Opelika Observer 1-23-19 E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Vol. 11, No. 16

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Cities of Auburn, Opelika honor legacy, service of Martin Luther King Jr. Monday Opelika native and House District 83 Rep. Jeremy Gray named 2019 ‘Dream Achiever Recipient’

By Morgan Bryce Editor The cities of Auburn and Opelika celebrated the legacy of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Monday.

Hundreds of people gathered at Opelika High School’s Center for the Performing Arts for the Dream Day Foundation’s 20th annual event.

The theme of this year’s event was “20 Years of Reclaiming the Dream,” featuring powerful renditions of recited poetry and songs from previous years, including an audiencerousing rendition of the gospel standard “God is Able.”

Near the end of the event, Executive Director Marion Sankey announced Opelika na-

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

See MLK, page A3

Korean musical group makes debut at Opelika Performing Center for the Arts Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

La Cantina to host Opelika Theatre Company as part of second birthday this weekend

By Morgan Bryce Editor Tickets are limited for the Opelika Theatre Company’s performance of the murder mystery/ comedy dinner show “Dead 2 Rights” this Sunday at La Cantina, one of many exciting activities planned this weekend for the restaurant’s second birthday celebration.

Following is a breakdown of both events.

Downtown Opelika’s Tex-Mex destination turns two this month

Officially opening its doors Jan. 11, 2017, La Cantina has spent two years bringing a little south-of-the-border flavor north of downtown Opelika’s railroad tracks.

Through an ever-developing menu, specials like “Taco Twos-days,” which include $2 dollar beer, margaritas and tacos, as well as winning the Pro Division of 2018’s “Burger Wars” competition, La Cantina General Manager and Marketing Director See La Cantina , page A10

The AlabamaKorea Education and Economic Partnership presented “The Music Group Kong-NaMul” in their U.S. debut performance of “A Korean Cinderella Story” Jan.

18 at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts. It featured a beautiful display of Korean dance, captivating renditions of classic Korean storytelling and an elegant blend of Eastern and Western musical instruments.

Opelika City Council votes to rename 2nd Avenue Bridge in honor of Sharron Fuller

By Robert Noles Photojournalist for the Opelika Observer

Last week before a full council chamber, Mayor Gary Fuller presented a proclamation and sign for the renaming of the Second Avenue bridge to the Sharron Robinson Fuller Memorial Bridge. Ike Scott called the Mayor a few weeks ago and made the suggestion of naming the bridge after Sharron. The bridge, built in 1999, was the first major project Sharron worked on

as she started her 26-year career with the Alabama DOT. Many family members and friends were present for the presentation. Mike Hilyer, Public Works Director/ ESG had the signs in place last Wednesday following Tuesday’s night council meeting.

Also, Mayor Fuller presented a proclamation declaring January 2019 “Human Trafficking Awareness Month.”

The December monthly See Council, page A8

Henry J. Stern Foundation creating art gallery, artist’s residence to be used for art education

By Morgan Bryce Editor Increased accessibility to the visual arts is the goal of a new space under construction at the corner of North Fifth Street and North Railroad Avenue in Opelika.

Previously the home of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, the soon-to-be-named project is an initiative of J. and Ginger Stern of the Henry J. Stern Family Foundation, an Opelika-based nonprofit.

Local architect

Index

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

Behzad Nakhjavan is overseeing the project’s construction, with Phase 1 focused on transforming the sanctuary into an art gallery and creating a space for an artist’s residence that will be used for art education courses.

Phase 2 will focus on the development of the church's fellowship hall into a space where artists can create or focus on their work.

The project’s purpose is two-fold, created with the intention of honoring the legacy of their mother and longtime Opelika City

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

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Schools art teacher Roslyn, as well as creating a sustainable space where local art appreciation can blossom.

“Visual arts is very important to us … how we grew up, what we did. We were both

kind of artists in our own way, not in visual art, but in a creative (sense),” the Sterns said. “The community needs it, (but) things have changed, things

pelika O Observer.com

See Arts, page A8

pelika O Observer

A2 January 23, 2019

Crucial tax deductions for 2018 tax returns

Local Boys and Girls Club to host ‘Champions for Kids Luncheon’ Jan. 31 Yes, you can still itemize deductions

By Justin Smith Special to the Opelika Observer The 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) nearly doubled the standard deduction to $12,000 for single filers, $18,000 for heads of household and $24,000 for married filers. While many taxpayers will use the new, higher standard deduction when filing this year, most states (including Alabama) have not made significant changes to their taxes. So, before you throw away your mortgage statements and charitable contribution statements, consider that you may really be throwing away part of your tax refund.

Here are 18 key deductions to keep in mind: Key business deductions can give your refund a big boost: 1. Qualified Business Income Deduction – this is a business owner’s best friend.

You can deduct up to 20% of your company profits if you own a pass-through business, and the IRS just clarified that rental real estate is included.

If you own a small business, do not file your taxes without this!

2. Self employment taxes – you can deduct 50% of your self-employment taxes.

3. Self employed medical insurance – you can deduct the full value of medical/dental/ vision insurance premiums if you are self employed and pay

Smith

these costs.

Adjustments to income do not require you to itemize deductions: 1. Retirement plan contributions – your IRA contributions remain deductible, and you have until April 15 to deposit.

You can even take your tax refund and deposit it into your IRA. Roth IRAs remain nondeductible.

2. Student loan interest – deductible up to $2,500, but only for single taxpayers with up to $65,000 or married taxpayers with up to $135,000 of modified adjusted gross income.

3. Educator expenses – you can still deduct up to $250 in educator expenses Key itemized deductions may still inflate your state tax refund if you take the larger federal standard deduction: 1. Charitable contributions – the TCJA actually increased the limit to 60% of your adjusted gross income instead of 50%. Consider bunching charitable contributions in a single year, then taking the larger standard deduction in

the following year, to maximize your refund. You may also want to think about setting up a Donor Advised Fund (Google search this!)

2. Mortgage interest – you can deduct the interest on up to $750,000 of your home mortgage debt for loans taken out after December 15, 2017.

If the loan is older, the prior $1 million limit still applies.

3. Home equity loan interest – now only deductible if you use the loan for your home or related improvements (houseboat – yes; fishing boat – no) 4. Property taxes – together with your state and local taxes, limited to $10,000 5. Medical/Dental costs – deductible above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income for 2018.

6. Automobile ad valorem taxes – don’t forget to snap a photograph of your car registration. This is a commonly overlooked deduction that can pad your refund.

Tax laws are complicated and there are limits and nuances to each item listed above, so it’s important to keep in mind that your federal and state taxes have different rules.

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

By Morgan Bryce Editor

and professional work.”

“Mrs. Jane (Walker) was one of the founding members of our Boys and Girls Club and really initiated them coming to our area. We honor her contribution by honoring certain people or members of the community by presenting them with this prestigious award,” Burns said.

According to research conducted by the Institute for Social Research and the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan, “every dollar invested in Boys & Girls Clubs returns $9.60 in current and future earnings, as well as cost-savings, to American communities. The biggest benefits are from Club members’ improved grades and reduced alcohol use and their parents’ earnings.”

Statistics on the BGCGLC website indicate that their annual $550,000 in operating costs can lead to more than $5.2 million “in lifetime benefits to youth, families and society.”

This year’s event sponsors are McDonald’s, Outback Steakhouse and Southern Union. Food will be provided by Outback.

Ticket sales are open now on the organization’s website, www.bgcleeco. org, costing $35 for individuals and $300 for tables of eight people.

For more information, call 334-502-1311.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County will hold its annual “Champions for Kids Luncheon” Jan. 31 in the Southern Room on Opelika’s Southern Union State Community College campus, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Republican Secretary of State John Merrill will serve as the luncheon’s keynote speaker, addressing the importance of clubs like the one here in Lee County.

“He is a friend and an advocate for children across the state of Alabama for a really long time. In Tuscaloosa, he served on their local boys and girls club and he is a champion for our education system, so he realizes the importance of clubs like ours,” said BGCGLC Resource Director Betty Burns.

Other activities during the event will include displays of the club’s art program from youth, ranging from poetry reading to singing. There will also be a presentation of the Youth of the Year and Jane Walker Community Champion awards, given to individuals who demonstrate a “commitment to the well-being, growth and development of Lee County’s children and youth in their volunteer

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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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pelika O Observer

A3 January 23, 2019

Local child care operator Penny Davis Rosanna McGinnis receives national award, recognition selected for national Special to the Opelika Observer

The National Association for Family Child Care recently awarded the country’s top honor for high-quality family child care programs to Penny Davis, operator of Penny’s Home Day Care in Opelika.

NAFCC accreditation is a rigorous quality improvement system that uses a set of over 300 standards to recognize high-quality child care programs operating in the residence of the child care professional.

In Alabama, almost

11 percent of licensed family child care programs have achieved this recognition; considerably higher than the two percent nationwide average.

“I had been doing this for 17 years, and decided to become accredited to become refreshed,” Davis said.

“I wanted to show that this was a profession and not just babysitting. I just enjoy providing a feeling of home in when it comes to child care.”

To earn her first NAFCC accreditation, Davis went through an extensive self-study,

training and quality improvement process with the support of her mentor, Kay Gillock from the Family Child Care Partnerships program administered

by Auburn University.

FCCP is a statewide quality enhancement, accreditation facilitation program funded through a contract with the Alabama State Department of Human Resources. FCCP delivers mentoring, training, technical assistance and financial support to licensed family child care providers in Alabama seeking to attain national accreditation.

“NAFCC accreditation is recognition of a family child care providers’ commitment to quality caregiving and to continuous quality improvement,” said Caroline Martin, managing director of Family Child Care Partnerships at Auburn.

“A provider who attains NAFCC Accreditation has reached a high level of professional practice in family child care giving parents and families the assurance that the program is nationally recognized as such.”

For more information, visit www.nafcc. org.

Opelika Kroger location raises more than $17,000 for ‘2018 Can Hunger Campaign’ Special to the Opelika Observer

Generosity poured out in abundance across Kroger’s East Alabama stores, which include Auburn, Lanett and Opelika, as store customers and associates contributed more than $17,000 in just six weeks to Kroger’s “2018 Can Hunger campaign,” an initiative benefitting the Food Bank of East Alabama.

These stores more than doubled the amount raised in 2017.

From Nov. 18 – Dec. 24 last year, Kroger customers supported the annual Can Hunger campaign by purchasing $1, $3 and $5 icons. Each icon purchased benefited Feeding America food banks and helped provide food to local families in need.

In total, Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Auburn, Lanett and Opelika, raised more than $616,000 through Can Hunger to support food banks across Eastern Alabama, Georgia and South

MLK,

from A1 tive and House District 83 Rep. Jeremy Gray as the recipient of the 2019 Dream Achiever Award, given to individuals who strive to make a different and impact for good in Opelika and beyond.

“Being chosen as the 2019 Recipient for the

Carolina.

More than 50 million Americans lived in food insecure households last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Over the years, the Can Hunger campaign has helped supply food banks with countless meals for the communities we serve,” said Felix Turner, corporate affairs manager for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “And it is with the help and generosity of our customers and associates that we are able to continue to provide food for those who are less fortunate.”

Can Hunger aligns with Kroger’s company-wide Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, which recently celebrated its first anniversary. The initiative is designed to address a fundamental absurdity in the nation’s food system: 40 percent of the food produced in the U.S. is thrown away, yet one in eight Americans struggles with hunger.

Through Zero Hunger

| Zero Waste, Kroger has set a vision to end hunger in homes and to eliminate waste – especially food waste – in its company by 2025.

Here are some key Atlanta Division Zero Hunger | Zero Waste accomplishments: Donated more than $6.1 million to end hunger division wide. Through several campaigns, Kroger has added new opportunities throughout the year for customers to donate and support Zero Hunger | Zero Waste in their community.

Provided more than 15.2 million meals to families in need in Kroger communities in 2017 alone.

Improved the company’s food rescue program to not only donate more food, but more balanced meals.

Directed more than 2.8 million pounds of rescued food donated to local food partners. Working with local stores, Kroger has been able to reduce waste in all five fresh departments – Meat, Deli, Produce,

Bakery and Dairy – allowing more balanced food donations to local partners and food banks.

“With the generosity of individuals and businesses who all share the same vision, Kroger can continue partnering with local food banks to help feed families in need across the country and, hopefully, stop wasting the more than 40 percent of U.S.-produced food that goes unconsumed each year,” Turner says.

ABOUT KROGER At The Kroger Co., they are dedicated to a specific purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. The company focuses its charitable efforts on hunger relief, K-12 education, women’s health initiatives and local organizations in the communities it serves.

Kroger’s Atlanta Division is headquartered in Atlanta and is one of the Southeast’s largest retail grocery chains with more than 183 stores, covering Eastern Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina.

Dream Achiever Award was a surreal moment.

I think about the past recipients of this award and those who have the task of selecting the recipients; it speaks volumes that I would be nominated for such a prestigious award,” Gray said on receiving the award. “I’m honored and I believe it’s important to never forget those who have paved the way. My destiny is not of my own but of those who

have come before me. I just stand on their shoulders and I accept the path they created while creating a path for the generations to come.”

For more information about the Dream Day Foundation and its other initiatives, visit www.thedreamdayfoundation.org.

Auburn University hosted the 25th annual “Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast Celebration,” which featured

award and scholarship presentations as well as a keynote speech from Alabama State University President Quinton Ross.

Odalys Silvera, from Esperanza House, a nonprofit that serves the local Hispanic community, received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award.

Other award winners were the Lee County Youth Development Center recieving the Educa-

leader fellowship Special to the Opelika Observer Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library Director Rosanna McGinnis has been selected for the Spring 2019 Public Library Association Leadership Academy.

The PLA Leadership Academy empowers public library professionals to become innovative and successful leaders of change, shifting their libraries from an internal approach – focused on organizational operations – to an external approach—focused on community needs.

The centerpiece of the PLA Leadership Academy is a dynamic in-person event that includes four days of interactive education and networking, which will be held Mar. 25–29 in Chicago.

McGinnis is one of only 28 fellows selected from a nationwide pool of applicants. She has been with Cooper Library since January 2016, and during her tenure, the library has increased programs and services available to the public.

“Since my arrival in Opelika, my staff and I have been working diligently to streamline our processes and operations in order to increase our presence in the community. I am very excited to learn how we can continue to grow and develop Cooper Library to become a true com-

tion Award, Kingston Frazier received the Young Community Service Award, Alison Frazier was awarded the Distinguished Service Award and Carolyn Morton was awarded a Community Service Award.

