Opelika Observer 10-16-19 E-edition

pelika Observer O

Vol. 12, No. 02

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Toomer’s Coffee to hold grand-opening celebration for new Opelika retail storefront, roastery later this month

Sen. Doug Jones

Sen. Doug Jones visits Lee County last Tuesday Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor Sandy and Trish Toomer of Toomer’s Coffee are holding a

grand-opening celebration later this month for their business’s new retail storefront and roastery, located at 1619 Thomason Drive.

The Toomers purchased the

nearly 20,000 square-foot structure last March from personal friend and local businessman Steve See Toomer’s, page A3

Sen. Doug Jones stopped by the Lee County Emergency Management Agency in downtown Opelika last week to discuss updates and progress on tornado recovery in Lee County. Among

those present at the meeting with Jones were Lee County EMA Director Kathy Carson, Lee County District 4 Commissioner Robert Ham and city of Smith Station Communications, Planning and Zoning Director Lisa Deason, who is pictured on Jones’s left.

Hillstone Advantage Partners, Dayspring NatureShop to hold grand opening at new Opelika location on Oct. 25 LLC announces Hi Pack

By Morgan Bryce Business Park in Opelika Editor Patrons can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and wine and peruse the new home of Dayspring NatureShop at 1011 Ave. C in Opelika during its grand opening event on Oct. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m.

New owner Cherie Brooks took over the business earlier this year, and The Observer was first to report the store’s planned reopening in mid-July.

While looking for a new home for the store, Brooks said she connected with representatives from the Opelika-based realestate development group Marsh Collective who worked to

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

help her find a brickand-mortar storefront near downtown. “(They) agreed that the old Sikes Feed & Seed store would be a great place for Dayspring, and after taking a look, I knew they were right,” Brooks said.

Since the summer, crews from Marsh’s group have been actively painting and readying the building

to house the business. Final stocking and decorating will be finished this week.

Brooks said that those who attend Dayspring’s grand opening will leave with a business card granting them 15% off on their next purchase.

Much of Dayspring’s inventory from before will reSee Dayspring, page A3

Index

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

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer A new business park is being developed at 3000 Hi Pack Drive, just northeast of the Auburn Airport

COMICS.....................................A16 SPORTS..................................B1 PUBLIC NOTICES..........................B12 POLITICS...................................B15

between Pepperell Parkway and Fredrick Road. The park is located in a qualified opportunity zone in Opelika, offering potential tax advantages and savings to

companies locating in the park.

The park is being developed by Hillstone Advantage Partners, LLC (www.

See Park, page A5

pelika O Observer.com

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

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A2 Oct. 16, 2019

Auburn, Opelika mayors proclaim Lee County Humane Society October as ‘Travel with Care Month’ receives grant from Petfinder Foundation earlier this month Special to the Opelika Observer

Earlier this month, the Lee County Humane Society received a “Dogs Playing for Life Mentorship” program grant from the Petfinder Foundation.

The grant is used to cover tuition cost for one person from the Petfinder member’s organization to attend a “Dogs Playing for Life Mentorship” session. This grant program is part of a commitment to enhancing shelter dogs’ quality of life by allowing them to engage in natural social behaviors.

The Petfinder Foundation assists the 12,000-plus animal shelters and rescue groups that post their adoptable pets on Petfinder. A nonprofit 501c3 organization, the Petfinder Foundation helps adoption organizations find homes for the pets in

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Traffic is always evolving. Patterns change and new engineering practices come into play to make it easier to get around. Travel with Care’s new transportation safety campaign “Travel to the Future” will focus on modern traffic issues that change the way drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists get around.

Whether it is a roundabout, flashing yellow turn signals or bike lanes, the campaign aims to educate Lee County residents about how to safely travel in this uncharted territory.

Launched by the city of Auburn in 2010, Travel with Care has included local partnerships to encourage all of Lee County to travel safely.

This year’s partners include the city of Opelika, Lee County, Auburn and Opelika city schools and the Lee-Russell Council of Governments.

Representatives from those organizations came together for a kickoff event at Courthouse Square last Wednesday, where Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller presented a joint proclamation declaring Opelika as “Travel with Care Month.” There was information about the campaign’s history, safety tips from Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones and discussion of the organization’s future endeavors.

New this year, Travel with Care will highlight different future-themed focuses throughout the year. Kicking off with roundabout safety, other topics will include new

traffic laws, traveling safely with one’s pets and golf cart, e-bike and escooter rules. Find Travel with Care at upcoming community events, including Opelika’s Fall Festival and Auburn’s Downtown Trick-orTreat later this month.

About Travel with Care Travel with Care is a transportation safety campaign that aims to educate Auburn, Opelika and Lee County residents on traffic laws and to encourage safe and courteous interaction among all road users. For more information about Travel with Care and Travel to the Future, visit travelwithcareauburn.com and follow Travel with Care on Facebook (TravelWithCareEastAL), Twitter (TravelWCareEAL) and Instagram (TravelWithCareEastAL).

their care through its Sponsor A Pet, Disaster Fund, Quality of Life and other programs.

Since its founding in 2003, the Petfinder Foundation has given more than $20 million in cash and product grants to shelters and rescue groups in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

About the Lee County Humane Society The Lee County Humane Society was developed in 1974 as the solution to the growing problem of stray animals in their community.

It is in their Auburn-based facility, located at 1140 Ware Drive, that they work every day to ensure that they are meeting the needs of companion animals in the community.

For more information, call 334-821-3222, like and follow their social media pages or visit www.leecountyhumane.org.

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

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

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

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A3 Oct. 16, 2019

USPS Promotes Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps during the month of October Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the U.S. Postal Service is reminding customers they can help fund the cause by purchasing the Breast Cancer Research Semipostal Stamp. These 65-cent self-adhesive semipostal stamps are available year-round in sheets of 20 to help raise funds for breast cancer research. The amount the Postal Service contributes to breast cancer research is determined by the difference between the 65-cent purchase price and the First-Class Mail rate in effect at the time of purchase, minus any costs incurred by USPS. The distribution of the Postal Service contribution is specified by law, with 70 percent given to the National Institutes of Health and 30 percent given to the Medical Research Program at the Department of Defense. More than one billion stamps have been sold since its inception in 1998, raising more than $87.8 million for breast cancer research. The Breast Cancer Research Stamp was the first semipostal stamp in U.S. history.

In 1997, Congress authorized it for the specific purpose of raising funds from the American public to assist in finding a cure for breast cancer. Designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Maryland, the stamp features the phrases, “Fund the Fight” and “Find a Cure” and an illustration of a mythical “goddess of the hunt” by Whitney Sherman of Baltimore.

Kroger launches campaign to raise money for breast cancer research in October Special to the Opelika Observer

Kroger stores throughout the Atlanta Division, which includes stores in Georgia, South Carolina and Eastern Alabama, launched a multifaceted campaign to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, helping to raise both awareness and funds for breast cancer screening, treatment and education.

From now through Oct. 26, customers will be invited to purchase pink paper ribbons for $1 or do-

nate a specific amount at Kroger checkout to assist individual and families as they focus on the fight against breast cancer.

Kroger’s goal is to raise $400,000 during the four-week campaign, with proceeds benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“Kroger is passionate about our efforts to support the fight against breast cancer,” said Kroger’s Atlanta Division manager of corporate affairs Felix Turner. “We are excited to be taking action, because that is what it will take to

Toomer’s, from A1 Benson because of the property’s close proximity to both Tiger Town and East Alabama Medical Center.

“That was the first thing we noticed when we came to look at this building. When we or other people come from Auburn to see their doctor or (go to work), this is the road that everyone takes,” Sandy said.

Toomer’s menu possesses many traditional, signature coffee shop items including cappucinos, espressos, lattes and machiatos, as well as offering traditional brews, pourovers and low-acid, keto friendly options for patrons.

Delicacies like fritattas, scones and the Auburn store favorite “baked oatmeal” will be served daily, with daughter and former Mylks Cookies’ owner April Toomer overseeing those operations during the week.

Other items that will be offered inside the shop include coffee accessories and equipment, mugs and their wide assortment of pre-packaged coffee blends from ethically sourced farms in Africa, Asia and South America.

The Toomers said they plan to hire one to two part-time employees to help with opening during the week. Their tentative hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed on Saturday and Sunday.

beat this disease. It's not enough to wear a pink ribbon and say that we support the breast cancer cause.

We are showing that we are More Than Pink™ by getting out there, participating, fundraising and focusing on the core mission of Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Care, Research, Community and Action.”

Additionally, through www.SharingCourage.com, Kroger provides a variety of resources to cancer patients and their families, including: - healthy calorie-

History Toomer’s Coffee was started in 2004 in a small space within the Johnson Furniture Galleries store at 205 S. 10th St., which is now known as the Bennie Adkins Meeting Center.

Being one of, if not the only, locally owned coffee shop that offered free wifi, Sandy said business was slow and patrons were often confused by the concept. In 2005, they relocated to the University Village Shopping Center on South College Street in Auburn.

The Toomers started roasting and selling their own coffee later in the mid-2000s, which became a focal point of their business in 2013 after closing their Auburn storefront.

In the last six years since closing down in Auburn, wholesale, e-commerce and consulting with both domestic and international clients have emerged as profitable options for the Toomers, who roast and produce coffee under three different brands: Toomers, Coffee4Missions and a soonto-be-announced line of coffee for keto-dieting individuals.

“The true heart of the Toomers is missions” Coffee4Missions is not only a brand focused on working with churches and Christian organizations to distribute quality coffee and reach people for Jesus Christ, but also an emblem of the Toomers’ heart for missions and sharing the message of Christianity around the world.

Trish, originally from Hurri-

boosting ingredients for cancer patients - what to eat during cancer treatment - easy and healthy meals for caregivers to prepare, including baked salmon with pomegranate gremolata, pumpkin ginger mini muffins and more “Cancer affects the entire family, not just the patient,” Turner said. “Although we can’t cure cancer, we can do our part to develop recipes for healthy meals that cancer caregivers can make for their loved ones to help fuel the fight against this ter-

cane, West Virginia, relocated to Birmingham after visiting some Alabama relatives in the mid-1970s. There, she met Sandy, who was born and raised in the nearby suburb of Vestavia Hills.

In December 1979, shortly after finishing his broadcast communications degree from the University of Alabama, Sandy married Trish.

Through a mutual friend, the Toomers ended up living and working in Houston for six years before Sandy accepted a sales position with an Atlantabased oil and gas company.

In 1990, the Toomers followed God’s calling and moved to Elizabethton, Tennessee for Sandy to enroll and train to become a missionary pilot at the Moody Bible Institute’s aviation school, which has since relocated to Spokane, Washington.

Graduating in 1993, the Toomer family moved to Costa Rica the following year, where Sandy began his career as a missionary (commercial) pilot with the Mission Aviation Fellowship. In 1995, he was moved to Ecuador, where he and his family lived and worked for the next seven years.

MAF representatives offered Sandy a recruiter position for the Southeast region in 2002, which brought him and his family to the Auburn-Opelika area. He officially retired from working with the MAF in December 2008.

The 10/90 Lifestyle When speaking of their suc-

rible disease.”

Last year, Kroger customers and associates throughout the Atlanta Division donated nearly $434,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

By the close of 2019, Kroger will have donated more than $38 million to support breast cancer research, education and services since 2006. To find a nearby Kroger location, visit www.kroger.com, and to learn more about Kroger’s initiatives for breast cancer awareness, visit www.

SharingCourage.com.

cess as a small, family-owned company, Trish was quick to give credit to the one they deem responsible for it.

“It’s all God. He has truly, truly blessed us,” Trish said.

As their profits and business ventures continue to grow, the Toomers said they plan to dedicate more and more to the Lord and those carrying out His work both at home and abroad.

“Basically speaking, the ‘10/90 Lifestyle’ is where you live on 10% and give away the other 90%. One of the keys to doing that is staying out of debt, which we’ve done really well,” Sandy said.

“Our goal as a business is to give more and more to ministry and missions,” Trish added.

“Besides tithing to our church, we give to about six different mission organizations. I want to encourage other businesses to think about what the Lord says in terms of giving both our tithes and offerings. After being in missions work for 15 years, long-term support of missionaries out on the field is more critical than ever.”

Future Developments The aforementioned keto line is expected to launch by early November, according to Sandy. He added that they plan to generate more content on their social media pages about coffee roasting and production in 2020.

For more information, call 334-332-6652, like and follow their Facebook and Instagram pages or visit www.toomerscoffee.com.

About Kroger At The Kroger Co., they are dedicated to a common purpose: to "Feed the Human Spirit."

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 Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina.

