Opelika Observer 07-03-19 E-Edition

Vol. 11, No. 39

Wednesday, July 03, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

From the Opelika Observer - “By local people, for local people.”

Opelika Observer wins a General Excellence award in 2019 APA’s Media Awards contest

Also wins ‘Most Improved’, ‘Best Use of Photography/Editorial Content’

By Observer Staff

The Observer was awarded second place in the ‘General Execellence’ category for their division in this years Alabama Press Association’s Media Awards Contest.

They also received first place in the ‘Most Improved’ category as well as first place for ‘Best Use of Photography/Editorial Content.’

The Most Improved category as well as the Best Use of Photography/Editorial Content are both comprehensive awards where multiple entire editions are

Photo special to the Opelika Observer reviewed and judged accordingly.

One of the judges of the Best Use of Photography/Editorial Content

category left this comment, “sports photos helped elevate this (the Observer) above the competitors. In general,

Economy Air, Heating & AC celebrates 10th anniversary

By Morgan Bryce Editor In 2011, already equipped with an HVAC certification and nearing completion of his small business degree from Opelika’s Southern Union campus, 20-year-old West Point native Carter Pitts made a risky decision starting his own business.

“It was still hard to find jobs because the job market was so weak from the (Great) Recession. Lots of businesses in my field were keeping their best employees and letting others go, so I knew I might have a hard time finding something,” Pitts said.

Living in the Gentilly

the Observer used more photos to illustrate its pages, especially the photo packages.”

Other awards earned

by the Observer in this year’s contest include: Second Place Awards - Best Website - Best Business Story

Third Place Awards - Best Sports Coverage - Best Spot News Story - Best Humorous Column - Best Feature Photo - Best News Photo - Best Use of Graphics or Illustrations Michelle Key, Observer owner since late December 2017, spoke of how thrilled she was for the Observer to win these awards.

“I took on the responsibility of the Observer because I truly believed that we had job to do in serving our commuSee Awards, page A6

‘My Alabama: John Dersham Photograhs a State’ invokes memories with a bok of breathtaking photographs

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Trailer Park in Auburn, he set up an office in his single-wide trailer and revamped an older vehicle he owned into his business’s main means of transportation.

In the early 2010s when Economy was started, Pitts noted that businesses were becom-

ing less and less reliant on phone books and instead were turning to online reviews. He made the most of each call, employing a business approach that he still embodies today.

“Being new in town, I had to figure a way to get word-of-mouth See Economy, page A3

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 RELIGION..............................A12 CALENDAR..................................A14

Book cover: Photo by John Dersham/Special to the Opelika Observer

By Michelle Key Publisher “My Alabama: John Dersham Photographs a State” is an incred-

SPORTS..................................B1 POLITICS...................................B7 LEGALS.........................................B9 ENTERTAINMENT........................B14

ible compilation of 200 images taken from within Alabama’s 67 counties.

The book celebrates Alabama’s 200th

birthday.

The stories the photographs tell stretches from the mountains of North Alabama See Dersham, page A6

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A2 July 03, 2019

CyberZone Entertainment Center to host ‘Esports Skills Combine’ July 5 - 14

By Morgan Bryce Editor Opelika’s CyberZone Entertainment Center is inviting local gaming enthusiasts to participate in a 10-day-long Esports Skills Combine July 5 to 14.

Players will have a chance to showcase their skills and compete against others for scholarship monies and other prizes, including $50,000 in scholarships and team offers distributed following a March combine. Esports is growing and has scouts recruiting both collegiate and profes-

sional talent.

According to a description on CyberZone’s Facebook page, “players can take their gameplay and put it under the microscope for hundreds of Esports organizations and scholarship programs around the world. Whether you're already a pro or looking to climb the ladder, you can begin your journey and get on the radar for future Esports program consideration simply by participating in the combine.”

CyberZone will be one of 350 worldwide facilities powered by Esports and

gaming sabermetrics platform GYO. There is no registration fee, but participants will have to pay charges for gaming time logged.

Playing each day is not necessary to give scouts sufficient data, but more data leads to enhanced odds of being noticed by scouts.

To register, visit gyo. gg/combine/summer-combine-2019/.

For more information, call 334-737-5000 or visit www.cyberzone334.com.

The entertainment center is located at 107 N. 9th St.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

“Our Mission is Your Health”

Beauregard Drugs SPRING IS HERE…

And so are your Allergies!

We can help get you feeling better faster.

Stop by today.

334-364-9993 phone | 334-364-9997 fax 7667 Alabama Hwy 51, Ste. A, Opelika www.beauregarddrugs.com

pelika Observer

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

O

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

CORRECTIONS

Local athlete to participate in Iceland ‘Fire + Ice’ trek to fundraise for cancer research

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn resident Meredith Powell will spend five days hiking in Iceland Aug. 7 through 12 to help raise money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

The hike is often called “fire and ice” because on a single day, hikers will come across lava fields and volcanoes and then alongside stunning glaciers.

The hikers must be prepared for seven to eight hours of rigorous daily hiking with end-of-day destinations at the mountain huts situated in incredible settings.

There will be an assortment of geologic marvels, including volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, hot springs, gorges, lava beds, waterfalls and mountains. Additionally, the geothermal activity and colorful sulfur coming from the rocks coupled with the unique topography make this demanding mountainous hike otherworldly.

The MMRF Team for Cures raises funds for cancer research.

The organization was created to accelerate cancer research, particularly for multiple myeloma and speed the development and approval of new treatments.

Multiple myeloma, currently an incurable blood cancer, is the second-most common blood cancer after non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Powell shared in a statement that she will be doing the hike in honor of her mother Dianne.

“My mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013, just three months after her 50th birthday. It was found incidentally and by chance, when she was having blood work done to

obtain long-term care insurance.

Her cardiology lab work showed an M-protein spike, spurring on more tests that resulted in a diagnosis of multiple myeloma.

While she is in the smoldering stage now and at 25% cancerous bone marrow, her doctor has determined that through quarterly lab work, they will monitor her percentage of cancer cells in her bone marrow, and track bone lesions and kidney involvement. However, since her diagnosis, her protein levels have continuously risen, while her hemoglobin levels continually drop, indicating progression of the disease.

Over the past six years, I have heard the fear in my mother's voice every three months when preparing to go in for blood work and labs. She describes each visit as "a waiting game," when inevitably she knows there is a huge chance that one day she'll go in and learn that her cancer has gone active and it will be time to begin treatment. I want there to be a cure so badly, and I believe the MMRF can do that. I believe a cure is in the near future. Treks like this can help bring awareness to multiple myeloma and raise money toward the cure that my mother and so many others so desperately hope for.

Between my mother's multiple myeloma and her heart failure (which resulted in the surgical implantation of a pacemaker/defibrillator in the same year of her MM diagnosis), I have seen my mother’s ability to be physically active decline greatly. Since her diagnosis, she has vowed to alSee Powell, page A3

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pelika O Observer

A3 July 03, 2019

Opelika Utilities Hundreds gather to ‘Ride for Will’ actively working More than $9,600 raised for his family to alleviate water taste issues

By Morgan Bryce Editor Opelika Utilities is actively working to alleviate the earthy taste and odor that Auburn and Opelika residents alike have been noticing in their drinking water.

In a statement June 3, Opelika Utilities General Manager Dan Hilyer said seasonal algal blooms in Saugahatchee Lake were the culprit.

“Opelika Utilities wants to assure its customers that the water is completely safe to consume. Efforts are ongoing to reduce or eliminate the objectionable flavor and smell,” Hilyer’s statement read. “These efforts include testing the effectiveness of activated carbon filters, ozone and Nanofiltration technology.”

In other media interviews, Hilyer noted that these upgrades could cost

Economy, from A1 (advertising) and that’s why I started letting my customers leave reviews before they were really a thing,” Pitts said. “I try to take time to talk to each customer or client I interact with and get to know them ... we want to build long-term relationships with them.

You can sum up all of our services in one

Powell, from A2 ways do whatever she feels she can physically do to experience life to the fullest, but she tires very easily— from something as simple as showering and drying her hair.

I know that my mom would love to do a trek like this to raise awareness of the disease, but physically a trek like this would be nearly impossible. I am trekking in honor of my mom and to raise awareness of the cancer that affects her and thousands of other patients.”

Moving Mountains for Multiple Myeloma (MM4MM) is a collaboration between CURE Media Group and the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) to raise awareness and funds for myeloma research. Since its creation in 2016,

upwards of $10 to $20 million, which will necessitate raised prices for consumers.

While the body of water lies in Opelika city limits, Auburn relies on Saugahatchee Lake to complement its water supply. This problem has arisen in previous years, which Opelika Utilities attributes to excess amounts of rain.

Hilyer added that the current algal blooms have gone away but could potentially return in September.

“Opelika Utilities asks for your patience and understanding as we work to determine the most cost-effective, longterm solutions to this issue,” Hilyer wrote at the conclusion of his statement.

For more information or updates, call 334-705-5500. The facility is located at 4055 Water St.

word: comfort - that’s what we’re selling.

That’s what we focus on and what we’re prescribing.”

As business continued to grow, Pitts began looking for a place to both expand his business and start a family.

After carefully evaluating his options, he and his wife Courtney chose to relocate to Opelika in early 2017.

Economy is located in an office space behind their residence at 408 MM4MM has raised nearly 2.5 million dollars, 100% of which goes directly to cancer research.

In 2019, Celgene and GSK have joined the effort as sponsors.

Patients, caregivers, myeloma doctors and nurses, and myeloma loved ones take on challenging mountains — Mount Kilimanjaro, the Grand Canyon, Peru’s Machu Picchu, Mt. Fuji, and Everest Base Camp — to demonstrate that the advancements being made in recent years, funded and spearheaded by the MMRF, are helping patients live longer with a higher quality of life than ever before.

“The success of these events is directly correlated to the passion of each hiker who not only takes on the challenge of these hikes, but makes a difference in the lives of patients with multiple myeloma. These

Rick Lanier For the Opelika Observer On the evening of May 20, Auburn police were dispatched to a report of a domestic dispute at the 3000 block of Wire Road.

As the officers attempted to make contact with the reporting party, they came under a fury of gunfire. During the mayhem, Officers Webb Sistrunk and Evan Elliot were shot and injured. Sadly, William Ray “Will” Buechner Jr. was mortally wounded in the line of duty.

Buechner was a respected veteran police officer and much more. A son, a loving husband and dad to a wonderful family.

A lawman, servant and a peace maker within his community. A motorcyclist and a brother of the Gunners Law Enforcement MC – a brother not by blood but by N. 11th St. While Pitts and his five-member team are out on jobs across the AuburnOpelika area, Courtney oversees office operations.

Services offered by the company cover air conditioning, heating and indoor air quality and include maintenance, installation and repairs. Economy is a “proud” Bryant dealer.

Despite its humble beginnings, the Pitts’ and their staff have

heritage.

He had many such brothers, sisters too, most of whom never had the honor of knowing him, but all who considered him a brother just the same.

On Saturday, hundreds of Will’s brothers and sisters attended a tribute rally and memorial ride at Harley Davidson of Montgomery to honor his sacrifice and to help raise money for a college fund for his children. Montgomery area merchants graciously donated items and services for door prizes and raffles. Montgomery Harley Davidson unselfishly hosted vendors who volunteered their services for donations. There were new bikes and clothing, burgers and dogs, doughnuts and treats, soft drinks and water, live music and a chance to meet recording artist Jessie Lynn.

When all was said and done,

managed to keep Economy up-to-date on current trends and transform it into a perennial million-dollar business since relocating to Opelika.

“As his mother, I’m so proud of him and everything he’s accomplished,” said Pitt’s mother Jackie.

With apprenticeships on the rise and an abundance of empty positions available, Pitts encourages high schoolers or college students

Photo by Rick Lanier/Opelika Observer

more than $9,600 was raised for his children.

The day’s events culminated with a ride for Will. Two-bytwo, more 350 bikes, escorted

by Alabama Highway Patrol and Auburn Police Department motorcycle units, as well as, the Montgomery Police Department, rolled onto Eastern Boulevard headed north to visit him at his final resting place in Auburn.

Along the way, rider’s encountered hundreds of onlookers and well-wishers gathered on the overpasses and along the sides of the road, carrying flags and inspirational banners. Once at Will’s place, most met him for the first time and one-by-one they stood side-by-side to pay their respects.

It was a good day for everybody.

“Rest easy now my Brother, on the wings of the Angels, until we ride again.” - Unknown

with undeclared majors to seriously consider pursuing a trade as an alternative to the traditional four-year degree from an institution like Southern Union and its state-of-the-art instructional facilities.

“Every parent wants their kid to go to a four-year school, but what every parent needs to realize is that without a trade, you’ve got nothing to fall on. What you went to school for may not be relevant

in five, 10 or 20 years from now,” Pitts said.

“There’s definitely a shortage of people skilled in trade-type jobs and there are opportunities out there for people who want to pursue them.”

Economy’s hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

For more information, call 334-524-5328 or like and follow the business on Facebook.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer caring individuals reach out to their friends, coworkers, and family members, who in turn contribute whatever amount they can,” said Team for Cures Associate Director Jane Hoffmann. “Everyone walks away from these events inspired

and rewarded knowing they’ve positively impacted the lives of patients.”

In 2008, the MMRF started an endurance charity program that has since grown to include a select group of world-class events that range from the TCS New

York City Marathon to the IRONMAN Lake Placid. In 2019, the MMRF Endurance Events Program will raise more than $3 million with 750 athletes, bringing the 10-year total funds raised to more than $23 million.

To support Pow-

ell, visit endurance.themmrf. org/2019Iceland/meredith.

For more information, visit www. endurance.themmrf. org or contact Hoffman by calling 203391-4053 or email at HoffmannJ@ themmrf.org.

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A4 July 03, 2019

S

Empty-handed

ummers in Alabama have always been a hot mess.

Literally. As the youngest child in a middle-class family, I knew there were people who had more material things than we did. And, for the most part, that didn’t bother me at all. Through the sacrifice of my parents, I had everything I needed and plenty of the things I wanted.

But deep in my heart, I harbored a bottomless desire for a house on the lake. Mary Ellen Jameson in my 3rd grade class, had grandparents who lived on Lake Martin. She spent her summers on the water, and she spent all of September through May telling us every detail of her adventures on her boat and the fish she caught and the general bliss she was lucky enough to experience as one of the privileged “lake kids.”

I remember one miserable, 100-plus degree day in the summer of ’75 when I dragged our old plastic wading pool into the backyard and filled it up, thinking that even a little bit of liquid relief would be worth the trouble. But once I climbed

I

am so very thankful for the many opportunities I have had to be around senior citizens during the years.

One truth that has been pointed out to me is that I am a senior citizen too! I am in the senior citizen range of the Baby Boomer generation because I was born between the years of 1946 through 1964.

We Baby Boomers have different expectations of our

I

By Wendy Hodge

in and my stretched out my legs, my feet touched the other side. I realized I had grown quite a bit since my wading pool days. With an exasperated sigh, I slid down into the water and tried to imagine myself as an entirely different child… a “lake child.”

When I came up for air, my grandmother was standing there looking at me, shaking her head. “I can read you like a book, Wendy Lynne.”

I believed her.

“You’re sitting in that cool water feeling sorry for yourself.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but swallowed the words back. What was the point of denying it?

She held my gaze and said, “Don’t you know that blessings just fall down from the sky all the time, little ones and big ones, but a person can be so busy reaching out for what we think we want that we miss what’s right

in front of us.”

“But I want a house right out on the lake where you can just open the door and there it all is… all that beautiful water…”

“Wendy Lynne, just stand still and hold out your hands. Every day your hands are full of things to be grateful for.”

It took me a long time to learn how right she was.

Last weekend, I spent the day on the lake with my best friend. We fished in the early morning.

We took the boat up and down the lake, fishing and laughing and just breathing in the air off the water. We braved what he insists is an actual waterfall. (A few rocks with water trickling over them does not make a waterfall…. but I don’t want to crush his enthusiasm.)

We docked at a restaurant on the lake and had a perfect lunch with the most delicious cocktail I’ve ever had.

We sped back to the house with the wind in our faces, laughing and just smiling at each other.

We drifted on floats, looking up at the sky, and dozed under the sun.

And then we were See Hodge, page A5

D

American

EAR SEAN: The nation is going down the toilet, bro, and it is people like you (no offense) who are inadvertently doing more harm than good.

I don’t mean to be a hater, but Americans suck right now, dude. I know you mean well, but nothing’s going to change if you keep writing little candy-coated vignettes and ignore our problems.

Thanks, Not feeling very patriotic this year bro DEAR UNPATRIOTIC: A few candy-coated vignettes for you: Meet Mary—single mother with three kids. Her husband shot himself with a hunting rifle after serving in Iraq.

She goes to baseball games, soccer games, piano recitals, 4H Club, Girl Scouts and still finds time to make supper.

She works as a receptionist and helps her brother-in-law landscape on weekends.

“Some days I don’t

By Sean Dietrich

know if I’m gonna cry or scream,” she told me. “I keep telling myself, God’s gonna gimme strength.”

Here’s some more candy-coating: John. Guitarist and singer. He’s played in small bars since high school. His father called John a “loser” and “lazy.”

Not true.

John met a girl.

A dental assistant, attending school to become a dentist.

Her parents are immigrants, she doesn’t have much money.

They got married.

John gave up music to work three jobs and fund her tuition.

“I spend my days on scaffolding,” said John. “Painting commercial buildings, and part-time with an electrician, man I’m hauling ass, but I love her.”

Embrace what is important

retirement years than previous generations.

But, there are a set of standards that we have seen the Greater Generation model and live out that we Baby Boomers can adopt as our goals.

Care for yourself.

Stay physically and socially active as much as you can.

Physical activities help us to maintain overall good health.

Care keeps us balanced and flexible which keeps us from

By Beth Pinyerd

falling and too, we are able to continue to engage in everyday activities. Learning what is good for you nutritionally and eating well as you

age increases many health benefits such as increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness, higher energy levels and better management of overall health needs.

When we feel good, we have a more positive outlook which leads to increased health benefits.

Laughter and a sense of humor produces many health benefits. A good, hearty laugh relaxes the whole body by

releasing physical tension and stress.

Laughing is good cardiovascular exercise!

Genuine laughter is infectious and a key ingredient in promoting many social benefits.

Hope as you age.

Stay encouraged. As we age, this is a time that we can enjoy being the “person” we have always desired to be and learned to pace ourselves so we don’t get overtired.

We are kinder to our-

God bless love.

Another: I’ll call her Candy —that seems appropriate.

She met a man. She was a hairdresser, he was military.

He got deployed.

There was an incident. Now, he has a prosthetic leg.

She had children with him. They’ve gone through hell.

Today, be stays at home, caring for kids, packing lunches, kissing scraped knees.

She cuts hair.

“You wouldn’t believe our cool life,” says Candy. “Having kids has actually healed my husband’s heart.”

Her oldest brought her husband to classroom career day. It had been a long time since he wore his old uniform.

He told his story and made his forefathers proud.

How about Don: A white-haired mechanic who’s had grease under his fingernails since his teens. And for almost that long, he’s driven he same ugly Ford.

See Dietrich, page A5

selves.

Resist giving up on life. In spending time with my elderly friends, I have asked them what is the secret of enjoying daily life as they age. The immediate response is “don’t get tired of doing what is good.”

Health may present many different challenges, but don’t get discouraged and give up. Keep thoughts on good memories and See Pinyerd, page A5

Hospitality, Confederate style

n some states, April was designated Confederate History and Heritage month.

Every year when it rolls around, the historian in me feels obligated to have something to say about it, even though to do so runs the risk of a nasty letter to me (or to the editor) from sp,e group that feels it has a lock on history and resents anyone intruding into their territory.

Well, this year I will leave the “saying something about it” to someone who was there.

Like Daniel O’Leary.

Back in the 1970s, a packet of letters came to my attention. They were written by a Union officer, Daniel O’Leary, to his wife back home. One of the letters I found particularly interesting.

It told of an incident that took place early in 1864, somewhere in Northwest Georgia or Northeast Alabama.

In the letter, O’Leary writes his wife of how, during a break in the fighting, a comradein-arms took him for an afternoon outing “some distance beyond the pickets.” O’Leary agreed to go even though it was “rather a dangerous undertaking” and he “did not have the least desire to be furnished with lodgings in the Southern Confederacy.”

However, he set aside those reservations and plunged into darkest Dixie. Later, back behind his lines, he wrote this account to his wife.

“But we did not proceed far when we came in sight of a comfortable looking house and my friend informed

By Hardy Jackson

me that it would be the end of our journey.

We drew up in front of the house and a middle-aged gentleman made his appearance and received my companion as an old acquaintance . . . . [Then] we were ushered into the house. And to my surprise there sat two handsome young ladies. My friend was perfectly at home but I had to go through some more bowing and scraping and finally found myself seated much to my relief. I was not prepared for a conflict with such fair rebels and as they say in the army, was

taken by surprise. I soon solved the whole mystery. I came with a single man and was paying his address to one of the young Ladies. As there was one to spare and believing that I was single also, I suppose he thought he was doing an act of kindness. I tried to play my part as well as possible, but how well I succeeded I will never enquire.

They played and sang several patriotic airs, first on one side and then the other, and it was some time before I could satisfy myself which side they were on. I finally managed to find out that they were good rebels who wanted their rights.

What they were I could not learn, probably women’s rights.

I knew that I was not right and was satisfied

they had no use for me. I requested them to play Dixie, which they did and sang (the Southern side of course) in good style.

After spending the afternoon very agreeably we returned to Camp after dark Safe and Sound.”

Then he closed the letter.

“I cannot help thinking what you would have thought if I had got captured and you were to learn it was while visiting a young lady. I suppose the first thing would be, ‘served him right.’ At all events I have no curiosity to try it over.

As it is getting late I must bid you goodnight, hoping God will preserve you in good health, guard and comfort you in your lonely hours.”

I remain your loving husband D. O’Leary

Now what should we make of this, 150 or so years later? What does this tell us about a bloody conflict which divided families, turned friends against friends, and left psychic wounds that still fester among some of us.

Collaboration with the enemy? Were the Southern Belles really spies in disguise?

Were they using their charms to entice their guests to tell some secret that they would later pass along to Confederate forces?

And oh, what charms they possessed, for why else would a Union officer go absent without leave and expose himself to capture and a Confederate prison?

The friend who led O’Leary on the outing obviously knew the countryside and its

pelika O Observer

A5 July 03, 2019

Ron Anders, Gary Fuller participate in book reading last week as part of celebrating Alabama’s bicentnnial

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Last Friday, Auburn and Opelika mayors Ron Anders and Gary Fuller participated in a book reading of “Alabama, My Home Sweet Home” at the Pediatric Clinic. The event was an officially sanctioned Alabama200 event to commemorate the state’s 200th anniversary celebration taking place this year.

