Opelika Observer 09-04-19 E-edition

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Vol. 11, No. 48

Wednesday, Sept. 04, 2019

Nov. 9 from 8 to 10 p.m.

“By local people, for local people.”

www.bottlingplanteventcenter.com

LRCOG holds ‘Centenarian Celebration’ last week

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

Art piece honoring lives of Beauregard tornado victims dedicated at Sanford Middle School last Thursday

By Morgan Bryce Editor Local artist Rachel

Wright and nearly 50 Beauregard and Lee County residents came together last Thursday night to

celebrate the dedication of the "Beauregard Angel Wings" art installation at Sanford Middle School.

Opelika, Alabama

During an interview with the Observer in See Wings, page A3

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured above, 100-year-old Lee County resident Marquerite Logan was one three individuals 100 years old or older recognized by the Lee-County Area Agency on Aging during a ceremony held at the Lee-Russell Council of Governments’ headquarters last Thursday.

The other two recognized individuals were Katherine Hightower, 102, and Ethel Graves, 101. The agency also recognized Charlie Jernigan, Richard LaGrand and Wilbur Payne for their recent induction into the Alabama Senior Citizen Hall of Fame.

Jeff's Furniture and Appliances operating in Circles of Opelika hosted former Hometown Sears location at Opelika's ceremony for its first-ever graduating class last month Saugahatchee Square Shopping Center

By Morgan Bryce Editor Circles of Opelika held a graduation ceremony for its first class of "circle leaders" Aug. 22 at the Southside Center for the Arts.

Seventeen individuals, along with their families and friends, celebrated this accomplishment. For graduates, the next phase of the program will be a partnership with a Circles "ally" or “mentor" for 18 months, who will provide

advice and support for them on their path to financial independence.

"When it’s all said and done, we want to see people have increased savings accounts, more employable skills, as well as deep lasting bonds between graduates and their allies. We hope that the relationships that they’ve established during that 18 months doesn’t end at 18 months … we want it to be a lifelong commitment and bond because many people in poverty don’t have ac-

cess to positive resources that they can call on in a time of need,” said Director Regina Meadows in a February interview with the Observer.

Meadows helped launch Circles of Opelika last December, which has received solid support from churches, individuals and organizations alike in the Auburn-Opelika area.

Overall, Meadows said the first session of the Circles program was a success and educational for its See Circles, page A5

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 RELIGION..............................A13 CALENDAR..................................A14

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Attentive customer service and a quality line of products and brands are the trademarks of Jeff's Appliances and Furniture at Opelika's Saugahatchee Square Shopping Center, which operates in the former home of a Hometown Sears location.

Jeff's is owned and operated by Massachusetts native Jeff Rothstein and opened

SPORTS..................................B1 POLITICS...................................B9 LEGALS.......................................B11 ENTERTAINMENT........................B14

earlier this year after Sears announced it was permanently closing the shop in January.

Rothstein has shifted the store's focus from lawn and garden care supplies to appliances and furniture.

Through a partnership with Nationwide Marketing Group, he said he is able to provide consumers with more competitive pricing and products than most major box stores.

Rothstein "The reason I decided that I wanted to own and operate a similar business here See Jeff’s, page A5

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What’s Up? www.doughornroofing.com • 334-744-5246

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A2 Sept. 04, 2019

Valley native Jeremy Crowder Mayor Gary Fuller new owner of Doug Horn Roofing names September as ‘Airbag Recall Repair Month’ Editor’s Note In our previously published article, the name of Mr. Crowder’s business was incorrect.

His former business name was Crowder Construction. We apologize to both Mr. Crowder and Mr. Horn for this mistake.

This article is being reprinted in its entirety due to the printing error that left part of the article unreadable in last week’s printed edition.

By Morgan Bryce Editor While the Opelikabased business Doug Horn Roofing may be under new ownership, it is staying in the family.

Doug Horn, previous owner of the company, sold the business this summer for $1 to Jeremy Crowder, a Valley native who he “trusts like a son.”

“For the past four years since my wife (BJ) died, I haven’t done any roofing. I realized after I met (Jeremy) that he had a great work ethic for a 40-year-old young

man,” Horn said. “I was impressed with his knowledge of roofing and carpentry and his desire to do the best job he could do.

I have given him my and my father’s name and trust him like a son and ask (customers) to give him a chance.”

Started by Horn’s father (Doug Sr.? waiting on this info from Doug) more than 60 years ago, the business has a solid customer base in the Auburn-Opelika area and surrounding communities.

Crowder’s experience in roofing can be traced back to working with his stepfather when he was 13 years old.

After high school, Crowder and his stepfather relocated to the Boaz/Albertville area and operated C and H Roofing for several years.

In 2002, Crowder moved back to the area to learn and hone his craft from family members who were experts in framing and roofing.

Prior to merging businesses and operat-

More than 4% of passenger vehicles impacted statewide Special to the Opelika Observer

Jeremy Crowder ing under the Horn name, Crowder was owner and operator of Crowder Construction.

With the merger of the two businesses, Crowder said his business can do home repairs and specializes in roofing services.

Crowder is fully licensed and insuranced, and can work with all insurance companies for damages from storms.

Following are some of the roofing services now offered through Doug Horn Roofing, which extends to a 50-mile radius outside the Auburn-Opelika area: - chimney flashings - commercial (flat), industrial and residen-

tial roofing - installing ridge vents - re-roofing - and roof repairs, among other services.

Now assuming ownership of a company that is so deeply rooted in the community, Crowder said he plans to keep the business going for another 60 years, all the while continuing its mission to deliver quality work and customer service.

“I’m humbled to have the Doug Horn name, and it means so much that he had confidence in me to keep it going,” Crowder said.

For more information or to get a quote, call 334-744-5246.

Photos special to the Opelika Observer

In response to a pressing safety issue impacting 6,000 vehicles in the Opelika metropolitan area, Mayor Gary Fuller has declared September as Airbag Recall Repair Month in Opelika. These vehicles are a portion of nearly 214,000 vehicles across Alabama that have dangerous, non-repaired, recalled airbags that are at increased risk of rupturing in hot, humid climates like Alabama. When exposed over time to heat and humidity, they can transform from life-saving devices into life-threatening ones. In a crash, they could rupture and cause death rather than prevent injury.

To help keep drivers safe and to echo the mayor’s proclamation, the National Safety Council, along with local Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealers, have launched an Airbag Recall Repair Month campaign in September. This safety recall impacts more than 4% of all passenger vehicles statewide.

It is critical that every driver in the Opelika area takes three easy steps now: - locate your vehicle’s

17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN). Check the driver’s side dashboard or registration and insurance documents.

- enter your VIN into CheckToProtect.org. Find out within seconds if you have an open safety recall.

- schedule a free repair appointment at a local dealership. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Toyota dealers have parts in stock and technicians on hand all month.

As part of Airbag Recall Repair Month, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealers are reaching out to drivers across the state.

Repairs take about an hour to complete, and many dealers have extended hours and can provide complimentary transportation while vehicles are being repaired. Alabama residents may see safety canvassers checking VINs, Check To Protect advertising and events in the area.

There are 40 local Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealers across Alabama – two in the greater Opelika area – that are participating in Airbag Recall Repair Month.

Area Toyota and Ford dealers have also joined FCA’s efforts. Local dealers can be found by visiting www.bit.ly/CTPmap.

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pelika Observer

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

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

CORRECTIONS The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the Editor at (334) 749-8003.

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A3 Sept. 04, 2019

Shoe Station to launch fundraiser for United Way Sept 20 Special to the Opelika Observer The Southeastern chain Shoe Station is partnering with the United Way to launch the retailer's “Every Step, Every Community” initiative on Sept.

20 in its 21 stores in five states, including the Tiger Town location.

This year-long program will include a $10,000 charitable donation, as well as collection bins in each location, where consumers can donate new and gently used shoes to United Way organizations in their communities. Consumers will also have an opportunity to register to win a $10,000 cash prize.

“As a regional chain, our brick-and-mortar locations in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi,

Louisiana and Georgia have benefited from strong communities and this is our chance to give back,” said Shoe Station President and CEO Brent Barkin.

The “Every Step, Every Community” initiative is expected to collect thousands of pairs of shoes for children heading back to school, as well as for women and men.

In past years, the fall “Free Shoes for Life” campaign was so successful that it was copied by competitors wanting to cash in on the public’s enthusiasm for the campaign.

For this fall, Shoe Station has decided to expand the opportunity. Not only will one family win $10,000, but thousands of families in need will also receive shoes. On top of that, Shoe Station is donating $10,000 to

various organizations that support those in need. United Way of Southwest Alabama is coordinating both the donation of cash and all of the shoes collected in the region. The funds and shoes will be distributed to various charitable organizations in the chain’s five states.

Shoe Station is also taking additional steps to encourage donations.

First, for each pair of new or lightly worn shoes a customer brings in, Shoe Station will give that customer a $1 voucher to be used towards certain in-store purchases.

“Shoe Station offers selection for all consumers, and the “Every Step, Every Community” initiative reinforces our brand promise,” Barkin said.

In addition, if the

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

$10,000 cash prize winner decides to donate their $10,000 prize to United Way, Shoe Station will match their contribution with an additional $10,000 donation of its own.

“In other words, Shoe Station is poised to donate $20,000 overall, with the further goal of co-ordinating the donation of 1,000 pairs of shoes. (During the

pany’s 35 years.”

For more information about United Way or the United Way of Southwest Alabama, visit www.unitedway.org or www.uwswa.org.

For more information about Shoe Station, a family-owned Southeast-based chain, visit www.shoestation.com.

The Tiger Town store is located at 2710 Enterprise Drive.

year) we have been in business…as many as 35,000 pairs of shoes (have been donated),” Barkin added. “We want to help put shoes on the feet of everyone in our community, whether they be traditional customers or those who are cannot afford them on their own. This is the biggest charitable initiative we have had in our com-

EAMC receives transportation grant from The American Cancer Society Special to the Opelika Observer Cancer patients undergoing treatment frequently require assistance getting to and from facilities, often creating a financial and logistical burden.

The American Cancer Society has awarded a transportation grant to Opelika's East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, one of 10 transportation grants totaling more than $65,000 to address the transportation needs of cancer patients.

An estimated 28,950 Alabama residents

will learn they have cancer this year, and getting to their scheduled treatment may be one of their greatest roadblocks. These grants are available in select communities across the American Cancer Society’s South Region through an application process and focus on addressing unmet transportation needs of cancer patients, particularly vulnerable populations experiencing an unequal burden of cancer. The society’s South Region includes Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana,

Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

“As we lead the fight for a world without cancer, it is our responsibilty to find new ways to collaborate, innovate and drive support for these patients,” said American Cancer Society Executive Vice President Jeff Fehlis.

“We’re proud to collaborate with community health partners to serve individuals in areas with higher burdens of cancer and limited or no access to transportation, because even the best treatment

can’t work if a patient can’t get there.”

“On behalf of our team at East Alabama Medical Center and the Spencer Cancer Center, we are very grateful to the American Cancer Society for awarding us this grant,” said Spencer Cancer Center Oncology social worker Chelsea Kroll. “Our service area includes at least six surrounding counties and some of the communities are somewhat rural. This grant will definitely help remove some of the barriers that patients can face when

Better Bodies Massage Institute relocates to North 7th Street near downtown Opelika on Sept. 2

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer The Better Bodies Massage Institute has moved its clinic closer to historic downtown Opelika.

“We are going to be more accessible to downtown and (will be) much more visible,” said BBMI Founder and Director Leigh Anne Clark. “We hope to be a greater part of the positive growth in Opelika.”

A grand opening of

the new location, now located at 205 N. 7th St., will take place this fall and be open to the public.

Better Bodies Massage proudly offers a place of refuge for people seeking anxiety reduction, pain relief and relaxation. The caring professionals and students offer swedish massage, deep tissue, prenatal, bamboo fusion, cupping and hot stone massage among other services.

Better Bodies is a member of the Association for Bodywork and Massage Professionals, the American Massage Therapy Association and certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Massages are available by appointment seven days a week.

Book online 24-7 at www.betterbodiesal. com or call 334-7371400.

seeking to access cancer care.”

The American Cancer Society is seeking investors to help fund additional transportation grants. Individuals interested in donating to support the American Cancer Society transportation program may contact Senior Director of Mission Delivery Melissa Carlton at 404-327-6508.

For additional information about the American Cancer Society, call 1-800-2272345 or visit cancer. org.

About the American Cancer

Wings, from A1 May, Wright said she was inspired to create a piece of artwork that the community could help create after meeting with March 3 tornado survivors and family members of the 23 storm victims.

“I wanted to do something that was beautiful and allencompassing, as well as something that people affected by the storm could participate in. Then (one of the victim’s family members) talked about ‘their angel,’ and it just clicked for me right

there,” Wright said.

Throughout the summer, Wright said more than 300 individuals hand-painted feathers that comprise the piece.

A candlelight vigil was held in addition to the dedication during Thursday's ceremony.

With the school serving essentially as a "ground zero" for tornado recovery and relief, Wright said the light, paired with the art piece, helped shine a light in a place that saw so much darkness earlier this year.

"We did a candlelit vigil and had a moment of silence after calling out each person's name. It was very uplifting and of course, emotional," Wright

Society The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of nearly two million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24-7, 365 days a year live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle.

said. "Everyone was so thankful for the wings and the light."

Wright said she hopes the piece is both an inspiration and a reminder for future Sanford students of a tragedy that brought the community together in a way that has never been seen before.

"Children who were in the tornado walk those halls (including Kayla Grimes and Jordan Griffin). Having them see their artwork for their parents and brother and friends and for the whole community to show them that we all will never forget and we can make beauty for them in those halls is important," Wright said.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

pelika O Opinion

A4 Sept. 04, 2019

IMPERFECT

I

went to the piano recital of a friend’s daughter.

There was a crowd of proud parents wearing dressy clothes.

Most were shooting videos with cell phones.

I’ve never witnessed so much piano music in my life. One child performed a piece by Chopin that seemed to last longer than an entire episode of “General Hospital.”

At one point during the recital, there was a 16-year-old girl who played something by Franz Liszt.

While she played, something happened.

She messed up.

One mistake led to another. And another.

Then, she quit playing and ran off the stage.

After the performance, I saw her in the lobby. She was crying. She kept say-

ing to her parents, “I wanted it to be perfect.”

Before I left, I shook her hand and told her how wonderful I thought she did.

I wanted to say more, but couldn't. It didn’t seem like any of my business.

But what I wanted to tell her was this: Maybe her performance wasn’t perfect, but big whoop. Some of us like imperfect things. Some of us like mistakes.

Yes. I know, I know. People are supposed to strive to be the greatest, strongest, longest lasting, fastest, leanest, shiniest and the best. But I would like to point out: Why? Besides, who decides what the “best” actually is? And what makes these decisions correct?

I once knew two older men who had a

By Sean Dietrich

longstanding feud over who had the best college football team: the University of Georgia or Auburn University. These two men would get into big arguments, shouting about statistics and wishbone offenses, until they would almost get into a fistfight.

I’ll never forget being an onlooker for one of these legendary arguments. At the time, I was standing beside a young woman who was originally from Minnesota. She was on scholarship at Auburn, studying animal husbandry—or maybe it was poultry psychology.

The girl looked at these two angry men and said, “Hey, why can’t Georgia and Auburn just get over this stupid rivalry and be friends?”

Everyone got quiet.

The men hung their heads. And do you know what happened? Those two old men, moved by the realization that all human beings are alike, set fire to the girl’s car.

I’d better end the anecdote right there.

So I don’t know much, but there is something I do know.

The “best” doesn’t exist. Neither does perfection.

Oh sure, everyone gets excited about top performers, exceptional athletes, award winners or straight-A students. But what about the straight-C students, such as the author of this column? Does anyone

get excited about guys like us?

During my youth, the common belief was that A-students hung the moon, and D-students would grow up to have pagan babies. There was no room for Cstudents.

We were the middle-of-the-roaders.

We landed somewhere between students who were total slackers, and those who ate Elmer’s Glue.

Our teachers often told us to “try harder” or “apply yourself” or “Did you bring an actual lizard into my classroom, young man?”

And believe me, these teachers meant well. But the thing is, some kids (like me) did worse when we tried harder. It took me nearly 30 years to learn that. It took me even longer to learn

that certain laundry detergents will give you the rash of death in your most sensitive regions. Gain with bleach, I’m looking at you.

Not long after I started writing, people began asking me to make speeches.

I was nervous about this. At first, I started writing outlines of what I was going to say beforehand.

I tried to make my speeches perfect. And do you know what?

They sucked.

I would feel terrible about it. Because I wanted to do a good job speaking before, say, the small-town Rotary Club—which consisted of six people and one elderly man in a wheelchair who might have been clinically dead.

But the harder I tried, the worse I did.

See Dietrich, page A5

Remembering baseball and Stan the Man “It breaks your heart.

It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memories of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops” A. Bartlett Giamatti, “The Green Fields of the Mind” or years, every fall, as September fades into October and the World Series approaches, I got this message from my friend and former student, Jo. She is a baseball fan.

I used to be one. Today, I cannot name you all the teams or put them in

F

By Hardy Jackson

their proper leagues and divisions, but there was a time, when I was a boy, that I could. I could have also named the starting lineups of most. Of course, there were fewer teams and fewer players, but that is not the point.

I loved the game.

And I loved Stan Musial and the St. Louis Cardinals.

I fell in love with the Cardinals listening to Harry Cary’s melodious voice bring them into my home via KMOX, a station powerful enough to penetrate Dixie all the way down to where I was, and anyone who followed

advertising.

Now I will be willing to bet that not many young folks playing the game today know much about Stan Musial.

Although he has held a host of records, is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and is generally considered one of the greatest outfielders of all time, Musial has not been the subject of a bestselling, tell-all biography, because there is not much “all” to tell about a man who married and stayed married to his high school sweetheart, a player so good, so valuable, that he was the first in the National League to sign a $100,000 a year contract – and so honorable that, after a bad season, asked that his salary be cut.

Here was a player so loved by his city that the Cardinals owner told the general manager that he would never be traded.

Formations

T

he first Saturday of September, the air felt less dense than recent humidity. A weather warning flashed across my phone predicting a tropical storm approaching the Gulf of Mexico. Perhaps this was cause for the lite September breeze. The week before, I baked my first apple pie of the season, and since then, I’ve contemplated a trip to the Western North Carolina Farmers Market. I’m convinced Georgia grows the very best peaches, and North Carolina produces the best apples south of New England.

