Opelika Observer 01-16-19 E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Vol. 11, No. 15

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

‘A place to discover and experience' 'Tuesdays at Two'

Opelika speakeasy 'Sneak and Dawdle' open for business program returns to

By Morgan Bryce the sense that it’s not unLewis Cooper Library Editor derground or has a series No phone calls or secret passwords are required to enter new Opelika speakeasy Sneak and Dawdle, the latest in a series of businesses open in the new entertainment hub being created along 1st Avenue.

Open for business since New Year’s Eve, Sneak and Dawdle’s concept comes from

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer California native Matt Poirier, restaurateur and owner of both The

Hound and The Depot in downtown Auburn.

“It’s not a speakeasy in

of ways to get inside… not anything like what people may think about from the Prohibition Era. But, there are elements like the lack of natural light and the way you enter in,” Poirier said. “I want people to come in and experience it. I want people to hear about it and be curious and come

See Speakeasy, page B4

It’s cookie time!

By Robert Noles Photojournalist

The Girl Scouts of South Alabama lined up at the loading docks of Lambert Transfer & Storage last week to pick up 35,000 cases of Girl Scouts cookies to be sold as their fundraising project. Girl Scout leader Sherry Barron of Troop 7098, said her 32-girl troop were picking up their order of 525 cases.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer They are hoping to

Smiths Station rallies behind fire chief in wake of house fire

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Pictured above, Smiths Station Station Fire Department Fire Chief Joe Walden and Mayor Bubba Copeland.

By Morgan Bryce Editor A GoFundMe account

has been created to assist Smiths Station Fire Chief Joseph Walden and his See Walden, page A6

order more cookies before the sell ends the first weekend of March. Lambert works to insure that 30 southern Alabama counties have their cookies by shipping the cookies to Montgomery, Dothan, Enterprise, Selma and Demopolis.

Cheryl Miller of Girl Scouts of South Alabama said they could not get the job done over the years without Lambert’s help in storing the cookies.

By Morgan Bryce Editor The celebration of Alabama’s bicentennial will continue at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library with the return of “Tuesdays at Two: Journey Across Alabama,” a lecture series on subjects and topics deeply woven into the state’s history.

According to library director Rosanna McGinnis, the event is endorsed by the Alabama Bicentennial Commission and will feature expert, qualified speakers handpicked from Alabama Humanities Foundation’s Bold Speakers Bureau.

“We sort of broke the state down into various regions and tried to make sure each part was covered. All of our speakers are extremely knowledgeable in their area and we think we’ve got a

really good spread of events and topics and we’re very excited to share some history about Alabama that might not be as well known,” McGinnis said.

Following is a list of remaining dates and presentations for the lecture series, with each slated to begin at 2 p.m.

Jan. 29 “Talking About Tallulah” - Born in Huntsville, Tallulah Bankhead rose to fame as one of the most famous actresses in the early 20th century, starring mainly in comedies and melodramas.

She was known primarily as a stage actress, but had massive silver screen success in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1944 film “Lifeboat.”

Feb. 12 “MLK: Letter from a Birmingham Jail” - This session will describe the story See Tuesdays, page A12

Owners of Opelika Gigi's Cupcakes location confirm business will remain open

By Morgan Bryce Editor The owners of Opelika’s Gigi’s Cupcakes storefront confirmed in a Facebook post last week that they will remain open for business.

According to Patrick and Jennifer Cooper, owners of Gigi’s locations in Opelika, Montgomery and Columbus, Gigi’s Cupcakes LLC filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Jan. 4 will not affect the future of theirs or others storefronts. “…Gigi’s Cupcakes

Index

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

LLC is the franchisor that owns the rights to the Gigi’s Cupcakes Brand. Our local stores, as well as the numerous ‘franchisees’ across the country, pay Gigi’s Cupcakes LLC monthly what is known as a ‘royalty’ to operate under the Gigi’s Cupcakes name,” the Coopers wrote. “… the financial situation of Gigi’s Cupcakes LLC has no direct impact on our stores. We are a 100 percent wholly and locally owned completely separate entity.”

Further in the Face-

CALENDAR....................................B3 LEGALS ......................................B4 RELIGION..............................B9 ENTERTAINMENT......................B11

book post, the Coopers wrote that they opened their first storefront nearly nine years ago, and that their relationships with suppliers and vendors will remain strong amidst the LLC’s financial woes.

They said that they take pride in making their products locally and not relying on anyone else “to give (patrons) that fabulous Gigi’s product.”

The Coopers added in the final portion of their post that rumors or speculation on the closing of their three

stores is false, and that they will continue to lean on the support of their loyal customers and fans.

Gigi’s Opelika storefront is located at 3794 Pepperell Parkway in the Saugahatchee Square Shopping Center. They are open 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

For more information or to read the Cooper’s full post on the future of their stores, like and follow their Facebook page, “Gigi’s Cupcakes of Auburn-Opelika, Alabama.”

pelika O Observer.com

pelika O Observer

A2 January 16, 2019

Enhanced tax credits, rates turbocharge your refund

Spa at Grand National named as one of North America's best

Child Tax Credit doubled to $2,000

By Justin Smith For the Opelika Observer The 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act is rightly referred to as a tax cut instead of tax reform. Federal tax laws have been changed significantly, and will provide significant benefits to many Americans.

The law is in full effect for 2018 tax returns that will be filed this season.

New, Lower Rates Most people will have lower tax liabilities this year.

For starters, tax rates have been reduced.

The rates are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%.

The income levels on which those lower rates are assessedhave been broadened, so you can earn more money and pay lower taxes on those earnings.

Enhanced Child Tax Credit One of the most family-friendly tax benefits is the Child Tax Credit. The maximum amount of the credit was previously $1,000 for married taxpayers

$6,444 for with up to taxpay$110,000 ers with of income.

3 or more Under qualifying the new children. law, the The credit credit has varies doubled to on your $2,000 for income married and the taxpayers Smith number of with up to children $400,000 in your household, of income. Up to and was designed to $1,400 of the credit is refundable (mean- help lower-income taxpayers. ing you can claim Standard Deducthe credit even if tion Doubled your tax liability is While the personal zero). The credit is exemption has been available for famieliminated under lies who have chilthe new law, the dren under 17. This standard deduction is a great new tax was nearly doubled benefit for families for all taxpayers. across the board.

Single filers claim a Another new $12,000 deduction benefit is a $500 credit for dependents (up from $6,350), married filers claim other than children, a $24,000 deduction and is available (up from $12,700), for families whose children are over 17, and heads of household claim a $18,000 at college, or have other relatives living deduction (up from $9,350). This dein your home (think duction provides a of extended family generous amount of members). your income that is Earned Income not subject to any Credit Increased income taxes.

The Earned InCount on College come Tax Credit Tax Credits (EITC) was also The American Opincreased to a maxiportunity Credit was mum amount of

Special to the Opelika Observer

retained in the new tax law, and provides up to $2,500 in tax credits for the first $4,000 spent on qualifying expenses for the first four years of undergraduate college education. The Lifetime Learning Credit is an alternative benefit that pays you back 20% of the first $10,000 of college tuition and expenses, and has no limit on the number of years it is available.

With so many new, expanded and often overlooked tax benefits, your 2018 taxes should leave you in a better position after the law than before it.

Consult with a tax professional to make sure you take advantage of the new law – you will be glad you did.

Justin Smith is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting.

He can be contacted at 251-209-2579 or Justin@JSmithCPA. net. His Web site is www.jsmithcpa.net

Georgia each had one spa ranked. Other Alabama spas included The Spa at the Shoals in Florence and The Spa at Ross Bridge in Hoover outside of Birmingham.

“In 2018, we continued to see growth in the North American spa and wellness industry, with increased visits and revenue,” said Spas of America President Craig Oliver.

The 2018 International Spa Association U.S. Spa Industry Study, commissioned by the ISPA Foundation and undertaken by PWC, reported consumers make 187 million visits to spas in the United States, generating an estimated $17.5 billion in revenue, translating into an average of $97.70 per visit.

“Spa and wellness consumers in the United States, Canada and Mexico understand wellness benefits their lives by reducing stress, promoting relaxation and increasing well-being,” Oliver said.

“Whether guests are traveling alone or in a group, spa and wellness travel offers people a chance to focus on what is important – their own health and well-being.”

For more information on the RTJ Spa Trail, visit rtjresorts.com. For a complete listing of the Top 100 Spas, visit www. spasofamerica.com/spasof-america-top-100-spasof-2018.

The Spa at Grand National in Opelika was named as one of the 100 best in North America, according to results from spasofamerica.com.

Last week, the No. 1 spa and wellness travel website unveiled its Top 100 Spas for 2018, based on unique page views and consumer choices on spasofamerica.com.

Three of these spas are in Alabama and part of the RTJ Spa Trail. The annual award provides insights into consumers’ favorite spas of the year.

Just opened in November, the Spa at Grand National was No. 53 on the list. The three-story spa and fitness center is located at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National. The Spa at Grand National was the sixth spa to open on the Spa Trail and helped transform the property designation to the resort status.

This year’s top-100 Spas includes 73 spas from the United States (including 14 from region-leading California), 17 spas from Canada, four from Mexico, one each from the Bahamas, Brazil and Costa Rica. In the South, Florida has six spas highlighted.

Alabama, Tennessee and Texas had three spas honored. Mississippi had two spas listed. Arkansas and

WE KNOW HOW TO GET YOU HOME

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

Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writer: Rick Lanier

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. Marketing mail postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS permit #205 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

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January newsletter: An inside look at the latest news, happenings and events coming to Opelika’s East Alabama Medical Center NEWS Scale Back Alabama is a free statewide weight-loss campaign designed to encourage Alabamians to get healthy and to have fun while doing it. Since 2007, East Alabama Medical Center has participated in SBA, which encourages employees to develop healthy eating habits, exer-

EVENTS Jan. 22 – An informational session for “Prevent T2,” a lifestyle change program aimed at people with prediabetes or who are at risk for type 2 diabetes, will take place at 5 p.m. It will be held at EAMC’s Education Center (2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika) on Jan. 22.

Prevent T2 is proven to help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

The program includes

cise and implement “deskercise” (exercises that can be done in the workplace) into their daily routines.

Visitor Restrictions – With flu and flulike illnesses on the rise throughout much of the state, including locally, EAMC officials have made the decision to put visitor restrictions in place at both EAMC and EAMC-Lanier.

Anyone displaying flu-like symptoms should not visit any portion of the hospital. However, most patients can be reached by phone— just dial 334-528 and the patient’s room number (example: 334-528-0000).

Visitation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Pediatrics and Childbirth Unit (including Labor &

Delivery and the Mother/Baby dept.) is restricted to healthy immediate family members who are age 12 and older.

Visitation in the Emergency Department (ED) is also limited—only one healthy family members (age 12 and up) per patient and the length of visits may be limited.

weekly sessions with a trained lifestyle coach to help one lose weight, eat healthier, be more physically active and manage stress.

The informational sessions are free, but the actual program costs $50. However, the participant can get all of their money back if they meet certain marker requirements.

All of this information will be discussed at the informational meeting.

January 16 – Health-

Plus Fitness Center will host an all-day Open House on Jan. 16 from 5 a.m. - 9 p.m.

This event is open to the public, and will include free clinical small group lectures, small group demos and group exercise classes throughout the day.

Jan. 17 – Jan. 21 – To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., EAMC employees will be participating in a weekend of service to the community.

Dubbed Operation Dream Team, employees throughout the EAMC organization will be encouraged to be involved in a service project or commit an act of kindness during some time over the 5-day period.

Several service projects will be arranged for group involvement, but employees can also serve somewhere in their community individually.

A3 January 16, 2019

HEALTH CARE AWARENESS Special to the Opelika Observer Month long Recognitions January 2019 • Cervical Health Awareness Month • Birth Defects Prevention Month Weeklong Recognitions Jan. 22 – 27

LOOKING AHEAD Calcium Scoring Promotion – During the month of February, all calcium scans scheduled at Auburn Diagnostic Imaging, a service of EAMC, will cost only $50. Calcium scans are not covered by insurance, and the $50 special is half off of the usual $100 price.

A calcium scan is a noninvasive CT scan that measures the level of calcium in the heart and determines the risk of having a sudden cardiac event, such as a heart attack. Previous calcium scoring promotions have encouraged those with heart concerns to be tested, including couples and Sunday school classes.

Some scans resulted in patients being identified as high risk and in need of immediate attention.

About East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) East Alabama Medical Center is a 340-bed

Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NOTE: We have a Medical Detoxification Unit at EAMC-Lanier in Valley where patients are treated for several days before either returning home or moving on to a long-term detox facility. We’re happy to share more information about it if you are interested.)

regional referral hospital located in Opelika that serves a 6-county area. The EAMC organization includes EAMC-Lanier hospital in Valley; between the two hospitals and their collective service lines, there are nearly 3,300 employees in the organization. EAMC is Lee County’s second largest employer.

Among the services that EAMC provides are open-heart surgery and cancer treatment, both of which are highly acclaimed specialties at EAMC. EAMC also operates non-mainstream services, including RehabWorks, HealthPlus Fitness Center, the Diabetes & Nutrition Center, the Wound Treatment Center and the Auburn University Medical Clinic.

EAMC-Lanier has a nursing home, acute rehab unit, detox unit and offers occupational medicine. For more information, please visit www.eamc.org.

pelika O Opinion

A4 January 16, 2019

Listen Linda L

inda... Listen!

My husband is all of a sudden very distant and doesn’t want to communicate with me. We have been married for several years now and I have no idea what could have brought this on. I thought everything was fine. He also has stopped going to church with me and won’t even go to marriage counseling with me. What do I do to get him to open up to me about what is wrong?

Lonely and hurt in Opelika Dear Lonely and hurt, First off, let me say that I’m very sorry you are going through this. I was

I

in the same situation once in my previous marriage.