Pilot Club of Lee County announces new officers

Photo special to the Opelika Observer The Pilot Club of Lee County inducted new officers during a recent club meeting. Pictured left to right: front row, Parlimentarian Dottie Battle, Treasurer Mary Browning, Secretary Fay McCrary, Vice President Maria Traylor and President Claire Plott. Back row, Pilot International Members at Large and Instalation Officers Nancy Lehe and Cookie Adair, Pilot Club of Lee County two-year Director Rhonda Spivey, Anchor Club Director Nancy Barron, two-year Director Whitney Radavsky and one-year Directors Julie Stanley, Star Wray and Teresa Mabrey. Not pictured, Club Photographer Anne Miller.

The club’s mission is to serve the citizens of Lee County through projects and donations to assist citizens with brain disoders and their caretakers. We also focus on educating the community and youth about the needs of brain-disordered citizens by providing opportunities for service.

Visit their websites: www.alabamapilot.com and www.pilotinternational.org

Dietrich,

from A4

The vehicle finally gave up the ghost.

Don junked the truck and has been hitching rides.

On his birthday: a catered Dunkin Donut breakfast, greeting cards, balloons and something else.

His coworkers led him outside, blindfolded.

A red Ford Ranger with 57,000 miles.

Wrapped in a big ribbon.

Anyway, you have every right to not like where this country is going, friend. And who am I to tell you how to feel about your own country?

But when those fireworks go off on the Fourth of July, I’ll be watching.

And thinking. Thinking about single mothers, mechanics, dental students, pain-pill addicts,

homeless drunks, county prisoners, veteran amputees, immigrant students, preachers, burnt-out bartenders, football coaches, nurses, electricians, factory workers, janitors, writers. You. And my granddaddy, who fought hard just to pay bills, turn soil, and forget the War that changed him. I’m talking about ordinary people. Americans.

I’m sorry you don’t feel patriotic this year. But as for me, I am proud as hell.

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

Pinyerd,

from A4

“hopeful” promises!

All experiences in life help you whether good or bad.

Involve yourself in worthy causes. As we Baby Boomers approach retirement, we must remember it may be closing a door on a career path or job, but it is opening up another.

God isn’t finished with our lives because we reach a certain age to retire.

We may reinvent ourselves according to our needs in a sense of self-fulfillment. It’s never too late to pursue our dreams!

Stay the course.

Embrace growing older by accepting help when needed.

As we Baby Boomers age, it is important to listen to our older friends, the greater generation.

Because they have

Hodge,

from A4 given the unexpected gift of more time together than we’d expected. So we drove to the store, bought some steaks, and settled in on the porch under the tin roof just in time to watch a storm roll in off the water. A family of geese took shelter in the yard and watched us as we rocked on the porch, holding hands and hearing the symphony of rain on tin.

I don’t think there’s a lovelier sound on this earth.

My best friend is an excellent cook, and as the afternoon and the storm ended, he went inside to finish our dinner. I dozed a bit and then woke to find the family of geese had gotten closer to the porch.

One very large one was staring at me with his head cocked to one side. Baby geese waddled around, pecking at the ground.

I picked up a handful of crackers and slowly stepped into the yard. (My best friend calls this my “ninja walk.” I think he might be making fun of me just a bit.) The closer I got, the more the goose tilted his head until it was

walked the path of aging in life, they can make wellinformed decisions and they know what is important and what is not.

Take time to notice the world around you or “smell the roses” as the old adage goes.

Embrace getting older by having less stress. Less stress in our older years gives us more time to enjoy hobbies, family and friends.

Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold. Establish bonds with family and friends. It is so good to have that support system of love and peace that provides us a sense of security.

Aging is inevitable, it is something we don’t work for, but it just happens.

We Baby Boomers are a large generation in numbers and it is forecasted that we will redefine

almost parallel with the ground. I held out my hand slowly, thinking he would take the cracker and feed his babies.

But… He straightened his neck, lunged forward, and hissed like an angry cat – all in one swift motion.

I’m ashamed to say I ran. I may also have squealed like a little girl.

And there, on the porch, was my best friend, camera in hand, laughing out loud. “That ninja walk didn’t work for ya?” he said with a grin. (Yeah, he’s definitely making fun of me.)

“Dinner’s ready,” he said.

Inside the table was set with candles lit, music was playing, and the smell of steak and potatoes and gravy and butter was heavenly.

He held out his hand and asked me to dance.

John Denver sang about sunshine on his shoulders, and it had never sounded so beautiful. We ate like kings and went once again to the rocking chairs on the porch. The tree frogs and crickets replaced John Denver, and their song was just as lovely. The white lights strung up around the porch gave it a soft glow.

Time seemed to stand still.

This, I thought, is as elderly care on a daily basis as we approach this stage of aging. As Baby Boomers, it is good to understand what aging is, prepare our futures by listening to others, and to live our lives well by contributing and helping others.

Sharing with others as well as mentoring those who are younger than we are is wisdom that we Baby Boomers can share from a different perspective so that others will learn from and appreciate. Wisdom from the life we have lived and the experiences we have had provide us with a broader perspective so that we can help and give back to our communities and society to make it a better place to live for future generations. We as Baby Boomers have learned that it is better to give than receive.

close to perfect as life can possibly get. I breathed out a wish for it to never end, knowing that it would.

The next day, we left the lake behind us with heavy sighs. A regular work week loomed ahead.

Not much time together is our normal way of life for now. And neither one of us live on a lake.

“I really wanted you to catch a fish this weekend, Wendy,” he said. “But we’re leaving empty handed.”

“Oh no, you’re not,” I could hear my grandmother whisper.

I held out my hands in front of me. “These hands are full,” I said, He put his hands in mine and made it true.

If I never see the lake again, I have that perfect day. And I have the best friend I’ve ever had.

And there are a thousand other blessings that I hold.

My hands have never been so full.

Wendy Hodge is an Opelika native, an empty nester and lover of all things Opelika. She previously had a column titled A Word or Ten, which was featured in the Tennessee Star Journal and is currently awaiting release of her first novel with Harper Collins Publishing Company.

Jackson,

from A4 people. He felt safe there because, one imagines, and he never really considered it “enemy” territory.

The war was fought on the battlefield, not in the parlor of a Southern home, where there was only polite talk of “rights” and songs that could be sung either way.

That afternoon, two Union officers were welcomed as guests in a Confederate abode. There they were treated to the hospitality that has long been a Southern character note.

Then they left and rejoined the invading army.

Make of that what you will.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hjackson@cableone. ner. This letter is currently in the possession of Miss Jenny O’Leary, O’Leary’s great grand-daughter.

pelika O Opinion

A6 July 03, 2019

Awards,

from A1

nity. I was inexperienced and had a lot to learn in an extremely short amount of time. The learning never really ends. Over the last 18 months there have been many sleepless night contemplating ideas on how to improve and grow the paper in order to continue to serve our community to the best of our ability. Some ideas were good, some were not,” Key said.

“But I think what worked the best was that every idea was met with

Dersham,

from A7

to the beaches of the Gulf Coast; from the waterfalls and oaks in Lee County at the edge of the Eastern state line to the cotton of western Sumter County. Each photo or series of photos showcases the beauty and diversity of this great state.

Marshall County Dersham included several photographs from Marshall Coun-

a willingness to try by the staff of the Observer and when some ideas didn’t work, we were still able to take away lessons that helped the next idea work better. The willingness of everyone to just pitch in and help wherever needed has made us a tight-knit team and these 11 awards are the result of that team effort and I am just thrilled to share these honors with all that work with us.”

Key spoke highly of the foundation that was built by the previous owners, men and women that started the Observer in 2008 to fill a void that they saw in the Opelika community.

“Without the strong, solid foundation that they laid and built upon, the Observer would not be here today. I recognize that these awards all started with that foundation. So to each of them, I say ‘thank you’,” Key said.

The Observer also recieved a ‘Most Improved’ award in 2015 and Key stated that she is honored to be maintaining the high standards that were set years ago.

As editor and main writer for the Observer, Morgan Bryce shared that earning these awards is evidence that the paper and its staff are sharing news that is pertinent to readers in Opelika, Lee

County and beyond.

“I’m not in this to have a spotlight shined on me.

My drive and passion for my job come from my love of this area and the people in it,” Bryce said.

“With any assigned piece I have, I always try to place the reader first and foremost in my mind and ask myself, ‘what would I want to know about this if I was learning about it for the first time?’ Plus, we have an outstanding team here that is striving daily to improve, an energy that helps keep me going.”

Bryce added that he believes the paper has a bright future ahead as the paper’s coverage areas continue their exponen-

tial growth.

“Here in our home base, there’s new businesses coming and opening frequently. In Beauregard, there’s talk of incorporation and becoming a city in the near future,” Bryce said. “The same applies for Smiths Station, which has been experiencing massive housing growth the last three years and is about to boom in the commercial realm. I foresee us having an unending cycle of positive community growth and news to share with our readers for years to come.”

For more information about the newspaper contest or to see a full list of other winners, visit

www.alabamapress.org.

Publisher’s Note: We would like to congratulate our fellow regional newspapers for their success in the General Excellence category as follows: • Division B - OpelikaAuburn News - 2nd Place • Division C - Citizen of East Alabama - 3rd Place • Division E - The Auburn Plainsman - 3rd Place.

These awards show the local media’s effort to provide quality news and information to our community as a whole.

We are honored to be a part of this awardwinning group.

ty. Those images invoked deep-seated memories within me. I was born and raised in Marshall County and I have probably visited the site of every single one of those photos at some point during my life. Dersham includes breathtaking views of Guntersville Lake, the very lake where at the tender age of 17, I said yes when presented with an engagement ring. The images of the rural landscapes look as if they were taken in my backyard.

DeKalb, Etowah, Madision Counties

Growing up in the semi-rural Marshall County meant that much of our back-toschool shopping, date nights and entertainment took place in the surrounding DeKalb, Etowah or Madison counties.

- DeKalb My mother’s family still lives in DeKalb County and many days were spent there exploring. Little River Canyon is well-represented in My Alabama as is Lookout Mountain. The Lookout Mountain Parkway begins in Alabama and

ends in Chattanooga.

Fort Payne was home to the country music’s June Jam featuring the legendary group ‘Alabama.’

- Etowah Back-to-school shopping always meant a trip to the Gadsden Mall and I remember begging my mom if we could stop at Noccalula Falls before heading home.

Scrambling down the rocks to capture the view from behind the falls like Dersham’s photo on page 173 was a popular challenge for us young

teens.

- Madison Some of my favorite memories were spending long summer days at the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center in Madison County with my cousin and with friends.

As a mother, I have had the pleasure to watch my own children experience this treasure of north Alabama.

Lee County Lee County has been my home since 2011.

Dersham includes photos of the beautiful ‘Founder’s Oak’

tree and the falls at Chewacla State Park.

Both are icons of Lee County that are visited by residents and visitors year round.

Opelika is know for its gorgeous Azalea Trail every spring and Dersham’s photo of a local azalea bloom showcases the beauty that can be found throughout the region every year.

This beautiful, wellplanned book is nothing but a pleasure to see as I flip the pages.

So many of them bring the memories I have shared to mind as well as others.

I suspect that this book will illicit such sweet memories from anyone that has spent time in our great state.

While the book contains photos from each of the state’s 67 counties, it is organized by the seasons starting with winter.

Dersham’s use of light and his attention to detail brings each of these photographs to life.

As one hears so often, ‘A photo is worth a thousand words’ but Dersham’s photos left me speechless.

About John Dersham According to NewSouth Books, Dersham is an internationally recognized, awardwinning photographer, whose art photography and commercial work has been featured in gallery and other exhibits nationwide.

He is one of the most sought-after photography instructors and speakers in the subject of photography in the Southeast. He spent 30 years working for Kodak and says he developed his love of photography when he started taking photos with a 1930 Kodak Brownie. He is currently the President of DeKalb Tourism and My Alabama: John Dersham Photographs a State is the first published book devoted to his work.

My Alabama is published by NewSouth Books in Montgomery and is available online and through local book retailers.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: • July 3 - Opelika’s 67th annual ‘Freedom Day Celebration’ at Opelika High School • July 4 - Auburn’s annual ‘Independence Day Celebration’ at Duck Samford Park July 12-13 - Auburn Knights Annual Reunion at Grand National

Celebrate Independence Day in a 1776 setting at American Village Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

W

ith fireworks lighting up the sky at twilight, celebrate the Fourth of July this year with a patriotic theme in a setting reminiscent of a 1776 village at the American Village in Montevallo. Amid a theme of red, white and blue, spend the day with family enjoying handson children’s activities, colonial games, patriotic music, Continental Army reenactments, salutes to veterans and activities with costumed historical interpreters.

Patriots dressed in period inspired attire will offer firsthand experiences.

Throughout the Village

look for Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton, among others.

Two of the crowd favorites are the Independence Day Ball, a celebration of dance, music and song; and the Battle at Concord Bridge, as the shot heard ‘round the world ignites a Revolution. Both will be performed twice during the day.

While there will be food vendors, pack a picnic to savor while enjoying the fireworks. A variety of easy to carry coolers make it easy to pack a picnic and keep the food cold until ready to enjoy.

If you can’t go on the

Fourth, plan an outing during the month of July for their summer season signature program “Celebrate America,” which features “Pirates, Spies and Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride.”

Step back in time and learn how colonial spies passed secret messages. Take part in the trial of Blackbeard’s pirates. Join Paul Revere on his midnight ride to warn the colonists that the British are coming.

The summer program runs Tuesday-Saturday (except July 3-5) from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. until July 31. Start at the visitor’s center to find out each day’s revolutionary events. Admission is $5.

Photo special to the Observer Take a picnic and celebrate the Fourth of July this year at American Village in Montevallo. The 1776 inspired village offers a variety of activities, Continental Army reenactments, musical performances and costumed historical interpreters. The day closes with fireworks at twilight.

Children ages four and under, veterans and active duty military are admitted free. Reservations are not required.

Opened to the public in 1999 with a focus on engaging and inspiring young people, the American Village offers a glimpse of history set in an authentically reproduced village.

Historical interpreters in period dress relive important moments in a young

country’s struggle for independence and liberty.

The American Village creation was the vision of Tom Walker, whose perseverance brought the living-history center to life on 188 acres in Shelby County. Walker envisioned students being able to “step into the scene” of history, making our country’s legacy real, personal and relevant. Each year, 30,000 to 40,000 students from Alabama and nearby

states visit the Village.

Step into history at the Colonial Courthouse, Washington Hall, the Oval Office, Colonial Chapel, President’s House, Randall Miniature Museum of American History, Liberty Hall, the National Veterans Shrine and Register of Honor, two Colonial gardens, and a replica of the North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts.

See Cipperly, page A8

12th annual ‘Waverly Tomato ‘The Dining Winos’ chronicle culinary Throwdown’ scheduled for July 27 experiences, trips in weekly blog

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Observe judging of some of the area’s finest homegrown tomatoes or add it to your own handcrafted BLT during the 12th annual “Waverly Tomato Showdown” July 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Waverly.

Presented by Wickles Pickles, the event will include art vendors, BLT bar, cake walk, live music, yard games and more.

According to an event

Each week, John Mark and Meredith Davis share their culinary experiences from some of the area’s best fine-dining establishments in the Auburn-Opelika area and beyond under the pseudonym “The Dining Winos.”

Last year, Meredith’s uninteresting job at the time and the passing of “Dining with Don” blog series author Dr. Don Roberts helped prompt she and John

See Throwdown, page A16

Photo by Sarah Van Hecke Photography

Mark to “pick up where (Roberts) left off.”

“Like (the Roberts’) we love fine dining and

good wine to go with it. We also enjoy traveling and experiencing everything life has to

See Davis, page A8

Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

pelika O Observer

A8 July 03, 2019

Cipperly,

from A7

A full-scale replica of the White House Oval Office and the President’s desk are among the many aspects of this 18th Century inspired village. The Resolute desk is a reproduction of the one used by most Presidents since Rutherford Hayes.

The Assembly Room in Washington Hall is inspired by Philadelphia’s Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were adopted.

A highlight is a reproduction of the “Rising Sun Chair” where Washington sat during debates. In this room students recreate the Constitutional Convention.

Inspired by Mount Vernon, Washington Hall has a life-size statue of George

Davis,

from A7 offer, so the combination of wanting to fill the steps where he left off, wanting to unclog my own personal accounts with all the wine and food posts and hav-

Washington in the grand foyer. The Mount Vernon Room features a reproduction of Washington’s secretary desk.

Outdoor and indoor educational programs are held at the replica Colonial Courthouse of Williamsburg. The interior is transformed into the Mayflower for Thanksgiving programs, and students debate the resolves for independence as delegates to the Virginia Convention.

Patterned from the first President’s home, the James B. and Sylvia S. Braswell President’s House was the home of the Washingtons and Adams when the first capital was in Philadelphia. The interior is furnished to interpret the presidency of the 1790s.

The original house no longer exists.

Many weddings are held every year at the Lucille Ryals Thompson Colonial

Chapel, modeled after the Bruton Parish Church of Williamsburg. From a 100 year old pulpit, an interpreter representing Patrick Henry gives a stirring “Give me liberty or give me death” speech.

The restored Miniature Museum of American History has found its home at the American Village.

Businessman H. Pettus Randall Jr. commissioned sculptors and artists from 14 states to create dioramas illustrating America’s past.

The Inaugural Ballroom scene displays every President and First Lady in authentic period formal wear.

Completed in 2014, the National Veterans Shrine is patterned after Philadelphia’s Carpenters Hall. The Shrine honors veterans’ service and sacrifice for America. It features major sculpture and paintings by nationally-renowned artists, interactive media,

artifacts and exhibits.

Housed within the Shrine is the Veterans Register of Honor, a website and database containing photographs, biographical sketches, and stories of America’s veterans and active members of the United States Armed Forces.

One leaves the American Village with a better understanding of how our country was formed. “We have almost a national amnesia of about the roots of our freedom,” says the founder. “When we have an understanding that freedom and liberty did not come cheaply, it increases our stewardship.”

The American Village will open Independence Day at 11 a.m. with activities starting at 11:30.

Fireworks begin at 7 p.m. and end shortly after 9 p.m.

Doors close for attending the fireworks at 6 p.m.

Admission for the day is $5 per person. Veterans

and active military, and children ages 4 and under, are admitted free.

The American Village is located at 3727 State 119, Montevallo. From Opelika, it will take about two hours. For a complete schedule of events for Independence Day, visit www.americanvillage.org or call 205-665-3535 for further information.

Picnic Essentials Be sure to have enough cold inserts and bags of ice in the cooler to keep food cold. Don’t forget to take hand sanitizers, wet wipes, paper towels, trash bags, napkins, paper plates and utensils. You will also need sunscreen and insect repellent. Pack plenty of water bottles. Take a blanket or folding chairs for watching fireworks.

Snacks Wash raw vegetables and cut into easy to eat pieces and place in plastic bags. Have plenty of

snacks such as chex mix, graham crackers, fish shaped crackers and nuts in individual plastic bags to pass out to children. Take cookies that are easy to eat without any coating that could melt.

For adults, take strips of Swiss, cheddar cheese and other favorite cheeses, grapes and crackers.

Homemade cheese wafers are also good.

Sandwich Bites Our favorite snack to have handy for road trips is wrapped quarter sandwiches. Make sandwiches with whole wheat bread and almond butter or peanut butter. Cut into quarters. Wrap each quarter in plastic wrap and place in a plastic bag.

These sandwiches don’t have to be chilled and are easy to eat.

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com

ing a creative outlet for myself and my love for taking photos to document life led me to do this,” Meredith said. “I even had a conversation with Lorna (Don’s wife) at dinner one night about how this idea came to me, and asked if she minded me carrying on the torch, and she said sweetly that she

thought Don would be honored if I did so.”

The Davis’s love story began more than seven years ago on a date at Birmingham’s Maestro 2300, where John Mark both booked live entertainment and worked as a wine representative for Pinnacle Imports.

Their relationship blossomed and they eloped

three years later to a friend’s family winery in McMinville, Oregon.

Though she liked and appreciated wine, Meredith said John Mark used his background in restaurant management and wine sales to help educate her about the world of wine. They are now both first-level and Court of Master somme-

liers, but he has a “much deeper knowledge about wines,” according to Meredith.

The couple divvy responsibilities when describing their experience at a restaurant.

John Mark lends his knowledge to Meredith in the writing process while she takes photographs and later shares their content on their social media channels.

“All our content is original. It is something that you can grow your knowledge and appreciation for everyday, with every dinner and pairing,” Meredith said. “It's a fun hobby to have.”

While they enjoy sharing highlights from their national and international culinary experiences, Meredith said she enjoys showcasing the best that the Auburn-Opelika area has to offer.

“We have such a great diverse restaurant scene now in our area, it's hard to narrow it down. In alphabetical order my top three favorites for finer dining are: Acre, Cafe 123 and The Waverly Local,” Meredith said. “We also enjoy Pho Lee, Dumps Like a Truck, and if we are at (Lake Martin), SpringHouse is a favorite and just a special place (for us).”

The Davises frequently receive questions from followers on their regarding wine pairings or the best place to host events, queries Meredith said she and John Mark love to help answer.

“The Dining Winos is at this point just for fun. I do not receive anything financially for promoting anyone or anything. It is just a place for us to chronicle some of the amazing places we go, food we eat, trip tips, dining tips, wine tips ...the list can go on,” Meredith said.

“I only highlight things I thoroughly enjoyed. If I didn't like something you will never hear about it. I do not want to be a source of negativity. I love to focus on the Auburn and Opelika community that I call home.”

Meredith added that their experience shared through The Dining Winos has drawn them closer together as a couple.

“It's wonderful and we thoroughly enjoy the life we share together.

Life, like wine, is better when shared,” Meredith said.

For more information or to view past blog posts, like and follow their Facebook and Instagram pages or visit www.thediningwinos.

Buying or Selling?

Call:

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

www.thedensongroup.com

See Recipes, page A9

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

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

Financial planning for today, for tomorrow, for life.

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

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

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

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

pelika O Observer

A9 July 03, 2019

Local musicians can trade-in and recycle old strings for new at upcoming event Special to the Opelika Observer Local musicians attended a free recycle and restring event at American Guitar Boutique in Phenix City on June 29. Sponsored by D’Addario® and international recycling company TerraCycle®, musicians could bring any old instrument strings for recycling and get their electric or acoustic guitars restrung with D’Addario NYXL or Nickel Bronze Acoustic strings. In exchange for restringing, American Guitar Boutique asked customers to bring-in non-perishable donations to benefit the local Lazarus Society Food Bank. Old strings collected during the event will be recycled through Playback, D’Addario’s free, national recycling program.

American Guitar Boutique was estab-

Recipes,

from A8 Easy Peanut Butter Bars ½ cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy ½ cup butter or margarine 1 ½ cups sugar 2 eggs 1 cup self-rising flour 1 tsp. vanilla Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 13 by 9 inch baking dish. Melt peanut butter and butter over low heat. Add remaining ingredients and stir until smooth. Pour into greased baking dish; bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool and cut into squares. Makes 2 dozen squares.

Mamma’s Ice Box Cookies Lucinda Samford Cannon 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 eggs, beaten 4 cups flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) Beat butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and mix well. Gradually add flour, baking soda, salt and vanilla. Mix well. Stir in pecans.