Breakfast in Alabama, and by late afternoon I selected apples at the market along the French Broad River. I chose Cortland and Rome for baking over the holiday weekend, and at the farmer’s insistence that

the Cardinals in the 1950s loved Stan Musial.

He was “The Man.” Twisted up in that peeka-boo batting stance that I tried to copy, he hit with power and precision. I know. I saw him.

Twice.

Once on TV, when he won the 1955 All-Star Game with a 12th-inning home run and in person one year in the 50s when the Cardinals played the Dodgers in an exhibition game.

All of this came back some years ago when my son’s Sports Illustrated arrived and there he was, on the cover, wearing those baggy flannels that real baseball players wore, looking young, confident and every bit “The Man.” He was part of one of those “Where Are They Now” features that fans like because they want to know and publishers like because they can sell more

By Sarah West my bag wasn’t yet full, I added a few small Gala and a Honey Crisp.

Then, as I paid him, he gave me change saying “here, a bag is only five dollars.” I, in-turn, insisted that he keep the change. Just days ago, I paid nearly eight dollars for two apples at a grocery store. My principle rule is that the farmer should always receive a gratuity in addition to his asking price. The hands that picked and

delivered them should receive the reward.

Just across the river, I made my way down familiar paths. In the late day, I felt close to the spirits of Pinchot and Olmsted, as the trees cast shadows over the laurel laced lanes. I parked the car, and changed my shoes to hiking boots for a walk around the bass pond. I marveled at the great trees, their height and rambling roots.

Wildflowers sprung up embellishing meadows from the Lagoon to Deer Park.

Sunflowers did nod to the setting sun. A distant mist emerged from the west bank and cast haze upon currents past timber was once conveyed.

The summer sun kissed the forest, tipping leaves in gold flakes.

A veil of honey paints

streams of red over exposed branches of pine. Balmy blue spruce defines shadows depth and cadmium yellow strikes tassels of corn in the light.

Nutmeg, clove, allspice, cinnamon and ginger are tossed with a sprinkling of sugar.

Apples sliced thin are arranged in a pie pan lined with pate brisee. I cut the left-over pieces of dough in leaf formations. An evening thunderstorm rolls in and I watch the sunset, and

Never.

A player who thought so much of other players and their families that when he became the general manager, he added an in-the-park babysitting service so wives of the players could watch their husbands play.

My favorite Musial story concerns the day he hit a double down the line. The umpire called it foul, though it was obviously fair. Coaches and manager boiled out of the dugout to protest and were promptly thrown out of the game. Musial, however, went to the head umpire and said “What happened?”

When he was told it was called foul, “Stan the Man” reportedly said, “Well, there’s nothing you can do about it.”

Then he went to the plate and doubled to the same spot.

This time it was called

fair.

That was the sort of man he was.

Back in my baseballloving days, I sent letters to a bunch of the Cardinals asking for autographed pictures. Each of the ones I wrote sent me their picture postcard. All except one.

Stan Musial.

Musial sent me an 8 X 10 glossy that he autographed with a ballpoint pen. It hangs in my office today, just to remind me of baseball and why I once loved it.

So when it comes around this year, I think I’ll watch a little of the World Series, just to see if I love it still.

Something tells me I will.

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

the willow oak sway while the pie bakes.

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

She is founder of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts, Smiths Station, Alabama’s premier fine arts destination. She is the appointed Official Artist to the City of Smiths Station, a Lee County syndicated columnist, the director of her art center’s

Cultural Arts Outreach Initiative which partners with local schools to make the arts accessible to all. She also serves a chief curator to the City of Smiths Station, City Hall Art Galleries. She is a founding member of the Smith Station Historic Commission. She mentors art students of every age through weekly classes at her studio located in the heart of Smiths Station, Alabama. To learn more about her work and activism visit, www.thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com.

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

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A5 Sept. 04, 2019

Jim Sikes retiring after 20 years as conductor of East Alabama Civic Chorale, passes baton to Auburn resident Dale Peterson Special to the Opelika Observer After more than 20 years as conductor of the East Alabama Civic Chorale, Jim Sikes is retiring and passing the conductor’s baton to Dale Peterson.

According to Peterson, “retiring is not the correct word to use in this situation.

In fact, Jim has graciously accepted the position of Conductor Emeritus of the Civic Chorale.” Peterson added, “Having Jim present to offer his guidance and advice has already been of immense help to me during this transitional period. And having Liza Weisbrod continue as pianist for the Chorale offers still more continuity.”

Philip Preston, director of the East Alabama Arts Association, which sponsors the chorale, said, “Jim Sikes has been a fixture in our musical community for over two decades.

His love for music and people, combined with his dedicated leadership and hard work, has laid the foundation that will sustain the Civic Chorale for years to come. East Alabama Arts offers our best

wishes to Jim as he turns the page and passes the baton to Dale Peterson. Dale will be a dynamic force in developing quality choral music opportunities for the citizens of East Alabama, and we will all benefit- both those who love to sing, and those who love to listen.”

Long time chorale member Charles Gross when reflecting on Jim’s leadership said, “Jim was blessed with a beautiful tenor voice and an excellent sense of pitch, and the ability to sight-read and sing all the choral parts. In short he is a gifted musician.

Also both he and his wife Aimee generously gave of their time and money to the Civic Chorale for over twenty years.”

Liza Weisbrod, the chorale’s pianist, spoke on Jim’s selection of music.

“Jim Sikes always chose good, challenging music which provided a variety of musical experiences.”

Peterson added, “It’s easy to understand why taking over as conductor following Jim’s long, successful

Photo special to the Opelika Observer tenure is such an awesome responsibility.”

The East Alabama Civic Chorale will have its first rehearsal with its new conduc-

Hundreds of jobs available at Opelika job fair next week Special to the Opelika Observer Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc. (GoodwillSR) is hosting a multi-employer job fair in Opelika on Sept. 10.

Hundreds of positions will be available from some of the region’s top employers.

Helping people to find sustainable employment is an essential part of GoodwillSR’s mission of “Developing People, Building Communities and Changing Lives.”

GoodwillSR hosts multiple job fairs throughout

Circles, from A1 participants.

"They (students) were very appreciative of the support from the group, thankful to Circles for be-

the year to help people in East Alabama and West Georgia find work.

Attendees should come ready to interview with copies of their résumés in hand.

Eighteen top employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance, including: • Afni • Alabama Department of Corrections • Ambassador Personnel • Auburn Housing Authority • BORBET • CSL Plasma • Easterseals

• Golden State Foods • Help at Home, Inc. • JOANN • Lowe’s • Onin Staffing • Sungchang Autotech • Traveling Angels Nursing Services • The Hotel at Auburn University • United State Census 2020 • Waffle House • West Fraser The event will be held at the Goodwill Career Center located at 3740 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

ing a source of support as they go through the various situations and thankful to have been exposed to (some unfamiliar but helpful concepts)," Meadows said.

"The first group of Circle Leaders have really set the bar high. They were motivated and committed during the pre-program interview

process and maintained that same level of commitment throughout the first 12 weeks."

The next session will begin Sept. 5. Meadows said the next batch of Circles students will have an expanded opportunity to learn about area resources available to them through visits with representatives from Opelika's Southern Union State Community College campus and local Goodwill Career Center.

For more information or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, call 334203-1860, email rmeadows@myops.net, like and follow the organization’s Facebook page or visit the national Circles website www.circlesusa.org.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

tor Dale Peterson on Sept. 10 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Southside Center for the Arts, which is located at 1103 Glenn

Jeff’s, from A1 was because of the rapport we had with our existing customers. We decided that it was the most natural thing to do by staying in the same spot and continue what we've been doing," Rothstein said.

"We believe we do our jobs better than the big box stores."

Prior to owning and operating Jeff's, Rothstein served as manager of the Opelika Sears Hometown store location for six

Dietrich, from A4 My turning point came when a nice Rotarian said to me, “You know, you don’t have to try so hard.”

Then he nodded to the man in the wheelchair and said, “I think your speech killed Norm.”

I took the man’s advice. The next place I spoke was a catered luncheon at a seniors club. Half the audience wore hearing aids, the other half was playing with their food and having loud conversations about things like barium

St. in Opelika. The chorale is open to all who enjoy singing and have previously sung in any choir. No audition is required.

“I look forward to a wonderful year of making beautiful choral music with the Civic Choral,” Peterson said.

years. He has experience with other Sears stores in Thomasville, Alabama and LaGrange and worked in the hotel industry before moving to Alabama 30 years ago.

Two other unique features of Jeff's includes its home delivery service offered

by Rothstein and his five-member team and its status as an authorized AT&T and DIRECTV dealer.

"We have the ability to do phone as well as DIRECTV activations and a program that provides customers with a

significant gift card if they decide to order and later activate their phones through us," Rothstein said.

Nearing six months of being in business, Rothstein said his store "is nearing a level of sustainability" and that he is excited for its future.

Jeff's is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information, call 334-3640174, like and follow the store's Facebook page or visit www. jeffsapplianceandfurniture.com. The store is located at 3720 Pepperell Parkway.

enemas.

I took the stage.

My only plan was to NOT try so hard.

And you’ve probably already guessed what happened.

And yes. You guessed right. I sucked again! Only this time, I sucked less!

So to the crying girl in the lobby, if you read this, I want you to know that you don’t have to be perfect at anything.

In fact, life is more fun when you aren’t.

You have no reason to trust a guy like me. I’m not an expert, I have no credentials, and right now I am suffering from a rash caused by a common laundry detergent.

Either way, I have learned that life is short, and it’s startling how little time we have left. Don’t waste it on perfection. Waste it by being you.

And if any Georgia or Auburn fans are reading this, please don’t set fire to my car.

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

pelika O Opinion

A6 Sept. 04, 2019

Opioid Training Institute coming to the Auburn-Opelika area Sept. 12 Special to the Opelika Observer The Opioid Training Institute, a collaborative program offered by the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy and the Alabama Department of Mental Health, will conduct a training session in the AuburnOpelika area on Sept.

12. The session is offered at no cost to attendees and continuing education credit is available.

Targeted for health care providers, the program will be held at the Marriott Grand National at 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail in Opelika and will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Walk-up attendees will be accepted, but participants are encouraged to pre-register by visiting www.AlabamaOTI.org.

“The Opioid Training Institute is a series of training opportunities across the state for health care providers and community members to learn about the current status of the

Opioid Crisis and its impact on Alabamians,” said Harrison School of Pharmacy assistant dean Dr. Karen Marlowe. “The Opioid Training Institute will allow us to convene a diverse group of experiences, expertise and perspectives to advance the fight against opioids in our state.”

Alabama is one of the most affected states in the country when it comes to the Opioid Crisis. In 2017, there were 422 overdose deaths involving either prescription or illicit drugs in the state, an average of more than one per day.

To battle such a crisis, it requires a collaborative and interprofessional effort.

With that in mind, the Harrison School of Pharmacy (HSOP) and the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) partnered to create the Opioid Training Institute (OTI).

The Troy workshop is targeted to health care providers including, but not limited to, physi-

cians, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, dentists, dental hygienists, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers and counselors.

“Health care professionals play a critical role in appropriate use of opioids, as well as other potential drugs of abuse, and also have opportunities to intervene in situations of potential and real inappropriate medication use,” said Harrison School of Pharmacy associate professor Dr. Brent Fox. “Attendees will leave the OTI having expanded their knowledge of a variety of measures to support appropriate opioid use, as well as options for treatment and other supporting resources.”

The opioid epidemic is one that knows no neighborhood, class or age and impacts every sector of the state, including health care, education, business and local government. Opioids are a class of drugs that includes heroin as well as prescription pain relievers such as

oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine and fentanyl. These drugs work by binding to the body’s opioid receptors in the reward center of the brain, diminishing pain as well as producing feelings of relaxation and euphoria.

Because of the variety of uses, one could come into contact with opioids from street drugs to prescription drugs. The problem is one that affects all socio-economic statuses.

It is for this reason that such a broad spectrum of people, from health care to law enforcement to leaders in the community, are needed to fight the problem.

“Opioid use disorder impacts those from the teen years to the older populations in our state.

In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died of opioid overdoses and in Alabama we see the need for education to reach everyone that may have the power to evoke change for our communities,” Marlowe said. “Understanding the risk

factors for opioid use disorder and overdose in your school, community, place of worship may help someone to connect with the appropriate resources in their community. We also hope to start more conversations across different professions to share information about programs that already exist in communities across the state.”

All sessions are free and pre-registration is preferred. Speakers at the events include those from health care, law enforcement, government agencies and others.

“Mental health is an important piece in the fight against the opioid crisis and partnering with the Alabama Department of Mental Health allows us to combine our areas of expertise and have a greater reach in the state of Alabama,” said Harrison School of Pharmacy associate clinical professor Dr. Haley Phillippe. “We are very thankful for the opportunity to work

with ADMH.” For more information and registration, visit AlabamaOTI.org.

About the Harrison School of Pharmacy Auburn University's Harrison School of Pharmacy is ranked among the top 20% of all pharmacy schools in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. Fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the School offers doctoral degrees in pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and pharmaceutical sciences (Ph.D.) while also offering a master's in pharmaceutical sciences.

The school’s commitment to world-class scholarship and interdisciplinary research speaks to Auburn’s overarching Carnegie R1 designation that places Auburn among the top-100 doctoral research universities in the nation. For more information about the school, call 334-8448348 or visit pharmacy. auburn.edu.

Chamber of Commerce introduces new ‘20-Under-40’ class

By Michelle Key Publisher

The 2019-20 session of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce’s “20-Under-40” program is underway.

New members enjoyed a kickoff retreat at the Opelika Sportsplex on Aug. 10. The first class was held Aug. 13 at the Museum of East Alabama with a historical overview of Opelika and the class members were introduced to the Opelika City Council on Aug. 20.

The group will participate in an additional 20 classes including lessons about Opelika utilities, higher education, industry in Opelika, 1-on-1 meetings with Mayor Gary Fuller plus visits to the city’s environmental services, public works departments and more.

This year’s class members are: • Michael Barlow Barlow was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Family has always been a big part of who he is and what he enjoys

doing. He is one of eight kids (six boys and two girls) and now has his own family. He is married to a Southern girl who stays at home with their almost 2-yearold daughter, and they have a son on the way with a due date of Oct. 14. He graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) where he received a bachelors degree in public health and a minor in business, and then received a masters degree in hospital administration from the University of

Alabama at Birmingham. He works at East Alabama Medical Center which he truly enjoys and is passionate about the work he does.

Healthcare has always been close to him since his father is a physician and all five of his brothers are in healthcare related fields. He enjoys spending time with family, reading books to and playing with his daughter. He also enjoys reading, playing both the piano and ukulele, cooking and especially traveling. His favorite place he has traveled is Jerusalem, where he studied a semester while attending BYU at the BYU Jerusalem campus.

• Donny Blankenship Donny Blankenship is the morning show host and program director for Mix 96.7 FM in Opelika. He grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia and moved to Alabama in 2004. He graduated in 2009 with a bachelors degree in radio/television/film from Auburn University. His show welcomes local leaders and community members daily, and showcases the city’s growing social presence as well as worthy charitable efforts being made in East Central Alabama.

He spends his free time with his wife, Allison.

They enjoy going to concerts, live Auburn sports and making trips to Lake Martin on weekends.

• Charles Brown Brown works for Baxter International. No additional information was provided to complete his biography at this time.

• Mark Coxwell Coxwell is the chef

and owner of Butcher Paper BBQ in Opelika.

He started the business by supporting downtown Opelika events and businesses more than four years ago, which quickly turned into a food trailer and then a brick-and-mortar restaurant in September 2018. The focus of the business has always been a support for the community and a dedication to traditional BBQ that is accessible to everyone. Coxwell is a graduate of Opelika High School. After living in Nashville and Athens Georgia, he was able to move his family back to his hometown in 2013. He is enthusiastic in supporting local small businesses and backing the arts in Opelika. He is especially excited to teach these values to his two boys, William and Joseph, as they grow up calling Opelika “home.”

• Will Crenshaw Crenshaw works in the MIS Department at Opelika’s SUSCC campus where he is responsible for resolving a wide range of IT related issues for faculty, staff and students. He is a graduate of Auburn University and enjoys attending as many football, basketball and baseball games as he can. His other interests include golf, tennis and traveling with friends.

• Kelli Fischer Fischer is an assistant principal at Opelika High School. She is beginning her fourth year as an administrator and ninth year as an educator. Originally from Dadeville, Fischer was raised an Auburn fan and decided to continue her family’s tradition of going to college in

Auburn. She graduated from Auburn University with a bachelors of science degree in secondary social science education in 2011.

Fischer went on to get her masters degree in instructional leadership and administration at Troy University in 2016. She and her husband Jonathan have two children, Davis and Charlotte. The Fischers are active members of Church of the Highlands where they are former Highlands Kids Coordinators and currently serve on the small group leader team. Kelli and Jonathan officially moved to Opelika in February 2019 and are looking forward to raising their family there.

• Emma Holman A 2007 college of human sciences graduate, Holman began her fundraising career at Auburn University’s phone-a-thon as a student caller. Upon departing the Plains, she moved to Athens, Georgia to join the American Cancer Society where she sharpened her skills through planning and executing large- scale fundraisers. From 2014 to 2019, she served as the Director of Annual Giving at the Terry College of Business at University of Georgia until she found that twinkle in her eye to return to her alma mater.

She joined the Harbert College’s Advancement team in spring of 2019 as a development officer.

Holman has been involved in whichever community she resides while holding leadership positions with the PiedSee 20-Under-40, page A16

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: • Sept. 5 - The April Verch Band at Sundilla • Sept. 6 - Penny and Sparrow John Emerald Distillery • Sept. 7 - Johnny Ray Century Bike Ride to benefit the Davis Phinney Foundation • Sept. 15 - Sweet Lizzy Project at Standard Deluxe

Campus Club friends share recipes for parties, tailgating Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

A

uburn University Campus Club friends Michelle Reed, Deidra Bell and Debbie Richbourg were co-hostesses for the Garden Party with wine tasting for a recent members’ event. The ladies, who enjoy cooking and entertaining, are sharing recipes from the garden party and also their favorite recipes for tailgating before and after Auburn football games.

Michelle and John Reed’s lovely home and garden was the setting for the garden party.

On the back patio with a towering stone fireplace,

tables were arranged with party fare to serve with the white and rose wines for tasting.

To serve with the rose wine, Michelle created easy pick up Spinach and Artichoke Crostini topped with strips of roasted red pepper. Debbie Richbourg made her tasty Homemade Pepper Boursin Cheese to serve on crackers for this table.

Assorted cheeses and fresh fruit were offered at another table to pair with pinot grigio and chardonnay.

