Opelika Observer - 08-05-2020 E-edition by OpelikaObserver

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

VOL. 12, NO.44

pelika Observer O

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Local schools discuss reopening plans

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Will Fairless Hannah Lester Lee County Schools The Lee County School Board approved the “Tentative Path to Reopening Schools” at its July 14 meeting. The plan was presented by Jason Wright, the

assistant superintendent and director of career technology at Lee County Schools. The Tentative Path to Reopening Schools includes the following changes, among others, to the way schooling has typically been conducted. • There will be no

lockers used during the upcoming school year. • Face coverings are strongly recommended for anyone on a Lee County school campus; face masks will be provided to every student and employee and face shields will be provided to every employee and students

Opelika, Alabama

from kindergarten through 3rd grade. • Face coverings will be required on school buses. • Large gatherings will be limited based on the level of the pandemic, as will visits to the schools for people who are not students or faculty. • All meals will be picked up in the cafeterias and taken back to the classrooms to be eaten there. Neither students nor employees will type in their lunch numbers on keypads, they will instead have laminated name badges with barcodes to scan for payment. • Each school site will have a designated area where students who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 See SCHOOL BOARD, page A3

Reflecting on a life well lived

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

For days I sent Johnny texts that went unanswered. “Getting better today?” “How are you Johnny?” “Are you okay? I’m getting nervous about you.” *** Johnny Lawrence passed away Friday evening at East

Alabama Medical Center after battling the coronavirus. Lawrence was retired from the Auburn Fire Department, which he loved dearly, and was serving as the Ward 2 Lee County Commissioner. I would see him bimonthly at commission meetings, but our friendship was far from just a quick handshake and a quote See LAWRENCE, page A5

CDBG CARES Act can provide additional Third annual Nonviolence Peace March and Rally' held Aug. 1 revenue for small businesses

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

Small businesses can apply to receive assistance through the city of Opelika for the Community Development Block

Grant (CDBG) CARES Act. Applicants who are chosen will receive help with rent, mortgage and other business expenses if they have lost revenue due to the coronavirus. Businesses who

have lost at least 30 percent of their income due to the pandemic are eligible to apply. The applications can be found on the city of Opelika’s website (www.opelikaal.gov), and they should be submitted by email (lthrift@ opelika-al.gov). Applications can be submitted in person, but an appointment is necessary. Call (334-705-5155) to set one up.

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Michelle Key Publisher The third annual 'Nonviolence Peace March and Rally' was held last Saturday in Opelika. Pastor

Index OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . . . .A9 RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A11 COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A14

SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1 POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B9 PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . B12 CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B13

Carolyn Morton, Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts, State Rep. Jeremy Gray, Ward 2 Candidate Oscar Penn and other volunteers joined forces to march for an end to violence

in local communities. The Opelika Fire Department participated in the event aslo. Turn to A3 for more photos from the event.

A2 August 5, 2020

Lee County Sheriff’s Office joins Central Alabama CrimeStoppers crimes and bring those who victimize others to justice.” Last November, the Central Alabama CrimeStoppers Board of Directors decided to offer its services throughout the state of Alabama to any law enforcement agency that does not have any active CrimeStoppers program in their community. There are many benefits to a CrimeStoppers program, such as a greater awareness in the community that there is a crime problem, a willingness by the community to fight back against crime if it is given the opportunity

Wil Crews Staff Writer The Lee County Sheriff’s department announced on Friday, July 17, on Facebook that it has committed to join forces with Central Alabama CrimeStoppers in an effort to fight crime. Per the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, this was a move to empower the citizens of Lee County, who are now eligible for cash rewards of up to $5,000 if they possess information about wanted criminals or unsolved crimes. Central Alabama CrimeStoppers offers its services to law

enforcement agencies for free. The Lee County Sheriff’s Department has been given immediate access to CrimeStoppers’ tip distribution software. It has the ability to send wanted criminals, missing persons and unsolved criminal cases

h CrimeStoppers i to the media platforms to be shared throughout the state. Additionally, Lee County residents can download the Central Alabama CrimeStoppers media app, “P3-tips,” to report information about a crime with complete anonymity.

l “Our agency iis pleased to become involved with the Central Alabama Crime Stoppers organization,” said Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones. "They have been of crucial assistance to law enforcement for many years by providing information from citizens to solve

and motivation and improved relationships between police, media and the community. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is one of 17 counties across the state that have law enforcement agencies partnered with Central Alabama CrimeStoppers. Lee County citizens are encouraged to contact Central Alabama CrimeStoppers when they have information regarding a crime by: using the 24-hour tip line at 215-STOP (7867), downloading the P3tips app, visiting www.215STOP.com or calling 1-833-AL1-STOP.

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Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

Name: Address: Publisher: Michelle Key Associate Editors: Will Fairless and Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Wil Crews, Rick Lanier and D. Mark Mitchell

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A3 August 5, 2020

City Of Opelika approves new public library Courtesy of the City of Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, the Opelika City Council and the board and staff at Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library are excited to announce plans to build a new library for the city of Opelika. The current facility, completed in 1976, has served the community well for over 40 years. Originally intended to house 46,000 books, a children’s section with

a reading well, an art gallery, a historical room and an audio-visual room, the current needs have outgrown the building’s capacity. Over time, those spaces have transitioned to meet the needs of a rapidly growing city. The new Opelika Public Library facility, which will be located at 1100 Glenn St., will expand on the library as a community space. Amenities include increasing the number of individual study rooms (appropriate for one to

two people) from two to four, adding two group study rooms suitable for up to 10 people, creating two group meeting rooms suitable for 30 to 40 people and adding a large auditorium that will seat up to 250 people with a warming kitchen perfect for event catering needs. All spaces will be available for reservation and will be able to host a variety of events and meet various community needs. Additionally, the library will increase the computer lab capacity

and add a family computer lab for those with small children. The new facility will expand on in-library Chromebook circulation so users will not be confined to the computer lab for digital access needs. Other exciting features include: Outdoor space for families to gather and play A covered pavilion that is reservable and will be able to be used for the O-Grows Farmer’s Market Accessible restrooms

with changing facilities and a restroom for kids and their caregivers in the children’s area Increased capacity for materials Space for teenagers to gather and study or relax An updated genealogy and quiet reading room Once construction begins, it is expected to take 12 months to complete. Updates will be added online (www. cooperlibrary.com). Lathan Architects and Robbins and Morton will be utilized throughout the project.

“We are excited to use this new space to continue growing as a community hub,” said Library Director Rosanna McGinnis. “Though you can borrow books and movies and attend fun and educational programs, we want to continue to become a dynamic and responsive institution. We want to build up our community and work with other local agencies to make sure all community assets are fully utilized by those who need them."

Photos from the third annual Peace March by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

SCHOOL BOARD >> FROM A1

will be isolated until their parents can be contacted. The room will be outfitted with chairs and flooring that can be easily sanitized and will contain an air purifier. • The signs in schools will identify adjusted maximum occupancies, how foot traffic should flow (students will be instructed to walk along walls without touching the walls), social distancing expectations and what mask usage is required. • Desks and tables will be distanced and will be sanitized at least once a day. • Any student or employee diagnosed with COVID-19 will be kept away from the school for at least 14 days; this individual can return to school after testing negative, being symptom-free and receiving a written notice from a healthcare provider. The school system also recommends that parents use private vehicles to transport their children to and from school and that they don’t allow their children to attend school if the children are exhibiting any of the following symptoms: a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, cough, runny nose, sinus congestion, trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, abdominal pain, stomach ache, diarrhea or vomiting. Virtual learning may be universally implemented or used with only a portion of

the Lee County student body. Students from kindergarten through 8th grade will use Google Classroom for virtual learning and students from grades 9 through 12 will use Edgenuity, ACCESS or both. Every Lee County school student will be provided a Chromebook to use for remote learning. Lee County Schools will also provide parents with instructions for using Google Classroom, and those parents will have the support of teachers who are well-instructed in the program. To see the full presentation that was given to the Lee County School Board on July 14, go to www. lee.k12.al.us/cms/lib/ AL02210054/Centricity/ Domain/4/Path%20 to%20Reopening%20 Schools%20-%20 Lee%20County%20 Schools.pdf. Beauregard High School Regarding opening up the school, Beauregard High School Principal Richard L. Brown Jr. released the following statement on July 29. “Beauregard students and parents, like most of you, we have waited all summer for answers pertaining to the start of the school year. As many of you are aware, the Lee County Board of Education did pass an amended schedule and start dates for the 20202021 school year. The school start date was moved from Aug. 12 to Aug. 17. All students will start the year remotely. The target date for the re-opening of campus for the students who opted to return to campus is Sept. 9. “I know you are

anxious about student schedules, course offerings, senior portraits, Chromebooks and even campus orientation. What is further complicating plans for these items is the construction progress on our campus. Our new buildings have yet to be completed -- none of our teachers or staff have been able to move into any of the new facilities. “As the construction project draws to an end in the coming days, we will be able to release answers pertaining to the start of the school year. We pray for your health and safety, and we continue to ask for your patience and understanding.” Opelika City Schools: Students will now return to Opelika schools on Aug. 12, rather than the fifth as originally planned. Students and their families were able to choose whether to return in-person or virtually though the choice cannot change until the end of the semester. “As we monitor the current COVID-19 rates in Lee County and consult with local health officials, we feel that this is the best decision for our students and staff,” said Opelika Superintendent Mark Neighbors. The five extra days were gained by eliminating fall break on Oct. 12 and 13, eliminating the first day of Thanksgiving break on Nov. 25 and by eliminating the first two days of Christmas break, Dec. 21 and 22. The second semester of the school year

remains unaltered. Students should check their temperature each day before coming to school and if it is higher than 100.4, they should not come, Opelika City Schools said in its Reopening Plan. The system is preparing to supply face masks to students at the start of the year and social distancing may not always be enforced, the plan said, due to factors such as classroom size. Students who choose virtual learning will not be able to participate in extracurricular activities. Virtual learning students will receive an OCS Chromebook that they will be required to use. A student or faculty member who contracts the coronavirus will need to quarantine for 14 days. Auburn City Schools: Auburn City Schools is preparing to open on Aug. 10 with both virtual and in-person learning. Families were given the choice of which option they wanted for their students with the chance to transition to remote learning any time during the semester, according to Auburn City Schools Return to Learning Fall 2020 plan. However, if a student chose virtual learning, they can only switch to in-person after the first semester ends. In order to participate in virtual learning, students must have internet access and a computer. If they do not, they will be contacted by the school, the plan said. Students are also eligible for an iPad from

the school. Unfortunately, not all courses can be offered remotely. “However, all courses and electives are not available through ACCESS, including some Career Technical courses and advanced courses,” the plan said. “Families will be contacted by school counselors about solutions for elective courses that are not offered through ACCESS.” Students who choose the virtual learning option will still be able to participate in in-person activities outside of school hours, however, such as sports. In-person learning will require changes to protect against the coronavirus. For instance, employees will wear face shields, masks or covers while at school, the plan said. Additionally, Gov. Kay Ivey’s amended safer at home order and mask ordinance specifies that students in the second grade or above will be required to wear face coverings through Aug. 31. Sanitation will also take place to kill germs. “Custodial staff will sanitize doorknobs and handles routinely with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered disinfectant,” the plan said. “Classroom teachers will be provided with bottles of hand sanitizers and surface-cleaning sanitizers that will be refilled as needed throughout the semester as long as supplies are available. Students will be encouraged to wash hands and/or sanitize regularly throughout the

day, especially before and after transitions to different parts of the building.” Desks will be social distanced as much as possible, the plan said, and tables will be replaced by desks if possible. If students are diagnosed with the coronavirus, they will need to quarantine for 10 to 14 days. Students or faculty who come in contact with a person with a positive coronavirus test will also need to quarantine. School buses will continue to run, though parents are encouraged to drive students to school, the plan said. “With great enthusiasm, we always look forward to this exciting time of year in Auburn City Schools,” said Auburn City Schools Superintendent Cristen Herring. “Following an unexpected and unprecedented interruption in the spring and after a busy summer of preparing to reopen, our team of dedicated educators eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome students back. It is expected that this school year may present unique challenges but we believe it promises to be one of our best yet. It is with passion, perseverance and various partnerships that we look forward to the continued level of excellence in education that our community is accustomed to and deserves." The full plan can be viewed here: www. auburnschools.org/ cms/lib/AL01901372/ Centricity/Domain/2294/ ACS%20Plan.pdf.

pelika Opinion O

A4 August 5, 2020

Letter from the IRS

efore I get started, let me say that my Mama, a long-time employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, taught me that to be a good citizen I had to follow the rules set down by the elected representatives in Washington and the agencies that act on their behalf. That is what she did and so should I. Considering her strict adherence to the letter of the law, I am certain that she would have been as taken aback as I was at a letter she received from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) shortly after she died. The letter informed

By Hardy Jackson The agency was ‘required by law’ to do so. Yes, our Congress told the IRS to send a letter to a dead woman telling her to come up with the princely sum of $15.88. So, the IRS did. Still, I think the IRS

may have even gone beyond what Congress intended when it went off and threaten my dead Mama that if she didn’t pay the $15.88 by August 25, 2014, “interest will increase and additional penalties may apply.”

“May!” The word reeks intimidation. None of that ‘forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors’ for the IRS. But look at it another way. Here is a federal agency that gets things done. Following the law passed by Congress and signed by the President of the United States, the IRS engaged in a lengthy and expensive inquiry to discover that my Mother went to her rest owing the United States, a country she dearly loved, $15.88. If only other federal agencies were so efficient. Like the Office of Personnel Management.

Recall, Mama worked for the federal government. After the funeral I did what the sole heir of a federal employee should do. I notified the Office of Personnel Management of her passing. A few weeks later I was informed that she had one more check coming, and in the letter was a host of forms to fill out and submit to get what was she was due. Being a good American, I did what I was told. Weeks passed and nothing happened. So, I called the 1-888 number provided and after numerous converSee JACKSON, page A5

10 Tips for Coping with Corona

t has almost been five months since beginning this new way of life due to the coronavirus. We have seen so much change, yet there are still many unknowns that will unfold week-toweek over the next year and beyond. I have been hearing people say for quite some time, “I just want things to go back to normal.” I believe we have seen the end what we know as “normal.” Through this pandemic we have experienced something new, and we have new knowledge and a new

her that even though she was dead, she nevertheless owed the government of these United States $15.88. Now, I know what you are thinking – the IRS did not know she had left the trials of this earth behind, trials that include being harassed by the IRS. Well, you would be wrong. The IRS knew. The letter was addressed to Elizabeth W. Jackson DECD (which means deceased). Didn’t matter to them. Dead or not, she was expected to pay $15.88. Now to soften the blow, the IRS explained that it wasn’t doing this because it wanted to.

saw you in the Publix parking lot. Your car’s gas tank lid was open. I wanted to tell you. But you were busy. You were wearing nurse’s scrubs, a hospital badge and you were changing your baby’s diaper in the backseat of your car. Your other toddler was watching you, having a meltdown. You looked like you were about to cry behind that surgical mask. Right now, I wish there were a machine I could hook to my chest that would print onto paper the words inside my heart. I’m not always great with sentences, but I have a lot I want to say. Such as: “thank you.” If you are a nurse, I can only imagine how tired you must be. I can’t begin to understand what nursing is like these days. Alabama’s coronavirus cases are on an upward rise. People are dying each day. And, well, I guess nobody knows this better than you. You’ve probably been working yourself raw, pulling double shifts, seeing the horrors firsthand. And somehow,

perspective that has forever changed us. This has also given us new eyes and minds to see and move forward in a healthy manner. So how can we cope with this life-altering event? We keep the normal things of life in a notso-normal situation. It’s simple actually: we divert the unknown thoughts of our future back to the things that hold us to our past. I’m offering my Top 10 “normals” to help us cope with the coronavirus. These are in no order and I hope they can serve your fami-

after you clock out, you still manage to do the grocery shopping, to pay the bills, and to change your baby’s diaper in the backseat. Maybe you feel overlooked, a little invisible, and under appreciated. Maybe that’s why you’re so upset. Or maybe you’re overwhelmed with life right now, wondering if what you do truly matters. You probably view your life the way everyone does. You see yourself going from Point A to Point B, doing your work. No big deal. You’re just one nurse among millions. If you don’t do your job, someone else will. But you’re wrong. And it’s not just your job that’s important, your life is important in a way that you might never fully appreciate. This is going to sound silly, but have you ever watched someone knock over a bunch of dominoes? A few years ago, Liu Yang broke the world record for domino-toppling by setting up and knocking over 321,197 dominoes in Beijing. (I’ll bet he’s fun at parties.)