Lauren Marshall from Opelika High School and Daleya Scaife from Auburn High were awarded scholarships.

McGinnis munity hub and how we can connect more with the public to serve their needs,” McGinnis said of her selection.

“We are extremely proud of Rosanna for being selected for this much deserved fellowship.

Rosanna has made great progress since coming to the city which is apparent to the staff, our citizens, city council and the library board. She is an excellent representative for the state and for Opelika,” said City Administrator Joey Motley.

The academy program is developed in partnership with the International City and County Management Association and Adam Goodman, director of the Center for Leadership, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Since the program’s inception in 2013, a total of four academies have been held and 114 leaders have been trained.

Silvera

A4

pelika O Opinion Flaws Included

January 23, 2019

I

’ve just sent Jody and Emily to Mimi’s.

She is going to watch Abigail for a few hours so I can write. Jody and Emily are then going to Auburn to pick up a mantel. Once they get back from Auburn, Emily will then go back to her dad’s (in Smiths Station) and Jody has a gig in Birmingham this evening. We spend a lot of time on the road.

Working from home is fun but it’s not always easy. Jody and I both write. Jody is also a speaker and I am running a little antique/vintage furniture business on the side. We are also raising a 15-month-old and a 12-year-old and going to a class to learn how to keep bees, because our hands aren’t full enough as it is.

We are a busy pair, Jody and me. There is always something going on and just because it’s marked on the calendar does not mean it’s always set in stone. The calendar, to us, is a basic guideline for the month.

We are constantly adding notes and gigs here and there. We are also trying to live in between the blocked off times and schedules. It may sound hectic. That’s because it is. Would I change it?

Not a chance. It’s our life.

Furniture and decorating have always been a fun pastime for me. I grew up with a mother and grandmother who were both constantly antique shopping and redecorating their homes to accommodate their most recent furniture finds. I remember coming home from school as a young girl and my bedroom would be completely rearranged. My mother would open the door and present my room to me with such pride and excitement. Most of the time, even though I would love what she had done, I would spend hours locked in there moving furniture and picking out new paint colors or wallpaper try-

By Lucy Fuller

ing to follow her lead. I caught the creative bug at a young age and its never left me.

Our farmhouse needs a lot of work. We are embracing our renovation and understanding that good things take time… and money. We have been working very hard the past several months trying to expand our budget to fit our (my) big ideas for the farm.

My mind reels as I go through numerous ideas in my mind of what I want it to look like. I pick up my pen and write them down. I then pick up my paintbrush and get to work, except I’m not working on the house right now. I’m working on furniture to sell.

My most recent find was a mantel. The one that Jody and Emily are picking up in Auburn, shortly. I have been searching for antique mantels for several people who (like me) are on a very strict budget.

I found lots of them that were gorgeous. They had character. They looked like they were ready to install upon delivery.

They also had a price tag that exceeded the financial limitations of not only my customers but myself included.

I had almost given up until I finally stumbled across the one that caught my eye. It was a dingy white and some of the paint was missing in certain places. It looked like it had seen its share of fires in its day.

My grandmother would faint if we “white glove tested” this piece. It had nail holes and looked like it needed lots of work to bring it back to life. The description read “Antique mantel- flaws included”. The price fit my allowance and I immediately messaged the

seller to claim it as my own.

Re-painting and re-purposing antique and vintage finds take a lot of work and a lot of imagination. One of my favorite parts is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. The scratches and chipped paint ensue character and tell a story of its life. When I see a flawless kitchen table, for example, I completely dismiss it in my mind and continue to look for something more “banged up” because that shows that it’s lived. It shows it had a busy life and went through things. I don’t want perfection. I want something that includes the flaws on the finished product as part of its story. I want to be able to relate to that table.

I have never met an individual who has a perfect flawless life. In fact, I avoid those people. I like the ones with war stories and battle scars.

I like the people who “lived to tell about it”, who have “been there, done that”. I can relate to the people who have made mistakes. I love the “flaws included” type people.

Those are my people.

The flaws only add character and help tell the story of all you have been through.

Furniture and writing are my passions because I can embrace the flaws and highlight my own favorite parts in whatever color or word I choose.

In my opinion, the more flaws the better.

I can’t wait for Jody and Emily to arrive with my mantle. I can’t wait to put it in my workspace, sit down and listen to its story. I can’t wait to discover its beauty and uniqueness, flaws included.

Lucy Fuller is a lover of nature, animals, gardening, and old houses.

She is a full time mother and wife. She currently resides in Dadeville with her husband, two daughters, 4 dogs, and cat. She may be reached at fullalove2017@gmail.com

Another candle on the cake

I

truly love to celebrate birthdays! To celebrate birthdays is definitely a time of joy for the young as well as the elderly.

For this baby boomer, I personally have put candle #66 on my birthday cake and I truly can say that from the bottom of my heart that I am truly thankful for each day of life. Yes, we baby boomers have had our health challenges, our valleys of disappointments as well as mountains of happiness.

Job challenges in learning new technologies as well as busy schedules define the baby boomer stage. Maintaining a balance of taking care of children, grandchildren, and elderly parents define we Baby Boomers as the “sandwich generation.”

In reaching out to my

By Beth Pinyerd

high school and college baby boomer friends by phone and Facebook, we all seem to have the same concerns around: 1. Medical Issues 2. When should we retire?

3. Money concerns 4. Does my life have a purpose?

God has truly given me the best gift of all and that is friends who truly care.

God’s calling in my life is my profession and that is serving the young and elderly.

Intergenerational outreach between the

young and old is such a natural progression in life. The innocence of the young reaching out to the wisdom of the older generation is such a winning situation. I have gleaned several gifts from my elderly friends that I would like to share to encourage Opelika Observer readers from a baby boomer’s perspective.

The “Greater Generation” have lived through uncertain times and their advice is valuable.

1. When life throws you a lemon make lemonade!

Do not waste your time and life worrying or fretting but trust. We all go through different seasons in our lives. One of my very close friends shared with me to reflect back on “altars in my life” when See Pinyerd, page A12

T

Night

hands. My friend, Davis, he stars are suggested trying a diet he out tonight. found in Popular Mechanics Thelma Lou, Magazine. the bloodhound, stops The diet consisted of to stare at the them. nothing but garlic and hardShe sits for several boiled eggs. After one week, minutes, looking up.

I smelled like a fertilizer I’ve never seen a

By Sean Dietrich heap, so I gave up. dog do that.

I decided to give exercise a “What’re you lookshot. I would walk gravel roads until ing at, girl?” I say, squatting beside I ran out of breath. That was the plan. her. “Are you looking at stars?”

So late one night, wearing jeans Thelma Lou keeps staring upward. and a NASCAR sweatshirt, I walked I don’t blame her. The sky above until my inner thighs were chaffed. is so magnificent I can hardly stand I exercised at night—always under it. Stars are so bright they look like they might fall from the sky and land the cover of darkness. I did this because: on me.

1. I was chubby My mother says when I was a 2. Girls toddler I liked stars so much I would You wouldn’t want a girl to see stand outside, staring upward, wearing a numb look—like my cornbread you jogging the roads. Not when you looked like the official spokesperson wasn’t done in the middle. for Pillsbury and wore Richard Petty When I was thirteen, after my sweatshirts. father died, I would sit on the porch Even so, I was committed to my and make wishes on stars. I wished nightly regime, determined, even if for all sorts of things. Fast cars, it killed me. I dedicated my life to money, a big-screen TV, Barbara the rigorous program, promising to Eden. adhere to it, come rain or shine. And And I wished to be happy.

I was the most awkward and chub- fitness became the main thrust of my life for two whole days. by thirteen-year-old you ever saw.

Then I gave up and went back to My hair was pure copper. Today, red eating Chili Cheese Fritos. hair might be the rage, but back then Anyway, on my sixteenth birthday, it was as stylish as a cold booger on a my mother bought me a telescope for paper plate.

To make matters worse, my mother a gift. It was a white telescope with a wooden tripod. bought my pants at Sears. I wore “I know how much you like stars,” “Husky” pants, sold in the back of she said. “I thought you would like the store, where chubby boys were this.” routinely executed.

I set it up in the front yard. I sat on And if anyone doubted I was a lawn chair. And while christening overweight, my pants bore an actual my telescope, my mother came outlabel on the hindparts which stated: side to drape a quilt over my shoul“Husky.” ders, and she said: I did not care for myself.

“Honey,” she said. “You’re gonna Still, the males in my family promcatch a cold standing out here like ised I would undergo a transformathis, skinny as you are. ” tion one day.

And that’s when time and space “One day,” my uncle said, “you’ll stopped. have a growth spurt, and get skinny, Skinny? like we all did, just keep your chin I glanced at my waistline. It was up.”

But it wasn’t happening fast a miracle. I was not chubby anyenough. more. My uncle had been right. I had So I took matters into my own

See Dietrich, page A6

Food for thought T meal, molasses, garden he South excelled greens, Ritz crackers, in two things which Cool Whip, Velveeta and the French deem whatever else happens to essential to civilization: be handy. a code of manners and a (Many of the same native cuisine. recipes can be found in - John Peale Bishop any “soul-food” cookWell, old John Peale

By Hardy Jackson book, which underscores may have been onto the biracial character of something there, but acthe Southern cuisine.) cording to a couple of recent studies This sort of cooking and this sort the cuisine part of our culture is leadof eating has survived almost intact ing us to an early grave. in the rural South or among rural Not long ago it was reported that Southerners who moved to cities like anyone who wants diabetes should Birmingham and Montgomery. But move South and start eating. This rather than take our eating habits as an was followed by the results of a Men’s Health magazine survey of the indication of how isolated and unsophisticated the deep South remains, I health of men in 101 cities and guess contend that what we cook and conwhat, Dixie didn't do well. The first sume is just one more bit of evidence “southern” city to make the list was of just how cosmopolitan southerners Raleigh, N.C. at #13, and you don’t find another until El Paso at #22, with actually are.

Consider my buddy Jim, who Corpus Christi coming in at #28 and taught Southern history at one of our St. Petersburg, Fla. at #32. fine Southern Universities. A scholar As for Alabama, Montgomery recognized both at home and abroad, comes in at #74, Birmingham ranks Jim was invited to lecture at the Uniat #89. versity of Vienna.

Like so much that is Southern, our As a gift for his hosts, Jim careating habits can be traced back to our history. For about as long as there has ried cans of Vienna Sausage to pass around. The sausages were a big hit, been a South, culinarily speaking, a good part of the population has had to as was Jim’s explanation of how get by on the poorest cuts of meat and Vienna was properly pronounced (“Vi – eeee – nah”). the most forlorn vegetables.

Now I don’t know, or really care, So Southern cooks set out to make the bad at least taste better. What they how Vienna would rank among healthy cities in Europe. And from accomplished has been nothing short what Jim tells me, the Viennese don’t of miraculous. know or care either. They enjoy food For proof I refer you to the late Erfixed the way they like it fixed. nest Matthew Mickler’s 1986 classic Same as down in Dixie.

White Trash Cooking, a loving tribute Our barbeque has more regional to what southerners can do with traditional staples like fat pork, corn

See Jackson, page A6

pelika O Observer

Around Lee County

A5 January 23, 2019

New county CFO introduced Auburn graduate to co-chair ‘World to commissioners Jan. 14 Economic Forum’s 2019 annual meeting’

By Michelle Key Publisher During the Jan. 14 meeting of the Lee County Commissioners, Roger Rendelman introduced the newly hired Chief Financial Officer, Neil Cyriac.

Rendelman stated that during his tenure with the county, the county has gone from 270 employees to over 410 budgeted positions requiting the additon of professional stuff. The new CFO position was approved by the commission late last year.

“I have high hopes and high expectations for him

and I will expect a lot out of him, ” Rendelman said.

Baron Huber from Kologik, a technologybased public safety company, presented the commission with information about the data systems designed by Kologik and explained how the system can aid first responders during emergency situations on school campuses, city or county offices and medical infrastructures.

In other business the commission: • denied a request to pave a portion of Lee Road 56 citing policy adopted in 2010 that

stopped the paving of additonal dirt roads due to financial restraints • approved the request for an easement from Alabama Power for power distribution facilities at the Smiths Station recreational park • approved a request to lower the speed limit on Lee Road 413 from 45 to 25 • approved a restaurant retail liquor license application for The Boathouse • approved a retail beer and wine license application for Marathon Store 4 • approved a table wine license application for Tri See LCC, page A6

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

By Kalani Long Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University international alumna and Fulbright scholar Basima Abdulrahman, who recently founded Iraq’s first sustainable architecture consultancy, will co-chair the World Economic Forum’s 2019 Annual Meeting Jan. 22-25 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.

The meeting theme is “Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” Abdulrahman, one of six young leaders from the World Economic Forum’s network of Global Shapers, will be among such fellow co-chairs as the president of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, and CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella.

Abdulrahman will share her input on how to best build a global architectural landscape that lifts billions of people out of poverty in a clean, green way. Ultimately, she said she hopes her position as cochair and her ideas on sustainable building will highlight the role of youth in setting the tone and vision for the meeting’s theme.

“When I was notified that I was selected as a co-chair, I was humbled by the opportunity,” Abdulrahman

Abdulrahman

said. “I also felt the massive responsibility it carries and the importance to best echo the voices of youth across the globe.”

Abdulrahman graduated from Auburn in 2014 with her masters degree in civil engineering. While a student at Auburn, Abdulrahman developed a passion for sustainable building and a rich knowledge of engineering and has since founded her own company, KESK— which means “green” in Kurdish. KESK is Iraq’s first sustainable architecture consultancy.

“I am passionate about utilizing the natural environment because it is my belief that embracing the world around us empowers people,” Abdulrahman said. “Not to mention, at this rate we have 12 years to limit the climate change catastrophe, and since buildings emit approximately one third of GHG emissions, designing them to meet sustainability features is one of the key strategies to combating the issue.”

An Iraq native, Abdulrahman is plac-

ing high importance on helping her home country make better environmental choices when it comes to architecture. According to her, the economic and financial crisis in Iraq due to the war on terrorism in combination with the drop in oil prices has imposed the need to develop plans for a more conservative use of resources. Through KESK, Abdulrahman said she hopes to improve the environment and promote social cohesion in the northern region of Erbil, where her company is located.