In the kitchen, Michelle arranged charcuterie and cheeses with olives and

nuts to accompany pinot noir.

The wines for tasting were selected by Clayton Cawthorne of Pinnacle Imports. The sommelier presented an overview of the wines being sampled and the food pairings.

Afterwards, guests meandered through the garden, relaxed on the porch or at a table under the pergola covered with jasmine. Vases of fresh flowers accented tables, and potted blooming plants were banked against each side of the porch steps.

As guests sampled the foods and toured the garden, they also viewed

Photo by Ann Cipperly Deidra Bell, left, and Michelle Reed are pictured at the Garden Party for members of the Auburn University Campus Club. They are sharing recipes from the event and others for tailgating before and after football games. Clip and save these recipes to serve during the upcoming football season. art and crafts showcased

by Lauren Duncan of The locAL Market. Noted local artist Nan Cunningham also attended.

Tempting desserts were served on the front porch with sips of prosecco.

Deidra Bell prepared her popular Lemon Blossoms, while Debbie Richbourg created her special Mini No-Bake Cheesecakes.

The desserts were attrac-

They have held a couple of rehearsal dinners and other parties in the side lawn.

Dr. Michelle Reed is retired from East Alabama Medical Center, while John works with the Alliance Insurance Group and is a photographer of Auburn University sports for USA Today Sports Images.

tively presented garnished with fresh fruits.

The Campus Club Garden Party was an indoor and outdoor event with more than 100 members attending. Susan Stanley of Opelika is president of the club, which now has a membership more than 400 individuals.

The Reeds enjoy entertaining and opening their home for special events.

See Cipperly, page A11

Thriving Opelika Theatre ‘2nd Annual Oysterfest’ to be held at Red Clay Brewing Company to hold open Company on Sept. 24 board meeting Sept. 9

By Natalie Salvatore For the Opelika Observer Almost a month after its fourth birthday, the Opelika Theatre Company will host an open board meeting on Sept. 9 for citizens to learn more about the organization’s growing success and future plans.

“We have come a long way in the last four years,” said Marty

Moore, OTC’s executive artistic director.

The OTC began when the five original founders, Steve Rush, Abby Rush, Libby Herring, Marty Moore and Betty Johnston, came together to discuss a way to benefit Opelika.

Moore said that Steve Rush sent out an email asking if people were interested in having a local theatre. After that, Moore wrote their mis-

sion statement in five minutes, and at the next meeting, adopted it.

In order to raise funds for their new theatre, the group started performing murder mysteries to make the community aware of what they were trying to do. The shows ended up being a huge success, which led to raising enough money to purchase scripts for their See OTC, page A8

Special to the Opelika Observer

Red Clay Brewing Company and The Depot are partnering together again this year for their “2nd Annual Oysterfest” event Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Presented in partnership with the Alabama Coastal Foundation, the event will be hosted at the brewery and will feature live entertainment and music. Executive

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Chef Scott Simpson from the Depot will also be preparing several spe-

cialty oyster dishes for guests to try.

See Oysterfest, page A8

Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

pelika O Observer AACT announces OTC, from A7 open auditions for two events A8

Sept. 04, 2019

Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn Area Community Theater will be holding open auditions at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center located at 222 E Drake Ave. in Auburn for “The Little Prince” and “The Enchanted Forest.”

“The Little Prince” may have returned to his own tiny planet to tend to his Rose and look after his sheep, but for a short, enchanted time, he returns to us and comes alive on stage. This imaginative, multimedia adaptation of the classic novel will feature a flexible cast of five to 13 mostly adult performers- race and gender neutral, including some small roles perfect for novices. For the role of the Little Prince, any actor or actress aged 12 to 22 who can convincingly play a young boy will be considered (parents of younger children, please note that the role requires a great deal of memorization, about half of the lines in a 60-page script). Other roles best suited for adult age ranges.

Auditions will be held Sept. 9 and 10 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Please choose one of the days to arrive on-time and plan to stay as long as needed.

Show up with lots of energy, be dressed for movement and be pre-

pared to read from the script and play theatre games. Call backs, by invitation only, will be Sept. 12. Also available are off-stage production/technical staff positions for “The Little Prince.”

You may show up to auditions if you are interested in one of those roles or email the director Steve Bice at mr.earbrass55@ gmail.com.

Rehearsals for this show will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Not all performers required for every rehearsal.

Performances will be Nov. 7 thru Nov. 10 and Nov. 14, 15 and 17.

In addition to “The Little Prince,” the AACT will hold auditions for the Halloween Enchanted Forest at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, a fundraiser and outreach event for the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center.

This fun, familyfriendly Halloween event takes guests on a magical hike in the Enchanted Forest where they will be greeted and entertained by costumed forest friends.

Auditions are tentatively scheduled for Sept. 24 and 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center for performers ages 14 and up.

Each role will be

for a forest animal featured on the walk; each part is a couple of minutes long to be repeated through the course of the evening for each walking group. Costumes will be provided as well as script suggestions but the scripts can be personalized. A coordinator position for this event to help manage the actors is also available.

The actual event is Oct. 24 and 25 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Minimal rehearsal time required. Please contact Melanie Brown at supersugarmel@ gmail.com with any questions and follow AACT on Facebook at www.facebookcom/ auburnact to stay up to date on all their events.

About the AACT Auburn Area Community Theatre is a nonprofit organization that exists to serve the Auburn-Opelika area. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for education and participation in the world of theatre and present a quality, entertaining and thought-provoking theatre experience.

AACT is actively soliciting new members who have an interest in helping the growth of community theatre.

AACT members and the community-atlarge are encouraged to participate.

For more information, visit www.auburnact.org.

main shows.

After sharing their vision with Barbara Patton, the executive director of the Community Foundation of East Alabama, they learned that she also wanted a community theatre.

“She took us under her wing. Barbara mentored us for a little over a year and a half and got us standing on our own two feet,” Moore said.

The OTC has performed many shows since its start, including “Steel Magnolias,” “Wonderland,” “Dashing Through the Snow,” “Hairy Tale Rock,” “Emma,” “The Odd Couple” and “The Miss Firecracker Contest.”

The company continues to entertain audiences as they flourish in community awareness and prosperity.

Their season kicks off in January with the mega-musical, “Nunsense.” Originally written and premiered in 1985, Moore said it

is a fun musical with a brilliant cast. They already began auditions and rehearsals to allow plenty of time for promotion and community service.

“Everybody connected to the show is dressed as nuns or priests. The nuns are going to be doing community service in Opelika from now until the opening night of the show to promote the theatre and help out in the community,” Moore said.

She discussed how the OTC will perform in the parade at Opelika’s Christmas in a Railroad Town, as well as visit nursing homes and retirement communities, in efforts to provide people with a little humor.

“All community theatres start somewhere.

We are about four years old and we are growing,” Moore said. “With Opelika coming into all of their eclectic art and quirky downtown atmosphere, Opelika Theatre Company is a perfect fit for this community.”

Moore expressed her sincere appreciation for

all of OTC’s sponsors that have helped make this possible. A lot of organizations are connected with the theatre that want it to succeed.

The upcoming Sept.

9 board meeting will be held in the Southside Center for the Arts, located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika. Anyone in the community is encouraged to attend.

Starting at 7 p.m., the meeting will serve refreshments as citizens learn about how they can become a part of this rising company.

“We need people at the meeting to get involved, who can sew, who can paint – they don’t have to act. We just need people who want to laugh, do any kind of volunteer work and be a part of a community project,” Moore said.

For more information, Moore can be reached via call or text at 334663-4480. Citizens can also call the OTC at 334-663-2593, visit their website at www. opelikatheatrecompany. com or like their Facebook page.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Glynn Smith’s Chevrolet’s Gerry Potter presents a sponsorship check to members of the Opelika Theatre Company, Pictured from left to right are: Assistant Director and founding member Libby Herring, Director of Hospitality and founding member Betty Jean Johnston, Executive Artistic Director and founding member Marty Moore. "We are happy to be a sponsor of the Opelika Theatre Company," Potter said.

Oysterfest, from A7 Guests are invited to sip on Red Clay's Kolsch 53, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Alabama Coastal Foundation year-round.

Cost of tickets, which ranges from $20 to $40, includes shucked and prepared oysters to be served along with beer.

According to a description on The Alabama Coastal Foundation website, the organization “is a state-wide environmental

nonprofit that improves and protects the coastal environment.”

All shells left behind during the event will be recycled and returned to Mobile.

For more information about the event, like and follow both Red Clay’s and The Depot’s social media pages or visit their websites, www.redclaybrewingcompany.com and www.allaboardauburn.com.

To learn more about the foundation and its causes, visit www.joinacf.org.

The brewery is located at 704 N. Railroad Ave. in downtown Opelika.

pelika O Observer

A9 Sept. 04, 2019

Opelika native Lei Robison releases new novel

By Natalie Salvatore For the Opelika Observer Novelist Lei Robison’s recent book “Mill Village” takes readers back in time to the days of Opelika’s historic Pepperell Mill and Village.

Spanning a time period from the 1940s to the 1990s, Robison’s work combines two stories into one as the past and present intertwine.

During the 1940s, the main character, Annie, ends up in an affair with a German soldier during the arrival of the German POWs. The story then takes the audience to the 1990s, when Chaz Champion, the owner of the mill, finds an old German dog tag. In search of its owner, he learns of Annie’s story.

Although Robison lives in Hartwell, Georgia, her roots served as inspiration for the story.

Born in Opelika, she grew up here and eventually attended Auburn

Robison University. Robison and her husband are also very interested in the mill, especially after it was burned down, which added to this story idea.

“I just started realizing that so much of the history of that area was getting forgotten,” Robison said. “I just thought, I wanted to do something, because I

was afraid that future generations would not even realize that the mill village even existed as it was. I did not even realize growing up that there was a German POW camp right outside of town.”

In her childhood, Robison gained experience from visiting her grandmother, who worked at the mill and lived in one

of the mill houses. She said she remembers going to the mill as a kid.

“Mill Village” was published last month and has been out since Aug. 14. Robison is currently working on another book that incorporates some of the same characters from this novel, with plans to write a third. A character introduced at the end of “Mill Village” will continue in the second book as more of her backstory is revealed.

Robison said she is also bringing more history into her next book, with a fictional character that plays for the Opelika Owls.

“A lot of people don’t even realize that there was a semi-pro baseball team in Opelika during part of the ‘40s and ‘50s. I’m going to write this book similarly to the first one where it intertwines with a story that happened in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s,” Robison said.

“Mill Village” is

available for purchase via Kindle download or as paperback on Amazon.

Robison is tenatively

scheduled to host a book signing at O Town Ice Cream in Opelika on Sept. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m.

A10 Sept. 04, 2019

pelika Observer O

Celebration of Opelika’s SportsPlex’s 10th anniversary held Saturday; community enjoyed food, fun and giveaways

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Opelika Parks and Recreation hosted a 10th anniversary celebration of the Opelika SportsPlex last Saturday. The event included free food, group fitness blast classes, fitness competition, inflatables, membership giveaways, scavenger hunt and more. In a department press release sent out in July, OPR’s Public Relations Coordinator Laura Leigh Chesser stated that they believe the facility has added to the quality of life for Opelika’s citizens. “Through the past 10 years, we have had a lot of time to reflect on what we are good at, what we are not good at and where our strengths lie,” Chesser said. “The resounding conclusion is that we are good when it comes to family. We not only have fun amenities for moms, dads, kids and grandparents, but we also have fun things that they can all do together. The togetherness is key.” For more information about the SportsPlex, call 334-705-5560 or visit www.opelika-al.gov/341/Parks-Recreation.

pelika O Observer Cipperly, from A7 Since John is busy photographing Auburn football games, they enjoy entertaining at home after the games. Michelle is sharing her “go to” after ballgame recipes.

“One of the great things about living in a college town is being able to reconnect with close friends every fall,” Michelle said.

“Some of our best gameday memories are made when we are all back at the house, everyone in comfy clothes with their feet up, rehashing the day and enjoying a casual meal.”

Since everyone is hungry after the games, Michelle prepares dishes

Recipes, Spinach Artichoke Crostini with Red Pepper Michelle Reed Spinach artichoke dip, homemade or purchased Sliced French baguette, toasted Parmesan cheese Roasted red pepper strips (can be from jar) Spread dip on slices of toasted bread. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake or broil just until cheese melts.

Garnish each crostini with a small strip of red pepper.

Crockpot Chicken Chili Michelle Reed 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1-2-inch pieces Salt Pepper Garlic seasoning (I use Southern Flavor) 2-3 Tbsp. olive oil ½ sweet onion, chopped 1 Tbsp. garlic, finely chopped 1 can cannellini beans, undrained 1 can sweet kernel corn, drained 1 can mild green chiles, chopped, drained ½ medium jar salsa 2 cups unsalted fat-free chicken broth 1 pkg. McCormick’s white chicken chili seasoning Cumin ½ cup to 1 cup half and half Assorted toppings: tortilla chips, avocado, sour cream, chopped onions, jalapenos and shredded cheese Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper and garlic seasoning. Sauté in olive oil until nicely browned on all sides.

Remove from skillet and reserve. In same pan, sauté onions, scraping pan well, until golden. Add chopped garlic and cook another minute.

Meanwhile, cut chicken into smaller pieces, 1/4-1/2inch. Place in crockpot. Add onion/garlic mixture, cannellini beans, corn and chiles to crockpot.

Mix salsa, broth and chili seasoning, pour into crockpot.

Cook on low 4-6 hours, at least.

At the end of cooking, check for seasoning. I usually add a bit of cumin and thicken with ½ cup to 1 cup half and half.

Serve with assorted toppings of choice.

Chicken Enchiladas Michelle Reed 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 cup sour cream 2 cans chopped green chiles, drained 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

ahead to have ready to heat and serve.

“Our crew likes some spice, so we tend to prefer Mexican and chili dishes,” she added.

Their favorite make ahead dishes include Crockpot Chicken Chili, Chicken Enchiladas and Mexican Pot Roast.

Michelle is also including a favorite dessert, NoCook Peach Ice Cream.

The recipe uses half and half instead of milk to provide more of a gelato consistency. Michelle serves the ice cream with Debbie Richbourg’s Old Fashion Pound Cake.

Debbie also enjoys cooking and is sharing the recipes for the Mini No Cook Cheesecakes and Homemade Pepper Boursin Cheese she made

for the Garden Party.

The Boursin Cheese is great for tailgating too.

Her other go-to recipe for tailgating is her husband Rick’s Cheese Olive Ball.

Both cheese spreads can be prepared ahead and are popular for tailgating before or after games, as well as other events.

“No family gathering is complete without Rick’s Cheese Olive Ball,” Debbie said. “I have a niece in Tuscumbia who puts in her request for one to take home every Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“Rick is the primary cook in our house,” Debbie added. “I am the baker/ dessert maker, cornbread and crock pot soup master.”

Debbie, who graduated from Auburn in 1974,

worked for the State of Alabama, while Rick was a project manager for Associated Mechanical Contractors in Montgomery. After retiring, Debbie wanted to return to Auburn where they have family.

Deidra Bell grew up in the Beauregard community. Now that she has retired from working with the Alabama Career Center in Opelika, she has more time to spend with grandchildren. Her husband Mack is retired from Uniroyal.

Deidra’s Lemon Blossoms were popular at the Garden Party and are also delectable desserts for tailgating. They are made quickly using a cake mix and glazed for a fresh lemon taste. Deidra also makes these for family beach trips.

10 large flour tortillas Combine chicken, soup, sour cream, chiles and 1 cup of each of the cheeses for enchilada filling.

Place a generous amount of filling near one end of each tortilla, roll and place tightly packed in casserole dish. Cover with remaining 1 cup of each cheese.

Can refrigerate at this stage until ready to bake.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Serve with salsa.

the container, about 2 cups.

Freeze ice cream per manufacturer’s instructions.

Serve with Debbie Richbourg’s Old Fashion Pound Cake!

ball.

Roll ball in the other half of chopped beef until it is coated.

Serve with crackers.

Store cheese ball in refrigerator.

Mexican Pot Roast Michelle Reed 3-3 ½ lb. chuck roast Salt Pepper Garlic seasoning (I use Southern Flavor made in Selma, AL and available at Publix) 2-3 Tbsp. vegetable oil 8 oz. can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained Two 4 oz. cans diced green chiles, mild, drained 1 pkg. taco seasoning mix 3/4 cup unsalted beef broth 1 tsp. sugar 2 pkgs. yellow rice mix (I use Zatarain’s) Generously season roast with salt, pepper and garlic seasoning. Brown on all sides in vegetable oil.

Combine next 5 ingredients, mixing well, for cooking sauce.

Place roast in crockpot and cover with prepared sauce.

Cook on low setting for at least 8 hours. As the meat tenderizes, pull apart into smaller pieces several times, if possible, or at the end of cooking, if you have been at the game all day.

Prepare yellow rice per package instructions. Serve roast and sauce over rice in shallow bowls. Serves six to eight.

No-Cook Peach Ice Cream Michelle Reed 3 lbs. fresh peaches, peeled, pitted and coarsely chopped, divided ½ cup sugar 1 quart half-and-half, divided 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk 12 oz. can evaporated milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract Puree all but ½ lb. of the peaches with sugar and 2 cups half-and-half in a blender or food processor (in batches, if necessary).

In a gallon ice cream freezer container, mix together the peach mixture, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla and remaining ½ lb. of chopped peaches.

Add enough half-andhalf to reach the fill line of

Old Fashion Pound Cake Debbie Richbourg 6 eggs, at room temperature 2 sticks butter, softened 3 cups sugar 3 cups all-purpose flour ( I use a whisk rather than sift) 1 cup heavy cream or heavy whipping cream Grease and flour tube or Bundt pan. Mix sugar and butter together until smooth. Add one egg and beat for 1 minute as you add each egg.

Begin adding flour by making a little well in mixture. Add a little flour and cream until you have it well mixed. This will make a crunchy top.

Pour into prepared pan and place in a cold oven and turn oven to 300 degrees and bake 90 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool completely before removing from pan.

Mini No-Bake Cheesecakes Debbie Richbourg 1 1/4 cups heavy cream Three 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese softened 1/2 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. confectioners’ sugar 1/4 cup sour cream 2 tsp. lemon (I use Realemon bottled juice) 2 tsp. vanilla flavoring 1 box mini vanilla wafers Topping options: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries or chocolate or caramel ice cream topping with chocolate chips or chopped nuts Mix all filling ingredients until smooth. Do not over mix. Use mini cupcake liners. Place one mini wafer in bottom of each liner. You can place the liners on a cookie sheet or in mini cupcake tin pan.