By Bradley Robertson ly as they have done mine. 1. Watch a sunrise or sunset daily. This is art in its most beautiful form. What your eyes see and behold is not only visual-

ly appealing, it is a reminder of a new day and a day lived again. It’s quiet and calm and allows time to stand still. What you experience personally in a sunrise or sunset cannot be replaced and it can bring one a sense of peace and normalcy. 2. Be in nature. Spend as much time as you can outdoors. Whether you are just sitting and staring at fresh flowers on your patio or taking a hike at Lake Martin, get outside. Have your coffee outside. Eat your meals outside. Garden. Do yard

NURSES

By Sean Dietrich Yang worked for a month to set up his dominoes just right, painstakingly placing each one where he wanted it. He literally constructed an entire universe of dominoes. Experts say that if Yang would have removed just one domino from his enormous design, the whole thing would have never worked. But it did work. Every domino fell in its choreographed sequence, and it was a record-breaking success. That’s you. You’re a domino within a chain of 7.3 billion dominoes on this planet. You will never see most of us other dominoes. You won’t even know we exist. But without you, our lives wouldn’t be the same. So I know you’re probably worried, mad, scared, depressed,

overworked, underpaid, exhausted and wearing thin. I know you are on the frontlines every day, treating fevers, administering meds, and—I can hardly bring myself to say it—removing urinary catheters. I have a friend who is a nurse in a large hospital. She tells me that the hardest part of nursing is wondering if anyone sees you. Maybe you feel that way. Does anyone see the trouble you go to? Does anyone ever tell you, “good job?” Will anyone ever understand the abuse nurses go through when patients get ticked off? Can any person ever realize how hard it is to raise kids while tying down a full-time job? Probably not. But one day I believe you will look backward upon your own life and you will be shocked at how important your role was in this big mess. It will be a subtle feeling that overtakes you. A feeling of achievement that will fall on you like an afternoon drizzle. You will have a deep joy in your stomach, one that’s powerful enough to knock your heart out of rhythm.

work. Chat on the phone outside. Work outside. The eyes and body get to see and feel the Earth. We are connected to our creation and it brings us life and warmth. 3. Keep a routine. This is crucial for some people, but not for everyone. A routine helps people feel a sense of order. It may be time-conscious or maybe just task-oriented. When life feels crazy, the order of a schedule or routine can be calming. 4. Exercise. Find a way to be active. When our heart rates

go up for extended time, our bodies release natural endorphins that give us those “good feels.” Walking, hiking, biking, running, swimming, playing soccer, playing basketball and even jumping on the trampoline all work perfectly. Anything goes here; find your favorite and add it to your routine three to five days a week. 5. Have a face-toface interaction with a dear friend. Find a way to do this no matter what. Even if it’s in a park separated by a bench. Even if it’s

Maybe it will happen over supper. Or during a movie. Or at your son’s high-school graduation. Maybe you’ll be watching him in his long gown and square hat and you’ll remember the night you once changed his diaper in the backseat. The same night you were tired from working an all-nighter. Maybe it will all remind you of this troubled era we live in, back when the coronavirus was tearing at the fabric of society. Back when our world was stunted. On that fine day your whole life will come back to you. You will remember all you did in the heat of battle. You’ll remember coming home from work late, the tears from exhaustion, the patients who died on your watch and those who survived to bless you for it. Your kids will be grown, and by then, the world won’t even remember how to pronounce the word coronavirus. We’ll have new troubles, and newer problems. But you will still remember. Your hair might be gray then, and your joints might hurt from a

lifetime of shuttling patients into hospital beds. But it will be the greatest sensation of your life because you will realize how much you contributed to this earth. And you’ll realize that this beautiful, messedup, weird, scary but exciting experience we called life was made lovely because you were part of it. I wish I could have told you this in person, but it would have been too weird, since I’m a stranger. Besides, you have much bigger things to worry about right now. Like babies. Groceries. And saving the entire world. Also, don’t forget about your gas tank lid. 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.

See ROBERTSON, page A5

A5 August 5, 2020

Auburn Public Library introduces A Story Walk Courtesy of the City of Auburn The Auburn Public Library is excited to share A Story Walk in the Outdoor Classroom on the lawn of the library. The Story Walk features "Cat’s Colors" by Airlie Anderson with the

LAWRENCE >> FROM A1

for the paper. The day I first met Johnny, I was tagging along to Lee County Commission with a former reporter who was “showing me the ropes” and introducing me to people I would need to know in my new job. I was fresh with a journalism degree from Auburn University and had never even been to the courthouse before. After the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, a lot of votes and some public discussion, the meeting ended and Johnny came over and introduced himself. He seemed genuinely

JACKSON >> FROM A4

sations with pleasant young women I was finally informed that it might be 10-12 months until Mama’s last payday. Yep, it took the IRS less than a month after we filed my mother’s

ROBERTSON >> FROM A4

a Zoom call on your cell phone. Or just hug it out together and laugh and share a glass of wine. Community and fellowship are part of our culture. Taking it away hurts us more than it helps us. Find your fellowship and enjoy every second of it. 6. Cook. We are southerners, and we love good food! Preparing it is a form

entire story unfolding through a series of signs as you stroll through the Outdoor Classroom. A Story Walk is a wonderful activity for families to enjoy combining literacy, healthy exercise and social distancing. Reading is healthy? Yes, it is! Reading

exercises your brain they same way walk-

excited for me in my new job and wanted to work with me in the future, he told me at the time. We scheduled a time to grab lunch together. Since then, I came to rely on Johnny and trust him tremendously. If Johnny called me and told me something was up in the county, I jumped into action. When four-yearold Vadie Sides went missing in March of 2020, Johnny called me from the woods to let me know. Johnny called me about false alarms and he called me when it was certain news. He never wanted me to miss a scoop.

ing exercises your body. This activity

is free and open to the public. For more information, please email libraryevents@ auburnalabama.org or call 334-501-3296. About the Auburn Public Library The Auburn Public Library was established in 1947 to serve the residents of Auburn, Alabama. Today, the

Auburn Public Library provides residents with a collection that reflects the diverse and dynamic interests of our community, with access to public technology and information resources and with programs and activities that contribute to an engaged, literate and informed society.

We talked about much more than news. We talked about life. Johnny was strong, he was kind, he had a huge heart and he was loyal. He was loyal to Lee County and loyal to Auburn. He wanted the best for the people he served and wanted to see the community flourish. He once told me, in the parking lot after Lee County Commission, where we stood and talked many times, that Auburn needed people to stay. The students study and leave, but the community needed people who cared and stayed to make it great. That’s what Johnny did. He graduated from Auburn University and

was serving the city and county until his death. When his family was hit with the coronavirus and Johnny was admitted into the hospital, he sent me a text and let me know. I was with family in Nashville at the time, but I don’t remember being too worried. Johnny would fight and beat the virus. I never seemed to think it would end any other way. The next day I checked up on him again, twice, and received the last message I would get from Johnny: “I am on a High Flow Oxygen breather. My 02 SATS are 94 percent and I feel better. Still in ICU.

Everyone holding their own.” Johnny was the kind of guy to ‘hold his own.’ In fact, I’ve seen a lot of headlines and a lot of tweets that said Johnny lost his fight with the coronavirus. I don’t believe that’s true. Johnny was a Christian and after he passed, his wife, Maggie, posted on Facebook to let the hundreds of people who had worried and prayed know. “Thank you for all prayers and love. Our beloved Johnny Lawrence, faithful and loving husband and father, is now at peace in the arms of God he

loved.” When a Christian dies, their fight is not lost, but won. Their life is not over, but beginning. Johnny is rejoicing with the Savior. He was called home, his job was done. Unfortunately, things on earth are not so easy. I cried when we lost Johnny. I cried the week before, when I learned things were getting worse. My heart hurts to know I’ll never see him again, but I’ll never understand the pain Maggie and his daughter Julia, are going through. The most I can offer is sympathy, but so much more importantly, prayers.

last tax return to discover she owed the government $15.88 and demand she pay it. It was going to take the Office of Personnel Management around a year to get her the money the government owed her. See the problem here? Of course you do. Meanwhile, after

thinking this through, I concluded that as a dutiful son I should contribute the $15.88 to the IRS in her memory. Maybe this can help cover the cost of the investigation and save other taxpayers a little money. So, I wrote the check. Then I noticed that the form the IRS provid-

ed asked for any change in address. My first thought was to advise the IRS that future letters should be sent to her at the Grove Hill Municipal Cemetery, but my wife pointed out that Heaven would be a more accurate location. So, I advised the IRS that future correspondence should go to:

Elizabeth W. Jackson Street of Gold. Just inside the Pearly Gate Ask St. Peter for directions. She will be the one with all the stars in her crown. With that, the record was set straight. Mama’s books will be balanced.

At least with the IRS. As for what the IRS owes her, I was told ‘the check’s in the mail’. Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson III is Professor Emeritus at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail. com.

of art, and also makes great therapy. Planning the food, chopping, preparing, the people, the tastes, the smells: it is all rewarding for our tired minds. And sharing with the people we love most is even better. This is a normal behavior that will stand the test of time and hardship. 7. Laugh. Find anything and everything to laugh about. This also releases those ‘happy' endorphins that can calm us. Find a funny

movie to watch, play a silly joke or prank on someone in your house, act ridiculous and feel ok about it. My kids’ favorite is to have their dad tell funny stories of his past. They love this and it gives them a sense of connection and family. 8. Create art. We do not all see ourselves as artists; however, art is in us all. Paint, craft, play music, write, draw, be a photographer, make a flower arrangement,

sing. You can choose anything your heart desires. Maybe even try something new. I have been dancing with my sweet Sissy. I’m not that good at it, but it sure brings me joy and relief. Tap into your inner artist and have fun! 9. Go to the water. We all know there is no place quite like the ocean. Seeing natural water or being in natural water is life-giving. It could be listening and watching a creek or stream,

swimming in a pond or lake or feeding turtles at a local park. Water is serene and grounding and offers peace and gentleness. This is a normal activity that’s been present in humans for ages. Seeing water and feeling the water on your skin reminds us that we are alive. 10. Close your eyes and listen to the birds. You can do this anywhere and any time of day. When one or more senses is closed off, the others open

in amazing ways. Hearing the songs and joy of birds is music to our souls. It’s a form of meditation. Whenever you feel tense or heavy, step outside and close your eyes. You will hear the birds and they will bring you peace. We all have our own ways of coping these days, but I hope these ideas spark new interest for our readers. Taste and see the good in the world around us. I promise, it is there.

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A6 August 5, 2020

Alabama Agriculture Feeling Effects of COVID-19 Courtesy of Justin Miller Alabama Cooperative Extension System Practically every industry has been affected by COVID-19 in some fashion. Professionals from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Auburn University’s College of Agriculture recently performed a survey to evaluate the impact of the disease on the Alabama agricultural industry. Adam Rabinowitz, an Alabama Extension farm and agribusiness specialist and Auburn University assistant professor of agricultural economics and rural sociology, said the online survey recorded

a total of 181 responses, from all agricultural related sectors in Alabama. “A total of 72 percent of the respondents classified their business as production agriculture,” he said. “The second largest category were those classified as other. Many of these specified themselves as involved in the landscaping and turf industry, as well as farmers markets.” Survey Showed Mixed Results The results from the survey show mixed effects from Alabama producers. Although many of the producers reported no change for their business operations, 41 percent

reported that they have experienced an altered customer base. Additionally, 26 percent of those surveyed said they had to alter products or services. “Some of the businesses reported that they have had even more substantial impacts,” Rabinowitz said. “From a longterm perspective, almost 30 percent of them indicated they have experienced longterm cash flow disruptions.” The survey asked participants to compare their total sales revenue since the coronavirus began impacting them with that same period in 2019. The results were as followed: • producers of field crops reported a 26

percent decline in sales revenue • forestry and timber (including pine straw) reported a 15 percent decline • beef cattle producers saw a 25 percent decline • aquaculture producers (primarily food fish producers) reported a 27 percent decline • poultry producers reported an 8 percent decline “People must remember that while these broad categories show significant decreases in revenue for many sectors, the impact is not uniform across all commodities,” Rabinowitz said. Participation in Government Assistance The survey also as-

sessed the participation of Alabama producers in government-related relief programs. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) was the most popular program recorded with 43 percent saying they are participating. The USDA Farm Service Agency received a total of 8,971 applications from Alabama producers as of July 6. A total of $56.4 million in payments were approved. Forty-two percent of participants reported they are utilizing the Paycheck Protection Program. While 12 parent said they are using the Economic Injury Disaster Loan. “The survey also asked those who were

not participating in any programs what their reasons were for not participating,” Rabinowitz said. “People reported a combination of insufficient benefit levels, a need for additional information and business ineligibility as reasons for non-participation.” Participants who reported that their businesses are not eligible for CFAP also reported a 39 percent decline in sales revenue. A full report of the findings from this survey is available in Assessment of COVID-19 Impacts on Alabama Agriculture. For more information on the impacts of COVID-19 on the agricultural industry, visit www.aces.edu.

Mystery Seeds Could Pose Real Threat By Maggie Lawrence Alabama Cooperative Extension System How much harm could a package of mystery seeds do? Scientists with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System agree that unsolicited seed packets being delivered in Alabama and across the country could pose a real threat to native ecosystems and possibly to people. Threat of Invasive Species Nancy Loewenstein, an invasive plant expert with Alabama Extension, said the seeds could be potentially invasive. “These seeds could be from a known invasive species, like kudzu or cogongrass or they could be a weedy species with invasive potential,” she said. “While it’s possible

these seeds do not pose a threat, people should never plant seeds received in this fashion.” Invasive species (flora and fauna) threaten the environment in the following ways: • reduce productivity of forests, rangeland and crop land • become weeds in gardens and lawns • reduce native biodiversity and wildlife habitat • limit land access for recreation (hiking, birding, fishing, hunting) • can be poisonous and/or injurious to humans and livestock • can potentially hybridize with native species • alter ecological processes (e.g., water cycling, nutrient cycling, fire cycles) • cost time and money to manage and control “Invasive species can cause a great deal of damage to native

ecosystems and agriculture, including significant economic damage,” Lowenstein said. “A 2005 study estimated costs associated with invasive species totaled $120 billion a year, and those costs have likely risen since that time.” Threat of Pathogens and Insects Kassie Conner, an Alabama Extension plant pathologist, said these mystery seeds could be harboring diseases, among other things. “Plant pathogens can be transmitted through seed,” she said. “They can be inside the seed, on the outside of the seed or be present in the seed lot without obvious damage. These pathogens can include fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes.” Conner said people could introduce a plant disease into their

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gardens if they planted these seeds. “Depending on the pathogen and the plant species, one infected seed planted in an otherwise healthy garden can cause complete yield loss,” she said. “Once a pathogen is introduced, many can survive for one to more than 10 years in the environment. Some can survive for longer than that.” If disease and invasive potential are not bad enough, Extension entomologist Charles Ray said these seeds could contain damaging insects. “There are a number of insects that feed in seeds as larvae,” he said. “In these seeds, you might find any one of a large number of pests that entered during seed storage.” What to Do With Mystery Seeds Seed shipments normally would be subject to inspection and quarantine procedures, Ray said. For example, in 2017 USDA-APHIS cleared more than 17,000 shipments containing

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could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment. Reporting Seeds ADAI has established an on-line reporting system for Alabama residents who received suspicious seeds they did not order. Visit www.agi.alabama.gov/ reportseeds and provide the requested information. At the end of the online form, there are directions for consumers on how to store the seeds properly until an ADAI representative contacts them. People should hold onto the seeds and the packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from ADAI contacts them with further instructions. Currently, there is not any evidence indicating this is something other than a brushing scam where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales. For further information, contact the ADAI’s Ag Compliance section at 334-240-7304.