“It is critical to rebuild Iraqi cities to be more sustainable and inclusive through making buildings and infrastructures smart, healthy, environmentally responsible and resource efficient,” Abdulrahman said.

“And while my company, KESK, is the first company in Iraq to specialize in green building, we hope to pave the road for others to go green.”

In addition to being selected as a co-chair for the forum’s annual meeting, Abdulrahman has also spoken at the Women Power Summit, TEDxNishtiman and Global Climate Action Summit and was featured in the Real Leaders magazine as one of the 100 Visionary Leaders for 2018.

Lee County Commission announces several future vacanies for county boards, seeks community involvement

By Morgan Bryce Editor Volunteers are needed to help fill several positions on political and organizational boards across Lee County, an item of discussion

during the Jan. 14 Lee County Commission meeting.

Following is a full list of positions that will become open in 2019: Beauregard Water Authority - member Larry Patterson, whose

last day of service will be March 1.

East Alabama Mental Health Center - members Bill English and Lafaye Dellingers, whose terms expire April 1.

Lee County Industrial Development Authority

- member Randy Price, who is now actively serving as a state senator in Alabama’s 13th district.

Loachapoka Water Board - members Mark Aderholt and Sheri Todd, whose terms

Buying or Selling?

expire March 1.

Smiths Water and Sewer Authority - members Mary Henry and Joseph Walde, whose term will expire March 1.

Membership on the Beauregard, Loachapoka and Smiths Station water authorities/boards is open to citizens only.

“Boards in Lee County are set up to give our citizens the opportu-

nity to have their input and guidance on how we move into the future.

Your service in working on a Lee County board is welcomed,” said District 4 Lee County Commissioner Robert Ham. For more information about joining the EAMH or LCIDA boards, call 334-742-2877 or 334737-3660.

Call:

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

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pelika O Observer

A6 January 23, 2019

‘Circles of Opelika’ to hold informational meetings Jan. 24, Feb. 7 at SUSCC Special to the Opelika Observer

Circles of Opelika, part of the Envision Opelika Foundation, will host community meetings during January and February to promote their mission and recruit new members.

Circle Leaders are individuals that are interested in making a change in life leading to financial independence and stability. Following is the group’s coming meeting schedule: Jan. 24 and Feb. 7 - 6-8 p.m. at the Southside Center for the Arts, which is located at 1103 Glenn St. Circles of Opelika is the only program of its kind in the area and is

LCC,

from A5 Mart • announced future

modeled after a national program, Circles USA. Circles USA is based on years of research and in addition to working with individuals and families, it works to address systemic causes contributing to poverty.

Poverty is a concern of the entire community and it will take the entire community to address the concern, and together, can have a real impact on Opelika.

Circles of Opelika is a poverty reduction program whose mission is to inspire and equip families and communities to end poverty. Our goal is to employ longterm solutions vs. shortterm fixes to lead to economic stability. This is accomplished through

training and partnering with individuals that will serve as “allies” to assist them along the journey to economic stability.

The success of Circles is largely dependent on the support of the community. Individuals and families that need the service must take the necessary steps to say, “I want the assistance” and individuals that are able to provide the support of those in need must also be willing to say, “here am I." Childcare and refreshments will be provided during the sessions.

For more information, contact Regina Meadows at 334-203-1860 or by sending email to rmeadows@myops.net.

vacanies on various county boards • requested more information regarding the I-14 Extension Resolution - declined to vote on the resoluation at this time.

• ratified and approved claims and procurement card transactions from December 2018.

The next meeting of the commission will be Jan. 28 at 5 p.m.

Mayor Gary Fuller to speak at ALM ‘Media Luncheon’ Feb. 19 in Montgomery Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller will participate in the Alabama League of Municipalities’ Media Luncheon Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Montgomery.

State city officials, as well as members of the group’s advocacy team, will be in attendance at the luncheon, which will be held at the league’s headquarters in downtown Montgomery. Fuller, as well as mayors and representatives from the cities of Athens, Bessemer, Guntersville and Montgomery, will speak and give interviews during the event.

Following are some of the issues that will be addressed during the luncheon: • Infrastructure Funding The need for additional infrastructure funding has been debated the past two legislative sessions and continued to be studied by the Joint Legislative Infrastructure Study Task Force since the conclusion of the 2018 regular session.

Their recommendations would add an additional motor fuel excise tax of 6 to 12 cents onto each gallon of motor fuel and place an annual license fee in the range of $100$150 on vehicles using hybrid or electric engines.

Task force members and stakeholders agree that this is needed to address infrastructure demands for ongoing maintenance as well as expansion of current roadways. Where the league membership takes issue is in the distribution of new funds. The current distribution formula was implemented in the 1960s and does not reflect the 2019 demographics of Alabama. Cities and towns are where 65 percent of Alabama’s citizens live, work, shop and find entertainment, yet the

Dietrich,

from A4

sprouted. How did I miss it? How could something so important happen without me noticing?

“Mama,” I said. “Do you really think I’m skinny?”

“Think?” she said.

“Why, you’d have to run around in the shower just to get wet.”

I nearly started crying.

I had hated myself for so long, only to find that there was nothing left to hate.

Jackson,

from A4 variation than French wine. Californians go on about the way they experiment with ingredients and approaches, we can match ‘em with

current proposals would only provide a meager 10 percent of the distribution to municipalities. The league and its municipalities are advocating for a change to the distribution of local funds to provide an equal distribution of all local (cities and counties) motor fuel tax funds.

• Collections In 2016, the league worked with state and county officials to implement the Simplified Sellers Use Tax program allowing for the voluntary collection and remittance of sales taxes to Alabama by out of state on-line retailers. This program generated more than $60 million in 2017 with $15 million for municipal governments. In 2018, the league amended the SSUT laws to include the collection of sales tax by marketplace facilitators – which are basically on-line malls hosted by national retailers. These additional collections should increase to approximately $120 million in 2019.

Additionally, the US Supreme Court provided a ruling this past summer that seems to allow for the mandatory collection and remittance of sales taxes by online retailers, as long as the process is simple and non-discriminatory to the retailer. They believe their SSUT statute will allow Alabama to implement the mandatory provisions in the 2019 Session.

The league will advocate for the mandatory implementation of SSUT with an additional one cent added to the existing 8 cent tax to be distributed directly to local governments.

• Unfunded Mandates League members believe there will be several proposals in 2019 to preempt or exempt sectors of the business community from paying municipal business licenses or collecting and remitting municipal sales taxes. Pharmacies and other businesses regularly lobby the Legislature to decrease their business license responsibilities. In addition, each year bills are introduced that would hinder municipalities from managing the resources in their communities and push the financial burden of administering programs onto our cities and towns.

Several employee groups continually lobby for enhanced benefits to be paid by their employers.

ALM has also vehemently opposed legislation that would preempt policejurisdictions. We expect to defend against similar proposals in 2019. The league will advocate against any unfunded mandates on municipal governments.

• Employee Liability During the last few years, league members have noticed a major shift in municipal litigation with lawsuits now aimed directly at municipal employees for accidents that occur in the workplace. Plaintiff lawyers have included municipal employees as co-defendants when suing the municipality on behalf of a plaintiff. In several cases, state courts have ruled these employees are exposed to liability via onthe job accidents. This has jeopardized the financial security of municipal employees. The league advocates for placement of municipal employees under the protection of the municipal liability caps.

The ALM’s offices are located at 535 Adams Ave., with adequate parking for all who wish to attend. For more information, call 334-262-2566 or visit www.alalm.org.

My mother hugged me and said she’d love me no matter how chubby or gaunt I was. Then, she pointed to the Big Dipper and said, “Do you see that star? Right there, the bright one?”

“I see it,” I said.

“That big star is the North Star. It gets hidden behind clouds sometimes, and you think it’s lost, but it’s always there, in the same place, and that is where all my love is, up there.

“To feel it, just keep looking up.”

Anyway, I wish I had a point to this story, or something beautiful to

tell you, but I don’t.

All I know is that life is hard, but infinitely more beautiful than I once thought it would be. And so is this sky.

Even bloodhounds know this to be true.

Keep looking up.

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.

dishes like “Uncle Willie’s Swamp Cabbage Stew,” “Freda’s Five-Can Casserole,” and a “Kiss Me Not Sandwich” (White Trash Cooking, pp. 11, 41, 73).

As for discovering that most of the cities in the Southern heartland are not healthy places

to live well, if you can’t have it all, I’d rather have mine with “HamLama Salad” and some “Soda Cracker Pie,” thank you very much.

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

Fuller

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS: Jan. 25 - Dennis Warner Jan. 29 - MLK Jr. Celebration at OPAC Feb. 1 - Heather Pierson Trio at Sundilla Feb. 2 - Tucka James at BPEC Feb. 23 - Empty bowls

Bridge club shares favorite recipes for luncheons, dessert course Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

A

t one time there were a large number of garden clubs, study clubs and bridge groups in Opelika. While many of the garden and study clubs disappeared as more women began working, numerous bridge groups have continued.

One of those is the second Thursday bridge club that meets in the afternoons in members’ homes with the hostess providing snacks and a dessert course. Once in a while, a hostess will serve lunch as well.

Mary Ann Swanson assembled the group, asking friends she knew to

become a member and also others who could not meet often to serve as substitutes.

Along with Mary Ann, members include Vondalyn Hall, Jennifer Jones, Pat Fox, Julia Thomas, Kathy Penton, Sally McCormick and myself, as I am blessed to be a part.

Substitutes are Brenda Goodman, Joyce Windsor, Debra Whatley, Annette Lovett, Pat Evans, Joan King, Patty Martin and Dianne Wages.

Mary Ann is a talented cook and hostess who enjoys entertaining and does it with ease, whether it is bridge, dinner, brunch

or luncheon. When arriving at her home for an occasion, the table is always elegantly set with pressed linens, beautiful china and crystal along with a gorgeous floral centerpiece she arranges herself.

Sometimes she selects flowers from her garden or combines purchased flowers with fresh greenery.

When it comes to a special occasion, such as for a granddaughter’s graduation party, she has been known to order 100 roses for arrangements around the house.

Mary Ann will treat us to lunch once in a while when

Photo by Ann Cipperly The second Thursday bridge club enjoys good food and fellowship. The ladies are sharing favorite recipes for luncheons and a dessert course. Pictured are, from left, seated, Julia Thomas, Mary Ann Swanson, Brenda Goodman; standing, Pat Fox, Joyce Windsor, Sally McCormick and Kathy Penton. Not pictured are Jennifer Jones, Ann Cipperly and Vondalyn Hall.

she has time. Sometimes she serves fancy cakes, pies and crepes for dessert. If she is busy, she will go for something simple but will have an attractive presentation.

A gracious lady with a penchant for southern hospitality, Jennifer Jones always does a wonderful job whether she is cooking, entertaining or decorating.

Jennifer enjoys opening her stunning restored antebel-

lum home to welcome family and friends for bridge and a variety of occasions.

Originally located on Railroad Avenue in Opelika, the 1870 Greek revival house and adjoining cottage were moved in 1971 to Blackhawk and restored as one spacious home.

Leaded glass surrounding the front door and the mantels in the living and dining rooms are from the J.M. Burt home on Second

Avenue, which later became the Townhouse restaurant.

When it is Jennifer’s turn to host a bridge group, she often servers her signature Fancy Pimento Cheese spread with crackers as everyone arrives. She arranges tea, coffee, sodas and water on a marble top chest in front of the window in the dining room. The refreshments are See Recipes, page A9

‘Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio’ Auburn-Opelika’s ‘Empty to perform at Sundilla Feb. 1 Bowls Event’ to return Feb. 23 Special to the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor

The Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio will make their Sundilla debut Feb. 1, with showtime at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship set for 7:30 p.m.

At first glance, Heather Pierson appears to be the girl next door - youthful, friendly, a little bit shy - but she is an award-winning pianist, multi-genre singer/songwriter, arranger, bandleader, and performer. From New Orleans-style jazz and

Helping fulfill the Food bank of East Alabama’s mission to eliminate food insecurity in Lee County is the goal of the annual “Empty Bowls” fundraising event, which will be held Feb. 23 at Auburn’s Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center.

According to City of Auburn Art Education Specialist Cari Cleckler, Empty Bowls is a shared event be-

Photo special to the Opelika Observer blues to rousing Americana and poignant folk narratives, Pierson’s

memorable live performances feature her See Sundilla, page A8

tween Auburn and Opelika, offering both a chance to put their own spin on it.

“I think what makes this event so dynamic is that when we swap back and forth, it’s different every time. Each one is fun and different, and it doesn’t give people a chance to say, ‘oh, I went to that last year,’” Cleckler said.

An estimated 500 unique, hancrafted bowls will be available for purchase during the event.

“Every time some-

one uses a bowl, they’re reminded of what they learn from coming to an event like this,” Cleckler said.

Local chefs will prepare the soups for the event with help from local restaurants like Chappy’s Deli, Niffer’s Place and Panera Bread, who are donating items and ingredients to be used during the event.

In addition to food, there will be live music provided See Bowls, page A8

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

pelika O Observer

A8 January 23, 2019

Tucka James, Peggy Scott to perform at Bottling Plant Event Center Feb. 2

By Morgan Bryce Editor Louisiana R&B and soul musician Tucka “The King of Swing” James, along with Peggy Scott-Adams and “The Funk Nation Band,” will perform at downtown Opelika’s Bottling Plant Event Center Feb. 2.

Regional radio entertainers Darryl E and Pretty Tony will host, with Costee J serving as the event’s emcee.

James’s musical influences can be traced to his Louisiana roots, a crossroads of musical styles ranging from soul and gospel to hard-core Southern blues.

Scott’s soulful voice, paired with the backing of Funk Nation’s pounding drums and pulsing guitars, will bring audiences to their feet.

Advance tickets cost $30 and will be sold day-of for $40.

They can be pur-

chased by calling 256-226-5862 and 334-7055466 or visiting www.bottlingplanteventcenter. com. There are a limited number of tables available for reservation.

Doors will open at 8 p.m. and the show is slated to begin at 9 p.m.

The venue is located at 614 N. Railroad Ave.

Photos special to the Opelika Observer

BurgerFi introduces new KetoFi burger on Jan. 1 Special to the Opelika Observer With more than onethird of Americans following specialty diets such as Keto, low-carb or vegetarian, BurgerFi recognizes the importance of providing menu options that go above and beyond the standard fare.