Shape dough into logs and wrap with plastic wrap or freezer paper.

Chill in refrigerator (at least an hour) or freeze.

Slice thinly and bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 10 minutes.

Cheese Wafers Linda Silavent 1 stick margarine, softened 2 cups grated New York Extra sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup Rice Krispies cereal Dash of red pepper Pinch of salt Mix all ingredients together. Roll out on floured surface and cut with a small round biscuit cutter or shape into small balls. Place on cookie sheet sprayed with Pam. Bake at 375 degrees about 10-12 minutes or until

lished by Tim O’Brien and Mike Childree in 2014 after the duo accumulated 40 years of experience by actively working as musicians.

O’Brien and Childree apply what they learned from their time in the industry by providing exceptional service at reasonable prices, supporting local schools, and by nurturing their customers’ love of music whether they be a beginner or professional.

Playback is the world’s first instrument string recycling program, launched through a partnership between D’Addario and innovative recycling company, TerraCycle.

The program is a part of D’Addario’s Players Circle loyalty program and allows registered users to recycle their used strings in exchange for extra Players Circle points. Musicians

attending the recycle and restring events will receive a code at the event, redeemable for extra Players Circle points. Points can be used towards merchandise or donated to the D’Addario Foundation, the company’s nonprofit organization supporting music education in underserved communities.

“We’ve been searching for a solution for old string reuse after installing a new set on a guitar, so it’s great that D’Addario and TerraCycle are helping dealers confront this issue” Childree said.. “Recycling these strings, regardless of brand-name, will greatly minimize our store’s landfill contribution.”

D’Addario has been consistently committed to the environment, working to reduce their company’s packaging waste and use the

most environmentally responsible packaging available on the market.

Their partnership with TerraCycle allows them to further reinforce their role as an environmental leader in the music industry.

TerraCycle is a global leader in recycling typically non-recyclable waste, working with companies to implement recycling initiatives and finding solutions for materials otherwise destined for landfill.

Musicians interested in recycling through Playback can visit http://www.daddario. com/playback. For more information on the recycle and restring event, please contact American Guitar Boutique at 973-476-2763.

D'Addario & Company, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument accessories marketed

under several product divisions: D'Addario Fretted and Orchestral Strings, Evans Drumheads, Promark Drumsticks, Puresound, D'Addario Woodwinds, and D'Addario/Planet Waves Accessories. A family-owned and operated business with roots dating back to the 17th century and 1,100 employees worldwide, the company manufactures 95% of its products in the U.S. employing Toyota's Lean manufacturing principles.

D'Addario musical accessories are distributed in 120 countries, serve more than 3,000 U.S. retailers, all major e-commerce sites, and are the preferred choice of professional and serious amateur musicians worldwide including Dave Matthews, Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz and more.

TerraCycle is an innovative waste manage-

ment company with a mission to eliminate the idea of waste®. Operating nationally across 21 countries, TerraCycle partners with leading consumer product companies, retailers, cities, and facilities to recycle products and packages, from dirty diapers to cigarette butts, that would otherwise end up being landfilled or incinerated. In addition, TerraCycle works with leading consumer product companies to integrate hard to recycle waste streams, such as ocean plastic, into their products and packaging.

TerraCycle has won more than 200 awards for sustainability and has donated over $44 million to schools and charities since its founding 15 years ago.

To learn more about TerraCycle or get involved in its recycling programs, please visit www.terracycle.com.

lightly brown. Bake longer if you prefer crispier cheese wafers.

ingredients of choice.

Place lids on jars and pack in coolers. When ready to serve salads, shake jars.

filling.

Cut on the diagonal to serve. Store in refrigerator.

Makes 4.

Chicken Salad Sandwiches Jennifer Jones 4-6 boneless chicken breast, boiled 30-40 minutes with onion slices and a celery rib When cool, add: 1 ½ cups Hellman’s mayonnaise 1 Tbsp. Durkee’s dressing Dash Worcestershire sauce Dash Tabasco sauce ½ cup dill cubes or relish ¼ cup parsley, chopped (fresh or dried) 5 eggs, boiled and chopped very fine Combine all ingredients. May need to add a little more mayonnaise; add as needed.

To make sandwiches, freeze a loaf of fresh bread. When it is frozen, it is easy to slice off crusts.

To make sandwiches ahead, place sandwiches in Tupperware type container. Cover sandwiches with plastic wrap and place wet paper towel on top of plastic wrap to keep bread fresh.

New Potato Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing 2 lb. new potatoes, washed and quartered ¼ to 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions 1/3 cup olive oil 2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 1 tsp. or more Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste Cook potatoes in salted water until just tender; drain. Combine green onions, olive oil, white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard; blend well and pour over potatoes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Store in refrigerator.

3 cups fresh spinach Combine cream cheese, sour cream, green chilies, green onions and bacon bits in a medium bowl.

Spread enough cream cheese mixture evenly over tortilla to cover completely.

Layer a handful of spinach down the center of the tortilla and then shredded chicken.

Roll up wrap and slice in half. Wrap in plastic wrap. Store in refrigerator.

for 4 minutes or until a soft ball is formed when dropped into a cup of cold water.

Remove from heat. Add oatmeal, stirring well. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla.

Drop by tablespoons onto waxed or foil sheets. Cool.

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing Penne pasta, cooked according to directions on package Marinated artichoke hearts to taste 1 small can sliced black olives, drained 1 small jar pimentos or sun dried tomatoes, drained Italian dressing added to taste Freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste, if needed.

Combine all ingredients. Store in refrigerator.

Serves 6-8.

Turkey or Ham Ranch Rolls 8-oz cream cheese, softened 1 Tbsp. ranch dressing mix 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 lb. thinly sliced deli turkey or ham or combination Four 12-inch burrito tortillas Add ranch powder and cheddar cheese to cream cheese, mixing well.

Spread about 2 Tbsp. mixture evenly on each tortilla. Place 3-4 slices of turkey breast flat on top of the cheese mixture to cover in a single layer.

Carefully roll tortilla up tightly to make sure it holds together and keeps its shape.

Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up the softened cheese. Cut off ends of tortilla rolls and slice. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and chill.

Mason Jar Vegetable Dips or Salads Place dressing in bottom of mason jars. Top with fresh vegetables, such as carrot and celery sticks. For a salad, top dressing with bite sized pieces of lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped cucumber and other salad

Mediterranean Turkey Wraps ¼ cup mayonnaise or softened cream cheese Four 12-inch wraps or tortillas 4 large romaine lettuce leaves 8 oz. turkey, thinly sliced 20 kalamata olives, pitted and chopped 1/4 cup finely chopped roasted red peppers ¼ cup stemmed and chopped fresh basil, optional 4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled Spread mayonnaise or cream cheese over 1 side of each wrap. Place a lettuce leave on the lower third of each wrap. Layer turkey, olives, red peppers, basil and feta cheese over lettuce.

Fold in sides of wrap and roll tightly to enclose

Chicken, Cranberry, Pecan Salad Wraps 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken ½ cup dried, sweetened cranberries ½ cup chopped pecans ¾ cup chopped celery ½ cup or more, if needed mayonnaise Salt and pepper to taste 4 large tortillas or wraps In a large bowl combine chicken, cranberries, pecans and celery; stir to combine. Add mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place tortilla on a plate.

Layer with a heaping spoonful of chicken mixture. Roll tortilla; slice in half. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.

Chicken and Spinach Wraps 3 spinach tortillas 8 oz. cream cheese softened 6 oz. sour cream 4.5 oz. can chopped green chilies 2-3 green onions, chopped 1/2 cup crumbled bacon or pre-cooked real bacon bits, optional 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Ham, Turkey and Cheese Wraps ½ cup mayonnaise mixed with 2 Tbsp. mustard Four 10-inch flour tortillas 1/2 lb. thinly sliced smoked turkey 1/2 lb. thinly sliced ham 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese 1½ cups shredded leaf lettuce 1 or 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped Small Vidalia onion, chopped Salt and pepper to taste Spread mayonnaisemustard evenly over 1 side of each tortilla, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Layer ingredients in order; season with salt and pepper.

Roll up tortillas; cut in half diagonally, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Serves 4.

No Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Cookies 1/3 cup butter or margarine 1/3 cup cocoa 2 cups sugar 1 small can evaporated milk (2/3 cup) 2 cups quick cooking oatmeal ½ cup peanut butter 1 tsp. vanilla In a medium-sized saucepan, melt butter; add cocoa, sugar and milk. Bring to a boil over medium to medium-high heat. Boil

Food Ratings Mi Poblanita Taqueria 3708 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 80 The BreezeWay 213 S. 8th St. Opelika Score: 94 Louie’s Restaurant 2415 Moore’s Mill Rd. Auburn Score: 94 Kentucky Fried Chicken 1580 Opelika Road Auburn Score: 95 Jefferson’s Opelika 905 S. Railroad Ave. Opelika Score: 95 Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steak Burgers 1701 Capps Landing Opelika Score: 95 Zaxby’s 2705 E. University Dr. Auburn Score: 96 Teriyaki Express 1627 Opelika Road, Auburn Score: 97

A10 July 03, 2019

pelika Observer O

OGrows Farmer’s Market opens every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at 1103 Glenn St. near downtown Opelika

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

‘Route 66’ delights audience young and old during last week’s ‘Summer Swing’

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer

A11 July 03, 2019

Opelika Main Street’s July 27th BackTheBadge Lee ‘On Tap’ event to feature craft County to host benefit expo in Opelika July 19 beers from around the region

By Morgan Bryce Editor Opelikans can sample some of the best local and regional craft beers during Opelika Main Street’s “On Tap” event July 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More than 25 breweries and distributors will provide beer samples during the event, along with approximately local 10 food trucks serving a wide range of cuisines.

New Opelika Main

Street Director Ken Ward said he sees this as an opportunity for people to flock to downtown to sample great food and drink as well as leave a positive impression of what downtown Opelika has to offer.

“We’re really looking forward to it and think it’ll be something unique to this area as well as a great way for craft beer enthusiasts to get a chance to taste a lot of different beers from across the

From the Live Well Alabama Kitchen – ‘Power Mac and Cheese’

By Linda McCoy Special to the Opelika Observer

This Food Friday, Live Well Alabama is cooking delicious Power Mac and Cheese. Feed the family with this healthy comfort food. For a grab-and-go snack, have cut-up broccoli in the fridge.

Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni 4 tablespoons flour Milk, 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded, 2 cups Broccoli, cooked and chopped in small pieces, 2 cups Directions Cook macaroni, following instructions on the package. Drain cooked macaroni and return to pan.

While macaroni is still warm, sprinkle flour and stir thoroughly. Over medium heat, slowly stir milk into macaroni. Add cheese.

Stir over medium heat until milk and cheese thicken into a

creamy sauce, approximately 7-10 minutes. Stir in broccoli; heat thoroughly.

Live Well Alabama Live Well Alabama is a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) initiative developed by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University.

This initiative reaches residents across the state with researchbased education.

“Our goal is to raise awareness of healthy lifestyle choices,” said Sondra Parmer, Alabama Extension specialist with SNAPEd. “Through this initiative, we hope individuals with limited budgets will make healthy food choices and choose physically active lifestyles.”

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.

Live Well Alabama provides numerous recipes that are simple and budgetfriendly.

nation. As an organization, there are several major events we host throughout the year and we think it’ll be a great addition to that lineup,” Ward said.

Following is a list of the event’s confirmed beer vendors, as of Monday: - Abita - Avondale - Back Forty - Beacon - Blue Pants - Cahaba - Chattabrewchee - Chattahoochee

- Cigar City - Fat Bottom - Ghost Train - Goat Island - Good People Mad Malts - Grayton - Omaha - Oskar Blues - Pretoria Fields - Red Clay - Resting Pulse - Serda - Sierra Nevada - Straight To Ale - Trimtab - Wild Leap Twisted Barley and - Yellowhammer.

The segments of First and North Railroad avenues between 7th and 8th Street will be closed off for the event. Patrons will enter through The Railyard where they will present their tickets before entering.

After presenting their tickets, Ward said patrons will receive a punch card with a select number of available tastings and can purchase more if necessary during the event.

Advance tickets cost $35 and can be purchased through eventbrite.com or www. opelikamainstreet.org.

Day-of tickets will cost $40.

For more information, call 334-745-0466.

By Morgan Bryce Editor BackTheBadge Lee County is holding a benefit and shopping expo July 19 at Opelika’s Village Event Center to raise money for family members of the three Auburn police officers involved in the May 19 shooting.

One-hundred percent of the event’s proceeds will be shared evenly among Evan Elliott and Webb Sistrunk and their families as well as wife and children of the deceased William Buechner.

“Being married to the badge, I understand that a lot of them need encouragement given what has happened here in Lee County this year. (Through this event), we really hope to help meet some of their needs and build a (stronger bond) between the community and our local law enforcement,” said BackTheBadge Director Vickie McLeroy.

More than 80 vendors representing direct sellers and local businesses

have already signed on to participate in the event, according to McLeroy. Shoppers can also expect a bake sale, door prize giveaway and silent auction and be able to place cash donations inside a wishing well.

There will be activities for children during the event, including coloring as well as music and dancing with officers in attendance. McLeroy encourages first responders and local law enforcement present to visit a painted rock wall and take home a rock bearing an uplifting message.

Vendor spots are still available, at a cost of $100 per table with a door prize donation or $125 per table with the same features but electrical access included.

Participating vendors will receive promotion on social media in the days prior to the event.

To become a vendor or request more information, call McLeroy at 334-787-0252.

More updates will be posted on the “BackTheBadge Lee County” Facebook page.

Acclaimed strings group ‘Act of Congress’ to perform July 19 at Pebble Hill as part of Sundilla Acoustic Concert series Special to the Opelika Observer

Act of Congress will perform July 19 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Pebble Hill as part of Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series.

The group has completed five tours as U.S. cultural ambassadors, led by the U.S. State Department. They have played in Thailand, Oman, Palau, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Philippines, Timor Leste, Bali, Jordan and an Independence Day performance for the Liberian president.

According to critics, Act of Congress’s sound is “grounded, approachable and technically masterful.”

In two short years, the band was recognized by the likes of Paste Online, SXSW, Disney, Woodsongs, NACA, APCA (voted a finalist in the APCA 2010 Best Band competition) and Billboard. They

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

have also worked with Live Nation, opening VIP areas for artists such as John Mayer, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson and Brooks and Dunn.

Admission is $25 at the door and a limited number of advance tickets are available for $20 that can be found at Spicer’s Music, World Cup Coffee and online at www.

sundillamusic.com.

Free drinks and food will be available, but guests can bring their own.

Organizers ask that no glass be brought to the event.

For more information, visit the Sundilla website. The venue is located at 101 S. Debardeleben.

About Sundilla The Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series is a nonprofit

cultural organization, and a subordinate of Folk Alliance International, Inc. The mission of Sundilla is to bring professional touring musicians from outside of the area to Auburn, Alabama, and to present them to listeners in a smoke-free listeningroom environment.

For more information, visit www. sundillamusic.com.

Opelika

A12

Family & Religion

July 03, 2019

Losing ourselves in the glory of God

W

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

hat exactly is it that makes us want to sing? Certainly, singing is a way of expressing our mood—it’s emotion set to music. When we are happy, we sing a cheerful song or perhaps even a silly one. When we are down, we sing the blues. But there’s more to it than that, isn’t there?

There is power in singing. Who hasn’t sung a song and felt better for it? Who hasn’t sung and felt more courageous, committed, inspired or appreciative?

Casandra Martin said: “Words engage the mind, music engages the heart and soul. Songs

often work their way around the presence of pressure, pride, and perfectionism that tend to hide us, even from ourselves. Music speaks a common language that delights and satisfies hearts around the world.

While the form may change, the substance of music has the power to reach deep inside us and captivate our souls.”

We sing because we are made that way.

It is something that is hard-wired into us. God created us to sing.

And for the most part, it’s something we find great enjoyment in doing. Wherever you find people singing they will almost always be peo-

By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

ple who are enjoying themselves. We take delight in listening to others sing and will even pay (sometimes quite a bit) to hear our favorite singers perform.

So singing isn’t going anywhere. It’s here to stay because it is a fundamental part of who we are. That said, singing is used in all sorts of ways.

There are songs associated with television commercials,

Church calendar • Pepperell Baptist’s youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m.

This is an evening of prayer, Bible Study, and discussion. For more information, contact youth and children’s pastor Ryno Jones if you need more information at 334-7453108.

• The James Brown Trio will perform at Pepperell Baptist Church July 7, beginning at 6 p.m. The evening will feature great music, fun and

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

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

fellowship. For more information, call 334745-3108. The church is located at 2702 Second Ave. • Registration for Farmville Baptist Church’s First Steps Preschool program for fall 2019 is now open to the public. For more information or to register, call 334-887-7361 or visit them at 3607 Alabama Highway 147 N. in Auburn.

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

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

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

political campaigns, movies, etc. Couples have their songs, as do schools and universities.

In Exodus 15 we have the record of Moses and the Israelites singing an anthem of praise to God. Yahweh has split the Red Sea so his people could pass through it, then brought the waters back together to drown Pharaoh and his army as they tried to follow. After countless years of oppression, infanticide and ten plagues, the Israelites are finally free of Egypt. Although it looked like Pharaoh would bring them death in the desert (14:10-12), they were delivered. The suddenness of their

reversal has spawned an overflow of joy in their hearts and put a song on their lips.

Their songs are full of praise for God and what he has done (v.

1-2,11 and 18). Praise is, quite simply, the act of losing ourselves in the glory of God. It is when the sea of self parts and we walk out and stand in the presence of the almighty. The waters behind us come back together and drown all of our problems— starting with our ego and going on to our fears, anxieties, failures, heartaches or anything else that has been plaguing us. There is no finer experience. In fact, heaven comes to earth See Green, page A13

Verse of the Week

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

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

pelika O Observer

Pepperell Baptist to host James Brown Trio in concert July 7 Special to the Opelika Observer Pepperell Baptist Church will host The James Brown Trio in concert July 7, beginning at 6 p.m.

Together since 2000, the group is known for blending Southern and classic gospel with a blend of modern-day style.

The trio consists of

members Charles Story (retired Chambers County circuit clerk), Adam Traylor (Lakeview Baptist’s minister of music) and his wife Teel.

The event will feature an evening full of music, fun and fellowship.

For more information, call 334745-3108. The church is located at 2702 2nd Ave.

James Brown Trio

A13 July 03, 2019

Green,

from A12 when we lose ourselves in the glory of God. God’s glory is the sun bursting through the clouds. It is so magnificent that you cannot look at it directly. It is so bright it banishes all darkness—even the smallest trace amount.

All of the shadows brought by suffering, injustice and pain—it all becomes as if it never was.

Praise brings us to

this point. We know that however things might work out on this planet in our tiny lives, God is going to work it all out for eternity. All impenitence will be dealt with. All wrongs will be righted.

Until then we work to spread God’s kingdom of earth—with joy in our hearts and a song on our lips!

Bruce has written a two-volume work on the prophets called “Known Intimately Loved Ultimately.”

Both books are available through 21 st Century Christian.

OBITUARIES Kevin Scott Caldwell Kevin Scott Caldwell of Opelika was born on February 17, 1960 in Tallassee, Alabama to Edna and Perry Caldwell. He passed away on June 29, 2019. He was 59 years old. A memorial service was held in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church of Opelika at 3:00 p.m. CST on Monday, July 1, 2019 with Reverend Robin Wilson officiating. A visitation took place in the Fellowship Hall from 1:30 until the service at 3:00 p.m. He was a graduate of Auburn University, School of Nursing. He worked at East Alabama Medical Center for years and with hospice. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Opelika. He loved the Lord and quoting scripture. He was presently employed with the Opelika-Auburn News. His favorite music was the Beatles. He is survived by his parents, Edna and Perry Caldwell; brother, Keith Caldwell (Angie); two nieces and one nephew. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed Nelle Harris Moore Mrs. Nelle Harris Moore, 88, of Waverly, passed away June 23, 2019 at Bethany House. She was born December 10, 1930 to Homer and LeRue Harris.

She was a native of Tallapoosa County but lived most of her life in Waverly. Mrs. Moore was a member of Waverly United Methodist Church.

She was retired from Auburn University.

Mrs. Moore is preceded in death by her husband: Everett Moore; son: David Moore; granddaughter: Heather Moore Radcliff; and parents: Homer and LeRue Harris.

Alton Leroy Hannah Alton Leroy Hannah, 74, died Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Piedmont Memorial Center in Columbus, GA. He was preceded in death by his son Joey Hannah. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elaine (Prather) Hannah; his son, Jeff Hannah and his daughter, Meghan Hardesty, his extended family and many close friends.

Born and raised in Newnan, Georgia, the son of Alton and Christine (Pitts) Hannah, he was a resident of Opelika, Alabama.

After graduating from East Coweta High School, he attended Auburn

She is survived by her children: Debra Roberts (Bill) of Auburn, Barbara Greenlee (Art) of Waverly, Mike Moore (Lisa) of Waverly; daughterin-law: Kathy Moore of Auburn; grandchildren: LeAnn Walton (Michael), Brandon Reed (Cheryl), Andy Roberts, Ashley Wood (Jonathan), Jennifer Moore, Hal Moore (Anna Katherine), Dustin Moore (Nicole); 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Words from the family: Known as Bamama to many, she was a lady always smiling and giving to others.

Her joy came from her love for the Lord and being with her family

University. He then met his wife, Elaine, and they married in 1968 at St. Paul Methodist Church. In 1967, he joined the U.S. Army, where he retired as a Sergeant First Class.

After serving with the Army, and continuing in the Army Reserves, Leroy joined Ampex Magnetic Tape Corporation where he worked as a Plant Manager.

He later opened a florist with his wife where he took great pride in his business before retiring in 2015. He spent the next years cherishing his time with his best friend, his wife.

He was an avid Christian and Man of faith who took great pride in becoming an Ordained Preacher as

and friends. She was known for crocheting many blankets and cooking pound cakes for others.

As a lover of sports, she was quick to give a War Eagle and Go Braves.

Visitation was Tuesday, June 25, 2019 from 5:00pm until 7 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory.

A funeral service was held 10 a.m.

Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at Waverly United Methodist Church with Reverend Hunter Vardaman and Helen Walton officiating, burial followed at Camp Hill Cemetery.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

a Primitive Baptist.

He spread the Word of God as the Preacher for the Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church until his failing vision made it nearly impossible to prepare his sermons.

Even though he could no longer stand and guide the members of the church, he was always more than grateful for an opportunity to discuss the teachings of the Bible and kneel with someone who needed spiritual guidance. He was a man of God. A Memorial Service was held at 11:00 a.m. June 26, 2019 at FrederickDean Funeral Home in Opelika, with a private burial following.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directing.

Furrel W. Bailey Mr. Furrel W. Bailey, 73, of Opelika, passed away June 23, 2019. He was born July 28, 1945 in Randolph County, Alabama. He spent most of his life in the Opelika area.