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over 1.6 billion plant units and approximately 1,874 tons of seeds, intercepting 817 quarantine pests. Packaging on these mystery seeds indicated that it contained jewelry rather than seeds. Officials believe this is an effort to avoid inspection, which is a form of agricultural smuggling. Loewenstein, Conner and Ray all agree that it is extremely important that people do not open the package, do not plant the seeds and do not discard them. They also said it is important people report receiving these packages. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) continues to receive reports from citizens who received unsolicited packages from China containing seeds. ADIA is currently collecting seed packages from recipients and testing their contents for unknown compounds, noxious weed seed and invasive species. This testing will determine if they contain anything that

Spruce up your landscape by joining the Arbor Day Foundation in August. Everyone who joins the Arbor Day Foundation with a $10 donation will receive 10 free Norway spruce trees or 10 white flowering dogwood trees through the Foundation’s Trees for America campaign. The trees will be shipped postpaid between Oct. 15 and Dec. 10, depending on the right time for planting

in each member’s area. The 6 to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. “Norway spruce trees truly provide yearround beauty for any landscape,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “White flowering dogwood trees will add color and beauty to your yard throughout the year, with their showy spring flowers, scarlet autumn foliage, and red berries that attract songbirds in the winter.” New members of the

Arbor Day Foundation will also receive The Tree Book, which includes information about tree planting and care, and a subscription to Arbor Day, the Foundation’s bimonthly publication. To receive the free Norway spruce trees, join online at arborday. org/august or send a $10 membership contribution by Aug. 31 to: Ten Free Norway Spruces OR Ten Free White DogwoodArbor Day Foundation 211 N 12th St Lincoln, NE 68508

A7 August 5, 2020

Castaway Animal Clinic: bringing help to your home By Wil Crews Opelika Observer Nowadays, taking a risk means stepping outside your door. And with people spending more time at home than ever, pet owners may be noticing new things about their furry companions. With COVID concerns lingering ever present, if a pet requires a checkup or falls ill, it may be a confusing and difficult time for the owner to get them the care they need. Well, Castaway Animal Clinic, located at 20 Castaway Island Road, Eclectic, Alabama, wants to relieve some of those concerns; that’s why they have launched their new home call services, bringing the vet to Opelika and Auburn homes. “We provide every service for the most part that a regular brick and mortar clinic provides, with the exception of surgery,” said Dr. Bronwen Horschel, associate veterinarian at Castaway. Before now, the clinic had offered a farm call service where doctors would travel to treat bovine and equine

animals. Now, they are opening that same service up to cats and dogs. “Everybody is getting their COVID puppy,” Dr. Bronwen said. The service is excellent for multipet households where it may be difficult to transport anxious cats or carsick dogs. “We were doing some farm cats and dogs… We discussed [house calls] and we decided it’s something we could definitely add; it’s not really a service that anybody is doing in Auburn and Opelika,” Dr. Horschel said. The clinic has already begun to receive house calls, mostly doing wellness visits for puppies and kittens. On top of their normal vet services like wellness exams and geriatric exams, vaccines, surgeries and sick visits, Castaway offers boarding and grooming. They also offer a curbside service where owners can bring their pet to the clinic and doctors will come outside to receive the animal. “We wear masks and try to keep it as safe as possible,” Dr. Horschel said.

Castaways’ response time for house calls is typically a few days and their pricing is competitive with the other vet clinics in the Opelika/Auburn area. To make a house call appointment, call 334918-2130 or visit their website castawayanimalclinic.com/ About Castawy Animal Clinic Dr. Randall A. Plaisance is the owner and president of Castaway Animal Clinic. Our

Highlands Serve Group Picks Northridge as First Saturday Project

mission statement is: we believe that healthy animals are the product of informed owners and part of an overall healthy society. We will do our best to help clients make good decisions for their pets, always emphasizing preventive health care, ensuring that our clients' trust is well placed and that their animals receive the best value available in veterinary care. We will meet these goals

within a Christian workplace, one that promotes personal and

professional growth for every one of our staff members.

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Special to The Opelika Observer Under the direction of Steve Jenkins, more than 20 volunteers provided some much-needed help at the Northridge women’s home on Saturday. One group began cleaning inside and removing items from the attic, replacing light bulbs, sweeping floors and moving furniture. Another group outside led the charge to landscape and provide an outdoor living space for the residents who will call Northridge home temporarily until they can be transitioned into an apartment or house. A soft opening will allow five to six women to become

residents in August at Northridge. The home will abide by the coronavirus CDC guidelines to ensure that the residents are safe. Once the process proves to be safe more ladies will be accepted. Northridge will be home to 14 women, with or without children, who are displaced and need emergency/temporary shelter. “This is an answer to prayer, God provides in His time not ours,” said Selena Daniel, cofounder and vice president of One Voice. Mayor Gary Fuller and Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts were among those in attendance. “The Mayor and City Council supports this organization and

are very appreciative that women will have safe shelter when an unfortunate occurrence happens,” said Jean Causey, co-founder and president of the One Voice Shelter Coalition. “God is so good, we have been trying to partner with the Church of the Highlands for a long time, this help comes at a time that means so much it means after a long year we are one day closer to opening.” To volunteer or donate to One Voice Shelter Coalition, call Selena Daniel at 334-705-0045 or send donations to OVSC P.O. Box 2591 Opelika, AL 36801

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A8 August 5, 2020

O GROWS FARMERS MARKET RELOCATES The O Grows Farmers Market has been relocated to opposite side of Glenn Street for the remainder of the market season which runs through Aug. 25. Market organizers were notified by the city of

Opelika that grading for the new library has been moved up due to a change in the contractor's schedule. The market’s vendors will be set up on the “building” side of Glenn Street with on-street

parking available as well as parking in the back behind the building which is located at 1103 Glenn St. In Opelika. Market hours will remain from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS

• OTC Summertime Showcase - Aug. 15

Serve refreshing salads for sides, light meals during August ANN CIPPERLY

Southern

Hospitality

cool salad is ideal for a refreshing side dish with grilled meats or an entrée for light lunches and suppers as summer settles into hot hazy days of August. Chicken or shrimp salad, green salad tossed with cheese and toasted pecans or a salad enhanced with fresh fruits provide delectable dishes for summer family meals. Being home for four months has made this feel like a long summer. I am praying for better days for all of us. It has been a time of praying for so many fighting the virus and other health issues, as well as those who are struggling with

the loss of their job. We are thankful for Sunday School class being on Zoom and for listening to church services online. I always think it is too short, and I don’t want it to end. I have missed Bible studies so much, and the wonderful sweet ladies who give me a lift every week. We are still getting groceries curbside. I didn’t realize what a picky shopper I am until I began getting groceries selected by other people. It was surprising to find someone thought a bag of rotten avocados would be a good choice or a beef roast was a sub for lamb chops.

I find the biggest challenge in curbside shopping is trying to keep up with all the items we didn’t get. I have sorted and looked through almost 12 years of “Southern Hospitality” food columns, 15 years of weekly “Southern Gourmet” columns and almost 16 years of food articles in East Alabama Living magazine during these months at home. Then, I looked through tubs of saved recipes that I want to cook. I am going to have to live a 100 years to try half of them. My family would prefer that I prepare dishes they like instead of always experimenting with

Serving Well By Michelle Key Publisher Last Thursday night, Way 2 Serve Ministries held their annual ‘Support Dinner.’ However, this year’s event was a bit different. It was conducted as a virtual event with small groups meeting in the homes of people who volunteered to be hosts for the night. Founder and Director Shane Kyles and Way

2 Grow Coordinator Joseph Murray spoke to the community via a live-streamed online event. This year’s theme was “Serving Well.” “We hope this season that you’ve kind of found a rhythm with everything that has been going on,” Kyles said. “We hope that you have found a rhythm of serving well. Serving well is really the heartbeat

of the Way 2 Serve. We don’t like to just serve, but we love to serve well.” Kyles gave an overview on ways to serve. “We feel like when we go out and help people with practical needs, when we go out and share the love of Jesus, the main thing we need to be doing is to point See SERVING, page A10

Photo by Ann Cipperly Serve a variety of refreshing salads during the hot days of August. For a tasty salad, serve toasted slices of goat cheese with a green salad. This salad is made with assorted lettuces, toasted walnuts and sliced strawberries, then tossed with balsamic vinegar dressing.

something new. I am starting this week making salad recipes. I tried toasted goat cheese slices to serve on the side of a green salad. The goat cheese was sliced and then dipped in a beaten egg and rolled in dry breadcrumbs. This can be prepared ahead and refrigerated. Before serving, heat olive oil in a skillet and brown each side of the goat cheese.

It is really good served warm with a salad or it could be an appetizer. Try making your own salad dressings. They can be assembled in just a few minutes and are so much better than purchased dressings with added ingredients with long names. One of my favorites summer salads is caprese salad with fresh mozzarella and fresh sliced tomatoes

with basil, drizzled with reduced balsamic vinegar. I sometimes add sliced avocado and serve olive oil on the side. The salad goes together quickly and looks attractive. Chicken salad is popular anytime but especially on hot days. It is easy to prepare. Simply boil a whole chicken, chicken breasts or tenders or pick up a See CIPPERLY, page A13

Arbor Springs having Family and Friends drive thru parade Special to The Opelika Observer Arbor Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center is allowing family and friends of people in the facility to greet them in a drive thru parade. Residents of Arbor Springs will be parked around the facility and are looking forward to this much-needed social-distanced gath-

ering. Arbor Springs is still mandated to limit all outside contact, so it is not yet open for visitors in the traditional sense. Those participating in the drive thru are encouraged to drive around the facility three times and wave to their loved ones and other residents. All participants will need to stay in their vehicles during the duration of

the parade. “We look forward to seeing the many decorative ideas and loving faces that we miss so dearly,” stated a press release from Arbor Springs. The facility is at 1910 Pepperell Pkwy in Opelika. Any questions about the parade or Arbor springs can be directed to Shawna Swanson at 334-7491471 ext. 2009.

A10 August 5, 2020

OBITUARIES John Eldridge Reid John Eldridge Reid went home to be with the Lord on July 25, 2020. He passed away peacefully in his home. John was born on September 22, 1938 in Grove Hill, Alabama to Martha Lee Reid and Homer Reid. He graduated from Clarke County High School in 1956, and he entered pharmacy school at Auburn Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) where he graduated in 1960. He was employed by City Drugs in Grove Hill for approximately 10 years. During this time, John was activated to serve in the 156th Military Police Battalion during the civil rights march in Selma. He was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia during the Berlin Crisis where he worked as a military policeman and in the pharmacy. After active service, John opened his own pharmacy in Grove Hill as Reidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pharmacy, which he owned and operated for 25 years. He then contracted with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Atmore, Alabama as a pharmacist for the Indian Health Service for 13 years before retiring. He was a registered pharmacist for 50 years in the state of Alabama. He was inducted into the Golden Eagles at Auburn University in 2010. He served on the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission for 4 years. He served on the Town Council

SERVING

FROM A9 people to the way, which is Jesus,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is the mission of Way 2 Serve. The vision of the organization is to serve together in order to unify and grow the Body of Christ.â&#x20AC;?

in Grove Hill from 1970-1974 and again from 2012 - 2016. He also served as Chairman of the Grove Hill Memorial Hospital Board from 2012-2016. He and his beloved wife Sharon moved to Opelika, Alabama to be close to their grandchildren in Auburn and Huntsville. They were active in Grove Hill Baptist Church, and then Providence Baptist Church, participating in adult choir and Encouragers Sunday school class. In his spare time, his hobbies included bream fishing, duck hunting, and studying World War II history. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sharon Cataldo Reid, and their two children: daughter Shawna Weekley, her husband Chris Weekley, and their three children, MaiLin, AnnaLi, and Adrian Weekley; daughter Lauren Cuthbertson, her husband Bret Cuthbertson, and their three children, Reid, Riley, and Charlie Cuthbertson. A Celebration of Life service was held in Beauregard, Alabama at Providence Baptist Church West campus on July 30, 2020 at 10 a.m. A graveside service was held on July 31, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Grove Hill Cemetery in Grove Hill, Alabama. The family received friends at Grove Hill Baptist Church immediately following the graveside service. John was an avid animal lover, and

he especially loved his beloved canine companion, Fred. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Clarke County Animal Shelter P.O. Box 143, Grove Hill, Alabama 36451, Or the Lee County Humane Society 1140 Ware Drive Auburn, Alabama 36832

Being called to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Serve Wellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Way 2 Serve Ministries is broken down into two areas of service. The first is building relationships and the second is working with needed projects, both of which benefit people being served. Kyles went on to break down those

two different ways to serve into five different categories: The Way 2 pray: without prayer nothing happens. Way 2 Serve has a prayer team. Within the team are prayer captains who are assigned to neighborhoods within the community. They pray specifically for families, needs and areas of ministries within that community. The Way 2 grow: focuses on building life-changing, longterm relationships. A team approach is used to grow or build these relationships. Community captains, individuals from within each community, connect with other members of the community to influence them to build relationships. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are blessed to see God write beautiful stories of unity and change through those relationships,â&#x20AC;? Murray said. Weekly â&#x20AC;&#x153;grow groupsâ&#x20AC;? provide opportunities and

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Donald "Hodge" Hadley Donald "Hodge" Hadley was born on Aug. 2, 1938 in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. He passed into eternity at his home in Opelika, Alabama on July 23, 2020 at 5:30 a.m. He has been a member of Christ's body since 1980. He lived his life a living testimony of his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was quick to offer his testimony of God's faithfulness in his life. He will surely hear "well done my good and faithful servant, enter thou in." He is survived by wife of 59 years, Arlene who faithfully served with him in China for seven years; daughters, Allison (Syl) Champoux, and Carla (Mick) Everett; sons, Garth (Paola) Hadley, and Joel (Lissa) Hadley; 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; Brother Hodge will be missed by many friends whose lives were touched by his zeal for The Lord and his love for them.

A private burial was held for Mr. Hadley.

Jerry Wesley Scott A memorial service for Jerry Wesley Scott, of Opelika wsa held 1p.m., July 31 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, with Reverend Henry L. Dawson officiating. Visitation was from 6 until 8 p.m. on July 30 at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home. Mr. Scott, who died July 27, at home, was born April 12, 1948, in Carrollton, Alabama. Mr. Scott was a Vietnam Veteran and had 31 years of military service including the Marine Corp and Alabama National Guard with multiple service awards with the 3203rd Ordnance Company. He is survived by his wife Paulette Scott; children: Carmen (Manuel); Jason (Chasity), Casey (Amber) Scott; Jonathan Scott; siblings: Dorothy Scott; Dan (Linda) Hawkins; Rex Scott; grandchildren: Alyvin, Ryan Reuss, Judson, Hannah Scott, Jannett, Audrey Scott, Braxton Long, Jaxxon Scott, Carter Scott, Ella Cate Scott, Elizabeth Scott, Jagger Scott, Jedd Scott; many more family members, friends and loved ones.

Baptist Church, West Campus, followed by a memorial service at 6 p.m. with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Mrs. Howard is preceded in death by her parents Joel and Anna Lee Hollis and grandson Stephen Michael Howard. Mrs. Howard is survived by her husband Jackie Howard of sixty-four years; children: Steve (Julie) Howard, Sharon (Billy) Raiford, Randy (Donna) Howard; 9 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother James Hollis. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Providence Baptist Church.

