Opelika Observer What started off as a normal Thursday morning at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office quickly turned into a lifesaving effort.

An unidentified staff member of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office suffered a massive heart attack, and Sheriff Jay Jones was the first to discover the employee unconscious on the floor.

He said he immediately began performing CPR, along with other life-saving efforts, while he called 911 for help.

Within minutes, Opelika Fire Department members

and paramedics arrived and found that the victim had a pulse.

Jones expressed his gratitude to the first responders who came to their aid.

“We are all extremely thankful help was easily there for her,” Jones said.

The victim was taken to East Alabama Medical Center and is expected to make a full recovery.

First responders and hospital staff acknowledged that Jones’s efforts saved his employee’s life, but he humbly stated that it was a team effort.

“We have to just thank everyone that helped,” Jones said.

Annual Touch-a-Truck, Burger Wars events slated for June 2

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

The 11th annual Touch-a-Truck event will be held June 2 from 9 a.m. - noon in downtown Opelika.

Presented by the City of Opelika, Keep Opelika Beautiful and Opelika Main Street, Touch-a-Truck allows children and adults to explore vehicles used in

the city, ranging from fire trucks and police vehicles to race cars.

“It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning with your family and kids. When my two boys were little, they just loved trucks, and kids in general are more easily awed than adults,” said OMS Director Tiffany Denson.

“It’s also a great way for kids to interact and be

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

See Guard, page A6

Submitted to the Opelika Observer

RELIGION.................................B3 LEGALS.......................................B13 ENTERTAINMENT.......................B14 CALENDAR.............................B16

in person with stuff they see on television and books.”

Admission to the event is free.

Burger Wars Thirty amateur and professional grillers will go head-to-head to determine who cooks the area’s best burger during the fourth-annual “Burger Wars” June 2 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Portions of North

Railroad Avenue in downtown Opelika will be closed off for the event, which will include live music, “Big Bite Challenge” between members of Auburn and Opelika’s fire departments, and more.

Event organizer John Sweatman said the purpose of the event is

See Events, page A2

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A2 May 16, 2018

Events, from A1

Following is a current list of sponsors for the event, which is subject to change: Agricola Law Almost Anything BURT Employment Services Cappell & Howard Attorneys at Law Cottonseed Studios Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Jet-Pep John Emerald Distillery Opelika Main Street Opelika Observer Pharmavite Prewett Insurance Group Red Clay Brewing Company S&S Termite and Pest Control Smith-Kastner Wealth Management Wickles Pickles Wings 94.3 FM.

Several Opelika restaurants classified as “professional” grillers will be competing, including Niffer’s at the Tracks, Zazu Gastropub and La Cantina, among others.

Instead of admission, Sweatman explained that visitors can pay $2 for a tasting ticket, which can be redeemed for a sample equivalent to one-fourth of a burger.

“These burgers are huge. If you bought them in a restaurant, you’d probably be paying $8, $10 or $12,” Sweatman said. “Our grillers really go all out with some amazing ingredients that go in or on top of the burger. No one should leave there hungry.”

For more information, like and follow the Burger Wars Facebook page.

two-fold: a way for people to come and enjoy what downtown Opelika has to offer and assist a worthwhile cause in the Food Bank of East Alabama’s “Backpack Meal Program.” “(Proceeds from the event) will go to providing backpack meals for foodinsecure kids in our community,” Sweatman said.

“This is just a fun outdoor, tailgate-style event for downtown Opelika. We all love doing that in the fall to cheer on our favorite teams, and this gives us an opportunity to come down here and do the same thing.”

New Thompson Tractor Supply to hold grand opening May 24

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Thompson Tractor Company, one of the nation’s largest and oldest Caterpillar dealers, announced that it will open a new Thompson Cat Rental Store May 24 in Opelika.

The new location is at 508 Columbus Parkway, and replaces the former Auburn store.

“For 60 years, Thompson has taken pride in offering our customers the very best value in equipment, parts and service. This tradition continues in our new Opelika Cat Rental Store where we will provide the finest in CAT equipment for sale or rent, and the expertise and genuine

Cat parts to service that equipment,” said Thompson Tractor President Mike Thompson.

Opelika Store Manager Kelso Hamilton, added that the new location will serve a broad spectrum of the community’s needs.

“The Thompson Cat Rental Store in Opelika will continue to sell and rent equipment such as aerial and boom lifts, compressors and pumps, compaction and other equipment our customers need to be successful. We are excited to inform our customers that Massey-Ferguson, Mahindra and Toro branded equipment will be available also at this store for sale and for rent. You now have a

broad range of products in brands you know and trust,” Hamilton said.

The store will be open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., with extended hours on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Founded in 1957, Thompson Tractor Supply is based in Birmingham. The company is the full-line Caterpillar dealer for Alabama and northwest Florida.

The company specializes in sales and service of Caterpillar products, including earthmoving, construction and materials handling equipment, along with diesel engines used for electric power generation, onhighway and marine propulsion applications.

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

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Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com

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

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

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A3 May 16, 2018

Lee County Humane New Opelika Dollar Society take in more General to hold grand than 50 cats, actively opening Saturday seeking donations Special to the Opelika Observer On May 9, LCHS took in 58 cats from a situation that involved animal hoarding. The surrender of the animals was voluntary and was set up through the owner's attorney.

We estimate that there are another 30-40 more that will enter into LCHS care when the initial cats taken in are placed in rescue, foster care or are adopted.

The former owners are working with LCHS to correct the problem.

Most of the cats LCHS took in suffer from an upper respiratory infection that is common when too many cats are living in too small of a space. Others have more extensive medical needs that will require extra care.

Animal hoarding can also place a tremendous strain on overburdened animal shelters, which lack the space or resources to deal with an influx of animal hoarding victims, many of whom are in dire need of medical attention.

LCHS rescue partners, including Paws Humane, Humane Society of Harris County, Save-a-Pet and Woof Avenue, have taken in some of LCHS’s healthy already

adoptable pets, while LCHS vets care for the cats who came in on May 9. LCHS said they are also extremely grateful for Auburn Animal Control and Opelika Animal Control, who worked with them to collect the cats and bring them to the shelter.

Many of the cats in question are already available for adoption. The adoption fee for these animals has been discounted to $50 and includes a $50 spay/neuter voucher. Those interested in adopting these animals must sign a health waiver stating that they understand the animal’s needs for additional medical care and the potential future medical care for undiagnosed conditions, and that the adopter takes responsibility for those expenses.

LCHS is in need of fosters to help care for these animals, rescue groups willing to take cats and, most of all, they desperately need monetary donations for medical supplies and treatment.

Monetary donations can be made online at leecountyhumane.org/donate-now.

LCHS can also process credit card donations over the phone and are happy to accept donations at the shelter, located at 1140 Ware Drive in Auburn.

Special to the Opelika Observer

Dollar General’s newest store at 15297 Highway 51 in Opelika is now open.

At the new location, Dollar General will offer area residents a convenient new place to shop for everyday essentials at low prices.

Dollar General will celebrate the store’s official grand opening on Saturday, May 19 at 8 a.m. with free prizes and special deals. Additionally, the first 50 adult shoppers at the store will receive a $10 Dollar General gift card, and the first 200 shoppers will receive a Dollar General tote bag with complimentary product samples, among other giveaways.

“Dollar General is committed to delivering a pleasant shopping experience that includes a convenient location, a wide assortment of merchandise and great prices on quality products,” said Dan Nieser, Dollar Gen-

eral’s senior vice president of real estate and store development. “We hope our area customers will enjoy shopping at Dollar General’s new location.”

Dollar General stores offer convenience and value to customers by providing a focused selection of national name brands and private brands of food, housewares, seasonal items, cleaning supplies, basic apparel and health/beauty products.

The store’s fresh layout is designed to make shopping simple for customers. Seasonal products are displayed in the center of the store, departments are easily recognizable with visible signage and coolers conveniently located at the front of the store.

Traditional Dollar General stores employ approximately six to 10 people, depending on the need. Anyone interested in joining the Dollar General team may visit the Career section at www. dollargeneral.com.

Dollar General gives its customers more than everyday low prices on basic merchandise.

Dollar General is deeply involved in the communities it serves and is an ardent supporter of literacy and education.

At the cash register of every Dollar General store, customers interested in learning how to read, speak English or prepare for their high school equivalency test can pick up a brochure with a postage-paid reply card that can be mailed in for a referral to a local organization that offers free literacy services.

Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has been awarded more than $154 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 10 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education.

For more information about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and its grant programs, visit www.dgliteracy.com.

pelika O Opinion

A4 May 16, 2018

I

Oysters

a seafood store and love oysters. brought home a few Steamed, smoked, dozen. stewed, fried.

Setting up in the But best of all, I love them yard, I gave my boy raw. a glove, an oysterEver wonder who ate the knife, an oyster and first one? (“I will if you will.” told him “see that “You go first.” “OK, same

By Hardy Jackson little place at the end time.” “1,2,3, slurp.” “Hand of the shell. Stick the me a beer.”) point in there and twist it while I go Down on the Gulf Coast there are get a beer.” ancient Indian middens -- garbage And he started shucking oysters. dumps -- some almost 100 feet thick, And when he was done, he ate ‘em. full of broken pottery, bones of fish, Ate ‘em with crackers and hot fowl and deer, and thousands of sauce. oyster shells. The Indians, I am told, Ate ‘em like his daddy does, would build a big fire, throw the oysslurped out of the shell, strain the grit ters on the coals and as they cooked, between your teeth. the shells popped open to ease access It was a rite of passage. It was an to their treasures. oyster shucking.

I wouldn’t know.

And it gave him a skill others could I wasn’t there. admire.

But if I had been, that is what I So long as there are oysters. would have done.

Down on Apalachicola Bay, oysters Yessir.

I remember my first raw oyster very and oystermen are hurting. Georgia, especially Atlanta, is sucking up well. water that should be flowing south.

I was not yet in my teens. Down Though that bit of what they call near the coast, some high school “Florida’s Forgotten Coast” only proFuture Farmers of America clubs deduces about 10 percent of the nation’s cided that rather than raise livestock or corn or such, they would raise oys- oysters, it supplies most of what I buy from the Gulf outlets I frequent. And ters. This made sense because living most of the oysters my son shucks. where they did, lots of livings were And that makes it personal. made from oysters.

Assume for a minute that babyAnd when the oysters matured, the boomers are right, that every expeFFA would harvest them. rience is full of meaning for those Once harvested, they would sell experiencing it. Then maybe one day them at roadside stands where the my son will look back on the things FFA members would shuck them for you, while their daddies sold beer and he and his father did together and of them all, the one that stands out was soft drinks that were iced down in a the afternoon his Daddy handed him wash tub out back.

One evening my oyster-loving Dad- glove, knife, and oyster and said “go at it.” dy took me, and it was there, sitting But when he goes down to the loon a stool next to him, that I entered the world of the oyster eater, a world I cal seafood market to buy a bushel of oysters to show his son how to shuck have inhabited ever since. he will be told that there aren’t any.

“The time has come,” The Walrus At least not from Apalachicola. said, “To talk of many things: of The sea was wet as wet could be, shoes - and ships - and sealing-wax The sands were dry as dry. of cabbages - and kings -and why the You could not see a cloud, because sea is boiling hot - and whether pigs No cloud was in the sky: have wings.”

No birds were flying overhead – And shucking. Time to talk about There were no birds to fly. shucking.

Or oysters to shuck.

That first oyster was a rite of pasI won’t forgive Atlanta for that. sage for me, and I wanted a similar experience for my son. But the roadHarvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is side stands are gone – Health Depart- Professor Emeritus of History at Jackment regulations, prohibition laws, or sonville State University. He can be some such nonsense – so I did what reached at hjackson@cableone.net. any good father would do. I went to

T

Memories

We rode four hours tohe sun is low, the ward Magic City with the gnats are out. A windows down. barbecue grill is The wedding ceremony smoking with pecan wood. was in a big, old, tall, scaryMy wife is asleep in a lawn looking church. When the chair. She is out like a porch preacherman said, “kiss light. the bride,” I heard sniffing Thelma Lou, the bloodBy Sean Dietrich from the girl beside me. I hound, lies beside me, started sniffing, too. chewing on a two-by-four she found.

Weddings do that to me.

I’m cooking Chicken à la Beer Can The reception was at a fancy restaufor supper. I’m using my uncle’s secret rant. They barely served enough finger recipe.