He graduated from Opelika High School in 1963. Mr. Bailey retired from Faulk Corp of Alabama. He received the Easter Seals Employee of the Year in 1985; AC-ES Outstanding Leadership Award in 2006; AC-ES Board of Directors Certificate of Appreciation in 2007; East Alabama Governors Committee Professional of the Year in

Mary Josephine Murphy Mullican Mary Josephine Murphy Mullican passed away at her home in Opelika, Alabama on June 26, 2019. She was born May 17, 1944 in St. Charles, Missouri to Fredrick Francis Murphy and Viola Josephine Jones Murphy of Silex, Missouri.

Mary Jo is survived by her husband of fifty-one years, Joseph Carey Mullican; son Philip Carey (Megan) Mullican; granddaughter Jessica Christina Mullican; grandsons: Christian Philip Carey Mullican, Dylan Carey Mullican; sisters: Patty (Bob) Snyder, Janet (Curt) Lenk, Judy (Chas) Wilhite;

brothers: Ed (Karen) Murphy, Ron (Cindy) Murphy, Tim (Jill) Murphy; sisters-inlaw: Sharon Gaither, Karen Lynn Murphy; and a large number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers: Fred Murphy, Jr., Bob Murphy, Joseph Paul Murphy, Gary Murphy, and Dave Murphy.

Mary Jo was a loving, caring and devoted wife, “Mom”, “Grandmommy” and sister, and will be sorely and forever missed. A private family memorial will be conducted at St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Millwood, Missouri.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directing.

2011; and the Easter Seals Alabama Charlie Higgins Award in 2016.

Mr. Bailey is preceded in death by his wife: Toppy Kent Bailey; parents: Wilson and Millie Bailey; siblings: Glenice Bailey Gilchrist (James), Geneva Bailey Bryant (James).

He is survived by his children: Michelle Bailey, Gina Daniel Parker (Bobby Ray), Buster Daniel (Dana) all of Opelika; grandchildren: Cody Daniel (Destiny) of Opelika, Clay Parker of Boulder, Co, Taylor Daniel (Holland) of Opelika, Hannah Parker Perez

(Alex) of Nashville, TN, Bailey Stonaker Martin (Ryan) and Caitlyn Daniel of Opelika, AL; great-grandchildren: Bentleigh Martin, Kade Terrell; sister: Barbara Bailey Bone (Bob) of Kimberling City, MO. Visitation was from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with the funeral service starting at 4 p.m.

Reverends Paul Ferrell and Teresa Seevers officiated.

Burial followed in Garden Hills Cemetery.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral home and Crematory directed.

pelika Observer O

A14 July 03, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• July 4 - Chamber Offices will be closed • July 9 - Credit Central Loans & Taxes at 10 a.m.

• July 10 - 78th Annual Meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• July 11 - Storybook Farm Ground Breaking of New Barn at 3:30 p.m.

• July 18 - Connections - Networking Leads Breakfast at 8 a.m.

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

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee.

Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided.

Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-3071449.

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

at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika.

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

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

• The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334528-4197 or deborahowen@ eamc.org.

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

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika.

For more info contact Mary

Johnson, 749-1584.

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest.

Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November.

During the presentation, participants can send 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

Upcoming Events • July 3 - The city of Opelika’s 67th annual “Freedom Celebration” will be held July 3 at 6 p.m. at Opelika High School. Admission is free.

• July 4 - The city of Auburn’s “Independence Day Celebration” will be held July 4 at Duck Samford Park, beginning at 5 p.m.

• July 10 - The Lee County Master Gardeners meeting will be held July 10 at the Harris Senior Center in Auburn (across from the post office), The meeting

starts at 12:30 p.m. and the public is invited. The speaker this month is Patrick Thomas, arboretum specialist at the Auburn University Donald E. Davis Arboretum. His program this month in entitled ‘Diversity on Display.’ Visit LeeMG.org.

• July 10 - Second Saturday at Pioneer Park.

• July 12 and 13 - Auburn Knights’ annual reunion at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National.

• July 13 - “Vocals for Locals,” a fundraiser for the Community Foundation of East Alabama’s Tornado Relief Fund, will be held at The Railyard in downtown Opelika from 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through www.eventbrite. com.

• July 13 - Kids Drive-In Movie at the Opelika Sportsplex.

• Aug. 5 - Lee County Voter’s League monthly meeting.

suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn.edu.

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

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

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

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

The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6 to 8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122.

• The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the

civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www. auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/ Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes.

The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants.

Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri.paradice@gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month.

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Sup-

port 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.

•After School Art Classes for Children & Youth Weekly Studio Classes featuring Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 •Afternoon Art Classes for Adults featuring Studio Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided Thursdays at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Evening Art Classes for Adults Fundamental Drawing Studio - Every Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Portrait Drawing Studio - portrait drawing classes for beginners, Every Wednesday 2 p.m. EST *all fine art supplies are provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Senior Studio Art Classes Every Wednesday 11 a.m.

EST *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided - Enroll Today- 334-480-2008 Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

Announcing the 2019 reunion of the Auburn Knights on July 12 - 13 Special to the Opelika Observer On July 12 and 13, the Auburn Knights Alumni Association (AKAA) will host its annual reunion to celebrate the music and legacy of the Auburn Knights Orchestra, America’s oldest, continually operating jazz big band.

The reunion will take place at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National, Opelika.

Founded in 1930 by 10 students at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, the Auburn Knights Orchestra quickly evolved into a formidable regional jazz band playing gigs throughout the Southeast.

Each year, Auburn Knights alumni and friends return to the Plains to celebrate their unique musical heritage. To that end, the AKAA extends a warm invitation to the public to enjoy the incredible musical performances during this year’s festivities. Evening concerts will feature several bands playing the music of various eras,

reaching a climax on Saturday night when the current Auburn Knights Orchestra will take the stage to blow the roof off the joint.

A cash bar will be available as well as a dance floor for those so inclined to “trip the light fantastic!”

Nightly admission at the door will be $10 for adults and $5 for students with ID. Following is an itinerary for both nights, starting at 7 p.m.: The 30’s Alumni Tribute Band 7 to 7:30 p.m.; 40s/50s Era Alumni Band 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.; 90s/2000 Era Band and Urbie Green Trombone Tribute, 8:30 to 9 p.m.; 60s Era Alumni Band 9 to 10 p.m. and 70s/80s Era Band starting their performance at 10 p.m.

A poolside Jazz Brunch featuring Knights alums and other musicians will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The music will be free and music lovers will be able to purchase food from the Patio Bar or a Barbecue Buffet. Afterwards, a “Matinee Band” composed of Auburn

Knights and friends will perform in the Grand Ballroom from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

There will be no charge for this casual event.

In the Knights Archives Room, memorabilia from the storied history of the Auburn Knights will be available for viewing. Silent auction items will also be on display and folks will be able to bid on fabulous items donated by local businesses, as well as unique items crafted or donated by Auburn Knights families and friends.

Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the AKAA Scholarship Fund which has awarded more than $70,000 in AU scholarships to qualified Auburn Knights since 1971. Besides the silent auction bids, individuals or businesses who wish to support the AKAA (a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization) are encouraged to make a tax-free donation.

For more information, visit www.auburnknightsalumni.org.

pelika Observer O

A15 July 03, 2019

An ‘Alabama Bucket List’: Mt. Cheaha

O

n the road again, we loaded up the truck; kids, bikes, tents, food, coolers and all the things, including a dog. By persuasion of my eldest child, we brought Scout, our five-month-old retriever. She had yet to leave our home since we got her and I’m betting if we had asked her permission she would have said no to the occasion, but there was no choice, she was coming along.

The kids pack their own bags this go around I didn’t even check them. “Change of clothes and bathing suit?” I ask. That’ll pretty much do it for one night of camping.

Mt. Cheaha has the highest elevation point in the state of Alabama.

It is located only an hour and a half north from where we live near Auburn. I was eager to get there and so were my children, witnessed by their wiggles and constant chatter on the drive up.

When we finally pulled off the main highway to enter the park, it was just a matter of minutes before we were able to stop at the first look-out. We pulled off, everyone jumping out, and we were immediately taken back by the view.

Looking down upon thousands of acres of trees and mountains was beautiful. Dog and all, we just stood there and stared for a few minutes.

Even my busy kids got still and were taking in the vastness of the moment. Your perspective can change quickly when you realize that what’s around you is so big and you are so small.

The air was already cooler and we could have just parked it here for a bit and moved on later. Braxton has a way of seeing details I sometimes miss. He pointed out how the clouds above cause shadows on the land below, something you wouldn’t notice in the day to day busy of life.

Shep found a tiny

field amongst the trees and quickly asked if that’s where they farm?

I was quite proud of his observation and giggled.

Sunlight was perfectly beaming through the clouds onto my kids like pictures depicting light around angels. It was quite amazing. I’m beginning to realize that with every new view we see with our eyes, a new view is also laid upon our hearts.

The moment came and went, we drove on up the mountain to set up camp.

Cheaha was easy to navigate and the main office to check-in is right off the main road.

The staff was accommodating and the office included a nice general store for snacks and necessities. My kids were quite fascinated to find there was an outdoor dog faucet and dog bowl.

Braxton walked in the building just as he heard the clerk say, “next to the dog park.” Double bonus. I was gitty at this point that the dog had joined our journey.

I noticed many other campers and the office was quite busy with travelers. I saw a handful of what appeared to be park rangers and diligent employees. This gave me a sense of safety and security. We quickly moved on to set up camp.

We chose a semiprimitive campsite. It was clean and spacious.

We were able to pull our truck right next to our spot, having it close by at all times.

Cheaha also has an onsite hotel and restaurant,

Bradley Robertson as well as a pool. I found this unique and quite nice. I know families that want to get into the wilderness with their kids but don’t have the time to do the “camping.” If this is more your speed, Mt. Cheaha is perfect for you.

The first thing my kids want to do every trip is find the water hole, so we unloaded as little as possible and changed into our swimsuits for the lake. The hubs would be showing up later, so I left the tent and chairs out in hopes he’d set up camp upon arrival.

We had a short scenic drive from our campsite to the lake. The kids were happy to see a diving platform, as well as a park. My children wasted no time, out of the truck and into the lake in fewer than 60 seconds.

The view from the lake was nice and the swim was refreshing.

We swam over to the diving platform and took turns pretending like we were Olympic champions. Even Shep got brave. He’s not about to let his brother and sister out do his larger-than-

life ego.

After we swam to our hearts content, we headed back to camp to cook supper. Sure enough, the farmer had arrived and set up our tent and was building a fire. If ever there is a person that likes to take charge and be the boss, it is my husband. He can quickly turn into a drill sergeant and I have to remind him we are not in the military.

On the menu: hot dogs and chili. Simple and tasty. Isaac also brought a dozen ears of fresh corn. “Why on earth,” I asked, “did you bring a whole dozen? We won’t eat all that.”

“For our camp neighbors. I knew we could help feed someone.”

And there you have it; he is a talker and a friendly man, always up for making new friends.

Sissy cooked our chili and helped Isaac with the corn, while the boys

enjoyed walking Scout to the dog park. Shep took a few bike excursions and the boys even made it up to the lookout tower, not far from our campsite.

Soon, dinner was served and Isaac invited our new neighbors over for corn on the cobb.

It was humbling and rewarding to meet new people with similar ambitions for their family. The idea of getting away from the hustle, to sit back and enjoy each other. In todays culture of go, go, go, families are longing to slow down.

It was a beautiful eve-

ning with new fellowship and tasty food under a canopy of trees, stars and moonlight.

I huddled into the tent early with the boys, while Sissy sat fireside curled up in her daddy’s lap. Sissy is going into the sixth grade this Fall, and I’ve come to realize these childish moments are not going to last forever. They laughed and talked well into the night. I said my blessings, thankful for this time.

Rise and shine is very early when your camping, I’m talking 5:30 See Summer, page A16

Photo by Bradley Robertson/Opelika Observer

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

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

Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic products and services.

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

ICK RD.

FREDER

Tiger Town

Lowe’s

R.

D AY TEW GA

Kroger

Our New Location

Visit us here: www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

I-85

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Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

pelika Observer O

A16 July 03, 2019

Auburn’s inaugural ‘Food and Wine Festival’ Saturday raises $10,000 for The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lee County

By Bradley Robertson Special to the Opelika Observer Amongst a green lawn, large white tents and droplets of rain, Auburn offered its first Food and Wine festival Saturday, June 22, raising $10,000 for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County.

The inaugural event was hosted by a committee of individuals and businesses, whose mission was “to bring everyone together for the one common goal, that is to better ourselves and all those around us through fun, fellowship and food.”

The event was held at Twenty-One Acres, an outdoor venue space off Wire Road, and included 20 local restaurants, seven breweries/ distilleries and more than 130 wine tastings.

My husband and I arrived in the pouring down rain curious of the turn out and hoping they had enough food to feed a farmer’s stomach. We quickly saw that rain did not keep party goers away and the food was plentiful.

We were greeted with prompt service and received our wrist bands and tiny wine glasses. A photo booth was close by and we

Summer,

from A15 a.m. I was happy to rise, eager to see the morning view form a look-out near our campsite. Farmer hooked me up with a cup of instant coffee and off we went. The morning view was worth the long nights rest.

Isaac decided to hit up the lake early with the kids. This was a wise decision as no one else on the entire mountain was swimming at 7 a.m.

The water was calm and the air still had that

did not hesitate to take a picture, as we are rarely dressed for such a fun occasion together.

So our evening began. We wandered across the lawn and into a tent filled with people and wine and chefs and hundreds of smiles, folks eating and casually, enjoying a sweet Southern night.

We found it wise to start at the farthest end of the tent parade, to ensure we visited all vendors and didn’t miss any of our favorite foods.

My husband first spotted some barbecue sliders with slaw, he grabbed two and headed to our first wine tasting. We both tend to lean towards Pinot Noir, so that’s where we began, safe and secure.

The gentleman serving were a delight, testing their skills of knowledge with us, sharing the flavors behind the wine as well as its origin. We continued from table to table, some wine keepers being more enthusiastic and story driven than others, keeping my husband and I quite entertained.

The food vendors were well distributed amongst the wine, being sure we partook

in a little of both.

We were pleasantly surprised to stumble upon a delicious Ceviche from Stinky’s Fish Camp. We both had never been to Stinky’s in Auburn, so we quizzed them on their tasty dish; a chunky style dip, filled with fresh shrimp, crab, tomato, peppers, onion and herbs, paired with tortilla chips. It was my favorite food of the night. I adore fresh seafood and this ceviche was perfect. I found a tasty white wine at the table next door and had officially met my match for the evening.

I was soon lost in conversation with a familiar friend. It’s a treat to show up at community events and mingle with folks you don’t see often. We even met a handful of new people along the way. I’ve always loved this about being Southern, our sense of hospitality and enjoyment of making new friends.

I skimmed the crowd for my lost mate and found him grinning from ear to ear at the John Emerald Distillery table. I weaved my way towards him, he was busy chatting it up with the owner. “Hey honey, I just tasted

the best whiskey in the south.” We both laughed, farmer too had met his match.

His head quickly turned to the table next door when he read the words “Rabbit” and “Smoked Pecan.” I looked his way to see a food table set up by The Hound, serving up a dish of Braised Rabbit, Rabbit Sausage and Smoked Pecan Granola. It was melt in your mouth creamy and fine. We were honored to be introduced to the head chef Robbie Nicolaisen. We personally thanked him for his dish and enjoyed the opportunity to get to talk with him.

This was a bonus to the event, getting to meet all the excellent and known chefs in our community, as well as experiencing new restaurants and cooks. There was more

early morning coolness.

Everyone worked up an appetite and we soon headed back to enjoy sausage and smores for breakfast.

Our hikes for the day included: Bald Rock Boardwalk, Pulpit Rock and High Falls.

They were all exceptional and kid friendly.

This has come to be my favorite part of each adventure, being on the move to find something new. I love watching my kids explore and be in their own little worlds.

Bald Rock Boardwalk is a newer addition to the park. It’s meant to be a

handicap accessible trail but it’s perfect for families, especially with toddlers and strollers. It was first on our list and the end was a spectacular view, where we captured a family picture, dog included. This trail is short, making it simple and fun.

Next up was Pulpit Rock. This is a great trail for kids like mine who are active and busy.

Rocks, stumps, simple climbing, streams, forest, and all under a shaded canopy of trees.

At the end, you’ll find that picture-perfect spot, where you fell as though

you are standing on the edge of the world.

Our last trail was High Falls waterfall. It’s a 15-minute drive out of Cheaha, highly recommended; easy access with parking available. It’s a short trail too, rocks and streams and beautiful scenery.

The sound of rushing water throughout the trail keeps you moving and on the hunt for its source.

We found the falls within ten minutes of setting out. My kids enjoyed this trail as it had more climbing than others. The falls and pools

Photos special to the Opelika Observer We enjoyed music than enough food to go

by Graham Harper and around.

Everything we tasted the Ben Sutton Band.

A dance floor set the was excellent and we stage for attendees even turned down a who felt the urge to cut small handful of vendors, with no room left loose for the evening.

The festival ended in our stomachs. on a fun note, revealOur last stop before ing the raffle winners winding down was of various prizes and The Depot. We were announcing the money greeted by head Chef raised. In all, a total of Scott Simpson with a more than 500 people nice “land meets sea” were present. It was a dish topped with fresh full house. gulf shrimp. The taste My hope is this event was clean and fantascontinues to draw attic. Cool melon and traction in Lee County. cucumber, gave us a The committee did an refreshing feeling in outstanding job planthe humidity and rain.

Many of our personal ning an exceptional event and leading our favorites were present including Lucy’s, Acre, community in service.

“We are extremely Zazu and Warehouse excited and thankful Bistro. for the turnout and supI was glad to see a port we received,” said handful of Alabama breweries as well, mak- Committee Member Josh Nagel. “We will ing a great addition to the wine and represent- soon start the planning process for next year.” ing our local growing beer industry. of water where as lovely as expected.

On the walk down, I had a personal moment with mother nature.

I’ve been struggling with new purpose and direction since closing our store. It’s put a sad feeling in my heart that sometimes turns to anger and resentment, emotions I’m not comfortable with.

It was hot and being left behind by my fast children I found myself knees bent into the stream and began splashing my face with the cold, clean water. While shedding a few tears, I asked God to clean me and make me new again. I asked him to wash away the hurt and show me the way. The thing is, I know that new things are coming, and I know we made the right decision for our family, but sometimes our minds go before our heart.

Our emotions trail behind, they need time

Tomatoes,

from A7

334-528-6191

www.eamcfoundation.org

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

description on Wickles Pickles’ Facebook page, the tomato showdown will begin at noon, which is “a regional tomato growing contest where locals enter their best homegrown tomatoes.” Winners will receive a trophy crowned a with glossy

to process and catch up, and that’s ok.

But the water, that day, on my skin, in the wilderness, was exactly what I needed.

I joined my family at the bottom of the hill and we headed back to camp. We packed up for the day, ate a few snacks and headed home.

One common realization I’ve had since the beginning of our {AL Bucket List} is our minds don’t get time to rest in our day to day living.

We wake up thinking about the next move and we go to sleep thinking about what move we’ll make when we wake up.

If our mind can’t rest, how then does the soul rest? We have to find space to do nothing.

Space to just be and see what’s around us, with no to-do or agenda.

My hope is you and your family can find this space too, even in your own backyard.

imitation tomato.

Agricola Farms, Standard Deluxe, The Waverly Design and The Waverly Local are serving as notable event sponsors. Proceeds from the event will benefit the beautification of downtown Waverly.

For more information, call 256-8250848. Downtown Waverly is located 20 minutes away from Opelika off Highway 280.

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

See this week’s latest crossword and sudoku puzzles on B14.

SUSCC announces nursing scholarship winner; 100% passage rate for school’s 2019 Radiologic Technology Program

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Wishing a happy fourth to my readers!

I

hope that each of you have a safe and happy 4th of July!

The Opelika Parks and Recreation Department will host the “Freedom Celebration” presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic on July 3 at 6 p.m. inside the Sam Mason Track on Opelika High School’s campus.

During an appearance on the “On the Mark” radio show, Opelika Park and Recreation’s Public Relations Director Laura Leigh Chesser talked about this year’s celebration.

“The sponsorship from the Orthopaedic Clinic allows us to purchase a larger fireworks show than in the past.

The time of the fireworks show will remain the same,” Chesser said.

“The difference will be continuous fireworks without stoppage and a spectacular finale. The Freedom Celebration will have inflatables in the children area, sky divers, Route 66 will provide music while OTown and other vendors will be on hand. OHS CHEERLEADERS The 2019-20 OHS varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders attended UCS Cheer camp at University of Mississippi in Oxford. Each night, the junior var-

sity and varsity squads earned superior ribbons and a spirit stick. Varsity cheerleader Danielle Nichols and junior varsity cheerleader Susannah Couey won the “Pin It Forward” award for demonstrating character and leadership. She also earned the Jump Off in the junior varsity division.

The team took home the “Traditional Award” for its leadership, which is voted on by staff.

Opelika varsity earned first in the sideline and superior squad trophies, earning a visit to cheer in the Citrus Bowl.

Five varsity seniors received All-American honors: Induia Brooks, Jailyn Dixon, Lily Kucik, Danielle Nichols and Hannah Wilson.

The junior varsity quad won first in cheer, second place in sideline and overall game-day trophy. Three junior varsity cheerleaders made the All-American team: Emma Childs, Leah Bales and McKay Yountz. Congrats, Coach Lane Landers and cheerleaders!

OPR SOFTBALL The Opelika 12U softball All-Stars won the ARPA District V Softball tournament in Talladega over the weekend with a 3-0

Special to the Opelika Observer Southern Union State Community College announced that Woodland native Gabby Gay has been awarded the Nan Gillenwaters Nursing Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a second- year nursing student who has displayed academic excellence as well as leadership in the college, community and church.

The scholarship was established in memory

She was well of Nan Sims respected Gillenwaters, by doctors a graduate and patients of Southern alike,” said Union’s Sam Edge, nursing Gillenwaprogram by ters’ cousin. family and “She loved friends. GillGay to give back enwaters was to people, so a nurse for 30we are so pleased to plus years working at Lanier Memorial Hos- honor her memory by giving to these stupital in Lanett, Clarkdents in her name.”

Holder Cancer Center For more informain LaGrange and East Alabama Medical Cen- tion about this or any other scholarship ter in Opelika. opportunity at South“Nan’s attitude and ern Union, call the dedication made her financial aid office at an outstanding nurse.

256-395-2211.

Radiologic Technology program celebrates benchmark The Health Sciences Division of Southern Union State Community College recently announced that the 2019 Radiologic Technology Graduating Class celebrated a 100% first attempt pass rate on American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) National Registry Exam. The class had 21 graduates, See SUSCC, page B4

Project Uplift now offers online training sessions Special to the Opelika Observer

Project Uplift is a mentoring program that serves children in the Auburn-Opelika

and Lee County areas from ages 5-12. They pair caring adults with children in the hopes that their lives will be uplifted and deter them from delinquency. We

are in need of mentors who are willing to share at least one to two hours a week mentoring a child. If one is interested, they are offering training sessions online

at cla.catalog.auburn. edu/courses/5698. For more information, call 334-844-4430 or send email to puplift@ auburn.edu with any questions.