Spoon the cream cheese filling over the wafer. Refrigerate until ready to add toppings and serve.

Cheese Olive Ball Rick Richbourg 1 jar dried beef (Armour brand is in a glass jar usually near tuna fish) About 20 stuffed olives Two 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened Chop the beef very fine.

Reserve half of chopped beef.

Chop the olives into very small pieces.

Mix cream cheese and chopped olives. Then mix olive mixture with half of chopped beef and roll into

Homemade Pepper Boursin Cheese Debbie Richbourg 1 stick salted butter, softened 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/8 tsp. dill weed 1/8 tsp. thyme 1/8 tsp. lemon pepper 1/8 tsp. dried sweet basil 1 tsp. cracked pepper Beat butter and cream cheese and add spices; blend well. Good served with crostini. Store in refrigerator.

Tomato Basil Crockpot Soup Debbie Richbourg Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches.

28 oz. can crushed tomatoes 1 jar roasted red peppers Chopped onions to taste Chopped bell pepper to taste Cracked black pepper to taste ¾ tsp. dried sweet basil 1 carton (about 4 cups) vegetable stock 1 can Campbell’s Tomato Bisque soup 1 small carton (1 cup) heavy cream Toppings: sour cream and grated cheese, optional In a blender, pulse can crushed tomatoes and jar of roasted red peppers.

In a crockpot, add tomatoes and red pepper mixture, chopped onions and bell pepper with cracked black pepper to taste. Add dried sweet basil, vegetable stock and tomato bisque soup.

Cook 3-4 hours on low in crockpot.

Turn off crock pot and add one small carton of heavy cream. Garnish with cheese or sour cream before serving.

Lemon Blossoms Deidra Bell 1 box (18 ½ oz.) yellow cake mix 3½ oz. instant lemon pudding 4 eggs ¾ cup vegetable oil Glaze: 4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/3 cup lemon juice Zest of 1 lemon 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil 3 Tbsp. water Preheat oven to 350.

Coat miniature muffin tins with nonstick spray.

Combine cake mix, pudding, eggs and oil and blend well with electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Fill muffin cups

A11 Sept. 04, 2019 Her other recipes for tailgating include Pork Tenderloin Sliders with Balsamic Glaze, Grape Salad and her Mom’s Brunswick Stew.

Clip and save the following recipes to have on hand

for the football season. The recipes offer a variety of scrumptious dishes to serve for fall parties, tailgating and after- game entertaining.

Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com.

Photo by Ann Cipperly Debbie Richbourg prepared her specialty Pepper Boursin Cheese and Mini No-Cook Cheesecakes for the Campus Club Garden Party. She is sharing those recipes and other favorites. halfway full.

Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from tins.

To make glaze, sift sugar into bowl; add remaining ingredients.

Stir with a spoon until smooth.

Dip warm cupcakes into glaze or set cupcakes on wire racks with wax paper underneath and pour glaze over them.

Let glaze set for about an hour.

Grape Salad Deidra Bell 8 oz. carton sour cream 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 lb. seedless grapes (washed, de-stemmed and dried) ¾ cup sugar ½ cup brown sugar 2 tsp. vanilla ½ cup chopped pecans Blend cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.

Blend sour cream and vanilla together.

Combine two mixtures together in large bowl; gently fold grapes into mixture.

Combine brown sugar and crushed nuts, sprinkle evenly over top of salad – do not stir.

Refrigerate overnight.

Lower Calorie Salad For a lower calorie salad, can substitute Splenda for sugar and use low-fat sour cream and cream cheese. If grapes are very sweet, may reduce sugar.

Pork Tenderloin Sliders with Balsamic Sauce Deidra Bell 2 pork tenderloins 2 tsp. vegetable oil 1½ tsp. coarse salt ½ tsp. pepper 1 1/3 cups balsamic vinegar 4 Tbsp. packed brown sugar Slider rolls or small yeast rolls Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly oil a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Place pork in baking pan; season with salt and pepper.

In a small saucepan, bring vinegar and brown sugar to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Roast pork for 5 minutes. Brush with half of the vinegar reduction.

Cook 5 minutes more and coat with remaining vinegar mixture. Roast 10 minutes longer or until temperature reaches 155 degrees. Remove from pan. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Place pork with a little sauce in rolls. Can spread rolls with Dijon mustard and add a slice of red onion, if desired.

Mom’s Brunswick Stew Deidra Bell 5-6 lb. Boston butt 2 fryers 3 cans tomatoes (puree in blender) 1 large bottle catsup 1 large bottle Lea and Perrins Worcestershire Juice of 2 lemons 1 can cream corn 1 can whole corn Boil roast and chickens seasoned with salt and pepper until tender. Remove fat and skin. Cut meat into small pieces. Add remaining ingredients and cook in a slow cooker for about 2 hours or simmer on stovetop.

Food Ratings Big Blue Crawfish and Cajun Market 2611 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 100 Bow and Arrow 1977 E. Samford Ave. Auburn Score: 100 Freeze Yogurt Bar 116 N. College St. Auburn Score: 100 Acre Restaurant 210 E. Glenn Ave. Auburn Score: 100 Five Guys Burgers and Fries 121 N. College St. Auburn Score: 100 Toomer’s Drugs 100 N. College St. Auburn Score: 100 Pieology 101 N. College St. Auburn Score: 99 Dock’s 9883 Lee Road 379 Valley Score: 98 Chappy’s Deli 754 E. Glenn Ave. Auburn Score: 97 Nicole’s Diner 1405 Geneva St. Opelika Score: 89

A12 Sept. 04, 2019

By Beth Pinyerd For the Opelika Observer

I

love how the summer months blend into the subtle changes of cooler weather.

The smells of different fruits made into jams and jellies in my grandmother’s kitchen was an annual memory maker for me. As a child, my grandmother would take the time to allow my chubby little hands to mix, stir and taste the delicious preserves before they were canned.

The spicy smells radiated through the home and

pelika O Observer Blessed by the Fruit! even touched the outside.

Different fruits blended together made such a tasty treat!

God uses delicious, tasty fruits as examples of how we should conduct our lives and as a standard by which others can know that we are Christians. Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

The heart-fruit of the people in our community is so very ripe in outreach to others in times of need.

We are so blessed to have

citizens who truly care.

Love is truly the very spring and essence of life.

Love goes beyond human understanding. God is love, so when a person is filled with His Love, there is an innate desire to serve others.

When teaching joy to young children, I always have my bottle of Joy dishwashing detergent handy for them to enjoy seeing the bubbles and suds. Joy lights up our faces and our hearts and it truly impacts others. Joy is the inward hope that we have about life and God promises us

eternal life through His son Jesus Christ.

J-Jesus O-Others Y-Yourselves.

Peace is based on faith and trust in God. It does not allow strife or dissension with our fellow man.

We must also extend gratitude to God on how He made us so unique. Life is a gift and happiness with who we are radiates peace.

Helping others with a heart of peace benefits others.

Longsuffering is being patient and forbearing difficult times in life. It is facing adversities in

life without growing bitter. This is a time when self-control with love is expressed. Forgiveness is life’s key with this Fruit of the Spirit. This encourages us to keep on living and giving to others.

Kindness represents friendliness, generous and being considerate to others.

Kindness is taking time to care.

Goodness is doing what is right in the sight of the Lord and man. We want to serve others with Love.

Faithfulness is trusting and knowing that God will keep His promises. This

also relates to people in being a trustworthy person whom others can depend on.

Self-control is being able to restrain to do what is right in what we say and do over our entire body, soul and spirit. Mildness and calmness diffuses into other people’s lives.

Opelika and our community not only grows fruit for us to eat, but it also provides fruit for us to live by and to share with others.

Those of us who have lived in other places realize that our community is a little heaven on earth.

OBITUARIES Sidney (Sid) Allen Carter Jr. Sidney (Sid) Allen Carter Jr., 66, of Opelika, AL, died on August 29, 2019 at Oak Park Nursing Home and Independent Living facility in Auburn, AL after an extended struggle with dementia.

He was born in Patuxent River, Maryland on September 14, 1952 to the late Sidney Allen Carter, Sr. and Marjory Jeanne McKelvy Carter.

He married Jane Hagood Carter of Ocala, FL, his sweetheart and love of his life these past 44 years.

He grew up in Ocala, FL, graduating from North Marion High School in Sparr, FL in 1970, later attending Sante Fe Community Lewis O. Wood Lewis O. Wood of Opelika was born in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Fern and Joseph Wood on September 3, 1926 and passed away at The Harbor in Opelika on August 28, 2019. He was 92 years old.

He was a member of Living Waters Ministry Center in Opelika. He retired from the United States Navy after 23 years of service and worked diligently to help Veterans after his retirement. He was a proud member of Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Wood.

He is survived by his children, Julie Goodson (Michael), Kenneth Guy (Debra), and Eugene Ben-

College. At the University of Florida he studied ornamental horticulture and landscape architecture, earning the reputation of being a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about shrubs, trees, grasses, flowers and interior plants. He knew their names, the maintenance they needed, soil type required, and what they needed to flourish.

He designed, built, and repaired irrigation and sprinkler systems for countless homes, schools, and businesses.

In working with his father in Ocala in the catering business, Sid learned to plan, cook, and serve delicious meals for large crowds. After moving to Opelika, AL, he volunteered to cook for ford (Daisy); grandchildren, Michael Goodson, Jr.(Tabatha), Elizabeth Gilbert (James), Jessica Henderson, Virginia Guy (Jacob), Zachary Guy, Ella, and Madison; greatgrandchildren, Hayden, Tye, Carly, Lillyana, Michael, III, Tansi, and E.J. Visitation was held in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home Aug.29, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m.

A graveside service was held at Garden Hills Cemetery Aug. 30, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. with Mr. Eugene Benford officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requested that donations be made to the (DAV) Twin Cities Chapel 95 P.O. Box 995 Opelika, Alabama 36803 Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Looking Ahead.

We share with our neighbors a common goal—the health, education and well-being of people statewide.

Poarch provides over 9,000 jobs to Alabamians, pays millions in state taxes each year, and makes charitable contributions reaching nearly $9 million annually.

We are proud to be a partner in Alabama’s progress.

his Sunday school class parties, with frequent requests for his famous key lime pies. He had a great sense of humor. One example of which is when he suggested that the class change the menu for the Christmas party from the traditional chili supper to steak and shrimp, with his offer to cook. All but one member was in favor of the change. When the meal was served, Sid jokingly provided a unopened can of chili on the objector's plate.

Sid had a servant’s heart and willing hands to serve his church family at First Baptist Church of Opelika. He volunteered to go to all of the adult classrooms at the church early on Sunday mornings to prepare the coffee James Henry Henderson, Jr. James Henry Henderson, Jr., died peacefully on Aug. 24, 2019, in Auburn-Opelika, in the presence of his loving family and friends, days after celebrating his 100th birthday with 20 of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gathered from around the world in his honor.

Mr. Henderson was born Aug. 20, 1919, in Alexander City, Alabama, to Willie Virginia Maxwell and James Henry Henderson. He married Jean Farr in August 1940 and had a happy marriage until her death in August 2011.

They had three children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

He was educated in the

for each class. Community service included his role as Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 45 in Opelika. Numerous young men under his leadership became Eagle Scouts.

He was devoted to his wife, Jane, and two sons, Justin and Cody, balancing his work and family time with his love for the outdoors. At an early age, he introduced his sons to fishing, hunting, and boating.

Sid is leaving this Earth a more beautiful and better place, as seen in the trees, grasses, flowers and colorful landscape shrubbery he planted, and in the irrigation systems he designed to nourish them. Wherever his work took him, his kind helpful Alexander City, and Clayton, Missouri schools.

He received his BS degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1942 where he was a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity and he served as general manager of the MIT Yearbook, Technique.

He served four years as an officer during WWII in the U.S. Navy. He then served as an executive at Russell Corporation in Alexander City, and at Buster Brown Textiles in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Wilmington, Delaware. He received his JD degree from Emory University in 1971. Some of his most rewarding years were spent at Auburn University: as a member of the Business College staff; as Legal Adviser to

character and strong work ethic enhanced the environment and blessed the people in it, while setting an inviting example of a life of love, labor, and Christian living.

He was pre-deceased by his parents Sidney and Marjory Carter of Ocala, FL. He is survived by his wife, Jane; and sons: Justin (Jessica) Carter of Opelika and Cody (Izabela) Carter of Chelsea, AL; one granddaughter, Emilia Carter of Chelsea, AL; his brother, Steve (Shirley) Carter of Ocala, FL; sisters: Lisa (Randal) Bethea and Cheryl (Bill) Breen of Ocala, FL and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Oak Park Nurs-

ing Home and Independent Living Facility, Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care of Auburn, AL, and ComfortCare Hospice of Talladege, AL, for their very skilled and compassionate nursing care to our loved one and his family.

No public funeral service was held. Friends were invited to visit with family on Sept. 7 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the Parlor of First Baptist Church of Opelika.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sidney's memory to the UF Foundation, PO 100243, Gainesville, Florida 32610.

Designate The Brooks/ Hagood Scholarship on the memo line to support dementia research.

Students; and as a founding member of the Auburn University Academy of Lifelong Learners (now OLLIE).

He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Jean Farr Henderson, and his parents, his brother, and his sisters.

He is survived by his daughter, Trisha Margeson (Ken), Maitland, FL, and his sons James Henry Henderson III (Marcella May), Chattanooga, TN, and Stephen Farr Henderson (Sue Adams), Opelika, AL; his grandchildren Michelle Margeson (Marco Mantovanelli) and their children Nicoló Bennett and Giacomo Duke, Kenneth “Barry” L. Margeson, Jr., and his daughter Camille Mayda, James Henry Henderson IV (Heather) and their

children Zachary Archer and Heath Ogden, Helen Casey Henderson (Andrew Brown), Stephanie Marie Henderson (Robert Scott), Spenser Farr Henderson, and Stacey Michelle Henderson; and a wonderful family of nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers the family will appreciate any donations made in his honor to OLLIE at Auburn University, PCM, AUUF, Auburn University JCS Museum of Fine Art, AU Theatre, Boys and Girls Clubs, or Children’s Harbor.

A joyful commemoration of his life took place on Aug. 30, 2019 at 6 p.m. followed by a celebration with food, drink, music, and sharing of memories at Frederick- Dean Funeral Home in Opelika.

1 OUT OF 10

ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:

Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

ALABAMA NATIVES. ALABAMA NEIGHBORS. PoarchNeighbors.com pci-nsn.gov

Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

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

CALL THIS NEWSPAPER’S AD DEPARTMENT TO PLACE YOUR AD

334-749-8003 Or call 1-800-264-7043

Opelika

F R Puffed up and proud amily &

M

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

ost of us are familiar with the puffer fish.

We’ve seen pictures of them in their bloated state where they look like they are auditioning for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. (Not surprisingly, balloon fish is another name for them).

Blowing themselves up is a defensive response the fish make to any perceived danger—they quickly ingest water and puff themselves up making it difficult for a predator to swallow or even bite them. Additionally, some of the puffers have spikes in their bloated mode which further discourages an attack. Then there is the issue of toxicity—some have enough poison to kill 30 humans.

In short, the puffer fish is not really something you want to mess with.

A prideful person is

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

like that. Someone has defined pride as the only disease known to man that makes everyone sick but the person who has it.

In Luke 18:9, Jesus tells a parable touching on pride when He speaks, “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else.” He goes to tell of a Pharisee and a tax collector who stood in the temple praying.

The Pharisee tells God, “I thank You I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or

eligion

even like this tax collector” (v. 11). Being around someone who thinks they are better than everyone else is not something many people want to do.

The prideful person is like the puffer fish in that they are puffed up with an inflated view of their own importance. Like the puffer, it’s often a defense mechanism because many times pride is a front people put on to mask their insecurities. They point us to this accomplishment or that success because they are deathly afraid we might look at some other area where they don’t feel like they measure up. And that’s where the saying about pride being the only disease that makes everyone else sick breaks down. The truth is that a prideful person is full of toxins that may irritate others but will ultimately do the most harm to the

Church calendar

• Pepperell Baptist’s youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. This is an evening of prayer, Bible Study and discussion. For more information, contact youth and children’s pastor Ryno Jones if you need more information at 334-7453108.

• First Baptist Church of Opelika’s Women’s Ministry is holding a special evening of praise and worship Sept. 26. The event will include a dessert fellowship from 6:30 to 7 p.m. followed by the service from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Rosephanye Pow-

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

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

ell will lead the service.

Tickets cost $5 for this event. For more information, call 334-745-5715 or visit www.fbcopelika. com.

• The David Phelps Family Band will perform at First Baptist Church Opelika Oct. 12, beginning at 7 p.m.

Tickets range in cost from $25 to $50 and can be purchased online at www.ticketbud.com. The church is located at 301 S. 8th St.

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

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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

one who has it. That’s why the proverb says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (16:18).

Matthew’s record of the Sermon on the Mount opens with Jesus saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs in the kingdom of God” (Matthew 5:3). There’s a reason it is the first beatitude—God will never be able to reign in our lives until we have stepped off the throne. That necessitates us realizing our spiritual poverty and living humbly before God and man.

That’s not always an easy thing to do—we live in a world where calling attention to yourself seems to be the thing to do. In sports, a good play is an occasion to strut and act out. Social media is used too many times to say in one form

A13 Sept. 04, 2019

or another— “Hey, look at me!” Then there’s our celebrity culture that consists of people who devote their lives to trying to be the center of attention. The truth is, we don’t look very good when we’re all puffed up and full of ourselves. We look much better when we realize that we weren’t put here on earth to see how important we could become but to see how much difference we can make in the lives of others (Gordon Hinckley).

Who is wise and understanding among you?

Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13) 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

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.”

CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. #749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy #742-9721 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St. #745-5181 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. #745-6015 Church of Christ 2660 Cunningham Drive #745-6377 CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd #749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place #749-6432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court #745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. #749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. #745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 Opelika, Ala. 36804 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. #826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. #742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A #745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 #745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469

Philippians 3:12 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922 Family Life Christian Center

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

pelika Observer O

A14 Sept. 04, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• Sept. 6 - 8:30 a.m. - Pinnacle Cardiovascular Associates Ground Breaking • Sept. 11 - 10 a.m. - Expressions Design Gallery - Ribbon Cutting • Sept. 16 - Marketing Calendar Workshop

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

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

Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th St. Opelika

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

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

Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

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

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

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

Lung, Throat, Stomach, Colon Cancer or Breathing Problems?

Asbestos exposure in the Military, Iron/Steel, Construction, Papermill, Shipyard, Manufacturing etc. may be the cause. $30 billion set aside for asbestos victims.