I remember when he would cook this food to say grace over. The DJ played ear-splitting music, everyone shook chicken dish long ago. He’d smear on their hindparts in rhythm. Everyone the seasoning, shove a Budweiser can except me. up the carcass, and (voila!) redneck I don’t dance. I wish I could, but gourmet.

I was raised Southern Baptist. My Pecan smoke during my childhood dancing muscles are underdeveloped. was always accompanied by stories.

When I try to dance, I look like the I’m talking big tales told by men with lovechild of Barney Fife and Eleanor gray hair who held sweaty cans and Roosevelt. wore jeans during the summer.

The girl and I snuck away from the It would’ve been blasphemy to sit party early. We found a Mexican resbefore a fire pit without stories. taurant nearby. We sat on a patio. We So, I need a story to go with this talked. This girl knows how to talk. pecan smoke. After all, it’s part of my Give her ten minutes and she could ancestry. Let’s see here… make pleasant conversation with an I’ll tell you about this sleeping IRS agent. woman.

After our meal, I drove us home.

Our first phone conversation lasted She fell asleep in the passenger seat. nearly two hours. We were strangers Her head rested against the window. then.

She held my hand. And I felt invinThat night on the phone, I hardly spoke. She used enough words for both cible.

I rode I-65 in a dumb daze. Now and of us. I did, however, manage to ask her to be my plus-one at a friend’s wedding then, I’d glance at her, sleeping.

Love didn’t happen the way I in Birmingham. She agreed. thought it would. I thought it would The next Friday, I wore khakis and be fireworks and nuclear explosions. a necktie. My mother remarked that It was more like watching ten acres she’d never seen me wear a necktie of of daisies bloom on a hillside. It was my own volition. gentle and easy.

I used cologne, too.

I asked that girl to marry me.

The cologne had been my father’s.

Mercifully, she agreed. We’ve been The irony here is that my father was not a cologne man. Still, on my twelfth married for fifteen years. She has birthday, he gave me a bottle of French made me who I am. Without her, you toilet water. For years, I wondered why wouldn’t be reading this. Without her, I wouldn’t be writing at all. he did this—since we weren’t toiletI still can’t dance worth a cuss, and I water people. don’t touch cologne.

I asked why he did that.

Sometimes I wish I had more to give “Because,” Daddy said, “One day, this woman than a trailer home, a dog, you’ll be around some girl you REand barbecued beer-can chicken.

ALLY like, and you’ll wanna smell But I guess this story will have to fancy. Trust me.” do. I love you, Jamie.

So this girl showed up at my apartSean Dietrich is a columnist, and ment, driving her mother’s green novelist, known for his commentary on Oldsmobile. She was wearing a black life in the American South. His work dress. has appeared in Southern Living, the She sniffed the air, then coughed.

Tallahassee Democrat, Southern Mag“You smell like you…” she said. azine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter “Thanks,” I said.

Southerner, the Mobile Press Register “I can’t breathe,” she said. and he has authored seven books.

“It’s French.”

Inside the Statehouse

F

olks, we are less than three weeks away from our June 5 primary. Besides the governor’s race, all of our secondary constitutional races are on the ballot.

As we head into the home stretch, there appears to be very little interest in the primary elections.

People seem disinterested and disillusioned.

There have been many scandals and ethics convictions over the past quadrennium, which has put a damper on the enthusiasm generally associated with a gubernatorial election year. Even fundraising has been down considerably.

This voting ambivalence will result in a lower than normal turnout. This accrues to the advantage of incumbents and those with name identification.

The governor’s race has not been that interesting. However, the Democrats have fielded quality candidates in that race. The winner of the June GOP Primary will

have to mount a campaign in the fall against either Walt Maddox or Sue Bell Cobb.

The secondary races are being lost in the shuffle of the avalanche of races on the ballot. The best race, as was expected, has been the Attorney General contest.

Former Governor, Robert Bentley, during his last days as governor, appointed an obscure former District Attorney named Steve Marshall, as the acting Attorney General.

As expected Marshall did the bidding of Bentley and allowed him leniency in any further prosecution. Marshall has used every tool of incumbency to strong arm campaign contributions for his race for a full term.

However, polling indicates that his efforts will be to no avail.

With so little interest in the secondary statewide races, former Attorney General Troy King, is perceived as the incumbent and enjoys a comfortable

By Steve Flowers

lead in this race due to his name identification.

As we head to “Amen” corner, my guess is that King leads the race and former U.S. Attorney Alice Martin is in a runoff with Troy King.

Birmingham attorney, Chess Bedsole, could be a late surprise if he spends a significant amount of his own money. He is not a political novice. He was an integral part of the Donald Trump presidential campaign.

The winner will probably face off against Joseph Siegelman, a handsome, progressive, young heir to an iconic Alabama Democratic name.

The Lt. Governor race has changed very little since the beginning of

the campaign season four months ago. Public Service Commission President, Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, holds a commanding lead in all polls. She knows how to run statewide and has headed the state Republican Party. Even though her polling lead is daunting, her results in three weeks may even exceed her formidable lead in the polls. She has built a statewide grassroots campaign organization over the years, which her two challengers lack.

The last polls reveal that Twinkle Cavanaugh leads Mobile State Senator Rusty Glover and Sand Mountain State Representative Will Ainsworth. Polls reveal that Glover will get a good friends and neighbors vote from his home Mobile region. This may hold him in good stead in a race for Congress in two years, if MobileBaldwin Congressman Bradley Bryne runs for the U.S. Senate in 2020.

Will Ainsworth has made a significant television buy in the lieutenant governor’s race, which should propel him into second place in that contest.

Secretary of State John Merrill will waltz to a second term as Secretary of State. He is the best retail politician on the Alabama political scene.

Even though he has token opposition, he has probably outworked every candidate on the ballot.

When his office counts all the ballots on June 6, Merrill will probably be the top vote getter in all statewide races.

Right behind Merrill winning in a landslide, will be Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan, who will have an overwhelming victory as State Treasurer.

Rick Pate has gotten a lot of traction in the Agriculture Commissioner race. He has garnered most of the major endorsements, including ALFA and BCA.

Jeremy Oden and Chip Beeker should coast to reelection victories as members of the Public Service Commission for another four years. Beeker, Oden and Twinkle Cavanaugh should benefit from their recent vote to save Alabama Power customers $337 million over the next two years, a cut made possible by the Trump administration and Republican Congress’ passage of federal tax reform.

Folks, that is a big win for Alabama’s economy.

It is sure to put a smile on the faces of families and small business owners across the state.

Cavanaugh, Beeker, and Oden deserve credit for making it happen.

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.

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Around Lee County

A5 May 16, 2018

Smiths Station set to join East Alabama Chamber of Commerce excited about his city’s membership, a move that he believes will help sell the city’s brand and attract new businesses and industries to the area.

“Joining the chamber will give us a seat at the table. We’ve been ignored for too long, and this will help give us the exposure that we

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Members of the Smiths Station City Council unanimously approved a resolution for the city to become a member of the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Bubba Copeland said he was

need,” Copeland said.

“It (the partnership) has already been fruitful. We’ve been invited to several events, they’ve been to several grand openings on our behalf, so it’s going to be a win-win situation for the city of Smiths Station (moving forward).”

The council also ap-

proved a resolution allowing the city to enter into a contract with RNK Sign Company of Phenix City for the purchase of new signs for Smiths Station’s City Hall and Government Center.

In other business, the council: - approved a resolution allowing the city

levy the collection of property taxes - approved a rezoning and annexation for multiple properties located on Lee Roads 243, 284, 430 and 2048.

- established a 25-miles-per-hour speed limit in the Kalldalen Subdivision, which encompasses Lee Roads 227, 228, 229,

405 and 886.

The Smiths Station City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at City Hall, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430. The group’s work session begins at 5:30 p.m. E.S.T. followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m.

E.S.T.

Leadership Lee County holds graduation ceremony May 10

Special to the Opelika Observer Pictured are members of this year’s graduating class for Leadership Lee County: Bart Aldridge, Andreas Anagnostopoulos, Duriel Barlow, Leah Blair, Nick Blair, Amy Brandon, Tiffany Chandler, Kermit Farmer, Danielle Fields, Brianna Foster, Jana Gwin, Katie Hardy, Brooke Peace Harris, Sarah Herren, Darryl Johnson, Brooke Kastner, Jonathan Kirk, Leigh G. Krehling, Melissa McConaha, Scott McIntosh, Allen Mendengall, Keri Miller, Andrea Mitchell, Adam Nicholson, Scott Parker, Stephanie Pollard, Larry Prince, Todd Rauch, Pam Revels, Preston Roberts, Adriene C. Simon and Amy Tatum.

Sen. Whatley Meets with Alabama CASA Special to the Opelika Observer

Leaders and volunteers from across the state met last month for the annual Court Appointed Special Advocates State Conference. This year’s conference featured a meeting at the State House. Attendees met with Senator Tom Whatley for more than an hour. Whatley talked with the attendees for over an hour. During that time, he explained the legislative process and how to effectively advocate for children’s needs with their individual representatives and senators.

What is Alabama Court Appointed Special Advocates?

When a child enters the child welfare system because his or her home is no longer safe,

Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama CASA Executive Director Maggie Blaedow, Sen. Whatley and Board President Todd Crutchfield. a judge may appoint a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or a CASA volunteer, to advocate for the best interests of the child in court and other settings.

CASA volunteers are a diverse group of people whose role is crucial in creating positive impact in the lives of Alabama children. Their passion and altruism strengthen our movement, changing the future of neglected

and abused children by speaking up for them, loud and clear, to help move them out of foster care and into happy and safe homes. The mission of the Alabama CASA Network Inc. is to ensure that every abused, neglected and abandoned child in Alabama has a competent, caring volunteer appointed to advocate for the child’s best interest in court.

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Hansen, from A1

that it’s not a documentary,” Hansen said. “I knew that there were going to be some liberties taken with the facts, and I was okay with that. But, at the same time, I felt a responsibility to Neil and the story to not let them get too silly and stay as accurate as possible.”

Hansen’s connections to Armstrong can be traced back to letters and emails the two began exchanging in the late 1990s.

Already a scientific history teacher and author of several commissioned books for NASA, Hansen said he managed to convince the skeptical Armstrong in 2002 to partner with him in writing his firstever official biography.

“Armstrong himself, who was such a remarkable individual, is a person worth remembering … not just as an icon, not just as a shadowy figure who stepped off a ladder onto the surface of the moon, but really knowing him as a threedimensional human being,” Hansen said.

“Not that all history is about great or remarkable individuals, but there are people that are worth remembering for who they were … and Neil is one of those.”

The book’s announcement generated waves of media attention. Acclaimed director/filmmaker Clint Eastwood of Warner Bros. helped finalize the purchase of film rights to the book in 2003, but following two years of discussion and logistical planning, relinquished

Special to the Opelika Observer Hansen, right, pictured with ‘First Man’ lead Ryan Gosling on set during filming last year. ,them.

Simon and Schuster published the book Oct. 1, 2005, garnering Hansen fame and recognition for his innate ability “decoding the enigmatic Armstrong: a space hero short on words but sky-high on Midwestern integrity,” according to a New York Times review.

Universal Pictures purchased the film rights in 2007, and according to Hansen, kept renewing them in hopes of finding the perfect visionary to formulate a plan for the film’s production.

Fresh off his 2014 breakout film, “Whiplash,” the up-andcoming Chazelle was looking for a challenge.

After reading Hansen’s book and learning as much as possible about Armstrong, Chazelle pitched his plan for the film to Universal.

Representatives enjoyed his vision for the film, and while they deliberated and discussed the viability of the project, Chazelle and Gosling paired together to create the 2016 blockbuster “La La Land,” a romantic musical that received global recognition and awards.

Planning and production of “First Man” launched last year, and Hansen was on the set in Atlanta for the majority of the filming, which took place between October and February.

With a planned release date of Oct. 12, Hansen said Chazelle and his team are in the midst of the film’s post-production process, adding visual effects, incorporating the film’s score and making final edits.

“Knowing that my book was necessary for the film to become reality, I will definitely feel a great sense of pride.

I’ve always aspired to reach a lot of people, which I did to an extent with teaching, “ Hansen said. “But a movie can get to millions of people. And to think of people in packed movie theatres across the world - in a place like Beijing, for example - going to see the movie, that is incredible.”

For more information or updates on the film, visit www.universalpictures.com. Links to samples of Hansen’s other work is available at www.auburn. edu/~hansejr/.

pelika O Observer

A6 May 16, 2018

Guard, from A1

that was welcomed home last week. Many spouses must learn to take on roles in their loved one’s absence.