Dayspring, from A1 main the same: bath and beauty care, bulk herb selection, “high-quality” vitamins and supplements, produce and goods from local growers and makers, and former manager at the Auburn location Brad Butcher will still be on the team. Brooks added that they will be adding new items in bulk as well as yoga clothing and more.

Once an employee at Dayspring and now its owner, Brooks said she is excited for the business’s new journey in Opelika.

“It has been a labor of love for sure. I love Dayspring and the people that support this family run business. Having it continue on is a dream come true,” Brooks said. “We want to thank all of our customers for their ongoing support and for all the well wishes along this journey. Dayspring is one loved little health food store.”

Once opened, Dayspring’s planned hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information or updates, call 334-203-1965 or like and follow Dayspring on Facebook and Instagram.

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A4 Oct. 16, 2019

D

Atlanta Braves

ear Atlanta Braves,

Beloved team. I love you. My eyes light up whenever someone mentions your name. It doesn’t matter where I am. When someone says “Braves,” I get excited and fall into a heated discussion about the importance of relief pitching, even if I happen to be, for example, taking communion.

But it’s only a game, I know this. I really do.

It’s a silly sport played by grown men swinging hickory sticks at fiveounce balls. There’s no real meaning to it. It’s not important in the large scheme of life. In fact, it’s ridiculous when you think about it.

I mean, if alien visitors came to earth and saw thousands of crazed fans at a championship playoff, hollering and screaming as though the fate of the Free World depended on a lefty-lefty matchup, the aliens would be rolling on the floor, peeing their space-pants with laughter.

Then they would zap us all with their electromagnetic death rays and turn Yankee Field into a huge septic tank for their spaceships.

I would enjoy that.

I was a toddler when my father taught me the

W

hat a beautiful morning: I think I will go kill something.

Driving through the heart of Alabama recently, I saw more than a few big pickups with dog crates in the beds.

Hunting season.

I don’t hunt.

At least not anymore.

I used to hunt, but I never worked to become good at it.

I’m sorta like the old preacher who was such a poor shot that he quit hunting. For him, it was a waste of God’s precious time.

There was that.

There was also that when I was young and

By Sean Dietrich rules of the sport. We were in the backyard. I had a glove. He had a glove. He pitched underhand. I missed the ball and got a bloody lip.

My mother became so upset with him that she used a stream of fourletter words not found in the Bible. Then, she threatened to lodge the baseball in a place of my father’s body that I won’t name here.

But he wasn’t sorry.

Because he couldn’t wait to teach me to play. To him, glove control was as important as learning to feed myself, respecting my elders, or successfully opening a beer bottle using a vehicle door handle.

When I finally caught the ball, my father got so excited that he swung me around and said, “Wasn’t that fun?” Then, if memory serves me correctly, I made a pile of major “fun” in my diaper.

Forevermore, I would associate “fun” with a game involving nine men on a field, running bases, making double plays and

digging their underpants from their personal regions on national television.

The year after my father died, I was finished with baseball. At least I thought I was. But one night, my friend’s father was watching the Braves play in the World Series from a portable television in his garage. There were four other boys there. And a few other fathers.

To tell you the truth, I wasn’t interested in the game. I didn’t care who won because I had already lost everything in life.

Still, in that dank little garage, during Game 6 of the World Series, my attitude changed.

For a few hours, I was alive again. Real life didn’t exist. I wasn’t the child of a dead man. I was part of something bigger than myself. I was cheering for something. We were cheering.

When they won against Cleveland, grown men leapt from their lawn chairs and hurled them into the air in a fit of pure joy. Then everyone masshugged. Men and boys jumped up and down, holding each other.

I rode my bike home that night and felt my grief more sharply than ever. I laid in bed, staring See Dietrich, page A5

A

The Sketch Hunter

photo captures early autumn fallen leaves. Morning rain glazes the leaf-laced stone scape. As I aim my lens towards the ground, I’m aware those around me may consider my subject mundane. I don’t linger on such thoughts.

I take my pictures anyway. I won’t post them on social media.

These I’ll keep, recall and eventually commemorate in paint.

I’ll sketch a small image of this in my sketchbook, turn the page and sketch a few more. Compelled to contemplate this subject, I reference past memories of similar regard.

Especially sentimental about this time of year, I retreat to the mountains and studio. Paintings and drawings echo thoughts voluminous.

Endless cups of coffee and biographical books of epic proportion moderate new work. Everyday there is more research. I listen to documentive, firsthand recordings of prolific artists which seem to parallel my current process and present thoughts.

By Sarah West After printing hundreds of photographs at a time, I catalog them. I make selections, pair them with recent paintings and sketches and build storyboards.

To paint a thing well, one must know it and establish an understanding about it. Then is when the artist’s potential best work becomes evident. The sketch hunter finds promise of continuity in subjects of personal relevance. Guided by true north, one’s work is regenerative.

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

She is a preservation and conservation advocate, activist and visual artist of American Illustration with a

focus on regional narrative painting. She is the founder of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, a center for cultural arts, Smiths Station’s premier fine- arts destination.

She is the appointed official artist to the city of Smiths Station, a Lee County syndicated columnist, the director of her art center’s Cultural Arts Outreach Initiative, which partners with local schools to make the arts accessible to all. She also serves a chief curator to the city of Smiths Station and City Hall Art Galleries. She is a founding member of the Smith Station Historic Commission.

She is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board- Cary Center, Auburn University College of Human Science. She is an elected member of the Society of Illustrators- NYC. She mentors art students of every age through weekly classes at her studio located in the heart of Smiths Station. To learn more about her work and activism, visit www. thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com.

Deer Hunting might have gone into the woods, hunting season coincided with football season. After a Friday night getting snot-wholloped on the gridiron, getting up early to ambush some unsuspecting animal was not on my agenda.

Besides, there was no cheerleader to hug you after a successful hunt.

Another mark against hunting.

My father was a hunter, and I well recall him going into the woods at dusk after work to “tree” a turkey, then getting up in the pre-dawn darkness to wait for the bird to wake, stretch and meet its maker. I never took

By Hardy Jackson part. Maybe Daddy lacked the patience to teach me, or I lacked the patience to learn, but probably because it was his solitary pastime and a man needs that.

He did take me deer hunting – deer drives – which consisted of men gathering on someone’s land, parceling out places (“stands”) for each hunter to wait for

the game, which was “driven” past them by the dogs that a handler had taken to an assigned spot and turned loose to raise the frightened animal and propel it to its doom.

As you can tell, here in my dotage, I have as much regard for the hunted as for the hunter.

But not back then.

Not when I was a hunter.

Or at least pretending to be.

The pretense began as I joined real hunters keeping warm around a fire and listened to the talk of dogs, deer and men gone from the earth but still living in memory – “Remember

how ‘Buck’ Waite...”

– the grandfather I never knew, but whose skill was still recalled and which gave me a credibility I never deserved.

I have the antlers from one of his kills mounted and displayed.

But I digress.

They would talk and I would listen, waiting for the “stands” to be assigned and knowing I would get one of the poorest, which was OK, for if I was placed where a deer might run, I was likely to shoot and miss. Instead of having the blood smeared on my face to mark me as a hunter, I would have my shirt-

tail ceremonially cut off – which is why I always wore a shirt I could sacrifice.

(For the literally inclined among you, if this sounds a little like it was lifted from William Faulkner’s “The Bear,” it wasn’t, though repeated reading of that great hunting story surely influenced my telling).

They, the hunters, would pass around a bottle, skipping me and any other boys present, and discuss whether or not this would be a licensed hunt or a “meat” hunt – a “meat” hunt being one where any deer See Jackson, page A5

Clothed in His love: reaching into community

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hen we think of missions, we often think outside of our own borders. Places like Haiti, Honduras and Uganda.

I have been on these mission trips, and they will change you forever.

Seeing another’s homeland and how they do life is bound to do that. I love mission trips, but it has taught me the value of mission in my own homeland.

The greatest of missions can take place within our own communities.

Where we are serving our neighbors and giving our time to people in our own backyards.

A local Sunday School class at First United Methodist Church of

By Bradley Robertson Opelika began their own mission project a little more than a year ago. The class agreed they wanted one central idea to devote their time and service to. One that would continue year to year and continue to make a lasting impact in Lee County.

This was the beginning of “Clothed with His

Love.” The vision was a mobile clothes closet for school-aged children that would also serve the purpose of sharing the love of Christ. The idea was to be able to pop up in different areas of the community and allow families to shop.

After taking time with the details and gathering donations, the team was set for their first distribution on Nov. 3 of last year. During this inaugural mission, the pop-up closet served more than 100 children for the Esperanze House organization.

Following this success, and with the support of church funds, “Clothed with His Love” was official, and a trailer

was purchased to store materials and serve as the traveling closet.

Stacey Jordan, a leader in the mission, said, “we were also given monies to help buy new underwear and socks for the children, as well as snacks and waters that we give out during distribution.”

With the purchase of a new trailer and an organized system, the second distribution date was set for May 4.

“We passed out flyers at bus stops,” Jordan said.

“And delivered clothes behind Midway Plaza in Opelika. This distribution too was a huge success.”

What makes this mission unique, and was evident at the second

project, is the ability of team members’ children to join in the efforts as well. Parents serving can include their children to be helping hands, but also to play with the kids in and enjoy the company of everyone involved.

Kids were seen playing kickball and simply hanging out and being kids together. Adults were serving, helping parents shop, checking out items and passing out waters and snacks to anyone that came along.

A valuable piece to this mission is the time spent learning about others and reaching into a new community in a space that is outside of our norm. Yes, serving is the goal, and yes, loving our neigh-

bor is a given, but when you choose to step into someone else’s territory, completely different than our own, we are reaching into their life. It’s like showing up and saying, “Hey. I don’t know anything about you.

But I’m here. How can we love you?”

We seldom leave the comforts of ourselves to reach out to someone else. We like our safety zones. Our neighborhoods, our schools, our churches and our friends.

But how do we grow to serve the world if we can’t grow out of our own space?

I’m certain God’s world isn’t made up of See Robertson, page A5

pelika O Observer

‘Fall Nature Walk’ at Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Siddique Nature Park Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Siddique Nature Park will host a a relaxing walk through the woods on two miles of trails Oct. 19 starting at 8 a.m.

Fall migrating birds are here, and this may be the best chance until spring to see non-resident warblers. The recent cooler weather may have brought in ducks to the lagoon, which may be observed from two viewing blinds.

Loaner binoculars will be available.

Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Siddique Nature Park is site #10 on the Piedmont Plateau

Dietrich, from A4 at a popcorn ceiling and I don’t know why, but I cried.

And that’s why I’m writing you, Braves.

You don’t know me, and you’ll probably never read this, but I have to say it. You are my link to those men who came before me.

Scores do not matter.

You are the game my people play upon scalped fields, schoolyards, parking lots and parks. That’s what you are.

Tonight, I watched you blow any chances of getting to the World Series. And sure, it was a hard loss. I was staring at the television with a lump in my throat. You went down in the first inning, and it wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was about as pretty as watching a maggot get knocked off

Jackson, from A4 that comes under your gun – buck, doe, or spotted fawn – ceases to be a deer and becomes venison.

These were always “meat” hunts.

Then we would go to our assigned spots.

It never occurred to me that I would be standing within shouting distance of men with whiskey on their breaths and guns in their hands, all waiting for the dogs and the deer.

The first few times, Daddy and I shared a stand, but eventually I graduated to a stand of my own. There, with

A5 Oct. 16, 2019

Park, from A1 hillstoneadvantage. com), which has begun clearing the 13-acre site next to Packaging Corporation of America. The first building should be available in the second quarter of 2020. Jake Hill, principal at Hillstone Advantage, believes that this is the first, or one of the first, business parks in Alabama that is being developed into an opportunity zone.

The park is designed to hold 10 or so buildings, which may vary in size from 7,000 to 45,000 square

Robertson, from A4

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Birding Trail map.

The pavilion is located at 3601 Waverly Parkway in Opelika, one-

half mile from U.S. Highway 280 West.

There will be refreshments before the walk.

a gut wagon.

My phone was blowing up. It vibrated so much that it rattled off the coffee table. I was getting texts from friends, old coworkers, family. My mother texted to see if I was still breathing.

The truth is, I’m doing great. Because you’ll never have any idea how much life you gave back to a big, awkward, grown-up kid like me.

You’ll never know what it means to sit in a ballpark and do the tomahawk-chop with 42,000 fans, a wife beside me, a bunch of semi-drunk strangers and a plastic helmet-full of nachos in my lap that taste like reconstituted buffalo chips.

You’ll never know how much I look forward to hearing the broadcast voice of Chip Caray, or how hard I pull for Freddie Freeman. Or how when my wife and

I say grace at supper, she mentions Bobby Cox and his family in her prayers. And Brian Snitker.