Melanie Alverson of Reno, Nevada; siblings: Sue Alverson, Joe (Theresa) Alverson, Terry (Dorothy) Alverson, Dennis (Myra) Alverson, Charles (Kathy) Alverson all of Albertville, Alabama, Rex Alverson of Gadsden, Alabama; grandchildren: Gabriel Smith, Judd Eastridge, Brooklyn Lagay of Opelika. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Linda Florence Wright

Mrs. Molly Ann Howard, 81, of Opelika passed away July 27, 2020 at Arbor Springs Nursing Home. Visitation was held from 4 to 6 p.m. on July 30, 2020 at Providence

Graveside services for Mr. Bobby W. Alverson of Opelika were held at 2 p.m. on July 30 at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Blountsville, Alabama. Mr. Alverson, who died on July 25 at his home, was born on May 24, 1946 in Albertville, Alabama. He loved Bass fishing, designing new products and restoring antique Ford Hot Rods. His hands were always busy, but he always made time for family. He was preceded in death by his wife of over fifty years, Martha Mead Alverson. I was always proud to say that my parents said â&#x20AC;&#x153;till death do us part and they meant it.â&#x20AC;? We are all happy that they are once and forever again together. Survivors include children: Jennifer Eastridge of Opelika,

Ms. Linda Florence Wright, 76, of Opelika passed away July 28 at EAMC. Funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Aug. 1 at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home with Reverend Larry Doster officiating, burial followed in Garden Hills Cemetery. Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. on July 31 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Ms. Florence is preceded in death by her sister Jan Martin. She is survived by her children: Jimmy Wright, Jenny Scott (David); grandchildren: Emily Wright, Mauri Scott (Justin Taylor); sister Sue Fitzgerald (Jerry); niece: Jill Barlow (Tony); nephew: Scooter Fitzgerald. Ms. Wright was a member of Central Baptist Church. The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the staff at Morning Side Assisted Living. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

guidance to the young people in the communities. The Way 2 prepare: This is a way to serve behind the scenes to make sure the group stay prepared for all the aspects of ministry. Volunteers can use their administrative and technological gifts. The Way 2 build: This is where home repair projects are done. My Jerusalem is facilitated through The Way 2 Build. The next My Jerusalem is scheduled for Sept. 19. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the high points is getting a group of men and women together and working on something that is meaningful to get something done and to help someone,â&#x20AC;? said one of the site leaders, Larry Murphey. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Serving together builds relationships and also helps them experience the joy of serving. A lot of people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what service looks like.â&#x20AC;? The Way 2 give: Murray presented

different levels of monthly support that will help Way 2 Serve continue to provide services in the community. Monthly commitments at the following levels can provide many opportunities to serve: $15 provides relationship-building materials $25 provides recreation equipment $50 provides snacks and drinks during various events $75 provides bibles and other study materials $100 provides support for a block party within a community $200 provides for life-changing trips and other events. Payments are accepted through Venmo, CashApp, through the website (theway2serve.org/donate) or by sending a check. Checks can be mailed to: The Way 2 Serve P.O. Box 1665 Opelika, AL 36803 Several videos were

included as part of the virtual event and those watching were tasked with asking themselves to find their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Way 2 Serve.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building relationships obviously requires time, but relationships are very important,â&#x20AC;? said a volunteer, Geneva Williams. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were important to Jesus so they should be equally as important to us.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The most important thing in serving on the projects is not the knowledge of construction but the willingness of the heart to serve others,â&#x20AC;? said Mike McGinty, another volunteer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We really hope that you have really seen your way to serve,â&#x20AC;? Kyles said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, we still would like to help you find that. That is what we do all the time, help people to serve well,â&#x20AC;? said Kyles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is your Way 2 Serve?â&#x20AC;? To learn more about The Way 2 Serve visit www.way2serve.org.

Molly Ann Howard

Bobby W. Alverson

A11 August 5, 2020

here are some uncertainties more ominous than others. The general uncertainty we have about life is different than the uncertainty we have in the midst of a serious health issue, fi nancial crisis or the deterioration of a relationship. A general sense of uncertainty reminds us not to assume things we don’t know, while the others cast a dark shadow over our future. The shadow Elijah struggled with was spiritual fatigue brought on by

Church Calendar • Church of Christ at Cunningham - meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. • First Baptist Church Of Opelika - continuing online streaming services; “FBCO will be deliberate but diligent as we begin to meet in person again.” “I would project that a FBCO’s return to corporate worship and ministry opportunities will be strategic.” • St. Marys Catholic Church/ St. Michael’s Church SMCC is having Daily Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. and on weekends they are distributing holy Communion on Sunday's from 9:30 a.m. to 11. A Mass is also held on Sunday's at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Church over in Auburn. For more information people can call the office at 334-749-8359 or go to the parish website: stmarysopelika.org. • Trinity United Methodist Church Opelika Trinity UMC has online worship at 10 a.m. streaming on Facebook, YouTube and their website, www.tumcopelika. org. • First United Methodist Church Of Opelika - The, bishop has asked for all United Methodist churches in our conference to suspend in-person gatherings through June 1. There is a COVID-19 task force that will help make decisions about June/July and work out those logistics.

Elijah: Prayer weariness from a stressful 3-and-a-half years and an ominous uncertainty about the future. Additionally, there was his false assumption that he was the only one who had remained faithful to God (1 Kings 19:10,14). It’s hard to say if this was part of what caused his fatigue or a perspective he had adopted because of it. Either way, the prophet was in a dark place. It’s not insignificant that Elijah was fi rst ministered to physically with cycles of sleep and food during

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

his time under the broom tree. We realize that failure to take care of ourselves in these areas can affect our spiritual outlook. Physically refreshed, the prophet embarked

on a 40-day journey to Horeb. Only 40 days weren’t required to make a trip of roughly a couple hundred miles. It seems that the unhurried pace at which Elijah traveled provided time for him to decompress and process all that had taken place. This reminds us that meditation and prayer are important components of our spiritual health. We neglect them to our impoverishment and non-renewal. Very early in the morning, while it was

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN

still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35) ***** After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer. (Mark 9:28-29)

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

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

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

Verse of the Week

“... through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

Church Directory APOSTOLIC HOLINESS God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 HIghland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D 334-758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta 334-742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy 334-749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. 334-749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. 334-745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy 334-749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B 706-4421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. 334-444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave 334-742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. 334-745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd 334-745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. 334-745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. 334-745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. 334-742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr 334-749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. 334-887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika 314 S. 9th St. 334-745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608

10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika

METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley

709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue 334-742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. 334-749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-745-5340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. 334-821-7238 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy 334-742-9721 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. 334-745-6015 CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court 334-745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene

1500 Bruce Ave. 334-749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. 334-745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. 334-826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. 334-742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A 334-745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 334-745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 334-749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. 334-745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. 334-745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. 334-749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832

334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889

Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd 334-745-2247 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. 334-745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy 334-707-3922 Family Life Christian Center 601 S. 7th St. 334-741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. 334-749-1070 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd 334-749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd 334-741-1006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy 334-737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy 334-745-7770

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

Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003

A12 August 5, 2020

RECIPES TOASTED GOAT CHEESE SLICES FOR SALADS 1 ¼ cups dry breadcrumbs (adjust to the number of slices) 11 oz. goat cheese log, sliced into 8 rounds 1 egg, beaten Olive oil Dip cheese slices into egg and then breadcrumbs. Cover and refrigerate until ready to toast and serve. Cover bottom of skillet with olive oil over medium heat. When hot, add slices of goat cheese. Cook on each side until brown. Serve with green salad or as an appetizer. Note: You can adjust this to any amount of slices by using more or less breadcrumbs and beating another egg, if needed.

EASY BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 3 Tbsp. honey 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup olive oil Combine ingredients except for olive oil, whisking well. Slowly add olive oil while whisking. Store in refrigerator.

HOMEMADE BUTTERMILK DRESSING Chef Graham Hage ¾ cup whole buttermilk ¼ cup sour cream 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 2 tsp. chopped fresh chopped dill, parsley, chives, thyme 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste Combine buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, herbs and apple cider vinegar into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake for about a minute. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Keep refrigerated up to 2 weeks.

EASY CAESAR DRESSING 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1/4 cup lemon juice 2 garlic cloves 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce Salt and pepper to taste Combine all ingredients in blender or processor. Blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Store in refrigerator. For a Caesar Salad, toss dressing with romaine lettuce and top with Garlic Croutons and additional Parmesan cheese. Note: Most Caesar dressings have anchovies that this recipe doesn’t use, but it still has the rich flavor.

GARLIC CROUTONS 2 Tbsp. butter 1/4 cup olive oil 2 garlic cloves, pressed

4 French bread slices, cut into 1-inch cubes Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter with olive oil in a small saucepan; add garlic. Place bread cubes on baking sheet; pour oil mixture over bread cubes and toss well. Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool. Store in airtight container.

POPPY SEED DRESSING This recipe goes together quickly and uses honey instead of sugar. 1 cup good mayonnaise 3 Tbsp. lemon juice 3 Tbsp. honey 1 Tbsp. poppy seed Combine dressing ingredients. Store covered in refrigerator.

STRAWBERRYWALNUT SALAD WITH VINAIGRETTE DRESSING Chef David Bancroft Salad: 6 oz. bag baby spinach 1½ cups candied walnuts 6 strips crispy bacon 1 cup bleu cheese crumbles 1½ cups sliced strawberries 8 oz. sherry-honey vinaigrette Sherry-Honey Vinaigrette: 1/8 cup sherry vinegar ¼ cup honey 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil ½ Tbsp. white truffle oil 1 tsp. cracked black pepper Add all ingredients for vinaigrette to mixing bowl and whisk together well before serving (or blend in food processor). Arrange plates according to desired serving size and portion spinach equally. Portion each salad topping evenly amongst your plates in layers. Last, make sure vinaigrette is emulsified, and drizzle evenly over salad. Serve immediately and offer fresh cracked pepper! Serves 4 to 6.

COLUMBIA RESTAURANT’S ORIGINAL “1905” SALAD We have enjoyed this salad so many times prepared tableside at one of Florida’s popular Columbia Restaurants. ½ head iceberg lettuce, torn into bitesized pieces 2 ripe tomatoes, each cut into 8 wedges ½ cup thin strips Swiss cheese ½ cup thin strips ham or turkey ¼ cup pitted green Spanish olives 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tsp. oregano 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice Salt and freshly ground pepper 2 tsp. grated pecorino Romano cheese In a large bowl, toss

together lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, ham and olives. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, oregano and Worcestershire sauce. Gradually whisk in olive oil, continually beating to form an emulsion. Stir in vinegar and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over salads and toss well. Add pecorino, toss and serve. Serves 4.

CORNBREAD SALAD WITH AVOCADO DRESSING Jean Lenard 1 box Jiffy cornbread 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 can corn, drained (or fresh corn) 1 orange bell pepper, diced 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 cup shredded lowfat cheddar cheese 2 stalks chopped green onions for garnish Dressing: 1 avocado ¼ cup fresh cilantro ½ jalapeño pepper Juice of 2 limes 1 Tbsp. olive oil ½ tsp. cumin ¼ tsp. garlic salt Combine all dressing ingredients in blender; pulse until cilantro is well blended into the lime juice and avocado. Set aside. Cook Jiffy cornbread according to box directions. Set aside and let cool. Cut in half and break half of cornbread into small crumbs. Layer crumbled cornbread in bottom of a clear bowl or trifle dish. Add half of romaine lettuce on top of cornbread. Next, add half of black beans. On top of beans, add half of corn. Then pile on half of bell peppers. Following bell peppers, sprinkle half of tomatoes on top. Toss half of cheddar cheese on top tomato layer. Drizzle half of dressing onto salad. Repeat layering. Drizzle with remaining dressing. Garnish top with chopped green onions, if desired. Serves 8.

CAPRESE SALAD WITH REDUCED BALSAMIC VINEGAR Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced Tomatoes, sliced Basil Layer cheese slices and tomatoes on a small platter. Garnish with fresh basil. When ready to serve, drizzle reduced vinegar over top. Can also add a sliced avocado. Reduced Balsamic Vinegar Make reduced balsamic vinegar by pouring 1 cup of good quality balsamic vinegar in a saucepan and gently simmer until reduced by half. Can add a teaspoon of brown sugar, if desired.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY CHICKEN SALAD

3 cups chopped cooked chicken Salt to taste ½ to ¾ finely chopped celery ¾ cup Duke or other quality mayonnaise (adjust less or more according to taste) Select from these additions: chopped pecans, walnuts or toasted almonds, diced apples, halved red or green grapes, dried cranberries, chopped boiled egg, drained crushed pineapple, sweet or dill pickle relish, finely chopped onion, mandarin oranges Season chopped cooked chicken with salt to taste. Mix in celery and then mayonnaise. Select from the additions and stir into chicken mixture. Chill until ready to serve. Serve on lettuce garnished with fresh fruit or spread on bread, croissant or crescent rolls. Stuff in a hollowed tomato or present in a pineapple halve for a festive luncheon.

NEIMAN-MARCUS’ CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD 2 ½ cups cooked white meat chicken, cut into chunks 2 Tbsp. apple, peeled and diced 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 2 cups red grapes, halved and seeded 1 ½ cups water chestnuts, sliced (optional) 3 Tbsp. green onions, both white and green, chopped 3 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped 1 Tbsp. chutney, chopped ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup yogurt or sour cream 1 tsp. grated onion 2 tsp. curry powder (or to taste) Salt and white pepper to taste Lettuce and fresh fruits for serving Sprinkle lemon juice over apples. Mix with chicken chunks, grapes, chestnuts, green onion, parsley and chutney. Mix together mayonnaise, yogurt or sour cream, grated onion, curry powder, salt and pepper. Add dressing to chicken mixture and gently toss. Chill. When ready to serve, spoon chicken salad over lettuce and garnish with fresh fruits. Serves 4.

SHRIMP SALAD ON CROISSANTS Mary Ann Swanson 1 lb. medium shrimp, cooked and chopped 2 ribs celery, finely chopped ¼ cup onion, finely chopped 3 or more Tbsp. mayonnaise ¼ cup chili sauce 1 tsp. hot sauce or horseradish sauce 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce Salt and pepper to taste Leaf lettuce 4 croissants, split lengthwise Combine celery, onion, mayonnaise, chili, hot sauce and Worcestershire. Fold in shrimp.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pile shrimp salad on lettuce leaves in croissants.

FRESH FRUIT SALAD WITH FLUFFY DRESSING Leaf lettuce 1 qt. strawberries, halved 1 small pineapple, cut into bite-size pieces 12 orange slices 3 bananas, sliced 1 cup pecan halves, optional Fluffy Dressing 1 egg, slightly beaten ½ cup sugar 1 Tbsp. grated lemon peel 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 cup whipping cream ½ cup unsweetened pineapple juice To make dressing, combine egg, sugar, lemon peel and juice in a small saucepan. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cool. Beat cream until stiff. Gently fold in cooked lemon mixture and pineapple juice. Chill until ready to serve. Arrange lettuce on individual plates. Divide fruit onto plates. Sprinkle pecans on top. Top with Fluffy Dressing. Makes 6 servings.

CAULIFLOWER AND GREEN PEA SALAD Pat Fox 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets 2 cups fresh or defrosted baby sweet peas ¼ cup chicken broth 2 ribs celery, finely chopped 3 green onions, finely chopped 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley 1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper ¼ cup sliced green olives, optional 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1 Tbsp. Dijon 3 Tbsp. light sour cream ¼ tsp. each salt and white pepper Chopped chives for garnish or a few green onion tops Steam cauliflower and peas until barely tender. Drain well and put into a bowl. While vegetables are still warm, pour the chicken broth over them; set aside to cool. Combine celery, onions, parsley, red bell pepper, vinegar and mustard. Mix in sour cream; add salt and pepper. Toss gently with cauliflower and peas. Chill several hours or overnight.

GREEN BEAN, FRESH CORN AND BASIL SALAD 2 lbs. fresh green beans, trimmed 3 ears fresh corn, husked 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil Juice of ½ lemon 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup black olive halves, optional Cook green beans in salted water 3 to 4

minutes; remove with slotted spoon and set aside. In same saucepan of boiling water, cook corn 3 minutes; drain and cool. Scrape kernels from ears; add to beans with basil and lemon juice and toss. In small bowl, whisk together oil and vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad; toss. Top with olives, if desired. Serve warm, chilled or at room temperature.

POPPY SEED AND GRAPE CHICKEN SALAD Meri Payne 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped 1½ cups red grapes, halved 1 cup chopped pecans, optional ½ cup mayonnaise ¼ cup sour cream 2 Tbsp. honey 1 tsp. poppy seeds Salt and pepper to taste Lettuce Combine chicken, grapes and pecans. In bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Fold into chicken mixture. Chill until ready to serve on lettuce.