“The most difficult part of deployment as a spouse is shouldering the entire mental load for the whole family without being able to rely on the strengths that my husband would usually contribute and getting to the point where I’m willing to accept the ‘new normal’ and ask for help from others when needed,” said Beaver’s wife Erin.

“Where most active duty military families generally have a military community around them to support and empathize with them during deployments, this is not so for the families of the Alabama National Guard, who are scattered all over the state and are not full-time military until they are deployed. This deployment was easier because there were other families local to the Auburn-Opelika area whose loved ones were deployed with my husband, and even if it was just moral support, it was great to know that there was a sympathetic ear nearby,” Erin explained.

She added that the

key to making it through deployment is community.

“We had neighbors come and mow the lawn, who helped me take care of car issues, who ran to the grocery store when we were sick or stuck in the house on snow days, church family and friends who would cook supper for us on occasion and pray for us, an employer who

Welch, and cousin, Kevin Radford, were great support elements while I was away. They would call and check on me all the time. I also got care packages from many friends which always made me feel good.” Byrd has been in the Alabama National Guard for 24 years and knows the importance of having good friends to go through a deployment

Susan Forbes speaks to Opelika Rotary Club

Special to the Opelika Observer Susan Forbes shared information with the Opelika Rotary Club recently about the OGrows program. O-Grows cooperates with Opelika City Schools, East Alabama Food Bank and Keep Opelika Beautiful to teach kids about gardening and the environment.

They operate the Community Garden on Glenn Street and supervise children working at the facility, as well as producing food which is shared with the Food Bank. The O-Grows Farmers Market kicked off yesterday and will continue each Tuesday thereafter between 3-6 p.m. The Farmers Market is located on Glenn Street across from the Cultural Arts Center. Pictured (from left) are: Harry Cullinan - club president, Forbes and Bobby Poole - club member.

made sure that I could be present for all my kids’ school awards days and other parent involvement activities, and my own mother and sister who would help watch the children so that I could take the older kids to scouts or birthday parties or other activities to keep life as normal as possible,” Erin explained.

Maj. Clemon Byrd of Auburn is also a part of the 135th ESC. He stated that “receiving calls, mail and care packages is always good. My wife, Alison, mother, Elizabeth Barnett, sister, Terri

with. His roommate while deployed was Maj. Michael Stevens, who worked with the 135th ESC Judge Advocate General Corps.

“We would always come back to the room and talk about our day.

He’s a great guy and has been a good friend for many years,” Byrd said.

Now that their deployment has ended, the 135th ESC will return to normal drilling status, which is typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year.

For more photos, turn to A8.

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Opelika E vents, Society, & Food Ann Cipperly’s

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U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • NOON TUNES • SUMMER SWING • BE THE LIGHT 5K • DAVIS BENEFIT • EAST AL. CAR SHOW • GARDEN TOUR • FARMER’S MARKETS

Be the Light

The journey of hope and outhern healing through mental illness ospitality

H

Photo by Ann Cipperly Susan Forbes, manager of the Ogrows Farmers Market, is pictured at the community garden, which has plots available to lease. The Ogrows Farmers Market features farmers and bakers every Tuesday afternoon from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Glenn Street in Opelika, across from the Brown Cultural Arts Center.

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer

Her journey began a little more than 10 years ago after being married for six months.

“I had been feeling kind of down, and we went to the doctor and they told me I had a mental illness,” said “Be the Light” Organizer Susan Canaan. “I remember looking at my husband and telling him he could leave, because I’d only been married six months. He didn’t leave, he stayed. We found the best doctors, medicine and therapists.”

Next for Canaan was dealing with the decision of whether to tell other people about her diagnosis. “Some people knew, some of our friends knew, our parents knew. If I felt I could trust you, that you weren’t going to leave, then I would tell you. But if I felt you would leave, I wouldn’t tell you,” said Canaan.

After keeping her illness a secret from most people, something hap-

Photo by Shawn Kirkpatrick

Canaan

pened that changed Canaan’s mind.

“My husband had two friends commit suicide last year between March and July. They never knew that I struggled with mental illness. I wondered if they had known, would things have ended differently. If they had known they

Ogrows Farmers Market features ‘20 Under 40’ Class of 2018 fresh produce, bakery items

O

n a recent sunny morning, roosters were crowing at the pet farm with chickens and goats next to the Ogrows Community Garden. Two sprayers were watering small vegetable plants in raised beds. Along with other farmers, Ogrows will have ornamental plants and produce at the Farmers Market on Tuesday afternoons from 3-6 p.m. through Aug. 28 on Glenn Street in Opelika, across from the Brown Cultural Arts Center.

The annual Farmers Market in Opelika has changed locations over the years. First located near the depot, it changed a few years later to Railroad Avenue and then to Courthouse Square. In 2016 it settled in the current location on Glenn Street near the Ogrows community garden.

After being under Opelika Main Street for several years, the market has been operated for two years by Ogrows. The change was made to promote Ogrows and its goal in food security, community involvement, as well as to meet the needs of the community. Susan Forbes is manager of the Farmers Market.

Ogrows is an organization that engages students and citizens in gardening to address community service and food security. Ogrows is building capacity as a hub of local food systems by employing students, selling produce

and donating produce to the Food Bank of East Alabama.

Under the umbrella of Envision Opelika, Ogrows began in 2012.

Susan’s husband, Sean Forbes, the founder of Ogrows, is a professor in education psychology at Auburn University.

He was inspired to start the program when his son was attending kindergarten at Southview School. When he asked his son about his day, Sean realized he was only outdoors for a small portion of the day.

He developed the idea to get children out of a traditional classroom and create an outdoor learning space.

“In addition to the garden at the Opelika Learning Center,” says Sean, “Ogrows works with Opelika City Schools to direct the instruction of an agricultural science class with at-risk students. The class serves 12 students on average each semester for one class period (1.5 hours) per school week.

“Instruction focuses on elements of food security, including availability,” adds Sean. “OLC students come to the community garden and other school gardens to assist with garden and plant maintenance.”

At first, the garden was in front of the Brown Cultural Arts Center where the market is being held. They moved the garden to the back of the building and constructed a

greenhouse. Students at Auburn University helped with the project.

A hydroponics system in the greenhouse grows vegetables and ornamental plants, including perennials and annuals.

At the community garden a plot can be leased for growing your own vegetables or for them to grow the vegetables for you. On your own plot, they will till, prepare the soil and provide irrigation.

They will let you know if there are insect and nutrient issues. A 1/8 raised bed (approximately 75 sq. ft.) costs $30, while a 1/4 raised bed (approximately 150 sq. ft.) is $45.

The other option is having your plot to plant what you want to grow, and they will feed, weed and do pest management. They will notify you when it is time to harvest. You can visit your plants anytime. For this service a 1/8 raised bed (approximately 75 sq. ft.) is $45, and a 1/4 raised bed (approximately 150 sq. ft.) costs $65.

Plots are available to lease or you can donate a plot. On a donated plot, the produce is given in your name to the Community Market of the Food Bank of East Alabama. These beds are $20 and $30.

Plenty of parking is available at the Farmers Market. Volunteers assist in finding parking spaces.

See Cipperly, page B12

See Canaan page A9

holds graduation ceremony

Special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer The commencement ceremonies were held last week for the 2017-2018 Class of 20 Under 40.

After dinner, city coun-

cilman Dozier Smith T shared a few remarks and then each member of the class was recognized for their time and commitment to the class.

A year-end review was presented by four class

members to chronicle the year’s activities and let the guests learn what the class had participated in throughout the year.

Classes for the new group will begin in August.

Pride on the Plains event slated for June 1

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer Opelika is set to hold the first-ever “Pride on the Plains” event in June.

On June 1, there will be a free parade at 6:30 p.m. to kick off the event. The parade, which will include many local businesses and members of LGBTQ organizations, will run from the City Hall parking lot down to Courthouse Square.

Following the parade there will be guest speakers, music, and an evening for attendees to enjoy what downtown Opelika has to offer.

The organization will also stage a free festival June 2 that will be held at Kiesel Park in Auburn from noon - 6 p.m. Vendors from Lee County and

across Alabama will take part in a day full of fun, food, games and entertainment.

“People should come and show support for a community that has been in the dark for so long,” said Pride on the Plains President Chad Peacock.

For more information on these events, visit www.prideontheplains. com.

pelika O Observer

A8 May 16, 2018

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer

Leigh Krehling: Living a full life with Celiac Disease

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the digestive system. More than half of people in America with celiac disease are women, and they are diagnosed two to three times more than men, according to WomensHealth.com.

“I always had stomach issues growing up, and it progressively got

worse during college and after college,” said Leigh Krehling, community relations officer for the city of Opelika.

“Eight or nine years ago I told my doctor I was constantly taking stomach medicine, acid reflux medicine, and nothing was helping.

Then I started having this weird rash.”

That’s when Krehling said she began doing her own research. “I went to my doctor and

said, ‘I think I have this (celiac disease).’ He did blood work and it came back, and the numbers were off for celiac. So, he did a biopsy of my intestines, and that confirmed it. He told me it (celiac disease) is totally controlled by your diet.

There’s no pill to take.

You’ll have it forever, it is genetic.”

The next step for Krehling was finding out what she could and couldn’t eat. “You are

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supposed to totally cut out anything with gluten in it. It was hard at first because I am a bread person, but the more you study recipes, and don’t eat processed food, you can do it. I’ve found gluten-free products I like. It’s just trial and error and playing with foods.”

Krehling said when she “falls off the wagon” and eats something she isn’t supposed to eat, she pays for it.

“It causes a lot of inflammation in my body. I get a stomach ache and a rash on my elbows. I’m in a couple of celiac groups online with people from across the country. They say the same thing. Some people say they get deathly ill, in the bed for three days, throwing up.

Mine is not that severe.”

There are some foods that Krehling says she really misses and eats sometimes. “The things I miss the most (are) biscuits on Sunday morning and white bread for sandwiches, good old tomato sandwiches in the summer.”

Krehling adds that eating out is getting easier. She said there are many restaurants in

Photo by Shawn Kirkpatrick our area that have gluten-free menus. “I just find the restaurants that I trust and eat there, but I’d like for restaurants to be more aware and teach their employees about celiac, that it is different than just being gluten intolerant. There are a couple of pizza places here that are really good about it. They ask if it is an allergy or a preference. If you say allergy, then they wipe the counters down and change their gloves.”

Krehling said it is disappointing that some people think eating

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gluten-free is a fad.

“It’s a disease. It’s frustrating when you have it and you hear people just blow it off,” Krehling said.

Krehling’s advice is to be your own advocate and to get tested. “If you think you have it, don’t stop eating bread before you go to the doctor, because you have to be eating a gluten diet to test for celiac. So, if you test for celiac, it won’t show up if it’s not in your system anymore.”

To learn more about celiac disease, visit celiac.org.

May is National Celiac Awareness Month. We’re giving away a free gluten-free cookbook.

To enter, simply email us your name, address and phone number to www. editor@opelikaobserver.com by May 31.

pelika O Observer EAMHC, from A1 tal Health America (mentalhealthamerica. net/issues/state-mental- health- america).

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and here at home, East Alabama Mental Health Center (EAMHC) offers help and support for children, teens, adults, families and seniors.

“EAMHC is a ‘community’ mental health center. We serve Lee, Russel, Chambers and Tallapoosa counties,” said, Jean Spicer, director of Family and Children’s Services for East Alabama Mental Health Center.

“We are also a comprehensive mental health center, which means we provide

Canaan, from A7 could have talked to me or my husband.

I knew then I had to share my story. Last July, I started a blog and started sharing my story.”

Canaan said there is still a stigma that surrounds mental illness.

“A lot of people don’t talk about it, and a lot suffer in silence.

One-in-five people suffer with mental illness. I am the one in the five. I’m almost 40 years old, I’m married and have two kids, I’ve had the same job for 16 years, I do everything just like everyone else, but I have a mental illness,” Canaan said.

“It doesn’t happen to the people you think it would happen to.

Some people automatically think something is wrong with me, or they need to stay away from me. The more that people come out and share their stories, the more accepting people will be.”

After beginning to share her story, Canaan said she wanted to do something more to bring awareness to mental health, and also help someone special in her life.

“I have a good friend, Sarah Cox, at East Alabama Mental Health. She’s been

A9 May 16, 2018

services to individuals with mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbance, also individuals with intellectual disabilities and substance abuse issues.”