You bring back the greatest parts of my childhood, with none of the pain. You are proof that a boy can remain a boy forever. You remind me that even though good men lose, it doesn’t make them losers.

I know. It’s only a game.

But when the Braves play it, it becomes the best damn game there ever was.

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.

my double-hammer, 16-gauge shotgun, I would listen for the sound of the pack that real hunters could divide by voice – “that’s Rusty, hear him?” – and wait for the animals, chased and chasing, to run by another stand and another gun.

I never got off a shot.

Nevertheless, I was there, so if there was a kill, when the meat was divided, I got my portion, small though it was. It, combined with my father’s, meant a couple of meals as only my mother could cook them.

Then I went off to college.

Flash ahead to 1990.

That was when I got

my first and only deer.

Got it on Highway 431, just south of Gadsden.

Got it with a Buick.

There is a point to my telling this.

According to the Weather Channel, a “deer warning” has been issued for much of Alabama and Georgia.

It is fall. The weather is dry. Deer are looking for forage along roadways. Be alert or you might get one as well.

Or one might get you.

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

He can be reached at hjackson@cableone. net.

people just like me. It’s made up of everyone. So how then will we learn who God is if we can’t learn about all of His people?

The third and most recent distribution took place on Oct. 5. The traveling closet opened just behind Carver Primary School, and 441 pieces of clothing were distributed.

“We still have enough inventory left that we are hoping to organize another location later this season,” Jordan said. “Hopefully, it will be cooler, and people will actually want to get coats and

feet. Buildings can be multi-tenant or single tenant. The buildings will be designed for showroom, flex space, warehousing and light industrial uses.

Opelika and this particular site were chosen because of the rapidly growing economy in the AuburnOpelika area. Recent nearby investments in the aerospace and the automotive industries, coupled with proximity to Auburn University and local airport, rail service, Highway 280 and I-85 make this a convenient site for tenants who need access to these industries and transportation modes.

Additionally, Opelika's location makes it easy to serve regional cus-

tomers in Birmingham, Montgomery, Columbus, Atlanta and the Florida panhandle.

John Eyster of Pointe CRE and Rush Denson of The Denson Group of Opelika have joined forces to help market Hi Pack Business Park.

Pointe Commercial Real Estate is a Chattanooga based commercial brokerage firm, providing services in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. The Denson Group is an Opelika-based commercial brokerage firm. For more information, contact John Eyster at jeyster@ pointecre.com and 256-426-1165 or Rush Denson at rushdenson@thedensongroup. com or 205-503-8655.

fall and winter clothing.”

Local missions go far beyond just service - it is the beginning of building relationships and fostering human connection. We all long for that, to be noticed and to be loved by the world around us.

Through this mission, the team has met a young boy and his father who have home needs that the class has been able to assist with, such as a new refrigerator. They have helped to make a few minor home repairs, and the boy has been attending church activities as well as a tutoring session offered by the church.

A pastor once reminded me that church on Sunday is meant to recharge our batteries

so we can take our faith and action outside the church walls, where real discipleship begins.

There’s no greater time than now to step out and into the lives of those who need to see God at work.

“Clothed with His Love” is currently looking for a location to set up within in the next few weeks. If you want to learn more about this mission or to assist, contact Jordan at iedesigns@charter.net.

Bradley Robertson is a local mother, wife and creative. She’s an Auburn University graduate, loves good food and getting outside with her family.

Bradley enjoys feature writing, as well as southern culture and lifestyle writing.

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer

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pelika O Opinion

A6 Oct. 16, 2019

Auburn University Regional Airport to hold ‘Girls in Aviation Day’ Oct. 19 Special to the Opelika Observer Now in its second year, Girls in Aviation Day is returning to the Auburn University Regional Airport on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, an event that is free and open to the public.

Girls in Aviation Day is hosted by the Auburn University Aviation Center and the War Eagle Chapter of Women in Aviation.

The purpose of the event is to “inspire passion, exploration, learning and excitement of aviation and aerospace to children in the local community.”

While the event is focused on girls in grades K-12,

children of all ages and genders are welcome and encouraged to attend.

In addition to a plethora of exciting activities, the event will feature aviation venders and organizations, as well as airplanes on display and plenty of food trucks. Participants will have the ability to explore the world of aviation and learn about all of the different career possibilities open to them.

Children must be accompanied by a chaperone at all times during the event.

For more information, contact engagement coordinator Daphne Walker at 334-844-2828 or daphnewalker@auburn.edu.

The airport is located at 2150 Mike Hubbard Blvd.

About the Auburn University Aviation Center and Women in Aviation - War Eagle Chapter A part of the Auburn University College of Liberal Arts, the Auburn University Aviation Center is dedicated to “education, research and outreach programs [that] will develop highly desired graduates and thought leaders who will serve as a positive force in aviation and the world.”

The Women in AviationWar Eagle Chapter is an Auburn University campus organization that aims to

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

“promote aviation in our community and inspire younger generations of potential aviators.”

About Women in Aviation International Women in Aviation International is “a nonprofit

organization dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. Our diverse membership includes astronauts, corporate pilots, maintenance technicians,

air traffic controllers, business owners, educators, journalists, flight attendants, high school and university students, air show performers, airport managers and many others.”

Chicken Salad Chick holds grand opening; raises money for cancer center

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer A grand-opening ceremony for the new Chicken Salad Chick storefront in Tiger Town was held Oct. 9, which was attended by numerous local dignitaries. The next three days saw the store offer the public promotional specials, which drew large crowds.

Second ‘Griff Gathering’ slated for Oct. 19; to feature food, live music and night market including local artists, creatives and makers

By Morgan Bryce Editor The second Griff Gathering will take place on Oct. 19 from 6 to 10 p.m. at First Avenue between Griff Goods and Red Clay Brewery.

This event is made possible through collaboration with Annabelle McLeod and Opelika's Cottonseed Studios. Among that evening's activities are face painting, food trucks, specialty cocktails and live music from well-known local regional bands, including Make Sure, Radio Decay, Bobby RockNRoll and Supper Club. There will also be a night market featuring work from local artists, creatives and makers. Attendance is free.

The inaugural Griff Gathering was held in August, featuring a night market, art exhibit by R.C Hagans and preview of Griff Goods' fall clothing line.

According to Griff Goods' owner Abby Griffin, the event is a way to bring the community together for a fun-filled evening and support the local arts scene.

"Our goal for this event is to connect Auburn and Opelika with local artists and makers and grow support for our creative community while supporting local businesses," Griffin said.

For more information or updates about the event, like and follow the shop's social media pages. Griff Goods is located at 719 1st Ave.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: • Oct. 17 and 18 - Pine Hill Cemetery Lantern Tour • Oct. 19 - On the Tracks • Oct. 19 - 48th annual ‘Pioneer Day’ in Loachapoka • Oct. 20 - The Kingdom Choir at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts • Oct. 25 - 3rd annual AuburnOpelika Wine Trail

Historian, artist Edna Ward shares collected family recipes Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

S

itting in the living room at the home of Edna and Gene Ward in Opelika, a large painting over the sofa is eye-catching. Edna and Gene both painted together the spectacular Christ the King Cathedral in Atlanta, but that is not the only church Edna has painted. She painted First Baptist Church of Opelika for the cover of both the church’s cookbooks.

Along with being an artist, Edna is known for her interest in history. Since retiring from working at the telephone company in downtown Opelika in 1987, she has

worked off and on as the editor of Tap Roots, the quarterly publication of the Genealogical Society of East Alabama.

Edna remembers after she retired receiving a call from retired Judge Noel Baker, who wanted to stop by to see her. He was president of the Genealogical Society and asked her to be the secretarytreasurer. Edna took over the volunteer work. Soon afterwards, she became the editor of Tap Roots.

While members of the society submit articles on family history, Edna has done a great deal of research on family names

at local cemeteries.

Over the years, Edna has been willing to take on projects. Several years ago while visiting former fire chief Albert Smith and his wife Mary Rose, the fire chief mentioned he wished there was a book on the history of the fire department.

Edna told him she could type and started the project with the chief assisting. She did research as well for the book, which took two years to finish. Copies of the history of the Opelika Fire Department are still available at the fire department’s main office at

Darren Knight to headline an evening of comedy at Opelika’s Bottling Plant Event Center Nov. 9

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Expect an evening of rib-tickling, Southern redneck comedy Nov. 9 at downtown Opelika's Bottling Plant Event Center when Red Squirrel, Gary Cargal and DJ Slim McGraw open for Darren Knight, better known as "Southern Mama."

See Comedy, page A10

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Ann Cipperly Edna Ward is looking over a copy of Baptist Bounty, her favorite cookbook.

She did the artwork for the cover of the cookbook and also for the newer version. Along with art, Edna enjoys researching history. She is the editor for Tap Roots, the quarterly publication of the Genealogical Society of East Alabama.

Avenue B and 7th Street.

Edna then took on writing the history of the Opelika Police Department. Jacob Hancock, who was working on a Ph.D, assisted her with the book. With both of them working on it, it took a year and a half to write.

Jacob and Edna didn’t receive payment for the book. Proceeds went to

cover printing costs. Remaining proceeds go to fund the DARE Program.

“Both the fire department and police department books were an honor to write and labors of love,” Edna said.

She is currently working on the history of Mechanicsville in northeast Lee County. In the 1850s, it was a thriving community with a wagon

factory. While the Genealogical Society cleaned up the cemetery, Edna began wondering what happened to the people who lived there.

The church burned, and people sold their houses and moved away. Being in the backwater area, it was a busy place for making moonshine at one time.

See Cipperly, page A11

Christmas shopping season kicks off in Opelika with Village Event Center’s third annual ‘Christmas Village’ on Oct. 25, 26

By Morgan Bryce Editor Beat the stress and hassle of last-minute Christmas shopping two months in advance during the Village Event Center’s third-annual “Christmas Village” event Oct. 25 and 26.

Since helping start the event in 2017, the venue’s event manager Craig McCullough said the event has not only grown in shoppers, but also participating ven-

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

dors, with increases of 20 to 25% each year.

See Christmas, page A8

Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

pelika O Observer

A8 Oct. 16, 2019

Third annual 'Auburn-Opelika Wine Trail' returns Oct. 25 Special to the Opelika Observer

Tickets are now available for the third annual Auburn-Opelika Wine Trail slated for Oct. 25. Guests can experience and sample products from three wineries in East Alabama with a special farm-to-table lunch provided by Bow & Arrow. The Flower Bed, a local flower truck to Auburn, will also be present for this year's event.

Guests will begin the day bright and early at the Lee County Fairgrounds at 8 a.m., where spacious Tiger Transit buses will be waiting to transport wine enthusiasts for the entire day.

The first stop on the trail is Five Points Farms, a five-acre vineyard located just north of Auburn in the small town of Five Points. Enjoy a tour of this scenic farm where American, French

Hybrid and muscadine grapes are grown.

Tastings will also be available.

Next on the trail is Hodges Vineyards & Winery, located in Camp Hill. Hodges offers a vast selection of muscadine, grape and fruit wines to sample and purchase.

All wines are bottled on-site; the more unique fruits, such as apples, blueberries and blackberries, are imported from farms local to Alabama.

New for this year’s event is a farm-totable lunch provided

by Bow & Arrow while at Hodges Vineyards & Winery.

Participants will also have the opportunity to purchase flower arrangements from The Flower Bed. The last stop on the trail is Whippoorwill Vineyards, a familyowned and operated winery nestled in the historic town of Notasulga. Savor the

final stop of the day as you’re guided through the elegant countryside. Whippoorwill also offers fresh honey and other products harvested on-site.

Tickets to the Auburn-Opelika Wine Trail are $55 each plus tax and include transportation and lunch. Guests will arrive back to the fairgrounds at approximately 4 p.m. and are asked to bring comfortable walking shoes and extra money for purchasing bottles of wine and flower arrangements.

The Wine Trail is sponsored by Lee County Extension System, The Flower Bed and Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau.

For more information, contact Tara Barr at 334-749-3353 or barrtar@aces. edu. Tickets can be purchased via www. aces.edu/event/ auburn-opelika-winetour-2019/2019-10-25.

Second annual 'Auburn CHILI Fest' slated for Nov. 9

Special to the Opelika Observer The Greystone Mansion will be the site of the second annual “Auburn CHILI Fest” on Nov. 9 from 2 to 7 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth ages 10 to 15 and free

for children under 10 years old.

They cover the cost of admission, samples of the best chili made in the area, live entertainment (band not yet finalized), family activities and games, full-bar service and more.

Spots are still avail-

able for those interested in being a competitor, vendor or sponsor.

They are asked to email events@auburnfest. com.

For more information, call 334-329-5005 or visit www.auburnfest.com. The venue is located at 434 E. Magnolia Ave.