Sometimes in marriage we can let things just get shoved under the rug and pretend the issues aren’t there because we think they will go away and not have to deal with them. When we do this, we are setting ourselves up for a big problem in our marriage down the road. Your husband may have unresolved issues that hasn’t been dealt with in the marriage.

Your husband also may have someone else pulling him away or swaying him.

In order to fix a problem, you have to know what the problem is before you can fix it. When my previous husband pulled away from me, family and our church, I buried my head in the sand for a few months but then found out he was seeing someone else.

The bottom line is don’t put your head in the sand and get to the bottom of this sudden change in behavior. Just remember a marriage takes both partners giving 100 percent and as much as we want to make our partner give more, we can’t. Good luck to you!

Linda If you have a question you would like to submit please email: listenlindaopelika@gmail.com.

Test Drive

t’s a Friday night, and I find myself sitting in a conference room at a car dealership. Since my Toyota ate a Christmas tree, I have been driving a rental car and then my sweet daughter’s car.

Now it’s finally time to purchase a vehicle of my own. And the experience is proving to be just like every cliché you’ve ever heard. Shady salesmen who try to be charming but who end up making you feel like you need a good shower. The bait and switch, where the car you really want is no longer available (or in this case, the keys have been lost), but here’s one that’s just as good! (never mind that it’s 10 years older and only has three good tires)… The mystery financing where numbers magically morph into ever larger monthly payments right before your very eyes. Not the ideal way to spend a Friday night, but a necessary evil to be endured.

I admit that I know next to nothing about cars. You ask me what kind I drive, and my response is most likely to be, “It’s silver.”

But I do know enough to come into this place with a plan. I know how much I can put down. I know how much I can afford to pay each month. And I know, without a doubt, I do not want a white car. I don’t like white cars. Never have.

So while I wait for the “perfect little number” to arrive from the dealership’s lot in Columbus, I am given the keys to four vehicles parked in front waiting for me to take a test drive. First there’s a Kia Rio, red and all tricked out, and with a distinct 3-pack a day cigarette odor.

Secondly, there’s a silver Scion that has rap music blaring and a violent shimmy that makes my hands vibrate on the wheel. Next up is a black Hyundai with an interior that looks like it may have served as a homeless shelter at some point and gospel music

By Wendy Hodge

pouring from the one working speaker that is held in place with duct tape. Lastly is a Chevrolet that is as big as a boat and smells like the 70s.

I drove each of these cars, determined to give them a fair chance. As I left the lot and drove through my best friend’s neighborhood, I imagined myself driving to work in each one of these cars.

Am I a Rio woman who doesn’t mind smelling like Marlboros? Or am I a Scion girl who can overlook a car with seizurelike shakes? Is this black Hyundai who I am, or am I a Chevy driver?

It’s an odd feeling, sitting in the driver’s seat that once belonged to a stranger. Did they take long Sunday drives in this car? Were they adventurers, taking unbeaten paths and hidden dirt roads? Did their kids sing along with the radio in this car? Was there some passionate rendezvous on that back seat?

Were they happy?

Life is, on so many levels, a series of test drives.

We try out new friends, new fashion styles, new haircuts. We work at different jobs, eat at different restaurants, read books by different authors. We fall in love and we fall out of love…. test driving each relationship to see if it will be the one that fits us best.

My daughter, Abbey, is a sophomore at Auburn University and has changed her major a handful of times over the last year and a half. I think she feels this is something of a failure on her part. I myself think it’s a sign of courage and of intelligent curiosity. She is wise enough to know that she has not found the perfect fit yet. And isn’t that better than settling into a life that just isn’t what you want?

Abbey is anxious to

have her career, her relationship, her life planned and settled. And I understand that completely.

For so much of my life, I rolled along with what was handed to me.

I was happy and love my children more than I can say. But I realize now that I drove around in someone else’s car, metaphorically speaking.

It has taken me decades to discover who Wendy Lynne actually is. And it’s the test drives that got me here, finally.

My daughter is wiser and stronger than I have ever been, and so I have great hope that she will settle into her own driver’s seat much earlier than I have and that she will navigate her life as her own true self. I hope, also, that she will have someone in the seat next to her who realizes what an amazing person she is…. someone who will be grateful and eager to share the ride with her.

I’m told my car has arrived from Columbus, and so I head out to the parking lot. It’s a Ford Escape, and it’s white. Yep. White. My best friend, who has arrived to see this car with me, can’t help but laugh. And because his smile is easy and contagious, I laugh along with him. And I climb in.

The seat is soft. The smell is almost new without a hint of cigarettes or the 70s. The interior is well cared for. The back seat is spacious. The radio is already tuned to my favorite country station. It rides like a dream, and I am sold.

Turns out I’m a Ford lady. And I like white cars. And I am so ready to drive down the road that stretches out ahead of me.

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

I

Boss Man

was fired from the only retail job I ever had. The important thing to remember here is that I wasn’t fired because I was a bad worker, or undependable. It wasn’t because I was a crummy person, incompetent, tardy, or lazy.

It was because—and I will never forget this—I didn’t iron my shirt.

The bossman came into work and looked at me with disgust.

“God,” he said. “Don’t you ever iron your shirt?”

At the exact moment he said this, I was eating a ham and swiss on rye—heavy on the mustard. And it’s impossible to defend yourself intelligently with a mouthful of ham and swiss on rye with mustard.

He fired me. I packed my things and I was gone in fifteen minutes.

So yeah, I’m messy.

I don’t mean to be, but I am.

My truck, for instance, is a mess. A few days ago, I found a small oak tree sprout growing in a pile of decomposing trash in my floorboards. I couldn’t bring myself to uproot the thing because I love greenery.

My office is a mess, too. I have fifty thousand books. Tall stacks sit on every flat surface so I can always see them, and one day when I am gone, God-

By Sean Dietrich

willing, someone will think I actually read them all.

I don’t know how I became so messy. I didn’t take a special course to learn how.

It’s just a gift.

My mother is tidy.

My father polished his lawnmower engines for kicks. My sister keeps a house so clean you could eat supper off her toilet seat. My wife irons our dog-bed covers.

Me? I have a tree growing in my truck.

Yesterday, I was in the post office. I stood in a long line. The room was full of folks with violent winter colds.

After every cough, I covered my nose and mouth with my shirt and mumbled the Lord’s Prayer.

The man in front of me hacked so hard he almost blew out a lung. Then he sneezed.

“Bless you,” I said.

“Thanks,” he said.

That’s when I noticed his familiar profile. It was my old boss. And, by God, you could have sliced a watermelon on his starched collar.

I considered bolting, but that would’ve been childish. Instead, I tapped him on the

shoulder. He turned and recognized me.

His nose was running, and his eyes were puffy.

We shook hands, and while we pumped hands he said, “Oh, wait, we probably shouldn’t be shaking hands, I’m sick with the worst cold of my life.”

How nice.

“I actually saw you come in,” he went on.

“I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to make it awkward…” he paused.

“I know you probably hate me.”

As it happens, I don’t hate him.

Certainly, I might have once enlarged a photograph of him at the Walgreens film department so I could hang his picture on my garage wall and throw darts at it.

And yes, I might have ordered twentythree Domino’s pizzas to be delivered at his house one Memorial Day weekend. But I was young, and the pizzas were all my cousin Ed Lee’s idea.

“I was going through a divorce,” he told me. “Those were the darkest days of my life, I was a total jerk, I know that.”

He went on to explain that during that particular year, his wife left him. Then, his father took ill and needed hospice care.

His oldest son was running with a bad See Dietrich, page A6

Sand Mountain, snakes and being Southern

A

couple of weeks ago I began rereading “Salvation on Sand Mountain,” Dennis Covington’s wonderfully personal account of serpenthandling Holiness churches up in northeast Alabama.

Growing up in a small-town, south Alabama, middle class Methodist church, I was taught to look a little askance at the Holiness movement (“Holy Rollers” we liked to call them) because they were loud and enthusiastic and undignified, instead of quiet, mild and proper like us. It was not until later that I discovered that Methodists were uncomfortable around Holiness because the people who started the Holiness movement were once Methodists themselves. But back in the late 19th century, as mainstream Methodists became more and more like the church I grew up in, some of the members took issue with what they felt was a drift away from what John Wesley, our founding father, had preached and practiced.

By Hardy Jackson

Not to draw too fine a point on the matter, for many it came down to the conviction that the “modern” (c. 1900) Methodist church was filled with dry bones rattling on about committees and conventions, budgets and buildings, social activities and style, while paying little attention to personal piety and sanctification. One of their songs summed it up.

Some folks jump up and down all night and d-a-n-c-e.

While others go to church to show their brand new h-a-t.

And on their face they put great gobs of p-a-i-n-t.

And then they’ve got the nerve to say they’re s-a-v-e-d.

When the mainline Methodists would not listen, Holiness folks got out. And once “out” they did religion the way they felt the Bible said religion should be done.

Some of them decided this should include handling serpents.

Now I am not going to get into the theological wrangling over this except to say that I can see their point. Mark 16:1718, says that certain “signs shall follow them that believe.”

(Read that again – “them that believe” – and tell me the guys who translated the Bible for King James weren’t from the South.)

And one of those signs was that “they shall take up serpents.” So, it would follow, it seems to me, that if you want a “sign” to certify belief, there it is.

Now the Book does not say a believer has to do it, just that they can. Ed Harrell, noted historian of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements in America, tells the story of a Holiness preacher who, when asked about snake handling, replied that the Bible says “they shall take up serpents,” and as far as he was concerned See Jackson, page A6

pelika O Observer

Around Lee County

City of Smiths Station receives clean opinion on 2018 audit

By Morgan Bryce Editor Ben Rulon from the Columbus-based accounting firm Albright, Fortenberry and Ninas informed Smiths Station City Council members that the city received a clean opinion on its 2018 audit reports at last Tuesday’s regular meeting.

During his presentation, Rulon informed council members on specifics of the city’s financial situation and concluded that the city’s unassigned fund balance supports 15 months of operating expenses.

The council also

approved a resolution declaring that the City of Smiths Station will participate in the Alabama Department of Revenue’s statewide “Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday” that starts at 12:01 a.m. Feb. 22 and runs through Feb. 24 at midnight. To view the full list of tax-exempt items offered that weekend, visit revenue. alabama.gov.

In other business, the council: - approved the audit report presented by Rulon - approved a reimbursement to Mayor Bubba Copeland for his

cellular phone usage - and heard reports from Copeland on the progress of the Jones Store Museum project which is slated for completion later this year.

The Smiths Station City Council meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, with a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m. E.S.T. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. E.S.T. Their meetings are held within the council chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430. For more information, call 334297-8771.

The Lee County Voters League Secretary recorded the election results for 2019 at the Dec. 3 meeting: President - Lindsey Bickerstaff Vice President - Rev. John Pink Secretary/Treasurer - Dorothy Stringer Membership Chariman - John Harris Committee Chairman - Alberta Pink Chaplain - Carolyn Morton We thank Commissioner Harris for all his successful efforts as League President these past years increasing membership ranks, registering voters and promoting voter participation. We’re honored to have him as membership Chair for the League to continue to grow.

In closing, the Lee County Voters League ballot used on Oct 1 to determine their endorsements did not print or reflect Candidate Richard LaGrand as a Republican in any way. It has come to our attention sample ballots used on Nov. 6 incorrectly showed LaGrand as a Republican in the District 5 Commissioner race. The Voters League regrets the misprint and pray this clears all confusion.

• Voters League meetings traditionally fall on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church - 201 South 4th Street, Opelika

A5 January 16, 2019

Auburn University to host ‘MLK Celebration Week’ Jan. 21-26 on campus Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University will kick off its Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Celebration Week Jan. 21-26 with a breakfast featuring Quinton Ross, president of Alabama State University, as the keynote speaker at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

Also that day, the university’s Black Student Union and Alternate Student Breaks organizations are heading to Selma for a day of service. Students will volunteer at designated sites including SABRA Sanctuary, Selma Area Food Bank and a housing project.

After volunteering, students will take tours around downtown to learn more about the rich civil rights history that occurred in Selma, with a stop at Selma’s Interpretive Center where they will have the opportunity to take a literacy test that African Americans were formerly forced to take to be able to vote. At the end of the day, the student group will march Edmund Pettus Bridge in remembrance and honor of those who fought for people’s rights to

vote.

The Office of Inclusion and Diversity, or OID, is hosting a trip Jan. 21 to Montgomery for a visit to the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. All members of the university and community are invited to join OID for this event.

A community kickoff for the MLK Celebration Week events is set for Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. on the Thach Concourse. The kickoff will include a candlelight vigil and performances by student organizations to memorialize Dr. King’s legacy through word and song. Following the kickoff, Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative will give a lecture at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center as part of the Critical Conversations Speaker Series. The Office of Inclusion and Diversity will present the Unsung Hero Award after the lecture.

Events for Jan. 23, include a talk on the “Criminalization of Poverty” with Sara Wood from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Student Center and a documentary screening of “Barry” at 7 p.m. in the Auburn Alumni Center.

Four professors in

the College of Liberal Arts—David Carter, Kelly Kenniston, Austin McCoy and Guy Mount—will host a lunch and learn panel Jan. 24 in the Student Center.

They will discuss “The Problem of the Color Line in the 21st Century – Reflections on Race Relations in American History.”

A training session to teach participants various methods to rise above hate and build an inclusive community is set for Jan. 25. The reconciliation training will help participants get out of their comfort zones in order for them to dig deeper into the purpose of their individual roles and their personal “why." The training focuses on developing leadership and empowering each participant to help build an even more committed and connected community. Participants will earn a certificate following the completion of the workshop.

The final event of the week is a day of service set for Jan. 26. Participants will travel to sites in Lee County to spread King’s message through service.

For more information and to register for the MLK Celebration Week events, go to http://ocm.auburn. edu/mlkweek/.

'ROBO CAMP' to be held at Auburn University during the month of February Special to the Opelika Observer Area students can learn more about computer and robotic programming

through ROBO CAMP, sponsored by Auburn Youth Programs, is a program developed by the Auburn University Department of Com-

puter Science and Software Engineering held each Saturday during February.