That’s why we recently added the

Arts,

from A1 have shifted. There’s a phenomenal potter’s group going on here but there’s really no places to paint.”

The Sterns drew inspiration from a similar concept they discovered during a trip to “The Arts Depot,” in Abingdon, Virginia.

“There’s a core group of resident artists who have a studio space, and they all live (in the area). They do everything from weaving to pottery to sculpting to painting to photography - all visual arts,” the Sterns said. “It’s 10 times the size of what we’re planning to do here, but there’s some neat concepts and stuff from there and other similar places that we’re (borrowing ideas) from.”

Once opened, there will be heavy emphasis on the presence of local artists and wide

Sundilla,

from A7

virtuosity on piano, her bell-tone vocals, and her commanding yet playful stage presence while wielding a tenor banjo, melodica, or acoustic guitar.

The trio is rounded out with Davy Sturtevant on strings/cornet and Shawn Nadeau on upright bass. Her music moves seamlessly and

KetoFi burger to our stable of delicious, nutritious menu options that make it possible to dine out and stick to New Year’s resolutions to follow a healthier lifestyle regimen: • The protein-packed KetoFi burger, which debuted on Jan. 1, features two all-natural angus beef patties topped with bacon, a fried egg, drizzled with mustard range of art mediums represented within the space. Each artist who applies for residency will be vetted by a yet-to-be-assembled board of directors, and if approved, will be required to offer arts education programming geared toward engaging Opelika’s youth.

“There’s so many local artists, so many from Opelika, that were friends with mom, people that mom taught or those that didn’t know her. In the short term, until we get the whole thing going, let them come from a weekend and stay, set up, paint and have a show. Just a way of promoting art,” the Sterns said.

Through the center’s opening, the Sterns added that they plan to increase available art programming throughout downtown Opelika and create membership, with proceeds helping cover operating expenses.

Follow the Observer for updates on the center’s construction and eventual opening.

effortlessly from one style to the next, and a growing catalog of wildly divergent CD releases reflects her boundless creativity.

Originally hailing from Erie, Pennsylvania, Davy Sturtevant is a veteran touring artist, producer, engineer, songwriter and performer who now makes his home in the western foothills of Maine.

Armed with a gorgeous tenor voice and a mighty arsenal of instruments

and served “green style” -- wrapped in fresh, crisp lettuce.

• The Beyond Burger: a plant-based burger that looks, cooks and satisfies like traditional beef. Featuring a Beyond Burger Patty, topped with pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup and American cheese. You can also enjoy it vegan-style,

without mayonnaise or cheese.

• Grilled Chicken Sandwich: a freerange, all-natural chicken breast, topped with lettuce, tomato and drizzled with a honey mustard BBQ sauce.

• Green Style Burgers: drop the bun and go green, enjoy any burger wrapped in fresh, crisp lettuce.

Council,

from A1

building report stated that there were 13 new single dwellings last month with a total of 55 single dwelling homes for the year. Total building amount was over 18 million for the year.

In other business the council: • removed a resolution for demolition of 112 N. 18th Place from where it had been tabled allowing it to move forward for demolition • approved expense reports from various departments

• authorized a grant application for $50,000 from National Fish & Wildlife Foundation for the Pepperell Watershed Project • approved an ordinance to amend the zoning map at 2015 Gateway Drive • heard 1st reading and the rules were suspended allowing a vote to amend the zoning ordinance and zoning map of the the city from I-1, GC-P to C-2, GCP. This will change from institutional GC-P to office commercial GC-P. • approved three reappointments: Tipi Miller, Jay Walters and Chris Nunn were reappointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustments with the new term ending Feb. 11, 2022.

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Bowls,

by local jazz singer Terry Rodriguez and the Electric Rangers as well as a presentation from a yet-tobe-named keynote speaker on the different initiatives and programs offered at the food bank.

“You can find yourself living in this kind of bubble of what an amazing town Auburn is ... but, you can lose sight of how not everyone is fortunate and that in a place like this

there are people who are food insecure,” Cleckler said. “Organizations like our local food bank who are quietly chugging along and working to make a difference need that recognition and ability to stay on the forefront of people’s minds.”

Tickets cost $20, and are available now at Dean Road, Denson and Jan Dempsey community recreation centers.

The event will last from 5-7 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, which is located at 425 Perry St.

gae to jazz.

In their able hands, these three veteran musicians have catapulted Pierson’s live performances of her deep well of Americana originals - folk, jazz, blues - with intricate instrumental arrangements and stirring three-part vocal harmonies.

With so many divergent musical genres now competing for listeners, it’s rare to find an artist that can appeal to almost everyone. The Heather

Pierson Acoustic Trio can, and does.

Advance tickets cost $15 and can be found at Spicer’s Music, World Cup Coffee, and online at sundillamusic.com; admission at the door will be $20. For more info, go to www.sundillamusic.com. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage.

The AUUF is located at 450 E. Thach Ave.

from A7

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

"If you're one of those people who likes any style done well - old-school jazz, folk, pop, classical - you’ll love this prodigiously talented threesome."

- Sarah Craig, Caffe Lena ranging from dobro to fiddle to cornet that come to life in his capable hands, Sturtevant is at once a witty, thoughtful, and engaging stage presence.

New Hampshire native Shawn Nadeau

brings a rock solid thump and nearly two decades of performing experience to the trio, informed by a wide spectrum of unique rhythmic and melodic sensibilities ranging from rockabilly to reg-

pelika O Observer Recipes,

from A7 flanked with sparkling hurricane shades.

If she is serving lunch, Jennifer will arrange the dishes buffet style on the antique sideboard in the dining room. She is also talented at creating floral arrangements and decorating her home.

After living in many places growing up, bridge member Kathy Penton developed a love for a variety of foods. Her father was in the military, and they moved often, including to Hawaii and Germany twice. “I grew up eating international foods because we were overseas so much,” says Kathy.

When we meet at Kathy’s lovely home she always has assorted snacks to savor while playing bridge. She serves a delectable dessert, which is generally one of her yummy pies.

Vondalyn Hall enjoys cooking and feels energized when entertaining and feels it is a gift to share her home. “The house seems more special when it is filled with people,” she says.

Vondalyn can’t remember a time when she didn’t enjoy cooking.

She would stand on a stool to cook at the stove with her mother. When she was 7 years old, she made fudge to take to her teacher, who couldn’ believe she had cooked it herself.

After graduating from high school, Vondalyn majored in home economics at Auburn University. She began her career by teaching home economics (family and consumer sciences) at Cullman High School, and later taught in the Department of Consumer Affairs at Auburn University.

Vondalyn’s deep faith in God has given her a love for others and a desire to offer hospitality with family being her favorite to entertain.

As a military wife, Sally McCormick has lived in various places over the years. She grew up in the Mississippi Delta where her family had a garden and

fig trees. Sally enjoyed picking figs and pulling carrots in the garden to rinse and savor straight from the garden. She enjoys cooking and will often invite the bridge group for lunch.

With sweeping views of Lake Martin from a sunroom, Julia Thomas will arrange bridge tables for members to savor the views while playing bridge. “I think what I like best about having guests is that I love feeding people,” says Julia.

“I love having family and friends share what is happening in their lives.

I prepare my food with the thought that I want to spend most of my time with them and enjoy their company.”

Pat Fox also enjoys opening her attractive home overlooking the Saugahatchee Golf course for family and friends. Pat enjoys cooking and having dishes prepared ahead.

Brenda Goodman often serves as a sub for the bridge group. She enjoys cooking and playing bridge. She is a member of other bridge groups.

Debra Whatley also serves as a sub regularly.

She is fond of cooking and hosting Sunday school class parties and other events at her beautiful country home. She freezes dishes ahead and tries to have something on hand if she needs a dish for bereavement.

As it turns out, all of the bridge members and subs are excellent cooks.

The best part of being in the group, though, is not the good food but the friendship and fellowship. A couple of ladies lost their husbands last year, and another member’s husband is in the nursing home.

When we each deal with hardships, it is the friends we have in our clubs, churches and community, along with our family, that give us comfort and lift us up in prayers.

Following is an assortment of recipes for luncheons and desserts to serve at your club or for your family and friends as a special treat anytime.

Cipperly can be reciped at recipes@cipperly.com

Food Ratings Western Sizzlin’ 920 Columbus Pkwy Opelika Score: 93

Durango Mexican Grill 1706 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 90

El Taco Veloz 1107 Fitzpatrick Ave.Opelika Score: 92

Jefferson’s Opelika 905 S. Railroad Ave. Opelika Score: 89

Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint 339 S. College St. Auburn Score: 92 Firehouse Subs 1907 S. College St. Auburn Score: 91

Waffle House 2064 Interstate Drive Opelika Score: 89 Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar 1900 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 87

Fancy Pimento Cheese Jennifer Jones ½ can mild Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained ½ cup mayonnaise 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce Two 8 oz. blocks sharp cheddar cheese, grated 4 oz. jar chopped pimento 3 Tbsp. grated onion 4 oz. cream cheese, softened Mix all ingredients together. May add entire can of Rotel if desired.

It is better to use blocks of cheese and grate your own rather than using bags of grated cheese.

Chill overnight before serving.

Serve with assorted crackers or small bread slices.

Luncheon Shrimp and Crab Casserole Mary Ann Swanson Can omit the crab for a shrimp casserole.

Two 10 oz. cans cream of shrimp soup 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 small onion, grated 1/2 cup celery, chopped 3/4 cup milk (more if it's dry) 2 tsp. each seasoned salt and ground nutmeg 1 tsp. red pepper (or less) Salt and pepper 3 lbs. raw shrimp, cooked and cleaned 1 lb. fresh crab, optional 1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped (optional) 3 Tbsp. fresh parsley 1 1/3 cup uncooked white rice (I cooked the rice first, which makes about 3 cups cooked.)

Paprika Sliced almonds (optional) Blend soup and mayonnaise. Sauté onion and celery; add to soup mixture along with milk and seasonings. Add cooked shrimp, crab, rice, parsley and water chestnuts, if desired.

Combine together and pour into greased casserole dish.

Top with paprika and almonds. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Makes 10 large servings.

Warm Chicken and Pear Salad with Raspberry Poppy Seed Dressing Sally McCormick 6 cups mixed salad greens ¾ cup sliced celery 1/3 cup sliced green onions 1 lb. chicken breasts, cut in strips 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds 2 ripe pears 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese Fresh raspberries, strawberries or grapes for garnish, optional On serving plates, arrange greens. Sprinkle celery and onions over greens. Stir-fry chicken.

Arrange over greens with sliced pears. Top with almonds and cheese.

Can garnish with fresh raspberries, strawberries or grapes.

Raspberry Dressing

3 Tbsp. seedless raspberry jam, melted Stir in: ½ cup oil 3 Tbsp. raspberry vinegar 1 Tbsp. sour cream 1 tsp. poppy seed ½ tsp. salt Fresh raspberries, optional Combine ingredients until blended. Serve warm over salad.

Lemon Meringue Pie Vondalyn Hall 1 piecrust, baked according to directions Lemon Pie Filling: 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup cornstarch 1/8 tsp. salt 4 large egg yolks 2 cups milk 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 2 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. grated lemon rind 1 tsp. vanilla extract Whisk together first 3 ingredients in a heavy non-aluminum saucepan.

Combine egg yolks, milk and lemon juice in a bowl and whisk until smooth.

Add the egg yolk mixture to the sugar mixture.

Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture is thickened (approximately 1 minute).

Remove pan from heat; add butter, lemon rind, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

Pour pie filling into baked piecrust while filling is hot. Place plastic wrap directly on the filling to keep filling warm while the meringue is being prepared.

Meringue 4 egg whites 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 8 Tbsp. sugar Let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before beating.

Beat egg whites, cream of tartar and vanilla until frothy. Continue beating until egg whites start stiffening; begin adding sugar, a tablespoon at a time, constantly beating until stiff peaks form and the sugar is dissolved.

Remove the plastic wrap from the pie filling and spread meringue over the warm filling sealing the edges.

Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Cool pie completely on a wire rack.

Pie can be served at room temperature. Store leftover pie in the refrigerator.

Yummy Pie Kathy Penton 1 cup pecans, chopped 1 cup coconut ¾ cup melted margarine Mix together and lightly brown in skillet.

Filling: 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 can Eagle brand milk 16 oz. Cool Whip Combine ingredients.

1 jar caramel sauce In a graham cracker crust, layer filling and half of coconut mixture.

Repeat. Freeze.

Remove from freezer 15 minutes before serving. Drizzle caramel sauce on top and serve.

Makes 2 small pies or one deep dish.

A9 January 23, 2019

Chicken Packets Julia Thomas 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped 3 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 Tbsp. chopped chives 2 Tbsp. milk ½ cup crushed seasoned crouton crumbs 2 pkg. refrigerated crescent rolls ¼ cup melted butter Mix chicken, creamed cheese, chives, milk and salt in a medium bowl.

(Mixing with hands works best.)

Unroll crescent rolls.

Each tube will contain 4 rectangles of dough with a diagonal perforation. Press perforations together so they will not separate.

Place about ¼ cup chicken mixture in center of each rectangle. Gather up the dough around the mixture and press firmly together making a small pouch and place on greased cookie sheet.

Cover each pouch with melted butter and sprinkle crouton crumbs over the top.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Packets are good hot or cold and can be frozen without the butter and crouton topping.

Makes 8 packets.

Trifle Bowl Dessert Pat Fox 3 oz. pkg. strawberrykiwi flavored gelatin (can use just strawberry) ¾ cup boiling water ½ cup cold water 3 oz. pkg. white chocolate instant pudding mix 2 cups low fat or fat free milk 10 ½ oz. angel food cake 2 cups sliced strawberries 2 cups blueberries 12 oz. container frozen low fat whipped topping, thawed Dissolve gelatin in boiling water; add cold water and set aside.

Beat pudding mix with mix as directed on package.

Tear cake into bitesized pieces. Arrange half of cake pieces in a three quart trifle bowl or crystal bowl. Spoon half of gelatin over cake. Spread half of pudding over gelatin.

Spoon one-third of strawberries and onethird of blueberries over pudding. Spread half of whipped topping over top.

Repeat layers with cake, gelatin, pudding, berries and whipped topping. Add remaining berries to top. Cover and chill. Serves 12.