McCullough said he and fellow event organizer Jennifer Hostetter choose a different organization to assist each year, with last year’s beneficiary being the BigHouse Foundation. Portions from this year’s event will benefit Women’s Hope Medical Clinic in Auburn, an organization “that provides accurate and helpful information in a compassionate environment, to empower life-

affirming choices that change lives.”

The market is open from 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 25 (Friday) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 26 (Saturday). Admission is $3 per person.

For more information, call 334-500-2878, like and follow the venue’s social media pages or visit www.villageeventcenter.com. The Village Event Center is located at 804 Columbus Parkway.

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer

Christmas, from A7 As of last week, 65 vendors were already confirmed, and McCullough said he expects that number to swell to 80 by market weekend.

“Items that will be for sale will range anywhere between decor and gift ideas, and (the event) will feature a lot of local craftsmen and artisans,”

McCullough said.

The venue’s website listed some specific items for sale, including baked goods, boutique clothing, Christmas tree stands, coffee, handbags and totes, handmade soaps, hand-painted arts and crafts, personal health care products and more.

While parents shop, children 12 and under can enjoy a designated “children’s corner” with Christmas-themed activities.

Be sure to visit the following merchants during the event

pelika Observer O

A10 Oct. 16, 2019

Jean Dean RIF’s last-ever ‘Run to Read’ set for Oct. 20

By Natalie Salvatore For the Opelika Observer The last Run to Read event is set for Oct. 20.

The 10k, 5k run and onemile Sara Schwarzauer Walk will help raise money for Jean Dean RIF, or Reading is Fundamental. This program’s mission is to provide 20,000 at-risk young children across Alabama with books prior to kindergarten.

books.

Gafford said the Jean Dean RIF program is also ending this year, but on a high-note, as it has provided almost two million top-quality books to more than 600,000 children in need.

“Because the Alabama Kiwanis Foundation voted in February 2019 to end the Jean Dean RIF program at the end of its 30th year, this will be the 12th and last Run to Read. It is still an impor-

Cathy Gafford, the program’s executive director, says that giving preschool children ageappropriate, top-quality books who might not have them in their homes otherwise raises the community’s overall literacy level.

Children who read increase their vocabularies when they start school, according to Gafford. This also makes family literacy possible when households contain

tant fundraiser to provide books to the children we serve this school year,” Gafford said.

This year’s Run to Read is being dedicated to Opelika Kiwanian Rich Bailey, who originally started the event and was the run’s director for nine years.

The event is free for ages 0 to 4. For ages 5 to 100, early registration is $20, and event-day registration will cost $30.

Run T-shirts are $10 and

are not included in the registration fees.

The festivities begin at 2:30 p.m., with races starting at 3 p.m. and the Walk at 3:15 p.m. There will also be an awards ceremony providing age group medals and awards for top runners, as well as a special award for the oldest runner to finish.

Other festivities will include a top door prize of a one-night “STAYCATION,” free health screenings, snacks and

photo opportunities with local celebrities. Guests also have a chance to meet Alabama author Dean Bonner, Aubie and Clifford the Big Red Dog. The event is accepting shoe donations for SHOES4BOOKS. Run to Read will take place at the West Ridge Park in Opelika, located at 1600 Covington Ave. For more information, contact Gafford at jeandeanrif@gmail.com or 334-750-9974.

Greg Klyma to perform at The Sound Wall on Oct. 24 Special to the Opelika Observer

he draws influence from “old-school country, classic rock and singer-songwriter folk ... three styles of music that I love. I love to listen to 'em. I love to play 'em. My wheelhouse finds me standing in the long shadows of Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Steve Earle, Tom Petty and Mick & Keef, to name a few.”

Klyma has released

American folk artist, road-tested troubadour and songwriter Greg Klyma will perform at The Sound Wall in Opelika on Oct. 24.

The show starts at 7 p.m. Guests are invited to bring their own beer and enjoy an evening of amazing live music.

According to a description on his website, Klyma said

Comedy, from A7 Knight, born and raised in Munford, Alabama, rose to prominence

through short videos posted on his social media accounts. He quickly gained a loyal following, and currently has nearly three million Facebook followers, 165,000 subscribers on YouTube and more

eight studio albums, including a live performance and fan favorite show at Buffalo, New York's Sportmen's Tavern on Sept. 18, 2010.

His most recent album "Never Knew Caroline" was released in 2017 and was met with warm reception from fans and critics alike.

For more information, visit www.thesoundwallopelika.com.

The venue is located at 605 Ave. B. than 500 million views of his videos across all platforms.

In a Nov. 17, 2016 article published in the Oklahoma Gazette, Knight elaborated on the alter ego that has brought him so much fame.

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Klyma

"It is deep-seated and deep-rooted. It’s my mom — these are things I heard growing up, and they’re things we say to our kids in our family today. I like to say that 40% of 'Southern Momma' is my mom and the other 60% is my grandmother, because she’s a bit more animated," Knight said. "She has those old Southern sayings, and my mom just carried it over to me. But the inspiration is definitely the women in my

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family. I think that’s why Southern Momma really took off the way she did, because many generations can relate to what Southern Momma says, and I think everyone can relate to the problems she deals with in the videos.”

This marks Knight's second appearance in two years at the Opelika venue, as he was a judge for last year's "Battle for O Town Comedy Competition" alongside rising comic

Michael Statham.

According to her website, "comedian Red Squirrel has been entertaining audiences around the Southeast with her country twang, out of control and animated stage presence.

Her twist on personal subjects involving the relationships between men and women will keep you laughing."

Cargal, based in Bremen, Georgia, shares hilarious tales of his experiences as a car salesman, Hollywood film production assistant and truck driver under the moniker of "Coach Croker."

McGraw lives in Charlotte and has opened for major country acts like Lee Brice, Brett Eldredge and Lady Antebellum.

Tickets for the Nov. 9 show are $27 each and can be purchased online only via www.eventbrite.com.

For more information, call 334-705-5466 or visit www.bottlingplanteventcenter.com. The venue is located at 614 N. Railroad Ave.

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pelika O Observer Cipperly, from A7 She is hoping to have the writing project finished this winter, which will be available on a disc.

Edna grew up in Sand Hill near Chewacla State Park. Her father farmed and grew vegetables. Her mother enjoyed cooking.

Recipes Potato Soup 2 medium sized potatoes 1 medium sized onion 3 cups chicken broth ½ cup half and half 1 Tbsp. flour dissolved in ¼ cup water Salt, pepper to taste Peel and slice potatoes.

Peel, slice and chop onion. Place in a boiler with chicken broth and cook until almost tender. Remove potatoes and onions from the stock.

Add half and half to the stock. Dissolve flour in water. Add to mixture and cook until thickened.

Add potatoes and onions back into liquid.

Add salt and pepper as desired. Serves 4. (If soup is thicker than desired, thin with more chicken stock.)

Corn and Cheese Soup ½ cup chopped onion 2 Tbsp. butter 1 cup whole milk 1 cup chicken stock 8 ½ can cream style corn 8-oz pkg. Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese, softened 4 ½ oz can mild chili peppers, chopped Cook onion over low heat in butter. Add all the other ingredients. Blend and cook until smooth.

Serves 4.

Note: Both soups are good with buttered, toasted bread topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

They are also good with five cheese Texas toast available in the frozen food section of grocery store.

Old-Fashioned Tomato Gravy 2 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. flour 1 small tomato peeled, sliced and chopped.

Chicken broth Salt and pepper Melt butter; add flour and make a roux. When flour has browned, add chicken broth until thinned. Add chopped tomatoes. Cook on simmer for about 5 minutes.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve over rice. If there is any leftover, it is good for breakfast over a biscuit.

Squash Dressing 1 box Jiffy Corn Bread mix 1 can Margaret Holmes squash 1 can cream of chicken soup ½ cup chopped onion ½ stick melted butter 2 eggs 1 cup grated cheese Salt and pepper to taste Mix all above. Do not drain squash nor dilute soup.

Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes in a greased 9-inch dish. Makes about 9 servings. Leftovers will keep nicely in the

A11 Oct. 16, 2019

Edna was the youngest child in the family and wasn’t interested in cooking, but she helped with dishes.

After high school, she decided she did not want to attend college. She went to work with Southern Bell, later Bellsouth, in downtown Opelika, and in Montgomery when the Opelika office closed.

While working at Southern Bell, she met Gene, who was working with

the fire department.

After they were married, Gene worked for McGinty Furniture Store in downtown Opelika.

The owner also owned Fredrick Funeral Home at the time. Gene worked for both places.

He also worked for Uniroyal and then for Rodger’s Organs of Atlanta. Gene was co-owner of the company and then purchased the company, which he owned for 15

years. The Wards have a beautiful organ that Gene plays.

They don’t have children, but have two dogs, Reggie and Lily. Both are rescue dogs.

Since Edna is busy with writing projects, she keeps meals easy and simple. She is sharing many of her mother’s recipes and from others in the family.

The Peach/Custard pie was one of her mother’s

recipes that she often made in the winter.

She dried the peaches in the summer to have for making the pie during winter months.

Edna’s sister, Carmen Smith, enjoyed working as a volunteer with East Alabama Medical Center Auxiliary.

The Peanut Butter Cookies were her mostrequested cookie. She made many of them to share through the years.

The English Pea Casserole recipe was Gene’s aunt’s, Bert Hall, who was well known when she worked for the PollyTek clothing store and later for Curry’s.

The recipe makes a large casserole that serves about eight. Gene prepares the recipe every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com.

refrigerator and can be easily reheated.

on a paper towel before serving.

Cheddar Cheese Pie 4 eggs, slightly beaten 1 ½ cups milk 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese ¾ cup diced, cooked ham ¼ tsp. salt and pepper 8- inch pie shell Pimento peppers, chopped Parsley for garnish Combine eggs, milk, cheese, ham, salt and pepper; mix well.

Pour into pie shell.

Place pimento around the top edge. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.

Garnish with parsley.

Serves 6.

Peanut Butter Cookies Carmen Smith’s recipe 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup white Karo syrup 1 ½ cups crunchy peanut butter 5 cups of Special K cereal Bring sugar and syrup to a boil; stir constantly; remove from heat and add peanut butter.

Add cereal.

Using two spoons, drop mixture on wax paper in cookie size portions. Can be also poured onto a sheet pan and cut in squares or bars.

soup; 4 slices American cheese Topping: Cheez-it crackers, crushed and topped with several thin pats of butter Bake at 350 for 35 to 45 minutes. Serves 8 to 10.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook until tender. May take 8 to 10 minutes.

Makes about 4 servings.

yogurt In two small dessert dishes place a vanilla wafer in each. Peel the banana and slice crossways.

Put a layer of banana, a layer of yogurt, a layer of wafers until all is used.

Add crushed wafers in a ring around the top. If made ahead flavors will blend. Serves two.

Old fashioned Peach and Egg Custard Pie 2 cups dried peaches Water to cover 1 cup sugar Place dried peaches in water to cover; add sugar. Cook peaches and sugar until it is the consistency of jelly, which takes just a few minutes. Chop peaches.

For the custard: 3 egg yolks, save whites for meringue 1 cup milk ½ tsp. nutmeg 1 cup sugar ½ tsp. vanilla flavoring 2 Tbsp. melted butter 2 Tbsp. flour 8-inch pie shell Place cooked peaches in the bottom of an unbaked pie shell.

Mix remaining ingredients to make a custard. Pour the uncooked mixture over the peaches.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.

Prepare the meringue.

Spread over top of the pie. Place back into the oven until the meringue is browned.

Meringue: 3 egg whites 2 Tbsp. powdered sugar ¼ tsp. cream of tartar Combine ingredients and beat to stiff peaks.

Salmon Croquettes 14 oz. can of Double Q salmon, drained 2 Tbsp. Miracle Whip Salad Dressing 2 Tbsp. flour 1 egg ½ cup chopped onion Salt and pepper Mix all ingredients together and make six croquettes shaped flat like hamburgers.

Add 1 Tbsp. butter and 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a skillet. When hot, fry croquettes. When the first side has browned turn croquettes once to brown the other side. Takes about two minutes per side. Drain

Ambrosia Cake 10-inch Angel Food Cake [already baked from the grocery store] 8 oz. reduced-fat Cool Whip 8 oz. low-fat Sour cream 1 small can Mandarin oranges, drained 1 small can crushed pineapple, drained 1 apple, finely chopped and sprinkled with lemon juice 4 oz. shredded coconut ½ cup or more chopped nuts (almonds, pecans or walnuts) Slice cake into three layers.

Mix other ingredients and spread on the three layers. [Measurements do not have to be exact.]

Must keep cake refrigerated. It will keep for several days.