Students will be introduced to computer science and

computation thinking concepts and handson applications using different computer and robotics programming frameworks including:

Buying or Selling?

MIT App Inventor, Python, Lego Mindstorms NXT and Lego EV3 and 3D printing.

Open to students in the 6th-11th grades, program registration can be done online through www. auburn.edu/summer-

camps and selecting the ROBO CAMP link on the home page. Dates for the camp are Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23. The cost is $235 per student, which covers the cost of attendance and lunch for those four sessions.

Call:

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

www.thedensongroup.com

Best lunch in town . . . any town

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917 So. Railroad Ave. Opelika, AL 36801 334-787-5989

1151 Opelika Road Auburn, AL 36830 334-821-3118

www.niffersplace.com dine in only, Mon-Fri 11-2

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A6 January 16, 2019

Opelika Chamber's 'Women's Business Council' to hold keynote luncheon Jan. 22 Special to the Opelika Observer A keynote luncheon for the Opelika Chamber of Commerce’s “Women’s Business Council” will be held Jan. 22 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Marriott at Grand National.

Atlanta businesswoman Dominique Love will serve as the guest speaker.

According to a Chamber press release, Love “is an entrepreneur, philanthropy expert and a lover of food and drink - especially the Southern variety. She

Love has built a career on her passions from working in community and founding the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival to her most recent role leading the IWSC Group North America. She created Corporate Community Outsource, a philanthropic consul-

tancy company and has consulted many businesses, including The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, NASCAR, Newell Rubbermaid, and Time Warner.”

Registration is required, costing $25 per person. Registration requests can be sent by email to Chamber president Pam Powers-Smith at psmith@opelikachamber.com.

For more information, visit www. opelikachamber.com or call 334-745-4861.

The Chamber is located at 601 Ave. A in downtown Opelika.

Jackson,

from A4 “they” could if they wanted to.

Of course, there are other signs of membership, of belief, of faith and faithfulness – plain dress, women’s uncut hair, no makeup, and the avoidance of “worldly” amusements are the most widely recognized – my buddy Joe swears that if you want to have a good time, go out with a “Pentecostal girl with paint.” They know how to party. Some churches are said to have gone so far as to adopt Old Testament dietary laws, though the admonition against pork has never set well with Southern congregations. But the Holiness movement is more than

the sum of its external parts. It is a way of life expressed in all sorts of things, including a careful attention to “the Word,” what it says, and what it doesn’t.

Consider what Covington writes in his introduction.

“Snake handling ... didn’t originate in the hills somewhere. It started when people came down from the hills to discover they were surrounded by a hostile and spiritually dead culture.

All along their border with the modern world – in places like Newport, Tennessee and Sand Mountain, Alabama – they recoiled.

They threw up defenses. When their own resources failed, they called down the Holy Ghost. They put their hands through fire.

They drank poison.

They took up serpents.

They still do.

Though not discounting the spirituality of the movement, to a secular southern historian like myself, this is why Holiness, Pentecostal and similar faiths have so much to tell us about a South, Covington points out, “that resided in the blood, a region of the heart.” Snake handlers represent one small element of a South set on defending itself against those who would change it into something they don’t want it to be. And change them in the process.

So they pick up serpents.

And if nothing else, they get your attention.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus at Jacksonville State University.

He can be reached at hjackson@cableone. net.

Monarch Estates to host inaugural 'American Pie Idol Contest' Jan. 23

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Determining the

Auburn-Opelika area’s best piemaker will be the focus of Monarch Estates’ inaugural

“American Pie-Idol Contest” Jan. 23.

Open to senior citizens 60 years and

older, the contest will take place on National Pie Day, which is no coincidence according to resident experience coordinator Amanda Baker.

“One of my favorite memories was sitting at my grandmother’s table and watching her make peach cobbler, similar to a pie. And when I think about it, I remember exactly what it tasted like ...

Dietrich,

from A4

crowd. His daughter hated him and tried to run away.

And I felt five inches tall. I was sorry I ever called Domino’s and ordered twenty-three pizzas. I should’ve stopped at four.

“Man,” he said, “things are good now, I’m better. I’m working out, eating right, and I’m in a much happier place. I just want to say I’m sorry. I shoulda never fired you, you were an okay guy.”

Well, I suppose being “an okay guy” is a

Fire,

from A1 family to cover the cost of smoke damage caused by a house fire at their home last week.

According to the description on the account page posted last Monday, “...even though the structure itself was saved the interior of the home was completely ruined due to smoke damage.

Everything was a loss.

He always bends over backwards for the community and everyone he knows in anyway he can.

but I’m not sure if I could reproduce it,” Baker said. “For me, this event will allow residents to be involved with their families and bake at their family’s homes or in one of our two residential kitchens. I believe it’ll be a kind of memory-building exercise for our residents.”

Baker added that the competition will be

broken into two different categories, community and resident, to ensure that everyone who participates has a chance to win.

The event is free but registration is required.

Registration forms can be acquired by calling Baker at 334-502-0977 or emailing her at EC5617@holidaytouch. com. Monarch Estates is located at 1550 E. University Drive.

lot better than being something else.

Anyway, he mailed his packages, I mailed mine. We talked in the parking lot until he realized he had to pick up his granddaughter from school.

He extended his hand one more time.

“Oh wait,” he said, withdrawing it. “Sorry, I keep forgetting about shaking hands with this bad cold.”

I gripped his hand anyway. Then, we hugged and slapped each other’s backs.

There are some things more important than colds. Big things. Like feeling the way I do right now.

“Happy New Year,” I said.

“Thanks,” he said.

“You too.”

And that’s when I decided, once and for all, to always iron my shirts, forevermore.

No, I’m just kidding.

I hurried home to water the tree growing in my floorboards.

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.

So now it’s our time to help Joseph and his family.”

Walden, a member of the SSFD for 25 years, has been fire chief for more than a decade and 10 years spent in the U.S. Navy.

During last Tuesday’s Smiths Station City Council meeting, Mayor Bubba Copeland asked council members and those gathered to keep the Walden family in their thoughts and prayers.

“We all know if you have a fire that insurance will not cover everything, I want to make that very clear. If you’re

so inclined to give to the Walden family through the GoFundMe account, do so,” Copeland said.

“He is a pillar of our city and also serves as president of the (Smiths Station) Water Board.

He’s a great, great man and goes out of the way to help people if they ask him to.”

As of Monday, more than $1,600 of the $10,000 goal had been raised.

To donate, visit www. gofundme.com and search “Smiths Station Fire Chief’s House Fire.”

For more information on the SSFD, like and follow their Facebook page.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS: Jan. 19 - Pete the Cat night Jan. 22 - Taste of Chocolate Jan. 25 - Dennis Warner Jan. 29 - MLK Jr. Celebration at OPAC

‘Taste of Chocolate’ to feature scrumptious confections Jan. 22 Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

C

hocolate dessert is nearly everyone’s favorite, and the ladies of Beta XI Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers’ Sorority have become experts at making scrumptious chocolate desserts for their annual “Taste of Chocolate” fundraiser. The 17th year is a chocolate lover’s dream come true with luscious cookies, brownies, a variety of candies and other confections.

Mark your calendars for Jan. 22, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Trinity United Methodist

Church in Opelika.

Tickets are $8 and are available from any member of the Beta Xi chapter or at the door.

The chocolate goodies can be enjoyed at the tasting or taken home.

Coffee and other beverages are served without additional cost.

Sorority members Carolyn Moore and Juanita Parker Owsley have been baking for the event since the beginning of the fundraiser. Both Carolyn and Juanita grew up in Opelika and taught at Opelika High School.

When Carolyn was a freshman at Opelika High School, she realized she wanted to be a math teacher. She had helped another student in her algebra class and found she enjoyed doing that.

After graduating from API, now Auburn University, Carolyn married Millard Moore, and they moved to Sarasota, Florida since his family lived there. They lived there for seven years, then moved to Dalton, Georgia before returning to Opelika.

Carolyn taught at Ope-

‘Reading Between the Wines' returns for seventh year Feb. 28

By Morgan Bryce Editor The Lee County Literacy Coalition’s 7th annual “Reading Between the Vines” event will be held Feb. 28 at Opelika’s Saugahatchee Country Club.

Highlights of the event will include food, music, wine tastings, presentation by spotlighted author Marlin Barton and organizational updates provided by new executive director Dr. Shantarra Sewell.

“This is a great way for people to learn more about what we do in the community, as well as network ... learn more about our selected author and possibly buy one of his books, and just have a great time and evening,” Sewell said.

Assuming leadership of the organization last September, Sewell said the LCLC will continue its mission of fighting illiteracy in Lee County.

Courses including 1-to-1 adult tutoring and GED prep, family

and financial literacy and “Parent Academy” are still being offered by the organization, as well as a health literacy class that is expected to launch in the summer.

Tickets for the event are $65, and can be purchased on www. leecountyliteracy.org or by calling 334-7050001.

For more information, like and follow their Facebook page or visit their website.

The organization’s offices are located at 1365 Gatewood Drive.

Photo by Ann Cipperly Beta XI Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers’ Sorority will hold their 17 th annual Taste of Chocolate fundraiser Tuesday, Jan. 22, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika. A variety of chocolate desserts will be offered. Sorority members Carolyn Moore, left, and Juanita Parker Owsley have been cooking for the event from the beginning. They are pictured making the event’s signature chocolate confection, a candy mouse.

lika High School for 30 years. Her husband, who has passed away, worked in the insurance company with her father, Ottis Ward. The company was sold to Botsford-Knight, and Millard worked for J. Smith Lanier.

Carolyn has three children: Betsy, who lives in Columbus, Georgia, David, who resides in Huntsville and Jennifer, living in Mt. Pleasant,

South Carolina and seven grandchildren.

When Juanita was growing up, she played school with her younger twin sisters, and she was always the teacher. She grew up wanting to be a teacher more than anything else.

She graduated from Opelika High School and Auburn University. Upon graduation, she started teaching at Opelika High

School where she taught for 34 years. Her husband passed away in 1999.

After she retired from Opelika High School, she taught at Lee Scott for seven more years.

Juanita says she would have taught longer, but at that time she married Art Owsley and wanted to travel.

Juanita has four See Recipes, page A9

Dr. Dell Crosby to be honored at J.W. Darden Foundation's 7th annual 'Black Tie Gala'

By Morgan Bryce Editor The work of Dr. J. Dell Crosby from Auburn’s Mercy Medical Clinic to provide uninsured citizens with access to affordable healthcare will be recognized during the 7th annual “Black Tie Legacy Gala” Feb. 2 at the Auburn-Opelika Marriott at Grand National.

Organized by Darden High School alum Jeanette Peters, Peggy Hansen and other members of the J.W. Darden Foundation, Inc., the event will feature a reception, dinner and award ceremony to both honor Crosby’s work and recognize this year’s scholarship recipients. Peters added that $27,500 in scholarship monies have been awarded during the last

six years to 15 students enrolled in post-graduate school, including doctors, nurses and pharmacists.

Named after Opelika’s first black physician Dr. J.W. Darden and his wife Maude, the foundation carries on his legacy through the Darden Wellness Center, which provides free health screenings and access to other medical See Gala, page A12

Monday-Tuesday 11 AM - 3 PM Wednesday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

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A8 January 16, 2019

P.A.C.E. holds meeting at Auburn Chamber Dec. 8 Special to the Opelika Observer People of Action for Community Enrichment met at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce Dec. 8.

The guest for the Christmas brunch was Auburn Mayor, Ron Anders. Anders presented the group with a proclamation honoring them for 32 years of service for their efforts to serve the basic living needs of citizens within Lee County.

A celebration of this historic event will be held during a banquet Jan. 19 at the Greater Peace Baptist Church Family Life Center in Opelika at 6 p.m.

Pictured left to right: Angela Debrow-Alexander, secretary; City of Auburn Mayor Ron Anders; George Echols, president; Mabel RobinsonChaplain and Rev. Jonas Rutledge, founding member.

Tho Bishop from the Mises Korean music group ‘KongNa-Mul’ to perform at Opelika Institute addresses members of the Opelika Kiwanis Club Center for the Arts Jan. 18 Special to the Opelika Observer

The AlabamaKorea Education and Economic Partnership will present The Music Group KongNa-Mul in their U.S. debut performance of “A Korean Cinderella Story” Jan. 18 at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.

Inspired by Kongji and Patzzi, the Korean version of the beloved fairytale is one of the most well-known folktales passed through oral tradition in Korea.

The performance follows Kongji, a young woman who triumphs over the adversity and schemes of her evil stepmother and stepsister with the help of mischievous and powerful goblins.

The performance

“brings an excitement through its modern use of sarcasm and comedy,” said Production Director Gwang Tae Park. It will deliver a beautiful display of traditional Korean dance, captivating renditions of classic Korean storytelling and an elegant blend of Eastern and Western musical instruments to audiences in Montgomery and Opelika.

A-KEEP works to enhance the variety of multicultural and artistic expression in the River Region by bringing professional performing and cultural arts from South Korea to Alabama.

With the City of Opelika serving as one of the event’s main sponsors, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said he is look-

ing forward to the performance and its cultural impact on the city he leads.

“We are excited to be one of the sponsors for the upcoming play, A Korean Cinderella Story.

It’s going to be a fun night of traditional Korean folklore, and traditional and modern dance and music,” Fuller said.

Tickets are available for $10 - $20 online at www.akeep. org/events or at the box office on the night of the show, which starts at 6 p.m.

Other sponsors include the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Art Works and the National Endowment for the Arts and Troy University at Montgomery.