GRILLED CORN SALAD Jenny Jenkins Can use corn cooked in microwave instead. Dressing: ½ cup olive oil 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 1 large shallot, finely chopped Whisk oil, vinegar and shallot; set aside. Salad 6 medium ears corn, husked ¼ cup olive oil 2 cups baby lima beans 1 bag baby spinach or arugula 2 cups halved grape tomatoes 1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled goat cheese 1 cup halved pitted Kalamata olives Prepare barbecue grill on medium high. Brush corn with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill corn until tender and beginning to char in spots, about 10 minutes, turning often. Cool and cut corn from cobs. Cook lima beans in boiling salted water until tender (4 to 5 minutes). Drain, rinse in cold water and drain again. Mix lima beans and corn. Add tomatoes and mix in spinach or arugula just before serving. Add dressing to coat. Sprinkle with cheese and olives.

TOMATO BASIL PASTA SALAD 16 oz. pkg. farfalle pasta ¼ cup or more olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 4 fresh basil leaves, chopped 4 fresh tomatoes, sliced 4 oz. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan cheese Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Toss pasta, olive oil, garlic and basil in bowl. Stir in tomatoes and sprinkle with cheese. Serves 6.

A13 August 5, 2020

CIPPERLY>> FROM A9 rotisserie chicken at the grocery store. Chicken salad has come a long way since our grandmothers mixed up chicken with mayonnaise and pickle relish. Start with chopped chicken and finely minced celery. Then add personal favorites, selecting toasted nuts, dried cranberries, halved grapes, diced apple, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges or chopped boiled eggs. While high quality mayonnaise is the tradi-

tional choice, reduce fat by substituting Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream for a portion of the mayonnaise. Serve chicken salad on lettuce with fresh fruit or piled high onto sandwiches with a slice of fresh tomato. For a festive meal, stuff chicken salad in a hollowed tomato or present in pineapple halves. Until this pandemic is over, many of us will continue to spend more time at home missing our “normal” life. Use the extra time to prepare good meals for your family and linger longer at the dining table, en-

joying time together. Over the years when life has changed, I have learned that days are better when we are thankful to God for being alive. It was heartbreaking for our family to hear recently that a cousin has stage four liver cancer and is not expected to live much longer. When I think of him, my complaint list gets short quickly. Although the nightly news is troublesome, there is still much to be thankful for. Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.

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A14 August 5, 2020

COMICS

“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

Aug. 11 - Lee County Board of Education Meeting will be on Zoom at 6 p.m. Meeting ID 922 5724 4605 Password: 2410.

Knee High Foundation Inc., Opelika Dawg Pound, distribute backpacks

On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell

SEC changes and more

he sports world was busy last week, from Alabama High School athletics, college football, baseball and the NBA. The SEC decided to play a ten-game conference-only schedule. Playing all conference games has been a favorite for many fans. Folks get tired of watching “gimme games” (a phrase Coach Gene Stallings uses to reference games against subpar talent) when teams could play other teams in-conference. The SEC will start playing games September 22. No university has released a statement on how many fans will be able to attend games in person. While college football teams work out their plans, Alabama High Schools are trying to nail down a plan for the upcoming season. A few school systems have decided to not play sports in the Fall, including Barbour County High School, Greene County and Sumter County. Two high schools in north Alabama, Muscle Shoals and Boaz, opted to delay sports two weeks, which means the two will not play a football game prior to Sept. 1. The schools’ decision did not affect cross country or volleyball. Opelika’s football

schedule appears to be set, unless the Auburn game is moved to Aug. 21. Auburn High School Head Football Coach and Director of Operations, Adam Winegarden, confirmed the two schools talked but as of press time no change has been made. The Bulldogs schedule includes: Auburn on Aug. 28 at Duck Samford Lanier Sept. 4 Eufaula Sept. 11 Carver at Bulldog Stadium Sept. 18 Central Sept. 25 Russell County Oct. 2 Robert E Lee Oct. 9 Valley Oct. 16 and close the regular season Oct. 23. Games against Carver and Lee will be played at Crampton Bowl. COACHES CONCERNED I obtained a memo, written by two high school football coaches, asking fellow coaches if they thought the start of high school football should be delayed. The coaches, neither of whom are in Lee County, were concerned about several things pertaining to the coronavirus. The coaches are concerned about kids not being tested and having the virus without knowing. These kids will See SPORTS, page B4

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

The Knee High Foundation, assisted by the Opelika Dawg Pound distributed 1,000 backpacks at Bandy Park in Opelika.

Stuff the Bus provides school supplies to Lee County children

By Hannah Lester

hlester@opelikaobserver.com

The United Way of Lee County’s annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign drive is still collecting donations. The goal is to provide school supplies and materials to children and families in need. “It is a really rewarding initiative,” said Chandler Williams, community initiative coordinator for the United Way of Lee County. “It’s fun to see an empty boardroom fill up with lots of supplies.” Local businesses

in the area donate supplies, as do individuals who want to help out. There is an amazon link (https:// www.amazon.com/ hz/wishlist/ls/2WZP90KHS4TRX/ref=hz_ ls_biz_ex?fbclid=IwAR25P4Vl8-EqtuOJpULVgFAX4JvSZnAD9MLAj-BXtoY3cDyfVlGoCz4AOGc) with all types of items, from Ziplocs to sharpies. There were also several drop-off locations, which have now been picked up to prepare for this week’s distribution to families. People can still donate by coming directly to

the United Way of Lee County building or by using the Amazon wish list, Williams said.

Publix offers an annual campaign each See SUPPLIES, page B2

B2 August 5, 2020

SUSCC Alum Has Hand in Restoration of Famous US Landmarks

Courtesy of AU Athletics

Incoming Auburn freshman Max Johnson won the 75th Alabama State Junior Championship Thursday at Goose Pond Colony Resort. Johnson fired a 14-under (66-69-67-202) and won the annual amateur event by four strokes. He was the only golfer in the field of 123 to shoot each round in the 60s. The Fairhope, Alabama, native rattled off 15 birdies, including nine on the front nine, and one eagle across three rounds at the par-72 Lake Course. Johnson’s first and third rounds of 66 and 67 tied for the third lowest and eighth lowest cards of the tournament, respectively.

Courtesy of Southern Union State Community College

Creating beautiful things comes easy for Jon Parker. It is in his blood. His grandfather and uncles work in construction and his father is an artist; all of their works are sought after throughout east central Alabama. Little did Parker know that his creative mind would lead him to work on some of the most recognized landmarks in the United States. Walk along New York City’s 5th Avenue, Wall Street or High Line, or visit the recently restored Harlem Fire Watch Tower, and you will be struck by the intricate detail of the architecture and iron work. These are just a few of the structures that Parker, a Southern Union alumnus, has had a hand in restoring or creating. Parker received an associate’s degree in Engineering Drafting and Design from Southern Union. Parker, the lead draftsman and project manager for Allen Architectural Metals in Lincoln, uses his diverse skill set to see a project through from drawings and design to working with architects to the actual installation at the structure. “They are all custom jobs, so every job has its unique challenges,” he said. “I learn something new each day. The things I learned at Southern Union really prepared me for my career.” Before praising

Max Johnson wins Alabama State Junior Championship

Jon Parker shows off some pieces of iron work that were used on the Harlem Fire Watch Tower in New York.

Parker, owner John Allen said that employees who have gone through the SU programs are always well prepared. “I wish that I had 100 like Jon … He’s dedicated, loyal and easy to work with, no matter what stage of the project. He has gained a lot of confidence through the years.” While Allen Metals can do “whatever the customer wants in cast iron” Parker said that the Harlem Watch Tower was one of his favorite projects. The two-and-a-half-year project received the 2020 MASterWorks

Award for Best Restoration. Given by the Municipal Art Society of New York, the MASterworks Awards pay tribute to projects that make a significant contribution to New York City’s built environment. “It is gratifying to watch something come together and know that you played a significant part in it,” Parker said. Registration for Fall Semester classes at Southern Union is now underway. Fall classes begin Aug. 17. For more information on the registration process, visit suscc.edu.

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Photo courtesy of Auburn Athletics

Central Baptist Church to give out school supplies Central Baptist Church will have a drive through school supply give away on Aug. 8 from 9 a.m. until supplies are gone.

SUPPLIES >> FROM B1 year called Tools for School and the donations are given to the United Way of Lee County, she said. “At the register you can donate toward ‘Tools for School’ and then they will in turn give that to Stuff the Bus, so we get a huge amount of school supplies from Publix each year as well,” Williams said. Publix will continue offering this through the middle of August, she said. Families were able to apply with the United Way of Lee County through their school system (Auburn, Opelika or Lee County) to

Children must accompany adult driver to be eligible. The church is located at 1611 2nd Ave. in Opelika.

register for school supplies. Although the registration deadline has passed, Williams said not to worry; there are still ways to receive help. Distribution will take place Friday, but donations are still welcome. Any leftover materials will be given directly to the schools, she said. “Even though applications have closed, we would encourage anyone who’s like, ‘oh my gosh I missed it’, to reach out to their school counselor or their school and just let them know that they’re needing supplies,” Williams said. Despite the pandemic, donations have been steadily coming in.

“We had less drop off locations, but the ones that we did have had tons of supplies, which is not always the case,” she said. “Then we have gotten a lot of things through the Amazon wish list as well. Then the Publix supplies were a little bit more than they even normally are. I’ve been happily surprised.” This year, many of the families who will receive donations have been hit hard by the coronavirus, Williams said. “We want kids to be able to go back to school in whatever form that may look like, feeling confident, feeling like they have the tools that they need to succeed,” she said.

B3 August 5, 2020

Remember the School Supply - “Love of Learning!”

love new supplies at the start of the school year: fresh notebook paper, the smell of new crayons, new bottles of glue, scissors that want to dive into art projects, Kleenex, wipes and this year, masks and hand sanitizer. I double check things as a teacher of young children; double check my name tags to be sure spelling is correct, double check my classroom decorations, lists, calendar and job chart and pray for my students. Whether it be in a traditional classroom, virtual classroom or at home, one supply is essential in all classroom situations and that is the ‘Love of Learning.’ Children begin learning when they are born.

Their first earthly assignment is to observe, feel, touch, taste and yes, cry as their way of communication to us. Our assignment, as parents and educators, is to continue to nurture the quest for learning. This might include flexing and expanding our ways of teaching in order to meet the Godgiven inquisitive nature of children. In order to do this as parents and teachers, we have to examine our own hearts, thoughts, emotional feelings, values and viewpoints of how children truly learn. Children over the years have taught me so much on how to learn. Yes, we do teach our lessons, but how do children apply what we have taught?

We hear and observe learning in young children through their play. Play is a child’s work. In learning centers, we observe children learning about home life through dramatic play that includes dolls, a play stove, tea sets and toy cookware and pretend baby beds. Children can build towers, rockets, roads and whatever else they can think of with Legos and other building blocks. Likewise, with Play-doh, a child can make flowers, animals, homes and the creations are limited only by their imaginations. My late husband loved to learn! He was my best cheerleader in this endeavor with teaching my students, as well as his students over the years. When the movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” came out in the summer of 1982, he built a rocket-shaped learning pod for my classroom. After the movie, all children and families were engaged in learning about space! He installed a simple computer for students to practice their math facts, read space books and write language experience stories all around the space theme. The children loved to use their

imaginations to explore space as they applied learning skills. This was something simple to create and it truly encouraged the students to shoot for the moon in learning. We can foster the love of learning, as we approach this new school year as educators and parents, by examining our own search for knowledge by taking time to respond to children’s questions. We have to examine our own attitudes for learning. It is not so much the materials, entertainment or activities in learning new concepts, but it is the simple choice as parents and teachers to make ourselves available for our children in taking time to engage in prompting and probing meaningful conversations of what they are learning. We all can remember those teachers and parents who took extra time with us. They listened so intently, our knowledge was built and we were excited about learning new ideas! We, as students, felt special! We will be taking on different roles as parents and teachers in encouraging the “Love Of Learning” for our children during

Auburn adds trio to 2021 roster

Courtesy of AU Athletics

Auburn baseball and head coach Butch Thompson announced the addition of three players to the 2021 roster, including incoming freshmen Joseph Gonzalez and Peyton Sybrandt and sophomore transfer Josh Hall. The Tigers’ 2020 signing class, which was ranked by Baseball America as the No. 19 class in the country earlier this spring, now includes 12 newcomers who will make their way to The Plains this summer.

Gonzalez is a right-handed pitcher from Humacao, Puerto Rico. He is rated by Perfect Game as a top-500 prospect and the No. 12 player in his country; he’s also ranked as the No. 4 right-hander. Gonzalez was a member of the National roster in the 2019 Under Armour AllAmerica Game played at Wrigley Field and pitched a scoreless inning of relief with a strikeout. He was named a 2019 Perfect Game Preseason Honorable Mention All-American and a 2020 Perfect Game

Preseason First Team All-Region. Sybrandt is a catcher and first baseman from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Another top-500 recruit according to Perfect Game, he is rated as the No. 3 catcher in his state. A product of Episcopal High School, Sybrandt was hitting .400 with two home runs and 12 RBI before COVID-19 halted his senior season after eight games. He also earned All-District and All-State honors as a junior. Hall, an outfielder from Birmingham,

Alabama, was a midyear transfer last January after spending his freshman season at Ole Miss, where he appeared in 54 games and made nine starts. A product of Homewood High School, Hall stole 224 bases in his four year career with the Patriots, which is the national high school record for career stolen bases. He hit over .400 in each of his four years and was a three-time Collegiate Baseball High School AllAmerican as well as the 2018 Alabama 6A Player of the Year.

SUSCC DANCE DEPARTMENT OFFERS CLASS FOR AREA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Courtesy of SUSCC

Dual enrollment and Continuing Education opportunities are available through Southern Union State Community College’s Dance Department this fall. Students will be admitted into the Wednesday evening dance class scheduled for 3:30 to 6 p.m.; new students will not be

accepted spring term. This class is available to 7 through 12th grade students who are currently enrolled in a dance studio and who have taken at least three years of dance. Dancers in grades 7 to 10 can enroll through the continuing education program. College credit may be available for students in these grade levels who

have a gifted status. Dancers in grades 11 and 12 can enroll as a dual enrolled student and earn college credit. The class is 1 hour and 15 minutes of jazz (and occasional musical theatre) taught by Director of Dance Sonja Fincher, and another hour and 15 minutes of ballet/ pointe (with an occasional lyrical) taught by Andrea Costa. The

class runs Aug. 19 through Nov. 25 in person. The classes on Dec. 2 and 9 will both be held online. Performance opportunities are available, and all costumes are provided by the college. The cost is $320 per semester. Please contact Fincher at sfincher@suscc.edu if you are interested. Fall classes begin Aug. 17. Registration is now open.

this new and different school year. We need to pay attention to their interests. We watch and note what they seem to enjoy interacting with, as well as their socializing with others. For the “Love of Learning” you can incorporate what their interests are in teaching new and different concepts. For example, I had a first grade student who was having trouble with counting, addition and subtraction. He was completely uninterested. At one of our “Show and Tells” he brought in a set of his model cars. An idea popped up in my mind to use model cars to teach him the concepts of counting, addition and subtraction. He responded wonderfully and we expanded the car theme to other areas where he was having trouble learning. We have to adopt the role of being a facilitator in the process of teaching and learning. We encourage and accept new ideas from our children about different concepts and subjects. We have to let children express their ideas freely as they make contributions to different subjects without the fear of being incorrect or wrong in

the learning process. Children become really excited about learning when they can express themselves creatively. We applaud our children when they express their ideas by encouraging them with praise even in the smallest accomplishments. We have to model our excitement and surprise of learning something new in front of our children and students. I realize that seeds were planted in my heart by all the teachers I had who touched my life by realizing that teaching went beyond lessons, testing and standards. The teachers I had in Opelika accepted me as an individual and encouraged my ideas, skills, weaknesses and talents that went well beyond the walls of a classroom. They fostered such a “Love of Learning” through different experiences that I, too, wanted to share and teach students the joy of learning. Learning is a lifelong endeavor; we never stop learning no matter what we face. I have packed up that “Love Of Learning” and taken it into many classrooms as I humbly continue to learn. Classroom Observer Beth Pinyerd

B4 August 5, 2020

U.S. Senators Tim Scott and Lamar Alexander Introduce School Choice Now Act Courtesy of American Federation of Children