English Pea and Asparagus Casserole Bert Hall’s recipe 1 can English peas (drained) 1 small container of pimento peppers (drained and chopped) 1 can of asparagus (drained) 1 can of mushroom soup (not diluted) 1 can of cream of chicken soup (not diluted) 3 boiled eggs (sliced) 8 slices American cheese ½ box Cheeze-it crackers, crushed Several thin pats of butter Prepare a large casserole dish by spraying with non-stick spray or coating with oil.

Ingredients are layered in the following order: First layer: 1 can of English peas; ½ of the pimento peppers; 1 ½ of sliced boiled eggs; the can of mushroom soup Second layer: four slices of American cheese Third layer: asparagus, 1 ½ of sliced boiled eggs; cream of chicken

Tomato Relish My mother Lois Edwards made a tomato relish with fresh tomatoes that was a family favorite. This recipe is much easier.

14.5 oz. can stewed tomatoes 1 [soft ball size] sweet onion, peeled and chopped ½ cup apple cider vinegar ½ cup white, granulated sugar 1 heaping Tbsp. brown sugar ¼ tsp. allspice ¼ tsp. cloves ¼ tsp. nutmeg ¼ tsp. salt 1 tsp. cornstarch – dissolved in a little water Chop onion in small pieces. Cook it over low heat with about 1 Tbsp. butter and 1 Tbsp. olive oil.

Drain tomatoes and save the liquid. Mix the liquid with apple cider vinegar, sugar, allspice, cloves, nutmeg and salt. Coarsely chop the tomatoes.

Combine all the above except the cornstarch in a non-stick boiler. Cook until liquid is reduced about 25 percent. This will take maybe 15 minutes on medium heat.

Dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of water and add to tomato relish. The cornstarch will thicken the relish quickly, but it needs to simmer a while longer – maybe 15 minutes.

Let it cool.

Put it in a sterilized jar with a tight lid. This will keep a long time in the refrigerator.

It is delicious on peas, butterbeans, ham, chicken or pork chops.

It’s also good on a hamburger. Makes one pint.

Can also use fresh ripe and green tomatoes. It would probably take six to eight medium sized ones or enough to fill a 16 ounce measuring cupwhen chopped.

Green Beans and New Potatoes ½ lb. fresh green beans ½ lb. fresh new potatoes ½ onion, chopped 1 tsp. sugar 1 pkg. Goya ham seasoning Prepare beans by cutting off stems and cutting beans in one-inch segments.

Wash potatoes; don’t peel. Cut them in half.

Peel and chop the onion.

Add all together in a pot with enough water to cover them. Add sugar and Goya seasoning.

Vidalia Onion Muffins Alice Scussel’s recipe 1 large egg, slightly beaten 1/3 cup vegetable oil ¾ cup milk 1 cup self-rising flour 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats ¼ cup sugar ½ cup chopped Vidalia onion ¾ cup shredded sharp Cheddar Cheese ¼ cup chopped pecans In a large mixing bowl whisk together egg, oil and milk; add self-rising flour, rolled oats and sugar.

Stir batter just until mixture is blended.

Gently fold in the onion, shredded cheese, and pecans; spoon the mixture into 36 small buttered and floured 1/8-cup muffin cups (gem, or miniature muffin tins).

Bake muffins in the middle of a preheated 400 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Turn the muffins out onto racks and serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 36 miniature muffins.

Baked Potato and Onion for Two 1 large Idaho potato 1 large onion Seasoned salt and pepper Peel potato and slice crossways in ½ inch pieces.

Peel onion and slice crossways in ½ inch pieces.

Take two pieces of aluminum foil and put half of each on the foil placing alternating onion between potato. Add a pat of butter to the top of each package along with salt and pepper.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

Spiced Carrots ½ lb. carrots, cut crossways into circles 1 cup raisins ¼ Tbsp. allspice 1 Tbsp. sugar 2 Tbsp. butter Place in a boiler with water to cover.

Boil on low for about 10 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

Banana and Yogurt Dessert For Two 1 banana Vanilla Wafers 1 low fat vanilla

Rice 1 cup white rice 2 cups chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste Heat the broth to a boil; add the rice, cover and bake in oven at 300 degrees for 30 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Peach Congealed Salad 1 box peach Jell-O 1 can peaches Cinnamon Drain peaches and reserve liquid. Puree peaches. Mix Jell-O according to package using liquid from the peaches and adding enough water as required.

Heat fluid, add Jell-O, peaches and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Chill.

Garnish with a spoon of sour cream and a cherry.

Makes 4 servings.

Food Ratings Butcher Paper BBQ 128 Columbus Parkway Opelika Score: 100 Kitchen 3810 3810 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 100 Bizilia’s Cafe 2000 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 99 East Alabama Medical Center 2000 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 98 Arby’s 1711 S. College St. Auburn Score: 97 Zazu Gastropub 301 N. 8th St. Opelika Score: 96 Hardee’s 1902 Marvyn Parkway Opelika Score: 96 El Rodeo 814 Geneva St. Opelika Score: 77

pelika O Observer

A12 Oct. 16, 2019

Greater Peace Community Development Corporation announces ‘WIRED for Success Teen Summit’ Special to the Opelika Observer The Greater Peace Community Development Corporation (GPCDC) and its partners will host its first annual two-day Teen Summit titled WIRED (wisdom, inspired, respect, educate and discipline) for Success.

This two-day event will be held on Oct. 18 and 19 in the Greater Peace

Family Life Center.

Studies have shown students ages 13 to 18 to be the loneliest generation of all time. Despite the constant sharing of their personal lives on social media, teens often feel they are lacking in meaningful and interpersonal connections. Social media, technology and peer pressure often lead teens to development of unhealthy lifestyles

including drugs, smoking, sex and obesity. In addition, social media and cyber bullying have also been linked to an increase in teen suicide.

The two-day event will kick off Oct. 18 with Free-Style Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Fraternities and sororities from Auburn, Troy and Tuskegee universities will provide a step show along with other

fun interactive activities.

Oct. 19 will consist of fun and informative sessions. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. and end promptly at 1 p.m. following lunch.

Saturday will consist of a hands-on science experiment, keynote speakers and breakout sessions. Professionals from across East Alabama will participate in breakout sessions

providing students with valuable information in the areas of health and wellness, the impact of social media, financial literacy and the importance of soft skills.

A parent workshop will also take place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., where school counselors, administrators and law enforcement will be on hand to provide vital information regarding

new laws, available resources, NCAA eligibility requirements and more.

For more information, call 334-749-9487.

Summit partners include: Auburn Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, CleanCut Elite, FNF Ministries, Greater Peace Baptist Church, Love U Love U, Pilgrim Baptist Church and the Ward 2 Academy.

OBITUARIES J. Miles Thomas J. Miles Thomas passed away on October 6, 2019, and is now in the presence of the Lord. Miles was born October 24, 1930, in Freeport, FL to the late Reverend A. G. Thomas and Katie Spikes Thomas. He spent most of his early years in the Wiregrass area of Alabama, including Geneva, Hartford, Rehobeth, and Black. Miles graduated from Rehobeth High School in 1948 and entered the United States Army in 1950 and served in the 131st Tank division, serving 2 years. Just days after his discharge in 1952, he entered pharmacy school at Auburn Polytechnic Institute (now Wonda Kite Bright Wonda Kite Bright of Opelika was born to the late Fostoria Bragg Kite and James Brady Kite in Phenix City, Alabama on August 1, 1948 and passed away at her home surrounded by her family

Auburn University) and graduated in 1955. He also married the love of his life, Margaret Ring Thomas, that year. After residing in Eufaula for 15 months, Miles returned to Opelika and established Thomas Pharmacy in 1957. While owning his business, he was very active in the profession of pharmacy in Alabama, to include a period as president of the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy, president of the Alabama Pharmacy Association, served on the Advisory Board of Auburn University School of Pharmacy.

One of his proudest moments was in 2016, when Miles was honored with the induction into the Alabama

Pharmacy Hall of Fame.

He operated Thomas Pharmacy for 40 years, retiring from the pharmacy profession in 1997. Thomas Pharmacy is still proudly operating today under the same name.

Miles was also very active in the community, serving the city of Opelika in several capacities. He was a member of the Opelika Parks and Recreation Board from 1963 to 1981. He was very interested in recreation for the children of Opelika.

He was elected to the Opelika City Commission in 1981, and served Opelika with dignity until his retirement in 1997, including roles of Finance commissioner for many years, and

Mayor of Opelika in 1983-84.

He loved his family, his church, and the city of Opelika with all his heart. He enjoyed fishing and golf as his primary hobbies.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Margaret (Marge) Ring Thomas.

He is survived by his children, Kathy Thomas Richards (Floyd), Joseph Miles Thomas Jr., Thomas Addis Thomas and Kenneth James Thomas (Rhonda), Charleen Thomas, and his beloved and only granddaughter, Blair Thomas DeRuiter (Alex). Miles had 7 brothers and 2 sisters. He is survived

by William Adger Thomas, Reverend

John Paul Thomas and J. Sherwood Thomas.

His siblings that preceded him in death are: Raimon Gordon Thomas, Mogrete (Margaret) Thomas, Ralph Thomas, James Addis Thomas, JoAnn Thomas McDaniel and Michael A. Thomas, Sr. A funeral service was held at 11: a.m. Oct. 10, 2019 at Trinity United Methodist Church. Visitation was at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home on Oct. 9, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Feeding God’s Children, Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Avenue, Opelika, AL 36801.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

on October 9, 2019. She was 71 years old.

She was a member of Resurrect Church.

Wonda loved her family, a tremendous love for her daughter and granddaughters. She was a very meticulous classy lady, and took great pride

in her yard and home.

She was survived by her daughter, Donna Bright Crews (Bill); granddaughters, Cheyenne and Addison Crews; siblings, Jeanelle Shellnut, Sally Hargrave, Donnie Kite, Sr., Georgette Stewart,

Charlotte Yarbrough, and Cynthia Kay; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Visitation was held Saturday, October 12, 2019 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 2:30 until

the funeral hour at 3:30 p.m. Interment followed Garden Hills Cemetery with Pastor Mitchell Dean officiating the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice Compassus.

334-826-1899.

Evelyn Hildreth Edwards Evelyn Hildreth Edwards of Opelika was born to the late Jesse and Birmer Godwin Hildreth in Conecuh County, Alabama on July 15, 1936 and passed away at Arbor Springs on October 8, 2019. She was 83 years old.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tyrus Linwood Edwards, and three brothers, Joe F. Hildreth, George Weldon George Weldon of Opelika was born August 18, 1944 and passed at East Alabama Medical Center on October 8, 2019. He was 75 years old.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Julia Bonita Weldon and his brother Alfred M. Weldon.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Meadows Weldon; sons, Mike Weldon (Denise), and

Loretta Wilhite Mrs. Loretta Wilhite, 71, of Opelika passed away Oct. 10 at her residence. Funeral services were at 1 p.m.on Oct. 12, 2019 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with Reverend Bill Holmes and Reverend Billy Clark officiating. Visitation was held prior to the service.

Burial followed in Garden Hills Cemetery.

She was a longtime resident of Opelika and worked at the Gayfer’s Beauty Shop for 14 years. Mrs. Wilhite was a member of Liberty Baptist Church where she taught GA’s for several years. She also worked with Wilhite Electric Company for many years.

Mrs. Wilhite is survived by her husband of 54 years Jerry L. Wilhite; sons: Jeff Wilhite of Auburn, Terry Wilhite of Auburn, Jerry (Nikki) Wilhite, Jr. of Beauregard; siblings: Alice McClure of Atlanta, Johnny Walden of Opelika; and 6 grandchildren.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Burl Hildreth, and Billy Hildreth.

She is survived by her daughters, Lynne Hunter, and Reba Richardson (John); grandchildren, Becky Hunter, Jason Cardwell, Heather Cardwell, and Pate Cardwell; brother, Alin Hildreth (Nancy), and sister Mary Ellen Edwards; sisters-inlaw, Virginia Hildreth, Wanda Hildreth, Pat Duncan, and Edna Ward (Gene), as well as, numerous nieces, nephews, and other family

members.

She was a faithful member of Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church, Opelika, Alabama. She retired from the Opelika City School System as Cafeteria Manager of Morris Avenue Elementary School.

Visitation was held Oct. 9, 2019 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home and the funeral service followed in the chapel at 2 p.m. with Elder Jerry Hunt officiating.

Tye Weldon (Melinda); grandchildren, Starr Weldon, Casey Weldon, Jake Weldon, T.J. Newman (Jordan); special niece Christie Ray Hill; great grandchildren, Landon, Dayton, Dillon, Cason, Cain and Scarlett; sisters Dorothy Finnegan and Beverly Hughes (Eddie); stepchildren, Stephanie Gulledge (Glen), Wade Meadows (Misty), Clay Meadows (Christy); step-grandchildren, Molly (Matthew), Aubrey (Tim), Emily

(Tyler), Shelby, Grace, Adrian, Evan, Weston, Eli. Visitation was held Oct. 12, 2019 at 11 a.m. and the funeral was at 12:30 p.m. in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home. Reverend Hubert Whitten and Brother Stan Renfroe officiated. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to Chewacla Baptist Church Building Fund.