Cream Cheese Danish Brenda Goodman Two 8 oz. cans crescent rolls 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup sugar Three 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla flavoring 2 eggs, separated 1/2 cup chopped pecans Spread one can of rolls in bottom of 13 x 9-inch casserole dish which has been sprayed with Pam. Pinch seams together

well.

Cream one cup of sugar with softened cream cheese, vanilla and egg yolks. Spread evenly on top of rolls.

Place second can of rolls on casserole pinching seams together. Beat egg whites with a fork until frothy and spread on top of rolls. Sprinkle with the one fourth cup of sugar and then top with pecans. Bake 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees.

Cheese Straws Debra Whatley 1 lb. grated sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup shortening 3 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. red pepper 1 Tbsp. salt ½ cup ice water Blend cheese and shortening together.

Cut in flour mixture as for pastry. Add water.

Use pastry tube to make cheese straws. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Baked Brie with Apricots, Cranberries and Walnuts Jennifer Jones 6-8 inch Brie wheel ¼ cup brown sugar ½ cup dried apricots ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries ½ cup apricot jam ¾ cup toasted walnuts, chopped Mix ingredients and place on top of Brie. Bake at 325 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Brie Filled Loaf May take a round loaf of bread and take a thin top off. Remove inside of bread and cube.

Press brie with mixture on top down into round bread. Bake about 30 minutes. Serve with crackers and bread cubes.

Stuffed Portobella En Croute Mary Ann Swanson 1 box frozen puff pastry, cut into 4 by 4-inch squares For each mushroom cap: 1 whole portabella mushroom Hoisin sauce 2 oz. Roquefort or Swiss cheese ½ cup cooked chopped spinach 1 Tbsp. thinly sliced scallion 1 egg, beaten Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Paint underside of Portobello cap with hoisin sauce. Roll out puff pastry to about 6 by 6.

Place cheese in middle of puff pastry; cover cheese with portabella cap, gill side facing up.

Cover the gills with spinach and scallion. Fold in the 4 corners of the puff pastry so they overlap to enclose the whole cap and filling. Turn the cap over, score lightly with a knife in a decorative pattern, and brush on some of beaten egg. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

One package of pastry should make about 8.

See Recipes, page A10

pelika O Observer

A10 January 23, 2019

La Cantina,

from A1

Jennifer Collins said the restaurant has slowly built a solid reputation and customer base with guests turning into “regulars.”

“Obviously, there is a lot to say about how far we have come in the last two years, and we are proud to be a part of the thriving downtown Opelika community. We love partnering with our neighbors like serving Mama Mocha’s coffee with our brunch, offerings from Red Clay Brewery and John Emerald Distillery at our bar, and will be featuring cupcakes from Cakeitecture (Bakery) during our birthday weekend,” Collins said. “La Cantina has even more plans for 2019 and we look forward to remaining a vital part of an ever-expanding downtown Opelika.”

Below is a full schedule of La Cantina’s birthday festivities: Jan. 25 - Patio party with deejay and photo booth. The covered patio will be enclosed, with heaters and fire pit to keep guests warm.

Jan. 26 - Weekend brunch from 10 a.m.

- 2 p.m. Local artists will provide live music throughout the day and evening.

Jan. 27- Weekend Brunch from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The restaurant will close early to set up for the OTC performance.

Doors will open again at 5:30 p.m. for cocktails and games prior to the dinner show, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

For more information or to view La Cantina’s full menu and list of events, visit www.lacantinaopelika.com. The restaurant is located at 870 N. Railroad Ave. OTC’s opening performance of 2019

Recipes,

from A9

Photo special to the Opelika Observer This will mark the OTC’s first performance of 2019, which will also serve as a fundraiser for the organization.

“Dead 2 Rights” is a 2013 murder mystery/ comedy written by Lee Mueller, whose background in theater spans more than three decades.

According to a synopsis on Amazon, the play takes place during the annual meeting of the “Archtypical Corporation.” Drama ensues when the CEO’s financial reports are debated by a shareholder and members

of a local literary club arrive claiming they are scheduled to also hold a meeting in that space.

Later, the CEO and shareholder are found dead, leaving those remaining to wonder, ‘who dunnit?’.

Tickets to attend this event cost $40, which includes the cost of the meal and viewing of the play. Meal choices include beef pot roast with creamed potatoes, carrots, onions and gravy, roasted chicken with pepper jack macaroni and cheese and mixed

vegetables and vegetarian tacos served with Spanish rice and beans.

All meals will include chips and salsa and cinnamon sugar sopapillas for dessert. There will be audience participation, as well as games and prizes for those in attendance.

A second performance of “Dead 2 Rights” is scheduled for Feb. 3.

This performance will also be at La Cantina.

To make reservations and purchase tickets, call 334-663-2593 or visit squareup.com/store/OpelikaTheatreCo.

Easy Apricot Pineapple Crisp Vondalyn Hall 3 cans apricot halves or 8 cups fresh peach halves 1 can pineapple chunks 1 cup old fashion oats 1½ cups brown sugar 1 cup flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1½ sticks melted butter Drain apricot halves and pineapple chunks and pat dry. Spread fruit evenly in the bottom of a 9 x 13 casserole dish. (If using fresh peaches instead of apricots, toss peaches with ½ cup white sugar before placing in dish.)

Combine oats, brown sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well. Add melted butter and stir until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the fruit mixture. Bake for 30 minutes at 325 degrees.

Serve warm with ice cream.

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

A11 January 23, 2019

City officials begin Volunteers needed at Auburn inspections of Compassus and Bethany House Opelika’s waterways

By Tyler Roush For the Opelika Observer

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer During the next few weeks, the City of Opelika Engineering Department stormwater crew will be walking steams in the area to perform required inspections of waterways. These streams are considered public

waters of the U.S., they are sometimes in close proximity to residential areas. The city employees will have identification and a vest on so they can be easily identified. For more information, contact the city’s engineering department at 334705-5450.

Regardless of age, everyone has a purpose at the Auburn Compassus and Bethany House.

Located at 1171 Gatewood Dr., the Bethany House provides continuous or short-term relief care for patients in an environment that is built to feel like home. The building is a medicareapproved, 10-bed facility with hospice registered nurses and views of the nearby lake.

Complemented with the feeling of being at home, the Bethany House pairs its patients with trained volunteers to provide a sense of comfort while dealing with ailments. In addition to service within the facility, the hospice also provides in-house care.

Chris Starr, the director of clinical services at Compassus’ Auburn location, said that volunteers could do anything from mowing lawns, reading to the patient or assisting staff members.

To Starr, the priority is to establish companionship between the volunteer and the patient.

“They’re there to visit

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

334-528-6191

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

and provide some moral support, companionship, talking,” Starr said. “A lot of people — especially if they’re elderly — just want to share their stories.”

Separate from building connections, the Bethany House looks to ease any stress with the patient or the patient’s family.

“Our goal is to assist the patient, the patient’s family, whatever needs they have, with our volunteer staff,” Starr said.

Latasha Durr, the hospice volunteer coordinator, said that volunteers also participate in activities ranging from bingo, penny auctions, resident birthday parties or walking around the facility.

Though volunteering with the hospice is needed, volunteers are also encouraged to bring their pets as a future Pet Therapy Volunteer Program is planned in addition to its current services.

“It just brings so much joy to the patients when their dogs come to visit,” Starr said.

Volunteers with musical talents, either instrumental or vocal, are also able to provide music for the patients.

The hospice also plans to add an Angel Volunteer

Program, with volunteers staying at the bedside of patients who are actively dying.

As Lee County’s first hospice, initially established as Lee County Hospice prior to becoming a Compassus affiliate, volunteer service is also provided to Macon, Chambers, Russell, Tallapoosa and Randolph counties.

Volunteers are required to be 18 years old, with the hospice’s oldest volunteer being in their 80s, Starr said, and must pass a background check.

Following a background check, the hospice

requires volunteers to go through training prior to starting. Training is provided at the facility, but is also available at a separate location if a set of people, such as a local church group, is looking to volunteer.

The next volunteer training session will be Feb. 4, at 5:30 p.m.

Any prospective volunteer can register with the Auburn Compassus location or the Bethany House by going through Compassus’ website at compassus.com/volunteers, or by emailing Durr at latasha.durr@compassus.com.

pelika O Observer

A12 January 23, 2019

Opelika Rotary Club seeking donations of dog, cat food for Lee County Humane Society Special to the Opelika Observer

During the month of January, members of the Opelika Rotary Club will accept donations of cat and dog food, non-clumping cat litter, cleaning supplies and toys for the Lee County Humane Society as a part of the group’s Centennial Project and celebration of its 100th anniversary coming in May. The Opelika Rotary Club, which consists of

the Lunch Hour and Happy Hour groups, has been donating items to local organizations every month since last July. Following are some of the items and groups they have assisted through this 10-monthlong project: July – donated more than 100 school supplies to the local United Way’s “Stuff the Bus” program August – donated 230 pounds of food (starting with an original goal of 100 pounds) to the Food

Bank of East Alabama September – donated more than 100 pints of blood to LifeSouth October – donated more than 100 Halloween costumes to the Lee County Youth Development Center November – donated more than 100 toys for the Toys for Tots program December – donated coats and cold weather gear to hurricane victims in Port Saint Joe January – goal of

donating 100 bags of cat and dog food to the Lee County Humane Society February – goal is to donate 100 books to the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library March – Goal is to donate 100 items to the Community Garden April – Goal is to donate 100 swimsuits and towels to the Big House Foundation.

Club member Brooke Kastner said the project is a small way of giving back

to the community that her group calls home.

“The Lee County Humane Society’s mission ‘to advance humane treatment and responsible ownership of companion animals through community education, animal sheltering and adoption, and alleviation of animal suffering.’ This is something that is important to a lot of the club’s members, so we set up the food drive to help support the LCHS in its mission,” Kastner

said. “We hope that others will join us in this effort, as well.”

Donations can be dropped off at the Lunch Hour group’s meetings at noon each Tuesday in January at the Saugahatchee Country Club, or at the Happy Hour Group’s meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Niffer’s Place in downtown Opelika. For more information, like and follow their Facebook or Instagram pages.

Work begins on railroad crossings in Opelika Special to the Opelika Observer As of Jan. 22 Norfolk Southern Railroad Company began maintenance at three

Pinyerd,

from A4

God has answered prayers in facing health challenges, an uncertain future, or the need for wisdom and strength. Altars are significant times in our lives when we remember God did answer our prayers for our good. When we reflect back on these altars

that happen to us during different seasons, it is a stockpile of evidence that does build our trust and increases our faith.

2. Have “me” time. Set aside time each day that you can be alone to think, reflect and pray. As baby boomers, we are the sandwich generation, so we are always serving others.

One thing that I truly admire about this generation is how they journal and write down their

memoirs during times of quiet reflections. These shared memoirs become a blessing to others.

Each of us have gifts and talents. In teaching young children for many years, I always rely and teach young children the Bible verse, Psalm 139:14 - “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.”

This truth truly encourages young children. As we age we need to focus on our God given talents and gifts. As Baby Boomers ask yourself what makes

railroad crossings in Opelika. On Jan. 22, the crossing on Old Columbus Road was serviced. On Jan. 23, the crews will be working on the you happy and gives you inner joy! What comes natural to you, share with others. How can we use our talents and gifts to fulfill our lives’ purpose?

Using our talents and gifts can rejuvenate our lives and help others as well.

4. Friends and family are to be cherished. As we grow older, good friendships are a valuable source of love and needed support. In going through our elderly years it is so good to have a friend who loves us unconditionally. True friends give us a guiding, helping hand.

Trusted friends will offer

& Flea Mall

CoCaCola sign

crossing at McCoy Street. The last day, Jan 24, crews will be working on the First Avenue crossing. They expect the work to take one day at each cross-

ing, pending unforeseen circumstances.

Motorists can expect delays and are encouraged to avoid these areas during the maintenance work.

valuable advice and suggestions on facing life and help you to discover what is best for our lives.

5. As baby boomers, we have lived through different seasons in our lives. A season of going to school, careers, taking care of family or raising a family or taking care of our elderly parents. This seems to be our identity during different seasons.

As a baby boomer, we may be facing an empty nest because our children are grown, our elderly parents may have passed on, and too, we may be going through retirement in our jobs.

Baby boomers, even though we may be in a different season in our lives, we still have a pur-

pose to make a difference in our life and for those around us. We have a future. Work diligently at what you love doing and share with others.

Beth Pinyerd, also known as the “Classroom Observer,” has taught young children in the Early Childhood Classroom for 34 years as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings. The Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools and homeschools.

The Classroom Observer welcomes school news, pictures, and events which can be sent by email to donnapinyerd@att.net.

Mike Kensler speaks to Opelika Kiwanis Club

look for a new find each week!

334-745-3221 • angelsantiqueandfleamall.com 900 columbus Pkwy, oPelika 36801 oPen everyday 10-7 • sun 1-5

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Dr. Mike Kensler, director for the Office of Sustainability at Auburn University, spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Opelika. Pictured are Bob Harris, Joanne Camp and Kensler. Kensler spoke about renewable energy and the pitfalls of traditional means of creating energy. Sustainability is "meeting human needs now and in the future in a fair, just and equitable way while protecting and maintaining healthy ecosystems in perpetuity,” Kensler said. He has committed his life to that cause and hopes to inspire the world around him to do the same.

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

OPELIKA BASKETBALL SCHEDULE (Boys and Girls) Jan. 25 @ Russell County Jan. 29 v. Pelham Area tournament seeding and playoff schedule to be determined

Opelika Wrestling Bulldogs recognize seniors last Tuesday night

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika wrestling to host Smiths Station, Enterprise

T

he Opelika Wrestling program will host Smiths Station and Enterprise Jan. 24 in the Mainstreet gym at OHS. The night is designated as “Pin Cancer Night,” as every Opelika student-athlete on the wrestling team will wrestle in honor of someone they know that was or has been affected by cancer.

The middle school and varsity teams will participate. Admission is $7 for adults and $2 for students, with all of the student proceeds and half of the adult admission to be donated to the East Alabama Medical Center Cancer Foundation.

The Bulldog grapplers defeated Russell County last week at Opelika. The OMS/JV wrestlers beat the Warriors behind the following wins: Nijah Durham, Logan Sheridan, Qua Edwards, Jabrian Harris and Brayden Wilson.

The OHS varsity slipped by RCHS 35-34.