Last week, Senators Tim Scott and Lamar Alexander introduced legislation to ensure K-12 students can return to the private schools they attended before the pandemic and to create the opportunity for more families to choose an option that will work best for their children. The senators noted that, at a time when many schools may not reopen or are not providing high quality virtual options, the children most at risk are from lower income families. Read Scott’s full release at (www. scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-andchair-

man-alexander-introduce-school-choicenow-act). “We applaud Sen. Scott and Chairman Alexander for their leadership in recognizing that the pandemic does not distinguish between public and private school students, and that all students must be supported,” said John Schilling, president of the American Federation of Children. “Private schools are an essential part of America’s K-12 system, educating 5.7 million students and saving the public school system $75 billion annually. “Many of these schools are in danger of closing as a result of the pandemic and these are the schools

serving children in lower income and working class families. Permanent closure of these schools would be devastating for students, families and communities, and a financial disaster for states and school districts. Millions of additional families want and need alternative options, especially in this time of crisis. This legislation will support all families and circumvent further disruptions to learning for children across the country. We urge the Senate to include this critically important legislation in the next COVID relief bill.” The School Choice Now Act, if passed, would: - Provide onetime, emergency

appropriations to scholarship-granting organizations to prevent widespread closures of private schools - Scholarshipgranting organizations would be authorized to use the one-time funding to provide families with direct educational assistance, including for private school tuition and home-schooling expenses - Creates educational opportunity for more families to choose the best educational option for their children - Provides a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, which could generate up to $5 billion in new funds for education

SPORTS >> FROM B1 return to parents and grandparents who could catch the virus and become sick. The two head coaches have seen the effects of the coronavirus personally and through a friend. Based on conversations with multiple coaches across Alabama, I can confirm the memo was sent to numerous head football coaches. I debated mentioning the memo, but felt it was important to share because of their concerns. I conducted my own poll by asking 27 high school football coaches if they thought moving forward with football is the right decision. All 27 head football coaches agreed with the

Alabama High School Athletic Association plan to play games beginning Aug. 20-21. The coaches were all concerned about the coronavirus but felt it was best to return. This is an example of how some coaches feel; neither group is right or wrong. They all care about kids but have differing opinions. For now, high school athletics are moving forward. I pray God will watch over all and help the medical field find a cure so we can get back to some type of normalcy. STAY TUNED...... D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

Sen. Doug Jones Calls for Expansion of School Meal Programs Courtesy of the Press Office for Sen. Doug Jones

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama, alongside a group of his colleagues, is urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide additional financial relief to schools to help them expand their school meals programs for the 2020-2021 school year. “The COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools around the country to close their buildings and shift instr uction to online and

distance-learning models,” the senators wrote in a letter to USDA. “For many children, school breakfast and lunch may be the only healthy and regular meals they receive. “The economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has also resulted in millions of parents losing their jobs, and millions more students will be dependent on school-provided meals. School meal program directors must begin procuring food, equipment and supplies and placing orders now in preparation for the upcoming

school year.” To help ensure school meal program directors and staff have the certainty that they need to begin preparing for the upcoming school year, the senators are urging the USDA to extend a variety of waivers that will help ensure low-income students can access school-provided meals throughout the upcoming school year. Additionally, the senators are calling on the USDA to reimburse schools for the transportation costs for delivering meals to low-income students.

“While many school meal programs are managing these costs for the time-being, they cannot continue absorbing them for the foreseeable future,” the letter said. “We ask that the USDA make additional funds available to schools to assist with the cost of delivering meals to low-income students until regular school operations are restored.” The full letter can be read at www.jones. senate.gov/imo/media/ doc/Letter%20to%20 USDA%20re%20 School%20Meal%20 Waivers-7.29.20FINAL.pdf

The Department of Labor can help WORKERS and EMPLOYERS with

Unemployment Claims related to COVID-19. File claims and get more information at

LABOR.ALABAMA.GOV

LABOR.ALABAMA.GOV Funding provided by the USDOL, ETA, Federal WIOA. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

B5 August 5, 2020

EAGLES students to follow university guidelines By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

Students are buying school supplies, bedding for those extra-long twin beds and all their dorm essentials as they prepare to start or return to Auburn University. Classes will take place both in-person and virtually and the EAGLES program students are excited. The program was originally created as a two-year plan for students with intellectual disabilities to gain both a degree at Auburn University and learn independent living skills. The program has now been expanded to include a four-year program, students who live off-campus and even more opportunities for its students. Of course, everything is different right now, given the coronavirus pandemic and how Auburn University is preparing. EAGLES students left campus with everyone else in March and said they are itching to get back to school, even if some of their classes are online and they must social distance. “All of our preparation has centered around following Auburn University’s ‘A Healthier U’ guidelines and protocols,” said Betty Patten, EAGLES program director. Preparation: Preparation for the return to school has already started for EAGLES’ students, Patten said. Students have been practicing

screening themselves for coronavirus symptoms while at home, which will be required by Auburn University once students get on campus. “They had to complete a temperature log, that they had to learn to take their temperature every morning and evening over a week period to calculate their baseline temperatures so they can see if their temperature starts to trend up toward a fever,” Patten said. EAGLES Students will still be living in the dorms, some with their peer mentors. To help ensure safety during move-in, however, there are some changes, she said. Students will be moving in during staggered times and guests will be limited in the dorms. There are no classes that students won’t be able to take,” Patten said. Between their university classes and EAGLES classes, the students will have all the learning opportunities they had before the virus. Josh Reiner, a student in the program, said that it may get confusing at times with some classes being online and some being in-person, however. He’s still excited to come back, especially since he’s missed his friends. Challenges: One challenge the program is facing is how to handle employment for the students. Normally the students either hold down a job or intern somewhere, but the virus makes this more difficult.

QUIN “I’ve reached out to a lot of businesses and a lot of people just simply are not hiring right now,” said Jessica Milton, an instruction coordinator for the EAGLES program. Students farther along in the EAGLES program met with Milton over the summer by Zoom to complete job applications, she said. “We do have five of our students that have already had paid employment set up and we’re really excited about some of those partnerships,” she said. “It looks a little different. For example, we have a student working with WEGL radio and that’s normally, he would go into the studio, but he’s going to work via Zoom to create his playlist.” Two of the older

students in the program will actually serve as peer mentors, or WINGS mentors, for other students. All but one student will be on campus in the fall. The student who has chosen to learn virtually will still take all of his classes and will even be able to participate in activities by Zoom with the other EAGLES students, Patten said. The EAGLES program is preparing a social calendar which will include social distanced in-person events and Zoom events, Milton said. The students: “It’s been a dream for me to go to college for such a long time, since I graduated, and someone helped me find this cool opportunity to go to school, for me to

learn, to be independent and job ready,” said Rosa Juan, an incoming student. All of the girls who are starting in the EAGLES program will be going through recruitment, as well. Grace Davis said she is excited about meeting new people. “Not seeing friends,” has been the hardest part of the virus and pandemic, she said. Quin Thomas said that he’s excited to come back, but not nervous about the virus. “I’m just living my life and do what I can, keep washing my hands and all that stuff, do all the required stuff, but to me I never worry about anything,” he said. Reiner said he has not had much trouble following guidelines.

“Always wash your hands and wear a mask wherever you go,” he said. “If you touch a door handle wash your hands right afterward.” Many parents may be nervous, but not so much as to not send their student, Patten said. The benefits outweigh the risk to these parents, she said. “A lot of our students have greatly missed interacting with people but they also require a lot of structure and guidance and so it’s very rewarding that we work at a university that safety is the top priority but also recognizing that we are a face-to-face university,” Patten said. Applications are open for Fall 2021 for future EAGLES students.

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2020 2020 Opelika High School Opelika High School Football Schedule Football Schedule R

Denotes Region Games

Date

Opponent

Location

Aug. 21

OPEN

Aug. 28

Auburn

Away

Sept. 4

Lanier R

Home

Sept. 11

Eufaula R

Away

Sept. 18

Carver R

Home

Sept. 25

Central

Away

Oct. 2

Russell County R

Home

Oct. 9

Lee R

Away

Oct. 16

Valley R

Away

Oct. 23

Park Crossing R

Home

Oct. 30

OPEN

B6 August 5, 2020

B7 August 5, 2020

Sportsplex Tri-for-Kids hands out awards

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Participants in this year’s virtual ‘Tri-for-Kids’ event were given their medals and gift bags on Friday night and Saturday morning. This year’s in person group event was canceled because of concerns about COVID-19. Participants were asked to map out and complete their own triathlon course and submit their results online.

B8 August 5, 2020

OHS continues to prepare for opening game

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika High School continues to prepare for their opening game, donning helmets during practice for the first time in late July. At the end of practices last week, the players had the opportunity to cool down a bit while they participated in what they call â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Snake the Field.â&#x20AC;?

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

August 5, 2020

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Inside the Statehouse

Tommy Tuberville Ran a Good Disciplined Campaign for Senate

ld political maxims clearly played out true to form in the GOP runoff for our junior U.S. Senate seat on July 14. Tommy Tuberville ran a very wise and disciplined campaign. He steadily stayed on point and simply said ‘I am going to support Donald Trump.’ Undoubtedly, when Tuberville decided about a year ago to leave his Florida home and run for the U.S. Senate in Alabama, whoever was advising him knew that the only issue was going to be who could cozy up to Donald J. Trump the most. They gave Tuberville the script and he followed his playbook to perfection. He never deviated and never got distracted by issues, questions or debates. He simply rode the Donald Trump horse all the way home. Trump is very popular among Republican voters in the Heart of Dixie. That same horse will more than likely carry Tuberville to victory over Doug Jones in November. Trump will beat Joe Biden 60 to 40 in the state and Tuberville’s numbers over Jones should be close to that same margin. There will be a lot of straight ticket voting in the fall. There are more Republican voters than Democratic voters in Alabama. Therefore, Tuberville’s victory illustrates two cardinal maxims of Alabama politics. Number one is that more people vote against someone or something than for someone or something. Trump said he did not like Jeff Sessions and asked Alabama GOP voters to vote against him and they obliged Trump. Secondly, Tuberville

STEVE FLOWERS kept it simple. He epitomized the old saying, “Keep it simple stupid.” It is called the KISS formula. He stayed on message just like a parrot. He did not have to say much. Trump said it all. It also accrued to Tuberville’s advantage that he was a non-politician and Washington outsider. Sessions had sat in this seat in the senate for 20 years. Tuberville began the race with some significant name identification. Thus, the third maxim, you must have name identification before you have a chance to win. People are not going to vote for someone they have never heard of. Tuberville’s name identification numbers were 35 percent going into the race, which was about as high as Sessions and a little higher than Bradley Byrne. That is truly a testament to how popular college football

By Will Fairless Associate Editor

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is hosting a forum for mayoral and city council candidates on Wednesday, Aug. 12. The forum will be held at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts (1700 Lafayette Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801) from 6 to 8 p.m. Todd Shackett, the Southern Union State Community College president will lead the forum, which will include time for every candidate (for each of

the 5 wards’ city council seats and for the mayor) to speak. According to a press release from the Opelika Chamber, each candidate will be given four minutes to speak. “We ask that [candidates] do not say anything negative toward or about [their] opponents,” the release stated, “This is a time to let the public know who [they] are, what [their] priorities are if elected, and the goals/ vision [they] have.” After everyone has spoken, time permitting, there will be an open

question-and-answer session. The following form can be used to submit questions, which will not be read by the candidates until the forum: forms.gle/MEpzu WRSEJXDKfLt8. Opelika citizens can attend the forum for free; to do so, they must register online at www. opelikachamber.com/ events/details/candidate-forum-3917. For those who wish to view the event from home, it will be streamed live. The Chamber will soon release more information about what See FORUM, page B11

Mayor Copeland, Three Council Members Receive Certificates of Election

See FLOWERS, page B10

City of Opelika forms Youth Incarceration Prevention Program

Photo by Morgan Bryce, Assistant Communication Director

Pictured from left to right: Cooley, Jackson, Stringer and Copeland.

Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland and Council Members George Stringer, Morris

By Wil Crews Opelika Observer

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller created the Opelika Commission on Crime and Violence in August 2018. Last Thursday, the mayor and other distinguished community members gathered for an informational meeting about an undertaking and direct result of the commission, the Youth Incarceration Prevention Program (YIPP). The long-term goal of the YIPP initiative is to lower the one year recidivism rate among youth offender participants to 10 percent or less. The national one year recidivism rate is 47 percent. “This program is going to make a positive impact in the lives of youth in our community,” Fuller said.

Opelika Chamber to host forum for mayoral and city council candidates

Photo courtesy of City of Opelika “Adolescence is such a period of development between childhood and adulthood. If we can connect with troubled youth and give them other outlets and opportunities, then we may be able to help them turn their lives around for the better. We are proactively working to address concerns about how all citizens are treated in Opelika, including our young people.

They are our future.” Recently, the city received a $28,000 grant from Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to fund the city’s pilot program for YIPP. “What we’re doing is we are proactively working to address concerns about how all See MEETING, page B13

Jackson and Richard Cooley received their Certificates of Election during last week’s

meeting as they will be unopposed in the upcoming Municipal Election.

B10 August 5, 2020

Remembering John Lewis and his 1986 underdog congressional campaign By Greg Markley For the Opelika Observer

The recent somber events for civil rights icon John Lewis, an Alabama native, refreshed my memory of another occurrence of someone lying in repose at the State Capitol in 1998. It was for another politician involved in the civil rights struggle, but in the wrong way. This was George Wallace, four-time governor and presidential hopeful, seeking to ride the horses of populism and segregation to higher office. I went to the Capitol in 1998, an hour before the lying in state began. I knocked on the strong wooden door and it was quickly opened by a state trooper. The first thing I saw was Gov. Wallace’s face staring at mine. A bit scary! (Both Lewis and Wallace had open-casket viewings.) There is one aspect of John Lewis’ career that

is fascinating but seldom spoken of: his 1986 campaign for a congressional seat. Living in metro-Atlanta, I closely studied what was going on in the campaign, where Lewis was the underdog. I thought of that contest while waiting for the hearse carrying Lewis to pass by in Montgomery on Sunday, July 26. Although humble, Lewis would have been pleased to see Alabama state troopers, including African-American ones, salute him at the Selma bridge. At the Edmund Pettus Bridge in March 1965 he was beaten and suffered a

fractured skull in the “Bloody Sunday” appeal for voting rights. Lewis died July 17 at the age of 80. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 until his death. Now I tell about Lewis’ election to Congress, after an ordeal of a campaign. Julian Bond was a civil rights activist but was known most for his “silver-tongued oratory” and his professorial demeanor. Handsome and articulate, he was a regular panelist on public affairs TV shows and had even hosted Saturday Night Live. His main ability was in witty comebacks with people less or just as articulate as he. In Lewis’s autobiography, “Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement,” he notes that even before the campaign began, his critics were gathering. One such critic told a newspaper: “John’s just too nice. He’s got too

much goodness in his heart. They might blow him over. But Julian can handle it.” A celebrity who traveled the cocktail circuit, Bond had friends in Hollywood (the Temptations, Bill Cosby) who raised money for him at benefits. He was endorsed by big-city mayors (Tom Bradley in Los Angeles, Ed Koch in New York City), as a well-known politician with many years in the Georgia legislature. The only major civil rights figure who backed Lewis was Ralph Abernathy. Bond won with 47 percent while Lewis had 35 percent in the multi-candidate primary. Lewis was disappointed, but he was determined to win through hard work. Meanwhile, Lewis’ only asset was his house; he did not have the city council salary ($18,000) anymore and his wife Lillian made $30,000 at a library.