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

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

M

oses comes to the forefront of Paul’s thoughts in chapter three. He’s already present in 2:14-17 to a limited degree in the triumphal procession and then to a greater measure in the aroma of life and death (Numbers 16). Still, both of those are more subtle than chapter three, where he rises above the water line and is not only named by Paul but also incorporated into important comparisons/ contrasts with him and his ministry.

Apparently, the Corinthians (or the “superapostles”) had brought up the issue of letters of recommendation (v.

1). Rather than being

Opelika

amily &

R

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

As McGuiggan points out, the problem with them was that they were just words on a piece of paper that meant nothing if the truth of them wasn’t internalized by the people who received them. You can take a glowing letter of reference to your interview, but if the person conducting it pays no attention to the document, then it is just words on

Church calendar

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 2312 Center Drive Unit D #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

Oct. 16, 2019

eligion

Letters and Life

offended that they were asking an apostle of Jesus for such a credential, Paul used the occasion to teach them some important things. (I’m sure there’s a lesson for us there somewhere).

He tells the Corinthians that such documentation is unnecessary because “you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts” (v. 3). He doesn’t need to provide them with outside proof because they themselves are exhibit A of his ministry.

Furthermore, the Corinthians were overvaluing such letters.

• Pepperell Baptist’s youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. This is an evening of prayer, Bible Study and discussion. For more information, contact youth and children’s pastor Ryno Jones at 334-745-3108.

• Oct. 19 - Way2Serve’s biannual “My Jerusalem” will take place on Oct. 19. Area volunteers will meet at Lakeview Baptist Church to “rebuild broken homes and restore broken people.” For more information, visit www.theway2serve.org.

• Oct. 30 - Trinity United Methodist Church is hosting a fall festival on Oct. 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will include inflatables, trunk-

A13

or-treat and more.

• Oct. 30 - Trunk or Treat at Pepperell Baptist Church will take place on Oct. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. The community is invited to attend. For more information, call 334745-3108. The church is located at 2702 2nd Ave. • Nov. 3 - First Baptist Church of Opelika is sponsoring a 7-on-7 soccer tournament Nov. 3 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Opelika SportsPlex. Registration is free and can be filled out on cupofnations. net/auburn. The deadline to register is Oct. 23.

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

a piece of paper. In such a case though, the letter becomes their judge and speaks condemnation to them when you are hired by a rival company and your interviewer’s boss wants to know why you weren’t hired by them.

Moses was a minister of a glorious covenant who had two letters from God no less, yet he was rejected by the bulk of Israel. Thus, the covenant he gave became a “ministry that brought death” (v. 7) and “condemnation” (v. 9). It did this not because it was incapable of bringing life (see Deuteronomy 30:11-20), but because it remained just a “letter”—something external to the bulk of

the nation. This is why when Paul says, “The letter kills” (v. 6)—it is not a reference to the medium of the message (both Old and New Testaments were ultimately conveyed in written form), but to the lack of reception of it.

Paul carried the Corinthians around in his heart (v. 2). His ministry was not of letters to be received externally (as the Israel had done) but of allowing the Spirit the write on your heart (as the Corinthians did).

Now they wanted to go back to external letters, and it was a big step backwards!

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

Fall church activities in the Auburn-Opelika area Oct. 27 - Trunk or Treat at Beulah United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. C.S.T. Oct. 27 - First United Methodist Church of Opelika will host its annual fall festival Oct. 27 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at 2506 Oak Bowery Road. The event will include bingo, face painting, inflatables and Mrs. Story’s hot dogs.

Oct. 30 - Trunk or Treat at Pepperell Baptist Church will take place on Oct. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The community is invited to attend. For more information, call 334-745-3108. The church is located at 2702 2nd Ave. Oct. 30 - Trinity United Methodist Church Fall Festival from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The event will include inflatables, trunk-or-treat and more.

Oct. 30 - Tenth Street Church of Christ will host its annual Trunk or Treat event beginning at 7 p.m.

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 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 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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pelika Observer O

A14 Oct. 16, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• Oct. 16 - 7:30 a.m. - Business Over Breakfast • Oct. 17 - 5 p.m. - Chicken Salad Chick - Business After Hours • Oct. 18 - 11:30 a.m. Women’s Business Council • Oct. 24 - 4 p.m. - East Alabama Board of Realtors Ribbon Cutting and Business after Hours 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 334-2094641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

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

Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m.

at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th St. Opelika • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday of every month 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.

• 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 deborahowen@ eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month, a community grief support group meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information, call 8261899 or 502-0216.

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday from 5:30 to

7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture

crops and many more.

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

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

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

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

• The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by nonvoting work sessions that typically begin between 6 and 6:45 p.m.

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

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone

Upcoming Events • Oct. 15 - The October meeting of NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will take place at 7 p.m. at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce which is located at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited.

• Oct. 15 at 5 p.m.Kids eat for 99 cents at Niffer’s • Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. Brains and Brews Trivia at Red Clay Brewing • Oct. 16 at 5 p.m.Waren Thornton Live on The Patio at La Cantina • Oct. 16 at 5 p.m.

- Burger Night with halfpounder burgers and a side for $6.99 at Niffer’s • Oct. 16 at 5 p.m.

-Wine Down Wednesday

at The Bottling Plant Event Center • Oct. 17 - Build your own burger and side starting at $5 at La Cantina • Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m.

Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting at James Bros Bikes • Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26 and 31 - Haunted Auburn Walking Tour - Tours meet at the Eagle Statues across from Toomer’s Corner. The early tour begin at 6 p.m.. and lasts approximately 1 hr. The latter tour starts at 8 p.m. and can last over hour or so.

• Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

- Wood Sign Night at Spirted Art • Oct. 18 at 9 p.m. The Mix Tape at The Corner Bar • Oct. 19 - Standing Rock Fish Fry and Bake Sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST at the Dodgen Home, 3155 County Road 278, in Standing

Rock, Alabama. Catfish fillets, coleslaw, hush puppies, french fries.

Plates are $10.

For tickets, call Sharon Dodgen Spriggs at 706333-8559 or Marie Leak at 706-586-0252. Proceeds benefit Standing Rock Community Club Building Project.

• Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.

- Kids eat for 99 cents at Niffer’s • Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. Brains and Brews Trivia at Red Clay Brewing • Oct. 23 at 5 p.m.

- Burger Night with halfpounder burgers and a side for $6.99 at Niffer’s • Oct.23 at 5 p.m. Wine Down Wednesday at The Bottling Plant Event Center • Oct. 24 and 25 from 5:30 - 7:30 - Halloween Enchanted Forest at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center • Oct. 25 - Fright Nights at the Arboretum.

“Hocus Pocus” at 6:30 p.m. | “The Craft” at 8:30 p.m.

• Oct. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. - Tour de Fright at the Opelika SportsPlex.

Parents and children 12 and younger are invited to take a ride on the haunted walking trail!

• Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. Halloweentown - Movie at the Plex • Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m.

- Fall Festival and Children’s Carnival at the Opelika Sportsplex. For childrem 12 and younger.

• Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Fall Festival Trunk or Treat at SUSCC • Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.- City of Opelika Trick or Treating • Oct. 31 -Downtown Auburn Trick or Treating from 6 to 8 p.m.

More information about most of these events can be found at www.aotourism.com.

dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life.

Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School.

For more information, contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-5189122.

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

• East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m.

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

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month, a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 8261899 or 502-0216.

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary

hosts Bingo every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

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

GSEA to hold meeting Oct. 19 Special to the Opelika Observer The Genealogical Society of East Alabama will hold it’s quarterly meeting on Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Museum of East Alabama, which is located at 121 S. 9th St. in Opelika.

The guest speaker will be James P. Pate, who is an emeritus professor of history at the University of West Alabama, where he served as professor, department chair, dean and vice president of academic affairs during a 30-year period.

Pate will be speaking on “The Annotated Pickett’s History of Alabama: And Inci-

dentally of Georgia and Mississippi, From the Earliest Period.”

First published in 1851, Albert James Pickett’s History of Alabama is one of the most notable publications on the state’s history. This new addition, annotated by historian James P. Pate, is the first to provide general readers and scholars with a hardbound, fully-indexed version of the two-volume original. During his presentation, Pate will discuss the process of editing and annotating this tome of Alabama history during the last two decades.

Admission is free and the public is invited.

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A15 Oct. 16, 2019

‘East Alabama Gun and Hunting Show’ held last weekend

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller signs proclamation naming October ‘Alpha Delta Month’

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Members of the Beta Xi Chapter of Alabama Alpha Delta Kappa with Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller signing a proclamation for Alpha Delta Kappa Month. Alpha Delta Kappa is an international honorary organization of women educators dedicated to educational excellence, altruism and world understanding. The BigHouse Foundation is a Beta Xi altruistic endeavor. Beta Xi has hosted the Taste of Chocolate scholarship fundraiser every January for the last 17 years.

Pictured left to right Carolyn Moore; Pat May, Beta Xi president; Mayor Fuller; Karen Stillwell and Kay Spriggs.

22nd Annual “Bill Anthony Memorial, Battles for the Armory” Civil War Reenactment in Tallassee, Alabama November 8th, 9th, & 10th, 2019

Sponsored by The Tallassee Armory Guards, SCV Camp 1921 Gibson’s View Plantation Tallassee, AL School Day November 8, 2019 ($5 per student) “Bill Anthony Memorial, Battles for the Armory” Reenactments start @ 2PM on Saturday & Sunday School Day Reservations: Call Nan Todd @ 334-324-8655 or email wacqradio@elmore.rr.com or call Randall Hughey @ 334-283-6888

Opelika Civitan Club gifts $15k to Sheriff’s Girls Ranch in Camp Hill

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Pictured above, James Powell and John McCollum of the Opelika Civitan Club with Candice Gulley, director of the Sheriff’s Girls Ranch in Camp Hill. Following a quarterly luncheon held at the ranch on Sept.

25, the two approached Gulley about helping her organization transition to a new septic system. Later, Powell and McCollum presented Gulley with a $15,000 check, which covered the cost of the installation of septic tanks for two of their residential homes. “The Tallapoosa County Girls Ranch wants to thank the past and present members of the Opelika Civitan Club for their service to the children in east Alabama through the years, and specifically, for this considerable donation towards capital improvement at our ranch,” Gulley said.

A16 Oct. 16, 2019

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COMICS

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

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

School Board Meetings

• Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. Opelika City Schools Board of Education Meeting at 300 Simmons St.

Friday’s Football Schedule

Opelika at Stanhope Elmore @ 7 p.m.

Beauregard v. Carroll @ 7 p.m.

Beulah v. Dadeville @ 7 p.m.

Claire Worth named OHS 2019 Homecoming Queen

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika volleyball clinches postseason berth last week

T

he Opelika High School volleyball team improved to 11-7 overall, 2-2 in area play, after beating Russell County 3-2 in the Mainstreet Gym on campus last Thursday. The Lady Bulldogs finish their regular season Oct. 17 at Valley High School. Coach Robin Roberts will lead her team to the area tournament at Benjamin Russell High School. The top-two teams advance to the state tournament.

CROSS COUNTRY The Opelika Cross Country Teams participated in the Smiths Station Panther XC Invitational last weekend. The Opelika girls were led by Breckin

Gould’s sixth-place finish with a time of 19:40.79.

Paola Torres and Margaret Bice finished 12th and 27th, respectively.

Chas Brewer finished 10th for the Bulldogs in the 5K race. The following lists each Opelika runner and where he finished: Michael Hart (34th), Winston Tufts (62nd), Evan Goodman (88th), Kadri Gates (96th), Jack O’Quinn (103rd), Jake Walters (107th), Trey White (109th), Landon Grace (129th) and Zalen Shaw (153).

The Opelika Middle School cross country teams also raced in the Panther Invitational last Saturday.

See Sports, page B4

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Beauregard drops to 0-8

By Rick Lanier For the Opelika Observer

The Hornets continue to gain valuable experience and improve week-to-week as they search for the right personnel packages and X-and-O schemes that fit who they are as a football team. In a game that

Smiths Station falls short in 35-14 defeat to Auburn last Friday night

By Morgan Bryce Editor After enduring a shutout last year, Smiths Station managed to post two touchdowns in a 35-14 loss to region rival Auburn last Friday night at Panther Stadium.

Auburn drew

first blood, as Tiger quarterback J.T. Rogers connected with receiver Kameron Ingram for a 21-yard touchdown strike.