Call 1-619-332-4014 or email cancerAL@breakinginjurynews.com FREE SCREENING for breathing problems

Help protect your patients against vaccinepreventable diseases.

Send out recall/reminder cards Assess the vaccination status of school-age patients utilizing ImmPRINT’s Vaccine Forecaster or Not-Up-To-Date Report Provide a strong recommendation for vaccinations

VACCINATE Schedule the follow-up appointment Adolescent students not up-to-date on required and ACIP recommended vaccine may be offered those during a school-based vaccine clinic or by a pharmacist

For more information on current vaccine recommendations and scheduling, please scan the QR code for the Back to School flyer or visit www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization.

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 7491584.

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects.

Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email.

The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in

ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops and many more.

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

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

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

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

Car ownership is not required.

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

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

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

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays

at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions.

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

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

The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www. auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook.

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

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

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts

Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

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

Upcoming Events • Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. - Wine Down Wednesday at The Bottling Plant Event Center • Sept. 4 at 8 p.m. - Opelika Songwriter’s Night at John Emerald Distilling Company • Sept. 5 at 4 p.m.

- Galaxy Glitter Girls Night Out at Taylor Made Designs • Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. - POP Spirited Art Fundraiser at Spirited Art Studio • Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.

- Trivia Night at Niffers • Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.

- Live Music at John Emerald Distilling Company

• Sept. 6 at 8:30 a.m. - Groundbreaking Ceremony of Pinnacle Cardiovascular Associates at 2601 Village Professional Drive • Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.

- Mike Pendowski at the Sound Wall • Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. - Penny and Sparrow at John Emerald Distilling Company • Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.

- The Great Affairs at Eighth and Rail • Sept. 10 - Kids eat for 99 cents at Niffers On the Tracks • Sept. 10 - Eighth & Rail presents The Jane Drake Band starting at 7:30 p.m.

Lineup includes: - Jane Drake Vocals - Eric Buchanan Drums - Coleman Woodson III Piano/LHBass - Sam Williams Sax/Flute/Vocals - Tiffany BradleyLibations - Mike Patterson Sushi/Cheesecakes • Sept. 17 - The September meeting of NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will take place at 7 PM on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at the Auburn Chamber

of Commerce, 714 East Glenn Avenue in Auburn. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy.

There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited.

• Sept. 17 - Eighth & Rail presents The Jane Drake Band starting at 7:30 p.m.

• Oct. 7 - The Lee County Voters League’s next meeting will be on Oct. 7.

Topics to be discussed to include how proceed as the next cycle unfolds for the Nov. 2020 general election.

pelika Observer O

A15 Sept. 04, 2019

SpringHouse in Dadeville is a place for conversation, romance

T

here are some restaurants among locals that you hear about a time or two and forget, and then there are restaurants that spark local chatter and conversations for years to come.

I have literally been dreaming of visiting SpringHouse for years. The taste of fine wine and their famous pimento cheese lingering in my mouth long before I finally picked up the phone to make our reservation.

I was curious. Could SpringHouse meet all my expectations? I was sure hoping so, but I wouldn’t know until I finally took my imagination on the road to find out.

My husband and I set out on a Thursday evening around 6 p.m. heading west on 280, a 40-minute drive of catching up and telling stories. I’ve learned in marriage you can go in passing for days and not even have a second to tune into each other.

Isaac and I long for this time together, quiet time, time to slow down and what better purpose than the sharing in food and wine.

A few miles later as dusk settled in, we found ourselves on a slow moving, calm twolane highway. I was giddy as a kid showing up to Disney World. I laughed at myself. How bizarre that something as simple as wine can evoke so much excitement? Perhaps I am easy to please, or maybe I love wine too much.

Either way, the time had come upon us. Was this SpringHouse pleasure real?

Tucked away from the highway, we pulled up to a beautifully landscaped restaurant set atop flat plains and gardens and trees for miles. The sun had Lee County Board of Education begun to set far in the 2410 Society Hill Road Opelika,distance.

AL 36804-4830 The calm

evening air and dark night upon us made for the perfect picture of romance. Hand in hand we walked the sidewalk trimmed in fresh lavender. Isaac opened the door to our hostess. As I heard laughter coming from the dining room, I knew this is just the place I wanted to be.

As we were led to our table, I first recognized how hoppin’ and busy this place was for a Thursday night.

A dining room full of tasty table treats and wine galore. Smiles and a feeling of fellowship all over the restaurant.

We lucked up and got a two-seater table right in front of the visible chef’s kitchen and bar. I immediately spotted the head chef, Rob McDaniel. He was a working captain on deck, with a team full of assistants and cooks.

God placed me right in that chair this evening, a beautiful view of the passion and work that goes into gourmet food and service.

It was top of the line. Bustling servers, chefs and attendants not missing a single beat to be sure every individual in this grand place felt the attention of just one. Wine being poured, food being served, a haze rising in the kitchen from many hands slaving over fresh veggies and steaks. As much excitement as I could see going on all around us, Isaac and I felt the stillness of just us. He and I. A Springhouse pleasure? My answer was yes, and our night had just begun.

We were quickly greeted by a host tending to our immediate need of a wine tasting.

He was delightful and treated us to samples of tasty wine until we each found our perfect match. Isaac opted for a cabernet from Italy and I hit the jackpot with “Red Cap” from Montinore Estate, a

Bradley Robertson pinot noir from Oregon.

Oh how my mouth was in heaven, soothing and luscious. I’ve learned to take my time with red wine, not wanting my fancy party to ever end.

As soon as wine was poured a plate of pimento cheese, celery and pita chips was delivered to our table, “compliments of the kitchen.” We both grinned like children.

I’m sure the “kitchen” had no idea that this is one of my husband’s favorite foods. He is a cheese critique and connoisseur. I was almost nervous to see if it passed the Isaac Robertson taste test. It did. “I’ve made a lot of pimento cheese,” he said. “And I’ve eaten a lot too. But I’m positive this is the best one I’ve ever had.”

He was right. Creamy and subtle yet strong.

And a plentiful portion.

You wonder, how can one pimento cheese dish really be that much better than the next?

The answer, it just can. It’s that simple. In southern culture, if you eat enough of it, you learn which ones are the true winners. It was soon gobbled up and we James “Mac” the McCoy were on toDr.browsing Superintendent menu for dinner. 334-705-6000

I am notorious for not being a good decision maker. I like it all. I like to try new things at restaurants as well as choosing a classic favorite. As I adore a good salad, I chose the “Lil Gem Salad.”

Crispy onions, blue cheese, bacon pieces and red wine vinaigrette atop baby iceberg. I paired it with their house-made “lamb sausage,” covered in grilled peppers and onions, garlic, lemon and olive oil.

Isaac always goes full force on his entree, choosing the house pork chop, paired with local lima beans, lady

peas and squash upon request. A Southern match for this man raised in farm country.

The relaxing time after ordering dinner is always my favorite.

No rush to be fed, just space to enjoy the place and savoring the time between us. Our world today offers us little time to be still. Why is that? Is it us or the world surrounding? I’ve gotten quicker to jump into the still of life, making time stop.

SpringHouse did this for us. Chatting and laughing over wine.

Knowing it wasn’t about the food, but the experience that a place can bring between people.

Our food was soon delivered. Isaac requested a side of corn bread and the kitchen obliged. We graced the meal before us and the hands that prepared it, truly thankful for our time together and our daily work that brought us here.

We dove into our dinner and it was delicious, all of it. The lamb sausage was my favorite of the night and we did not leave a morsel on our plates. We enjoyed every bite and took our time in this new place of rustic elegance. Our service was exceptional, and although the dining

room was full, we felt at home in our own little nook. I cannot say this for all restaurants we visit, something Isaac and I value and seek in the places we go.

We soon sipped our last bit of wine and closed our ticket with our server. No real desire to leave, just life and work before us the following day.

We said goodbye to a lovely evening and my good farmer gave me a big hug under the starry sky. These are the evenings that keep us together, savoring the life we’ve been given.

Did SpringHouse meet my expectations?

Absolutely, and a little more actually. I’m taking my girlfriends next week. As for the farmer and I, it was a night we will always remember and I’m certain we will have many more to come!

To make a reservation at SpringHouse call 256-215-7080. You may also find them on Facebook and Instagram.

Bradley Robertson is a local mother, wife and creative. She’s an Auburn University graduate, loves good food and getting outside with her family. She enjoys feature writing, as well as southern culture and lifestyle writing.

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

Fax: 334-745-9822 Toll Free: 1-800-652-9770

A Tradition of Excellence – A Vision for Tomorrow

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING First Public Hearing for the Proposed FY2020 Budget

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

Notice is hereby given to all citizens, press, and any interested parties that

Lee County Board of Education will meet

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

ICK RD.

FREDER

Kroger

Tiger Town

Our New Location Lowe’s

2410 Society Hill Road Opelika, AL 36804-4830

Visit us here: www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

I-85

1851 Frederick Road Opelika

This notice is posted on August 29, 2019

by Dr. James E. McCoy,

CITY PRESIDENT

products and services.

R.

10:00 A.M. CST at the Central Office

Eddie Smith

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic

D AY TEW GA

Monday, September 9, 2019

accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts,

Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

pelika Observer O

A16 Sept. 04, 2019

20-Under-40, from A6 mont Athens Regional Foundation’s Young Professionals 1919, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Junior League of Athens, Family Connection – Communities in Schools and was a 2018 Leadership Georgia Nominee.

• Gregory Johnson Jr. Johnson is currently a sergeant with the Auburn Police Division where he has worked for the past 12 years.

In 2014, he started the L.E.A.P.S. Mentoring Program (Leadership, Education, Achievement, Partnership and Service) which is a proactive program that has the ability to curb potential crime, poor academic performance and other negative aspects of bad decision making. Their biggest event is the Annual Mother/ Son Date Night. He is currently a member of the 100 Black Men of America Greater Auburn/ Opelika Chapter, as well as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Johnson has been married for 11 years to his wife Shonda, and they have three sons: Gregory III, Christopher and Cameron.

He played football at Auburn University from 2003-2007 where he earned his bachelors degree in criminal justice, and he holds a masters degree from Columbus State University.

• Matt Jackson Matt Jackson is originally from Birmingham and attended Auburn University. He has spent his career in the construction management field, working in multiple states throughout the Southern U.S. and on various types of facilities. Jackson, his wife (Joanna) and son (Curtis) found their home in Opelika nearly three years ago. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, tinkering with vintage cars and spending time with friends and family.

• Kristin Jones Jones is originally from Winter Haven,

Florida. She moved to the Montgomery area when she was four.

In 2004, she attended Auburn University at Montgomery and majored in nursing. She moved to Huntsville and met the love of her life and moved to Auburn in 2011. She worked in banking for 12 years and started working last year for the city of Opelika at Opelika Power Services.She is married and has a 3-year-old, blonde-hair, blue-eyed little boy that looks nothing like her but acts just like her! She loves the beach and wants to travel the world just like her granny did.

• Robert Jones Jones was born and raised in Opelika, went to Lee-Scott Academy and attended Auburn University. He has spent his whole life in property management through his family business in Opelika.

He and his wife Melaine bought a house in Opelika two years ago.

He enjoys playing with his dogs, music and golf.

• Mackenzie Kayler Kayler received her bachelors degree in hospitality management from Troy University and is a native of Roswell, Georgia. Before moving to Opelika, she worked for the city of Troy and assisted with community events and special projects. She also worked for Troy University’s Student Involvement Office as a graduate assistant.

She just completed her masters degree in public administration with a focus in nonprofit management from Troy University.

Kayler coordinates all events and programs for the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. She is responsible for planning monthly networking events such as Business After Hours, Business Over Breakfast, and Connections, as well as annual events such as the Opelika Chamber’s Annual Meeting, Member Golf Tournament, State of the City and more.

In her free time, she enjoys watching sports, good food, traveling and spending time with

friends and family.

• Mary Louise Kennedy Kennedy was born and raised in Opelika.

She is a 2006 graduate of Opelika High and a 2010 graduate of Auburn University with a degree in hotel and restaurant management.

She currently serves as Director of National Events for PRE Events and Tailgate Guys. She is married to Michael Kennedy and has a daughter, Hattie. She loves doing calligraphy in her free time and spending time with her family and their birddogs.

• James LaComb LaComb was born and raised in New Jersey before relocating to Alabama in 2015. Moving to Opelika, he continued attending school while working at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library. After finishing his undergraduate degree in public and professional writing from Auburn, James plans to pursue his masters degree in library and information science and continue working for the city of Opelika. He enjoys reading, occasionally hiking and relaxing with his two cats when he isn’t working or in class.

• Drake Martin Martin is an Alfa Insurance agent who loves helping others protect what they have worked for, no matter their stage of life. Originally from Monroeville, Alabama, Martin attended Auburn University and graduated with a bachelor of science in agricultural business and economics in 2013. Martin worked in Atlanta for four years and was excited to move to Opelika in 2017 to begin his career as an insurance agent. He is on the Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity board and is a member of the Opelika Kiwanis Club and Auburn Young Professionals. He is also a member of Lee County Young Farmers.

He and his wife, Claire, have been married for four years and are expecting their first child in the fall. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, hunting and fishing.

• Beth Mowery Mowery, who most

everyone knows as Beth, was born and raised in Opelika. She attended Opelika High School and graduated in 2008 and went to Jacksonville State University for one year and was also a part of the 20082009 cheer squad. She then traveled back home to finish her associates degree at Southern Union State Community College. As she went to school, she also worked at a trampoline and tumbling gym, where she was national champion and attended a world cup event in Belarus.

Now, she works for the city of Opelika as the Tumbling Director for Parks and Recreation.

She is a nationally certified coach through USA Gymnastics and has coached numerous state, regional and national athletes. Her favorite past times are going to Lake Martin with family and friends, hanging out in downtown Opelika, or spending time with her dog, Lolly.

• Cassie Pruett Originally from LaGrange, Pruett went to Columbus State University and received her bachelors degree in criminal justice. She moved to Opelika in 2012 with her partner and two pugs. Currently she enjoys employment with Point Broadband.

Her hobbies include traveling, cooking, going to the gym and binge watching anything and everything.

• Laura Parson Parson is an assistant professor in the higher education administration program at Auburn University and higher education administration MEd/PhD program coordinator. Her Ph.D. is in teaching and learning higher education from the University of North Dakota. She has a MEd, adult education from Westminster College with a certificate in teaching English as a second language (TESOL). Her research questions seek to understand how pedagogy, classroom climate, institutional environment and curriculum inform student experiences and how the institution coordinates those factors through translocal prac-

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Members of the 20-Under-40 Class of 2020 are pictured on the steps of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. Participants will engage with city officials and organiations during the next 9 months to learn more about city operations, Opelika history and more. tices. In her free time, she is an ultrarunner, training to run across the USA in 2021 to raise money for the organization Girls on the Run. • Sarah Savage Savage is originally from Crestview, Florida, but has called the Auburn-Opelika area home for the last 10 years. She graduated from Auburn in 2012 with a bachelors degree in psychology and a minor in human development and family studies. She and her husband, Jonathan, have a daughter, Chaney, who will be 2 in September.

She works part time as a communications editor for Auburn University, but spends most of her time attempting to keep her toddler from climbing—and subsequently falling off—furniture and providing an endless supply of “nacks.”

• Cody Traffanstedt Traffanstedt is an Opelika native and a graduate of both Opelika High School and Auburn University. He started his career in healthcare as a unit clerk at Arbor Springs Health and Rehab while attending Auburn University, where he became passionate about meeting and exceeding the needs of the aging population within our communities. Upon graduating, Traffanstedt worked in Birmingham before becoming the administrator of Arbor Woods Health and Rehab of Reform, Alabama. After

serving almost two years in Reform as the administrator, he was given the opportunity to return to his home in Opelika as the assistant administrator of Arbor Springs Health and Rehab, where he works today. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time and traveling with his fiancé Caitlyn.

• Evan Winter Winter was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but considers himself from Georgia, since his family moved there when he was 9. After high school, he attended Southern Polytechnic and State University (SPSU) and received a degree in construction management. While at SPSU, he connected with Bailey Harris Construction and started a path that led to working for Bailey Harris Construction for 10 years, performing work throughout the state of Alabama. After falling in love with international travel in 2015, he made a career change and began to live and work overseas with an international contractor that led to adventures in Djibouti, Africa and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

Almost two years ago, Winter felt the South calling him home, and in 2018, he partnered with a friend to open Gamble Winter Construction.

For more information, visit www.opelikachamber.com.

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

Turn to B8 for more photos from Opelika’s thrilling 21-13 victory over Auburn Friday night

Eufaula hands Beauregard tough 6319 road loss at Tiger Stadium Friday

By Rick Lanier For the Opelika Observer

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

OHS beat AHS 21-13 at Bulldog Stadium

T

he Opelika Bulldogs (20) scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to beat Auburn 21-13 last Friday night at Bulldog Stadium.

The two rivals played tough defense throughout the game. Auburn took a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Tigers quarterback Patrick McGlon threw a 55-yard touchdown pass to Laquavious Nelms, with 11:25 in the second quarter.

Opelika tied the game in the third quarter as

quarterback Brody Davis scored on a 1-yard run with 27 seconds remaining in the third quarter. Baker Rowan added the PAT. The Tigers answered that score with 9:45 left in the game. McGlon threw a 42-yard screen pass to Aaron Diggs to take the lead. Jaylen Stinson blocked the ensuing point-after try, making the score 13-7.

The Bulldogs offense went to work on the following possession with Davis guiding the See Sports, page B5

The Beauregard Hornets were on the road for the first time this year last Friday night, traveling to Tiger Stadium in Eufaula for their second nonconference match-up against a 6A opponent in as many weeks.

Beauregard played hard-nosed Hornet football, but it was not

enough as the Tigers handily defeated the Hornets 63-19.

After receiving the opening kickoff, the Hornets drive stalled against the Tigers defense. After the ensuing punt, the Eufala offense set up shop at their own 34-yard line, and in a span of two minutes, punched it in from the 1-yard line to take a 7-0 lead.

The Hornets showed flashes of potential

throughout the evening.

With four minutes to go in the first quarter, Beauregard WR Keyshon Tolefree hauled in a 7-yard touchdown pass from to even the score at 7-7.

That tie was short lived, however, as the Tigers rattled off 42 unanswered points to enter halftime with a 49-7 lead.

Following a threeand-out by the Eufaula

offense to open the second half, Beauregard regained the ball with some momentum.

Looking for an offensive spark of his own, Beauregard Coach Rob Carter plugged in freshman defensive back Kyan Maloy, who sped his way to a 55-yard TD run. The following point-after try was no good.