Opelika City School Board approves bids for Summer Child Nutrition program during last board meeting

By Beth Pinyerd For the Opelika Observer The Opelika City School Board approved personnel recommendations and bids for the Summer Child Nutrition Program during last Tuesday’s meeting.

Dr. Mark Neighbor’s

recommendation of the 4% state legislative pay raise to be effective at the beginning of each employee’s contract was approved.

The board also approved two out-of-state field trips for High School’s FFA group to visit Moultrie, Georgia on Oct. 17 and for the

high school’s show choice to attend a competition March 20 to 23 in Fairfield, Ohio.

Other business addressed by the board and approved included: renewal of membership in the Alabama Association of School Boards 2019 budget amendment, and revised anti-

harrassment policy for the Opelika City Schools policy handbook.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for July 23.

For more information, visit www.opelikaschools.org. The school system’s central office is located at 300 Simmons St.

pelika Observer O

B2 July 03, 2019

Opelika High School cheerleaders excel at recent camp Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders recently attended UCA camp on the campus of Ole Miss. Throughout the week, both squads received all superior ribbons and a spirit stick each night. Danielle Nichols from varsity and Susannah Couey from junior varsity were presented with the “Pin It Forward” award for demonstrating great character and leadership. Susannah Couey also won the jump off in the junior high division. The entire group from Opelika also took home the Tradition Award

Photos special to the Opelika Observer which is voted on by all of the camp staff.

It is presented to the one team at camp that demonstrates leadership on and off the field.

On the final day of competition, varsity took home first place in sideline and the superior squad trophy, which earned them the opportunity to cheer at

the Citrus Bowl. Varsity had all five seniors (India Brooks, Jailyn Dixon, Lily Kucik, Danielle Nichols and Hannah Wilson) make the All-America team.

UCA also invited India, Danielle and Jailyn to tryout for staff next spring. The junior varsity took home first place in cheer, second place in sideline and

the overall game-day trophy. They also had three cheerleaders (Emma Childs, Leah Bales, and McKay Yountz) make the All American team.

Annual ‘Dawg Pound’ football camp for youth held last Saturday at Opelika High School

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer

B3 July 03, 2019

Historic Jones Store Museum Opening

T

he front doors creak. The clattering of footsteps upon century old floor boards echo the tap, tap, tapping, the coming and going of people from past we wish we could have known. White wash walls, exterior buttercream, red tin roof and a painted sign pronounces the establishment’s namesake. Red and white simplicity.

I imagine a bygone era. The steam engine barreling down the tracks, as the incoming mail bag is dropped and the outgoing suspended from its hook is snatched. Letters well on their way to new destinations. Later mid-century Detroit motors cruise down the old highway. Windows rolled down, a local radio show plays. In the Alabama summer sun, the tarred railroad ties sizzle. The sounds of crickets, cicada, heat as it scorches the landscape all synthesize with humid breeze that sweeps the corn and crackling fields of knee high grasses. Red clay parts forming fault lines. The sandy soil

By Sarah West and red clay powder covers children as they play, then run seeking shade with afternoon lemonade beneath the pecan trees. The sweet balmy aroma of hay drifts through the air, as bales are rolled. Like the old store, the “Hay for Sale” sign seems to have always been there.

Red and white were the signs that linger in memory from my early childhood, the old store, the bricked mailbox, the small airfield and the word “Jones”. Across the track was another old home. I imagine that bygone era, the people who inhabited the weather-worn aging wooden places. Along this old stretch of road, the past thoroughfare, I’ve written, presided

over cultural programs, painted and shared conversations with many passing strangers. Familiar figures, once less so, have become friends.

To me, I consider them beloved locals, a reflection of the landscape, the summer sun, these Alabama backroads and the threads that bind the patchwork tapestry of calico prints that define our lives.

I press against the creaking door, and step inside. Remnants of past, heritage and stories shared through present lives form confluence in the old store. Mr. and Mrs. Jones, iconic figures, events and archives interpret tales passed down through artifacts from historic to modern times.

On a long awaited, upcoming summer day of July 13, the Historic Jones Store Museum will open to the public.

With much anticipation, the Smiths Station Historic Commission, the Mayor’s Office, City of Smiths Station and the Honorable Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland will proudly host Opening Day. Celebrating the

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

Historic Jones Store Complex featuring the restored Jones Store History Museum with commemorative exhibits honoring local community figures, legendary icons and interactive exhibits illustrating rural pastime, and events relative to Alabama citizens. This premiere Opening Day Celebration is an Alabama 200 bicentennial endorsed event. Opening Day of the Jones Store History The museum is free, family friendly and open to the public 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. E.S.T. Complementary tours will be led by Smiths Station Historic Commission members throughout the day. The Historic Jones Store Complex is located at 1361 Lee Road

298 in Smiths Station.

To learn more about this event and other Alabama 200 events during the finale year of statewide bicentennial celebrations visit www. alabama200.org Sarah West serves the Opelika Observer as a contributing columnist, with written works of Cultural Arts relevance and prose. She is a preservation, and conservation advocate, activist, and visual artist of American Illustration with a focus on Regional Narrative Painting. She is founder of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts, Smiths Station, Alabama’s premier fine arts destination. She is the appointed Official Artist to the City of Smiths Station, a Lee County

syndicated columnist, the director of her art center’s Cultural Arts Outreach Initiative which partners with local schools to make the arts accessible to all.

She also serves a chief curator to the City of Smiths Station, City Hall Art Galleries. She is a founding member of the Smith Station Historic Commission. She is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board- Cary Center, Auburn University College of Human Science.

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

Celebrating red, white and blue!

Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer

J

uly 4 is a delightful time of year to take a break and spend with your family. It is not too late to celebrate a history-filled lesson of the holiday with your children.

Why do we have fireworks, picnics, parades, flags waving and other patriotic ways of celebrating our freedoms?

Simply put, July 4, 1776, is the day that

American colonists decided to declare themselves independent or “free” from Britain. July 4th is the day that America was born.

We celebrate the truth that we are a free country that is not under the rule of another country and honor those who have worked hard to protect our freedoms. Your youngest children can understand the con-

cept of what “free” is.

Point out the flag and what it means and other patriotic symbols that are displayed on the fourth of July.

In my classroom this summer, we are making red, white and blue crafts and doing other activities to celebrate July 4.

We have made simple red, white and blue visors, patriotic jewelry, dancing with red, white, and blue crepe streamers, simply marching around the room while singing patriotic songs.

Taking time to do such simple projects teaches children truths of freedom and it is so much fun!

There is nothing to compare in celebrating the fourth of July in Lee County. The community has always come together to provide a beauti-

ful, dazzling, patriotic program for families.

It’s so neat to see the families safely gather together at the different places that fireworks programs are displayed! Remember, your younger children need to be in a place where the boom doesn’t hurt their ears.

The county roads in Lee County truly reflect the “odes” of summer. From passing acres and acres of cornfields, cotton fields and vegetable gardens, children can enjoy learning about our rich farmlands.

Children also love to pick fruits like blueberries and strawberries, which, when paired with whipped cream, can be used to make festive July 4 cake or cupcakes.

Families and children can visit farmer’s

markets and vegetable stands where they can enjoy the fresh tastes of summertime foods.

Many of our local parks even have built-in grills where our families can enjoy a picnic. Include your children in helping you prepare and set up the picnic. Remember, your children need and love to have free play, so July 4 is a perfect time just to “kick back.”

Check in your local paper on the schedule of events for July 4th such as parades, fireworks’ shows, barbecues, etc.

Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for 34 years as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings.

She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika

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

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

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

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and Baldwin County.

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

Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools, and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth, and families.

Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures, and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@charter.net

pelika Observer O

B4 July 03, 2019

Olive Oil v. Alzheimer’s: Auburn conducting study on benefits of extra-virgin olive oil Special to the Opelika Observer Researchers at Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy are recruiting subjects for a research study on a potential treatment for those with cognitive impairment conditions such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. The treatment uses a compound found naturally in extra-virgin olive oil that could improve those types of conditions.

Led by Dr. Amal Kaddoumi, professor in HSOP’s Department of Drug Discovery and Development, the research centers around oleocanthal, a molecule that appears naturally in extra-virgin olive oil and is a novel preventative treatment for these diseases.

“Based on our studies, extra-virgin olive oil could improve memory and decrease risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” Kaddoumi said.

“According to our findings, it enhances the function of the bloodbrain barrier, which has a vital role in protecting the brain. In addition, extra-virgin olive oil reduces the accumulation of toxic amyloid plaques and reduce neuroinflammation.”

Kaddoumi and her team have been approved by Auburn’s Institutional Review Board to conduct a study on human subjects to test the effectiveness of extra-virgin

olive oil in improving certain conditions.

“We are looking for subjects who have mild cognitive impairment, such as those who have troubles in their memory like having trouble finding words or remembering facts or events,” Kaddoumi said.

Once selected, participants will consume extra-virgin olive oil daily for six months.

Memory tests will be conducted at the beginning and end of the study, along with MRI scans and other diagnostics. Participants will be paid $100 at the beginning of the study and $150 at the end.

Those interested in participating should email kaddoumi@auburn.edu.

For those interested in incorporating extravirgin olive oil into their diet for its potential benefits, Kaddoumi suggests using unrefined types with a pungent taste. It is also suggested to consume it raw, as a salad dressing or with bread.

The study is the product of years-long research into Alzheimer’s disease and the potential benefit of oleocanthal.

Kaddoumi, whose specialty areas include neuropharmacology and brain research, has received a R21 grant from the National Institutes of Health of more than $400,000 to study oleocanthal and the therapeutic possibilities it has related

to Alzheimer’s and dementia. Additionally, she has received $150,000 as part of the Auburn Presidential Awards for Interdisciplinary Research for a pilot clinical study and is collaborating with multiple national and international groups on additional therapeutic benefits of oleocanthal that are currently ongoing to evaluate its anti-inflammatory effect in Alzheimer’s.

The project was also the subject of a Tiger Giving Day campaign that raised more than $17,000.

Oleocanthal is a potent antioxidant and a non-steroidal antiinflammatory natural product. Somewhat similar to ibuprofen, her studies on oleocanthal and oleocanthalrich extra-virgin olive oil in mice models of the disease suggest the compound could be highly effective against Alzheimer’s-related disorders.

“We are very excited about our findings with extra-virgin olive oil and oleocanthal, which demonstrated several positive effects against Alzheimer’s in mice that express the disease, such as enhancing the blood-brain barrier function and reducing the formation of amyloid-beta plaques and neuroinflammation, all of which are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s,” Kaddoumi said. “We are optimistic about the impact of oleocanthal

on reducing the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, a stage that precedes Alzheimer’s, and on reducing the progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s.

As an outcome of this project, we hope the findings will support advancing the therapeutic development of oleocanthal in clinical trials.”

Alzheimer’s affects more than 30 million people globally, including more than five million people in the United States that are living with the disease.

That number is expected to increase to 16 million in 2050.

With the disease affecting such a large part of the population, Kaddoumi believes it is important to identify ways people can reduce the risk of developing the disease. One area she has identified as a factor is diet with clinical studies suggesting that adherence to Mediterranean diet improves cognitive function and

slows the progression of Alzheimer’s. One major component of a Mediterranean diet is extra-virgin olive oil.

“According to our findings with extravirgin olive oil, this observed positive effect could be attributed to the oleocanthal compound, which suggests the consumption of extra-virgin olive oil could be beneficial to protect memory and learning ability,” Kaddoumi said. “As a therapeutic approach, we are working on the development of oleocanthal as a therapeutic molecule to prevent, slow, and/or hold the progression of Alzheimer’s.”

Using these therapeutics to strengthen the blood-brain barrier can be key to helping those with neurodegenerative disorders.

The team hopes its work leads to clinical trials and a new therapy for treating Alzheimer’s diseases and related disorders including cerebral

SUSCC,

from B1

and 11 have already accepted jobs as Registered Radiologic Technologists.

“We are so proud of this accomplishment.

Our students work very hard, and this is a reflection of the dedication of our faculty, and the emphasis that is placed on producing well-trained, successful students,” said Southern Union’s Dean of Health Sciences Rhonda Davis.

Southern Union’s Radiologic Technology Program prepares entry level radiographers with the knowledge and skills to competently and safely perform diagnostic radiologic imaging procedures fulfilling the needs of the medical community. Radiologic Technologists specialize in dozens of clinical areas including hospitals, urgent cares, and orthopedic clinics. Employers, state licensing agencies, and federal regulators look at the ARRT credential as an indication that a person

amyloid angiopathy and vascular dementia.

About the Harrison School of Pharmacy Auburn University's Harrison School of Pharmacy is ranked among the top-20% of all pharmacy schools in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the School offers doctoral degrees in pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and pharmaceutical sciences (Ph.D.) while also offering a master's in pharmaceutical sciences. The school’s commitment to world-class scholarship and interdisciplinary research speaks to Auburn’s overarching Carnegie R1 designation that places Auburn among the top-100 doctoral research universities in the nation.

For more information about the School, please call 334-8448348 or visit pharmacy. auburn.edu.

has met a recognized national standard for medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy professionals.

“We are very excited for this great group of students. Their success on the registry is a testament to the amount of time they devoted to studying and preparing for this milestone.” said Program Chair Mary Catherine Herndon and Clinical Coordinator Buddy Glidewell.

Students are admitted into the Radiologic Technology Program each fall. Admission to the program is on a competitive basis.

SU’s Radiological Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and was recently awarded the maximum eight years of accreditation.

For more information on the Radiologic Technology or other health sciences programs offered at Southern Union State Community College, please contact Alyson Skinner at 334-745-6437, ext.

5515.

pelika O Observer

B5 July 03, 2019

ACCS receives $12 million U.S. Samford Court Community Department of Labor grant to Fellowship holds prayer gathering expand apprenticeships Special to the Opelika Observer Last week, the U. S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) was one of 23 academic institutions and consortia nationwide awarded a grant to expand private-public apprenticeship partnerships across the country. The Scaling Apprenticeship Through Sector-Based Strategies grants were awarded in three areas: information technology, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. The $12 million grant received by ACCS and the Manufacturing Institute of the National Association of Manufacturing focuses on advanced manufacturing.

In Alabama, 5,000 students will benefit from the expanded training in advanced manufacturing.

Nationally, the DOL expects the grants to support the training of more than 85,000 apprentices in new or expanded programs.

“Employers in Alabama are looking for individuals who are job-ready on day one and an apprenticeship is a great way for students to gain both the classroom training and real-world experience these employers are seeking,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker.

“The Alabama Community College System is honored to be just one of 23 entities across the nation who have received a Scaling Apprenticeship Through SectorBased Strategies grant from the US Department of Labor to expand our apprenticeship programs to ensure opportunities for all Alabamians.

We look forward to working with our partners at the Manufacturing Institute of the National Association of Manufacturers along with business and industry right here in Alabama to provide important and vital training for the thousands of advanced manufacturing jobs available in the state.”

Alabama’s community colleges will specifically use the grant for the following

Sports,

from B1 record. The 12U allstars beat Sylacauga 3-2, Talladega 10-5 and Sylacauga 7-2.

In the first game against Sylacauga, Katie Harrelson earned the win with eight strikeouts and only allowing two runs. The offense was able to score the tying and winning run after RBI singles by Jordyn Cobb and Katie Harrelson. Game 2 v.

Talladega Jade Jones struck out eight batters and Journee McKee earned the save striking out the final two batters.

Offensively, Cailyn Morgan and Jayden Freeman added two hits apiece.

Opelika 12U team

efforts: • To expand the nationally-awarded earn-and-learn, Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education or F.A.M.E. program at Calhoun Community College and to extend that program to three additional colleges (Northwest-Shoals Community College, Wallace State Community College Hanceville and Bishop State Community College).

• To implement quick-start pre-apprenticeship programs that lead to nationally recognized Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) certifications that prepare residents for in-depth apprenticeships or entry-level jobs in manufacturing; • To implement shortterm apprenticeship programs that place residents in one of several high-wage, in-demand occupations in advanced manufacturing.

The $183.8 million in grants is aimed specifically at increasing apprenticeship opportunities for all Americans, including veterans, military spouses and service members transitioning into the civilian workforce; and groups that are underrepresented in apprenticeships such as women, people of color and Americans transitioning from the justice system to the workforce. Recipients of the grants include colleges, universities, and state systems of higher education, in partnership with national industry associations, employers representing an industry sector and other partners.

According to the DOL, the funding is a result of Executive Order 13801 signed by President Trump on June 15, 2017, charging the Secretary of Labor to “consider establishing guidelines or requirements that qualified entities should or must follow to ensure that apprenticeship programs they recognize meet quality standards.” The Executive Order therefore created a Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion that approved recommendations to the president on May 10, 2018.

beat Sylacauga 7-2 in the finals to win the district. The offense was led by Kennedy Soltau, Elizabeth Bullard, Katie Harrelson and Emily Birmingham. The Opelika 12U softball team advances to the State Tournament at Montgomery’s Lagoon Park July 12 through 17.

AHSAA SPORTSMANSHIP RECOGNITION The Alabama High School Athletic Department released the 2018-19 Sportsmanship Schools and those schools that received fines and or ejections.

A total of 99 AHSAA member schools were identified for not having an ejection or receiving no more than one nonsportsmanship school fine for the just completed school year. Overall, 376 of the AHSAA’s

Photos special to the Opelika Observer Members of the Samford Court Community Fellowship celebrated its seventh anniversary in existence on June 8. The group hosted child-friendly activities and games during the event, enjoyed spending time together and a door-prize giveaway in an event planned

by Lucile Gray and Maquenta Barnett. “I’d like to thank the Opelika Housing Authority, Ms. Reese, Ms. Keith, McClammey, Baker, the Opelika Fire Department and Jeremy Gray, Mr. John and Sister Alberta Pink for helping make this event possible,” Morton said.

416 high schools (90.4%) have combined to earn the Sportsmanship Award recognition 1,195 times since 2008.

Total fines were down 4.1% in 2018-19 during the previous year.

The report showed 258 high schools had a total of 548 student athlete and 70 coach ejections during ’18-’19 school year. Middle and junior high schools only had 16 ejections and four coach ejections, a grand total of 638 ejections for the year. This represents 0.003% of the more than 156,000 student-athletes who participate in AHSAA Sports and 74 coaches with ejections are just 0.006% of the more than 11,000 certified coaches.

Locally, Loachapoka was the only school in Lee County to make the

2018-19 Sportsmanship Schools. Congratulations to Coach LC Cole, staff and the studentathletes.

Following is a list of fines by school, with all fines costing $100 except one for Smiths Station which cost $500: - Beauregard High School, basketball player ejected Jan. 22 - Beulah High School, football player ejected during football contest in October Opelika High School, student-athlete ejected during April 18 soccer game Smiths Station High School, Feb. 20, April 9 and April 22 for student-athlete ejections, with the last totaling $500.

To see a complete list of the Sportsmanship Schools and Fines, visit www.ahsaa.com.

D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama

Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

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

Inside the Statehouse Smiths Station City Council Legislative session for most part honors James Dean for 45 successful, especially for Gov. Kay Ivey years of service to city

T

he 2019 Legislative Session was one of the most controversial yet productive sessions in memory.

Gov. Kay Ivey’s first session of the quadrennial was a roaring success. It’s hard to remember a governor getting everything they wanted since the George Wallace heydays.

Wallace, in his prime, simply controlled the legislature. It was more like an appendage of the governor’s office.

Ivey has apparently taken a page from the old Wallace playbook. By the way, that is probably apropos as Ivey cut her teeth in Alabama politics working for and learning from the Wallaces.

Ivey started out the session by passing a gas tax increase which will fund major transportation/ highway needs in the state. She ended the last week of the session by garnering legislation to give the governor control of the Pardons and Parole Board, and then topped that off with legislation that will allow a vote next March on Alabama having an appointed state school board rather than an elected one. If this controversial amendment is approved by voters, then the governor will make most of the initial appointments.

One would have

By Steve Flowers to say that Ivey has pretty much got a lot of influence with this legislature.

Ivey’s years of experience, and probably more importantly, her relationships with legislators, are paying dividends for Alabama’s female Republican governor.

Any legislative session could be considered a success if both budgets pass.

It is, by the way, the only constitutional mandate for a regular annual session.

The Education Budget is record breaking. It is a $7.1-billion-dollar budget with a $500 million dollar increase over last year’s budget. This largest in history budget gives teachers and education employees a 4% costof-living raise. It will also increase funding to the state’s heralded pre-kindergarten program. Alabama Community Colleges will get a significant increase. Legislators seem to realize the importance of technical training in the state in attracting manufacturing jobs.

State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and Rep.

Bill Poole (R- Tuscaloosa), the Chairmen of the Education Budget Committees in the Senate and House, did an excellent job of shepherding the school budget through the legislative labyrinth.

The general fund budget which generally lags behind the education budget was also passed on a positive note. The budget calls for spending $2.2 billion dollars.

It includes a 2% cost of living increase for state employees, as well as an 8% increase for the state’s understaffed prison system.

Rep. Steve Clouse (R – Ozark) is the veteran chairman of the House General Fund Committee.

One of the downsides of the session was the Legislature’s inability to pass a constitutional amendment to allow Alabamians to vote to have a lottery like 45 other states, including all of our neighboring states.

It would pass overwhelmingly if put to a vote. Alabamians are simply tired of seeing their money going into the state coffers of Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Florida. State Sen. Jim McLendon (R-St. Clair) offered the best opportunity and most modern and profitable lottery proposal. However, his bill was ignored in deference

Local dignitaries celebrate the newly built Beulah Senior Citizen and Community Center

See Flowers, page B8

See Beulah, page B13

Senator Doug Jones Vows to Continue Fighting to Repeal the Military Widow’s Tax Special to the Opelika Observer Sen. Doug Jones (DAla.) spoke last week on the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to support a vote on his bipartisanMilitary Widow’s Tax Elimination Act of 2019, which is currently cosponsored by a record-high 75 senators.

Jones requested the bill’s passage by unanimous consent during deliberations on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), but

Jones his request was blocked by a Republican senator.

The next opportunity to move the legislation forward comes in two weeks, when the House of Representatives de-

bates its own version of the NDAA. During his remarks, Jones was joined last week in the gallery of the Senate by dozens of military widows and advocates who had hoped to see the long-awaited passage of the bill.

After his floor speech, Jones issued the following statement on his reaction to the objection and his plan to continue engaging Senate and House leaders to pass See Jones, page B8

By Morgan Bryce Editor Alabama District 38 Rep. Debbie Wood updated the Smiths Station City Council on the happenings of the state’s latest legislative session during their meeting last Tuesday.

In her 31-minute discussion, Wood shared some of notable moments from the session, including the passage of landmark legislation like the Gas Tax, the statewide ban on abortion that has drawn national controversy

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

and her appointment to the ATRIP-II Program Committee by Gov. Kay Ivey to address infrastructure needs like

bridges and roads.