For more information, www.akeep.org.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Tho Bishop with the Mises Institute in Auburn spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Opelika on Thursday about economics. Pictured are Joanne Camp and Bishop. He writes for the Mises Wire and spoke to the club about income inequality. He gave perspective on how the disparity in income between the top few and bottom half of the United States continues to grow, with both the right and the left contributing to the problem. The Federal Reserve itself encourages economic growth at the expense of the average American. When the economy becomes stagnate, leaders encourage spending that tends to be risky (and often leads to bubbles). The average American does not benefit from these policies while large corporations and their owners continue to climb. Until there is a return to sound monetary policies, this cycle is will continu. If one is interested in programs like this or joining the Kiwanis Club of Opelika, visit www.opelikakiwanis.org.

Local civic group, Community Foundation partner to create NVLC Scholarship Fund

Special to the Opelika Observer The National Village Ladies Club of Opelika has partnered with the Community Foundation of East Alabama to establish the NVLC Scholarship Endowment Fund. Their goal is to help young women achieve their dreams through the pursuit of a

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer achievement, extrapost-secondary educacurricular activities, tion. The endowment community involveprovides the club’s ment and need. Indimembers with a legacy viduals can contribute of charitable giving directly to the fund by for years to come.In donating to the Comconjunction with the Community Foundation munity Foundation of Scholarship Committee, East Alabama (a 401c3 nonprofit) and noting a $3,000 scholarship the NVLC Scholarship will be awarded this Endowment Fund on spring to an Opelika their check, enabling a High School seniortax deduction. based on academic

pelika O Observer Recipes,

from A7 children, Faye Smith, Kelly Parker and Dawn Weatherley, David and one step-son, Kevin Owsley. Dawn is following in her mother’s footsteps as a first grade teacher at Beauregard Elementary, while Kelly’s daughter is going to major in elementary education when she transfers to Auburn this fall. Juanita has 13 grandchildren.

Juanita and Carolyn both joined the teacher’s society in 2001. The Taste of Chocolate fundraiser was suggested by member Michelle Matin, who had attended to a workshop where someone was taking about a tasting event.

From the beginning the event has been held in the fellowship at Trinity United Methodist Church. The first year they didn’t have as many chocolate desserts and didn’t receive much in sales. “Once people started coming,” says Carolyn, “they liked it and came back.”

The sorority currently has about 20 members.

Each one is asked to prepare two or three kinds of chocolate desserts with 180 pieces each.

Their signature dessert is a confection made to look like a chocolate mouse. Member Dee Coulter saw the mice being made and thought it was a great idea. Both Dee and Carolyn make the mice for the event.

Carolyn tries to create 120.

For the event, Betty Letlow will decorate the tables in the fellowship hall for those who are enjoying their chocolates there instead of having take-out. Some friends

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get together every year at the tasting.

The sorority accepts scholarship applicants from Opelika, Beauregard, Beulah and Lee Scott. These are schools where at least one of the members has taught.

Last year Brighton Gregory of Opelika High School received a $1,000 scholarship to Auburn University, and Madelyn Joyce Weaver of Opelika High School received a $1,000 scholarship to Southern Union.

The winner for 2017 was Abby Danielle Brumkfield, who attended Beulah High School.

She is currently attending Jacksonville State.

There were three winners in 2016. Miller Elizabeth Levins of Opelika High School received a $1,000 scholarship and is currently attending Auburn.

Tamara Smith from Opelika High School received $700 and is attending the University of South Alabama, and Hillary Madison Corbin from Lee Scott received $700 and is attending the University of Alabama.

Carolyn is proud of what the sorority has been able to do giving the scholarships. Juanita expresses that it means a lot to her to be able to help someone else who wants to be a teacher.

Plan to attend to enjoy homemade chocolate desserts and help students in our area become teachers. The chocolates are wonderful treats to freeze for Valentine’s Day and to share with someone who would relish a special dessert.

Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com

Peppermint White Chocolate Fudge Kay Spriggs 1/4 cup softened butter 4 cups mini marshmallows 1 cup heavy cream 2 cups sugar 1/8 tsp. salt 3 cups white chocolate chips 1 tsp. peppermint extract Line a 9 x 13 inch pan with foil. In a saucepan, simmer butter, mini marshmallows, heavy cream, sugar and salt.

When smooth, stir in white chocolate chips and peppermint extract.

Blend well. Spread in pan. Coat with colored sprinkles (optional).

Cool. Cut into squares.

Jenny Roe’s Bourbon Balls Carolyn Moore 1 cup chopped pecans ½ cup less 2 Tbsp. bourbon 3 Tbsp. condensed milk 1 stick softened butter 1 ½ boxes confectioners’ sugar 8 squares unsweetened chocolate

2 Tbsp. paraffin Soak pecans in bourbon overnight.

Combine milk, butter, pecans and bourbon.

Mix in sugar. Chill.

Roll into small balls and freeze.

Melt chocolate and paraffin. Dip each ball by toothpick and drop on waxed paper. Store in freezer.

Chocolate Mexican Cookies Pat May 1 1/2 cups flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup plus 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder, divided 1 pkg. (8 oz.) Neufchatel cheese, softened 3/4 cup butter, softened 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar, divided 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 cup finely chopped walnuts Combine flour, baking soda, salt and 1/2 cup cocoa powder.

Beat Neufchatel, butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar and vanilla in a large bowl with mixer until well blended.

Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition.

Add nuts; mix well.

Refrigerate 1 hour.

Heat oven to 350.

Shape dough into 1 1/4 inch balls; place 1 inch apart on baking sheets.

Bake 15 to 18 minutes or just until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute.

Remove to wire rack and cool completely.

Dip tops of cookies, 1 at a time in remaining sugar. sprinkle with remaining cocoa powder.

Hershey’s Chocolate Chewy Cookies Rie Bagwell 1 ¼ cup softened butter 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 2 cups plain flour ¼ cup cocoa 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa, salt and soda.

Blend all ingredients.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes in a preheated 350 degrees oven. The cookies will be soft until cool.

Recipe makes 50 cookies.

Double Chocolate Cookies Rebecca Sanderson 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup baking cocoa 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened 1 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 large eggs 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate morsels Preheat oven to 375

degrees.

Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a small bowl.

Beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until creamy.

Beat in eggs for about 2 minutes or until light and fluffy.

Gradually beat in flour mixture.

Stir in morsels. Drop by rounded Tbsp. onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies are puffed. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Martha Washington Balls Betty Letlow 1 stick margarine, melted 1 can sweetened condensed milk 2 lbs. powdered sugar 1 cup chopped nuts 1 cup shredded coconut 1 tsp. vanilla 12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips 1 square paraffin wax Mix first 6 ingredients together, roll into small balls. Refrigerate until hard. Mix chocolate chips and wax.

Melt in double boiler.

Stick a toothpick into each ball and dip in chocolate. Place on waxed paper until cool.

Makes 2 dozen.

White Chocolate Pretzels Pam Fourtenbary Ghirardelli Premium Baking Chips Pretzels, any kind of pretzels Melt white chocolate.

Dip pretzels in melted white chocolate chips.

Suggestion: sprinkle colored sugar over top while chocolate is drying.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Valentine’s Hearts Anne Henderson 1 cup creamy peanut butter, room temperature 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/4 tsp. salt 2 cups powdered sugar 10 -12 oz. chocolate chopped in small pieces or use good quality candy coating Line 8 x 8 inch dish with parchment paper, letting the paper overhang the sides so you can easily lift it later and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, stir together peanut butter, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt until sugar dissolves.

Next, gradually mix in powdered sugar.

Press the mixture into the prepared dish.

Smooth the top with a spatula.

Place it in the freezer until firm enough for cutting.

When mixture is firm enough, line a tray with

A9 January 16, 2019 parchment paper and set aside.

Using a small cutter in the shape of a heart, cut out the hearts and place them on the tray.

Pick up leftovers, kneed, press and make a few more hearts.

Place in the freezer until firm.

Melt chocolate and line another tray with parchment paper.

Using a fork, dip each heart into melted chocolate to cover completely. Take a few hearts from the freezer at a time. Place chocolate covered hearts on the parchment paper lined tray. Refrigerate until chocolate has set.

Store in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage. Makes about 25-30 small hearts.

Buckeye Bites Mandi Edwards Makes about 70 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter (I used JIF) 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 1 tsp. vanilla extract 3 cups powdered sugar 1 bag square pretzels 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 Tbsp. coconut oil Line a large baking pan with parchment paper. Place about 60 square pretzels in an even layer on top. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat peanut butter and butter on medium speed until creamy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla and beat until incorporated, about 1 minute. Slowly add powdered sugar one cup at a time until it’s incorporated. Peanut butter mixture should be thick and slightly wet but not sticky.

Use a large rounded tsp. to roll peanut butter mixture into balls. Place one ball of peanut butter on top of each pretzel prepared on baking sheet.

Once all balls are rolled, place another pretzel on top and gently press down to sandwich the peanut butter, being careful not to break the pretzels.

Once all sandwiches are made, combine chocolate chips and oil in a large tall measuring cup and heat in microwave on high in 30 second increments until chocolate is melted.

One at a time, dip half of each peanut butter pretzel sandwich into chocolate and place back on the parchment paper.

Repeat until all sandwiches are dipped.

Place in the freezer for 15 minutes, or until chocolate is frozen.

Store in an air tight container in a cool place for up to 5 days or in the freezer for a month.

Perfect Easy Microwave fudge Dee Coulter 3 Tbsp. butter 3 cups sugar 1 can 5.5 oz. evapo-

rated milk 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips 7 oz. jar marshmallow fluff 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 tsp. vanilla extract Lightly grease 13 x 9 or 9 x 9-inch pan which has been lined with foil. Set aside.

Microwave butter, sugar and milk in a large 4 quart deep dish on high 3 minutes or until mixture begins to boil, stirring after 3 minutes. Mix well; scrape bowl. Microwave on high 3 minutes, stirring after 3 minutes. Microwave on high 3 minutes, stirring after 3 minutes.

Microwave on high 2 minutes more. Take out immediately.

Gradually stir in chips until melted. Add marshmallow fluff, nuts and vanilla; mix well.

Pour into prepared pan.

Cool in refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.

Take out of refrigerator. Let it stand for 30 minutes at room temperature; cut into squares.

Dark Chocolate Nut Butter No-Bake Cookies Kay Spriggs 1 stick butter 1/4 cup dark or regular cocoa powder 1 cup dark chocolate chips 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup creamy peanut butter, almond butter or your favorite nut butter 3 cups quick-cooking oats 1 cup white chocolate chips Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add cocoa power and dark chocolate chips, stirring until chocolate is melted and fully combine.

Stir in sugar and vanilla. Allow to boil for 1 minute and 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Stir in nut butter.

Then incorporate oats into the chocolate mixture until fully combined.

Scoop chocolate-oat mixture by the spoonful onto the parchmentlined cookie sheet.

Flatten cookies out slightly and let cool completely, about 1 hour. If you like, transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator to help the cookies set more quickly.

Meanwhile, melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe glass bowl in microwave at 30- second intervals. Stir between each interval until chocolate is fully melted. Drizzle the white chocolate over the cookies; allow to set.

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

See Recipes, page A10

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A10 January 16, 2019

Recipes,

from A9 Gooey Turtle Bars Pat May 2 cups graham cracker crumbs or vanilla wafer crumbs 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted 1 (12 oz.) pkg. semisweet chocolate morsels 1 cup pecan pieces 1 (12 oz.) jar caramel topping Combine crumbs and butter in an ungreased 13 x 9 inch pan, stir and press firmly in bottom of pan. Sprinkle with chocolate morsels and pecans. Remove lid from caramel topping; microwave at high 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until hot, stirring after 30 seconds.

Drizzle over pecans.

Bake at 350 for 15

minutes or until morsels melt.

Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Chill at least 30 minutes; cut into bars.

Mocha Walnut Fudge Rebecca Sanderson 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup evaporated milk 2 Tbsp. light corn syrup 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. instant coffee granules 1 cup chopped walnuts In a heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, milk and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil and sugar is dissolved; boil for 2 minutes.

Remove from the

heat; stir in chocolate chips, vanilla and coffee granules with a wooden spoon.

Continue stirring until mixture is smooth and thick, about 5 minutes. Stir in walnuts.

Shape into two 9-in. logs; wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.

Unwrap and cut into slices.

Simply Sensational Truffles Kay Spriggs 2 1/2 pkg. (20 squares) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened Crushed nuts, sprinkles, powdered sugar, cocoa for decorating Melt 8 chocolate squares. Beat cream cheese with mixture until creamy; stir in

melted chocolate. Refrigerate until firm.

Shape into 36 balls.

Place on wax papercovered tray. Melt remaining chocolate.

Use fork to dip truffles; return to tray. Decorate with crushed nuts, sprinkles, powdered sugar, cocoa powder.

Refrigerate 1 hour.

Refrigerate leftovers.

Making Chocolate Mice Dee Coulter and Carolyn Moore It is hard to judge how many packages/ trays/bags/bottles of each to buy because cookies and slices break, and some cherries will not have stems.

Double stuffed Oreo cookies Hershey Kisses Almond slices Trays of chocolate bark for making candy

Bottles of cherries with stems Small white icing tubes Take a double stuff Oreo cookie and twist to separate two halves so one half has filling and the other half is just cookie. Put the plain cookie off to the side as you will not use these.

Complete several bags of cookies.

Take Hershey Kisses and unwrap.

Take a bag of almond slices and pair up for mouse ears.

Drain jars of cherries with stems and blot dry.

Melt a tray of cooking chocolate in microwave following directions on package.

Spread wax paper on table and spread cookie iced halves on wax paper.

When chocolate is melted, dip cherries

and lay sideways on cookie halves. Immediately put flat side of kiss on non-stem side of cherry laying on cookie.

This is the mouse head.

Dip partially the almond halves in chocolate and place on each side of the kiss head. These are the mouse ears.

You will see how many mice you can do in each step before the chocolate hardened. It depends on how fast you are in each step.

Everyone is different.

The point is not to let the chocolate harden before every step is done.

If the chocolate hardens before you use it all, you can add a little Crisco and reheat slightly.