Established in 1967 as a public nonprofit, EAMHC offers a broad range of programs for close to 8,000 people a year, in mental duress.

“We provide individual, family and group counseling.

We have therapists in around 40 schools in all four counties,” Spicer said. “In Opelika we have an after-school day treatment program, which provides more intensive services after school is out. This is for children that are struggling and have a lot of behavioral challenges, at home and at school.”

EAMHC even has a program for the very young with mental health issues.

“There is also our preschool intervention program for those children getting kicked out of their daycares,” said Prevention Services Coordinator for East Alabama Mental Health Center Chelsea Neighbors. “Sometimes children need more individualized help, so they come here several days a week and get direct, hands-on help. We see amazing benefits from that.”

For adults there are several options in all four counties.

“Adults are set up with an intake interview and assigned a therapist who will work with them to set up a treatment plan,” Spicer said. “We have outpatient services

and counseling, psychiatrists and nurse practitioners. For folks that need lots of support to navigate life, we have a day program that teaches life skills.”

There is also a crisis intervention unit for adults called Brief Intensive Treatment or BIT. “It’s designed to be a short-term crisis stabilization,” Spicer said. “It is residential.

The average stay is anywhere from seven days to six weeks. It’s acute care.”

Both Spicer and Neighbors said the stigma that comes with mental illness does keep some people from reaching out for help.

“It’s a combination of the fear of shame, or being labeled, or the way Hollywood presents mental illness and what that

may look like, but that is not the face of someone living with mental illness,” Neighbors adds.

“Also, I think people don’t know if what they are experiencing is normal, but what is normal? My normal is not your normal.

People may not know it (a mental issue) is causing difficulty in an area of their life until they have a conversation with someone and realize they don’t have to live with fear or overwhelming sadness.”

Neighbors said they want to bring more awareness to mental illness. “Our big connection to the community is we offer mental health first aid training. We talk about what you can do if somebody is in a mental health crisis.

We teach to destigmatize language that

is centered around mental health care.

Knowledge and early intervention is a huge way to get the community involved.”

Both Spicer and Neighbors want people with mental health issues to know they are not alone. “There is a lot of relief when you sit down with someone and they validate you,” Neighbors said. “They say, ‘I hear you, and I see you, and I can empathize with you.’

It’s a great release to know someone understands.” Spicer adds, “There is hope. It is not hopeless. It won’t always be this way.”

For help with any mental health condition, call 334742- 2877, 1-800815-0630 or visit prevention@eamhc. org. EAMHC does not deny services to anyone who can’t pay.

with me since the beginning. She’s been a sounding board, someone I could call, even before she knew I had a mental illness. So, I decided to raise money for her organization to honor her.”

Canaan organized the first “Be the Light” 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run for Mental Health Awareness. The event begins this Saturday at 8 a.m. at Ogletree Village, which is located

at 2272 Moores Mill Road in Auburn. All the money raised will go to East Alabama Mental Health Center.

Canaan’s advice to anyone that thinks they may be having mental health issues is to take the first step and admit you have a problem.

“If you feel differently, if you’re down or sad, if you’re really high then really low, just tell somebody.

There are plenty of

places to get help. Let a professional diagnose you. I took the first step and got help.

It was the best thing I ever did.”

Online registration for the event ends May 17, but you can still register the day of the run at Ogletree Village.

The race fee is $20 and signup fee is $2.50.

There will be prizes for the top three men and women.

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pelika O Observer

A10 May 16, 2018

AACT Announces open auditions for ‘Silent Sky’ Special to the Opelika Observer “Imagine attempting to measure the heavens, while also taking measure of a life on Earth.”

“Silent Sky,” by Lauren Gunderson, is the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, the 19thcentury astronomer who wasn’t allowed to touch a telescope, and was one of the most famous women of the Harvard Observatory in

the early 1900s. While she struggles to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love, Henrietta makes discoveries that allow us to measure the distance between the stars and know our place in the universe.

The cast of “Silent Sky” includes four women of various ages, minimum age 18, and one man.

One actress will require a Scottish accent.

No previous experience is required. Perusal scripts will be available for check out to be read on premises at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, starting May 14th.

Auditions will be held June 4 and 5 from 6-8 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center.

Please plan to audition on either day, arriving at 6 p.m. and staying until 8 p.m. Call back auditions will be June 7

ference of Theatre’s play festival Nov. 2 or 3, 2018, at Theatre Tuscaloosa. Three theatre professionals will offer a brief response following each performance and will select an Alabama production to move on to the regional competition in March 2019 at the Southeastern Theatre Conference.

Play festivals are a rare opportunity for theatre amateurs to get reactions and sugges-

from 6-8 p.m.

Rehearsals are set for Mondays and Thursdays from June 11 through Aug. 16 from 6-9 p.m.

Additional rehearsals will be scheduled either Tuesdays or Wednesdays, based on cast availability.

Performances are August 17-19 and 2326. Auburn Area Community Theatre intends to present “Silent Sky” as a competition entry at the Alabama Con-

tions from knowledgeable full-time theatre practitioners. This is an enriching experience and creates wonderful memories with your theatre family. Before auditioning, please be aware of the time commitment in November 2018 and possibly March 2019.

For more information on auditions, go to www.AuburnACT. org, or contact Director Lori McCormack at lvm2245@gmail.com.

‘Sounds of Summer Camp’ to be held June 5-6 Special to the Opelika Observer

will take place at Auburn University’s Goodwin Hall and include two full days of group rehearsals, sectionals, individual instruction, special clinics and performances, along with The Marching Essentials book series.

Percussion players at this year’s Sounds of Summer session will study under the tutelage of Kathy Marvin, percussion director for Lakewood and Wheat Ridge High Schools in Denver, and Dave Marvin, director/ arranger for the Denver Broncos Stampede Drumline and Longmont High School Percussion Ensemble, performing exercises and etudes

Art’s Music Shop Inc. and Auburn University have joined forces to present an exciting Yamaha Sounds of Summer Percussion Camp June 5-6.

Featuring nationally known percussion artists working with local educators, Sounds of Summer provides intensive, hands-on instruction to young percussionists from grades 7 to 12 and covers drumline fundamentals, basic and advanced techniques, sectional playing, ensemble performance and leadership skills.

The 2018 Sounds of Summer Percussion Camp

designed to increase their skill level.

“It’s a highlight of the year when Art’s Music Shop Inc. partners with Auburn University to present Sounds of Summer, one of the premier percussion programs in the country,” said Matt King, program coordinator at Art’s Music Shop Inc. “Students develop greater mastery and confidence as they experience the excitement of playing music and working as a team.”

For more information about the 2018 Yamaha Sounds of Summer Percussion Camp, contact Matt King at 334-2712787 or mattk@artsmusicshop.com

MAX4Kids Foundation to host golf tournament Special to the Opelika Observer

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New Medicare Cards Arriving Summer 2018 7 things to know about your new Medicare card: • • • • •

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This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MP0238 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201 and the Alabama Department of Senior Services.

The MAX4KidsFoundation will host the third-annual “MAX4Kids Lee County Charity Golf Tournament” June 27 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National in Opelika.

Founded by MAX Credit Union employees, the foundation acts as a charitable organization to help children in surrounding communities through a scholarship program and donations to various nonprofit organizations.

Through events like the golf tournament, the foundation has raised more than $1 million locally.

Individual sponsorships cost $125 and include a breakfast prior to tee-off, cart and GPS, practice balls and more. Larger sponsorship packages and deals are available.

Registration for the tournament begins at 7:30 a.m., and the shotgun start is scheduled for 9 a.m. For more information, call MAX4Kids Foundation Coordinator Brooke Rollan at 334215-4644.

The Opelika branch of MAX Credit Union is located at 3021 Frederick Road.

pelika O Observer

A11 May 16, 2018

Music lovers enjoy Noon Tunes on Wednesdays in May

By Michelle Key Editor The music duo, The Murray Brown Band, entertained the crowd at Courthouse Square last Wednesday afternoon during the annual Parks and Recreation event known as Noon Tunes.

Martha’s Trouble, Muse and Strawberry Whine complete the music line-up for

the rest of May. The event is free to the public, and the entire community is invited. Butcher Paper BBQ will be set up to serve food from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Other treats that will be available are complimentary lemonade from Charter Bank and ice cream from O Town Ice Cream’s pop-up cart.

Photos by Robert Noles

TOUCH-ATRUCK

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

Turn to B5 for local and statewide political updates

Construction of new Beauregard High School to begin later this month

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Construction of the new Beauregard High School is slated to begin this summer.

The $23 million project, approved by the Lee County School Board in March, will include the demolition of the old school and construction of a new building that

Opelika football readies for spring Swimming classes to begin soon at game Saturday Opelika Sportsplex; registration open See BHS, page B4

The Opelika High School football team continues to hold its spring training, which will culminate with a spring jamboree game against Saturday at Troy University’s Veterans Memorial Stadium v.

Niceville High School of Florida.

This is the third head coach for the seniors, who have played under Brian Blackmon, Caleb Ross and now Erik Speakman.

Speakman, previously the team’s defensive coordinator, has provided a sense of continuity for the program moving forward.

The team returns about half the starters on both sides of the football.

Special teams, however, will be undergoing major adjustments.

Punter, placeholder, kicker and kickoff specialist are all positions that need to be filled.

Like every year, key players graduate, which allows underclassmen a chance to step in a play.

No matter what Saturday’s results may be, one fact is for sure: Opelika always plays good football in the fall.

OPELIKA ALLSPORTS BOOSTER CLUB

As president of the Opelika All-Sports Booster Club, I wanted to provide an update on how the organization continues to provide crucial financial support for Opelika Middle and High School Athletics.

The ASBC raises money through its corporate sponsor plan and ad sales for the sports program.

All of the money raised by the All-Sports Booster Club is kept in an Opelika City Schools account.

This past school year, the ASBC raised more than $114,000, a $17,000 increase from the 16-17 school year. The club’s main priority is to assist all sports financially and provide other support as requested.

They are also responsible for the football/ athletics programs, which are printed in the fall and sold at football games.

There are two basic ways the club distributes the money.

Each year, the ASBC transfers money to each sport based on the size and needs of the sport.

Following are some of the sports and the

See Sports, page B2

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer Children are diving into swim lessons at the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center.

Class registrations are open for children 4 to 12 years old. The sessions last two weeks, Monday through Friday.

Photo by Shawn Kirkpatrick

Each group of 25 kids has six instructors. In each group, the children are evaluated and then split into groups of five with one instructor.

“In the beginner group, out of the 25, you’re going to have them ranging from ‘don’t let my toes hit See Lessons, page B6

Lee County School Board approves pay raise for all county personnel, announces new principal, special education director at May meeting

Photos by Michelle Key

By Michelle Key Editor The Lee County School Board held their monthly meeting last Tuesday night. The board voted unamiously to approve the recommendation for a 2.5 percent pay

raise to be applied to all personnel, including extended contracts and locally funded personnel, to be effective with new contracts starting July 1, Aug. 1 and Sept. 1. State funds for the increase will be received starting in October while the funds for locally funded teachers and other

locally-funded positions will be paid out of local funds.

Also during the meeting, Ken Roberts gave the monthly financial report for the period through March 31, 2018. This represents the halfway mark for the fiscal year. RobSee School, page B9

pelika O Observer

B2 May 16, 2018

Sports, from B1 amounts that they received from the AllSports Booster Club: OMS Athletic Department, $6,000; Bulldog Pride Cheerleaders, $1,500; OHS boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball and wrestling received nearly $2,500 each; boys and girls cross country, $2,300 each; swimming, $1,500; OHS boys and girls soccer, $1,900 each; boys and girls track, $1,700, boys and girls tennis and volleyball, $1,500 each.

The coach of any sport can submit a request to the ASBC for additional money, if needed. The request is sent to the president, who sends the request to all ASBC

Board of Directors for a vote. Most of the time, the team will receive their request.

The following are a few of the additional requests from coaches this school year that were approved: $5,000 for new uniforms and two new mascot costumes for the cheer program; $6,000 for both the boys and girls track teams to cover their cost of lodging for three nights in Gulf Shores; covered the cost of lodging for the wrestling team’s trip to the state meet in Huntsville and new practice and game soccer balls for both girls and boys teams.

The people and businesses in Opelika and surrounding are kind to Opelika athletics. Year after year, folks continue to buy corporate sponsorships and donate to the booster club.

There is no question

that the ASBC plays a vital role in OCS athletics.