“It was a very unique session because of us See Smiths, page B8

By Morgan Bryce Editor Local dignitaries from the Mid-South RC&D Council, Lee-Russell Council of Governments, Lee County Commission and ADECA came together last Monday to commemorate the newly built and updated Beulah Senior Citizen and Community Center.

Constructed at a cost of $950,000, the center was made possible with a two-acre donation of land by The Bridge Church and a $250,000 grant from ADECA. The facility is also equipped with a storm shelter that can repel

Photo special to the Opelika Observer tornadic winds of up to 200 miles per hour.

Lee County Commissioner Robert Ham took the lead on the project, and former State Rep. Duwayne Bridges and Sen. Gerald Dial were

instrumental in helping him turn his dream into a reality.

District 38 Rep. Debbie Wood and District 83 Rep. Jeremy Gray were both in attendance

pelika O Observer

B8 July 03, 2019

Jones,

from B7 the bill: “I am incredibly frustrated that my request to pass the military widow’s tax repeal was blocked.

This is sadly indicative of a bigger problem we have in the Senate where we don’t vote on amendments and the only bills that can get to the floor for a vote are simply the result of back-room political deals.

“But we’re not going to give up, and we’re not going to stop trying. I’m going to keep working with leaders in both the Senate and the House to try to get this passed. We will have another opportunity in the House in two weeks, and I will be active in encouraging my House counterparts to act where the Senate has failed.

The Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee indicated that he would be interested in passing this bill through a different means than the NDAA. I appreciate that commitment and am hopeful that we can work together to achieve that goal. It’s just the right thing to do, so I’m going to keep fighting until it’s done.

Plain and simple.”

Smiths,

from B7 going into special session immediately after starting ... which is a first.

I really enjoyed serving you and I hope that you’ll call me when you have needs,” Wood

Rogers on Celebrrating Independence Day, joins C-SPAN’s newsmakers to talk border, Iran and Democrats Special to the Opelika Observer Roger’s statement on Independence Day As we celebrate Independence Day, I always like to reflect on how very blessed we are to live in America.

The American flag is the symbol of our freedom – throughout wars, hard times, terrorist attacks – the flag is what gives us hope, inspiration and reminds us of the sacrifices made during the last 233 years for our liberty. Our American flag should be honored, respected and revered.

I cannot fathom why any American would kneel during the National Anthem, much less burn our flag.

Recently, I signed on as a cosponsor to HJ Res. 65, a bill that would propose an amendment to the Constitution of the United States giving

said to the council.

“You have a great community here and I can tell you that there were a lot of people praying from Montgomery when those tornadoes hit here and asking how you all were doing.”

Mayor Bubba Copeland recognized Smiths Station resident James Mack

Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the American flag.

We have so much to be proud of today.

I am thrilled about how well our country is doing under President Trump. Our economy is thriving.

People are back at work and have goodpaying jobs. Our military is being rebuilt and America is once again respected in the world.

Regardless of one’s political views, we all should take pride in America. We should be able to disagree respectfully while putting America first.

There is no better example of this need than the crisis we face at our Southwestern border.

Massive waves of illegal immigrants are overwhelming the resources of our brave border patrol agents.

Instead of acknowledging this crisis and

Dean by proclamation for his 41 1/2 years of service as a bus driver within the city. Dean, a father of four, is an Army veteran and has lived in the city for 54 years.

“Let me say before reading this that I want to say how much of an honor and a privilege it is for me to

working together to resolve it, House Democrats refuse to lift a finger. My bill to provide the $4.5 billion President Trump requested to help with just the humanitarian relief has been rejected 17 times by House Democrats as of this writing. By not agreeing to this bill, Democrats are hurting the very people they claim to want to help and jeopardizing our sovereignty.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, let’s remember America is strongest when we are together as a people and that freedom is not free. God Bless America!

As always, I want to hear from you on this or any issue.

Please sign up for my e-Newsletter and the Rogers’ Roundup by visiting my recently launched, new custom website at www.mikerogers.house.gov. To stay up to date, follow

do this ... this is an example of your life coming back around to you. When I was a little, mischievous boy in Smiths Station off Auburn Road, this man used to come pick me up and take me to school,” Copeland said. “He taught me a lot about life, and was very kind and patient towards me.

This is such a cool moment for me because you were my bus driver and now I am your mayor.”

The council also approved the general fund budget for the month of May and a resolution entering them into a contract with the local Red Cross Branch. Copeland explained that they

Flowers,

from B7

to the Indian Casinos legislation which was overtly written to continue to give these indian casinos a monopoly on electronic gaming in the state.

The indian casinos arrogantly flaunted their influence in the legislature by offering a watered-down, archaic, paper-only lottery that would be obsolete within five

Elliott & Associates Insurance Agency Opelika - (334)745-0888 elliottinsuranceagents.com

any or all of my social platforms as well.

You can like my Facebook page at facebook.com/ CongressmanMikeDRogers, follow me on Twitter and Instagram using the handle @RepMikeRogersAL, and subscribe to my YouTube page by visiting youtube.com/ MikeRogersAL03 Rogers on C-SPAN Rogers, ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee and senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, joined CSPAN’s Newsmakers to discuss the humanitarian crisis at the border, Iran, border security and more. CSPAN’s Susan Swain moderated the discussion with The Hill’s Scott Wong and the Washington Examiner’s Anna Giaritelli.

On the cause of the border crisis: “It is a humanitarian crisis and it is

not manufactured – it is real and getting worse. The fact is that over the last three months, we have had over 100,000 migrants coming across our border...We are dealing with a huge volume of migrants and there is a different set of migrants.

In the recent past, we have dealt with single males, typically from Mexico. Now we have many women and children and we are not set up to handle them.”

On current conditions at the border and the need for Congressional action: “These women and children and men need to have housing and health care while we try to determine who is appropriate for allowing in to our country or who needs to be sent back. They come across from Central America to Mexico, and by the time they See Rogers, page B13

will make a yearly donation to the organization to help further its efforts and give back to a group “that did a lot of good” for the city during the entire tornado recovery process.

The Smiths Station City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month

years.

McLendon’s bill would have generated $250 million. The indian casino’s lottery would have given the state a paltry $100 million at best for a few years. The House Democrats boldly and wisely killed the bill with the hopes that if you are going to approve a lottery, that it would be one that would benefit the state and not the indian gambling syndicate.

In essence, the

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with a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m. E.S.T. and regular meeting 6 p.m. Their meetings are held within the council chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430.

For more information, call 334-2978771 or visit www. smithsstational.gov.

Choctaw Indian casinos in Mississippi killed the lottery 20 years ago with lastminute money before balloting. The Poarch Creek casinos beat it this time before it could get out of the gate. The power that the Poarch Creek Indian casinos are building in the Alabama Legislature is dangerous.

CBS 42 in Birmingham took a poll the last week of the session asking how their viewers rated the legislature and legislative session.

It was 86% negative.

However, this is nothing new.

Alabamians have always rated the legislature negatively.

However, if you ask them about their own legislators, they will either not know who they are or they like them.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

pelika O Observer

B9 July 03, 2019

LEGALS NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE SALE SALE DATE/TIME: August 2nd at 9 AM PLACE: Autosport Bodyworks, 3601 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika, AL - Notice is hereby given to Owner, Secured Party or Lienholder on the following vehicle: 2004 Dodge Neon VIN# 1B3ES26CX4D584761 - Notice is hereby given to Owner, Secured Party or Lienholder on the following vehicle: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN# 1C4RJFCG6EC247027 - Notice is hereby given to Owner, Secured Party or Lienholder on the following vehicle: 2014 GMC Acadia VIN# 1GKKRTKDXEJ188886 Legal Run 07/03/19 & 07/10/19

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO: 2019-B-082 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of NEUEVA COWART, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by CARLA C. RHODEY on June 27, 2019 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 07/03/2019

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAM IN RE: The Estate of Robert Emsley Hunter, Deceased: July 28, 2006 Case No. 2019-A-223 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to GALE HUNTER MORGAN, as Administratrix of the Estate of Robert Emsley Hunter deceased, on the 4th day of June, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English.

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

GALE HUNTER MORGAN Aministratrix Estate of Robert Emsley Hunter, deceased Legal Run 6/19/19, 6/26/19 & 07/03/19

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1412 Opelika Road. Auburn AL, 36830 on 07/08/2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Regina Smith Unit# Q294 5671 Al Highway 81 Notasulga, AL, 36866 Clothes, shoes, Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 6/26/19 & 07/03/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PHILLIP C. KELLEY, JR., deceased ESTATE NO. 2019-B-047 NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION TO: Any unknown heirs of Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., deceased Angela Kelley, address unknown (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 Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., in the above styled matter has been filed in the Probate Court

of Lee County, Alabama by Petitioner Sherry Tharpe D. Tharpe Oliver and that on the 27th day of August, 2019, at 1:00 P.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 Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., that you must file a written response within thirty (30) days hereof with the clerk of said Probate Court and with counsel for said Petitioner, and/or you must appear the hearing scheduled in this manner Done this the 17th day of June 2019.

Hon. Bill English Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10

In the Matter of the Estate of Elizabeth L. Pearce, Deceased. Case No. 2019-B-016.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration on the Estate of ELIZABETH L. PEARCE, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned, NEIL A. PEARCE, on the 30th day of May, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

Hon. Bill English Judge of Probate Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 6/19, 6/26, 7/3

INVITATION TO BID 19023 Sealed bids for the construction of the Removal of Dead, Dying, or Dangerous Trees and Stumps with Tree Pruning 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, July 9, 2019, 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. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code 34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license.

State law Ala. Code 34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and 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: Removal of Dead, Dying, or Dangerous Trees and Stumps with Tree Pruning LILLIE FINLEY-PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 7055120 06/26/19 & 07/03/19

INVITATION TO BID 19024 Sealed bids for the construction of the Anand Street Improvement and Extension 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 July 30, 2019, 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 ention of all.bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code 34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license.

State law Ala. Code 34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and 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: Anand Street Improvement and Extension LILLIE FINLEY-PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 7055120 Legal Run 6/26 & 7/3/19

PUBLIC NOTICE OF HEARING ANNUAL ACTION PLAN PY2019 The City of Opelika will hold a public hearing at 4:00pm on Tuesday, July 9 at the Public Works Facility’s Planning Chambers, 700 Fox Trail for citizen input and questions concerning PY2019 Action Plan activities which is currently in progress. For each year of the Five Year Consolidated Plan, an Annual Action Plan must be devel-

oped to identify programs and projects that the City intends to accomplish. The programs and projects are funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program through the U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).

The City will receive $255,632 in the 2019 Program Year. The Program Year begins October 1, 2019 and ends September 30, 2020.

The 2019 Action Plan portion of the Consolidated Plan details the programs and projects that are proposed for funding.

Supposing continued funding of present operations (with adjustments based on funding fluctuation) the below potential activities have been provided: Housing Services Emergency Home Repair $46,162 Home Ownership - $40,000 Public Services Utility Assistance - $15,844 The Community Market $22,500 Public Facilities Sidewalk/Streetscape $60,000 Rehabilitation Opelika Main Street -$20,000 Administration - $51,126 Grant Total $255,632 Public participation and comment is invited either in writing or in person. A draft and proposed version of the Plan is available for review at the Opelika Public Library at 200 South 6th St., City Hall at 204 S. 7th St., or the Public Works Facility at 700 Fox Trail beginning Tuesday, July 9, 2019. Comments and concerns can be forwarded to the address below and must be received by the department no later than 4:00 pm on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.

Public Comment Point of Contact: Lisa Thrift Community Development Administrator Planning Department City of Opelika Public Works 700 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36801 lthrift@opelika-al.gov If special accommodations are needed to participate at the hearing by persons with disabilities please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Compliance Officer at 7052083 at least forty-eight hours in advance.

Legal Notice Run 06/26/19 & 07/03/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF SHEILA R. MEREDITH, Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY - CASE NO. 2019A-228 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Tammy M. Blackerby on the 14th day of June, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Tammy M. Blackerby Legal Run 06/26/19, 07/03/19 & 07/10/19

THE STATE OF ALABAMA, COUNTY OF LEE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA THE ESTATE OF MARGARET B. WRIGHT, Deceased NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that Crawford Melton, Administrator of the Estate of MARGARET WRIGHT, deceased, has filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, his accounts, vouchers, and statements for a FINAL SETTLEMENT of the Administration of the Estate of MARGARET WRIGHT, A hearing has been set for the 24th day of July 2019, at 10 o’clock a.m. in the courtroom of the Lee County Courthouse located at 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801.

Done the 18th day of July, 2019.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 06/26/19, 07/03/19 & 07/10/19

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Friday, July 26, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

WBANW13548CZ74489 2008 BMW 535 LEGAL RUN 6/26 & 07/03

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KAREN LANE ADCOX, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of June, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

SHANNON J. HILL Administrator Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 07/03/19, 07/10/19 & 07/17/19

ORDINANCE NO. 014-19 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 5.5 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA BY REPEALING ARTICLE III ENTITLED “WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES SITING” AND SUBSTITUTING IN LIEU THEREOF A NEW ARTICLE III THEREOF ENTITLED “WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES LAND USE AND SITING” TO REGULATE PERMITTING, SITING AND PLACEMENT

OF WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES AND ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT AND THE PLACEMENT AND USE OF ASSOCIATED SUPPORT STRUCTURES WITHIN THE CITY OF OPELIKA OUTSIDE THE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEALER; PROVIDING PENALTIES AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: WHEREAS, the City Council finds and determines that wireless telecommunications facilities may pose significant concerns to the health, safety, welfare, character and environment of the City of Opelika (the “City’) and its inhabitants, and that the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and related authorities confirm the City’s authority concerning the placement, construction (including height) and modification of such facilities; and WHEREAS, the City Council enacted Article III of Chapter 5.5 of the Opelika Municipal Code in 2000, which regulates wireless telecommunications facilities; and WHEREAS, the City wishes to update Article III of Chapter 5.5 of the Opelika Municipal Code based on current telecommunications trends and recent changes in applicable laws and regulations, in order to protect and promote public health, safety and welfare; and WHEREAS, the City desires to establish a comprehensive set of siting and permitting requirements addressing the placement of wireless telecommunications facilities and accessory equipment within the City outside of the public rights-of-way; and WHEREAS, the City desires to establish a fair and efficient process for review and approval of applications; assure an integrated, comprehensive review of environmental impacts and protect the rights of the City and its residents, to the extent allowed under law.

Section 1. Replacement of Article III of Chapter 5.5 of the Code of Ordinances, adopting Sections 5.5-301 through 5.5-337. That current Article III of Chapter 5.5 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika entitled “Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Siting” is hereby repealed in its entirety and replaced with new Article III entitled “Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Land Use and Siting”, consisting of Sections 5.5-301 through 5.5-337, which Article shall read as follows: Article III -- Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Land Use and Siting.

Sec. 5.5-301. - Purpose and legislative intent. (a) The purpose of this Article is to establish a comprehensive set of siting and permitting requirements addressing the placement of wireless telecommunications facilities and accessory equipment and the placement

See Legals, page B10

pelika O Observer

B10 July 03, 2019

Legal,

from B9 and use of associated support structures within the City outside of the public rightsof-way. The placement of wireless facilities within the public rights-of-way shall be governed by Article IV of this Chapter 5.5. (b) These regulations are intended to provide for the managed development of wireless telecommunications facilities, in a manner that recognizes the community benefits of wireless telecommunications technology and that reasonably accommodates the needs of citizens and wireless providers in accordance with federal and state rules and regulations. At the same time, these regulations are intended to protect the community from potential adverse impacts of such facilities, including but not limited to noise, traffic, aesthetic, safety, and other impacts over which the City has purview, and to preserve the visual character of the established community through appropriate design, siting, screening, maintenance, and location standards. (c) This Article does not address civil relationships between private landowners and owners or operators of wireless telecommunications facilities and does not affect the need to obtain all necessary property rights from private landowners for the placement of wireless telecommunications facilities. (d) This Article does not regulate the siting of wireless telecommunications facilities within state rightsof-way except to the extent that the City has the authority to regulate the placement and location of wireless telecommunications facilities within a state right-of-way.

Sec. 5.5-302. - Title.

This Article may be known and cited as the “Wireless Telecommunications Facilities Land Use and Siting Ordinance for the City of Opelika.”

Sec. 5.5-303. - Definitions.

For purposes of this Article, and where not inconsistent with the context of a particular section, the defined terms, phrases, words, abbreviations, and their derivations shall have the meaning given in this section. When not inconsistent with the context, words in the present tense include the future tense, words used in the plural number include words in the singular number and words in the singular number include the plural number.

The word “shall” is always mandatory, and not merely discretionary.

“Accessory equipment”

means any equipment, other than an antenna, used in conjunction with a wireless telecommunications facility.

It includes but is not limited to cabinets, optical converters, power amplifiers, radios, multiplexers, radio units, fiber optic and coaxial cables located on a support structure, wires, meters, pedestals, power switches, junction boxes, batteries, power supplies and related equipment located upon or in the immediate vicinity of the support structure.

“Accessory facility” or “accessory structure” means any facility or structure serving or being used in conjunction with wireless telecommunications facilities, and located on the same property or lot as the wireless telecommunications facilities, including but not limited to utility or transmission equipment, storage sheds or cabinets.

“Antenna” means communications equipment that transmits or receives electromagnetic radio frequency signals used in the provision of wireless services.

“Applicant” means any person submitting an application to the City for a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities.

“Application” means all necessary and required documentation that an applicant submits in order to receive a special use permit for placement of wireless telecommunications facilities under this Article.

“Base Station” means a structure or equipment at a fixed location that supports or houses wireless telecommunications facilities used to provide wireless service between user equipment and a communications network.

“City” means the City of Opelika, Alabama, and its police jurisdiction.

“Collocate” means to install, mount, maintain, modify, operate or replace wireless facilities on or adjacent to an existing or replacement support structure.

“Completed application” means an application that contains all information and/or data requested in the application form and this Article, which is necessary to enable the Council to evaluate the merits of the application and to make an informed decision with respect to the effect and impact of wireless telecommunications facilities on the City in the context of the permitted land use for the particular location requested.

“Concealment” means a physical design or treatment that minimizes adverse visual impacts upon the view from land, property, buildings, and other facilities adjacent to, surrounding, and in generally the same area as the requested location of a wireless telecommunications facility.

“Council” means the City

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“EPA” means the state and/or Federal Environmental Protection Agency.

“Equipment Cabinet” means an enclosure that increases the cumulative volume of the existing wireless equipment, exclusive of antennas, that contains the proposed improvements, personal property, or facilities for permitted uses including: radio receivers, transmitters, related facilities, related cables and utility lines, location-based power source (including a battery), the electrical meter and any other equipment necessary for the operation of the base station.

“FAA” means the Federal Aviation Administration.

“FCC” means the Federal Communications Commission.

“Free standing tower” means a tower that is not supported by guy wires and ground anchors or other means of attached or external support.

“Height” means, when referring to a tower or wireless support structure, the distance measured from the pre-existing grade level to the highest point on the tower or structure, including any antenna or lightning protection device.

“Historic district” means the historic downtown commercial area as designated in Ordinance No. 151-01.

“Lattice tower” means a selfsupporting communications tower with three (3) or more sides of open-framed supports.

“Modification” or “Modify” means the addition, removal or change of any of the physical and/or visually discernable components or aspects of a wireless telecommunications facility, including but not limited to antennas, cabling, equipment shelters, landscaping, fencing, utility feeds, the color or materials of any visually discernable components, vehicular access, parking, and/ or an upgrade or change-out of equipment for better or more modern equipment.

“Monopole tower” means a cylindrical self-supporting tower constructed as a single spire.

“NIER” means non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation.

“Person” means any individual, corporation, estate, trust, partnership, joint stock company, association of two (2) or more persons having a joint common interest, or any other entity.

“Repair and Maintenance” means repair, maintenance or upgrade of a wireless telecommunications facility that does not i) increase the height of the structure, ii) alter the physical profile, iii) change the loading, iv) change the RF emissions levels, v) increase the footprint of the facility, or vi) otherwise exceed the conditions of the permit.

“Special use permit” means the official document or permit issued by the City by which an applicant is authorized to construct and use wireless telecommunications facilities consistent with this Article.

“State” means the State of Alabama.

“Substantial Modification” or “Substantial Change” means: (1) For towers: a) The proposed collocation or modification increases the overall height more than ten percent (10%) or the height of one additional antenna array not to exceed twenty (20) feet (whichever is greater); or b) The proposed collocation or modification increases the width more than twenty (20) feet from the edge of the wireless tower or the width of the wireless tower at the level of the appurtenance (whichever is greater); or c) The proposed collocation or modification involves the installation of more than the standard number of equipment cabinets for the technology involved, not to exceed four (4) new cabinets; or d) The proposed collocation or modification involves excavation outside the current boundaries of the leased or owned property surrounding the wireless tower, including any access or utility easements currently related to the site.

(2) For base stations: a) The proposed collocation or modification increases that overall height more than ten percent (10%) or ten (10) feet (whichever is greater); or b) The proposed collocation or modification increases the width more than six (6) feet from the edge of the base station; or c) The proposed collocation or modification involves the installation of any new equipment cabinets when there are no existing equipment cabinets; or

d) The proposed collocation or modification involves the installation of any new equipment cabinets that are ten percent (10%) larger in height or volume than any existing cabinets; or e) The proposed collocation or modification involves excavation outside the area in proximity to the structure and other transmission equipment already deployed on the ground.

(3) In addition, for all towers and base stations: a) The proposed collocation or modification would defeat the existing concealment elements of the support structure ad determined by the City; or b) The proposed collocation or modification violates a prior condition of approval as regards to height, width, number and size of equipment cabinets or any excavation that is inconsistent with the thresholds for a substantial change described in this section.

(4) As to all measurements set forth herein, the following principles shall govern: a) Any threshold or limits of height increase is cumulative or collective. b) For sites with horizontally separated deployments, the cumulative limit is measured from the originally permitted support structure without regard to any increases in size due to wireless equipment not included in the original design. c) For sites with vertically separated deployments, the cumulative limit is measured from the permitted site dimensions as they existed on February 22, 2012, the date of passage of the MiddleClass Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 Section 6409(a).

“Support Structure” means a tower, base station, or other structure or building of any type whatsoever, including a utility pole, that is used, or is to be used, to support a wireless telecommunications facility.

“Survey” means a survey containing the seal and certification of a properly licensed professional engineer or professional land surveyor.

“Temporary” means in relation to all aspects and components of this Article, something intended to, or that does, exist for fewer than ninety (90) days.

“Tower” means any structure designed primarily to support an antenna for the provision of wireless service, or that is designed primarily to support equipment for transmission of broadcast television service but that also will support an antenna for the provision of wireless service.

“Wireless Infrastructure Provider” means any person that builds or installs wireless telecommunications facilities or support structures primarily intended to support wireless telecommunications facilities, but that is not a provider of wireless service at that site.