The following wrestlers won matches: Heavy weight James Dawson pinned his opponent after 51 seconds; 106 pounds Jackson Shoemakrt; Zeak Jones, 170 pounds - Cole Lazzari; 185 pounds - Timmy Tolbert; 195

pounds - Trint Vaughns and 220 pounds - Bevin Williams.

Opelika improved to 11-15 overall in team duals. I will have the results of the “Bulldog Bash” in next week’s column.

BASKETBALL The Bulldog boys basketball team split a pair of games last week, beating Russell County and losing at Lafayette.

Opelika earned its second area win, 62-44 over Russell County, last week at Opelika. Coach John Wadsworth continues to see several players scoring in double figures.

Justin Love scored a game-high 17 points to lead the Bulldogs. Trey Boone scored 12 points and Jared Willis and Jaylin Cumins scored 10 points apiece.

Lafayette hit four 3-point baskets in the final two minutes to slip by Opelika 79-75 in front of their home crowd. Boone scored 25 points to lead Opelika, followed by Willis and Taye Fields, who added 13 points apiece.

Grady Bynum finished with 12 points.

The Opelika junior varsity team lost 37-31. Jordyn Moore scored seven points and Cam Marshall See Sports, page B2

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika High Senior Wrestlers were recognized Jan. 15. From left to right: Coach Jeremy Pickens,Timmy Tolbert, Elijah Schwenk, Trint Vaughns, Bevin Williams, Cole Lazzari and Coach Jim Davis.

Opelika-Auburn Wrestling team to hold ‘Pin area a hotspot Cancer Night’ for basketball Special to the Opelika Observer If you want to play men’s basketball, you’ll be in good company in Opelika according to a recent study done by the data insights firm College Factual Students love the city because of its proximity to highcaliber colleges and universities that offer quality academic and sports programs.

Popular Destination for Student Athletes Who Love Men’s Basketball Scholars from all over the country come to the Opelika-Auburn area to get their degrees.

The city attracts a lot of international students, too. After graduation, many of these student athletes go on to careers that combine their love for sports with their academic major, such as coaching, sports journalism and sports medicine.

There is one school in the area that made the top15 percent of this year’s ranking.

This ranking of "Best Colleges for Men’s Basketball" takes into account both the athletic competitiveness of the specific team and the academic progress of the student-athletes on See Basketball , page B2

Jan. 24 Special to the Opelika Observer

The Opelika Wrestling Bulldogs will be hosting a "Pin Cancer Night" tomorrow at the high school's Mainstreet Gym, a fundraiser for the East Alabama Medical Center Cancer Foundation.

During their meet, they will bout with Enterprise and Smiths Station.

The cost of admission is $7 for adults and $2 for students. All student proceeds and half of the adult proceeds will benefit the foundation's mission of providing quality treatment to cancer patients and

ultimately helping find a cure for the disease.

According to Jim Davis, coach of the Wrestling Bulldogs program, said his team "will be wrestling in honor of or for someone they know who has lost the battle or is battling this deadly disease."

Construction is nearing completion on the EAMC's new E.L. Spencer, Jr. and Ruth Priester Spencer Cancer Center, a multi-million dollar facility which is expected to open in May, replacing the smaller one currently operating within the hospital.

See Wrestling , page B2

pelika O Observer

B2 January 23, 2019

One Voice Shelter Coalition renovates home for Beulah resident

By Robert Noles Photojournalist for the Opelika Observer Members of the Lee County-based One Voice Shelter Coalition recently renovated a house in the Beulah area, their first major construction project.

Home for the Homeless The OVSC was organized last May to seek out and provide shelter for homeless individuals

in Lee County. OVSC president Jean Causey said that there are people in Lee county that work but cannotprovide themselves a place to stay, with some living in forested area or old buildings in the AuburnOpelika area.

Such people are recommended by the Lee-Russell Council of Government and names are given to the One Voice Shelter Coalition to assist in providing

these individuals a roof over their heads while they are having hard times in their life.

The One Voice Shelter Coalition meets once a month and the next meeting will be in February at the EAMC Resource building at 3 p.m. Those interested in partcipating are invited to attend.

On Jan. 24 at 11:30 a.m., local and government leaders will meet at Lakeview Baptist

Trinity Christian School holds spelling bee contest

Church. Lunch will be provided.

They need partners to assist in donating houses, apartments, building or land. People to donate their time and materialsto assist in these efforts For more information, contact Jean Causey by phone at 334-749-5264 or email jcausey@lrocg. com or Selaena Daniel 334-750-0741 or email at danielw1@mindspring.com.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Trinity Christian School recently held their spelling bee contest for students in grades 5-8.

Emily Wright (8th grade) was the winner and Joanne Smith T (6th grade) was the runner up.

Congratulations students.

Wrestling,

from B1

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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

Basketball,

from B1

the team.

About the Rankings Every student should be armed with all the facts possible when they are making their college decision. That’s one of the reasons why College Factual developed its Best Colleges for Men’s

Sports,

from B1 AuburnBank’s Tiger Town Kroger location has moved to a new, full-service location on Frederick Road in front of Lowe’s. Under the leadership of City President Eddie Smith, our new location provides three drive-up windows, a drive-up ATM, a night deposit drop, safe deposit boxes, consumer and commercial loans in addition to all our checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts,

Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic products and services.

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

ICK RD.

FREDER

Tiger Town

Lowe’s

R.

D AY TEW GA

Kroger

Our New Location

Visit us here: www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

I-85

1851 Frederick Road Opelika

Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

and Will Beams chipped in six points apiece, The Lady Bulldog basketball team (19-5) blew out Park Crossing 62-30 and Lafayette 63-31 last week. Claire Worth scored 19 points to lead the team and Ananda Hughley contributed 13 points.

Kaitlyn Bryant and Hughley scored 14 points apiece in a 63-31 win over Lafayette.

Worth added 11 points.

The Lady Bulldogs continue to dominate local schools on their way to what appears to be another deep playoff run.

The Opelika girls junior varsity team defeated Auburn 42-32 last week at Auburn.

No scoring results were available.

Both teams played at Benjamin Russell in Alexander City Tuesday night. The results were

"We have an outstanding team of nurses, therapists and doctors as well as the full support of administration, but we've outgrown our (current) center.

With EAMC's Cancer Center moving to a

freestanding building, patients will be able to experience care in a state-of-the-art facility dedicated solely to cancer treatment," said EAMC Radiation Oncologist Dr. John Cabelka.

The meet is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow night.

The school is located at 1700 Lafayette Parkway.

Basketball ranking.

More than 3,000 universities were evaluated to determine these rankings.

To learn more, read College Factual’s Ranking Methodology at www. collegefactual.com.

Best Colleges for Men’s Basketball Near Opelika Auburn University is ranked #62 in the Division I Men’s Basketball category. Nearly 22,700

undergraduates call Auburn home each year. The school has a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1 and a freshman retention rate of 91 percent.

In total, the school supports 17 sports programs. Auburn provides approximately $8,719,706 in sports-related aid to men and $6,936,875 in sports-related aid to women on an annual basis.

not available at press time.

Opelika boys host Pelham in junior varsity and varsity Jan. 29 starting at 4 p.m. The girls and boys host Auburn Jan. 31 at the Sports Arena at OHS. OPELIKA DIXIE YOUTH Opelika Dixie Youth Baseball will begin online registration in the coming days. The league offers recreation baseball for children 7-12 years old.

Opelika Dixie Youth is a parent-run organization, using registration fee and sponsorship donations to operate. ODY President Ben Bugg and the Board of Directors are to be commended for their volunteer efforts.

Thank you to all volunteers. For more information, visit www.opelikadixieyouth.com Opelika Dixie Boys Baseball (13-15 year olds) and T-Ball are under the Opelika Parks and Recreation department. Registration for

Dixie Boys starts in April. Contact the Opelika Sportsplex for more info.

If you have local sports or recreation news, send information to me at foxonthemark@ yahoo.com ON THE MARK on RADIO If you are interested in local sports, listen to “On the Mark” weekdays 7-9 a.m. on WTLM 1520 AM, online at wtlmam. com, kickerfm.com and the iHeart radio application on your smartphone.

Jeff Sasser and I host the show along with daily guest hosts, including Dan Washburn, Larry Gore, Derek Lee, James Cooper and Joe Wilson. The show is “guest driven” with local interviews each day. Follow local sports by reading and listening to On the Mark.

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

pelika O Observer

B3 January 23, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• Jan. 24 Business Over Breakfast Education Edition – with Dr. Mark Neighbors 7:30 a.m. at the Saugahatchee Country Club • Jan. 24 Ribbon Cutting at East University Veterinary Hospital - 10 a.m.

• Jan. 29 Business After Hours Pre-Performance Series Reception 5 – 6:45 p.m.

• Feb 1 State of the City Luncheon with Mayor Gary Fuller • Feb. 5 Ribbon Cutting at TherapySouth at 10 a.m.

• Feb. 12 Ribbon Cutting at Big Blue Crawfish & Cajun Market at 10 a.m.

• Feb. 12 River Bank & Trust Business After Hours from 5 - 7 p.m.

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

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

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

Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for parents whose children have autism will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

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

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

Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

• Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers 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 334-5284197 or deborahowen@ eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information call 8261899 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/beginning-

farms/webinars.php.

Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@ auburn.edu.

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

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

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

• The Opelika City 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 ses-

Closing reception ‘Dis-Appearance’ at Biggin Gallery Jan. 29 Special to the Opelika Observer The Department of Art in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University is pleased to invite the public to the panel discussion and closing reception of the exhibition “DIS-APPEARANCE” presenting works by​Emily Bivens, Rebecca Hackemann, Joshua Huyser, and Ty Smith.

The discussion panel

with the artists and closing reception will be on Jan 29 at 5 p.m. in the Biggin Gallery, and 005 Biggin Hall.

On view now through Jan. 29.

This event is free and open to the public, and Biggin Gallery is wheelchair accessible.

Visit the website www. cla.auburn.edu/art/galleries/exhibitions/ and our facebook page.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

sions. 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 non-profit 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.

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum. They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights.

This event is held the third Thursday of each month. Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

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

The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call 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 334-528-1076 for more information.

• Feb. 1 - The Martha Wayles Jefferson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Group will meet Feb. 9 at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.

Local author Frank Harrelson will discuss his latest book, “Twisted Fate,” a historical novel about the Huguenots in 16th and 17th century France, a Protestant group that suffered severe persecution for their religious beliefs.

The book is now available at most major book retailers or Amazon. For more information, call Jean Pinkard at 619200-0692.

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

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pelika O Observer

B4 January 23, 2019

LEGALS 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 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0030.

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. 2018A-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 Probate 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

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd Auburn, AL 36830 February 11, 2019 at 2:00pm CST Marilyn Smith Unit #205 536 Shelton Mill Rd. Auburn, AL 36830 Boxes, bags, totes, assorted toys and games, unopened items Kammrie Dowdell Unit #280 P.O Box 2802 Auburn, AL 36830 Boxes, bags, totes, household furniture, dressers, tables, chairs, clothing Sanquanetta Tarbert Unit #O178 745 Clark Ave. Auburn, AL 36832 Beds and boxes Betty Ohara Unit #S339 515 Fox Run Pkwy Opelika, AL 36801 Boxes and small items Teresa Ray Unit #R321 900 Old Mill Rd A17 Auburn, AL 36830 Boxes, bags, small furniture, lamps Stephon Ball Unit #250 1325 Kurt Cir Auburn, AL 36830 Dresser, couch, tables, boxes, small furniture Anthony Williams Unit #B22 734 s 8th street RICHMOND,IN,47374 Boxes, microwave, misc items Ricardo Wilkerson Unit #246 321 1st Ave NW Lafayette,AL,36862 Furniture and boxes Krissy Birdsong Unit #E75 1281 Samantha Ct Auburn,AL,36830 table, beds, boxes Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 1/23/19 & 1/30/19

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO. 2019-A-025 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of CHARLES FRANK GOLDEN III, Deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Charles Frank Golden Jr., on January 16, 2019 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 01/23/2019

INVITATION TO BID BID# 19009 Sealed bids for the construction of the City-Wide Intersection ADA Improvements Project shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor.

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

Principal items of work include but are not limited to: removal of existing sidewalk, ramps, storm inlets, and curb sec-

tions; preparation of sub-base; installation and finishing of new ADA compliant ramps and sidewalk; installation of storm inlet units and tops; and restoration of adjacent right of way. All work shall meet ADA requirements. Work will be prioritized into four zones and a “Notice to Proceed” will be issued for each zone based on schedule and budget constraints. The final zone is not guaranteed to be ordered under the Contract. Work shall begin within 10 days of each “Notice to Proceed”. The completion time for each zone is 90 days from the commencement of work. The total contract length shall not exceed 540 calendar days.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. Phone number: 334705-5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

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

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390.

Attn: City-Wide Intersection ADA Improvements Project LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 01/23/19 & 1/30/19

INVITATION TO BID BID# 19007 Sealed bids for the construction of the City-Wide Roadway Improvements Project shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend.

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

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

Principal items of work include but are not limited to: asphalt and concrete removal, excavation, roadbed processing, installation of curb and gutter, installation of sidewalk, installation of storm drainage inlets, and erosion and sediment control. The Opelika Engineering Department will make every effort to have work located, prioritized, scheduled, and grouped in order to optimize the mobilization of the contractor. Work shall begin within 10 days of each “Notice to Proceed”.

The total contract length shall not exceed 360 calendar days.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. Phone number: 334705-5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika.

All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be

accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, PurchasingRevenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390.

Attn: City-Wide Roadway Improvements Project LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Notice 01/23/19 & 01/30/19

INVITATION TO BID BID# 19006 Sealed bids for the construction of the City-Wide Striping Project shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered.

At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. No bid will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Principal items of work include but are not limited to: placement of thermoplastic striping, thermoplastic markings, thermoplastic legends, and pavement markers. The Opelika Engineering Department will make every effort to have work located, prioritized, scheduled, and grouped in order to optimize the mobilization of the contractor. Work shall begin within 10 days of each “Notice to Proceed”. The total contract length shall not exceed 360 calendar days.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. Phone number: 334705-5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika.

All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, PurchasingRevenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390.

Attn: City-Wide Striping Project LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 01/23/19 & 01/30/19

INVITATION TO BID BID# 19008 Sealed bids for the construction of the City-Wide Asphalt Paving Project shall be

received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered.