OHS FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS OHS announced football season tickets for the 2018 season will go on sale July 30 through August 3, from 3:45-6 p.m. in the lobby of the Opelika Performing Arts Center. This is for current season ticket holders only.

New season ticket sales can be purchased August 7 from 4-5:30 p.m..

The cost of a Season ticket book is $28. OHS student season tickets cost $24.

D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys state director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council. He can be followed on Twitter at: VOICEOFTHEDAWGS.

Opelika’s Cassidy Thomas signs with LaGrange College

Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika High School senior Cassidy Thomas signed a basketball scholarship with LaGrange College last Friday. Front row pictured left to right: Michael Thomas Jr., father, Cassidy and Patricia Thomas, mother. Back row left to right: Coach Devin Booth, Kati Thomas, sister, Coach Jaclyn Waitz, OHS Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore.

100 Alabama Miles Challenge held Saturday at Chewacla Park

Special to the Opelika Observer Riders from the Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers take part in a kickoff ride for the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge at Chewacla State Park in Auburn last Saturday.

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Opelika

B3

Family & Religion Do you understand what you are reading?

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he man from Ethiopia (present day Sudan) needed help to understand the Scripture!

That much is clear.

Some say it was because there was no New Testament to aid him in interpreting the Old Testament text (Isaiah 52:13-53:12) he was reading. It is suggested that if he would have had the complete Bible he could have figured out the meaning of the text before he arrived home. After all, since his trip back to Meroe was something along the order of 1,700 miles, he certainly had lots of time on his hands!

It was William Tyndale, one of the first to translate the Bible into English and a leading figure of the Protestant Reformation, who responded to an opponent by saying, “If

through God spare Acts and my life, seeing how ere many people reyears I sponded in will cause becoming a boy who followers drives a

By Bruce Green of Jesus), plough to Teaching Minister at there are know more 10th Street Church of plenty of the Christ in Opelika of other Scriptures things than you that aren’t so easy to do.” understand. No less a From this and other person than the apostle sources, some have Peter said so (2 Peter come up with the idea 3:15-16). Then there is that it is the intent of the fact that God has God for anyone to be given the church teachable to sit down with ers (Ephesians 4:11)— a Bible in hand or on which would be quite screen and figure out everything it has to say unnecessary if we can understand everything (and shame on them if on our own (goodbye they can’t or don’t).

This is patently false Bible classes!). Finally, this principle and has (at least) a is an expression of a couple of damaging repercussions. The first false individualism that overlooks the commuis that while everyone nity aspect of learning. agrees there are some “As iron sharpens things in Scripture that are simple and straight- iron, so one person sharpens another.” forward (like reading

Church Calendar

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

Liberty Baptist is located at 2701 West Point Parkway.

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

• The Auburn Music Club Singers practice on Tuesdays during the academic year from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the music ministry room at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Church Drive off South Gay Street.

New members are welcomed.

For more information, contact director Phyllis Gauker at 334887-7261 or at pgauker@bellsouth.net.

• A community-wide program for people with memory

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

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

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

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

May 16, 2018

loss will be held at Auburn United Methodist Church every Tuesday and Thursday, starting in May. Classes will last from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information, contact program director Betsy Lethander by email at Betsy.Lethander@ aumc.net, or by phone at 334444-9632 for more information.

• Powell Chapel United Methodist Church will hold a praise and worship service/ car show May 20 beginning at 11 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Randy B. Kelley at 256-393-1762 or 256- 390-1834. The church is located at 100 Third Place N.E. across from Lafayette High School.

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

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

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

Proverbs 27:17.

The other damaging aspect of this is that it inevitably produces a shallow understanding of Scripture. People become masters of the more transparent parts of Scripture (i.e., a few verses) but fail to venture into the more challenging sections. A diet of all milk and no meat does not produce mature disciples.

On the other hand, when we embrace the principle that we need each other’s help to understand the Scripture, there are some very positive things that happen. The first is that it encourages humility.

It’s hard to be a knowit-all when you consistently depend upon the aid of others to help you arrive at spiritual truths. Another benefit is that such humility enhances unity (Ephesians 4:2-3) and helps

us to appreciate each other and the different insights and perspectives we bring.

Maybe one of the things we are to see in the Ethiopian is a humble seeker of God. Although he is a man of significant status— the CFO of the queen, in possession of a valuable Isaiah scroll and traveling in a chariot driven by someone else that is large enough to accommodate another passenger, he displays no shame, embarrassment or hesitation in asking for help to understand God’s word.

Furthermore, that help is provided to him by God through Philip.

All of this sounds like another great example for us from the book of Acts.

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

Verse of the Week

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” John 15: 12-13 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

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pelika O Observer

B4 May 16, 2018

OBITUARIES Raymond Lee Hunt 1930-2018 Raymond Lee Hunt of Opelika, Alabama was born in Belfry, Kentucky on June 21, 1930 and passed away at EAMC on May 8, 2018. He was 87 years old.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

He retired as a supervisor from Uniroyal/ US Rubber Company after working 31 years, and was the 8th person hired when the company got its start up.

Mr. Hunt enjoyed the

outdoors, the lake cabin at Lake Martin, trading equipment, anything old versus anything new, and spending time with his family.

Mr. Hunt was an adoring husband for 60 years to the love of his life, Peggy Jo. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Peggy Jo Hunt, who passed away in 2014.

He is survived by his sons, Gary Hunt, DVM (Angela), and Michael Hunt (Connie); four grandsons, Ryan Hunt, Cameron Hunt (Kalyn), Race Hunt (Jamie), and Raider Hunt; one great

granddaughter, Presley Hunt; brother, Gene Hunt; sister, Barbara Hunt Finley.

The family would like to thank Sylvia Sims and the other caregivers for the great care given to Mr. Hunt.

Graveside service was held Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in Gardens Hills Cemetery with Reverend Earl Ballard officiating.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Trinity United Methodist Church Opelika, Alabama.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Milton M. Hamm, Sr. 1936 - 2018 Milton M. Hamm, Sr., 81, of Opelika passed away Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Bethany House.

Mr. Hamm was born December 12, 1936 to parents: Aubrey Lee Hamm, Sr. and Pauline Bowen.

He lived most of his life in Opelika and retired after 33 years of service with the Opelika Water Board.

He was preceded in death by his wife

of 52 years, Fay Hamm.

He is survived by son, Milton (Buster) Hamm Jr. of Valley, AL; grandchildren: Nicholas (Elizabeth) Bledsoe, Joshua (Kim) Bledsoe, Deanna Flournoy, Preston Lee Flournoy, Preston Lee Flournoy and Kristie Lynn Hamm; and greatgrandchildren: Austin Bledsoe, Baliegh Bledsoe, Justin Bledow, Lydia Bledsoe, Mariah Thomas and Haeleigh Dixon.

A funeral service

for Mr. Milton Hamm, Sr. will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, May 15 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Reverend Mac Vallard will be officiating and interment will follow at Garden Hills Cemetary.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory is directing. www.jeffcoat.com

Shake the Sheep Ministries plans ‘Called to Move Conference’ on June 9

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor The “Called to Move Conference,” presented by Shake the Sheep Ministries, will be held June 9 at the Auburn-Marriott Opelika Hotel and Conference Center at Grand National.

Shake the Sheep cofounder Delise Burdette said the event

will be a fun day for women to connect and grow closer to God. “We’ve had a lot of people come say that they’re excited about not having to drive out of town to a ladies conference, but instead stay in town and have some good entertainment but also fellowship and just have a day to be together,” Burdette said.

The event will include contemporary Christian worship music led by Auburn Community Church Music Leader Kelsey Moore, comedy by Kim Floyd and messages from Burdette and fellow Shake the Sheep co-founder Erica Windham.

Tickets are $65, which covers the cost of the conference,

meal, coffee and afternoon snack. They can be purchased online at shakethesheepministries.com/register or at

Special to the Opelika Observer

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tion, visit Shake the Sheep’s website or call 334-887-6559.

The ministry is located at 508 Heywood St.

Bandy Park celebration, grand opening slated for May 26

Lighting homes for more than 100 years.

Learn more at AlabamaPower.com.

Tiger Style Haircuts, which is located at 1530 E. Glenn Ave. Suite B in Auburn.

For more informa-

Opelika’s Bandy Park recently received numerous renovations, adding new features and improving existing ones. These improvements will be showcased at the Ward 2 Family Fun Day scheduled for May 26.

The event will also feature a ribbon cutting ceremony rededicating the park to its namesake, Rep. George C. Bandy.

The park’s basketball courts received the most attention, now sporting a new surface, new backboards, new goals and new fencing. In addition to the courts, a new walking track was installed around

BHS, from B1

will possess 20 classrooms, two computer and science labs, an administrative wing and more.

“It’s much needed, and the school is old.

When I came here, we were in an old wooden building, and the current building was built in 1972,” said BHS Principal Richard Brown. “Over there, the hallways are too narrow, the bathroom

the perimeter of the park, a picnic shelter was installed near the playground and the bathrooms received a fresh coat of paint.

“These changes have been really important to Ward 2,” said Opelika City Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts. “I think when people ride by and see the park it inspires them and makes them feel good. It’s like the pride is coming back to the neighborhood.”

The Ward 2 Family Fun Day will begin 11:30 a.m., with the ribbon cutting and rededication ceremony beginning at noon. Basketball games are scheduled for 2 p.m., the community slide will open at 3 p.m. and live musical entertainment will begin at

4 p.m. The event will also feature free food, inflatables, horseback riding and senior bingo.

“The event takes place on Memorial Day weekend and the day after graduation, so we wanted to create a celebratory atmosphere,” said Gibson-Pitts. “Churches, families, social clubs and graduating classes can RSVP for a space to bring a tent. Everyone is invited, whether you live in Ward 2 or not.”

Gibson-Pitts was the catalyst for the Bandy Park renovation. After being elected in 2016, she began reaching out to the community for input on Bandy Park. She took those recommendations to city officials and was able to secure funding for the projects.

facilities are not where they need to be, among other things.”

During the expected 16 month-long construction process, classes will be held in trailers across the school’s campus.

Renovations will also begin this summer on the school’s cafeteria, career tech center and band room, which Brown said will be expanded.

“This is going to really add to the community. I think you’re going to see our enrollments shoot up … we’re currently a mid-

size 5A school, but we could be 6A within the next five years,” Brown said. “It’s going to be a nice, beautiful school.”

Demolition of the old school is scheduled for the week after graduation ceremonies, which will be held May 24 at Hornet Stadium.

BHS alumna Jennifer Golden has arranged a final photo shoot for all Beauregard graduates on the steps of the old high school May 20 at 6 p.m. For more information, find the “Last Picture on BHS Steps” Facebook event page or call 334-707-4884.

pelika Observer O

A labama Politics

B5 May 16, 2018

Lee County Voters League announces endorsements

AFL-CIO Central Alabama Labor Federation endorses Mallory Hagan

Lee County Voters League Secretary Dorothy Stringer recorded the following endorsements for next month’s June 5 Alabama primary election: • Governor: Walt Maddox • United States Representative 3rd Congressional District: Adia McClellan Winfrey • Attorney General: Joseph Siegelman • Secretary of State: Heather Milam • State Representative District No. 82: Johnny Ford • State Representative

“A candidate who has pledged to fight for our goals, values and the pursuit of the American dream.”

The AFL-CIO Central Alabama Labor Federation (CALF) yesterday endorsed Mallory Hagan for U.S. House of Representatives, District 3.

The Alabama AFLCIO is a key part of the nation's largest and strongest labor federation—the AFL-CIO, which unites 10.5 million working women and men of every race, ethnicity and from every walk of life.

“We look forward to working with a person who shares our belief in strong communities,

Special to the Opelika Observer

District No. 83: John Andrew Harris • Lee County Commission District 5: Bishop Arthur L. Dowdell, Sr. • State Democratic Executive Committee District 80: Jasponica Florence.

While the League is a non-partisan organization, balloting input did not meet a sufficient sample of members to provide earnest endorsements of contested Republican Party primary races.

May 21 will be a “Get Out the Vote” organizational meeting as the first assembly at Bethesda Baptist Church at 201 South 4th St. in Ope-

lika at 6 p.m. to inform citizens of our endorsements and educate on how to participate in the process.

The June LCVL meeting will be June 4. They will have a short forum from the Lee County Commission District 5 Candidates. All four were invited to address the League before determining endorsements, but as one of the most contested county specific races in the primary, it seemed wise to have them back for voters to interact with one last time and allow the four candidates to quickly move onto their other campaigning efforts.