See Beauregard, page B5

Smiths Station handles Valley 16-6 Friday night, improves to 2-0

By Morgan Bryce Editor Fall-like conditions and a low-scoring defensive battle greeted the Smiths Station faithful for the Panther's first home game against 5A Valley Friday night.

On their opening

drive, Smiths Station's run-oriented offense grinded its way down the field, picking up first downs and milking the clock in the process.

With six minutes left in the first quarter and on the Ram's one-yard line, Panther quarterback Co-

rey Minton followed behind the surge of his offensive line and sneaked in for a touchdown. Taylor Walker successfully booted the extra point to give Smiths Station a 7-0 lead.

Both offenses struggled to gain momentum in the second quarter, though

Smiths Station had a couple of promising drives snuffed by mistakes and an attacking, solid Valley defense. The score remained unchanged as the teams entered their respective locker rooms for halftime.

See Smiths, page B5

Auburn beats Oregon 27-21 in opener Saturday Beulah remains unbeaten after 56-0 shutout win over Ellwood Christian Academy

By Morgan Bryce Editor Memories of Beulah's offensive struggles against Loachapoka in the Aug. 23 season opener were erased Friday night with the Bobcats lighting up the scoreboard in a

56-0 shutout victory over Ellwood Christian Academy of Selma.

An Ellwood fumble on the second play of the game was recovered by Beulah defensive lineman Chandler Lynch, setting the Bobcats up with prime field

position at the Eagles 20-yard line. Three plays later, senior running back Chris Person ran virtually untouched to give his team a 6-0 lead and first of his three touchdowns of the night.

Scoring hapSee Beulah, page B5

Photo by Todd Van Emst/AU Athletic Auburn's Seth Williams catches a touchdown thrown by freshman Bo Nix to take the lead against Oregon with just seconds left in the fourth quarter. The game was played in Dallas, Texas on Saturday night.

Auburn beat Oregon 27 to 21.

pelika Observer O

B2 Sept. 04, 2019

Beauregard Player of the Week

PLAYER OF THE WEEK The City of Opelika is proud to sponsor the Opelika High School Player of the Week.

We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the football field.

Freshman Kyan Maloy was selected as the Beauregard Player of the Week. In Friday’s 6319 road loss to Eufaula, he had a 55-yard rushing touchdown.

Junior linebacker Dino Martin was selected as the Opelika High School Player of the Week. In Friday’s 21-13 win over archrival Auburn, he finished with 10 tackles, two sacks and two quarterback hurries.

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

GO DAWGS! #myOpelika • #beOpelika www.opelika-al.gov 2018 observer

Beulah Player of the Week

Senior Beulah running back Chris Person was selected as the Beulah Player of the Week. In the Bobcats’ 56-0 shutout victory over Ellwood Christian Academy, Person rushed three times for 104 yards and three touchdowns.

of the

Week Congratulations from

Lee Co. Revenue Commissioner Oline Price Opelika 215 S. 9th St. Opelika 334-737-3655

Smiths Station 2366 LR 430 Ste. 140 Smiths Station 334-664-0296

Auburn 1266 Mall Pkwy Auburn 334-737-7298

Senior wide receiver Logan Galloway was the Smiths Station High School Player of the Week. In Friday's 16-6 home win against Russell County, Galloway finished with two receptions for 42 yards and a touchdown.

pelika O Observer

B3 Sept. 04, 2019

Grandparents make a difference!

Beth Pinyerd

H

appy Grandparents’ Day! This Sunday (Sept. 8) is “National Grandparents Day.” Grandparents come in all kinds of forms and ways. We might be a biological grandparent, a foster child grandparent, a god-grandparent or someone like me who’s

a grand dog-mother to her son’s pets!

We can thank Marian McQuade for beginning a campaign to establish a national day to honor grandparents. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter declared the first day after Labor Day to be “National Grandparents Day.” The day’s official

flower is the ForgetMe-Not and the song is Johnny Prill’s “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa.”

To be in the grandparenting role in any capacity is such a blessing! Our world and the demands to make a living, raise a family and to carry on with all our daily responsibilities can be overwhelming.

This is where grandparents can help so much in spending time with their grandchildren and give them a sense of security. When I am in the classroom, I love to see children’s eyes light up when grandparents are there to pick them up! When distance in miles separates grandchildren from grandparents, there are older people in the community or churches who might just love to help a young family in this way. You

just have to ask for this help as a young family.

I did just that when my family lived in South Alabama away from grandparents and family.

My neighbors played a grandparent role for my own son. They attended school programs, special award programs, gifted him with their time and love. This made a lasting impression for my son.

Grandparents bring so much history and experience into a relationship with a grandchild. Because of life’s experiences and its ups and downs, grandparents can provide a strong physical, emotional and loving support.

Time spent with a grandchild or grandchildren spells love. They can share family history with their grandchild in giving them a sense of belonging. They also understand the impor-

tance of doing activities with grandchildren such as reading a favorite book, drawing pictures together, putting a puzzle together, pretend playing or putting together model cars, planes, etc.

As a teacher, I invited grandparents to help on field trips, class parties, read books to the class or engage in holiday crafts with their grandchildren.

I was deeply touched when many of these grandparents would even flex their work schedules because they knew how important it was for them to be available for their grandchildren.

The wonderful truth about being a grandparent is that we truly love our role!

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

in intergenerational settings. She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika and Baldwin County. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education as well as a bachelor’s degree in family and child development both from Auburn University. Her husband is the late Carl Pinyerd, and she has one son, Gus Pinyerd, who has taught her so much about learning. Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth and families.

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

Letters to the Editor: Valuing school bus drivers Dear Editor:

T

he purpose of this letter is to draw public attention and awareness statewide to a travesty concerning a profession that should command better wages. Some states, cities, and counties are much more equitable than others, however, some officials need to be held accountable for the inequity they allow and perpetuate.

For instance, in 2016, our Drivers were told they were “fourth from the bottom in pay” out of 67 counties. Unfortunately, we just learned last week we are now 65th out of 67 counties. Why? Our drivers are not given the respect, appreciation or wages that they earn:

(1) to accept the dangers, risks, and responsibilities associated with operating a busload of students ranging in ages for K-12th grades and (2) to safely provide a tremendous community service while being grossly underpaid. Many drivers have been misled into believing that we should be thankful, content, and silent because we are eligible for insurance benefits. That, my friends, is a travesty.

A driver’s pay should never be predicated on insurance benefits. Whether a driver is maneuvering beside eighteen wheelers and speeding cars on an interstate highway through a metropolitan city, or is meeting log trucks, loaded dump

trucks, with cars and pick-up trucks constantly passing us on narrow county roads, the patience, skill, ability and know how is synonymous.

Statewide, driver’s job descriptions are identical for operating a bus, no wider than 102 inches and a maximum length of 45 feet. Since drivers’ job descriptions are the same statewide, all drivers should start at a base wage that is not discriminatory, county by county. Since we are available to drive across state lines for field trips, athletic events, band trips, club trips, trade school shuttles, in addition to our regular morning and afternoon routes (at least 360 trips each school year), we should all

start at a minimum base wage of $50.00 per trip for the regular routes as a full time driver, period.

Since the regular routes in my county are completed within 15 minutes of each other, there should not be the discrepancy, created by paying us based upon short ($7,238.00), medium ($8,918.00) or long routes ($12,273.00).

This practice should be stopped immediately.

Another fallacy is related to how the state or county determines a drivers pay when drivers become full-time employees in the middle of the school year. Since the majority of our county’s drivers drive as substitutes without benefits until an opening becomes

available, taking any one of the above routes as an example, when a driver reaches full-time status, his or her pay should be the annual amount budgeted above divided by twelve months.

Our central office blames the state for how they calculate this fallacy, since most drivers drive to work twice each day, expenses like $.10 per gallon gas tax increases affect us more than the general public. When we need to retain an attorney for one hour, that often charges more than we gross in a week or have surgery with out-of-pocket cost that are more than our annual income, we need help from the public and officials in our long fight for equitable wages.

If you agree, please contact your local, national, and state officials, and let them know how thankful you are, for the men and women who have been unselfishly serving you and your children as drivers and you believe they should earn better wages.

Your concern, support and help will be very much appreciated, and I would love to hear your comments and opinions (pro or con) in response to this letter.

In the meantime, I will keep providing a much-needed community service, to the best of my ability, and with love for your children.

Sincerely, John D. Ford Tallapoosa County

President Gogue back on the job at the University Senate Dear Editor,

I

attended the Aug. 27 Auburn University Senate meeting to see if President Gogue would live up to his well-earned repute of rarely missing Senate meetings and taking questions from those present. I was not disappointed.

Jay indeed showed and opened the floor to questions. It was a welcomed “breath of fresh air” after these past years of Steven “Crash” Leath’s stewardship. I did not ask my prepared question because it is well known that I did my best to sound the alarm on how poor a “public servant” Leath showed himself to be at Iowa State, sorting

to the top of our very flawed search process.

As the two questions asked by faculty were more than enough to set the tone, another question from this former lowly instructor seeking if AU is worthy of return would’ve seemed ‘piling on’ to most present.

The first question was submitted by Prof.

Robin Jaffe [Theatre] on AU moving forward with the $100 million Culinary Arts facility which appeared to have already exceeded initial budget proposals. President Gogue said he did not know the answer.

He didn’t recall it as an agenda item for the next Board of Trustees meeting but would look into it. The

second question was submitted by Professor Michael Stern [Economics] after a kind hearted exchange on how Jay had missed Stern’s input at Senate meetings elicited genuine laughter.

Professor Stern noted how important/well received it was for the President to personally visit every academic unit when Jay first took the job back in 2007 and asked if he would be willing to do so again. Without hesitation Jay agreed, which prompted approving applause.

Lack of communication between faculty and the President was one of the more visible areas of dysfunction during Leath’s short, yet well-paid

tenure. If this first Senate meeting under Jay’s renewed leadership is any guide, then a far healthier level of communication is undergoing rapid restoration. The return of positive engagement between the President and oft outspoken Professor Stern was indeed refreshing. Even more encouraging was other faculty members already comfortable enough to engage President Gogue over something like the $100 million ‘kitchen’ planned to leverage massive amounts of taxpayer and student dollars to subsidize Jimmy Rane’s desires and obsessions. Some say this puts AU in unnecessary jeopardy.

Public criticism of

this sort was followed by retaliation during the Leath years if recent 1st Amendment lawsuits filed in the federal courts naming him as a defendant are any indicator. At the moment, President Gogue’s return has encouraged the meek and brave to voice their distress with the current state of their university. Communication and exchange of information is certainly not the equivalent of corrective action, it is an input to navigate back toward a productive course. Welcome back to the helm Jay, you’ve been missed by those who want AU to be a place of humble, effective coaches, educators and researchers instead of coercive,

overpaid administrators.

In closing, forgive this letter if it was covered and I missed it. Made me long for the days when I would look for Jacque Kochak’s reporting on the Board and Senate meetings. As for my “premeditated” unasked question for Jay - is there any discussion on the search process to determine our 20th President? If it is the same flawed process as our last, is it rational to expect any better result? I prefer Jay not get another call interrupting his fly fishing to come clean up another crash landing into Samford Hall…

John P. Sophocleus Beauregard

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B4 Sept. 04, 2019

Alternative Baseball Organization creating league for Auburn, Opelika area residents with autism or other special needs

By Morgan Bryce Editor This fall, individuals 15 years old and older with autism or other special needs in the AuburnOpelika area will have the opportunity to play in an organized baseball league through the Alternative Baseball Organization, a nonprofit based in Dallas, Georgia.

The organization was founded by 23-year-old Taylor Duncan in 2016.

Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was 4 years old, Duncan said his positive experiences playing baseball while he was growing up helped him see the sport as a vehicle for other people with special needs.

"My mother, my teachers and mentors provided me with positive memories throughout the years. I wanted to provide people like myself or with other disabilities an opportunity to have that possibility as well ... have fun and learn social skills," Duncan said.

Former MLB pitcher and Auburn University

Smiths, from B1 After a quick threeand-out by the Panther defense, Smiths Station's offense was given the opportunity to secure full momentum. A 17-yard carry by senior running back Derrick Jefferson appeared promising, but the Valley

Photos special to the Opelika Observer baseball star Evan Crawford will serve as the coordinator for the Alternative Baseball's Auburn-Opelika league. There are other local leagues in Columbus, Phenix City and Newnan.

Games will be played on some of the older baseball fields at Duck Samford Park in Auburn.

Those interested in participating in the league can sign up via www.alternativebaseball.org. Duncan said they are in the early stages of promotion and will finalize a starting point for the league once

enough individuals have joined. The season will consist of weekly 90-minute practices and a not-yetcompleted slate of games, which will be played by classic MLB rules, most notably including infield shifts and four-pitch walks.

On Sept. 14 at 2 p.m., the league's third annual "Ole Time Classic" between Team Alternative Baseball and Classic Baseball Stars will take place at the Mt. Paran North Church of God Baseball Park in Marietta,

Georgia. The classic will pit the league's best players against former MLB or semi-professional players, which has included former Chicago Cubs second baseman Bobby Scales and current Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker.

All league players who participate in 70% more of their league's practices and games will have the opportunity to participate in the league's All-Star Game held later in the fall.

Crawford will be in charge of scheduling, which will feature match-

up against regional teams and possibly others across the Southeast. In the last three years, Duncan said the organization has seen rapid growth outside of his region, with other leagues currently being assembled in Arizona, Illinois and Washington, thanks in large part to community sport and media organizations like ESPN promoting his cause.

"The growth of this has been crazy. I feel like I have a calling to provide a new opportunity for others like myself on the autism

spectrum or with other special needs, and this is (my way) of answering that call," Duncan said.

Duncan added that he is currently seeking equipment or monetary donations for the AuburnOpelika league as well as corporate sponsorship. Those interested in contributing can contact him by calling or texting 770-313-1762 or sending email to taylor@alternativebaseball.org.

Follow the organization's social media platforms for more updates.

defense once again rose to the occasion and gave the ball back to their offense.

In fewer than two minutes, Valley found the endzone and cut the Smiths Station lead to one. However, a shanked Mario Vega extra-point try left the Rams a point behind.

With fewer than 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, a

gutsy fourth-down call by Valley Coach Buster Daniel returned void, leaving Smiths Station with the ball on their own 28-yard line. Needing breathing room in the scoring column, Smiths Station marched down the field and capped off the drive with a beautiful 30-yard TD pass from Devon Wimberly to Logan Gal-

loway, a receiver-toreceiver connection that gave the Panthers a 13-6 lead.

A game-defining moment came from senior Smiths Station defensive end Edward Payne sacking Valley quarterback Willis Kennedy. From there, the Panther offense was able to drain precious minutes off the clock and cement the victory with a chip-

shot field goal from punter Sutton Hayes.

Overall, the Panthers finished with 264 yards of total offense, with 161 of those coming on the ground. L.C. Harris and Jefferson combined for 113 rushing yards.

Between Minton and Wimberly, Smiths Station finished 10-of-16 passing for 103 yards and the lone touch-

down to Galloway.

No defensive stats were available for this game.

With the win, Smiths Station improves to 2-0 on the season, having outscored their opponents 50-12. Next week, they travel to take on their archrival Central of Phenix City (1-1) at Garrett-Harrison Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. E.S.T.

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B5 Sept. 04, 2019

Point Broadband to replay Opelika City School Board hears annual OHS games this fall system report during last week’s meeting Special to the Opelika Observer It’s time once again for Opelika Bulldog Football!

Fans can catch each week’s game replayed exclusively on Point Broadband’s Channel 1.

Point Broadband, Opelika’s only true local provider, is proud to partner with the Opelika community in support of Bulldog Football. Call 334-748-9800 to switch to Point Broadband TV service so you don’t miss a minute of Bulldogs Football.

Bulldogs Football weekly replay schedule: • Tuesdays – 7 p.m. – latest game premiere • Daily – 8 a.m., noon and 7 p.m. – replays of weekly game • On Demand – weekly games available on demand

beginning the following Friday after each game About Point Broadband: Point Broadband, headquartered in West Point, Georgia, is a subsidiary of ITC Capital Partners, LLC. ITC has a century-long history of providing innovative communication solutions to its customers, with a focus on meeting the needs of the communities they serve.

They are committed to providing fast, reliable internet, voice and video service to help their customers connect with friends and family, stream music and TV service, allow businesses to connect with more customers and just simply make life better.

For additional information, visit www.point-broadband. com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

By Beth Pinyerd For the Opelika Observer The Opelika City School Board heard the annual system report during their meeting last Tuesday.

Jeanie Miller, OCS’s assistant superintendent of curriculum, presented the school system’s annual report. The STEM (science, technology and engineering) math camps were held at each of the elementary schools during the first two weeks in June for rising elementary students.

The camps focused on strengthening problem-solving and

critical-thinking skills.

Additionally, Carver Primary offered a summer reading camp for English learners.

More than 400 students attended the STEM camps. The annual report also reflected the ongoing professional development opportunities that are provided for OCS teachers and staff with weekly professional learning communities to discuss upcoming standards to be taught, examples of formative assessments and ways to differentiate instruction so all learners achieve.

All teachers have been provided with professional devel-

Southern Union in Wadley to host fundraiser for school’s foundation on Oct. 5 Special to the Opelika Observer

There is a mystery brewing at Southern Union, and it is all to entertain and raise funds for scholarships.

The Southern Union Foundation will host “A Grave Affair…A Party to Die For” at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5 in the Lakeview Room of Southern Union’s Wadley Campus.

The annual fundraiser for Dual Enrollment scholarships will have a slightly different format this year.

The night will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, music by the Atlantabased band Velvet Cav-

Beulah, from B1 pened in bunches, particularly in the first half. Beulah added three more scores in the first quarter to make the score 28-0, and added two more before half for a 42-0 halftime lead.

By AHSAA rules, there was a running clock in the second half. Coach Matt Johnson plugged in reserve players for experience and to rest his starters.

Two more secondhalf scores gave the Bobcats a 56-0 lead and the eventual final score.

Beulah's offense was extremely efficient, only accumulating 265 total yards of offense but scoring six rushing TDs on nine rushing attempts. Quarterback Kaleb Abney finished 4-of-7 passing for 87 yards and two more TDs. Sondrekius Cooper and Person combined for 126 rushing yards and all of Beulah's rushing touchdowns.

Sophomore wide receiver Jeremy Conway

iar, entertainment by the Southern Union Sound, as well as a mystery to solve for those who want to take part.

Community members will make up a cast of characters for the “who dun it?”