With Auburn leading 7-0 for most of the first quarter, Smiths Station finally answered with a fumble recovery by its defense, setting

up their offense with the ball at the Tigers’ 46-yard line.

Relying on its run-heavy offense, the Panthers marched down the field, capping it off with a beautiful 16-yard TD pass from junior Smiths Station quarSee Smiths, page B5

truly was a tale of two halves, Beauregard took big strides towards achieving that goal Friday night, but unfortunately t continues to search for that elusive first win after losing a hard-fought road battle to Greenville 28-12.

Both teams opened the game on a flat note, as Greenville

held a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Hornet quarterback Cason Blackmon connected for a touchdown pass to put the Hornets on the board, but it was clearly the Tigers who dominated the first half, scoring 21 points and taking a commanding 28-6 lead into halftime.

The second half saw a different story of domination play out, almost like a different game. Halftime adjustments by the Beauregard coaching staff, especially on the defensive side of the ball, resulted in play that conjured up memories of past Hornet teams. Blackmon See Beauregard, page B5

Beulah drops third-consecutive contest Friday, drops to 3-4 overall

By Morgan Bryce Editor Beulah lost its third contest in its last four games in a row contest against at Saint James last Friday night, dropping a 42-14 contest to the Trojans.

Relying on its grinding but potent rushing attack, Saint James moved the ball effectively on its first drive, which was capped

with a one-yard rushing touchdown to grab the early 7-0 lead.

After both teams bogged down on the next two drives, Beulah gave Saint James a taste of its own medicine, pounding the ball downfield on the Trojans before quarterback Kaleb Abney capped off the drive with a nine-yard TD pass to Dashawn Jones.

That would be Beu-

lah’s last score for the next 29 minutes of the game.

Saint James grabbed several quick scores in the waning minutes of the first half to lead 28-7 at halftime.

Adding two more rushing scores in the second half, the Trojans built a comfortable lead and momentum that they would never relinquish.

See Beulah, page B5

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B2 Oct. 16, 2019

Beauregard Player of the Week

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

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

Junior wide receiver Lazerious Tolefree was selected as the Beauregard Player of the Week. In Friday’s 28-12 loss to Greenville, he hauled in a four-yard touchdown catch to cut the Tigers’ final margin of victory to 16 points.

Senior offensive lineman James Dawson was selected as the Opelika Player of the Week. In Friday’s 41-0 win over Calera, he scored a touchdown on a trick play for the Bulldogs.

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

GO DAWGS!

of the

Week Congratulations from

Lee Co. Revenue Commissioner Oline Price

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

Opelika 215 S. 9th St. Opelika 334-737-3655

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

Auburn 1266 Mall Pkwy Auburn 334-737-7298

Beulah Player of the Week

Junior running back Donquavious Moreland was selected as the Beulah Player of the Week. In Friday’s 42-14 road loss to St. James, he rushed the ball five times for 95 yards and a touchdown and converted both of his extra-point attempts.

Junior quarterback Jacob Blackmon was selected as the Smiths Station Player of the Week. In Friday’s 35-14 home loss to Auburn, he ran for an 11-yard touchdown in the second half.

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B3 Oct. 16, 2019

October is National Book Month

Beth Pinyerd

A

s an elementary student, I can still remember how our teachers scheduled 30 minutes each day for our class to read.

These were usually chapter books that we looked forward to reading! Personally, I loved the mystery series “Nancy Drew” written under the collective pseudonym of Carolyn Keene.

October has been recognized as National Book Month since 2003. Reading has so many benefits

in overall learning.

We gain knowledge from reading. Our vocabulary increases as we read and learn new words. Our memories are exercised as our brain remembers the characters in the book, how the plot unfolds and other key story details. It also contributes to sensory and mental stimulation as well as reducing stress.

With all the benefits, how can we as educators and parents encourage our children to love

reading? Here are some tips that will help your children.

1) Reading aloud to your children benefits and encourages children to love books. From an earlier Classroom Observer column titled “Babies Can Read Too,” babies and young children can listen to your voice, see the pictures and help you turn the thick cardboard pages or vinyl books. Children can express a choice of the books they want to read. Preschool children love for us to read their favorite books over and over. Teachers can take time out in the classroom, parents can read aloud in the classroom.

2) Provide books around your home. In the preschool and elementary classroom, I love to see children totally absorbed and engaged in looking at books. Providing books, newspapers and magazines reinforces the importance of reading and the enjoyment of reading.

Guide children on how to take care of their books.

3) Have your children choose books which they will enjoy. Our local libraries and staff are so good in guiding parents and children to the books they are showing interest. The Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library has been this teacher’s best friend in gathering different theme books to my classes when I volunteer or substitute teach in a classroom.

4) Show or model to children how much you enjoy reading. Share with them what you are reading and ask them to read along with you.

The Greater Generation of our society are avid readers. I see them reading in libraries, at home and outside. Their model encourages this Baby Boomer to want to read more to gain wisdom and for enjoyment.

5) Reading is a wonderful entertainment activity for children and their families. Choosing

a night to read and share a good book strengthens family relations over the different ages within the family. During sharing time, remove any technological distractions.

6) October is also recognized as “National Reading Group Month.”

Its mission is to promote the value of books and reading. Gathering a group of friends to form a book club can provide fellowship with new friends where you read passages from a chosen book and discuss its content. When volunteering with the elderly in facilities, I absolutely love to be a part of their book clubs which usually meet once a month. This same form of fellowship can be done with children, too.

Make reading fun and enjoyable!

Abraham Lincoln emphasized the value of books so well: “The things I want to know are in books. My best friend is the man who’ll give me a book I haven’t read.”

Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for 34 years, as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings. She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika and Baldwin County. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education as well as a bachelor’s degree in family and child development both from Auburn University. Her husband is the late Carl Pinyerd, and she has one son, Gus Pinyerd, who has taught her so much about learning. Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth and families. Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@charter.net.

There’s a word for that!

Indeed, we feature top new words of 2017/2018

T

hink what Starbucks is to WiFi seekers and Red Bull is to students needing a jolt of energy. That is what the Oxford English Dictionary, which began work on its first edition in 1857, is to language clarification and proper usage. It catalogues the innovations and adaptations of the English language. The second edition, nearly 22,000 pages in 20 volumes, was published March 1989.

Dictionaries have critics: rapper Kanye West said that “If we go on your iPhone and go to the dictionary and look up ‘humble,’ 80% of the definition is negative. It’s a controlling word.

It’s a way to control the masses and to control the sheep.”

Oxford Dictionaries are no sheep, but they have for years published a Word of the Year contest resulting in colorful and even questionable entries.

Here, I list new words presented in recent years and state my grade for each, as being powerful or not. I solicit your ratings through opelikaobserver.com. The Word for 2017 was

youthquake, defined as “a significant cultural, political, or social change arising from the actions or influence of young people.” Grade-88%.

Youth were not the decisive factor in the 2018 midterms (suburban women were) and Brexit in Britain was driven by the rebellion of mostly middle-agers.

One of 2017’s shortlisted words was Antifa, or “a political protest movement comprising autonomous groups affiliated by their militant opposition to fascism and other forms of extreme right-wing ideology.” Grade-92%.

It is a word that caught on fast, but the right sees it as more prone to violence than does the left, which generally welcomes any anti-establishment and anti-Trump efforts.

Another 2017 finalist was Milkshake Duck, which means “a person or thing who initially inspires delight on social media but is soon revealed to have a distasteful or repugnant past.” Grade-87%.

This term will decline fairly soon because it has a short shelf life.

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By Greg Markley

That is, new terms for the same thing are likely to diminish this one. It is described by a tweet: “The whole internet loves Milkshake Duck! *Five seconds later* We regret to inform you the duck is racist!”

In 2018, the Word of the Year was toxic, for “poisonous” or “imbued with poison.” Grade-94%.

When this word is used, it is usually spot-on. It’s how to describe Prince Harry years ago when he donned a Nazi uniform at a party.

It would be apt for talk-show host Rosie O’Donnell trying to sing the National Anthem. The only problem I see is exaggerations, which abuse the word.

Two more words from 2017 stand out.

First is gaslighting, or

“the action of manipulating someone by psychological means into accepting a false depiction of reality or doubting their own sanity.” Grade-89%.

It is based on the 1938 play Gas Light by Patrick Hamilton in which a man convinces his wife into believing that she is going insane. This term will fade as references to the play and 1944 Oscar-winning film with Ingrid Bergman will be unknown to most people.

Second is orbiting, or “the action of abruptly withdrawing from direct communication with someone while still monitoring, and sometimes responding to, their activity on social media.” Grade—95%.

My reason here is that orbiting sounds like a nice, compact IT term that many millennials will love.

But for Baby Boomers such as me, having someone talking to us and a moment later suddenly going full-bore on social

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media seems a little pretentious and a lot rude.

Merriam-Webster recently released a list of new words it has added to its online dictionary.

From Politics and Law comes Deep state, for “an alleged secret governmental network operating extra-legally. Also, Red flag law, “a law allowing courts to prevent people who show signs of being a danger to themselves or others from having access to firearms.”

From the field of recreation there is Pickleball, “a newly popular court sport played with shorthandled paddles and a perforated plastic ball.” Regarding race, Merriam-Webster is adding Colorism, for “prejudice or discrimination especially within a racial or ethnic group favoring people with lighter skin over those of

darker skin.” Finance has a newly-included word, Haircut, meaning a new sense was added meaning “a reduction in the value of an asset.”

In the end, a person should not run to the barriers every time a bunch of new words are revealed by social interactions, travels, and the Oxford English Dictionary.

Just choose your words, but have some knowledge of their preferred usage. To quote President Kennedy: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 18 of the last 23 years. An awardwinning journalist, he has master’s degrees in education and history. He has taught as an adjunct in Alabama and Georgia.

Looking Ahead.

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

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

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

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

pelika Observer O

B4 Oct. 16, 2019

4-H launches ‘The Center of It All’ Campaign Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama 4-H has experienced record-breaking enrollment for several years. Now with nearly 180,000 young people involved in 4-H, the program is so large that students sometimes must wait to participate in science and camping programs at the 4-H Center located south of Birmingham.

To respond to these challenges, the Alabama 4-H Foundation announced “The Center of It All” last week, a capital campaign for Alabama 4-H. It focuses on expanding the infrastructure at the 4-H Center to help the program fulfill its mission of providing hands-on

Sports, from B1 The boys were led by Conner Mullins’s seventh-place finish, Sam Kemp (8th) and Peyton Weston (9th).

Leslie Duran led the girls with a second-place finish, followed by Julicia Beard (9th), Carlie Moates (11th), Violett Alcorn (13th) and Heidi Peralta (18th). For the boys, Zane Sexton finished (20th), Amari Bynum (26th), Aiden Stephens (27th) and Ben Bell (29th).

Opelika completes the regular season Saturday in the Auburn High School’s “Tiger Classic” at Keisel Park in Auburn with an 8:30 a.m. start for varsity teams.

OPELIKA THUMPS CALERA 41-0 Opelika (6-1 overall, 4-0 in region play) scored four touchdowns in the second quarter to cruise

learning experiences for all Alabama youth.

Molly Gregg, 4-H’s Alabama Cooperative Extension System assistant director, explained that for the fourth consecutive year, 4-H members are being put on a wait-list to attend signature overnight programs and events at the 4-H Center. She said there is not enough facility space to accommodate multiple groups at the same time.

“Right now we’ve reached our capacity at camp,” Gregg said. “It’s hard as a youth development professional to think there are children who cannot come to camp because we don’t have the room for them. This campaign addresses this need so that every interested child in

Alabama can participate.”

More than 76% of the campaign’s $9.9 million goal has been raised, but public support is needed to raise the $2.5 million to reach that goal. The Alabama 4-H Foundation needs the public’s support to meet that goal and ensure a spot for everyone at the 4-H Center.

“Generous donations to the 4-H Foundation capital campaign will help shape the future leaders of Alabama,” said Alabama Extension’s Director Gary Lemme. “It is an important investment in both young people’s and the entire state’s future.”

Campaign Projects Recently, Alabama 4-H received a gift of the 108 acres where the 4-H

Center is located. With this additional land, 4-H will construct new dining facilities and dormitories on the current site.

Three projects will provide more opportunities for Alabama 4-H young people and help build sustainable revenue to support programs.

Project 1, expanded dining and new kitchen. The Alabama 4-H Center can currently serve only 185 people at a meal. To maximize efficiency in dining for both group seating and food preparation, this addition will expand seating availability by 65%. This means the 4-H Center can increase the number of youth who benefit from center programs as well as improve food-service

efficiency.

Project 2, new dormitories. More young people want to attend 4-H Camp than the facility can currently accommodate. New dormitories would allow more youth to have an opportunity for a sleep-away experience.