“Wireless Service” means any voice, video or data communications services, whether at a fixed location or mobile, provided through the use of wireless telecommunications facilities located within the City.

“Wireless Provider” means a wireless infrastructure provider or wireless service provider that has received and maintains a permit under this Article.

“Wireless Telecommunications Facility” means without limit, and as the context may require, equipment at a fixed location that enables wireless services between user equipment and a communications network, including but not limited to antennas; accessory equipment; free standing towers, guyed towers, monopoles, and similar structures; accessory structures; support structures for which antenna support is a secondary use, such as a building, church steeple, silo, water tower, sign or other similar structure; and other such facilities. The term wireless telecommunications facility does not include a wireless facility located, or to be located, within the City’s public rights-of-way that is subject to Article IV of this Chapter.

Sec. 5.5-304 – Special use permit required.

No person may undertake any of the following activities without first submitting an application for, and receiving, a special use permit under this Article: (a) The construction of any new wireless telecommunications facility within the City, including a new tower; (b) A substantial modification of a wireless telecommunication facility or support structure; or

(c) Any modification of a wireless facility or support structure that is deemed by the City not to be repair and maintenance, as defined in Section 5.5-303. A modification that is not a d modification shall require a special use permit, an application for which shall be granted by the City.

Sec. 5.5-305. - Exclusions.

The following shall be exempt from the requirements of this Article: (a) Any facilities or locations expressly exempt from the City’s siting, building, zoning or permitting authority. (b) Wireless telecommunications facilities to be located within the public rights-ofway. (c) Facilities, except towers, used exclusively for noncommercial radio and private citizen’s bands, licensed amateur radio and other similar non-commercial telecommunications.

Sec. 5.5-306. - Special use permit application and other requirements. (a) All applicants for a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities or any modification of such facility shall comply with the requirements set forth in this section. The Council is the officially designated agency or body of the community to whom applications for a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities shall be made, and that is authorized to review, analyze, evaluate and make decisions with respect to granting or not granting, recertifying or not recertifying, or revoking special use permits for wireless telecommunications facilities. The Council may at its discretion delegate or designate other official departments or agents of the City to accept, review, analyze, evaluate and make recommendations to the Council with respect to the granting or not granting, recertifying or not recertifying or revoking special use permits for wireless telecommunications facilities. (b) An applicant shall initiate a pre-application meeting, which may be held either on site or telephonically as the City deems appropriate. The purpose of the pre-application meeting will be to preliminarily address issues relating to the application, and to expedite the review and permitting process. A pre-application meeting may include a site visit if required by the City.

Expected requests for waiver, if any, should be raised at the pre-application meeting. Any reasonable costs of a City consultant to prepare for and attend the preapplication meeting will be borne by the applicant. (c) An application for a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities shall be signed on behalf of the applicant by the person preparing the application and with knowledge of the contents and representations made therein, attesting to the truth and completeness of the information. The landowner, if different than the applicant, shall also sign the application. At the discretion of the Council, any false or misleading statement in the application may subject the applicant to denial of the application without further consideration or opportunity for correction. (d) Applications not meeting the requirements stated herein or which are otherwise incomplete may be rejected by the Council. (e) The applicant shall include a statement in writing that: (1) The applicant’s proposed wireless telecommunications facilities will be maintained in a safe manner and in compliance with all conditions of the special use permit, without exception, unless specifically granted relief by the Council in writing, as well as all applicable and permissible local codes, ordinances, and regulations, including any and all applicable county, state and federal ordinances, rules, and regulations; and (2) The construction of the wireless telecommunications facilities is legally permissible, including, but not limited to the fact that the applicant is authorized to do business in the state of Alabama. (f) All applications for the placement of new wireless telecommunications facilities or substantial modification of existing wireless telecommunications facilities shall be accompanied by a report containing the information set forth below. The report shall be signed by a licensed professional engineer registered in the state. Where this section calls for certification,

such certification shall be by a qualified Alabama state licensed professional engineer.

The application shall include, in addition to any other information required under this Article or reasonably required by the City, the following information: (1) Name, address and phone number of the person preparing the report; (2) Name, address, and phone number of the property owner, operator, and applicant, to include the legal form of the applicant; (3) Postal address and tax map parcel number of the property; (4) Zoning district or designation in which the property is situated; (5) Size of the property stated both in square feet and lot line dimensions, and a diagram showing the location of all lot lines reflected on a survey; (6) Location of nearest residential structure or residential zoning district; (7) Location of nearest habitable structure; (8) Location, size and height of all structures on the property which is the subject of the application; (9) Location, size and height of all proposed and existing antennae and all appurtenant structures; (10) Type, locations and dimensions of all proposed and existing landscaping, and fencing; (11) The number, type and design of the antenna(s) proposed and the basis for the calculations of a tower’s capacity to accommodate multiple users; (12) The make, model and manufacturer of any proposed tower and antenna(s); (13) A description of the proposed tower or rooftop and antenna(s) and all related fixtures, structures, appurtenances and apparatus, including height above pre-existing grade, materials, color and lighting; (14) The frequency, modulation and class of service of radio or other transmitting equipment; (15) Transmission and maximum effective radiated power of the antenna(s); (16) Direction of maximum lobes and associated radiation of the antenna(s); (17) Applicant’s proposed maintenance and inspection procedures and related system of records; (18) Certification that NIER levels at the proposed site are within the threshold levels adopted by the FCC; If antennas will be located on a rooftop, please attach an RF routine environmental report with a description of any steps that have been or will be taken to prevent the aggregate RF from exceeding exposure limits.

Include information regarding signage, training for workers accessing antenna areas, and precautions against hazards; (19) Certification that the proposed antenna(s) will not cause interference with existing devices, which certification shall be reviewed by a licensed engineer; (20) A copy of the FCC license applicable to the use of the proposed wireless telecommunications facilities; (21) Certification that a topographic and geomorphologic study and analysis has been conducted, and that, taking into account the subsurface and substrata, and the proposed drainage plan, the site is adequate to assure the stability of the proposed wireless telecommunications facilities on the proposed site; (22) Propagation studies of the proposed site and all adjoining proposed, in-service or existing sites; (23) A written disclosure of any agreement in existence prior to submission of the application that would limit or preclude the ability of the applicant to share any new tower that it constructs; (24) A certification and statement that appropriate space has been reserved on the tower for public safety usage at no cost to the public safety entity. The City will provide the specific requirements for such public safety usage, if any, during or promptly after the pre-application meeting; (25) In the case of a proposed new tower, a written report demonstrating applicant’s efforts to collocate upon existing support structures. Copies of any written requests and responses shall be provided; (26) Written certification that the facility, foundation and attachments are designed and will be constructed to meet all local, county, state and federal structural requirements for loads, including wind and ice loads, as required by the currently adopted building code; (27) If the justification of a

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from B10 proposed new site relates to lack of capacity, submit evidence of capacity exhaustion of the current serving site(s).

Such evidence shall demonstrate that the capacity at the serving site will be so diminished within 18 months of the application that it will have a substantial negative impact on service provided to users within the area if new capacity is not added. Examples of this may be time of day download speeds, utilization over time, or cumulative KPI reports from the serving site.

(28) If requested by the City, the applicant shall furnish a visual impact assessment which shall include: a) A “zone of visibility map” which shall be provided in order to determine locations where the tower may be seen. b) Pictorial representations of “before and after” views from key viewpoints both inside and outside of the City, including but not limited to state highways and other major roads; state and local parks; other public lands; historic districts; preserves and historic sites normally open to the public; and from any other location where the site is visible to a large number of visitors, travelers or residents.

The City, acting in consultation with its consultants or experts, will provide guidance concerning the appropriate key sites at a pre-application meeting. c) An assessment of the visual impact of the tower base, guy wires and accessory buildings from abutting and adjacent properties and streets. (g) Any and all representations made on the record by the applicant to the Council during the application process, whether written or verbal, shall be deemed a part of the application and may be relied upon in good faith by the Council. (h) The applicant shall submit to the Council a letter of intent committing the owner of the proposed new tower, and his/ her successors in interest, to negotiate in good faith for shared use of the proposed tower by other telecommunications providers in the future.

This letter shall be filed with the Council. Failure to abide by the conditions outlined in the letter may be grounds for revocation of the special use permit. The letter shall commit the new tower owner and their successors in interest to: (1) Respond within sixty (60) days to a request for information from a potential shared-use applicant; (2) Negotiate in good faith concerning future requests for shared use of the new tower by other telecommunications providers; (3) Allow shared use of the new tower if another telecommunications provider agrees in writing to pay reasonable charges. The charges may include, but are not limited to, a pro rata share of the cost of site selection, planning, project administration, land costs, site design, construction and maintenance financing, return on equity, less depreciation, and all of the costs of adapting the tower or equipment to accommodate a shared user without causing electromagnetic interference. (i) If required by the City, in order to better inform the public in the case of a new telecommunications tower, the applicant shall prior to a public hearing on the application, hold a “balloon test” as follows: Applicant shall arrange to fly, or raise upon a temporary mast, a minimum of a three (3) foot diameter brightly colored balloon at the maximum height of the proposed new tower. The dates, (including a second date, in case of poor visibility on the initial date) times and location of this balloon test shall be advertised, by the applicant, at seven (7) and fourteen (14) days in advance of the first test date in a newspaper with a general circulation in City and agreed to by the Council. The applicant shall inform the Council, in writing, of the dates and times of the test, at least fourteen (14) days in advance.

The balloon shall be flown for at least eight (8) consecutive hours sometime between 7:00 am and 4:00 p.m. of the dates chosen. The primary date shall be on a weekend, but the second date, in case of poor visibility on the initial date, may be on a week day.

Sec. 5.5-307. - Application fee. (a) An application for special use permit for a new tower, or substantial modification of a tower or support structure, shall be accompanied by payment of a nonrefundable application fee of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) to the City. (b) An application for special use permit for collocation on an existing tower or support structure, where no increase in height of the tower or structure, nor substantial modification, is proposed, shall be accompanied by payment of a nonrefundable application fee of two thousand dollars ($2,500.00). (c) No application fee is required to recertify a special use permit, unless there has been a modification of the wireless telecommunications facilities since the date of the issuance of the existing special use permit for which the conditions of the special use permit have not previously been modified. In the case of a substantial modification, the fees provided in subsection (a) shall apply, and in the case of a non-substantial modification, the fees in provided in subsection (b) shall apply. (d) Application fees set forth in this section shall include the cost of any required building permit.

Sec. 5.5-308. - Retention of expert assistance and reimbursement by applicant. (a) The Council may hire a consultant to assist the Council in reviewing and evaluating the application and any requests for recertification. (b) If required by the City, an applicant shall deposit with the City funds sufficient to reimburse the City for all reasonable costs of consultant evaluation in connection with the review of any application. The initial deposit shall be seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500.00). These funds shall accompany the filing of an application, and the City will maintain a separate escrow account for all such funds. A City consultant under this section shall bill or invoice the City no less frequently than monthly for its services in reviewing the application and performing its duties. If at any time during the review process this escrow account has a balance of less than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) the applicant shall immediately, upon notification by the City, replenish said escrow account so that it has a balance of at least two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00).

Such additional escrow funds must be deposited with the City before any further action or consideration is taken on the application. In the event that the amount held in escrow by the City is more than the amount of the actual billing or invoicing at the conclusion of the review process, the difference shall be promptly refunded to the applicant.

Sec. 5.5-309. - Public hearing required. (a) Prior to the approval of any application for a special use permit under this Article, a public hearing shall be held by the Council, notice of which shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the City no less than ten (10) calendar days prior to the scheduled date of the public hearing. The applicant, at least three (3) weeks prior to the date of said public hearing, shall provide to the City names and address of all landowners whose property is located within fifteen hundred (1,500) feet of any property line of the lot on which the new wireless telecommunications facilities are proposed to be located, and shall certify that the applicant has provided notice to said landowners of the public hearing. (b) The Council shall schedule the public hearing referred to in subsection (a) of this section once it finds the application is complete. The Council, at any stage prior to issuing a special use permit, may require such additional information as it deems necessary. (c) The above provisions notwithstanding, if the application is for a special use permit to collocate on an existing tower, involving no substantial modification, no public hearing will be required prior to disposition of the application.

Sec. 5.5-310. - Action on an application for a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities. (a) The Council will undertake a review of an application pursuant to this Article in a timely fashion, and shall act within a reasonable period of

time given the relative complexity of the application and the circumstances, with due regard for the public’s interest and need to be involved, and the applicant’s desire for a timely resolution. (b) Under normal circumstances, the Council will make its final decision to approve or deny an application made under this Article within the following timeframes, subject to such deadlines being reset or tolled in the event of an incomplete or deficient application: (i) Review of an application to collocate a wireless telecommunications facility using an existing support structure: 90 days. (ii) Review of an application to deploy a wireless telecommunications facility using a new support structure, or placement of a new tower: 150 days. (c) The Council may refer any application or part thereof to any advisory or other committee for a nonbinding recommendation. (d) Except for necessary building permits, and subsequent certificates of compliance, once a special use permit has been granted hereunder, no additional permits or approvals from the City, such as site plan or zoning approvals, shall be required by the City for the wireless telecommunications facilities covered by the special use permit. (e) After the public hearing and after formally considering the application, the Council may approve and issue, or deny, a special use permit. Its decision shall be in writing and shall be supported by substantial evidence contained in a written record. The burden of proof for the grant of the permit shall always be upon the applicant. (f) The City reserves the right to deny an application if any of the following conditions exist: (i) The applicant has not demonstrated that the application conforms to the provisions of this Article and the Opelika Municipal Code, including design guidelines established pursuant to this Article. (ii) The design or location does not comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. (iii) The applicant is in default of its obligation to pay to the City fees imposed by this Chapter. (iv) The design does not meet standards related to technical, structural, safety or construction best practices. (v) The applicant is not authorized to conduct business in the State of Alabama. (vi) The applicant has failed within the prior three (3) years to comply or is presently not in compliance with requirements of this Chapter with regard to another wireless communications facility that is not the subject of the applicant in question. (g) If the Council approves the special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities, the applicant shall be notified of such approval in writing within ten (10) calendar days of the Council’s action, and the special use permit shall be issued within thirty (30) days after such approval. (h) If the Council denies the special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities, then the applicant shall be notified of such denial in writing within ten (10) calendar days of the Council’s action.

Sec. 5.5-311. Aesthetic requirements (a) All wireless telecommunications facility applications shall demonstrate that the facility will be placed in a manner that minimizes any adverse visual effect on the environment and its character, and from the residences in the area of the wireless telecommunications facilities sites. This shall include but is not limited to a landscaping plan.

The applicant shall demonstrate and provide in writing and/or by drawing how it shall effectively screen from view its proposed wireless telecommunications facilities base and all related facilities and accessory structures.

The Council may require the support structure to be less visually obtrusive by use of screening, coloring, stealth design, or other visual mitigation options, after considering the height of the structure, topography, existing vegetation and environmental features, and nearby residential properties. (b) Both the wireless telecommunications facility and any and all accessory facilities shall use building materials, colors and textures

designed to blend with the structure to which it may be affixed and/or to harmonize with the natural surroundings. (c) Towers shall be of a galvanized finish or painted with a rust-preventive paint of an appropriate color to harmonize with the surroundings as approved by the Council and shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of this Article and prudent industry standards. (d) Associated equipment must be located in an unmanned building, equipment cabinet, or equipment room in an existing building. (e) An equipment building must satisfy the following standards: (i) It is a maximum of 560 square feet in area; however, a single equipment building in excess of 560 square feet, located at ground level, may be used if (a) the overall maximum square footage is 1,500 square feet and the maximum height is 12 feet, and (b) the building is used for more than one telecommunications provider operating from the same monopole or tower. (ii) It is a maximum of 14 feet in height, including the support structure for the equipment building. (iii) If the equipment building is greater than 4 feet in height and is in a residential zone, or the nearest abutting property is in a residential zone, the building must be faced with brick or other material compatible with the surrounding neighborhood on all sides. (f) If an equipment cabinet and any supporting platform are greater than 4 feet in height, and service an antenna on existing structure that is not a utility pole, streetlight pole, or approved parking lot light pole, and if the existing structure is in a residential zone, or the nearest abutting property to the existing structure is in a residential zone, then the equipment must be surrounded by landscaping of at least 3 feet in height.

Sec. 5.5-312-- Undergrounding of utilities All utilities serving wireless telecommunications facilities sites shall be installed underground and in compliance with all ordinances, rules and regulations of the City, including specifically, but not limited to, the National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical Code where appropriate. The Council may waive or vary the requirements of underground installation of utilities whenever, in the opinion of the Council, such variance or waiver shall not be detrimental to the health, safety, general welfare and environment, including the visual and scenic characteristics of the area.

Sec. 5.5-313 -- Access to site.

At a tower site, an access road and parking may be required to assure adequate emergency and service access. Maximum use of existing roads, whether public or private, shall be made to the extent practicable.

Any road construction shall at all times minimize ground disturbance and vegetationcutting. Road grades shall closely follow natural contours to assure minimal visual disturbance and reduce soil erosion.

Sec. 5.5-314 -- Compliance with applicable standards; other necessary authorizations. (a) A holder of a special use permit granted under this Article shall construct, operate, maintain, repair, provide for removal of, modify or restore the permitted wireless telecommunications facilities in strict compliance with all current technical, safety and safety-related codes adopted by the City, county, state, or United States, including but not limited to the most recent editions of the National Electrical Safety Code and the National Electrical Code, recommended practices of the National Association of Tower Erectors, applicable construction, building, electrical, fire, safety, health, and land use codes, and workmanlike industry practices. In the event of a conflict between or among any of the preceding the more stringent shall apply. (b) A holder of a special use permit granted under this Article shall obtain, at its own expense, all permits, licenses, or other authorizations required by applicable rule, regulation or ordinance, and must maintain the same, in full force and effect, for as long as required by the City or other governmental entity or agency having jurisdiction over the applicant.

Sec. 5.5-315. - Location of wireless telecommunications facilities. (a) Applicants for wireless telecommunications facilities

B11 July 03, 2019 shall place said wireless telecommunications facilities in accordance with the following priorities, one (1) being the highest priority and six (6) being the lowest priority: (1) Collocation upon existing macro-cell towers or other tall support structures; (2) Collocation upon other existing towers or support structures; (3) On a site with existing wireless telecommunication facilities or structures; (4) On City-owned properties; (5) On other property within the jurisdiction of the City; (6) On properties in designated historic districts, restricted overlay districts, or areas zoned for residential use. (b) If the proposed property site is not the highest priority listed above, a detailed explanation must be provided as to why a site of a higher priority was not selected, demonstrating the reason or reasons why such a permit should be granted for the proposed site, and the hardship that would be incurred by the applicant if the permit were not granted for the proposed site. (c) Notwithstanding that a potential site may be situated in an area of highest priority or highest available priority, the Council may disapprove a proposed location or application if the proposed location conflicts with the historic nature of a neighborhood or historical district or conflicts with a specific zoning or land use designation. (d) No Construction on Private Property in Residential District. No new tower may be built upon private property in a single family residentially zoned district or neighborhood, or within one-thousand feet (1,000’) of the border of a single family residentially zoned district or neighborhood, or within a historic district, unless the applicant provides evidence to the satisfaction of the City demonstrating i) that a new tower as proposed is necessary because no reasonable alternative or combination of alternatives exists; ii) that the intended area cannot be served from outside of the district or sensitive area without a new tower; iii) that no existing or previously approved facility can reasonably be used for antenna placement; and iv) that not to permit a new tower or other support structure would effectively prohibit service. This subsection shall not prohibit the installation of wireless antennas and accessory equipment upon and within existing buildings, such as church steeples, provided such installation is concealed or camouflaged to the satisfaction of the Council. This subsection shall not prohibit placement of wireless facilities within the public rights-of-way in such areas, subject to the requirements of Article IV of this Chapter. (e) Notwithstanding the above, the Council may approve any proposed site, provided that the Council finds that the proposed site is consistent with the purposes of this Article and the City’s obligation to protect the health, safety and welfare of the City and its inhabitants. (f) The applicant shall in writing identify and disclose the number and locations of any additional sites that the applicant has been, is, or will be considering, reviewing or planning for placement of wireless telecommunications facilities within the City, and all municipalities adjoining the City, for a two-year period following the date of the application.

Sec. 5.5-316 Attachments to buildings To preserve and protect the nature and character of the area, for any attachment to a building or other structure with an architectural face, antennas shall be mounted on the face without increasing the height of the building or other structure, unless it can be demonstrated that such placement will prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting the provision of service. If antennas are required to be mounted above the roof-line of any building, the applicant must include a plan to camouflage the antennas. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to all other requirements of this Article: An antenna and a related unmanned equipment building or cabinet may be installed on a rooftop, if a building is a minimum height of: (i) 50 feet in any residential zone, and must be mounted

in an antenna enclosure the same color or design as the building; or (ii) 20 feet in any commercial or industrial zone and must be mounted in an antenna enclosure the same color or design as the building.

Sec. 5.5-317. - Shared use of wireless telecommunications facilities and structures.

Any proposed new tower shall be structurally designed to accommodate at least two (2) additional antenna arrays equal to those of the applicant and located as close to the applicant’s antenna as possible without causing interference. This requirement may be waived, provided that the applicant, in writing, demonstrates that the provision of future shared usage of the tower is not technologically feasible, or is commercially impracticable and creates an unnecessary and unreasonable burden.

Sec. 5.5-318. - Height of telecommunications tower(s). (a) Unless waived by the Council upon good cause shown, the maximum height of any tower shall be one hundred (100) feet. (b) The maximum height of any tower and attached antennas constructed after the effective date of this Article shall not exceed that which shall enable operation without artificial lighting of any kind, in accordance with municipal, county, state, and/or any federal statute, code, rule or regulation.

Sec. 5.5-319. - Lighting of wireless telecommunications facilities. (a) Wireless telecommunications facilities shall not be artificially lighted or marked, except as required by this Article or other regulatory authority. (b) If lighting is required, applicant shall provide a detailed plan for lighting as unobtrusive and as is permissible under state and federal regulations. The City may require applicant to provide an artist's rendering or other visual representation showing the effect of light emanating from the site on neighboring habitable structures within fifteen hundred (1,500) feet of all property lines of the parcel on which the wireless telecommunications facility is located.

Sec. 5.5-320. – Reserved.

Sec. 5.5-321. - Security of wireless telecommunications facilities.

Unless waived by Council, all wireless telecommunications facilities and antennas shall be located, fenced or otherwise secured in a manner which prevents unauthorized access.

Specific requirements are as follows: (1) All antennas, towers and other supporting structures, including guy wires, shall be made inaccessible to individuals and constructed or shielded in such a manner that they cannot be climbed or run into; and (2) Transmitters and telecommunications control points must be installed such that they are readily accessible only to persons authorized to operate or service them.

Sec. 5.5-322. - Signage.

Unless waived by Council, wireless telecommunications facilities shall contain a sign no larger than four (4) square feet to provide adequate notification to persons in the immediate area of the presence of an antenna that has transmission capabilities. The sign shall contain the name(s) of the owner(s) and operator(s) of the antenna(s) as well as emergency phone number(s).