When you have your mice finished you will take a small tube of white icing bought from the store and make two small dots on each side of the kiss towards the center below the ears.

You’re Invited!

8 0

9 0

The J.W. DarDen FounDaTion, inc. requesTs The pleasure oF your company aT The

Seventh Annual Black Tie Legacy Gala saTurDay, February 2, 2019

honoring

Dr. J. Dell Crosby For additional information contact Peggy Hansen at 334-663-1833 or Jeanette Peters at 334-745-6578/jeanettepeters@bellsouth.net Tickets are $100 per person. Sponsorships are: Gold - $3,000, Silver - $2,000 and Bronze - $1,000.

pelika O Observer

GSEA to hold quarterly meeting Jan. 19 Special to the Opelika Observer The public is invited to attend the Genealogical Society of East Alabama’s quarterly meeting Jan. 19 from 11 a.m. - noon at the Museum of East Alabama in downtown Opelika.

Featuring guest speakers Dr. Robert Bubb and Jade Kinney, the focus of their presentation will be “Creating a Legacy of Justice at County Line Cemetery: A Call to Preserve and Memorialize African American Burial Grounds.”

Southern African American burial grounds are often forgotten, neglected, vandalized and abandoned; yet remain sacred spaces that embody social injustice.

The group Research to Preserve African American Stories and Traditions (rPAAST) at Auburn University work for the community to identify, repair, preserve and memori-

alize African American burial grounds.

These grounds contain the stories of a determined and resilient people despite enslavement, segregation, convict leasing and discrimination. By telling the stories of these sacred grounds and the people interred therein, these sites can become places of reflection and a source of inspiration for those in the community.

Following is a brief background on the speakers: - Bubb is a lecturer in the Human Development and Family Studies Department at Auburn University.

- Kinney is a doctoral candidate in counseling psychology from Auburn University.

Attendance for the program is free. For more information, call GSEA member Bert Harris at 334-8879760. The museum is located at 121 S. 9th St. in Opelika.

Special to the Opelika Observer The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) is pleased to announce that Stephanie Martin Pollard of the law firm Beverlye, Brady and Associates has successfully achieved board certification as a family trial advocate.

The NBTA was formed out of a strong conviction that both the law profession and its clients would benefit from an organization designed specifically to create an objective set of standards illustrating an attorney's experience and expertise in the practice of trial law.

Pollard joins a growing number of trial attorneys that have illustrated their commitment to bettering the legal profession by successfully completing a rigorous application process and providing the consumer of legal services with an objective measure

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

January 16, 2019

Local attorney receives certification to become family trial advocate

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

334-528-6191

A11

by which to choose qualified and experienced legal counsel.

The elaborate screening of credentials that all NBTA board certified attorneys must successfully complete includes: demonstration of substantial trial experience, submission of judicial and peer references to attest to their competency, attendance of continuing legal education courses, submission of legal writing documents, proof of good standing and passing of an examination.

Board certification is the highest, most stringent, and most reliable honor an attorney can achieve.

These are the only distinctions awarded by nonprofit organizations.

The NBTA as well as all board certifying organizations are committed to safeguarding the public’s ability to choose a reputable attorney.

Pollard earned her undergraduate de-

gree in psychology and minor in political science from Auburn University and is a graduate of Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham.

Licensed to practice in Alabama, Pollard has been involved in a substantial number of actions and trials in her over thirteen years of experience.

She is a member of the Alabama State Bar Family Law

Section and Volunteer Lawyers Program and the Lee County Bar Association.

Approximately three percent of American lawyers are board certified, and Pollard is a member of a select group who has taken the time to prove competence in their specialty area and earn board certification.

For more information, visit: www. nbtalawyers.org.

pelika O Observer

A12 January 16, 2019

Library,

from A1 and circumstances in which Martin Luther King Jr. wrote the famous “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” a note supporting the use of “nonviolent resistance” to racism. This letter would become a cornerstone document of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Feb. 26 - “Thank You, Mr. Rosenwald” - Julius Rosenwald, best known as a part owner and operator of Sears, Robuck and

Company, was also a famous philanthropist.

Through his friendship with Tuskegee University president Booker T. Washington, Rosenwald was made aware of the dire lack of education among African Americans both in Alabama and the South, and donated some of his fortune to fund school construction. According to biographers, he donated more than “$70 million to public schools, colleges, museums, Jewish charities and African-American institutions.”

March 12 - “Ala-

bama’s Own Nat King Cole” - A Montgomery native, Nathaniel Adams Cole, better known as “Nat King Cole” to fans, became a music icon for three decades as a jazz pianist and vocalist. He broke many racial barriers, and had a successful run as a television host of “The Nat King Cole Show,” which aired 42 episodes in 1956 and 1957.

March 26 - “Battle of Mobile Bay” - This discussion will focus on the infamous Civil War battle in which Union Rear Admiral

David G. Farragut uttered the phrase “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” Facing a smaller, weaker Confederate navy, Farragut’s fleet emerged victorious. This victory, along with the “capture of Atlanta,” helped further the Union’s advancement into the South and guarantee Abraham Lincoln re-election.

For more information about the program and other bicentennial programs across the state, visit www. alabama200.org.

The library is located at 200 S. 6th St.

Gala,

from A7 resources. Events like the gala help sustain those efforts, scholarship provision and the necessary funding for the upkeep of Darden’s historical home at 1323 Auburn St. Following is a list of past gala honorees: 2013 - Dr. Wendell Gaillard and the late Dr. William Lazenby 2014 - Mrs. Lillie Hall, BSN, RN and Dr. James P. Himmelwright 2015 - the late Dr.

Howard Kennedy and Dr. Robert C. Patton 2016 - Dr. William Stephen Russell 2017 - Dr. William Garrett 2018 - Dr. Michael Williams.

Sponsorships are also available for this event: • Gold - $3,000 • Silver - $2,000 • Bronze - $1,000 Tickets cost $100 per person and can be purchased by calling Hansen at 334-663-1833 or Peters at 334-745-6578 and email at jeanettepeters@bellsouth.net.

The venue is located at 3700 Robert Trent Jones Trail in Opelika.

Opelika's Goodwill Career Center to host job fair Jan. 23 Special to the Opelika Observer

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc. is hosting a multi-employ-

er job fair at Opelika’s Goodwill Career Center Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. -

12:30 p.m.

Seventeen top employers from a variety of

industries will be in attendance, including Achievement Center-Easterseals, the Alabama Department of Corrections, City of Auburn; East Alabama Medical Center; Grifols, Primerica and more.

According to a company release, the purpose of the event is to “help 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 the year to help people in East Alabama and West Georgia find work. More than 200 positions will be available at the fair.

Free and open to the public, attendees are asked to come ready to interview with copies of their resumes.

For more information, call 334-275-4815. The venue is located at 3740 Pepperell Parkway.

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JANUARY 23, 2018 • 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Goodwill Career Center

3740 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, AL (334) 275-4815

INCLUDING MORE GREAT EMPLOYERS

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

OPELIKA BASKETBALL SCHEDULE (Boys and Girls) Jan. 17 @ Lafayette Jan. 22 @ Benjamin Russell Jan. 25 @ Russell County Jan. 29 v. Pelham Jan. 31 v. Auburn

Beulah Junior High girls basketball wins Lee County Tournament last week

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Lady Bulldogs race to 17-5 start, boys improve to 10-8

T

he Opelika Lady Bulldogs basketball team has raced to an impressive 17-5 record after 22 games.

Coach Devin Booth, like boys coach John Wadsworth, made a very difficult schedule.

The girls played in three tournaments, including ‘‘The Hazel Green Tip-Off Classic” featuring four of the final eight teams from 2018’s state tournament. The teams in these tournaments are possible matchups in the 6A playoffs and will make noise in 7A. The Lady Bulldogs won two area games last week, 63-42 over Benjamin Russell and 65-22 over Russell County.

Kaitlyn Bryant scored a game-high 20 points, leading Opelika to an easy 65-22 win over area foe Russell County at the Sports Arena. Quala Walton and Claire Worth added 11 points apiece in the win.

Two days later, Opelika won 63-42 over Benjamin Russell at home.

Bryant led the team with 15 points, followed by Ananda Hughley’s 13 points, with Walton and Worth adding 12 and 11 points, respectively.

The Opelika boys improved to 10-8 after

beating Benjamin Russell, 79-65 at the OHS Sports Arena. Senior Trey Boone, who finished with 25 points, continued to lead the Bulldogs on defense and offense.

Three other Bulldogs scored double digits, Jared Willis scored 13 points, Taye Fields 13 points and Grady Bynum added 12 points.

Opelika and Russell County were scheduled to play an area game Jan. 8 at Opelika. Russell County Athletic Director DeMunn McCoy phoned Opelika administration to inform the game is a forfeit. McCoy explained that the boys basketball team could not play any games after an altercation in the prior game against Booker T. Washington.

The incident involved multiple players on the Russell County’s basketball team.

Opelika learned last Thursday that Russell County was cleared to play. The makeup game, held last night, was not complete at press time.

Two games that fans would enjoy would be Opelika’s contests v.

Pelham and Auburn Jan. 29 and Jan. 31. The junior varsity will start the acSee Sports, page B2

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Beulah Junior High’s girls basketball team won the Lee County Tournament last week.

Brandy Phillips led all Bobcat scorers with 29 points,

Savanna Clement and Kahmya Bufford contributed seven, Abrianna Green notched four and Auburn Trummel finished with two points.

Following are the results from their two tournament games:

1st round: Beulah 29, Loachapoka 23 Championship game: Beulah 20, Smith Station 10.

The team is pictured above: Brandy Phillips and Savanna Clements kneeling: Sarenity Riley, Savanna Cle-

ments, Kahmya Bufford, Brandy Phillips standing: Tymesha Miles, Kayla Meadows, Abrianna Green, Elizibeth Hancock, Hayley Drummond, Aubryn Trummell, KylieTraylor and Coach Sharon Stewart.

Tips to keep your child healthy during winter months

By Beth Pinyerd For the Opelika Observer “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise!”

This is true in not only making all A’s on the academic report card, but also on keeping a “good health” report card.

One of the first instructions we children received when I was growing up in the 50s and 60s after getting home from school was to go wash my hands, bathe and brush my teeth to ward off germs that may be easily passed around at school.

Children today usually don’t go home right after school but parents can follow these tips to help children stay healthy during the winter. These simple suggestions have been shared from health specialists to teachers and parents.

Handwashing is so important in reducing the passage of germs.

Use lukewarm water and soap to wash hands and fingernails for at least 20 seconds, then rinse hands and dry them thoroughly.

Remind your child to wash their hands after going to the bathroom or right before meals.

Make sure the nutritional needs of your child

are met. Eating healthy meals helps your child to better fight colds. Eating vegetables, fruits, and a well-balanced meal can be modeled by parents and adults by eating the right foods in front of your children.

Make sure children get adequate rest. Rest is such good medicine for young, growing bodies.

Make it a point to have your child on a routine bedtime each night and to take a “cat nap” or small rest when they get home from school to renew themselves to play as well as do homework.

Encourage your child to play outside and get plenty of fresh air. Make

sure it is a reasonable temperature as you bundle up your children to play outside when temperatures are cold.

Young children love free pay. Being able to run, skip, and explore encourages not only muscle development but language development and good social interaction.

When your child is sick, help them get well.

Schools and childcare centers have policies on when your child can return to school after they have been sick.

Follow these policies closely so other students and teaching staff don’t get sick.

pelika O Observer

B2 January 16, 2019

Opelika wrestlers perform well at 'Julian McPhillips Invitational' Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika High School wrestling team took part in the 20th Annual Julian McPhilips Invitational at St. James earlier this month.

The Wrestling Bulldogs had nine participants, with six coming out with hardware for their trophy case. James Dawson finished as the heavyweight champion, Bevin Williams was the 220-pound champion, Cameron

Sports,

from B1 tion against Pelham at 4 p.m. Against Auburn, the junior varsity boys tip at 4:30 p.m., varsity girls at 6 p.m. followed by the boys at 7:30pm.

All games are played in the Sports Arena at OHS. Wrestling Opelika hosted Beauregard, Charles Henderson and Reeltown last week in the Mainstreet Gym.

Opelika girls dominate Russell County

Reese was second in the 220-pound division, Trint Vaughns was fourth in the 195-pound division, Tim Tolbert is fourth place in the 182-pound division , and Zeak Jones finished fourth in the is the 152-pound division.

That group's strong team performance helped propel them to a 6th-place finish in a field of 23 teams.

The Bulldogs' next wrestling contest will be on the road against Harris County and Lagrange.

The Bulldog grapplers defeated Charles Henderson and Reeltown but lost to Beauregard.

The following are the “Top Performers “ for the three dual matches.

Four wrestlers were undefeated: James Dawson 3 wins, Trint Vaughns 3 wins, Zeak Jones 3 win and Jackson Shoemaker 3 wins.

Bevin Williams and Cole Lazzari finished 2-1. Ben Daughtry and Cameron Reese won one match each.

Opelika wrestling

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika High School Lady Bulldogs defeated Russell County 65-22 last Tuesday. As of press time, they were 17-5 overall for the season. coach Jim Davis invites all fans to the “Bulldog Brawl” Wrestling Tournament Jan. 21 at the OMS gym, which will feature teams from across the state.

OPELIKA DIXIE YOUTH BASEBALL Opelika Dixie Youth will be announcing registration dates in the coming days. The league offers competitive baseball for children ages 7-12. Anyone interested is urged to go online at opelikadixieyouth.com.

League president Ben

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

Bugg said the online registration forms would be available prior to the end of January. The league requires a registration fee to help pay the expenses of running the league such as uniforms, equipment and umpires.

OPELIKA DIXIE BOYS The Opelika Dixie Boys Baseball League for ages 13-15 will register in April at the Opelika Sportsplex. The league forms after the middle school and junior varsity baseball teams have com-

pleted their season.