City of Smiths Station releases Road Name Change Form for citizens to provide input, suggestions Courtesy of the City of Smiths Station

A “Road Name Suggestion Form” has been posted on the City of Smiths Station website and social media for Citizens to provide their input on renaming all public roads inside the City limits. As recently announced, the City of Smiths Station has acquired ownership of all public roads inside the City limits from Lee County. An important part of that transition is to rename these to help give our city autonomy and its own sense of identity. Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland authorized the formation of an ad hoc committee to lead this effort. The form will be available on the website to fill out from Aug. 8 to Sept. 8. “The renaming of our roads is the realization of a longtime dream for many of us who call Smiths Station home. And we want our Citizens to voice their opinions and contribute to this process,” Copeland said. Smiths Station residents are

encouraged to visit www.smithsstational.gov and click on the “City Services” tab on the Home page. There, they can scroll down to the bottom of the page and choose to download or preview the fillable form titled “Road Name Suggestion Form.” Once completed, they can download the form and send it to admin@ smithsstational. gov. Following is a hyperlink to the form: www. smithsstational. gov/wp-content/ uploads/RoadName-SuggestionForm-with-list-ofHistoric-Road-Names-andSuggestions-by-Committee.pdf Also, citizens can view a list of committee-suggested names listed below the form as provided by the Committee. After the submission periods, the Committee will evaluate submissions and turn in their final list of suggestions to the Smiths Station City Council, which will hold public hearings on this issue at later meetings before voting to make these name changes permanent. For more information, call Place 2 Councilman Morris Jackson at 706-905-1247 or Place 4 Councilman Richard Cooley at 706-575-0642.

FLOWERS >> FROM B9 is in Alabama. It had been 10 years since Tuberville had coached at Auburn, but Auburn fans traditionally stick together. I suspect every Auburn football fan in the state voted for Tuberville. It is like one big family. It is not just called the loveliest village on the plains, it is also referred to as the friendliest place you ever visited. Coincidentally and ironically, Tuberville’s victory is a carbon copy of another Auburn man’s victory for governor 32 years ago. Forrest “Fob” James won the 1978 Governor’s race with the same KISS formula as Tuberville. James had become wealthy by starting and running a barbell manufacturing company in Opelika. When Fob signed up to run for governor, the press

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Lewis wrote in his autobiography, “We weren’t starving poor, but we weren’t shaking money out of any trees either.” He reasoned that he had always turned bad things around when pressured. Hardly anyone worked harder than he did. He paid particular attention to Jews, African Americans and women. Members of the gay community, a growing group in Atlanta, were also sought-after votes. Bond was focusing on the black intellectuals and middle-class. The turning point in the 1986 runoff election was a debate, where the long-simmering issue of Bond’s alleged illegal drug use came up. Bond was the only candidate in the primary to refuse a test. So Lewis cleverly said: “Why don’t we step out and go to the men’s room and take another test?” (for the runoff election.) Bond was silent and the tension high. Then Lewis

said, “It seems you’re doing the ducking” (of questions). Bond was ineffective thereafter in the debate. Lewis won in a major upset by 52 percent to 48 percent on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 1986. Bond received a lot of votes from the African American middle class and intelligentsia. Lewis captured more than 90 percent of the white vote, mostly affluent liberals. Julian Bond and his Hollywood friends were stunned. It was as if they opened a door and were faced with a corpse of a former governor. John Lewis always liked to engage in “good trouble,” anyway. Rest in Peace, congressman. Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 20 of the past 24 years. An award-winning journalist, he has Master’s degrees in education and history. He taught political science as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama.

wrote him off as a rich gadfly. Fob quietly used his millions to sign up the most brilliant campaign media strategist in the south, Deloss Walker. Fob was told by Walker ‘never deviate from the script I give you and do not answer any questions.’ There were three heavy weights expected to finish first, second and third. Former Governor Albert Brewer, Attorney General Bill Baxley and Lt. Governor Jere Beasley. As Walker expected, all three spent their time and money beating up on each other while Fob rode a yellow school bus over the state, simply saying ‘I am getting back to the basics, reading, writing and arithmetic.’ Thus, more people vote against someone and the KISS formula. Walker’s initial polling showed that Fob actually had some name identification

from being an Auburn football player in the 1950’s. He was a pretty good halfback. That poll also picked up that Auburn Alumni yearned for an Auburn man to become governor. In this most recent race, it helped Tuberville immensely that the Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) endorsed him early in his quest. This key endorsement gave him credibility and early impetus. Most of the farmers on the endorsement committee, by the way, are Auburn graduates and Auburn football fans. The more things change the more they stay the same. 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. He may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

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B11 August 5, 2020

FORUM >> FROM B9 platform it will use to stream the forum. Mayor Gary Fuller: According to a press release from Mayor Fuller’s campaign, Opelika has benefited from nearly 4,000 new jobs, new roads and improved infrastructure throughout the city, more than 2,000 new single-family homes and several completed projects during Fuller’s term. “This is the best job I’ve ever had,” Fuller said, “I loved my years in the radio business but the satisfaction of seeing a person get a great job and what that means for their family makes our hard work worthwhile.” Tiffany Gibson-Pitts: Gibson-Pitts has a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University in criminal justice with a concentration in juvenile delinquency. She has a master’s degree and an educational specialist degree in school counseling and counseling supervision from Auburn University. She has said that she plans on taking Opelika forward by focusing on affordable housing, small business development and creating a more inclusive community. “I’ve always been active in the community and wanted to serve in a greater capacity,” she said, “Since being elected [to the Ward 2 city council seat], I created the Ward 2 Academy, which serves as an educational hub for families throughout the Jeter community, and have been a strong advocate for many of the upgrades in that area.” Ward 1 George Allen: Allen has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics from Alabama State University. He is the president of the J.W. Darden Foundation, whose goal is to perpetuate the legacy of J.W. Darden through scholarships and free healthcare provided by the Darden Wellness Center. Allen wants a board of education member to be elected so that they are more accountable to the people they represent. He plans to listen to the community’s wants and needs during his doorto-door campaign. “I love Opelika. I’ve always done various community services, and this is just another avenue that I could take that I believe could be a help to the people of Opelika,” Allen said, “I would venture to say that over 75% of [Ward 1’s] residents know me personally through my occupations or my community involvements and will agree that I have the qualities needed to effectively represent them on our City Council.” Melvin Brooks: Brooks has an

associate degree in applied science in early childhood development from Southern Union State Community College. He also has an associate degree in fire science from Chattahoochee Valley Community College and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Alabama State University. “He will demonstrate with the upmost respect to strive for change by being readily available to listen and provide support and address the concerns and needs of the community,” a press release form Brooks stated, “He understands the challenges that one faces and will use his voice to create changes for all the citizens of Opelika.” Robert Johnson: Johnson is the senior pastor at Freedom Life Worship Center and graduated from Opelika State Technical School in 1987. Johnson’s primary goal if elected will be to empower the people of Opelika with skills training and motivational coaching and mentorship. He said he wants to change the environment of Opelika for the better, create opportunities for people and make sure people get connected with those opportunities. “The thing that really inspired me is that I see so much potential and opportunity in our community, especially in Ward 1,” Johnson said, “I have a solid vision for Opelika. I have passion for Opelika and Ward 1. I have a strategic plan to bring about change for the best in Ward 1.” Jamie Lowe: Lowe is a 20-yearold majoring in political science at Auburn University. He is an aspiring attorney and lifelong Opelika resident. He wants to push for safety, education and trust in the Opelika community, particularly by creating better diversion programs for young people. “I feel I have a duty to the community, and when you recognize you have a duty, you just get it done,” Lowe said, “I would love to make sure that the pillars already in our community, like the Boys and Girls Club and the Covington Rec Center, are heavily utilized to help keep our young people involved in the community instead of involved in crime.” Alexis Meniefield: Meniefield has worked as a residential specialist at the Lee County Youth Development Center and founded the nonprofit Time Served, which helps individuals with felonies establish new lives. She wants to focus on creating programs across the city to encourage children to stay active and out of trouble. She envisions the Covington Rec Center as a hub for youth involvement. “There’s a lot of empty spaces in our ward that belong to the city. I

want to turn those into something positive,” Meniefield said, “My ward has been deemed the worst side of town. I want to make it where people feel safe, people feel free to come and tell us anything and we can give them the answers they are looking for.” Ward 2 Erica Baker-Norris: Baker-Norris is the Vice President-elect of the Alabama Association of Public Personnel Administrators and the Diversity and Inclusion Chairperson of the East Alabama Society of Human Resources Management. She wants to focus on partnering with educational institutions to create more activities for young people and senior citizens, providing training to the Ward 2 workforce and addressing crime and poverty in Ward 2. “I am so excited to have an opportunity to earn the vote of the people of Ward 2 and to be given a chance to serve them,” BakerNorris said. “In a time of so much uncertainty, I am certain of this: I am called to serve.” Oscar L. Penn III: Penn is the President of the Concerned Citizens of Opelika, Vice President of the Lee County Voters League and is a member of several other community organizations in Opelika. “I’m asking for your vote and support because I’m fighting every day,” Penn said. “My life is totally consumed with making a difference [for people] whether it’s getting one’s lights turned on or whatever the case may be, I answer the call. Many of you know my desire to serve with unconditional love. I’m all in for this community. I have been and always will be. I’m no respecter of person, everyone matters to me.” Ward 3 Michael Carter: Carter is a leading professional facilitator for leadership and diversity and inclusion programs for an international S&P 500 organization. He also leads Opelika Cub Scout Pack 858 as their Cubmaster, teaches a financial literacy course, cleans his adopted mile through Keep Opelika Beautiful, serves on the Property Maintenance Board of Appeals and serves his church, Cornerstone. “[My] dedication is guiding new and experienced leaders to serve those around them,” according to a press release form Carter, “Serving has been at the forefront of [my] mission.” Robert Lofton: Lofton is a retired veterinarian who graduated Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree in science before attending Auburn’s School of Veterinary Medicine. He teaches a Sunday Bible Study class at First Baptist Church and is involved in a number

of community service projects, such as My Jerusalem, Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief and Samaritan’s Purse. He believes that his biggest attribute as a potential city councilman is his ability in communicating and listening. “I believe that what people say is important,” he said. “My core values include integrity, honesty and financial responsibility. I have the desire and the time to serve the residents of Ward 3 and the Opelika community in whole.” Kelli Thompson: Thompson is an assistant research professor and director of the Juvenile Delinquency Lab in the Department of Psychology at Auburn University. She holds a master’s degree in divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Bachelor of Science degree in human development and family studies from Auburn University, and a master’s degree in psychology and a Ph.D. in applied developmental psychology from the University of New Orleans. She wants to use her research and data-collection training to conduct an annual citizen survey from which she thinks Opelika would greatly benefit. “My professional and academic pursuits, as well as many years of philanthropic work and civic engagement, have more than prepared me for this moment,” Thompson said, “It would be an honor to apply the skills, expertise and knowledge I have accumulated to better shape my community and do so with intention.” Ward 5 Chuck Adams: Adams is the student minister and associate pastor at Providence Baptist Church. He graduated from Leavell College of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry and a minor in Biblical Studies. He

later acquired a master’s degree in Theological Studies. He wants to keep Opelika one of the, as he describes it, safest and most inclusive towns. A specific project he has in mind is to build connector roads between the Sportsplex and Morris Avenue. “I want to see the city of Opelika grow in a healthy way . . . it stays safe, stays healthy and stays prosperous,” Adams said, “[Opelika is] just an all-around great city, and I want to be a part of helping it stay that way for future generations.” David Canon: Canon was elected to the city council in 2010 and was re-elected in 2012 and 2016. He graduated from Auburn University, The Alabama Banking School and the LSU school of Banking of the South. He said there are several projects he wants to see through before he leaves the city council, which projects include completing the extension of the Sportsplex Connector from Andrews Road to U.S. Hwy. 431, improving efforts to regulate speeding on several streets in Ward 5 and helping find the best location for an additional public school in the north side of Opelika. “I pledge to continue to represent fairly and impartially all the constituents of Ward 5 and all other Opelika citizens; and to listen to their concerns, to help solve their problems and will strive to keep Opelika the greatest city in Alabama to live, work, play, raise a family, go to church and to retire,” Canon stated in a press release. Brandon Fincher: Fincher is originally from Woodland, Alabama, and is in the process of completing his dissertation to receive a PhD in public administration and public policy from Auburn University. He will work to rescind the upcoming

mayor and city council pay raises and pledges to return his $1,200 raise back to the city’s general fund if elected. He supports instituting a threeterm limit for council members and the mayor. He is a strong supporter of natural recreational spaces in Opelika, citing Creekline Trails’ success on Giving Day as evidence that there is a demand for these spaces. “I am entering this race because I believe Opelika needs a forward-looking city council that is willing to actively pursue and include input from all its citizens into how the city should grow and respond to challenges in this new decade,” Fincher said. “Opelika is filled with wonderful people, but I believe our current leadership is not in tune with the needs of everyday Opelikans.” Todd Rauch: Rauch is a U.S. Army veteran who holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Auburn University and is currently the Vice President of the Community Foundation of East Alabama. He wants to increase accessibility, communication and transparency between the city council and the people of Opelika. He wants to expand and diversify industry in the Opelika Industrial Park, provide resources to Opelika city schools and prioritize infrastructure improvements, among other things. “The Army taught me how to be an effective leader, and I believe the best way to illustrate the city of Opelika’s ‘Vets Choose Opelika’ initiative, is to have a veteran serving on the Opelika City Council,” Rauch stated in a press release, “I believe it is a responsibility of elected officials to continually engage those that elected them. Your city council member should be the person you can turn to should you have questions or concerns.”

B12 August 5, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES --------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PEGGY S. LAZENBY, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2020-251 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 16th day of July, 2020, 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. ALLEN W. LAZENBY Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 07/29/20, 08/05/20 & 08/12/2020 --------------Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, August 20, 2020 at 10:10AM Barbara Swanson Whatley Unit S345 300 N Uniroyal Rd Lot 50 Opelika , AL 36804 1 bedroom fully furnished The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. 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 07/29/20 & 08/05/20 --------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ELGIE NELSON GRIMES, Deceased PROBATE COURT 2019B-127 LEE COUNTY NOTICE OF CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Teresa Davis Smith on the 25th 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. Teresa Davis Smith Legal Run 07/29/2020, 08/05/2020 & 08/12/2020 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: Kenneth Day, an alleged incapacitated person TO: Any interested party: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for the person of Kenneth Day. It is ordered that the 25th day of August, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. be appointed a day on which to hear such petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th St. Opelika, AL at which time all persons interested can appear and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Done this the 7th day of July, 2020. Bill English Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-0333 Legal Run 07/15/20, 07/22/20, 07/29/20 & 08/05/20 --------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA MOORE’S CONSTRUCTION, LLC, Plaintiff, Case No.: CV-2020-900312 v. A Parcel of Real Property described as: Lot 3, Dickson Subdivision, according to and As shown on map or plat of said subdivisionOf record in Plat Book 41, at Page 65, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, And Fictitious Defendants A, B, C, D, E, F & G, Being Persons, Individuals, Firms,

Associations, Partnerships, Corporations or other Entities, Whose names are otherwise unknown to the Plaintiff, but who claim interest in and to the above-captioned parcel of land, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by Amendment when ascertained, Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 13th day of July, 2020, a Complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Moore’s Construction, LLC, as Plaintiff; A Parcel of Real Property, described below, as Defendant; and unknown persons or entities who cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described as follows: Lot 3, Dickson Subdivision, according to and as shown on map or plat of said subdivision of record in Plat Book 41, at Page 65, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint. Done this the 17th day of July, 2020. /s/ Mary Roberson__ Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Of Counsel, Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 324 East Magnolia Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 07/22/20, 07/29/20, 08/05/20 & 08/12/20 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD L. ANDERS, SR., Deceased CASE NO. 2019-B045 In the Matter of the Estate of RONALD L. ANDERS, SR., Deceased Letters Testamentary as Personal Representative of the Estate of RONALD L. ANDERS, SR., deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of June, 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. ROSEMARY K. ANDERS Personal Representative Legal Run 07/22/2020, 07/29/2020 & 08/05/2020 --------------STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2020-236 RE: ESTATE OF LINDA J. FLOURNOY, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 2nd day of July, 2020, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Norman L. H. Flournoy, Jr., Executor Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr., Esq. Attorney for Executor Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171

LEGAL RUN 07/22/20, 07/29/20 & 08/05/2020 --------------NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO. 2020-211 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of LUE MERLE PATTEN, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by John W. Patten on June 9, 2020 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 07/22/20, 07/29/20 & 08/05/20 --------------1IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BEVERLY B. THOMPSON, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: 2020-081 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 6th day of July, 2020, 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. JOHN W. THOMPSON, II Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal 07/22/20, 07/29/20 & 08/05/2020 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE ESTATE OF: COSBY CARLTON MIDDLETON, deceased. Case No. 2020-255 Letters Testamentary of said deceased was granted to Sandra Middleton Lafoy and Cosby Todd Middleton on the 17th day of July, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Probate Judge of Lee County. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate that they are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Sandra Middleton Lafoy and Cosby Todd Middleton Co-Executors Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for the Estate P.O.Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-0333 Legal Run 07/22/20, 07/29/20 & 08/05/20 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of the Estate of DEBORAH SHERIDAN BARKER, Deceased Case no. 2020-210 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINSTRATOR AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration on the Estate of DEBORAH SHERIDAN BARKER, deceased having been granted to the undersigned, JOHN PATRICK BARKER, on the 21st day of July 2020, 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. /S/ JOHN PATRICK BARKER JOHN PATRICK BARKER, Administrator Legal Run 07/29/20, 08/05.20 & 08/12/20 --------------NOTICE OF CREDITORS THE ESTATE OF ALBERT L. SNIPES, Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2020-225 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of ALBERT L.