“We are adding an element of intrigue this year. We really want the evening to have an atmosphere of fun; where community members can to come together and celebrate being able to help area students through providing scholarship opportunities,” said Shondae Brown, director of public relations at Southern Union.

Funds raised at the

added 50 yards on two touches.

Andruw Coxwell and Javontae Paige hauled in Beulah's two passing touchdowns, with Paige's being a beautiful catch-and-run from the right flat, strolling in at that point for a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

Defensively for Beulah, Cooper, Jace Hancock and Sherman Smith led the way, finishing with six and four tackles each, respectively. Smith also notched an interception.

Beulah's special teams also turned in a shining performance, with Austin Billingsley and Jaden Buffington combining to go 8-for8 on extra-point tries.

Next week, Beulah (2-0) will head to Montgomery for a pivotal region matchup with 0-1 Montgomery Academy. Last season, the Bobcats won 27-26 on a goal-line stand late in the game, a victory that proved to be decisive in the chase for a region title.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. C.S.T. McLemore Stadium is located at 3240 Vaughn Road.

event will enable high school students to take part in the college’s Dual Enrollment program.

Dual Enrollment provides eligible high school students an opportunity to enroll in college courses concurrently with high school classes, and earn high school and college credit simultaneously.

Dual Enrollment enables students to experience more advanced curriculum offerings and offers a seamless transition from high school to college. It also lowers the cost of a postsecondary education and sharpens general preparedness for college.

“Opportunities in Dual

Sports, from B1 Bulldogs to a score.

Running back Kani Kellum plunged in for a five-yard TD, tying the game at 1313. Rowan added the PAT, leaving Opelika ahead 14-13 with 7:19 remaining.

Auburn started their next possession at the 35-yard line. After the Tigers picked up the first down, they faced fourth-and-4 from the Bulldogs 48-yard line.

Coach Adam Winegarden decided to fake a punt. Opelika held on, taking over after downs around midfield. Three plays later, the Bulldogs were forced to punt.

Auburn roughed punter Jaylen Stinson, giving Opelika a first down. Davis found Omar Holloway for a 42-yard TD pass with 2:31 left in the game.

Offensively, Opelika finished with 190 total yards. Davis ended the night 11-of-18 passing for 128 yards with one TD and one interception. Kani Kellum rushed 14 times for 44

Enrollment have grown tremendously, but often financial roadblocks keep students from enrolling,” Brown said. “Dual Enrollment not only prepares students for college academically, but it offers enrichment, giving them a chance to get on a college campus and get a taste of college life; to reinforce that they can go to college and be successful.”

Individual tickets for the event are on sale at the cost of $60, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the SU Foundation office at 256-395-2211, ext. 5145.

yards, Holloway ended with 100 all-purpose yards, including 67 receiving yards.

Defensively, Kory McCoy led Opelika with 12 tackles.

Stinson finished with 10 tackles, one interception, blocked a kick and punted for a 50-yard average. Dino Martin recorded nine tackles.

OPELIKA AT SELMA The Bulldogs travel to Selma Friday for both their first region and road game. Selma beat Southside 28-20 last week in their season opener. Opelika leads the series 7-6, winning the last seven games in the series.

The Saints won the first six games dating back to 1960s. The Bulldogs won 66-6 last year, have outscored Selma 303-32 during the last seven wins.

The bottom line is, Opelika should be 3-0 overall and 1-0 in region play after Friday’s game. The Bulldogs will play in Memorial Stadium, which is located at 108 W. Ave. in Selma.

Fans can listen to

-approved a fiveyear capital improvement plan -approved personnel recommendations -approved a renewal of coverage of the Alabama Trust for Boards of Education - heard the monthly financial report for July.

Budget hearings will be held on Sept. 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. and Sept. 12 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The next board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 12 immediately following the second budget hearing.

For more information, visit www. opelikaschools.org.

opment including poverty simulation and dyslexia simulation.

Both opportunities provide experience for teachers to experience the learning barriers that many of their students face.

The board also discussed technology integration that is to be incorporated into the curriculum for teachers, students and parents.

In other business, the board: - approved expenses for an out-of-state field trip for the OHS’s boys track and field team to travel to Tallahassee, Florida on March 17 and 28, 2020

Beauregard, from B1 Fewer than three minutes later, Eufaula countered as junior running back Devin Fuller dashed 35 yards for a score.

Eufaula added another score in the third quarter to lead 63-13.

With nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, senior Beauregard quarterback Cason Blackmon completed an 18-yard TD pass to cut the Tiger lead to 44. Once again, Beauregard failed to capitalize on its point-after try,

Opelika at Selma on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM and online at www.kickerfm.com.

OPELIKA CROSS COUNTRY Opelika’s cross country team participated in the “Trinity Trailblazer Meet” at AUM in Montgomery on Aug. 24. The girls were led by Breckin Gould’s third-place finish, a time of 21:41.72. Margaret Bice (16th), Paola Torres (17th) and Jhenny Hoover (40th) also ran in the meet.

The boys team was led by Chas Brewer who finished fourth with a 18:14.91.

Michael Hart (31st), Winston Tufts (38th), Tykell Jones (43rd), Benjamin Estes (72nd), Evan Goodman (78th) and Kadri Gates, Trey White, Jack O’Quinn and Landon Grace also competed in the meet for OHS. OHS athletics website, www. opelikaathletics. com, does not show a schedule for cross country. According to the AHSAA website, Opelika was scheduled to run in Thompson

helping establish the 63-19 final.

Beauregard, now 0-2 on the young season, is home for a crucial regional matchup against Valley, also 0-2, who dropped a tight 16-6 contest at 7A Smiths Station last Friday.

Much is riding on the results of Friday’s contest between the two schools, and will possibly keep or prevent a team from being in playoff contention.

Kickoff v. Valley is set for 7 p.m. Hornet Stadium is located at 7343 Alabama Highway 51 in Beauregard.

last week. The team did not participate but will host the annual “Opelika Invitational” Sept. 14 at the Opelika Sportsplex.

OPELIKA VOLLEYBALL The Smiths Station Lady Panther volleyball team beat Opelika 2-1 last last week.

The Lady Bulldogs will host their first home matches against Handley on Sept. 5 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mainstreet Gym. Following is a schedule of the team’s game during September: - Sept. 7 @ the “Auburn High Tournament” - Sept. 12 v. Sylacauga - Sept. 17 @ Beauregard - Sept. 18 @ Benjamin Russell - Sept. 24 @ LaGrange - Sept. 25 v. Smiths Station - Sept. 26 @ Handley.

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

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B6 Sept. 04, 2019

Opelika native Monzavous Edwards assumes new role at Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, Texas

By Morgan Bryce Editor Opelika native and runner Monzavous Edwards is now the athletic performance consultant at Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, a suburb of Dallas, Texas.

Hired last month, Edwards will work with student-athletes from all of the school's athletic programs except track and field to improve their mindset both in and out of competition.

"Like I told the people who interviewed me, I want seniors and students in lower grades

on down to remember what I taught them not only as they enter the college phase, but for the rest of their lives," Edwards said. "I started doing this (last) week at the end of whichever practice I'm at, I always tie in what we're doing to life for our athletes.

It's not always about how fast or strong you are, but discipline because of the repetitive nature of the things I teach. I've been telling them (from experience) that it's not only going to help them become a better athlete, but a better person as well."

Edwards, a runner in high school, col-

Monzavous Edwards lege and member of eight U.S. teams in 13 professional seasons, owns and operates his own remote fitness training business based in Dallas called "Happy

Health Training." He works with any age range, coaching children all the way to a 67-year-old student currently in his program.

Rob Cardenas, Trin-

ity Christian's strength and conditioning coach, said he believes Edwards's experience at track and field's highest level will be a huge benefit to their school's student-athletes.

"Edwards understands the discipline and sacrifice needed in order to succeed in the athletic arena. He translates these tools in a way that student athletes can learn and adapt biomechanical principles at a rapid rate," Cardenas said in a statement. "The skills, work ethic, and knowledge that he provides are staples in the efficacy of sports

performance, and with his guidance we anticipate positive results for student athletes on and off the field."

Once he has proven himself at Trinity Christian, Edwards said he plans to take his program and implement it at a power program like the University of Alabama or other SEC schools. Eventually, his end goal is to have professional athletes visit and use him for their training needs.

Edwards also recently launched his own phone application called "GoChyro" which connects people with chiropractors in their area.

Parents and adult fans: The biggest challenge facing high school sports today

By Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Steve Savarese, Executive Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA)

I

nappropriate adult behavior at high school athletic events in Alabama is a growing concern.

When more than 2,000 high school athletic directors were asked in a recent national survey what they like least about their job, 62.3% said it was “dealing with aggressive parents and adult fans.”

The men and women who wear the black and white stripes agree.

In fact, almost 80% of officials quit after the first two years on the job because of the actions of unruly fans.

As a result, there is a growing shortage of high

Karissa Niehoff school officials here in Alabama, and in some sports like wrestling, swimming, and track and field, the shortage is severe.

Contests cannot be played without officials.

As a result, we need to do everything we can to keep good officials officiating and to make the sporting event a positive experience for all.

If you are a parent or adult fan attending a high school athletic event this fall, you can help by following these six guide-

Steve Savarese lines: 1. Be the responsible one. You are the adult whom others model behavior after.

Your behavior should not be a negative reflection or impression on your family or school. Make them both proud by being the model of good sportsmanship.

2. Parents should not live their lives vicariously through their children.

High school sports are educational athletic opportunities for the student-

athletes. Your family’s reputation is not determined by how well your children perform on the field of play.

3. Let your children talk to the coach instead of you doing it for them.

High school athletes learn how to become more confident, independent and capable through open communication with their coaches. Let your children discuss concerns with their coaches, and you be their supportive listener when they share the dis-

cussion with you.

4. Be supportive. No matter how much you disagree with the coach’s decision or official’s call, avoid coaching or officiating from the sidelines. Your role is to be a responsible, supportive parent—not a coach or official.

5. Remember, participating in a high school sport is not about getting a college scholarship. According to the NCAA, fewer than 3% of all high school athletes are awarded an athletic scholarship to participate at the next level, and the total value of the scholarship is only about $18,000. Playing sports in high school should focus on the experience and life lessons that are learned. If a scholarship is offered as the result, that’s great. If not, it’s still great because the child has been a part of a team and has some great memories that are priceless.

6. Make sure your children know you love watching them play. Do not critique your child’s performance during the car ride home. Participating in high school sports is about character development, learning and having fun—not winning and losing. Don’t waste important time discussing things you can do nothing about.

Focus on making memories. The time your child is a high school athlete is short.

Enjoy the moment.

Purchasing a ticket to a high school athletic event does not give anyone the right to be disrespectful or verbally abusive.

Cheer loud and be proud but be responsible and respectful. The future of high school athletics depends upon how players, coaches, and officials are treated by the fans and parents. Be the example you want your children to be.

Opelika Main Street holds pep rally for the OHS football team in advance of last Friday’s game v. Auburn

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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B7 Sept. 04, 2019

STRIKE UP THE BANDS

20th annual ‘Band-O-Rama’ held last Tuesday night at Duck Samford Stadium in Auburn

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

B8 Sept. 04, 2019

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Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, Sept. 04, 2019

Two open congressional seats District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand completes in the Heart of Dixie in 2020 Inside the Statehouse state training program

G

ov. Kay Ivey has had a very successful first year as governor. One of the coups she pulled off was getting the legislature to pass legislation granting the governor the power to appoint the Board of Pardons and Paroles. The new law will give her all the new appointments to the Parole Board.

Previously, the threemember board picked the director.

The new law went into effect on Sept.

1 and Govenor Ivey wasted no time selecting the new director. She appointed longtime political figure, former Attorney General and former Mobile County Circuit Judge Charlie Graddick.

Ivey also supported a measure that would make the state school board appointed rather than elected. This proposal will have to be approved by Alabama voters in next year’s election. This one may have tougher sledding. Alabamians are reluctant to give up their rights to vote for their public officials.

Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate is continuing a great summer political tradition in Montgomery. Pate, who is Alabama’s 27th Commissioner of Agriculture, hosted the 9th Annual Tomato Sandwich luncheon. The menu included homegrown

By Steve Flowers Wiregrass tomatoes and corn on the cob.

It also includes lots of politics. Some of those in attendance were former Agriculture Commissioner and now State Treasurer John McMillan, Secretary of State John Merrill, State Auditor Jim Ziegler and State Sens. Will Barfoot and Tom Whatley.

Second District Congresswoman Martha Roby (RMontgomery) made a surprise announcement in late July that she was not going to seek reelection to a sixth two-year term next year. Roby was considered safe in the seat after withstanding a challenging election year in 2018.

She drew significant opposition in the GOP primary after her 2016 announcement that she was not supporting Donald Trump. Even though she received fewer votes than most of the other Republican members of the Alabama House delegation, she did survive and would have had smooth sailing and a long tenure in the house. She was on

good committees and was one of only 13 female Republican congresswomen in the U.S. House.

Therefore, she was a darling in the eyes of the House leadership and had a bright future in Congress.

My guess is that she simply burned out on the demanding life of Congress where you are constantly campaigning and raising money, flying back and forth to Washington and actually doing the job of voting your district’s wishes and handling constituents’ work. She also has two young children and a husband who has a successful law career.

She made the right decision for herself.

She will have a much more enjoyable and rewarding life, and if, she practices law or lobbies, a much more lucrative lifestyle.

This leaves two open Republican seats. This second district seat, which encompasses all of the Wiregrass, parts of Montgomery and the burgeoning counties of Elmore and Autauga, will be a wide-open and very contested and interesting race. It is a Republican district.

The early favorite to win the seat is Dothan businessman Jeff Coleman. He has been very involved civic wise in the See Flowers, page B12

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

Special to the Opelika Observer Lee County commissioner completes 50 hours of professional training District 5 Lee County Commissioner Richard LaGrand Sr. recently joined an elite group of Alabama county officials by completing 50 hours of professional development training – training on the responsibilities of the county commission – from the Alabama Local Government Training Institute (ALGTI).

The commissioner was recognized for this achievement at the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA) 91st Annual Convention held last month.

Referred to as the Commissioner Education Program, the 50-hour program emphasizes training on financial management and planning, public works practices, ethical and legal requirements, personnel administration, economic development and community leadership and the roles and responsibilities of public service.

The program was created in 1994 by

LaGrand an act of the Alabama Legislature as a mandatory program for first-time county commissioners. Classes are supervised by the ALGTI board of directors, which is composed of county officials involved in ACCA, educators and members of the Alabama Legislature.

“Continuing education for our See LaGrand, page B13

Tenure in Office Award presented to District 2 Commissioner Johnny Lawerence during ACCA convention

Lawerence Special to the Opelika Observer District 2 Lee County Commissioner Johnny Lawrence was presented with the

Tenure in Office Award by ACCA for his 16 years of service to county government and the state of Alabama during the association’s 91st annual convention last month.

“Commissioner Lawrence deserves the gratitude of all Alabamians for his dedication to public service and his personal sacrifice,” said 2019-2020 Alabama Association of County Commissions President David Money. “Considering the extraordinary challenges county commission members face every day, Commissioner Lawrence has continuously served his constituents with honor and pride, and he deserves a pat on the back from everyone in Lee County.”

ACCA annually presents the Tenure in Office Award to honor commission members who have served for at least 16 years in office. The award is given for four-year increments thereafter.

B10 Sept. 04, 2019

pelika O Observer

Community organizations share recent activities

Opelika’s Happy Hour Rotary, East Alabama Food Bank fill 660 backpacks for children

Photos special to the Opelika Observer Proceeds from Burger Wars benefits the backpack program and directly gives back to our community.The Happy Hour Rotary along with the Food Bank of East Alabama packed 660 bags for food-insecure children in the local community.

Coach Erik Speakman visits Auburn Kiwanis hosts university’s marching band director Dr. Corey Spurlin last week with Opelika Lions Club

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Pictured from left to right are Program Coordinator Walter Northcutt, Speaker Dr. Corey Spurlin, and Kiwanis Club of Auburn President Golden Jenkins. Spurlin, Auburn University’s marching band director, spoke to the Kiwanis members on the band’s activities.

Opelika Charitable Giving Facts Photo special to the Opelika Observer Coach Erik Speakman, Opelika High School’s head football coach, was a recent guest of the Opelika Lions Club. The team has 98 team members this year, of which 25 are seniors. Coach Speakman has designated this year’s motto as “LTM... Little Things Matter.” He was introduced by Lion James Morgan, Jr., right.

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pelika O Observer

B11 Sept. 04, 2019

LEGALS Whatley Construction LLC Post Office Box 137 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0137 (334) 745-2583 Fax (334) 749-3504 FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter I, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Whatley Construction LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction of the Renovations at Student Center- Suite 2334, Chickfil-A Dining Venue for the State of Alabama and Auburn University, owners, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Hill Foley Rossi and Associates, LLC. Vicky Jones Office Manager Whatley Construction LLC Post Office Box 137 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0137 Note: This notice must be run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00.

Legal Run 08/14/19, 08/21/19, 08/28/19 & 09/04/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ETTORE P. PASSARETTI, Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY - CASE NO. 2019-B106 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of ETTORE P. PASSARETTI deceased having been granted to Steven Edward Passaretti, on the 8th day of August, 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.

Steven Edward Passaretti Legal Run 08/21/19, 08/28/19 & 09/04/19

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF CHILTON COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: DR-17-900185 ASHLEY LEE HOLT PLAINTIFF VS. TRAVIS LEE HOLT DEFENDANT NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION Travis Lee Holt, the Defendant(s) in this divorce action and whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Plaintiff, Ashley Lee Holt’s Complaint for Divorce by 30 days after the last date of publication of this notice or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No. DR-2017-900185 in the Circuit Court of Chilton County, Alabama, for the relief sought by Plaintiff.

DONE, this the 21st day of August, 2019. s/ Glenn McGriff Glenn McGriff Circuit Clerk, Chilton County, Alabama Plaintiff’s Attorney: Angie Avery Mayfield PO Box 2158 Clanton, AL 35046 (205) 287-0282 angie@angiemayfieldlaw.com Legal Run 08/28/19, 09/04/19, 09/11/19 & 09/18/19

Abandon Vehicle Auction Whitt’s Auto Service 461 Opelika Rd Auburn Al 36830 Monday October 21 2019 At 8:30 AM 2005 Nissan Pathfinder White 5N1AR18U05C735876 1999 Chevrolet Malibu Navy Blue 1G1NE52M0X6259480 2000 Dodge Dakota Blue 1B7GG2AN7YS624720 Legal Run 8/28/19 & 09/04/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2019-B-128 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JESSE SAMUEL JONES, Deceased.