WEST RIDGE PARK West Ridge Park is the home of Opelika Dixie Youth, Opelika Dixie Boys, Opelika Softball, Opelika Middle and Opelika High schools softball teams and the Billy Hitchcock Miracle League. The city uses ESG to maintain the park.

ESG has employees stationed at the park year round. The crew maintains each baseball field and the entire complex including the park’s sur-

rounding area. This staff keep the grass cut and trimmed, pick up litter and make sure all the facilities are shining. The citizens of Opelika are blessed to have a mayor that thinks recreation is important.

West Ridge is one of many examples where city leaders show support for the youth.

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

— SMALL CHANGE —

BIG

DIFFERENCE Follow these tips to lower your power bill.

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

Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic products and services.

Program your thermostat to 68° or lower.

Set ceiling fans to run clockwise in winter.

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

ICK RD.

FREDER

Tiger Town

For more ways to save by making your home more energy efficient, visit AlabamaPower.com/tips.

Lowe’s

R.

D AY TEW GA

Kroger

Our New Location

Visit us here: www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

I-85

1851 Frederick Road Opelika

Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

© 2019 Alabama Power Company

Raise your blinds to let the sun help heat your home.

pelika O Observer

B3 January 16, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• Jan 22 - Women’s Business Council • Jan. 24 Business Over Breakfast Education Edition – with Dr. Mark Neighbors 7:30 a.m. at the Saugahatchee Country Club Presenting Sponsor: Glynn Smith Chevrolet – Buick – GMC Gold Sponsors: Baxter International• S & S Termite & Pest Control• MAX• Huntingdon College • Opelika Power Services• Opelika-Auburn News • Jan. 29 Business After Hours Pre-Performance Series Reception 5 – 6:45 p.m.

Sponsored by: Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau

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

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee.

The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided.

Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256307-1449.

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

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

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

• The fourth Monday of

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

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

For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Teamorganizes 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 7-8 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 6:30-6:45 p.m.

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

The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan

to join in. The jam session is held from 6–8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51.

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

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

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

• East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m.

Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika.

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10-11 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 - 8 p.m.

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

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

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri.paradice@gmail. com for more information or luncheon location of the month.

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

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334528-1076 for more information.

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

OLLI at Auburn University Auburn-Opelika Mothers of Winter Term 2019 classes to Preschoolers' group to host meeting at Trinity United begin Jan. 28 Special to the Opelika Observer The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will begin the Winter Term 2019 Jan. 28.

Winter Term 2019 Catalogs will be available across the Auburn/Opelika area this week.

Course registration for the Winter Term began on Monday and will close on Jan. 24.

OLLI at Auburn offers academic not for credit programs for adults aged

50 years or older through program sites at Auburn University, AUM in Montgomery and theChambers County Public Library in Valley. Membership includes several benefits such as participation in social engagements, our lecture series, day trips, and other programming initiatives.

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the office of the vice president for university outreach at Auburn University. The adminis-

trative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property located at 1031 S. College S in Auburn.

For more information regarding this event or if one would like to assist the organization as a volunteer faculty member, volunteer service assistant, or sponsor contact Ileeia A. Cobb, OLLI Director, by phone at 334844-3105, email at olli@auburn.edu or by visiting www. olliatauburn.org.

Methodist Jan. 17

By Beth Pinyerd For the Opelika Observer

The next meeting of the Auburn-Opelika chapter of the Mothers of Preschoolers will be held Jan. 17 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Opelika’s Trinity United Methodist Church.

The theme for the next meeting is “MEETup Depression and Anxiety Awareness.” Odona Whiddon will be the keynote speaker, speaking on how mothers can be used as tools to be selfaware and being a

help to those that may be struggling. Breakfast and coffee will be served.

Founded in 1973, MOPS International is a Christian organization focused on women and mothers. They help meet the needs of every mom of a child from conception through kindergarten with local groups of mothers.

The local group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at TUMC. There are scheduled activities throughout the year that range from playdates to

mothers’ nights out.

The next big event for the group will be their “Valentine Expo” featuring vendors, bake sale, lunch items as well as an appearance from beloved Auburn University mascot Aubie from Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in TUMC’s Fellowship Hall.

For more information or to sign up for childcare, contact the “Auburn/Opelika MOPS” Facebook page or call 706-2445620. The church is located at 800 2nd Ave.

pelika O Observer

B4 January 16, 2019

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Lena Johnson, Deceased, Case Number: 2018-C-033 NOTICE TO CREDITORS BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Christine Washington as Administrator of the Estate of Lena Johnson deceased, on the 13th day of December 2018 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

By: Chustine Washington Christine Washington Personal Representative of the Estate of Lena Johnson Legal Run 1/02/2019, 1/09/2019, & 1/16/2019

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO.2018-C-115 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF SUSAN BOOTHE KELLY, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of the Estate of Susan Boothe Kelly, deceased having been granted to Mark Earnest Kelly this 21st day of December, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Mark Earnest Kelly, Administrator Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-7452564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030 Legal Run 01/02/19, 01/09/19, 01/16/19

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2019-A-1 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF WENDELL S. KENNEDY, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Wendell S. Kennedy, deceased, having been granted to Rhonda Dianne Kennedy Jay and Wade P. Kennedy, this 3rd day of January, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Rhonda Dianne Kennedy Jay and Wade P. Kennedy, Personal Representatives Jeffery A. Hilyer

Speakeasy,

from A1

in and see the amazing work that the craftsmen did here.”

Since opening The Depot in September 2015, Poirier said he had an interest in opening a business in Opelika, but was unsure of what exactly it would be.

Originally invested in launching a third business in the Midtown Auburn development on Opelika Road, he said delays prompted him to call personal friend and Opelika

334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030.

Legal Run 01/09/19, 01/16/19, & 01/23/19

FOR LEGAL PUBLICATION Case No. 2018-C-106 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The State of Alabama, Lee County Probate Court Estate of Robert Hughes Mount, Deceased Letters of Administration having been granted to the undersigned on the 11th day of December, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

C. Burton Dunn Personal Representative Legal Run 01/09/19, 01/16/19 & 01/23/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RALPH HADEN POWELL, Deceased. CASE NO. 2018-A-070 NOTICE OF HEARING TO APPROVE FINAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that a hearing on a Petition for Hearing for Final Settlement of the Estate of Ralph Haden Powell has been set for the 7th day of February, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. central tme in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this settlement of this Estate, you must appear on the date of the hearing sas set above. Bill English, Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama.

Legal run 01/09/19, 01/16/19, & 01/23/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: THELMA L. ROBINSON, An incapacitated person.

Case No.: 2013-B-20 NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that Benjamin H. Parr, Conservator of Thelma L. Robinson, an incapacitated person, has filed in the Pro-

bate Court of Lee County, Alabama, his accounts, vouchers and statements for a Final Settlement of the Conservatorship of Thelma L. Robinson.

A hearing has been set for the 5th day of February, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., Central Time, in the Court Room of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Done this the 9th day of January, 2019.

Bill English, Judge of Probate Legal Run 01/16/19, 01/23/19, & 01/30/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; IN THE MATTER OF THELMA ROBINSON, Deceased; Case No.: 2019-A-008; NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Benjamin H. Parr on the 8th day of January, 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. /s/ Benjamin H. Parr OF COUNSEL Legal Run 01/16/19, 01/23/19, & 01/30/19

ORDINANCE NO. 002-19 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/ or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcels of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcels from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a I-1, GC-P District (Institutional, Gateway Corridor-Primary Overlay District) to a C-2, GC-P District (Office/Retail, Gateway Corridor-Primary Overlay District), the parcels of land

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38.68 feet left and opposite Station 12+52.09 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence running N 00°14’28” E a distance of 75.14 feet, which is the True Point of Beginning.

Parcel 2 All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Northwest Corner of Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama; thence running 89°20’22” E a distance of 50.00 feet to a point; thence S 00°20’45” W a distance of 651.52 feet to a point; thence running S 89°40’07” E a distance of 704.02 feet to a point; more or less, said point being 39.47 feet left and opposite Station 22+26.07 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama Project, which is the True Point of Beginning.

Thence running S 89°40’07” E a distance of 17.34 feet to a point 25.00 feet left and opposite Station 22+35.63 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence running S 33°46’56” W a distance of 31.50 feet to a point 25.00 feet left and opposite Station 22+04.13 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence running N 00°23’09” E a distance of 26.28 feet to a point, which is the True Point of Beginning; Together with and subject to covenants, easements and restrictions of record. Said tract or parcel having an area of 227.94 Square Feet, (0.005 Acres), as shown on a map prepared

by Mulkey Engineers and Consultants, dated September 30, 2011.

Parcel 3 From the NW Corner of Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, go thence South 89 degrees 20’ 22” East 50.0 feet; thence South 00 degrees 20’ 45” West 651.52 feet to the point of beginning of the property here intended to be described and conveyed; thence South 89 degrees 39’ 15” East 726.0 feet for a point; thence South 00 degrees 20’ 45” West 300.0 feet; thence North 89 degrees 39’ 15” West 726.0 feet; thence North 00 degrees 20’ 45” East 300 feet to the Point of Beginning containing 5.0 acres,

more or less, LESS AND EXCEPT, part of the NW ¼ of NW ¼ Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, and being more fully described as follows: Commence at the northwest corner of said NW ¼ of NW ¼; thence east long the north line of said ¼ - ¼, a distance of 50 feet, more or less, to the present east right-ofway line of Hamilton Road; thence Southerly along said east right-of-way line a distance of 652 feet, more or less, to a point on the north property line that is easterly of and at right angles to the centerline of project number MAAAF-77(12) and the point of beginning of the property herein to be conveyed; thence easterly along said north property line a distance of 25 feet, more or less, to a point that is 60 feet easterly of, and at right angles to, said centerline; thence southeasterly a distance of 301 feet, more or less, to a point of the south property line that is 80 feet easterly of and at right angles to said centerline; thence westerly a distance of 45 feet, more or less, to the present east right-of-way line of Hamilton Road; thence North along said east right-of-way line a distance of 300 feet, more or less to the point of beginning containing 0.2237 acres, more or less.

The above-described property contains approximately 5.0 acres and is located at 2015 Gateway Drive, Opelika, Alabama.

Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 15 th day of January, 2019. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 16th day of January, 2019. /s/ R. G, Shuman CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 16th day of January, 2019. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal Run 1/16/2019

SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 5, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the text of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika by amending Section 7.3, USES”, so that the use category of Body Art (Tattoo & Piercing) as shown in the matrix table shall be revised by changing the use in the C-2 zoning district from Not Allowed (N) to Conditional Use (C), as follows: Uses: Districts

Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on January 9, 2019 in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Section 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975).

THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 16 th day of January, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal 01/16/2019

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ton who was heading the Free Phone Consultation entertainment hub project within the Steward historic cotton Jason warehouse district at 1st Enterprises Avenue.

205-267-5735 www.JasonStewardEnterprises.com “These old buildings are really cool and full of character. The Hound and The Depot both are in historic, old buildings which is really a draw for me,” Poirier said. “I’m really excited to see this side of the tracks start to develop, with John Emerald (Distillery) and Red Clay Brewery really serving as the trail blazers … also, seeing Richard’s vision and sacrifices to this area come to fruition has been cool to watch.

hereinafter described: Parcel 1 Commence at the Northwest Corner of Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama; thence running S 89°20’22” E a distance of 50.00 feet to a point; thence S 00°20’45” W a distance of 651.52 feet to a point; thence running S 03°30’02” E a distance of 301.68 feet to a point, more or less, said point being 113.79 feet left and opposite Station 12+54.29 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama Project, which is the True Point of Beginning; Thence running S 89°43’56” E a distance of 609.04 feet to a point 29.13 feet left and opposite Station 19+03.66 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence along a curve to the right a distance of 67.15 feet, said curve having a radius of 85.00 feet, being subtended by a chord bearing of S 67°39’20” W a chord distance of 65.42 feet to a point 25.00 feet left and opposite Station 18+14.56 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence running N 89°42’39” W a distance of 300.76 feet to a point 25.82 feet left and opposite Station 15+16.71 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence along a curve to the left a distance of 90.22 feet, said curve having a radius of 150.00 feet, being subtended by a chord bearing of S 73°03’28” W a chord distance of 88.87 feet to a point 37.50 feet left and opposite Station 14+42.02 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence running S 55°49’35” W a distance of 18.87 feet to a point 37.50 feet left and opposite Station 14+23.15 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence along a curve to the right a distance of 35.71 feet, said curve having a radius of 62.50 feet, being subtended by a chord bearing of S 72°11’43” W a chord distance of 35.23 feet left and opposite Station 13+66.01 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence running S 88°33’51” W a distance of 104.51 feet to a point 37.50 feet left and opposite Station 12+61.50 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence along a curve to the right a distance of 9.51 feet, said curve having a radius of 38.00 feet, being subtended by a chord bearing of N 84°15’57” W a chord distance of 9.49 feet to a point

that progress.”

The speakeasy’s primary focus is its craft cocktail menu, which presently consists of five offerings and an expected 20 by spring. Each syrup or tincture used in their drinks is homemade and comes from tried-andtrue recipes.

They also have eight beers on tap, as well as bottled and can varieties, which will feature a seasonal rotation of beer from Red Clay and the soon-to-be-opened Resting Pulse breweries.

Spirits from John Emerald Distillery will also be available.

A unique feature of Sneak and Dawdle include its first-come firstserve “snug,” Irish slang for a private, partitioned space used historically for meetings between public figures or individuals desiring to not be seen drinking or frequenting such an establishment.

The business’s main icon, a bear, serves as its unofficial mascot and a key to understanding the meaning of its name.

“At The Hound, there are antlers used, and The Depot has the mermaid.

When talking with our designers, we discussed the idea of finding an image or element that tied

into the business … and what better choice than a bear, the state animal of Alabama,” Poirier said.

“With the name Sneak and Dawdle, I think about a bear sneaking in to your campsite, lingers as long as it wants to, and it kind of dawdles. I thought it was kind of funny and appropriate.”