SNIPES deceased having been granted to Deborah H. Snipes a/k/a Deborah Holifield Snipes, on the 22nd day of July, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Deborah H. Snipes a/k/a Deborah Holifield Snipes Legal Run 08/05/20, 08/12/20 & 08/19/20 --------------CITY OF OPELIKA PLANNING DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS June 30, 2020 City of Opelika PO Box 390 Opelika, AL 36803 334-705-5155 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Opelika REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS (ROF) On or about October 1, 2020, the City of Opelika will submit a request to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to release Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended to undertake various single- family housing actions and facility improvements on scattered sites throughout the city. The projects will be carried out by the City of Opelika and include housing rehabilitation and historic restoration as identified in the City’s Consolidated Plan. If a specific activity is determined to NOT to be categorically excluded an environmental assessment will be done for that site and a release of funds will be obtained from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The requested release of funds will cover the 20202024 Program Years covered within the City’s 5-Year Consolidated Plan. These activities have already received a prior ROF under a 5-year blanket for the PY 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan. It is estimated to that the following amounts will be used over a five- year period: Emergency Home Repair 240,000 Main Street Façade Grant $150,000 FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The City of Opelika has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file the Community Development office located in the City of Opelika’s Public Works Facility at 700 Fox Trail where ERR can be examined where the record is available for review and may be examined or copied weekdays 7 A.M. to 4 P.M. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency disagreeing with this determination or wishing to comment on the project may submit written comments to Community Development Administrator Lisa Thrift at PO Box 390, Opelika AL, 36803-0390 or in person at the physical address mentioned above. All comments received by October 15, 2020 will be considered by the City of Opelika prior to the submission of a request for ROF. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. RELEASE OF FUNDS (ROF) The City of Opelika certifies to HUD that Gary Fuller, in his capacity as Mayor of the City of Opelika, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s

approval of the City’s request for ROF and certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City of Opelika to use or authorize the use of program funds for purposes identified in this notice. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its ROF and the City of Opelika’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of Opelika; b) the City of Opelika has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; c) the City of Opelika has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of ROF by HUD; or d) another federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58) and shall be addressed to HUD at: 950 22nd St. North, Medical Forum Building, Suite 900, Birmingham, AL 35203-5301. Potential Objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Gary Fuller, Mayor City of Opelika P. O. Box 390 Opelika, L 36801-0390 Certifying Official Legal Run 08/05/2020 --------------Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830, August 27 2020 @ 10:00 am Kirk swift Unit# 527 209 L’overture circle apt D Tuskegee, AL 36083 Sofa, table, household items The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. 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 08/05/20 & 08/12/2020 --------------Notice to Contractors Federal Aid Project No. TAPAA-TA19 (916) City of OPELIKA Bid# 20028 Lee County, Alabama Sealed bids will be received by the City of Opelika at 204 S 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2 p.m,. August 25 2020, and at that time publicly opened for constructing the following: STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS ON 1ST AVENUE, FROM N. 7TH STREET TO N. 8 TH STREET., ON N. 8TH STREET, FROM N. RAILROAD AVENUE TO THE 1ST AVENUE, SIDEWALKS, CURB, CONCRETE ROADWAY and LANDSCAPING. The bracket estimate on this project is from $500,000 to 750,000). This bracket range is shown only to provide general financial information to contractors and bonding companies concerning the project’s complexity and size. This bracket should not be used in preparing a bid, nor will this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award the contract. The principal items of work are approximately as follows: clearing pavement and concrete demolition; earthwork Storm structures; Erosion control measures; Traffic control measures; sidewalk, concrete roadways, driveways and landscaping. The entire project shall be complete in 60 working days. To be eligible for considerations, bids must be submitted on complete original proposals made available by the owner. Bid documents (including plans and proposals) are available at 700 Fox

Trail Road Opelika, Alabama 36803. No bid documents will be distributed later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled opening of bids. A cashier’s check (drawn on an Alabama bank) or bid bond for 5% of the amount bid (maximum of $50,000.00) and made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid as evidence of good faith. It is not required that a contractor be licensed in order to submit a bid; however, prior to award of a contract, proper proof of all applicable licensures must be provided by the Contractor. Proof of insurance coverage of the types and amounts as set forth in the project specifications will be required of the contractor, and any and all subcontractors, prior to beginning work. The contractor will be required to perform work amounting to at least 30% of the total contract cost with his own organization. Contractor prequalification is not required to bid on this project. However, the award of the contract will not be made to any bidder who, at the time of the award, is considered by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to be disqualified from bidding, nor to any bidder who is an affiliate of or has a corporate officer, director, or principal owner who is a corporate officer, director, or owner of, another person who is presently disqualified by ALDOT. Further details and definitions regarding this provision are included in Section 102 of Special Provision 18-LPA3. This is a Federally Funded project through ALDOT. The proposed work shall be performed in conformity with the rules and regulations for carrying out the Federal Highway Act and other acts amendatory, supplementary, or relative thereto. This project is subject to the contract work hours and safety standards act and its implementing regulations. MBE/DBE participation is encouraged; however, no specific MBE/ DBE goals have been established for this project. Minimum wage rates forth is project have been pre-determined by the Secretary of Labor and are set forth in the advertised specifications. In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,78 STAT. 252,42 U.S.C.2000D to 2000D-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such act, all bidders are hereby notified that if will be affirmatively ensured that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. The right to reject any or all bids is reserved. Honorable Gary Fuller Mayor Legal Run 08/05/2020, 08/12/2020 & 08/19/2020 --------------Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, August 20, 2020 at 10:10AM Barbara Swanson Whatley Unit S345 300 N Uniroyal Rd Lot 50 Opelika , AL 36804 1 bedroom fully furnished The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. 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 07/29/20 & 08/05/20

B13 August 5, 2020

Opelika Chamber Gearing Up for Total Resource Campaign Courtesy of the Opelika Chamber Of Commerce

Under the leadership of new Chamber President Ali Rauch, the Opelika Chamber of Commerce announced it 9 th Annual Total Resource Campaign (TRC) at a Kick-Off luncheon for the community volunteers on July 31 at Niffer’s On the Tracks in Downtown Opelika. “This eight-week campaign is the annual sponsorship and membership drive for the Opelika Chamber. It’s the perfect opportunity for local businesses to plan for the future and select ideal marketing and event partnerships to help grow their business. With 240+ options to choose from, there’s something for everyone,” said Opelika Chamber President Ali Rauch. Powered by Chamber Membership Director Jill Robinson, the campaign is designed to engage volunteers to communicate the

broad range of products and services the Chamber provides to its members and to the area as a whole, while also seeking new members for the Chamber. Nathan Kastner of Smith-Kastner Wealth Management, LLC said, “As a business owner, the Total Resource Campaign gives me the opportunity to design a custom sponsorship and advertisement strategy that best fit my business goals. And as an added benefit, it allows me to support the local Chamber of Commerce that does so much to bolster area businesses.” The Total Resource Campaign will run through September 29, 2020. Don’t miss out on this chance to strengthen your business through networking events, professional development & leadership programs PLUS discounted advertising! For more information, contact Jill Robinson, 334.745.4861 or email jrobinson@opelikachamber.com.

MEETING >> FROM B9 citizens are treated in Opelika, including our youth,” Fuller said. On average, 83 percent of youthful offenders ages 16 to 24 will return to prison. With the support of the Lee Count Youth Court, area nonprofits, colleges and churches, YIPP aims to stem the growing tide of youth, predominantly low income and minority, from either going to or returning to prison. To do this, YIPP has created the “3-Legged Stool” pilot program to offer youth offenders help in areas such as; skills training and placing components, education and GED completion and behavioral health. Greg Leikvold, the director of Southern Union Community College’s ASCEND program and the YIPP job skills coordinator explained how SUSCC is partnering with YIPP to provide the education and skills training and placing components. “[The ASCEND program] is locating people who are looking for a job that do not have job skills,” Leikvold said.

“Southern Union is really happy to be a part of this and we will work very hard to make sure it’s successful.” According to Leikvold, the participants will develop skills in the following vital skill sets; teamwork, workplace behaviors, communication, basic technology (computers) and basic financial management. SUSCC will assure each youthful participant acquires the skills in an area that interest them and is given the opportunity to begin a career, earn a livable wage and realize their God-given potential. Also, the SUSCC GED program will be offered to those youth offenders who have not earned a high school degree. The SUSCC program is flexible and offered to youth offenders at no cost. Pastor Skipp Long, the YIPP pilot program manager said that online FOCUS classes have already begun at the Lee County Detention Center. The “F” stands for future; the “O” stands for the opportunities, in mental and behavioral health and education and skills training that the YIPP project participants will receive; the

“C” stand for their ability to connect with people and the community. “That’s why we have invested with the churches,” Long said. “First Baptist has already opened up one of their facilities.” The “U” stand for Unity, in the home and community; and the “S” stand for the success that the FOCUS classes hope to help the participants realize they can achieve. The final important aspect of the pilot program is behavioral health. Long explained the importance of incorporating the program’s training into families to create a standard of success in the community’s youth. “It’s not only that we want the kids to be healthy, but they have to be healthy at home,” he said. “In this community, we want all our neighbors to know, you matter.” To set the youth up for success, YIPP’s curriculum will teach Search Institute’s Developmental Assets Framework. The basis of which are the 40 assets, which support and teach strengths that the youth offender needs to succeed. Half of the assets

focus on the relationship and opportunities youth offenders need in their families, schools and communities (external assets). The remaining assets focus on the social-emotional strengths, values and commitments that are nurtured within young people (internal assets). State representative Jeremy Gray attended the meeting and voiced his support of the program. “This is just a soundbite of the bigger picture; poverty is part of it, lack of resources is part of it, but I think that we are heading in the right direction,” he said. “We know that more than half of those that are incarcerated, whether it be youth or adult, are going to get out. We have to put things in place to make them productive citizens; I think this is the first step.” YIPP Director Eddie Smith closed the meeting, encompassing the program with a message of hope and positivity. “This has been a long time coming,” he said. “By working together, we can make a difference. We are not unique in being a part of it, but we can be a unique part in stopping it.”

LOCAL CLASSIFIED ADS HELP WANTED: Resident Services Coordinator Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Fulltime position of Resident Services Coordinator. Duties will include, but not be limited to: Oversee and coordinate programs offered by Resident Services. Develop a variety of educational and economic empowerment support services, activities, and programs for residents. Coordinate activities and provide case management for Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. Develop partnerships with community service providers in order to efficiently deliver services to residents. Contact residents who may be sick or in need of assistance to determine services needed, and make appropriate referrals. Maintain records and prepare reports. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in

social work, social sciences, or closely related field plus 3 years of progressively responsible work in human services or social work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prefer experience in public housing. Other: Valid Driving License Ability to be insured under the Authority’s vehicle policy To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at http://www.opelikaha. org/Default.asp?ID= 123&pg=Employment +Opportunities ------------HELP WANTED: Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time position of Accounting Assistant. Duties will include, but not be limited to: •Maintain fiscal records, generate payments, prepare periodic/special reports, operating

statements, etc. 1. Process invoices for payment in accordance with established procedures, i.e. code, verify that needed documentation is present, enter data into system 2.Verify that purchases are properly documented and approved in accordance with established procedures 3.Review and process contractor payment requests on a weekly basis 4 Resolve discrepancies in invoices, charges, and payments by contacting vendors, employees, or other appropriate means 5.Process credit rent utility reimbursements in accordance with established procedures 6. Prepare Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) landlord payments and utility payments for participants in accordance with established procedures 7. Assist Senior Accountant with daily accounts receivable reports, including miscellaneous deposits, and take appropriate action to resolve any underlying problems or issues

8. Coordinate with bank officers to correct any errors resulting from direct deposits, charges, etc. in order to ensure the integrity of the bank account balance 9. Prepare and assist in preparing a variety of periodic and special reports 10. Post tenant rent charges for the beginning of each month. 11. Generate 1099’s annually, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as needed Education: High school or equivalent (Required) License or certification: • Driver’s License • Ability to be insured under the Authority’s automobile insurance policy • Ability to be covered under the Authority’s fidelity bond To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at http://www.opelikaha.org/ Default.asp?ID=123&pg= Employment+ Opportunities -------------

HELP WANTED: Maintenance Mechanic Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time position of Maintenance Technician for properties in the Opelika, AL. . area. Duties will include, but not be limited to: · Promptly handle unit and facility work orders · Complete repairs in a consistent and correct manner · Provide excellent customer service · Work well with other team members · Willing to clean grounds as needed · Be well organized to coordinate and perform unit and site inspections · Able to complete makeready of units proficiently Ideal candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in apartment maintenance (or similar skills). Candidates should have an understanding of and repair capabilities in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, painting, appliance repair, and/ or other tasks related

to maintaining the communities in excellent condition. HVAC Certification not required, but preferred. This position will offer competitive pay and benefit package. Education: · High school or equivalent (Required) License or certification: · Driver’s License (Required) · HVAC Certification (Not required, but preferred) To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at http://www.opelikaha.org/ Default.asp?ID=123&pg= Employment +Opportunities ------------FOR SALE 2003 Chevy Silverado with extended cab, Less than 50,000 miles, in excellent shape Has bedliner, towing package, tires are good Asking $8,500. Call 334-745-4510 for more information.

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B14 August 5, 2020

Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku? Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

B15 August 5, 2020

Rebecca Rice Cell: 334-703-0801 rebecca@johnrice.info

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

B16 August 5, 2020

Letter to the Editor

e are pleased to support Mayor Gary Fuller in his re-election campaign. Opelika has thrived under his leadership, including becoming the first GIG city in Alabama. Whenever we have called on the Mayor with concerning issues, he has always made time to meet or talk with us. About 10 years ago, we were very worried about our three teenage boys having to cross 280 at Veteran’s Parkway everyday without a traffic light. Putting traffic lights up at Veteran’s Parkway and Grand National

Parkway was a state matter that Mayor Fuller was instrumental in making happen. Under Mayor Fuller’s leadership, many other traffic lights have been put in place and roadways improved. When Anne was working on the Food Bank of East Alabama’s Capital Campaign one of her first meetings was with the Mayor to gain Opelika’s support. He pledged generous support from the City of Opelika to help our residents who suffer from food insecurity, but he also gave important advice about bringing all the municipalities to

the table to help the Food Bank serve the most needy. We attend church with Laura and Gary Fuller and see first hand how much time they spend trying to improve inequality in Opelika and working for all the citizens. They truly love Opelika and are committed to making it the best community in Alabama. Now, more than ever, we need proven leadership to guide Opelika these next four years. I hope you will join us in voting for Mayor Fuller on August 26th. Thank you, Anne and Sheldon Whittelsey

PLEASE JOIN US AUGUST 6

Get to Know the Opelika Police Department

Elliott & Associates Insurance Agency Opelika - (334)745-0888 elliottinsuranceagents.com

SEPTEMBER 3

Improving Relationships with Our Youth

SEPTEMBER 24

How We Can Better Communicate and Improve Community Relations MUNICIPAL COURT BUILDING 6 - 7 p.m. Space limited to maintain social distancing (First come first serve) Live streamed via city YouTube channel For more information, email lkrehling@opelika-al.gov.

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