The sign shall be located so as to be visible from the access point of the site. The sign shall not be lighted unless the Council shall have allowed such lighting or unless such lighting is required by applicable provisions of ordinance.

The sign shall be approved by the Council before installation. No other signage, including advertising, shall be permitted on any facilities, antennas, antenna supporting structures or antenna towers, unless otherwise required by law.

Sec. 5.5-323. - Lot size and setbacks.

Wireless telecommunications facilities shall be located with a minimum setback from any property line a distance equal to the height of the wireless telecommunications facility or the existing setback requirement of the underlying zoning district, whichever is greater. Any accessory structure shall be located so as to comply with the applicable minimum setback requirements for the property on which it is situated. The

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from B11 provisions of this section notwithstanding, the leasing of property for the location of a wireless telecommunications facility does not require subdivision approval by the City Planning Commission.

Sec. 5.5-324. - Recertification of a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities. (a) At any time between twelve (12) months and six (6) months prior to the fiveyear anniversary date after the effective date of the special use permit and all subsequent fifth anniversaries of the effective date of the original special use permit, the permit holder shall submit a signed written request to the Council for recertification. In the written request for recertification, the permit holder shall note the following: (1) The name of the permit holder.

(2) If applicable, the number or title of the special use permit.

(3) The date of the original granting of the special use permit.

(4) Whether the wireless telecommunications facilities have been moved, relocated, rebuilt, or otherwise modified since the issuance of the special use permit and if so, in what manner.

(5) If the wireless telecommunications facilities have been moved, relocated, rebuilt, or otherwise modified, then whether the Council approved such action, and under what terms and conditions, and whether those terms and conditions were complied with.

(6) Any requests for waivers or relief of any kind whatsoever from the requirements of this Article.

(7) That the wireless telecommunications facilities are in compliance with the special use permit and compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances, rules and regulations.

(8) Recertification that the support structure and attachments both are designed and constructed and continue to meet all local, county, state and federal structural requirements for loads, including wind and ice loads. Such recertification shall be by a qualified Alabama state licensed professional engineer acceptable to the City, the cost of which shall be borne by the applicant.

(9) A list of collocating entities. (b) If, after such review, the Council finds that the permitted wireless telecommunications facilities are in compliance with the special use permit and all applicable statutes, local laws, codes, rules and regulations, then the Council shall recertify the special use permit for the wireless telecommunications facilities, which may include any new provisions or conditions that are mutually agreed upon, or required by applicable statutes, laws, local ordinances, codes, rules and regulations. If, after such review, the Council determines that the permitted wireless telecommunications facilities are not in compliance with the special use permit and all applicable statutes, local laws, codes, rules and regulations, the Council may refuse to recertify the special use permit, and in such event, the wireless telecommunications facilities that are the subject of the permit shall not be used after the date that the applicant receives written notice of such decision by the Council.

Any such decision shall be in writing and supported by substantial evidence contained in a written record. (c) If the applicant has submitted all of the information requested by the Council and required by this Article, and if the Council does not complete its review, as noted in subsection (b) of this section, prior to the five-year anniversary date of the special use permit, or subsequent fifth anniversaries, then the applicant for the permitted wireless telecommunications facilities shall receive an extension of the special use permit for up to six (6) months in order for the Council to complete its review. (d) If the holder of a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities does not submit a request for recertification of such special use permit within the timeframe noted in subsection (a) of this section, then such special use

permit and any authorizations granted thereunder shall cease to exist on the date of the fifth anniversary of the original granting of the special use permit, or subsequent fifth anniversaries, unless the holder of the special use permit adequately demonstrates to the Council that extenuating circumstances prevented a timely recertification request. If the Council agrees that there were legitimately extenuating circumstances, then the holder of the special use permit may submit a late recertification request or application for a new special use permit.

Sec. 5.5-325 -- Assignment and transfer. (a) A special use permit granted under this Article shall not be assigned, transferred or conveyed without the express prior written notification to the City, such notice to be not fewer than thirty (30) business days prior to the intended assignment, transfer or conveyance. (b) Any purported transfer, assignment or other conveyance of a special use permit shall be invalid unless and until the new permit holder provides to the City a written commitment of the new permit holder that it will abide by all applicable laws, rules and regulations, including but not limited to this Article.

Sec. 5.5-326. - Performance security.

The applicant and the owner of record of any proposed wireless telecommunications facilities property site shall, at its cost and expense, be jointly required to execute and file with the City a bond, or other form of security acceptable to the City, in an amount of at least seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000.00) and with such sureties as are deemed sufficient by the Council to assure the faithful performance of the terms and conditions of this Article and conditions of any special use permit issued pursuant to this Article. The full amount of the bond or security shall remain in full force and effect throughout the term of the special use permit and/or until the removal of the wireless telecommunications facilities, and any necessary site restoration is completed.

The failure to pay any annual premium for the renewal of any such security shall be an event of noncompliance with this Article.

Sec. 5.5-327. - Authority to inspect. (a) To verify that the permit holder, and any and all lessees, renters, and/or licensees of wireless telecommunications facilities, places and constructs such facilities, including towers and antennas, in accordance with all applicable technical, safety, fire, building, and zoning codes, ordinances, laws and regulations, and other applicable requirements, the City may inspect all facets of said permit holder’s, renter’s, lessee’s or licensee’s placement, construction, modification and maintenance of such facilities, including, but not limited to, towers, antennas and buildings or other structures constructed or located on a permitted site. (b) The City shall pay for costs associated with such an inspection, except for those circumstances occasioned by said holder’s, lessee’s or licensee’s refusal to provide necessary information, or necessary access to such facilities, including towers, antennas, and appurtenant or associated facilities, or refusal to otherwise cooperate with the City with respect to an inspection, or if violations of this Article are found to exist, in which case the holder, lessee or licensee shall reimburse the City for the cost of the inspection. (c) Payment of such costs shall be made to the City within thirty (30) days from the date of the invoice or other demand for reimbursement. If the finding(s) of violation is/are appealed in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article, said reimbursement payment must still be paid to the City and the reimbursement shall be placed in an escrow account established by the City specifically for this purpose, pending the final decision on appeal.

Sec. 5.5-328. - Annual NIER certification.

The holder of the special use permit shall annually certify in writing to the City that NIER levels at the site are within the threshold levels adopted by the FCC. The certifying engineer need not be approved by the City.

Sec. 5.5-329. - Liability insurance. (a) A permit holder under

this Article shall secure and at all times maintain public liability insurance for personal injuries, death and property damage, and umbrella insurance coverage, for the duration of the special use permit in amounts as set forth below: (1) Commercial general liability covering personal injuries, death and property damage: $1,000,000.00 per occurrence/$2,000,000.00 aggregate.

(2) Automobile coverage: $1,000,000.00 per occurrence/$2,000,000.00 aggregate.

(3) Workers compensation and disability: Statutory amounts. (b) The commercial general liability insurance policy shall specifically include the City and its officers, employees, committee members, attorneys, agents and consultants as additional named insureds. (c) The insurance policies shall be issued by an agent or representative of an insurance company licensed to do business in the state and with a Best’s rating of at least A. (d) The insurance policies shall contain an endorsement obligating the insurance company to furnish the City with at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice in advance of the cancellation of the insurance. (e) Renewal or replacement policies or certificates shall be delivered to the City at least fifteen (15) days before the expiration of the insurance which such policies are to renew or replace. (f) Before construction of a permitted wireless telecommunications facilities is initiated, but in no case later than fifteen (15) days after the grant of the special use permit, the holder of the special use permit shall deliver to the City a copy of each of the policies or certificates representing the insurance in the required amounts.

Sec. 5.5-330. - Indemnification. (a) An application for a special use permit under this Article shall include a provision with respect to indemnification. Such provision shall require the applicant, to the extent permitted by law, to at all times defend, indemnify, protect, save, hold harmless, and exempt the City, and its officers, employees, committee members, attorneys, agents, and consultants from any and all penalties, damages, costs, or charges arising out of any and all claims, suits, demands, causes of action, or award of damages, whether compensatory or punitive, or expenses arising therefrom, either at law or in equity, which might arise out of, or are caused by, the placement, construction, erection, modification, location, products performance, use, operation, maintenance, repair, installation, replacement, removal, or restoration of said wireless telecommunications facilities. With respect to the penalties, damages or charges referenced herein, reasonable attorneys’ fees, consultants’ fees, and expert witness fees are included in those costs that are recoverable by the City. (b) Notwithstanding the requirements noted in subsection (a) of this section, an indemnification provision will not be required in those instances where the City itself applies for and secures a special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities.

Sec. 5.5-331 -- Noncompliance, cure and revocation. (a) Event of Noncompliance.

If a wireless provider fails to comply with any material term or condition of this Article or any special permit issued under it, including nonconformity with application materials as approved by the City, the wireless provider shall be in noncompliance with this Article. (b) Process. If a wireless provider is found to be in noncompliance, the City shall give the wireless provider forty-five (45) days written notice to cure the violation(s), or diligently commence the cure for matters that cannot reasonably be cured within forty-five (45) days. If the provider does not cure the violation(s), the City Council shall set a time for hearing the matter for revoking the special use permit and notice of such hearing shall be given to the provider at least ten (10) days before the day set for said hearing. At the hearing, the city Council shall hear all evidence offered by any party and all evidence that may be presented bearing upon the question of revocation as the case may be. The City Council shall render a decision within ten (10) days from the date of

such hearing. (c) In the event of an uncured material failure to comply with this Article, the City, at its option, shall be entitled to pursue any and all remedies that it may have in law or at equity, including terminating noncompliant permits, and drawing down the noncompliant wireless provider’s performance and payment bond to cover any fees, costs, damages, expenses, or penalties that a wireless provider has not paid. (d) Removal of Facilities.

Upon termination for noncompliance, the City may require a wireless provider shall remove its wireless telecommunications facilities within six (6) months of receiving notice. If not so removed within that time period, the City shall have the right, but not the obligation, to treat the wireless provider’s facilities as abandoned. A wireless provider shall be required to pay the City’s actual and documented costs of taking title, storing, selling, or otherwise disposing of a wireless telecommunications facility within ninety (90) calendar days after it has received an invoice from the City.

Sec. 5.5-332. - Remedies. (a) Any person who shall erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, convert, attach or maintain any wireless communication facility in violation of the provisions of this Article, or who, being the owner or agent of the owner of any lot, tract or parcel of land, shall suffer another to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, repair, convert, attach or maintain any such facility, commits an offense. A person commits a separate offense for each day during which a violation is committed. An offense under this Article is punished as provided in subsection (b) below. (b) A violation of this Article is hereby declared to be an offense punishable by a fine not exceeding Three Hundred Fifty Dollars ($350.00) or imprisonment fo not to exceed six (6) months, or both for conviction of a first offense; for conviction of a second offense, both of which were committed within a period of five (5) years, punishable by a fine not less than Three Hundred Fifty ($350.00) dollars nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or both; and upon conviction of a third or subsequent offense, all of which were committed within a period of five (5) years, punishable by a fine not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six (6) months, or both.For the purpose of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers generally, violations of this Article or of such ordinance or regulation shall be deemed misdemeanors and for such purpose only all of law relating to misdemeanors shall apply to such violations.

Each week's continued violation shall constitute a separate additional offense. (c) If any wireless communications facility is erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted, attached or maintained in violation of this Article or any regulation made pursuant hereto, the Mayor, in addition to other remedies, may institute in the name of the City any appropriate action or proceeding, including suit for injunctive relief, to prevent or abate any violations of this Article, to prevent any such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, attachment, maintenance or use of such facility, to prevent the use of such facility, and/ or to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or about such facility. (d) Notwithstanding anything in this Article, the holder of the special use permit for wireless telecommunications facilities may not use the payment of fines, liquidated damages or other penalties to evade or avoid compliance with this Article or any section of this Article. An attempt to do so shall subject the holder of the special use permit to termination and revocation of the special use permit. The City may also seek injunctive relief to prevent the continued violation of this Article, without limiting other remedies available to the City.

Sec. 5.5-333. - Removal of wireless telecommunications facilities. (a) Under the following circumstances, the Council

may determine that the health, safety, and welfare of the City warrant and require the removal of wireless telecommunications facilities: (1) Wireless telecommunications facilities have been abandoned (i.e. not used as wireless telecommunications facilities) for a period exceeding ninety (90) consecutive days or a total of one hundred eighty (180) days in any three hundred sixty-five (365) day period, except for periods caused by force majeure or acts of god, in which case, repair or removal shall commence within ninety (90) days.

(2) Wireless telecommunications facilities fall into such a state of disrepair that it creates a health or safety hazard.

(3) Wireless telecommunications facilities have been located, constructed, or modified without first obtaining, or in a manner not authorized by, the required special use permit, or any other necessary authorization. (b) If the Council makes such a determination described in subsection (a) of this section, then the Council shall notify the permit holder or owner of the wireless telecommunications facilities (if reasonably identifiable) within forty-eight (48) hours that said wireless telecommunications facilities are to be removed. (c) The holder of the special use permit, or its successors or assigns, or the owner of the facilities, shall dismantle and remove such wireless telecommunications facilities, and all associated structures and facilities, from the site and restore the site to as close to its original condition as is possible, such restoration being limited only by physical or commercial impracticability, within ninety (90) days of receipt of written notice from the Council. However, if the owner of the property upon which the wireless telecommunications facilities are located wishes to retain any access roadway to the wireless telecommunications facilities, the owner may do so with the approval of the Council. (d) If wireless telecommunications facilities are not removed or substantial progress has not been made to remove the wireless telecommunications facilities within ninety (90) days after the permit holder or owner has received notice, then the Council may order officials or representatives of the City to remove the wireless telecommunications facilities at the sole expense of the owner or special use permit holder. (e) If the City removes or causes to be removed wireless telecommunications facilities, and the owner of the wireless telecommunications facilities does not claim and remove it from the site to a lawful location within ten (10) days, then the City may take steps to declare the wireless telecommunications facilities abandoned, and sell them and their components. (f) Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, the Council may approve a temporary use permit/agreement for the wireless telecommunications facilities, for no more than ninety (90) days, during which time a suitable plan for removal, conversion, or relocation of the affected wireless telecommunications facilities shall be developed by the holder of the special use permit, subject to the approval of the Council, and an agreement to such plan shall be executed by the holder of the special use permit and the City. If such a plan is not developed, approved and executed within the ninety-day time period, then the City may take possession of and dispose of the affected wireless telecommunications facilities in the manner provided in this section.

Sec. 5.5-334. – Waiver and relief.

Any applicant desiring relief or exemption from any aspect or requirement of this Article may request such at the preapplication meeting, provided that the relief or exemption is contained in the original application for either a special use permit, or in the case of an existing or previously granted special use permit a request for modification of its tower and/or facilities. Such relief may be temporary or permanent, partial or complete, at the sole discretion of the Council.

The burden of proving the need for the requested relief or exemption is solely on the applicant. The applicant shall bear all costs of the City

in considering the request and the relief shall not be transferable to a new or different holder of the permit or owner of the tower or facilities without the specific written permission of the Council. Such permission shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

No such relief or exemption shall be approved unless the applicant demonstrates that, if granted, the relief or exemption will have no significant detrimental effect on the health, safety and welfare of the City, its residents, and other service providers.

Sec. 5.5-335-- Effect of future changes in governing law Nothing in this Article shall be construed as surrender by the City of its right and power to adopt future ordinances, rules, and regulations in the exercise of its police power applying to wireless telecommunications facilities to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law. Issuance of any special use permit pursuant to this Article shall not grant the permittee any vested rights in the event of a change in governing law, including any vested right for permittee to remain regulated under the laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations in effect at the time of issuance of a permit. In the event of any future change in governing law (including, but not limited to, invalidation or modification of the final rules of the Federal Communications Commission in effect at the time of initial adoption of this Article), the City at all times reserves the right to regulate wireless telecommunications facilities under new governing law as changed and to apply new City regulations allowed by the changed law to all pre-existing wireless telecommunications facilities.

Sec. 5.5-336. - Conflict with other laws or ordinances.

Where this Article differs or conflicts with other laws, rules and regulations, unless the right to do so is preempted or prohibited by the City, State or Federal government, this Article shall apply.

Sec. 5.5-337. - Severability. (a) If any word, phrase, sentence, part, section, subsection, or other portion of this Article or any application thereof to any person or circumstance is declared void, unconstitutional, or invalid for any reason, then such word, phrase, sentence, part, section, subsection, or other portion, or the proscribed application thereof, shall be severable, and the remaining provisions of this Article, and all applications thereof, not having been declared void, unconstitutional, or invalid, shall remain in full force and effect. (b) Any special use permit issued pursuant to this Article shall be comprehensive and not severable. If part of a special use permit is deemed or ruled to be invalid or unenforceable in any material respect, by a competent authority, or is overturned by a competent authority, the permit shall be void in total, upon determination by the City.

Section 2. Repeal of conflicting ordinances. Any ordinance or parts thereof in conflict with this Ordinance are repealed to the extent of the conflict only.

Section 3. Effective date.

This Ordinance (and Article III hereby adopted) shall take effect and be enforced immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.

Section 4. Publication. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to cause a copy of this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama.

Section 5. Codification.

Codification of Article III adopted herein in the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 2nd day of July, 2019. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR this the 3rd day of July, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 3rd day of July, 2019. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERKLegal Run 07/03/2019

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Rogers,

from B8 get here, most of them are in very poor health.

I am hopeful that soon the Democrats will allow my authorization bill to appropriate $4.5 billion in supplemental funding to help deal with this.

When President Trump was talking about wanting to get money for the border barrier, the Democrat party kept saying, well, we don't need barriers, they don't work. What we need is money for health care, transportation, housing. Well, that's all this appropriations bill is, $4.5 billion to provide that kind of assistance to the border.”

On the need for retaliation against Iran: “There absolutely has to be some response to that provocative, unprovoked act. But it does need to be measured. I think that's what the president is trying to decide, whether it needs to be a kinetic strike, like was being planned, or something in the way of other diplomatic approaches to put pressure on them.”

On executive authority to take immediate action against Iran: “When you have a country like Iran shoot down an American drone in international airspace, I don't think we need to have three

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months of argument in Congress to decide what needs to be done.

We have a commanderin-chief to make decisions like this, and it does not matter if it is a Democrat or a Republican. I thought the same way about Barack Obama when he was president.

If we are going to get into a long-term war, that's a different story, but [Trump] needs to take action in a quick manner, whether it is sanctions or kinetic attacks…There has to be a response. Otherwise, China and Russia will be much more provocative in their actions toward us because they know we are paralyzed and unable to respond.”

Democrats Chose to Appease the Radical Left and Reject Bipartisan Consensus Rogers also recently joined House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), and Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (RWyo.) today to highlight the humanitarian crisis at the southwest border and House Democrats unwillingness to work in a bipartisan manner to address it.

Conditions on Border are Beyond a Crisis: This is an enormous and growing humanitarian crisis at the border. In the last three months, we’ve had in excess of a 100,000 migrants come across our border. In March, it

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was 104,000. In April, it was 109,000. In May it was 140,000…We have a capacity in our CBP processing centers of 4,000 – we now have 20,000 people in those facilities. This has got to be addressed.

Months of Democrat Inaction: We have put forth a bill – my bill – that was the president’s request.

[DHS and HHS] told us what they needed for humanitarian relief. It’s been rejected – [Democrats] won’t even let us vote on it – 17 times.

More Politics and Poison Pills: Unfortunately, the bill that the Democrats are bringing to the floor is full of political poison pills. They don’t want this situation solved. One of

B13

the provisions they put in [the bill] prohibits sending DoD resources down to the border to supplement CBP. They prevent us from paying ICE agents overtime.

They prevent us from taking other DHS personnel like FEMA or TSA people that volunteer and letting them go down to the border… in administrative roles to free up agents to go and do their jobs.

A Path Forward: [Democrats] need to at least compromise with the Senate bill.

It’s not our bill – it’s not [exactly] what we want, but it’s a compromise…We need to be able to provide some relief for this horrible situation down at the border.

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Beulah,

from B7 Monday, with Wood sharing about her experience at the event through social media.

“A great morning celebrating the new Beulah Community Center. Thankful for

all the different partners that worked together to make this a reality,” Wood wrote in a Facebook post.

“Special thanks to the Bridge Church for donating the property.”

The facility is located at 4848 Lee Road 270. For more information, call 334749-5928.

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B14 July 03, 2019

pelika Observer O

Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku?

Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

Last week’s answers:

06-26 Scramblers Answers: 1. Agility, 2. Meager, 3. Basin, 4. Crooner Solution: BECOMING

pelika O Observer

B15 July 03, 2019

USDA loking to distribute $2 ‘Bandy Day’ held Saturday billion for infrastructure at Opelika’s Bandy Park projects in rural areas Special to the Opelika Observer Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley announced last week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has more than $2 billion still available this year to invest in community facilities and infrastructure projects in rural areas.

Baxley also released the names of 40 rural communities that are receiving a total of $50 million for projects that will benefit 631,000 rural residents in 17 states.

“Modern and accessible education, health care, public safety and municipal services are foundational to quality of life in any community,” Baxley said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Sec. Sonny Perdue, the USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural communities to build the facilities in which these essential services are located, and to improve the infrastructure these services rely on to operate in rural America.”

USDA is making the investments and has additional funding available through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program.

Interested applicants should contact their USDA Rural Development state office.

The 40 projects Baxley announced last week are in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee and Virginia. Sens.

Richard Shelby and Doug Jones, along

with Rep. Mike Rogers, worked together to receive funding for three projects in Calhoun County and the city of Florence.

The Alabama projects include: • Calhoun County Fair Inc. - This Rural Development investment of$76,000 will be used to purchase land for the Calhoun County fair. Calhoun County currently rents this property. The land purchase will provide parking for county fair events.

The fair has been in operation for more 30 years.

• Mid-Lauderdale Volunteer Fire Department Inc. - This Rural Development investment of $150,000 will be used to purchase new equipment for the Mid-Lauderdale Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) to better serve the community.

The new extrication equipment, air packs and tanks are needed because some of the current equipment is reaching the end of its useful life and is costly to repair.

• Mid-Lauderdale Volunteer Fire Department Inc. - This Rural Development investment of $300,000 will be used to purchase a new fire truck and equipment for the Mid-Lauderdale (VFD) to better serve the community.

The new fire truck and equipment are needed because some of the current equipment is reaching the end of its useful life and is costly to repair.

The Mid-Lauderdale VFD has been in operation for more than 30 years, providing services to 20,519 residential customers.

More than 100 types of projects are eligible for funding under

USDA’s Community Facilities program.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.

USDA will make additional funding announcements in coming weeks. Congress appropriated $2.8 billion for Community Facilities direct loans and grants in fiscal year 2019.

In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump.

These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a cornerstone recommendation of the task force.

The USDA Rural Development program provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www. rd.usda.gov.

NOW OPEN

Photos by Irving Blanco/Opelika Observer

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B16 July 03, 2019

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COMICS

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