Relying on word-ofmouth advertising, Poirier said they had higher than expected numbers of visitors come to their New Year’s Eve grand opening festivities. Through its quality, ever-developing menu and calm atmosphere, he said he hopes to bring those guests and

others back time and time again.

“I just hope for (people) to view this as a comfortable lounge and be a place for our customers to come have a drink and linger, unwind from a long day,” Poirier said.

Sneak and Dawdle’s current hours of operation are 5 p.m. - midnight on Wednesdays and Thursdays and 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturdays.

For more information, like and follow their Facebook or Instagram pages. The business is located at 717 1st Ave. Suite B, between 10,000 Hz Records and Griff Goods.

pelika O Observer

B5 January 16, 2019

Bundle up for wintertime learning

Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer

A

fter the busyness of seasonal activities, it is so good to settle down into winter learning. I love the way early childhood teachers create a “Winter Wonderland” of learning in their classrooms.

Emphasis being made that “no two snowflakes are alike” is applied in realizing that no two children are alike. Each child is unique in their own way!

Teachers do a wonderful job of integrating winter into their reading, language arts, math and science lessons.

The purpose of this article is to pass on to parents, grandparents

and caregivers ideas that your young children will truly enjoy.

Let’s take a wintertime field trip. Nature’s handiwork can still be observed during its dormant state as well.

You can divide your outdoor adventure into four mini field trips.

Grab your coat, a pencil and paper to record your findings.

A listening field trip is done simply by walking quietly and listening for : The wind blowing through trees Birds chirping Squirrels scurrying Leaves rustling as well as crunching under foot Ice breaking Rain falling

Sleet falling A seeing field trip is a lot of fun as you can make several observations: Shapes of clouds against the majestic blue sky Colors of nature during the winter Angles the sun is peeping through Counting the varieties of animals and birds Count the many bright stars in the winter sky as well as looking at how the moon changes shape Comparing what trees retain their leaves and which ones don’t Observing buds that have not yet opened Your feeling field trip of course with safety in mind can include feeling: Moss on a tree or rock Snow, ice Rocks Soft sand or soil

Rough tree bark Smooth stones Sun shining on your face Wind blowing on your face Prickly pine needles, pine cones, and leaves Your smelling field trip includes: Fire burning in a fireplace Pine trees Cedar trees or wood Mulch The different smells that the wind blows in.

Throwing pieces of bread out to the birds can create a bird sanctuary in your yard. Hours of looking, observing, and comparing is a science lesson that could last for several hours.

One of my favorite bird feeders is a pine cone feeder. Gently pick up a pine cone, put small spoonfuls of peanut butter in between the small cone leaves and sprinkle

Photo special to the Opelika Observer bird seeds in the peanut butter. This makes a bird feeder that your child will enjoy all winter. Just hang the pine cone birdfeeder by a piece of yarn or string and observe the birds flying in over time.

• Sales & Service/Pick-up & Delivery • Authorized E-Z-GO Dealer • Accessories Available • We Service And Repair All Makes of Golf Carts

Top off your field trip and outside fun with a tasting party of your child’s favorite snacks.

Again, enjoy this special time with your child and it doesn’t have to cost you anything!

• Rentals- Daily, Weekly, & Monthly • Rear Seat Kits, Utility Beds, Lift Kits, Tires & Wheels, Trojan Batteries • Gas & Electric Carts

618 Lee Rd. 113 • Opelika Jim Hadaway, owner

www.funcarts.net

334-745-0660

pelika O Observer

B6 January 16, 2019

Opelika High School wrestling Scholarship application deadlines coming Jan. 31 goes 2-1 last week for Alfa Foundation, AFAF Special to the Opelika Observer

Scholarship Program will award 100 scholarships worth $1,000 to students studying at an Alabama college, university or technical school. Applicants must be Alabama Farmers Federation members. Visit AlfaInsurance.com for a link to the application.

Through the AFAF Scholarship Program, one student per county may be awarded a $1,750 scholarship.

To apply, the student must be seeking an agriculture- or forest-

High school seniors and college students should act quickly to apply for thousands of dollars in scholarship money through two programs. Jan. 31 is the deadline to apply for both the Alfa Foundation Scholarship Program and the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) Program.

In its sixth year, the Alfa Foundation

Date Nov. 8 Nov. 9-10 Nov. 12 Nov. 15 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 11 Dec. 12 Dec. 14 Dec. 17-19 Dec 20-22 Dec. 21 Dec. 28-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 17 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Jan. 31 Feb. 1 Feb. 4, 6 or 8 Feb. 5 ,7,or 9 Feb. 11 Feb. 12 Feb. 13-21 Feb. 25 – Mar 2

ry-related degree from Auburn University or Alabama A&M University.

Visit AlfaFarmers. org and click on the scholarship banner for details about the AFAF Scholarship Program. Applicants must have a Federation membership or be a dependent of a Federation member. Auburn students should also apply for the scholarship through AUSOM (Auburn University Scholarship Opportunity Manager).

While a recent report shows a small percentage of students consider studying agriculture or forestry, those jobs are in high demand. More than 20,000 agriculturerelated jobs go unfilled each year, according to a recent job report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For details on career opportunities in agriculture, go to AlfaYoungFarmers.org and click on “Ag Careers Booklet” on the right sidebar.

Varsity Schedule

Opponent Prattville High School Hazel Green Tournament Northview High School

Site Home Away Away

Loachapoka High School Lagrange High School Columbus High School Troup County High School Smiths Station High School Carver High School(Montgomery) Central High School - PC Prattville High School Smiths Station High School Carver High School(Montgomery) Lafayette High School Handley Tournament Spain Park Christmas Tournament Eufaula High School Ball N Prep High School Auburn High School Northview High School **Russell County High School **Ben Russell High School Spencer High School Lafayette High School **Ben Russell High School **Russell County High School Pelham High School Auburn High School Loachapoka High School Area Tournament Area Tournament Sub-Regionals Sub-Regionals Regionals Final Four

Home Columbus High School Columbus High School Home Home Away Away Away Away Home Home Away Away

Varsity boys beat Benjamin Russell 79-65

SUPERINTENDENT: DR. MARK NEIGHBORS PRINCIPAL: DR. FARRELL SEYMORE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: MIKE PUGH ** AREA GAME **REVISED - 11/5/18

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

JVB 5:30

4:00 4:30 4:30 4:00 5:30 4:00 4:30 4:30

VG TBA 3:00 6:00 4:00 3:30 6:00 6:00 5:30 5:00 6:00 6:00

VB 6:30 4:30 7:30

5:00 7:30 7:30 7:00 6:30 6:30 7:30 7:30 TBA

Varsity girls beat Benjamin Russell 63-42 Thompson HS Away Home Home Home Home Away Away Away Home Home Away TBA TBA TBA TBA Montgomery, AL Birmingham, AL

TBA

4:30 3:00 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:30 4:00 4:30

TBA 6:00 4:00 6:00 6:00 5:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00

TBA 7:30 5:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 5:00 7:30 7:30

VARSITY BOYS COACH: JOHN WADSWORTH JUNIOR VARSITY BOYS COACH: TOM LANDERS ASSISTANT BOYS COACH: WESLEY BUTTON VARSITY GIRLS COACH: DEVIN BOOTH ASSISTANT GIRLS COACH: ALLISON GREGORY ASSISTANT GIRLS COACH: MORRIS LOCKHART ASSISTANT GIRLS COACH: SARAH CHANDLER ASSISTANT GIRLS COACH: JACLYN BUTTON

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, January 16, 2019

P

Inside the Statehouse

reparations are being made to take the 2020 Census. This process is not just a fun game to spell out demographic changes and interesting tidbits about us as Americans. It is a very important mandate dictated by the Constitution. The number of people counted determines how many seats each state has in Congress. Thus, it is taken every 10 years.

The country has been changing, demographically, over the last decade, as it always has over the course of history.

The states of California, Texas and Florida continue to grow exponentially.

All Americans, not just older ones, seek the sun. They like a sunny, warm climate. That is why our neighboring state of Florida is and has been for decades America’s growth state.

Last week, I visited with you about our 1940s Congressional Delegation. At that time we had nine seats. We lost one after the 1960s census. We lost another after 1980. We are projected to lose another one after this upcoming census. We now have seven seats. It is predicted that we will only have six after next year. We most certainly

will lose one to California if they are allowed to count illegal immigrants.

The State Legislature is constitutionally designated as the drawer of lines of congressional districts for each respective state. Currently, we have six Republican seats and one Democratic seat. If indeed we drop from seven to six Congressional districts, how will it shake out.

The census will reveal that Huntsville and North Alabama have been our growth spots.

Alabama’s population continues to move toward the northern tier of the state. Two out of every three Alabamians live in Birmingham, Hoover, and Tuscaloosa north.

The Black Belt continues to lose population. The census will also reveal quite a disparity of financial prosperity. It will show that the same Black Belt counties are some of the poorest areas of the country and conversely Huntsville will be one of the most prosperous.

So who are the winners and losers under Congressional redistricting? You start with one premise. You have to have one majority minority African American district. The federal

By Steve Flowers courts have mandated this edict.

Therefore, Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s district is sacred.

It now is very large, geographically. It will become even larger. The district will take in most of the African-American population in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Montgomery, and the entire Black Belt stretching from south of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa all the way to Mobile. It will be a big geographic district and be numbered District 6 rather than 7.

This leaves us with five Republican districts and six incumbent Republicans. Therefore, who gets the short end of the stick. A cursory look says the odd person out is Martha Roby in the second district.

However, our current del-

egates have already come up with a plan to save everybody. Mo Brooks, Huntsville congressman, will choose to move up or out in 2022. He is assuming that Sen. Richard Shelby will retire at age 88.

Therefore, Brooks will see his fast- growing Tennessee Valley district divided and delved out to a plan that grows the districts north, which complies with the growth pattern.

Our senior and most seniority laden Congressman, Robert Aderholt, will opt to stay in Congress rather than risk a run for the Senate. This is a very wise and prudent move for him and the state.

He has more than 24 years in seniority and is in line to be Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He will move north and pick up part of the Huntsville area and he will cut Gadsden loose. Mike Rogers will move north and pick up Gadsden and all of northeast Alabama, which is a more natural fit for him with his native Anniston area.

Rogers’ move north will allow him to abandon AuburnOpelika, which in turn allows Roby’s district to exist primarily like it is with the population

centers of East Montgomery, Elmore, Autauga and the Wiregrass and Dothan and that district will add Auburn-Opelika.

The current 6th District of Jefferson-Shelby represented

by Gary Palmer will remain essentially the same. Its upscale suburbs will make it one of the most Republican in the nation.

The last district seat of Mobile-Baldwin will remain intact and will still be District 1. However, the tremendous growth of Baldwin will require that the district only contain Mobile and Baldwin.

The cadre of rural counties north of Mobile that are currently in the District will have to be cut loose to probably go to the Black Belt district.

The current 1st District Congressman Bradley Bryne is running for the U.S. Senate in 2020.

However, his replacement will be a conservative Republican.

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.

WE SHALL

OVERCOME

I n s p i r e d by t h e w o r d s a n d a c t i o n o f D r. M a r t i n L u t h e r K i n g , J r. , t h i s p r o d u c t i o n s h o w c a s e s A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n m u s i c t ra d i t i o n s t h a t e l e c t r i f i e d ge n e ra t i o n s o f c i v i l r i g h t s a c t i v i s t s a n d d e f e n d e r s w i t h i n t e r w o v e n s p o ke n w o r d f r o m D r. K i n g ’s r e c o r d e d s p e e c h e s .

D i r e c t e d by D a m i e n S n e e d , We S h a l l O v e rc o m e f e a t u r e s S n e e d , h i s h a n d p i c ke d v o c a l ensemble and the Auburn University Gospel C h o i r p e r f o r m i n g t ra d i t i o n a l go s p e l , m o d e r n go s p e l , c l a s s i c a l , j a z z , B r o a d way a n d s p i r i t u a l s .

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pelika Observer O

B8 January 16, 2019

Local DAR chapter presents Jeremiah Davis named director of ‘Good Citizen Awards’ National Poultry Technology Center Special to the Opelika Observer

The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter presented chapter Good Citizen Awards on January 9th at a Good Citizen Awards to (please see caption info listing winners with award and school with photo 1) Reception held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce The DAR Good Citizens program and Scholarship Contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship.

The program is open to

all high school seniors enrolled in public or private schools accredited by their state board of education. United States citizenship is not required.

The student selected as the school’s DAR Good Citizen must have the following qualities: - Dependability - Service - Leadership - Patriotism All three winners wrote an essay where they were asked to consider what new challenges will America face as we move for-

ward into the future.

Whitney Harry has won a scholarship to Jacksonville State University where she will study to prepare for a nursing career. Caleb Killingsworth plans pursue a degree in biomedical engineering at Auburn University. Jacob Walker has set his sights on the University of Virginia because it has a good pre-law program.

Harry was awarded a chapter Merit Award and Killingsworth received the chapter Community Service Award.

Written by Jamie Creamer Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University biosystems engineer Jeremiah Davis has assumed duties as director of the Auburn-based National Poultry Technology Center, or NPTC. Davis had served as associate director of the research and outreach center since joining the Auburn faculty in 2015 and succeeds Jim Donald, who retired Dec. 31 as Department of Biosystems Engineering professor emeritus and NPTC director emeritus.

In announcing Davis’ selection to the post, College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson said

poultry producers and the entire poultry industry can expect a seamless transition.

“The NPTC serves a vital role for the poultry industry at the state, regional and national levels in carrying out its mission to improve bottom-line profitability of the live production sector,” Patterson said. “I believe Dr. Davis’s impressive research background and his success as associate director make him an excellent fit for this role.”