In the Matter of the Estate of JESSE SAMUEL JONES Deceased Letters Testamentary as Personal Representative of the Estate of JESSE SAMUEL JONES, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 25th day of July, 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.

MARK WILSON JONES Personal Representative Legal Run 08/28/19, 09/04/19 & 09/11/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA BILL ENGLISH IA JUDGE OF PROBATE IN RE: The Estate of WILEY WILLIAMS, Deceased Case No. 2019-B-179 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Margaret Williams Cope and Kathryn Williams Barrett, as CoExecutrices of the Estate of Wiley Williams, deceased, on the 23rd day of August, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/Margaret Williams Cope MARGARET WILLIAMS COPE /s/ Kathryn Williams Barrett KATHRYN WILLIAMS BARRETT Co-Executrices of the Estate of Wiley Williams, deceased.

Legal Run 08/28/19, 09/04/19 & 09/11/19 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JERRY E. MEARS, * DECEASED. * NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION TO: Any unknown heirs of Jerry E. Mears, deceased, Pamela Leigh Mears, address unknown (adult daughter of Jerry E. Mears, deceased), Jessica Lane Mears, address uncertain (adult daughter of Jerry E. Mears, deceased) and Matthew Hayes Mears, address unknown (adult son of Jerry E. Mears, deceased).

Please take notice that a Petition to Probate the Will of Jerry E. Mears,

in the above styled matter has been filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Petitioner Billy Edward Mears and that on the 2nd day of October, 2019, at 1:00 P.M. (Central time) has been set for a hearing on the same in said Court located at 215 South 9TH Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Please be advised that if you intend to contest this Petition to Probate the Will of Jerry E Mears that you must file a written response within thirty (30) days hereof with the clerk of said Probate Court and with counsel for said Petitioner, and/or you must appear the hearing scheduled in this manner Done this the 27th day of August, 2019.

Hon. Bill English Judge of Probate Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 8/28/19, 09/04/19, 09/11/19, 09/18/19

THE STATE OF ALABAMA, COUNTY OF LEE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: The Estate of Donnie Clayton Barber, Deceased : Case #: 2019-B-123 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF TESTIMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to Charles Barber on the 29th day of August ,2019 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

CHARLES BARBER Legal Run 09/04/19, 09/11/19 & 09/18/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANNIE MERLE BAZEMORE, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of August, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate

Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

CAROL B. WHITE Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 09/04/19, 09/11/19 & 09/18/19

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular September 2019 meeting of the board of directors of The Utilities Board of the City of Opelika will be held on September 30, 2019 beginning at 3:00 PM, in the board room of the Administrative Building located in the W. Warner Williams Water Resource Park, 4055 Water Street, Opelika, Alabama. The meeting agenda will be posted as specified in State law. This is further to advise that the regular scheduled meeting of the Board for September 23, 2019 has been cancelled.

DATED this the 26th day of August, 2019.

Herbert Slaughter SECRETARY OF THE UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 09/04/2019

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF CAROLYN HOLLAND SOSEBEE, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2019-B-168 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of CAROLYN HOLLAND SOSEBEE deceased having been granted to Melanie Dynese Hill, on the 19th day of August, 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.

Melanie Dynese Hill Legal Run 09/04/19, 09/11/19 & 09/18/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of JEWELL R. GOREE, Deceased Case No. 2019-B-178 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Danny R. Goree, as Executor of the Estate of Jewell R. Goree, deceased, on the 29th day of August 2019, by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/ Danny R. Goree DANNY R. GOREE Executor of the Estate of Jewell R. Goree, deceased.

Legal Run 09/04/19, 09/11/19 & 09/18/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMAM ESTATE NO. 2019-B-047 IN RE: ESTATE OF Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., DECEASED PETITION TO PROBATE WILL NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of PHILLIP C. KELLEY, JR., deceased, having been granted to the SHERRY D. THARPE OLIVER, on the 27th day of August, 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. s/Raymond L. Jackson. Jr./ Raymond L. Jackson Jr. Attorney for SHERRY D. THARPE OLIVER - Executor of the Estate of Phillip C. Kelley, Jr., Deceased Legal Run 09/04/19, 09/11/19 & 09/18/19

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B12 Sept. 04, 2019

Bright economic future the topic of Smiths Station's city council meeting last Tuesday

By Morgan Bryce Editor Smiths Station’s Chief Financial Officer Shelby Branton presented a positive report of the city’s economic status during last Tuesday’s city council meeting.

According to Branton, the city’s revenue has “superseded” projections from this year’s fiscal budget, and that trend is expected to continue until the start of the 2019-2020 fiscal year which begins Oct. 1. She added that the city “has not been or operated in the red” during the entire 2018-2019 fiscal year.

“I believe you can chalk this up to us having a sound budget. Being that we are a rapidly growing and maturing city, we know that there are opportunities for us to tap into that and that’s something that is factored into the planning of our budget each year,” said Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland.

“I’m very proud of these numbers and we hope to keep this momentum

Flowers, from B9 Wiregrass and statewide for years. He will also have unlimited personal funds and will spend them.

Whoever wins the

going as we move into the next fiscal year.”

The council approved the re-zoning of 1.2 acres of property owned by Smiths Station resident Michael “Roy” Sparks located on the northern end of Lee Road 430 from C-1 commercial to R-3 single family, as well as annexation request from Taylor Hartley, who owns property in the Copperfield Subdivision that is congruous to the city limits.

Before the meeting was dismissed, Copeland issued reminders to the five councilmen on pending election paperwork deadlines and several coming city events, including Terry Grocery’s 50th anniversary celebration on Sept. 7 and homecoming week Sept. 16 to 20. On Sept.

20, a Friday, a large portion of Lee Road 430 will be blocked off for the homecoming parade in advance of Smiths Station High School’s gridiron contest v.

Robert E. Lee (Montgomery) High School at 7 p.m.

In other business, the council: - approved financial statements for the environmental and general fund budgets for the month of July - approved the 20192020 fiscal year environmental and general fund budgets - approved a resolution for the city to use expenditures obtained through the Rebuild Alabama program - authorized the use of electronic vote counting systems for next year’s municipal elections.

The Smiths Station City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month with a work session starting at 5:30 p.m.

E.S.T. followed by the regular meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held within the council chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430.

For more information, call 334-297-8771 or visit www.smithsstational.gov. Their next scheduled meeting is Sept. 9.

second district seat will be subject to an alteration in the district. We are expected to lose a seat after the 2020 census. Most observers expect this second district to merge into a portion of the third congressional district. It will more than likely pick

up the Auburn-Opelika and Lee County areas.

In addition to the second district open seat, the first congressional district is a battle royale.

Bradley Byrne has vacated this congressional seat to make a race for the U.S. Sen-

Second Opelika daycare owner pleads guilt in public assistance fraud case last week Special to the Opelika Observer A press release sent out Friday by the Lee County District Attorney’s Office states that former First Step Learning Center owner Cynthia Jones has pleaded guilty to six counts of public assistance fraud for her role in defrauding the state of Alabama’s Department of Human Resources daycare subsidy program.

Jones received a 10-year suspended sentence on each of the six counts with five years probation.

She must also payback $160,000 in restitution to the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

“This was an exhaustive investigation by the Alabama Department of Human Resources, Opelika Police Department, and the District Attorney’s office. I was glad to see Ms. Jones accept responsibility for her behavior,” said District Attorney

ate. A trio of stellar candidates are vying to be the congressman from the MobileBaldwin area. It will definitely remain a Republican seat.

Vying for the GOP nomination are State Rep. Chris Pringle, former State Sen. Bill Hightower and

Brandon Hughes in a written statement.

“Unfortunately, due to current state law, jail time was never likely in this case based on the charges filed against the defendants.

This guilty plea closes this case and avoids a protracted and costly litigation process.

This scheme impacted DHR’s ability to provide daycare subsidy services for deserving families and children (and) I am happy to announce that we will be returning $320,000 to the victims in this can continue to provide for children and families in need.”

In February, the Observer and other media outlets reported that Jones and her sister Carolyn Wilkerson were taken into custody on multiple charges of public assistance fraud (a Cclass felony) and firstdegree property theft.

Though both were related and owned and operated their own daycare centers, Hughes noted at the

Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl.

This one will probably be more interesting than the second district.

2020 is shaping up to be a good political year in the Heart of Dixie. The primaries are early on March 3, 2020.

time that both were separate entities.

Evidence indicated that the subsidy program fraud dated back to as early as 2014.

Through a creditlike card, program participants used a card to swipe their child into daycare each day, which transferred payments from the ADHR into that facility’s bank account.

According to Hughes’s office, local DHR officials and Opelika Police Department detectives, the sisters claimed funding for 100 or more non-enrolled children during the last five years, many of whose parents were on waiting lists to join the program and seeking employment. Hughes added that those parents will not face any punishment for the offenses committed by the sisters.

Jones’s conviction follows Wilkinson’s, who pleaded guilty to six counts of public assistance fraud in July.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the state legislature.

Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers. us.

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B13 Sept. 04, 2019

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announces $10.8 million to fund bridge improvements in Alabama Special to the Opelika Observer Last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced the recipients of $225 million in Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) grant funding, including $10.8 million for Alabama to fund bridge replacements on I-85. Awarded to 20 projects in 18 states, the grants

will fund a variety of bridge improvements including replacement and rehabilitation.

“This $225 million in federal funding will enable 18 states to make vital upgrades to select bridges in rural areas,” Chao said.

The project will replace three sets of twin bridges in Opelika along I-85 at Exit 60.

This section of highway provides a link between Montgomery

and Atlanta, providing access to major automobile assembly plants in the southeastern United States.

By law, the funds were restricted to states with population densities of fewer than 100 people per squaremile based on census data. Twenty-five states met program qualifications.

The funds must be used for highway bridge replacement or

rehabilitation strategies in a cost-effective manner.

The 20 projects selected significantly demonstrate these benefits and support the department’s priorities.

“The projects funded under the program will serve as models for similar bridge improvement projects throughout the nation,” said Federal Highway Administrator Nicole

rehabilitation projects on public roads that leverage the efficiencies associated with "bundling" at least two highway bridge projects into a single contract. Bundling offers cost and time savings, which are beneficial to reducing the transportation project backlog.

It allows the opportunity to address many projects facing similar needs using innovative replacement and

Sen. Doug Jones announces bipartisan ‘Family Farmer Relief Act’ signed into law by President Trump last week Jones-sponsored legislation provides additional debt reorganization tools for family farms that have fallen on hard times Special to the Opelika Observer

nization requirements intended for large corporations. The Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019 raises the Chapter 12 operating debt cap to $10 million, allowing more family farmers to seek relief under the program.

“Farming is a tough way to make a living even when everything goes right. Unfortunately, our farmers and fishers haven’t had a whole lot go right for them lately – from the ongoing trade war to natural disasters preventing harvesting and planting seasons.

Fortunately, this new law will help family

As bankruptcy rates among American farmers near record highs, Sen. Doug Jones announced that bipartisan legislation he introduced with Sen.Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to help family farms reorganize their debts has been signed into law

by President Donald Trump.

Recognizing the unique challenges that family farmers and fishers face, Congress established Chapter 12 of the U.S. bankruptcy code, which removes certain costly reorga-

farms and fisheries across the country stay afloat and weather the toughest times,” Jones said. “Our bipartisan legislation will relieve some of the financial pressure the American farm economy is facing today and help American farmers thrive.”

Several years of low commodity prices, stringent farm lending regulations and recent retaliatory tariffs have taken a toll on America’s agriculture producers. Farm bankruptcy rates in many farming regions across the country are at their highest point in a

decade. In some places in 2018, farm bankruptcies doubled from previous years. Debts held by farmers are nearing historic levels set in the 1980s, further financially straining farm operations.

This is the latest in a series of actions that Senator Jones has taken to mitigate the damage to Alabama farmers as a result of the Trump administration’s trade wars, including introducing legislation to offer financial and technical support to help farmers and producers recover losses by offering Trade Adjustment

Assistance (TAA) to those hurt by China’s retaliatory tariffs and partnering with Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) to urge the President to announce the second round of agricultural tariffs trade assistance.

The Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019 was also co-sponsored

by Sens. Grassley, Amy Klobuchar (DMinn.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.)

The Family Farmer Relief Act of 2019 is supported by the National Farm Bureau.

R. Nason. “They are examples of how to achieve time and cost savings through innovation.”

Congress funded the CHBP grant program in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018, from the U.S. Treasury's General Fund. State Departments of Transportation in the 25 eligible states were invited to apply under the program.

LaGrand, from B9 county officials will always remain one of the Association’s priorities for our membership,” said ACCA Executive Director Sonny Brasfield. “As with any organization, sharing new ideas and information is the best way to grow and prosper. The involvement of county employees and officials only enhances our efforts to improve county government and the services it provides at the local level.”

About the ACCA The Association of County Commissions of Alabama is a statewide organization speaking for all 67 counties with one voice.

It promotes improved county government services in Alabama, offers educational programs for county officials and their staff members, administers insurance programs for county governments and employees, offers legal advice and represents the interests of county government before state and federal organizations and agencies.

For more information, visit www.alabamacounties.org.

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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Job Opening Assistant Property Manager Provide assistance and clerical support to property manager in the day-to-day operation of assigned property. Collect and record rent and other charges, and assist with evictions.

Receive requests for repairs, generate and close work orders.

Assist and encourage residents to become self-sufficient by referring to programs directed toward selfsufficiency. Make interim adjustments based on information from residents. Assist in conducting annual re-examinations to verify continued program eligibility, and with various types of inspections. Attend staff meetings and training Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Degree in business or social services field plus two years of experience in dealing with the public and accounting for money, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience handling and accounting for money and involving public contact preferred.

Other:Valid Driving License Ability to be insured under the Authority’s vehicle policy Please visit our website to apply: www.opelikaha.org For more info and to submit resume and application with qualifications in writing to: ravery@opelikaha.org or via mail: Human Resources Opelika Housing Authority P.O. Box 786 Opelika, Alabama 368030786

pelika Observer O

B14 Sept. 04, 2019

Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku?

Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

This week’s Scramblers Answers: 1.Latent 2. Genre 3. Exist 4. Splice - Solution:Sitting

Even Exchange Answers 1. Recent, Repent 2. Posies, Ponies 3. Steady, Steamy 4. Learn, Yearn 5. Cashew, Cashed

6. Scamp, Stamp 7. Brandy, Brando 8. Tiber, Tiger 9. Middle, Fiddle 10. Brook, Brood

pelika O Observer

B15 Sept. 04, 2019

COMICS

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

pelika Observer O

B16 Sept. 04, 2019

Opelika Civitan Club sells clubhouse; slows down operations after serving community nearly 70 years

By Kelly Daniel For the Opelika Observer The Opelika Civitan Club, which played a prominent role in the community for many years after its founding in 1950, sold its clubhouse to Christ Covenant Church on Aug. 8.

James Powell Jr., an active member who served as the club's treasurer for over 40 years, explained the decision to sell the building in an interview with The Opelika Observer. Powell said that after 10 years of decreased membership, the remaining members decided to sell the clubhouse because their numbers had dropped to the point that there weren't enough people to pitch in to maintain the building. Before the last five to 10 years, the organization had sustained membership numbers that allowed the club to carry out its purpose of promoting civic engagement in Opelika.

Civitan International The club is part of Civitan International, a civic organization founded in Birmingham in 1917. The organization started as a broad civic organization before choosing to focus on the primary cause of research and advocacy

for individuals with neurological disabilities, as is stated on the club's website.

Significance in Opelika Through its history, the Opelika Civitan Club brought together some of Opelika's most dedicated citizens to contribute to the wellbeing of the community while also supporting Civitan International's mission. During the years, the Opelika Civitan Club's membership included leaders from Opelika's government and organizations throughout Lee County.

Powell listed a few examples, including former Sheriff Herman Chapman, former Mayor Bobby Freeman and former County Commissioner Denson Barfield.

In the preface to the organization's written history, former Opelika Civitan Club President Charles Bush and his wife Glenda stated that by gathering the club's achievements and milestones, "what has emerged from this process is a picture of a small but very active civic club that has made a significant contribution to the Opelika community." The preface continued, "There is no doubt in our minds that Opelika Civitan has made a difference in the

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

quality of life in Opelika for its citizens."

Contributions Throughout History One point emphasized

by Powell and active member Don Mullins in the interview referenced earlier is that The Opelika Civitan Club existed to help people, and all of the money raised by the club was donated back into the community and worthy causes. The club provided funding for local schools, The American Cancer Society, the Food Bank of East Alabama and many others. The club also gave donations to the Civitan International Research Center, which develops treatments for developmental disorders while promoting the support of individuals with neurological disabilities worldwide.

The club was able to benefit these organiza-

tion through successful fundraisers. Fundraisers over the years took many forms, including events, fish fry dinners, and the sale of Claxton Fruitcakes. In addition to supporting charitable causes, the fundraisers brought Opelika citizens together for fun events, which sometimes even brought tourism into Opelika.

When asked about the achievements of Opelika Civitan Club, Mullins described one of the organization's most successful projects, a series of horse shows that the Opelika Civitan Club organized along with Opelika High School band parents. As stated in the organization's history, "This "AA" rated event attracted horse enthusiasts from throughout the southeast." The shows brought people together within the community

and attracted thousands of visitors to Opelika from 1960, when the first show was held, until 1976.

Close to the Hearts of Its Members For several current members of the organization, the club has been a part of their lives from a young age. Powell recounted his first significant memory with The Opelika Civitan Club as a child, which was of helping the Civitan Club to sell Claxton fruitcake in a food cart placed in the city of Opelika. The club has been a significant part of Powell's life since childhood because his father, Jim Powell Sr., had been an active member since the mid1950s, serving as the club manager for many years.

The clubhouse, which was built mostly through the labor of Civitan

members under the leadership of Arthur Wood, was the location of Civitan Club meetings and fundraisers, including highly popular fish fry dinners that were a mainstay of the club. When asked about unique characteristics of the club, Powell said that the Civitan Club members actually cooked the food that was provided at meetings and events, while many civic clubs order from restaurants and catering services. When the club rented its building out for local events, the club members often provided the catering themselves.

After the club is gone, its current and former members, as well as their family members, have made plans to continue one of the club's traditions. As Powell shared in a written statement, "Even after the club is gone, we have ex-civitans, family and friends of civitans that have pledged to continue to display the flags on special days throughout the city."

When asked about the sale of the building, Powell expressed gratitude that a church had purchased it.

"We feel and hope our building will continue to serve the people of Opelika for many years to come," Powell said.

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