Scott Dawson endorsed by the Alabama Republican Assembly Special to the Opelika Observer Scott Dawson is known for being a "committed to conservative values, the rule of law and changing the corrupt culture in state politics."

Last Wednesday, the Dawson campaign announced the endorsement of the Alabama Republican Assembly, a grassroots organization of "Reagan conserva-

tives, who believe in small government, lower taxes, free market capitalism, a strong defense, the right to life and a decent America."

Members of the Republican Assembly met Saturday in Prattville, Alabama, where Scott Dawson presented his conservative vision for Alabama's future preceding their decision to endorse.

"I'm grateful for the members of the

Alabama Republican Assembly and their commitment to holding the line for conservative values within the Party," Dawson said Wednesday afternoon. "They have devoted countless volunteer hours towards advancing small government, a free market, the right to life and our shared values. I look forward to working with them as the next governor of Alabama."

Republicans offer solutions to climate change Special to the Opelika Observer The program for the May public meeting of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby will be a discussion of Republican initiatives to reverse the current trends in climate change.

Topics will include the Republican Climate Resolution, H. Res. 195, introduced in the U. S. House of Representatives on March 13, 2017, the Climate Leadership Council’s “The Conservative Case for Carbon Dividends” and Energy and Enterprise Initiative’s proposals.

James A. Baker III, who

served as Secretary of State under President George W. Bush, Secretary of the Treasury under President Reagan and White House chief of staff under both, co-authored the carbon dividends plan above and stated: “This is a proposal for carbon dividends to the American People. That’s going to be the beauty of it in terms of building public support. As the national debate on climate change continues, the Republican Party can have a climate plan that showcases the full power of conservative conviction and embodies the

principles of free markets and limited government.”

Former Republican U.S. Representative from South Carolina, Bob Inglis, launched the Energy and Enterprise Initiative in July 2012 where he serves as executive director to promote conservative and free enterprise solutions to energy and climate challenges.

The meeting will be May 23 from 7 -8 p.m. at the Hubert and Grace Harris Meeting Center, 425 Perry St. in Auburn.

For more information, visit citizensclimatelobby. org.

Special to the Opelika Observer

a strong education system and supports the working men and women of Alabama,” said CALF President Marianne Hayward.

“We are proud to stand beside a candidate who has pledged to fight for our goals, values and the pursuit of the American dream.”

Hagan expressed her appreciation for the CALF endorsement. “As I have traveled across the 3rd Congressional District, from Cherokee County to Macon, I have met some of the hardest and most talented workers in this country. The working men and women of Alabama, and their families, deserve a representative in Con-

gress who will protect and defend their best interests. I am honored that CALF recognized my ability to accomplish these goals.”

This endorsement follows several others that includes End Citizens United (ECU) and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).

Hagan also earned the distinction of being a Gun Sense Candidate by Moms Demand Action.

The CALF endorsement comes as Hagan travels around Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District talking to grassroots supporters and building support ahead of Alabama’s primary election on June 5.

Last day to register to vote for the June 5 primary is May 21 MEET THE CANDIDATES

MAY 17, 2018 5:30 to 6:30 pm CT (6:30 to 7:30 pm ET) Farmer’s Federation Building (Alfa Building) 1006 Avenue A SE LaFayette, AL 36862 The community is invited to attend these events and there is no charge to attend. The event is an opportunity for our residents to hear from many of the candidates that will be running in the primary election on June 5, 2018.

Later in the year, the Chamber plans to host structured forums.

pelika O Observer

B6 May 16, 2018

Lessons, from B1 the water,’ to ‘I can kind of already swim.’

That’s how big the range is. We put then in small groups based on that,” said Opelika Sportsplex Aquatic Director Bobby Poer.

There are also the Parent and Me classes.

“They are designed for parents to learn how to be safe in the water with their very small children, 3 months to 3 years old,” Poer said.

“In these classes, the instructor is teaching the parents how to be

safe in the water with their child and how to teach them the movements that will help them learn how to swim.”

One mother said her son has never been in a pool. “My son, Stamati, doesn’t know how to swim, and has never been exposed to a pool.

He’ll be three soon, so we wanted him to be around water,” said Amy Kapaniris of the ‘Parent and Me’ class.

“We have a pool at our apartment complex, and he’s been wanting to go in. We are moving back to Florida soon, and family members have pools, and there is the beach.

We want our son to be safe.”

Head lifeguard and Director of Swimming Classes Ali Sanders teaches the ‘Parent and Me’ classes. She said the children aren’t only scared of the water but are afraid of drowning.

“Once they realize they aren’t going to drown, we teach them to float and swim and let them know that someone is there for them. They’re usually good with that.”

Sanders said there is one skill all infants to 5 years old need to have to survive in the water.

“The best thing to learn is to blow bubbles.

That seems like one of

the hardest things for young kids to learn.

They don’t understand that they can’t breathe under water. Yes, they need to learn to float and get back to the side of the pool, but if they go under and swallow a lot of water, they panic.

Once they learn to blow bubbles, they’re swimming across the pool.” Sanders added that the child, with the help of the parent, can practice blowing bubbles while in the tub. She said they can even practice floating while taking a bath.

“We want everyone to take swim lessons, if not with us, then

with someone,” Poer said. “Mom and dad can be standing there grilling and turn their back and in one second, all the sudden the toddler is in the pool, doesn’t know how to swim or float. Then you’ve got a disaster.

You know when you see or read a story it

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Call us at 334-749-8003 or email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com for more information.

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

and correct manner The Opelika Housing Develop• Provide excellent customer ment, Inc. is currently seeking highly service motivated, experienced, and trust- AUCTION HUGE 2-DAY PUBLIC Equipment & Truck• Auction Work well with other team memworthy candidates toHuge fill Contractors the Full-time Wednesday, 23rd & bers positions of apartment Maintenance May • Willing Technicians for properties inMay the 24th, 2018 Thursday, • 9to amclean grounds as 1042 Holland • Philadelphia, Mississippi needed39350 Opelika, AL. & Camp Hill,Ave AL. Day 1: Selling Dump Trucks, Truck Tractors,but Specialty Trucks, Trailers, • BeFarm well organized to coordinate areas.

Duties will include, not be Tractors, 1-ton Trucks, Pickups, Vehicles, Attachments, Misc. inspections, preventive maintenance limited to: Day 2: Selling Dozers, Excavators, Motor Graders, Off Road Trucks, Rubber-tired and work by contractors • Promptly handle unit and facility Loaders, Loader Backhoes, Skid Steers, Compaction Eq., Forklifts, Logging • Able to complete make-ready of work orders Eq., Service Trucks, Fuel/Lube Trucks & More units proficiently • Complete repairs in a consistent Deanco Auction 601-656-9768 www.deancoauction.com 1042 Holland Ave (PO Box 1248) • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350 Auctioneer: Donnie W Dean, #733, MSGL #835 10% Buyers Premium on the first $4500 of each lot and then a 1% buyers premium and the remaining balance of each lot.

HUGE 2-DAY PUBLIC AUCTION Huge Contractors Equipment & Truck Auction

1042 Holland Ave • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350

Day 1: Selling Dump Trucks, Truck Tractors, Specialty Trucks, Trailers, Farm Tractors, 1-ton Trucks, Pickups, Vehicles, Attachments, Misc.

Day 2: Selling Dozers, Excavators, Motor Graders, Off Road Trucks, Rubber-tired Loaders, Loader Backhoes, Skid Steers, Compaction Eq., Forklifts, Logging Eq., Fuel/Lube Trucks, Water Trucks & More

Deanco Auction 601-656-9768 www.deancoauction.com 1042 Holland Ave (PO Box 1248) • Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350 Auctioneer: Donnie W Dean, #733, MSGL #835 10% Buyers Premium on the first $4500 of each lot and then a 1% buyers premium and the remaining balance of each lot.

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Ideal candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in apartment maintenance (or similar skills). Candidates should have skills in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, painting, appliance repair, and/or other tasks related to maintaining the communities in excellent condition.

HVAC Certification not required, but preferred. This position will offer competitive pay and benefit package.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required) License or certification: • Driver's License (Required) • HVAC Certification (Not required, but preferred) To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street – Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at http://www. opelikaha.org/Default.asp?ID=123&p g=Employment+Opportunities

ALASCAN

Wednesday, May 23rd & Thurs., May 24th, 2018 • 9am

SERVICES

always starts - the child was right here and then he wasn’t.”

To sign up for swim lessons, visit the Opelika Parks and Recreation website at opelika-al.gov. For a two week swim class it’s $60 for Opelika residents, and $66 outside the city limits.

FREE AUTO Insurance Quotes. See how much you can save! High risk SR22 driver policies available! Call 1-855-408-7970

GUARANTEED LIFE Insurance! (Ages 50 to WANT YOUR ad to be 80). No medical exam. Afseen in 120 newspapers fordable premiums never statewide? Place your ad increase. Benefits never in our Classified Network ciation for the of May to 19th.decrease. Policy will only for week just $210 per13th week! be cancelled for non-payMake one call to this ment. 1-844-601-5927 newspaper (a participating ALA-SCAN member) HEALTH/BEAUTY or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to ATTENTION: VIAGRA advertise statewide! and Cialis Users! A cheap-

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

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FOR SALE

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pelika O Observer

B7 May 16, 2018

Dixie Youth Baseball Ozone teams compete Friday

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are highlights from Dixie Youth League play last Friday, which featured a matchup between the Athletics and Reds from the Ozone group. Dixie Youth League games are played throughout the week at West Ridge Park, located at 1600 Covington Ave.

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These PRO and CORPORATE Grillers Are Ready To Declare Burger Wars!!!

Plus A Dozen or More TAILGATE Grillers!

sponsored by CottonSeed Studios

BURT

Columbus Pkwy - Opelika

Employment Services

- plus that morning 9 a.m. - Noon (Downtown Opelika)

Come out to see and TOUCH trucks of all kinds!

pelika O Observer

Southern Union Foundation announces Dual Enrollment Scholarship recipients

B9 May 16, 2018

Opelika native, law student receives recognition Special to the Opelika Observer Jessica WilliamsVickery of Opelika was recognized by the Georgia State University College of Law during its Honors Day 2018 celebrations this spring for

Williams-Vickery

the following awards, honors or roles in organizations/teams:

School, from B1

Special to the Opelika Observer The Southern Union Foundation is excited to announce the recipients of its inaugural dual enrollment scholarships. Made possible by funds raised at this fall’s Great Gatsby Gala, a total of 35 scholarships were awarded to students throughout Southern Union’s service area who are enrolled in the college’s dual enrollment program. Top; City of Opelika Scholar and Opelika High School Senior Callie Bagwell pictured with Mayor Gary Fuller and Ms. Patsy Jones, President pro-tem of the Opelika City Council. Bottom; Andrew Hardin, BBVA Compass president, presents the BBVA Compass Scholar Award to Katelynn Epperson, another OHS senior.

erts stated that revenue was at 55 percent, which is better than anticpated for the half-way point in the year, and expenditures were only at 48 percent of the budget, which is below the anticipated amount.

Roberts credited the positive report to primarily local revenues being ahead of anticipated amounts and said that the less-thanbudgeted expenditures represents the general culture of cost restraint.

Cynthia Meals was recognized as the new prinicipal of Loachapoka Elementary School, and Angela Arnett was recognized as the new director of special eduation.

In other business, the board: - approved numerous field trips for West Smiths Station Elementary School - approved travel for

the Smiths Station High School (SSHS) softball team to the regional and state softball tournaments - approved summer camp activites for SSHS Cheerleaders, volleyball teams and JROTC - approved travel for SSHS girls basketball for

& FLEA MALL

excellent performance in Lawyering Advocacy, ALI CLE Scholarship & Leadership Award, Spring 2017 Center for ComputerAssisted Legal Instruction Excellence for the Future Awards and 2017 Fall CALI Recipients.

an out-of-state game - approved several human resource recommedations - approved one student expulsion case - approved four parent requests for Appeal on Residency Hardships.

Popcorn & Peanut Stand!

Look for a new find each week!

334-745-3221 • angelsantiqueandfleamall.com 900 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika 36801 Open Everyday 10-7 • Sun 1-5

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

You’re Invited to Our

Memorial Day Services Monday, May 28, 2018 10 a.m.

City Hall 204 South 7th Street

Reception

11 a.m.