At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. No bid will be accepted from anyone except a qualified Contractor licensed by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Principal items of work include but are not limited to: asphalt removal by milling, asphalt patching, asphalt leveling, asphalt surface, tack, and temporary striping. The Opelika Engineering Department will make every effort to have work located, prioritized, scheduled, and grouped in order to optimize the mobilization of the contractor. Work shall begin within 10 days of each “Notice to Proceed”. The total contract length shall not exceed 360 calendar days.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. Phone number: 334705-5450 Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika.

All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, PurchasingRevenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 368030390.

Attn: City-Wide Asphalt Paving Project LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 01/23/19 & 01/30/19

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

1HGC3147YA024010 - 2000 HONDA ACCORD LEGAL RUN 01/23/19 & 1/30/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

PROBATE COURT, LEE COUNTY - CASE NO: 2018C-097 Estate of Wesley Vance, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITOR Take Notice that LETTERS TESTMENTARY of Wesley Vance, deceased, having been granted to Royce Virginia Wangle on the 4th day of December 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Royce Virginia Wangle LEGAL RUN 01/23/19, 01/30/19 & 02/06/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS PROBATE COURT, LEE COUNTY - CASE NO: 2018B-167 Estate of Kathleen Mary Foley McClure, deceased NOTICE TO CREDITOR Take Notice that LETTERS TESTMENTARY of Kathleen Mary Foley McClure deceased having been granted to Kenneth Eugene McClure of the 5th day of November, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Kenneth Eugene McClure LEGAL RUN 01/23/19, 01/30/19 & 02/06/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DIANN WEAVER CRUICKSHANK, DECEASED, IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 16th day of January, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BRANDI S. RAINS Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 LEGAL RUN 01/23/19, 01/30/19 & 02/06/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JACK DENNIS CLANTON , DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 15 th day of January, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

RUDENE B. CLANTON Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 01/23/19, 01/30/19 & 02/06/

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pelika O Observer

B5 January 23, 2019

Mommy, Daddy, Don’t Leave Me!

Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer

A

s a young child, three years old to be exact, I can still recall the fear I had when my mother and father would leave me just for an hour in the church nursery. I would feel abandoned and scream!

Yes, I had loving nursery teachers all around me, but no one else would do except my mom or dad. My mother missed church services three years in a row because of having to linger back with me in the nursery. I would cling to my mother at birthday parties and to be able to attend a weekday preschool was out of the question. My actions were a classic case of “Separation Anxiety.”

With young children, there is some anxiety and fear which is normal for young children at different ages and different developmental stages.

For young infants when they cry, when mom or dad leaves, it may be due to just normal, healthy bonding from infant to parents. Those who work

with young children see this stop within 3-4 minutes when a parent does leave.

In teaching toddlers, twos which begins around 7-8 months and goes to 24 months, it is normal for some young children to express this fear because they sense that the parents will leave and not return. So many times parents are met by a child in tears.

Reasons for this is that children are reminded how they felt when their parents left.

When this happens I have to explain to the parents that they really had a good time!

Most of the time these little ones are laughing, engaging in learning and activities. So moms, dads, don’t worry that your child has had a bad time - 99 percent of the time it is that they reflect upon the separation feeling that came when you initially left.

Feel free to ask your child’s teacher how they have done. When younger children wan-

der off by crawling or walking away, they may even be scared or anxious by the space or distance they have away from their parents by the positive step of progress they have made, but it has created a distance from their parents that scares them.

Parents, there is light at the end of the tunnel, with these unpredictable reactions to being separated from their parents usually decreasing between two and three years of age. As a teacher, I love to witness when the morning separations become easier. It is great to wave goodbye to a parent with a smiling child in which this stage of development has passed.

One suggestion that I have seen many parents do when this exists with their child is to ease out slowly until the child adjusts. As a parent,

you have to realize that the class must go on so you become a participant along with your child.

The teacher of the class will deeply appreciate this outreach of understanding. Sometimes immediate separation is the answer. It depends on the personality and nature of your child.

You know your child better than anybody.

From many resources addressing this issue, take into account that tiredness, illness, major changes in a family such as a move, a change in a regular routine or schedule, the birth of a new baby in a family, divorce, death can contribute to the anxiety a child feels when they are away from their parents.

If a child is attending a new daycare center, preschool, or has a new childcare giver, this can also contribute to separation anxiety.

Many parents in ad-

dressing the issue begin to have nights out by having a family member take care of their children such as grandmothers, grandfathers, hiring a baby sitter, or swapping out with other parents in a coop to help with the situation of separation anxiety. Being away from a child during a small time like church services, meetings, or other activities is a good way for your child to begin to develop independence. Weekday preschools or “Moms Day Out” help with this developmental need to help parents and child too.

One thing as a teacher and a parent that seems to connect a child to that feeling of closeness in going through this is to allow a child to bring an item from home such as a blanket or favorite stuffed animal to hold close to. Be sensitive to the needs of the teacher

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and class and try not to send an item or toy that may be disruptive.

Parents, I know I have just “touched the tip of the iceberg” on this subject, but I do hope that these few suggestions will help you hold on to hope during this stage of development with your young child.

Beth Pinyerd, also known as the “Classroom Observer,” has taught young children in the Early Childhood Classroom for 34 years as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings. The Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools and homeschools. The Classroom Observer welcomes school news, pictures, and events which can be sent by email to donnapinyerd@att.net.

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pelika O Observer

B6 January 23, 2019

Opelika natives receive degrees from Jacksonville State University Special to the Opelika Observer Jacksonville State University conferred degrees to 582 students at its fall commencement ceremony on Dec. 13. Due to ongoing repairs at Pete Mathews Coliseum following the destructive March 19, 2018 tornado, the ceremony was held on Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium.

JSU President John M. Beehler presented degrees to 441 undergraduates and 141 graduate students, including: • John Edgar of Opelika (36801)

Lee County School Board met Jan. 15

Founded in 1883 as a state teachers college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs.

Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, JSU offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate level.

To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1 or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu. edu.

• Reginald Hall of Opelika (36801) • Abbie Smith of Opelika (36804) • David Strickland of Opelika (36801) Provost Rebecca O. Turner served as mistress of ceremonies.

Curtis McGhee, Jr. - who graduated with an MA in English served as the student commencement speaker. Derrick D. Jordan (BS, criminal justice, 1992) spoke on behalf of alumni.

The bell ringer was Ashlee Goff, who graduated with a BS in psychology.

About Jacksonville State University

By Michelle Key Publisher During Lee County’s first school board meeting of 2019, board members were recognized as a part of “School Board Member Recognition Month.”

Chief School Financial Officer Ken Roberts presented the board with the financial reports for the month of November 2018 and stated that while the report only covered the first two months of the fiscal year, that the income and expenses were on track with the projected budget.

In other business, the board: • approved out of state field trips for the Be-

auregard High School wrestling team and choir • approved out of state field trips for Smiths Stations High School Wintergaurd band, cheerleaders, baseball team, boys and girls golf teams, choir, junior varsity soccer team, varsity soccer team, softball team and the JR ROTC • approved out of state field trips for the Smiths Station Junior High School girls soccer team, softball team and the careet tech group • approved out of state field trips for the Beulah High School wrestling and softball teams • Superintendent James McCoy announced that he was selected to attend the 2019 Superintendent

Conference in Peurto Rico. During this trip, the delegation is scheduled to assist one of the schools that was damaged by last years hurricane.

• reviewed the first readings for changes to Policy 5.10 -Admittance and Enrollment Requirements, Policy 5.28 The Jamari Terrell Williams Student Bullying Prevention Act and Policy 6.72 Drug-Free Workplace The Lee County School board usually meets the second Tuesday of the month.

The next meeting will be Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. at the school board offices which are located at 2410 Society Hill Road in Opelika.

‘Character in Action’ ceremony held last Wednesday at Lee County Justice Center Special to the Opelika Observer

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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

The Family Court of Lee County held an awards ceremony last Wednesday for members of its Characters in Action program.

This program recognizes children from Lee County who, by their own actions, make a positive contribution that is above and beyond

Varsity Schedule

normal expectations to their home, school, or community.

Receiving awards from Judge Mike Fellows were: Eddie Perez, Zyquon Roberts and Colton Tew. Perez is the son of Alicia Perez Mendez and is a 10th grade student at Opelika High School. He was nominated for Character in Action by Ms. Shonta

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

JVB 5:30

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

Sherfield.

Roberts is the son of Amber and Anthony Roberts is a second-grade student. He was nominated for Character in Action by Jenny Adamson and Julie Reeves.

Tew is the son of Justin and Catherine Tew, and is a first-grade student at Cary Woods Elementary. He was nominated for Character in Action by Amy Dillard.

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

VB 6:30 4:30 7:30

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

Opelika varsity girls defeat Park Crossing of Montgomery 62-30

Photos by Robert

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

Thompson HS Away Home Home Home Home Away Away Away Home Home Away TBA TBA TBA TBA Montgomery, AL Birmingham, AL

5:00 6:00 6:00 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

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

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

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, January 23, 2019

Inside the Statehouse Opelika Sen. Randy Price named

R

egardless of what happens in Donald Trump’s administration during the next two years, he will have a proven record of success as President, especially if you are a conservative American.

One of, if not the most important accomplishment of any president, is the opportunity to appoint a United States Supreme Court Justice.

Folks, Trump has appointed and gotten confirmed two members of the Supreme Court in two years.

This is a remarkable achievement. Justices Neal Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh will likely have an immense impact on American laws and values for more than two decades, long after Donald Trump is dead and gone. Both Gorsuch and Kavanaugh are young, in their early 50s and will be a

By Steve Flowers part of many landmark rulings that will profoundly affect American public policy.

Trump’s selection of these two extremely well qualified jurists were wise ones, both are exceptionally groomed and scripted to be outstanding Justices. They are considered mainstream, moderate conservatives with the perfect educational and judicial background and experience.

Kavanaugh’s confirmation was more controversial because his choice is a pivotal swing vote

to five standing committees

on the Court that tilts the Court to a conservative majority.

Gorsuch was an even swap, a conservative for a conservative. He replaced conservative Justice Anton Scalia.

Kavanaugh’s appointment was critical. The liberal Democrats had to go to the wall and declare all out war by whatever means to derail and delay the Kavanaugh confirmation. The court swung to becoming a conservative tribunal with Kavanaugh. The court had four liberals and four conservatives.

Kavanaugh replaced the swing vote on the court, Anthony Kennedy.

Therefore, the court is now five conservatives to four liberals.

Make no doubt about it, the confirmation of a Supreme Court judge is very political.

The liberals had

Special to the Opelika Observer Newly-elected State Senator and Opelika native Randy Price has been tabbed to serve on five standing committees in the Alabama State Senate, including the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry panel.

Price Price will serve as Vice-

Chairman of the Senate’s Tourism committee.

In addition to the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and Tourism committees, Price will serve on the Banking and Insurance, Education Policy and Transportation and Energy. Bills are debated See Price , page B10

Rankin family visits US Capitol

Photo special to the Opelika Observer The Rankin family of Auburn visited with Congressman Mike Rogers during their tour of the US Capitol. Pictured left to right are Sue, Hamilton, Tabatha, Rogers, Carson and Trey.

See Flowers , page B10

WE SHALL

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 activists and defenders with interwoven 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 speeches.

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pelika Observer O

B8 January 23, 2019

SUSCC welcomes new workforce development staff Special to the Opelika Observer Southern Union State Community College is pleased to introduce two new members of its Technical Education and Workforce Development Division.

Greg Leikvold was recently named Director of Workforce Development and Jeff Dyal Director of Technical Career Services. Leikvold and Dyal join Eric Sewell, who moved from the Career Coach position to Director of Technical Education, to lead the college’s effort to better meet employer training and workforce needs in the east Alabama area.

“Southern Union is a substantial resource for the economic growth of our area, and has been for many years. With the addition of these gentlemen to our team, we now have a renewed focus on student engagement while meeting the needs of area business and industry,” said Southern

Union President Todd Shackett.

Leikvold brings an array of experience to his new position.

Retired from manufacturing after a 33-year career with Michelin, he has managed two of the most modern tire manufacturing facilities in the world.

Prior to his career with Michelin, Leikvold served as a combat arms infantry officer.

He was qualified to serve in both Ranger and Airborne units, leading troops in the former West Germany during the Cold War. He holds a bachelor of science degree in engineering, with a focus on nuclear engineering, from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

“This position will allow me to help connect people with a career path,” commented Leikvold. “I’d like to see our Workforce Development efforts collaborate with the many businesses, economic and educational entities or organizations in our region to ensure we’re preparing

people for excellent careers and providing business and industry the competencies they need to successfully grow their respective businesses.”

Working handin hand to prepare students to effectively meet the workforce needs will be Dyal in Technical Career Services. By focusing on enhancing student success by providing comprehensive employment and career services, short term goals of Technical Career Services include increasing enrollment in technical education, increasing the apprenticeship and internship programs available to Southern Union students and achieving a 95 percent or greater job placement rate for students in the Technical Education Division.

“We want to help students find their passion,” Dyal said. “We believe career development is a life-long process. Therefore, we will work to empower students through our programs and services

Photo special to the Opelika Observer SU President Todd Shackett (far right) and Dean of Technical Education and Workforce Development Dr. Darin Baldwin (far left) welcome Jeff Dyal, Eric Sewell and Greg Leikvold to the college. so they can develop and implement a plan to achieve their current and future career goals.”

Dyal has an appreciation for the opportunities of life-long learning. He holds a bachelor of arts from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida, and a master of education in adult

education from Auburn University. He has experience with Auburn University Outreach and Development and has nearly 25 years of experience leading Marines in training, educational and combat operations through the United States Marine Corps.

With campuses in Wadley, Opelika

and Valley, Southern Union State Community College is the second oldest twoyear college in the state of Alabama and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associates degrees.

Let’s practice ‘POP’ with others in 2019

By Beth Pinyerd For the Opelika Observer

Optimistic, Peacemaker” with my students. It worked! All over my classroom when interacIn my earlier years of tions were getting a little teaching, I was teaching a tense, one could hear my class of children who had young students whisper strong personalities and “POP.” were leaders in a good way!

I have used this simple But, this group of chiltruth in other areas I have dren had a hard time getting taught and served in. I along in the classroom and would like to share with on the playground. The my readers how “POP” principal of the school had can be brought out with seen these children a whole children and families. lot on different occasions.

P- Positive Point out to He and I met for a midyear your children what they assessment of my class and have to be grateful for.