He commended both Donald and Auburn agricultural economics professor and Alabama Extension specialist Gene Simpson, who also retired in December, for their strong commitment to fulfilling the NPTC’s

Special to the Opelika Observer Good Citizen Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter Award Winners pictured left to right: Caleb Killingsworth, Smith Station High School, Third Place; Whitney Beth Harry, Wadley High School, Second Place Winner and Jacob Walker, Opelika High School, First Place.

mission of developing technologies and practices that have helped poultry growers increase efficiencies in housing, equipment, energy use and environmental control.

Donald and Simpson were instrumental in the center’s establishment in 2007, and they, along with Davis and Extension specialists Jesse Campbell and Dennis Brothers, have built the facility into a nationally respected industry resource that has saved poultry producers an estimated $30 million to date.

The NPTC facility is located in the Charles C. Miller Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center north of Auburn’s main campus.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor Banquet coming Feb. 7

By Jamie Creamer Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University’s College of Agriculture and Agricultural Alumni Association will recognize and celebrate five Alabamians for their significant contributions to the state’s agriculture industry through the years during the 2019 Alabama

Agriculture Hall of Honor banquet Feb. 7 at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel and Conference Center at Grand National.

K. Ben Gore of Albertville, John W. Jensen of Auburn and J. Dan Smalley of Arab will be inducted into the Hall of Honor, bringing to 113 the number of individuals who have achieved member-

ship since the Hall of Honor’s establishment in 1984. The late William I. Ethridge Jr. of Bessemer and the late Roy N. Hereford Jr. of Faunsdale will be honored as Pioneer Award recipients.

Gore, inductee in the agribusiness category, is the retired CEO and 42-year employee of Alabama Farm Credit. Education/government-

sector honoree Jensen, now an Auburn professor emeritus, was a longtime College of Agriculture faculty member, administrator and Alabama Extension fisheries and aquaculture specialist. Smalley, a retired poultry farmer who for decades was a leader in and advocate for the state’s poultry industry, is the production-sector

awardee.

The posthumous Pioneer Awards will be presented to the Ethridge and Hereford families. Ethridge was a successful dairy farmer and enthusiastic promoter of the dairy industry and agriculture in general. Hereford was an auctioneer committed to improving the public’s perception of the auction business.

The 2019 event will start at 5:30 p.m. with a reception, followed by the banquet at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online via a link on agriculture.auburn.edu. The reservation deadline is Jan. 28.

For more information, call Delaney Navarro at 334-844-1475 or email dnavarro@ auburn.edu.

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B9

Family & Religion

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January 16, 2019

Fishing for Taxes

he account of Jesus paying the temple tax is tucked away in the last part of a chapter (Matthew 17). Furthermore, it is greatly overshadowed by the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus and the healing story that follows. When we finally do zoom in on the story, our initial impression is that this is not the kind of miracle we’re used to finding in the gospels where people are healed or fed, demons are cast out or storms are calmed.

Instead, Jesus sends Peter fishing in order to pay their tax bill. If you took this in isolation, Jesus looks like a Galilean good ol’ boy who not only sets His buddy up to catch a fish, but they get one over on the tax man in the process. Yay Jesus!

with Moses But and Elijah. context Through changes this glorious everything. manifestation We’re in and God’s a section words that where

By Bruce Green follow (17:5), Matthew Teaching Minister at it is clear that has shown 10th Street Church of Jesus and His us Peter Christ in Opelika Jerusalem confessing mission stand Jesus to affirmed by the Father. be the Messiah (16:16).

(Luke’s account tells Jesus then orders the us that this is the very disciples not to tell anysubject He was speaking one this (v. 20) because with Moses and Elijah they do not understand about - Luke 9:30-31). what being the MesAll of this is for the siah means (i.e., that He benefit of the disciples must go to Jerusalem, who are still struggling suffer and be killed - v.

21). When Peter protests with the idea of a Mesthis, the fireworks begin, siah who dies rather than conquers. and Jesus then begins to With this in mind, we explain their discipleship come to the account of as well in terms of the Peter and Jesus. It needs cross (v. 24ff). to be noted that in the From there, we move two verses before the to the Transfiguration story (v. 22-23), Jesus where Jesus appears

Church calendar

• Jan 18 - The church at Cunningham Drive invites the community to join them for their quarterly gospel singing at 7 p..m. The building is located at 2660 Cunningham Drive in Opelika.

• Christian comedian Tim Hawkins will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Feb. 7.

Besides comedy, Hawkins is known for his songwriting and singing abilities. For more information or ticketing options, visit www.timhawkins.brushfire.com.

•The Aspire Women’s Conference will be held Feb. 16 at First Baptist Church of Opelika. The event will feature an evening full of fun, laughter, worship and messages from Shaunti Feldhahn and Meissa Spoelstra. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 480-8121100 or online at aspirewomensevents.com.

• Members of Opelika’s Church of the Highlands campus will participate in the biannual “21 Days of Prayer” event Jan. 6-26. Held each January and August, these two

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

months are intentional, as they begin new seasons of the year. Together, members faithfully seek God first, trusting in His power alone to create lasting impact in their lives, their church and their world.

For more information, visit 21days.churchofthehighlands.com.

• Pepperell Baptist kicks off a new year continuing to offer a Wednesday evening program from 6-7 p.m. for preschool and elementary children called WOW-Worship on Wednesdays. The evening program of Bible messages for children, crafts, fun activities, and snack is ongoing throughout the year. The youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. 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.

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fends Jesus by affirming that his Master pays the temple tax. Jesus uses the occasion to not only reinforce His identity as the Son of God, but also to give Peter a lesson on kingdom authority and power. It is not to be used to exalt self but to serve others. Indeed, the entire miracle is predicated on the willingness of Jesus to submit to something He didn’t need to submit to! So, in a quiet, unassuming way that Peter would appreciate, He sends him fishing to come up with the tax for the two of them. You can see the smile on Peter’s face as he pulls the coin from the fish’s mouth.

Can’t you?

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

Verse of the Week “The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”

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

once again tells the disciples of His pending death and resurrection.

“And the disciples were filled with grief” (v. 23).

As it would with us, it’s going to take more time and teaching before these weighty words sink in.

What follows in the story are many things, but at a basic level it is Jesus confirming to Peter in a very private, personal way (that Peter probably found delightful), who He is. It is not without significance that this incident doesn’t involve James, John or any disciple other than Peter.

It is Peter who confessed Christ. It is Peter who will deny Him. It is Peter who after he has stumbled and turned back, will strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:32).

And it is Peter who de-

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

Psalm 27:1 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

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

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B10 January 16, 2019

OBITUARIES Carolyn Wade Strother The rain clouds cleared, a beautiful sunset appeared and on the following morning, being blue-skied, bright and sunny was the time Carolyn chose to take her last breath on this earth and fly to the waiting arms of her husband Ken. Carolyn was born in Decatur, Alabama on Christmas Day 1931 to James and Erline Wade. She graduated from Riverside High School in Decatur Alabama, she attended Judson College and Anderson School of Business.

Carolyn married the love of her life, Kenneth Dillard Strother in December 1952.

After supporting him through his medical school years they moved to Opelika to start a Medical Practice.

They had four children, Steve, Debbie, Greg and Ginnie (all of whom deserved every spanking they received), and her household became a magnet for all the kids in the neighborhood. They became the group called the ‘Yard Young’uns’, and you all know who you are. Carolyn was in charge and rejoiced in being called Memaw by everyone.

Sometimes discipline seemed to be lax and fun was had by all, but amazingly they all grew up to be upstanding citizens of the community. This had everything to do with the fact that Carolyn could always see the good in everyone she met, and with her beautiful smile and constant hugs she was able to get even the most headstrong youngsters to rise above themselves.

She was a shining example to all that met her.

Along with her maternal duties she had many other interests.

She was a mainstay of the newly founded Scott Prep school, she showed Tennessee walking horses at the Championship level, partnered with her daughter Debbie in The Gallery on Railroad

and wherever she lived she became deeply involved in her local church activities, being very active most recently at The Church of the Living Waters and Red Ridge Methodist Church in particular.

Her other calling was to golf. Although starting at a later age than most she was able to master this particularly aggravating game and used to love to spend hours with her friends on the links.

She is survived by her children Steven Wade Strother (Sherry), Deborah Carolyn Purves (George), Gregory James Strother (Heidi) and Virginia Wilson Fernandez (Sergio), 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, her sister Susan Wade Wingard and her much loved Aunt Jessie Wilson Helms.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Kenneth Dillard Strother and her grandson John Winstead Strother.

The family respectfully declines the gift of flowers and suggest any memorials be directed to the following charities.

St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000 Department 142 Memphis, TN 381480142.

Red Ridge Methodist Church Attn. Building Fund 8091 County Road 34 Dadeville, AL 36853 Church of the Living Waters Building Fund 1816 Stillwaters Drive Dadeville, AL 36853 Visitation was on Wednesday January 9th. between 6 and 8 pm at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home.

The Celebration of Life was held on Thursday January 10 at 11a.m. at First Methodist Church of Opelika.

Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Officiating Officers were Rev. David Carboni, Rev. Earl Ballard and Rev. Vicki Cater.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Mary R. “Sissie” Summers Mrs. Mary R. “Sissie” Summers, 98 of Decatur, passed away Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Riverside in Decatur, Alabama. Mrs. Summers was a longtime resident of Opelika and was retired from the Alabama Department of Revenue. She was an active member of First United Methodist

Catherine I. Sands Catherine I. Sands of Opelika was born in Helena, Arkansas on July 31, 1953 and passed away at Bethany House on January 6, 2019. She was 65 years old.

She was a Member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist

Church of Opelika, and the Lumpkin Sunday School Class. Mrs. Summers was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, a wonderful sister and friend.

She had a great love for Opelika and considered it her “Home”.

Mrs. Summers is predeceased by her husband Charles “Tot” Summers.

Mrs. Summers is survived by her

daughter Lyn Grace (Richard) of Decatur, AL; grandchildren: Jeffry Grace (Shannon) of Decatur, AL, Katherine Thompson (Doug) of Birmingham, AL, Caroline Joiner (Donny) Roswell, GA, and Ashley Perry (John) of Birmingham, AL; great grandchildren: Parker and Page Grace, Andrew and Grace Thompson, Millie and Walker Joiner, Ruth

and Garlin Perry; sister, Sue McEachern.

A graveside service was held 2:00pm Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at Rosemere Cemetery, Reverend Robin Wilson officiated. Visitation was held Tuesday, January 8, 2019 at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home beginning at 12:30pm until 1:30pm.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Church. She loved her grandchildren and spending time at the lake and the beach.

She was preceded in death by her father, Henry S. Thompson; grandson, Michael Gage Keel.

She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Thompson; daughters, Angela Hunt (Gary), and

Jennifer Yates (Tim); brothers, Dee Sands, Bo Sands (Elaine); sister, Nancy Ward; grandchildren, Talon Yates, Peyton Keel, Taylor Yates, Fischer Keel, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and many close friends.

Memorial services

were held at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Paul Ferrell officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church 2506 Marvyn Parkway Opelika, Alabama 36804.

A Journey with Grief, It Is a Part of Life

By Beth Pinyeard For the Opelika Observer The goal of this article is not to make readers sad or gloomy, but from my desire to help them know and understand that grief is a normal process we go through in the loss of a love one.

There are other losses in our lives like the loss of health due to challenges, the loss of a long time job due to retirement, or the loss of familiarity, security, family, friends due to moving to a different part of the country because of job and family responsibilities, or “Empty Nest Syndrome” when our grown children move out. These and other losses can bring different levels of grieving into our lives.

Talking and expressing thoughts to others is a necessary part of healing. Talking to friends and family is essential as you take one day at a time in the grieving process.

Families and friends taking time to listen is so helpful for a person going through

the grief tunnel. Time spent with the person grieving spells “Love.”

I am very thankful in for the many different resources that we have in the Auburn-Opelika area to help us to come through our grief journey in a healthy and hopeful way.

Here are some things to remember for someone who may be going through a time of grieving themselves: 1) Each person grieves differently. We grieve in our own way and in our own time frame. Even within the same family, people grieve differently. You cannot put a time clock on how long it takes to grieve.

2) During grieving, a person may have a wave of different emotions. It is normal to feel sad when we lose a love one. We may also experience a deep feeling of loss when we lose a mother, father, spouse, child, sibling or grandparent because there is such a strong, fundamental human tie. When we lose a spouse, parent, grandparent, child, or sibling, that bond of connection is torn. It

is not weak to experience a multitude of emotions during the time of grieving.

God-given tears are a healthy display of love and care. People also may not cry during the grieving process.

Being able to grieve and express yourself as the person you are, is what matters the most when you experience loss. In being a support person to a person who is grieving, lending time and a listening ear to that person who is mourning is providing that person a safe place to express themselves.

Other emotions that may surface in the loss of a love one are relief if your love one was truly suffering before they passed away or guilt if you wish you had spent more time with your loved one.

You wish you could have encouraged them more by talking to them or you might wish you could even unsay things that may have been hurtful between you and your love one. Anger may slip in as well if you had unresolved issues with a love one who has passed away or if

you had a strong loving relationship with your love one who has passed away too early or prematurely.

Understand your physical and emotional limits when you are grieving. Experiences of loss and the emotions which accompany the death of a love one may leave you fatigued, not able to think clearly, and slow us down. Keep in mind that this is a natural passage in the journey of grief. After checking in with my physicians, they explained to me that this would take time and to nurture myself. Denying grief only prolongs the process and confuses a person. After understanding that grief is natural it gave me peace to know that one must mourn in order to heal. But too, I must go on with the business of living and make the most of each and every God given day. It is so true that time helps us to heal.

When we go through the valley of the shadow of death we then want to help other people to walk this journey of grief.

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

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pelika Observer O

Last week’s answers:

1-9 Scramblers Answers: 1. Scope, 2. Deter, 3. Tackle, 4. Gloom Solution: Compact

B11 January 16, 2019

B12 January 16, 2019

pelika Observer O

COMICS

“Sometimes crying or laughing are the only options left, and laughing feels better right now.” ― Veronica Roth, Divergent