Museum of East Alabama 121 South 9th Street Special Guest Speaker: Jamie Popwell [Flags for Vets]

AUXILIARY

334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org

Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

always remember

B10 May 16, 2018

pelika O Observer

Opelika football gearing up for spring scrimmage Saturday

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are highlights from a recent spring football practice at Opelika High School. The Bulldogs play Niceville High School of Florida Saturday at Troy University’s Veterans Memorial Stadium.

MARTHA’S TROUBLE

pelika O Observer

B12 May 16, 2018

Cipperly, from A7 Ogrows Farmers Market vendors include: Al Hooks Farms of Shorter, Bee Hive Farms of Camp Hill, Bryce Farms of Salem, Carson Farms of Wadley, Dykes Farm of Valley, Frugal Fruit of Opelika, Hale Farms of Thorsby, Heritage Farms of Opelika, Home Grown Farms of Hartford selling produce and farm raised beef, M & S Produce of Kinsey, Ogrows of Opelika, Pulliam Farms of LaFayette, Scoops Italian Ice of Opelika and Serenity Farms and Bakery of Auburn, offering a variety of breads and homemade confections.

Farm fresh meats are

new at the market this year. Special events throughout the season include cooking demonstrations, local artisans and educational programs.

The market offers the opportunity to feed your family fresh, nutritious produce, homemade breads and other items fresh from farms, while supporting local farmers.

Ogrows can be contacted on Facebook or @opelikagrows for weekly market announcements or call Susan Forbes at 334744-1191. While they don’t have set hours at the community garden, someone is generally there on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon.

Volunteers are needed.

Following are Susan’s favorite vegetable and fruit recipes.

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

Recipes Mexican Street Corn 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream or Mexican crema 1/2 cup finely crumbled Cotija or feta cheese, plus more for serving 1/2 tsp. ancho or guajillo chili powder, plus more for serving 1 medium clove garlic, finely minced (about 1 teaspoon) 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems 4 ears shucked corn 1 lime, cut into wedges Prepare grill. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream or crema,

cheese, chili powder, garlic, and cilantro in a large bowl. Stir until homogeneous and set aside.

When grill is hot, place corn directly over hot side of grill and cook, rotating occasionally, until cooked through and charred in spots on all sides, about 8 minutes total.

Transfer corn to bowl with cheese mixture and use a large spoon to evenly coat corn on all sides with mixture. Sprinkle with extra cheese and chili powder and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Homemade Pico de Gallo Use ripe tomatoes that are deeply colored and firm, smell good and have a little give.

1 1/2 lb. tomatoes, chopped 1 medium onion, chopped (about 2/3 cup) 1 to 2 jalapeño or Serrano peppers, finely diced (seeds and membranes removed for a milder salsa) 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves Juice of 1 lime or lemon Kosher salt to taste Place tomatoes, onion, cilantro, diced peppers and lime or lemon juice in a bowl. Generously season with kosher salt — start with 1/2 tsp. and go from there. Set salsa aside for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, stir salsa, making sure to distribute juices left at the bottom of the bowl. Taste and adjust with more salt. Enjoy!

Store for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. *Leftovers are great heated up with a little olive oil and tossed with pasta or as a bread topping. Makes about 8 servings or 3 cups.

Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Pasta Serve this fresh summer salad with plenty of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato juices.

4 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 3 cups shredded cooked chicken 2 pounds heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1/2- to 1-inch wedges 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh chives 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Gently toss together chicken, tomatoes, onion, basil, chives, parsley, and thyme in a large bowl.

Add vinegar mixture, and gently toss until thoroughly combined.

Serve immediately, or cover and let stand at room temperature for up to 1 hour.

Zucchini "Pasta" with Shrimp To create this "pasta," use a vegetable peeler to shave the zucchini into thin ribbons. Discard the peel, and go until you hit the seedy core.

4 large zucchini (about 2 1/2 lb.)

1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 lb. large shrimp (about 22), peeled and deveined Salt and pepper 2 cups fresh corn kernels 1 1/2 cups fresh peas 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1/4 cup torn fresh basil Using a vegetable peeler, shave sides of zucchini to create ribbons (discard peel), turning zucchini once you hit seedy core.

In a deep, heavy 12-inch skillet, warm oil over medium-high heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and cook, turning often, until just pink and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. Add corn and peas to skillet and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add zucchini and wine.

(Don't worry about crowding skillet; zucchini will wilt.) Cook, tossing with tongs, until zucchini is crisp-tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Add butter and continue tossing until all vegetables are tender, about 1 minute.

Add shrimp and cook, stirring, until shrimp are warmed through, about 1 minute more. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in lemon juice and basil, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Summer Vegetable Lasagna With Zucchini, Squash, Eggplant and Tomato About 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided 3/4 lb. zucchini (about 2 medium), ends trimmed, thinly sliced crosswise between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick Kosher salt 3/4 lb. summer squash (about 2 medium), ends trimmed, thinly sliced crosswise between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick 3/4 lb. Japanese eggplant (about 2), ends trimmed, thinly sliced crosswise between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick 15 no-boil lasagna noodles (1 box) 3 Tbsp. butter 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 quart whole milk 2 oz. freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 1 quart homemade or store-bought crushed tomatoes 3/4 lb. fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into rough chunks Handful of basil leaves In a large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil over high heat until shimmering. Working in batches and being sure not to crowd the pan, add zucchini, season with salt, and cook, turning, until just tender and browned in spots, about 4 minutes per batch. Add more oil as needed to prevent pan from drying out, and adjust heat as needed throughout to maintain a very hot, but not heavily smoking, pan.

Transfer each batch to a baking sheet and spread in an even layer to cool, then transfer cooled slices to a second baking sheet or plate.

Repeat with remaining zucchini, squash, and eggplant until all vegetables are lightly browned. Place lasagna noodles in a 9- by 13inch casserole dish and cover with hot water.

Let noodles soak while you prepare the white sauce, agitating them every few minutes to prevent sticking, about 20 minutes total.

Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until melted. Add flour and increase heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring butter and flour with a whisk until pale golden blond, about 1 minute. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in milk. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Remove from heat and add Parmigiano-Reggiano. Whisk until smooth.

Season to taste with salt. Set aside.

Season crushed tomatoes to taste with salt.

Preheat oven to 375 and adjust rack to center position. Transfer noodles to a clean kitchen towel or layer with paper towels to dry them.

Dry the casserole dish carefully and brush with olive oil. Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes on the bottom of the baking dish.

Layer with 3 lasagna noodles. Top with 1/4 of eggplant, zucchini, and squash, 1/5 of crushed tomatoes, and 1/5 of white sauce. Repeat layers three more times.

Place the final lasagna noodles on top and spread with remaining crushed tomatoes and white sauce. Scatter mozzarella evenly over surface and add basil leaves. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and place in oven. Bake for 30 minutes, uncover, and continue baking until lightly browned on top. Remove from oven, let rest 10 minutes, slice, and serve. Makes 6 servings.

Veggie Tacos Packaged corn tortillas vary in quality. Look for a thick tortilla, it will hold up better in the cooking.

Otherwise, if your tortillas are more fragile, you may need to double them up - 2 per taco.

Olive oil 1 cup of roughly chopped zucchini or summer squash (1-2 zucchini or squash, depending on the size) 1/2 medium onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 large fresh mild green chile (Anaheim or Hatch), seeds and stem discarded, chopped 1/2 fresh jalapeño or Serrano pepper, seeds and stem discarded, minced (or more, if you desire more heat) Kosher salt Pinch of cumin Pinch of fresh oregano 1 small to medium tomato, chopped 4 corn tortillas Cheddar cheese 1/4 cup crumbled Mexican Cotija cheese (a salty, crumbly cheese, you can substitute feta) Fresh cilantro, chopped (okay to include the stems, if small) Heat a Tbsp. or two of oil in a large sauté pan on medium-high heat. Add zucchini, onions, garlic, green chiles and peppers to the pan. Sprinkle with kosher salt and cumin. Stir to coat the vegetables with the oil in the pan.

Spread veggies out in the pan and then stir only occasionally, until they are all lightly browned. Stir

in chopped tomatoes and oregano; lower heat to low.

Let gently cook for several minutes while preparing tortillas.

Heat tortillas first to soften them, and then to melt cheese. There are two basic ways of doing this.

One way is on the stovetop, preferably in a cast iron pan. Another way is to use the microwave. In both methods you will work in batches.

To prepare tortillas on stovetop, heat a dollop of olive oil (or other vegetable oil) in a large cast iron frying pan, on medium high.

Add a tortilla to the pan, moving it around a bit, and turning it over, so that it spreads around the oil.

Let the tortilla heat until it develops little bubbles of air pockets.

To prepare tortillas in the microwave, place a paper towel (or half a paper towel) on the heating surface of your microwave. Spread out 2 tortillas on the paper towels. Cook on high heat for 20 seconds per tortilla, in the case of 2 tortillas, 40 seconds. The tortillas should develop air pockets. (Note that every microwave is a little different, and corn tortillas differ as well, so you may need to adjust the times for your particular setup.)

Open tortillas and spoon some of the cooked veggie filling. Sprinkle chopped cilantro, cheddar and crumbled Cotija cheese over filling. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 tacos for 2 servings.

Fruit Pizza 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar 2 Tbsp. 2% milk 1 tube (16-1/2 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough, softened 2 cups fresh blueberries 2 cups fresh raspberries 8 fresh strawberries, sliced 3/4 cup apricot preserves In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.

Beat in confectioners' sugar and milk. Chill.

Meanwhile, press cookie dough onto an ungreased 14-in. pizza pan.

Bake at 350° for 15-18 minutes or until deep golden brown.

Cool completely on a wire rack.

Spread cream cheese mixture over crust to within 1/2 in. of edges.

Arrange fruit over top.

In a small microwavesafe dish, microwave preserves, uncovered, on high for 45-60 seconds or until melted.

Drizzle over fruit. Chill until serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Makes 16 servings.

FOOD RATINGS MK’s Asian Kitchen 2490 Enterprise Dr. Opelika Score: 100 Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steak Burgers 1701 Capps Landing Opelika Score: 99 Cluck It Bucket 2505 Lee Road 430 Smiths Station Score: 99 Marco’s Pizza

231 N. Dean Road, Auburn Score: 99 AFC Sushi 2450 Enterprise Dr. Opelika Score: 96 Sing Sing Karaoke 3794 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 95 Jahvon’s A Little Taste of Heaven 2356 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 95

pelika O Observer

B13 May 16, 2018

LEGALS STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY DOCKET NO. 2018-A- 224 RE: ESTATE OF MARY C. FOSTER, DECEASED:NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the24 th day of April, 2018, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Luqman Moore, Plaintiff, V. CV-2018-900159 A Parcel of Real Property described as: From the Southwest Corner of Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 25 East,Lee County, Alabama, run North 1155.0 feet; thence East 660 Feet to an Old Corner; thence South 88 degrees 30 minutes East 360.0 feet and thence South 88 degrees 50 minutes East 140.0 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the property to be here described, this point being the Southeast corner of the lot shown on the plat marked “Margaret Matthews” on the Survey for Johnnie Williams et.al. recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Deed Record 667 at Page 97 on 10 September 1964. From this POINT OF BEGINNING run North 88 degrees 50 minutes West 104.0 feet; thence North 0 degrees 50 minutes East 310 feet; thence South 89 degrees 09 minutes East 264 .0

to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Kathy Ledbetter, also known as Kathie Ledbetter, Executor Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr., Esq. Attorney for Executor Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18 & 5/16/18 feet; thence South 0 degrees 50 minutes West 63.5 feet; thence North 88 degrees 50 minutes West 160 feet; and thence South 0 degrees 50 minutes West 250 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING; together with any and all other improvements thereon, containing acres, more or less, AND Margaret Matthews,and/or the unknown heirs of Margaret Matthews, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 21st day of March, 2018, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Luqman Moore, as Plaintiff; Margaret Matthews, and/or the unknown heirs of Margaret Matthews, as Defendants, whose status and whereabouts are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and who are believed to have claimed some right, title,

NOTICE TO CREDITORS, PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, CASE NO.: ESTATE OF ROY FELTON McCURRY, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of Roy Felton McCurry deceased having been granted to Martha Faye Gowan on the 25th day of

interest or claim in and to the property described as follows:

A Parcel of Real Property described as: From the Southwest Corner of Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, run North 1155.0 feet; thence East 660 Feet to an Old Corner; thence South 88 degrees 30 minutes East 360.0 feet and thence South 88 degrees 50 minutes East 140.0 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING of the property to be here described, this point being the Southeast corner of the lot shown on the plat marked “Margaret Matthews” on the Survey for Johnnie Williams et.al. recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Deed Record 667 at Page 97 on 10 September 1964. From this POINT OF BEGINNING run North 88 degrees 50 minutes West 104.0 feet; thence North 0 degrees 50 minutes East 310 feet; thence South 89 degrees 09 minutes East 264 .0 feet; thence South 0 degrees 50 minutes West 63.5 feet; thence North 88 degrees 50 minutes West 160 feet; and thence

April, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Mathra Faye Gowan Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18 & 5/16/2018

South 0 degrees 50 minutes West 250 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING; together with any and all other improvements thereon, containing acres, more or less.