HUGE 3-DAY PUBLIC AUCTION he suggested I teach and We all know that some 22nd Annual Farm & Construction Equipment Auction model “POP” with my class days are just “plain old Thursday,hard” January 31st thru of children. butnd having a heart Saturday, Feb. 2 2019 • 8am At first, I thought my of gratitude establishes 15594 Hwy 431 N • Headland, AL 36345 • Phone: 334-693-2540 principal was referring to “Positiveness” in a child’s Day 1: All Types of Construction Equipment, Heavy-duty Trucks, Trailers, soda, popcorn or fireworks. character.

Support Equipment, 1-Ton Trucks, Vehicles & Much More He told me to teach a lesson As a teacher, when Day 2: Farm Tractors, All Types of Farm Equipment, Row Crop Equipment, Field“Positive, Equipment, Farm Attachments, Misc. into Itemsmy on POP being children came

Day 3: Farm Tractors, All Types of Farm Equipment, Row Crop Equipment, Field Equipment, Farm Attachments, Misc. Items

classroom we would journal what we were thankful for the first 15 minutes of the day! Drawing a simple picture or writing just one word is all it took! Examples of what they shared “I had a warm breakfast”; “I saw pretty white frost on the ground”; “I saw sunshine and clouds in the sky”; “My family and teacher gave me a hug.”; “ I sat by a new friend on the bus,” etc.

As a family you can play, “I am thankful for game” as you ride in the car or at home. Try this.

It’s sort of like a “scavenger hunt” for children to see and say all the things they are thankful for. It will amaze we grownups in looking through the eyes of a child of the simple things

they are grateful for.

O- Optimistic.

As a young child being taught by seasoned teachers in Opelika, optimism was instilled in me at a young age. Because of my learning challenges, basic skills did not come easy to this Classroom Observer.

My classroom teachers spent a lot of time with me in class as well as after school. The small steps of progress were always cheered on with hope “Yes you can do this!” I was a “late bloomer” in learning and understanding but it gave me a fortitude of optimism and a heart, empathy, and understanding for young children who have difficulty learning.

As teachers and parents we can connect and com-

mit with our children and students in rolling over “the bumps in the road of life” and point out children’s unique gifts and talents.

Too, it takes modeling optimism ourselves.

P- Peacemaker.

Recently, I was confronted by a young child who did not want to be in class.

As soon as she walked into the room, she started yelling at other children and her teacher, which was me. I was very touched by the way the Children’s Director took time to teach and console this child. She repeated calmly not to yell and to use kind words in interacting with others in the class.

The director modeled with the child how to share with other children and not

just grab toys from others.

The Children’s Director modeled peaceful behavior over and over. Not giving in but keeping her voice calm and her instructions clear.

This director was not focusing on unacceptable behavior which would hurt other people but she was focusing on the child’s heart to change. It worked!

By the end of class, the child was playing peacefully with other children.

The time spent with this child spelled LOVE! Our goal as teachers and families is to help children to learn treat other children and adults like they want to be treated. Let’s stop and teach POP to our children and “POP” it into our hearts as well!

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Opelika

B9

Family & Religion

January 23, 2019

Having faith in our father

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t’s easy to read the story of the rich young man of Matthew 19:16-26 as a statistical outlier.

To be rich and young was not common in the first century (or today).

In those times, it would have suggested royalty (which Luke’s account verifies). Beyond that, Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give everything to the poor. We certainly haven’t been told to do that. Therefore, it’s an interesting story but we’re ready to move on to something that “applies to us” or “has to do with real life.”

That’s precisely the kind of thinking that gets us into trouble when we read the Scripture.

To begin with, this story is included in all three of the synoptic gospels. While you could make an argument that Theophilus (the recipient of Luke’s gospel) was an affluent person, Matthew and Mark both wrote to economically very ordi-

view that’s nary people. spawned There must more out of be something a post-Refin this story ormation that would context than connect with the context them. What

By Bruce Green of Matthew. is it?

Teaching Minister at His Jesus It’s clear 10th Street Church of calls people the young Christ in Opelika back to the man, like Torah. His many young Jesus didn’t come to people, was searching abolish Torah but fulfill for something. His life was lacking in some way it (5:17), the greatest commands are found and he was aware of it.

Furthermore, he came to there (22:34-40) and in the context of chapter 19, Jesus to find out what is was. If you are searching marriage is rooted in it (v. 4-6) rather than in the for something or believe you have found what you concession God made to Israel’s sinfulness in were searching for in Jesus, it’s hard not to get Deuteronomy 24:1ff.

Torah was a gracious gift sucked into this story.

We find out from their of God and man’s obedience a response to that initial conversation that grace. We are “blessed” the rich young man was when our “delight is no casual or occasional in the law of the Lord” follower. He had been (Psalm 1:1-2). This pursuing God and His psalmist was no legalcommands “since I was ist and neither was the a boy” (Mark 10:20).

We can do as some have young man!

Yet something was done and write him off as a hopeless legalist, but lacking, and it was important. Jesus’ command I think this is a mistaken

Church calendar

• 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.

• 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 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.churchofthehigh-

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

lands.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 334-745-3108.

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Mon-Sat - 8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm

Material things, relationships, health—they belong to us only in a secondary sense, ultimately, they belong to God. Recognizing this is basic to discipleship, which is why Jesus tells us that we cannot be His disciples if we don’t give up everything we have (i.e., acknowledge God’s ownership of all). God might choose for us to steward them for a lifetime or something more temporary—but if we are living with the illusion our blessings belong to us, we are as mistaken as the young man was.

We are to hold on tightly to God and loosely to everything else.

This is bad news only for who have more faith in themselves than in their Father. That was ultimately the rich young man’s problem and why “he went away sad” (Matthew 19:22).

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

Verse of the Week “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you.”

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

for him to sell all that he had and give to the poor reminds us of His observation at the temple regarding the widow’s giving (Luke 21:1-4).

Although the rich people were putting in larger amounts of money, she was outgiving them because of the cost to her (“she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on” – v. 4 and 2 Samuel 24:18ff). As a rich person, it’s possible that his giving was like the rich people Jesus observed— superficial rather than sacrificial (without personal investment). His unwillingness to do what Jesus said indicates that he was more attached to his material blessings than the God who gave them. That’s always a problem.

It’s possible for anyone (rich or poor) to fall in love with their blessings more than the God who gives them. We can steer clear of this by recognizing that all our blessings are on loan from Him.

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

Isaiah 54:10 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 23, 2019

OBITUARIES Patricia Lackey Patricia Lackey of Opelika was born to the late Etha Jacobs Rouse and Robert Rouse in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on October 22, 1959 and passed away in Opelika on January 16, 2019. She was 59 years old.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Earl Rouse, Jr. and Clarence E. Rouse.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Randall Lackey; children, Robert M. Vasquez (Arthur W. Schnitzer), James D. Rogers (Shelly), Ryan J. Lackey (Misty), Jessica R. Rogers (Jeff), Travis R. Lackey (Barbi); grandMarshall “Mark” Harland Foster, Jr. Marshall “Mark” Harland Foster, Jr. of Opelika, Alabama was born on May 15, 1965 and passed away on January18, 2019. He was 53

children, Sierra, Shaina, Joshua, Aaron, Faith, Avril, Noah, Rileigh; brother, Charles F. Rouse (Marlene), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Visitation was held on Monday, January 21, 2019 in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 11:50 a.m.

Funeral service was held in the Chapel at FrederickDean Funeral Home on Monday, January 21, 2019 at 12:00 noon with Reverend Deawn Richards officiating. Interment followed at Parkhill Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

years old.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marshall Harland Foster, Sr. The only boy and youngest of four siblings, Mark was a bright star in the family. He had soft eyes

Emma Fleming Farr Emma Fleming Farr, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 11, 2019, at Bethany House in Auburn.

She was born September 19, 1924 in Hartwell, Georgia to John and Nora Fleming.

Emma met her husband, Wallace Farr, while attending Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia where she served as the private secretary to the Piedmont College President

and a loving heart, he exuded kindness to everybody he touched. Even in the face of adversity, when he lost a leg in a motorcycle accident decades ago, Mark never let his suffering hide his smile.

Ala. Congressman Mike Rogers issues statement honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Special to the Opelika Observer Congressman Mike Rogers made the following remarks last weeks in advance of Monday’s national day of remembrance

Flowers,

from B7

to resort to extreme measures to preserve the possibility that the Republicans could lose their control of the U.S. Senate which, gives consent to a President’s SCOTUS appointments.

In today’s extremely partisan politics, lines are drawn and there are no prisoners kept, both sides go for the jugular vein.

Therefore, the only

recognizing the life and legacy of the late Civil Rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Dr. King’s vision of equality is one each of should continue to strive for.

way for Trump to be successful in his garnering the placement of two conservative justices is because he has a Republican majority Senate with some very adroit veteran GOP Senate leaders like Mitch McConnell, Chuck Grassley and Richard Shelby paving the way.

Speaking of our Senior Senator, Richard Shelby, he has masterminded and orchestrated a legendary coup of his own when it comes to our U.S. federal judges in Alabama.

His legacy and words continue to live on and inspire us. Let’s all take a minute to remember Dr. King today and use his life as an example we should all try to follow,” Rogers said.

In conjunction with the Trump administration, Shelby has placed six new federal judges in Alabama, all young and conservative. This Shelby-Trump triumph has secured a two-tothree decade dominance of conservative federal judges in the Heart of Dixie.

During the Obama years, at least six federal judgeships became vacant in Alabama.

President Obama appointed replacements but Shelby and our former Sen. Jeff Sessions sat on them and

and worked as the school’s registrar.

Emma and Wallace were married in Demorest Georgia on February 22, 1947.

She is preceded in death by her husband, a brother and sister, and great grandson, Joseph Farr.

Emma is survived by her five children; Gail Greene, Wallace (Wally) Farr, Jr., (Linda), Russell Farr, Liz Farr, and Susan Young (Burt); siblings, Hailey Fleming, Johnnie Wilson and Gladys Willis; nine grandchildren, Ste-

He is survived by his Mother, Jeanette Foster of Opelika; sisters, Lorie Guy (Allen), Kim Ward, and Sharon (Tucker) Tommy all of Opelika, and Debbie Griffin (Terry) who lives in Huntsville,

Price,

from B7 and refined in standing committees, and if given favorable review, are forwarded on to the entire Senate for consideration “I am excited to begin the new legislative term and I think my experience as a small business owner and cattle farmer will

refused to allow them to be confirmed. These seats have remained vacant due to partisan gamesmanship.

Shelby and Sessions were hoping that a day would come when there would be a Republican President and they could place these lifetime appointments into conservative hands.

That day miraculously arrived last January.

Senator Shelby and his former Chief of Staff and now BCA President Katie Britt spent the entire year of 2018 interviewing,

phen (Kirby), David, Robert (Madeline), Bryan, and Clayton Farr and Drew (Shea), Brad (Alexus), Taylor, and Allison Young; great grandchildren, Wells and Clementine Farr and Luke Young.

Emma and Wallace moved to Opelika, Alabama in 1960. Emma’s greatest supporters were her friends and family through First Baptist Church of Opelika where she was a faithful and active member of the Sarah Sunday School class. Emma

truly had a passion for reaching out to others and showing them her love through service. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.

Family, friends, and others whose lives were touched

by Emma were invited to JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home in Opelika on Sunday, January 13, 2019 for visitation at 12:30 and the service followed at 2:00 p.m.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Alabama, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Pepperell Baptist Church.

Funeral service

was held at Pepperell Baptist Church Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Mike Newman officiating.

Interment followed at Rosemere Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

be especially useful on the Agriculture and Transportation committees. We have to figure out a fiscally-responsible way to modernize Alabama’s roads and bridges,” Price said. “I look forward to working with my fellow legislators and Governor Ivey to identify conservative solutions for the challenges our state faces.”

“My door is always open to the people of Senate District 13—I want to be as accessible

as possible as I represent your interests at the Statehouse,” Price added.

A Republican, Price won election to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 6, filling the seat previously held by Gerald Dial.

Price represents all or parts of Chambers, Clay, Cleburne, Lee and Randolph counties in the Alabama Senate.

The 2019 regular session of the Alabama Legislature will start on March 5.

vetting and selecting these judges to assure that they were young, conservative, qualified and confirmable.

They have indeed accomplished this lifetime feat for Alabama.

Liles Burke and Anne Marie Axon are the two new judges for the Northern District. Emily Marks and Andrew Brasher will join conservative Chief Judge William Keith Watkins in the Middle District.

The Southern District will have two new Trump-Shelby appointees in Terry Moorer

and Jeffrey Beaverstock.

Shelby has further enhanced his legacy for decades to come and has placed an indelible stamp on the federal judiciary in Alabama with these judicial appointees.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

FRIENDS FAMILY COWORKERS MOTHERS TEACHERS SONS

1 OUT OF 10 ON-THE-JOB TRAININGDAUGHTERS NURSES GRANDPARENTS NIECES FATHERS AUNTS PERSONS AND ADULTS PROGRAM LETS YOU UNCLES EMPLOYERS COUSINS FAMILY NEPHEWS FIRSTELDERLY WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING: FAMILY OPIOID ADDICTION NEPHEWS DOCTORS PARENTS EARN WHILE YOU LEARN!FRIENDS HAS NO AGE LIMIT. FAMILY COWORKERS MOTHERS Abused, Neglected or Exploited

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

IT’S OK TO ASK FOR HELP.

GRANDPARENTS NIECES FATHERS AUNTS UNCLES EMPLOYERS ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214 NEIGHBORS COUSINS NEPHEWS FIRST RESPONDERS DOCTORS PARENTS FRIENDS FAMILY COWORKERS MOTHERS TEACHERS HELP STOP THE ABUSE SDAUGHTERS NURSES GRANDPARENTS NIECES FATHER IFAUNTS YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT UNCLES NEIGHBORS COUSINS NEPHEWS FIRST RESPONDERS

Visit your local Career Center and ask about the On-the-Job Training Program!

Increase your skills and earn higher wages

JOBLINK.ALABAMA.GOV Funding provided by the USDOL, ETA, Federal WIOA. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

24/7 Helpline 844-307-1760 COURAGEFORALL.COM a message of the Alabama Department of Mental Health

Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

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

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1-16 Scramblers Answers: 1. Raged, 2. Ascend, 3. Topic, 4. Thin Solution: President

B11 January 23, 2019

B12 January 23, 2019

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