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 26th day of April, 2018. /s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Plaintiff Rice & Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika AL 36801 Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18, 5/16/18, 5/23/2018

INVITATION TO BID 18031 Sealed bids for the construction of the Northpark Drive/Andrews Road Traffic Signal Installation shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor.

No bid will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. Phone number: 334-705- 5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal

must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder.

The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, PurchasingRevenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: Northpark Drive/Andrews Road Traffic Signal Installation.

LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 5/16 & 5/23/18

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY STATE OF ALABAMA CHARTERBANK, PLAINTIFF, VS. CASE NO.: CV-2018- 900075 DANIEL T. TEEL AND FICTITIOUS PARTY NUMBER 1 being any persons Claiming a possessory right to or interest In the real property located at 349 Lee Road 744, Salem, Alabama, DEFENDANTS. NOTICE OF SERVICE

BY PUBLICATION

TO: DANIEL T. TEEL, his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, whose whereabouts are unknown; and, FICTITIOUS PARTY NUMBER 1 being any persons claiming a possessory right to or interest in the real property herein described.

Take notice that a Complaint for Ejectment has been filed against you in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, in case styled, “CharterBank vs.

Daniel T. Teel and Fictitious

Party Number 1 being any persons claiming a possessory right to or interest in the real property located at 349 Lee Road 744, Salem, Alabama”, Case No. CV-2018900075, to have you ejected from the below described real property and to have any and all of your personal belongings in said property removed from the house. The real property, lying situate and being in Lee County, Alabama, is described as follows: A LEASEHOLD INTER-

EST IN: All that lot, tract or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the State of Alabama and County of Lee, lying and being in T19N, R29E of Section 14 of Lee County, Alabama and being known and designated as ALL OF LOT NUMBERED THREE HUNDRED FORTYNINE (349), OF AREA 43 OF GEORGIA POWER BARTLETT’S FERRY RESERVOIR RECREATION DEVELOPMENT (the “Leased Land”), as more particu-

larly described in, and the leasehold interest described herein is evidenced by, that certain Lease Agreement between Georgia Power Company and Daniel T. Teel dated October 23, 2009.

Subject to the terms and provisions of the Lease and all easements and restrictions of record or in existence on the above described property.

You must file any answer to said Complaint on or before thirty (30) days from the date of the last

publication of this Notice or a default judgment will be taken against you. Your answer must be filed with Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr., Esq., Attorney for Plaintiff, 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201, Lanett, Alabama 36863, and also with this office.

Dated this 8th day of May, 2018. /s/ Mary B. Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County, AL Legal 5/16, 5/23, 5/30, & 6/6/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA ESTATE NO. 2018-A226 IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY L. KELLEY, DECEASED - PETITION TO PROBATE WILL NOTICE OF HEARING

BY PUBLICATION TO: Any unknown heirs of Mary L. Kelley, deceased or her husband Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., Deceased Angela Kelley, address unknwon (adult daughter of Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., deceased) Phyllis Kelley, address unknown (adult daughter of Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., deceased) Please take notice that a Petition to Probate the Will of Mary L. Kelley, in the above styled matter has been filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Petitioner Sherry D. Tharpe Oliver and that on the 19th day of June, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. (Central Time), has

been set for a hearing on the same in said Court located at 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Please be advised that if you intend to contest this Petition to Probate the Will of Mary L. Kelley, that you must file a written response within thrity (30) days hereof with the Clerk of said Probate Court and with counsel for said Petitioner, and/or you must appear at hearing scheduled in this matter.

Petitioner: Sherry D. Tharpe Oliver 376 Lee Co. Road 243 Smiths Station, Alabama 36877 Attorney for Petitioner Raymond L. Jackson, Jr., ALSOBROOK JAKCSON PO BOX 3575 Auburn, AL 36831-3575 (334) 991-3143 DONE this the 27 day of April 2018 s/Bill English/ PROBATE JUDGE LEGAL RUN 5/9/18, 5/16/18, 5/23/18 & 5/30/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND LANGSTON HALL, Deceased.

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Geri H. Rheinheimer, as Executrix of the Estaet of Raymond Langston Hall, Deceased on the 18th day of April, 2018 by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by Law or the same witll be barred Geri H. Rheinheimer, Executrix.

LEGAL RUN 5/9/18, 5/16/18, 5/23/18

INVITATION TO BID 18032 Sealed bids for the construction of the 5th Avenue/North 4 th Street Drainage Improvement shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend.

Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor.

No bid will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer

located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. Phone number: 334-705- 5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required

of the successful bidder.

The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: 5 th Avenue/North 4 th Street Drainage Improvement LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 5/16 & 5/23/18

NOTICE TO CREDITORS PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ESTATE OF PRINCIE MAE ECHOLS, Deceased LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION WITH THE WILL ANNEXED (Cum Testamento Annexo) of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 26th day of April, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Probate Judge of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BILL ENGLISH, Probate Judge Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18 & 5/16/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2018-A-167 IN RE: The Estate of SHIRLEY CURRAN, Deceased TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Donald Durgin, as Executor of theEstate of Shirley Curran, deceased, on the 28th day of March, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by Law or the same witll be barred. /s/Donald Durgin Executor of the Estate of Shirley Curran, deceased.

Legal Run 5/2/18, 5/9/18 & 5/16/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate OF KENNETH IRVING BARTON, Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been gratned to Otis Denham as Administrator of the Estate of Kenneth Irving Barton, deceased, on the 1st day of May, 2018 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate.

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.

Otis Denham, Administrator Legal Run 5/16, 5/23 & 5/30

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the mortgage executed on the 2 nd day of May, 2013, by April Elaine Bentley, as Mortgagor in favor of William Pinkard, as Mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book No. 3973, at Page No. 451, and said default continuing, the mortgagee, under power of sale contained in said mortgage will sell at auction for cash to the highest bidder on the steps of the Lee County Court-

house in Opelika, Alabama, on the Friday, the 22 nd day of June, 2018, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said mortgage, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 19-A, GATES SUBDIVISION, a resubdivision of Lots 15 and 19, according to and as shown by map or plat of said subdivision of record in Town Plat Book 33, at Page 124, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

Said sale is made for the purpose of foreclosing of said mortgage, paying the mortgage

debt, the costs and expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fee.

Mortgagee reserves the right to bid on the subject property. Said mortgage is a first mortgage and is not junior to another mortgage of record. Said sale is also subject to unpaid taxes or assessments whether of record or not. _________________ William Pinkard, Mortgagee J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Mortgagee 830 Avenue A Opelika, AL 36801 Legal Run 5/16, 5/23 & 5/30/2018 See Legals, page B16

B14 May 16, 2018

pelika O E ntertainment

Last week’s answers:

5-9 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Bundle 2), Respect 3), Delay 4), Erode Solution: Doubts

pelika O Observer

B15 May 16, 2018

COMICS

There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.

-Erma Bombeck

pelika O Observer

B16 May 16, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-307-1449.

Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for autism parents will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika.

This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

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

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

• Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers

Legals from B13 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANNA M. STARR, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to FLOYD T. STARR, III and ALVIN W. STARR, as Co-Executros of the Estate of Anna M. Starr,

Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 2975581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org.

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

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

For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-5284197 or deborahowen@ eamc.org.

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

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

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension 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

deceased, on the 3rd day of May 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

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 witll be barred.

Michael E. Short Adams, White Oliver Short & Forbes, LLP 205 S. 9th Street, P.O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 368032069 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 5/9/18, 5/16/18 & 5/23/18

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

To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces. edu/anr/beginningfarms/ webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn.edu.

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

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

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

• The Opelika City Coun-

cil meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30-6:45 p.m.

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

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

8685 AL Highway 51.

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

The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122.

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

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

• Auburn-Opelika Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) meets every fourth Wednesday. CCL is a non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. We consider a national carbon fee which would be distributed as a dividend to all U.S. households as the most important solution to climate change.

Meetings are held at the Hubert and Grace Harris Center Meeting Room (425 Perry St., Auburn, AL 36830 --- directly across from the Auburn, AL U.S. Post Office), 7:00-8:30 p.m.

To learn more about CCL go to our website: citizensclimatelobby.org.

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

• Every Wednesday is

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

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

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

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

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/ Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call 770-845-2277 for more information or luncheon location of the month.

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

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

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

• May 19 Watoola United Methodist Church in Opelika is having its 42nd annual “BBQ and Bake Sale” May 19 from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Half pork and chicken plates will cost $9, and will include Brunswick stew, coleslaw, dill pickles and sliced bread. Drinks, utensils and napkins will also be provided. Pints of Brunswick stew and barbecued pork will be available for $6. Members of the church’s “United Methodist Women” group will offer homemade baked goods, ranging from bread and cakes to cookies. For more information, call 334-7497000. The church is located at 1370 Lee Road 38 in Opelika.

• May 22 The Achievement Center – Easter Seals (located at 510 West Thomason Circle, Ope-

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HARRIS WAKEFIELD ASBURY, SR., 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 4 th day of May, 2018, 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.

HARRIS WAKEFIELD ASBURY, JR. Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP, P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 5/16, 5/23 & 5/30/2018

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Caleb Josiah Hanson, Deceased, NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Timothy Brian Hanson as

Administrator of the Estate of Caleb Josiah Hanson deceased, on the 3 rd day of April, 2018 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are

hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BY: Timothy Brian Hanson, Personal Representative of the Estate of Caleb Josiah Hanson Legal Run 5/16, 5/23 & 5/30/18

lika) will hold an “Open House.” Tours ofthe newly renovated facility will be given from 10:00– 11:30 CST. Refreshments will be served. The public is invited.

• May 26 - “Family Day,” a grand re-opening of Bandy Park and celebration of its namesake, will be held May 26, beginning at 11:30 a.m. The familyfriendly event will include horseback riding, senior bingo, free food, basketball tournaments and more. All churches, families, social clubs and graduating classes are asked to RSVP to reserve a tent space for the event. For more information, contact Ward 2 Councilwoman Tiffany GibsonPitts at 334-444-5869 or email tiffanygpitts@gmail. com.

• June 9 - The “Greater Valley Juneteenth Community Festival” will be held June 9 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

EST. Hosted by Goodsell United Methodist Church, the event will include a health fair, voter registration booth, moonwalks for children, games, car show, live entertainment, food vendors and more. Those interested in vending can learn or download application forms online at www.juneteenth. com. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Carmen McCoy at 706-5019069 or Dr. Randy B. Kelley at 256-390-1834. The church is located at 1007 N. 6th Ave. in Lanett.

• June 9 - James Bros.

Bikes in downtown Opelika will hold its annual scavenger hunt, “Cruise ‘N Brews,” June 9 from 4-7 p.m. Relying on their smartphone or camera, participants will use a set of given clues to find specific locations in town, and take a selfie. Contest winners will be based on ability to find location, creativity of their selfie and costume/outfit worn during the event. For more information, call 334759-7555. The bike shop is located at 113 S. 9th St. • Auburn/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext Summer Play Dates May 24: Auburn/Opelika MOPS & MOMSnext is a community for moms with kids ages 0-15. Meet us at the Splash Pad at the Opelika SportsPLEX at 10:00 for some fun in the sun.

We’d love to have you join us. For more information about this event and our group visit our facebook page:www.facebook.com/ AuburnOpelikaMOPS/ • June 21: Meet us at the next Opelika Fire Station for a Tour!

• July 19: Meet us for a fun craft at Monkey Park in Opelika.

• August 30: Meet us at George’s Farmers Market for a fun day on the farm.

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

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: 2018-A-238 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CURTIS ALONZA HORNE, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTOR Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to RUSSELL DARREN HORNE, on the 8th day of May 2018, 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 time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Executor.

Hon. Bill English Judge of Probate Lee County Legal Run 5/16, 5/23 & 5/30