Project 3, Alabama 4-H Fund for Excellence. The Alabama 4-H Foundation’s Fund for Excellence is an unrestricted, discretionary resource. Gifts to this fund will give the foundation the capacity to launch special initiatives, meet pressing 4-H needs as they arise, provide scholarship support and capitalize on emerging opportunities to strengthen 4-H programs. Examples

include youth state and national travel, event and registration fees, camp scholarships and college and trade school scholarships.

The growth of Alabama 4-H reflects its commitment to empowering young people.

Last year, more than 100 Alabama schools visited the 4-H Center and participated in overnight environmental education programs. In addition, the Alabama 4-H Science School hosted 22,000 students at the Center through residential outdoor environmental education, summer camp and offsite outreach programs.

For more information, visit www.aces.edu.

to a 41-0 win over Calera last Friday night at Bulldog Stadium. The OHS student body voted Claire Worth as homecoming queen.

Worth received the news on the field during halftime festivities, keeping with a long-standing Opelika tradition.

The Dawgs scored their first touchdown on a trick-play, with offensive lineman James Dawson rumbling four yards after picking the ball off the ground. It was the first TD for Dawson, who has started four-straight seasons. Baker Rowton added the PAT to give Opelika a 7-0 lead.

During the second quarter, the Bulldogs scored four TDs. Jamius Mitchell ran five yards for a score with 11:29 in the second quarter, J.D. Tolbert scored on a 14-yard run, Marion Warner ran 10 yards for a TD and Nate Evans ran 71 yards for the last score

of the first half. Rowton successfully added all four PATs. Marshall Meyers nailed a 44-yard field goal in the third quarter, capping the scoring for the game.

Opelika rushed for 200 yards for the game, with Evans and Tolbert accounting for 90 yards each.

OPELIKA AT STANHOPE ELMORE, REGION CHAMPIONSHIP AT STAKE Opelika travels to Millbrook Friday to play Stanhope Elmore for the region championship at 7 p.m. The Mustangs enter the game with a 6-1 record, losing to 7A Prattville 42-0 in their second game of the season. The Mustangs beat Chilton County 24-8, Ben Russell 12-7, Calera 4214, Shades Valley 20-17, Smiths Station 20-17, Wetumpka 28-20 and Selma 24-0 last Friday.

Opelika leads the series 2-1, including a 59-21 vic-

tory last year. The Bulldogs have played a tougher schedule, with the exception of Prattville. The Mustangs depend on their rushing attack more than their passing game, which should play into Opelika’s hands on defense. This may be a low-scoring game because of both teams’ rushing attack which will lead to a quick-moving clock. Stanhope has the home field advantage but I believe Opelika will continue to dominate the region, winning another championship. The Bulldogs have won or tied for the region championship every year since the creation of the 7A classification.

Kickoff is set for 7pm in Millbrook. Fans can listen to the game on 97.7 Kicker FM, online at kickerfm. com and on the iHeartRadio App on your smartphone, search 97.7 FM. Fans can watch the live stream of the game online

at NFHSNETWORK. COM. You must pay a fee to watch the game online.

OPELIKA FRESHMAN DEFEAT AUBURN The Opelika freshman football team defeated Auburn freshman team 22-10 on Monday night at Duck Samford Stadium.

The Freshman Bulldogs opened with a 70-yard drive, ending with a 22yard field goal by George Meyers.

The Tigers answered with a TD after driving 59 yards. The PAT made it 7-3.

Opelika took the lead two minutes prior to halftime, Jamaroun Satterwhite raced seven yards for a touchdown on fourth down.

The PAT failed, making the score 9-7 at halftime.

The Bulldogs opened the third quarter with a TD on a reverse pass.

Running back Kaden Cooper took a handoff, ran

right and tossed the football to Satterwhite who threw a pass to D’avion Johnson for a 65-yard TD. George Meyers made the PAT, leaving the score 16-7.

Auburn added a field goal at the end of the third closing to close the gap to 16-10.

The two teams traded punts before Auburn dove 53 yards and threatened to take the lead. Opelika’s Jake Drake intercepted a pass at the one-yard line.

Satterwhite iced the game with a 69-yard TD run, making the final score 2210 in favor of Opelika.

Opelika travels to Valley next Thursday for the final game of the season.

Kickoff at the Valley Sportsplex is set for 5:30 p.m. C.S.T. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

NOW OPEN

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

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B5 Oct. 16, 2019

The Oaks School hosts Senior Night Middle school loses but varsity wins in unusual forfeit fashion Special to the Opelika Observer On Oct. 11, The Oaks middle school and varsity teams played at Opelika’s Moore Stadium.

The Oaks middle school team lost 47-7 to Unity Prep in front of a record crowd Friday night, attendance sparked by the Oaks’ senior night celebration.

The Mighty Oaks started the game with only 10 players because of injuries.

The Oaks’ backup quarterback led with a total of 162 all-purpose

yards. Jagger Scott was 7-for-11 in the air for 104 yards, connecting with fullback Noah Childree for a 63-yard touchdown pass.

Tight end Keaton Murphy caught all five passes on 43 yards, including a 17yard, double-reverse TD pass from halfback Jayden McKee. Scott also contributed 58 yards on 16 carries. McKee also ran for 24 yards on five carries.

The Oaks’ defense had a hard time corralling the quick-hitting Unity running backs. Landon Childree

was the leading tackler with five tackles, while older brother Noah three on the night.

McKee also showed his athletic prowess with a pass deflection during a critical series, added 65 yards on kickoff returns and kicked a high-booming 47-yard punt that pinned Unity deep in their own territory.

The Oaks middle school team will travel to reface Lafayette on Thursday.

Oaks won their first skirmish versus the Cougars earlier in the season.

Varsity

The Oaks varsity team faced off against Coosa Valley Academy Rebels in the second game of the season at Moore Stadium.

The Oaks started out slow, with starting quarterback Jaxxon Scott on the sideline nursing a hip injury from last week. Jaxxon was unable to practice all week, but was cleared to play on Friday.

Coach Alvin McCormick said he hoped Scott would not be needed and would only use him if the team fell behind. Backup quarterback Daniel Adams

Lee-Scott Academy shut out 24-0 on the road by Tuscaloosa Academy

By Nicholas Petrosky Special to the Opelika Observer Lee-Scott Academy (4-3) dropped a region game last Friday night against Tuscaloosa

Beulah, from B1 Sophomore fullback Javontae Paige ended Beulah’s scoring drought with a 68-yard bust for a touchdown at the eightminute mark of the fourth quarter, which was the game’s final score.

Offensively, Beulah’s ever-consistent rushing attack was productive, generating 227 yards on

Smiths, from B1 terback Corey Minton to receiver Ahmari Peabody.

Both teams’ defenses settled in for the end of the first and most of the second quarter.

With five minutes left in the first half, Auburn found the end zone once again through the air, as Rogers hit junior receiver Joey Futrell in stride for a 26-yard TD. The wheels fell off

Academy (6-3).

The loss puts the Warriors at 1-1 in the region standings. The Warrior offense was not extremely successful, but they did get some contribu-

tions from various players.

Senior fullback Thomas Whatley rushed for 75 yards and had three receptions for 25 yards, and senior running back

Mailon Reese rushed for 55 yards.

Lee-Scott will be on the road again next week as they take on region foe Bessemer Academy (6-3) at 7 p.m.

27 total carries. Chris Person was the Bobcats’ leading rusher with 100 yards on 16 carries, followed by Donquavious Moreland’s 95 yards on five carries and a touchdown.

Abney completed 7-of-14 passes for 86 yards and a TD, but threw two costly interceptions that cost momentum and scoring opportunities. Person finished as the leading receiver with 24 yards on one reception. Jones

only had nine yards on one reception but it came on their first score of the game.

Defensively, Jaquavion Johnson led the way with eight tackles. Jones and Dylan Coleman contributed with seven tackles each while Andruw Coxwell notched three tackles.

Moreland was perfect on both of his extrapoint tries while Austin Billingsley maintained a nearly 37 yards-per-punt average on three punts.

With the loss, the Bobcats fall to 3-4 overall, 1-4 in region play.

This week, they will host region foe Dadeville at Bobcat Stadium. The Tigers have struggled this season, winning only one game against Horseshoe Bend in their Aug. 22 season opener.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. C.S.T. Bobcat Stadium is located behind Beulah High School at 4848 County Road 270 in Valley.

for Smiths Station, giving up a score on a blocked punt and short TD pass off an abbreviated drive near the end of the first half.

Trailing 28-7, Smiths Station’s chances of making it interesting against their region foe evaporated.

Auburn running back Danie Clark scored his team’s last points of the evening on a threeyard TD run with seven minutes left in the third quarter.

Smiths Station’s final score of the night came on an eight-yard rush-

ing score from backup quarterback Jacob Blackmon, cutting the Tiger lead to 21 points.

Offensively, Smiths Station finished with 79 yards of total offense. Both Panther quarterbacks combined to complete 9-of-18 passes for 71 yards and a TD. Sacks and tackles for loss bogged the rushing statistics, but L.C. Harris was the Panther’s leading rusher on the night, compiling 20 yards on seven carries.

Overall, Smiths Station ended with eight total

rushing yards.

No defensive or special teams stats were available for this game.

With the loss, Smiths Station falls to 2-6 overall, 0-5 in region play.

Following a bye this Friday, the Panthers travel to Prattville to take on the Lions on Oct. 25, who are 6-1 following a 44-7 thrashing of Jefferson Davis last week.

Smiths Station’s regular season finale will be at home at Panther Stadium against Eufaula on Nov. 1.

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had a hard time finding a rhythm getting off only two passes in five attempts.

Toward the end of the first quarter of Senior Night, the Oaks had fallen behind 16-0. The highlight of the quarter was an incredible 60-yard punt by Ryan Decker.

After an 83-yard kickoff return by senior Lane Starling, McCormick decided it was time to let Scott jump into the action. A quarterback keeper around the right side had Scott breaking several tackles before jogging into the end zone.

Beauregard, from B1 connected for another touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to double the Hornet’s offensive output, but the real story surrounded the Hornet’s stifling defensive efforts.

Beauregard’s relentless pressure, applied by the stings of a young but aggressive swarm of Hornets, proved to be more than the Tigers could withstand.

Toward the end of the play, a Coosa Valley player laid a helmet-to-helmet hit on Scott. When the dust had settled, the Coosa Valley team did not have enough players on their roster to continue because of player disqualifications and therefore had to forfeit the game.

The Oaks will go face off in a region rematch against Harvester on Friday, which was played early in the season. A win against Harvester could mean a playoff birth for this first-year Oaks varsity football squad.

Greenville never threatened to get any rhythm going on the ground or in the air, and were completely shutout in the second half.

Fair warning to all teams of 5A Region 2 - the nest is getting bigger.

Beauregard hosts the Carroll High School Eagles (2-4) Oct.18 for a 7 p.m. kickoff. Hornet Stadium is directly behind Beauregard High School, which is located at 7343 Alabama Highway 51 in Opelika.

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer

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B6 Oct. 16, 2019

pelika O Observer

Opelika’s varsity volleyball team drops match to Benjamin Russell last Tuesday

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

B8 Oct. 16, 2019

pelika Observer O

Opelika hosts homecoming festivities, shuts out Calera 41-0

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

SCDT FUNDRAISER BARREL RACE Nov. 2, 2019 Chambers County Agricultural Arena in Lafayette, Alabama Starts at 12:00 P.M. CST EXHIBITION: Will start at 12 noon to 4 p.m.

They will be $5 each, last no longer than 60 seconds, and will be first come first serve!

PEEWEE: 4:30 to 5:30 pm - Peewee will cost $5 and the prizes will be buckets full of goodies!

4D OPEN: WILL NOT START BEFORE 5:30 P.M. 4D Open will be $35 and you MUST be entered BEFORE the last rider in peewee. THAT BEING SAID - if you sign up for open AFTER the FIRST peewee rider has entered the pen you WILL BE AN ADD ON YOUTH SIDE POT: $20 ages 18 and under ADULT SIDE POT: $20 ages 19-50 SENIOR SIDE POT: $20 ages 50 + THERE WILL BE A $10 OFFICE FEE PER RIDER

‘Southeast Automotive/Motorcycle Swap’ to be held Oct. 19 in Opelika Special to the Opelika Observer The Southeast Automotive/Motorcycle Swap will be held Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the USA Factory Outlets located in Opelika. Admission is free for spectators and vendors.

Vendors will set up in the grass and park in the concrete lot away

from the shops. During the event, there will be a parts-swap area and a separate area for vehicles for sale.

Vendors are encouraged to bring tables or whatever they need to set up. No actual spaces will be marked, as they are first-come, first-serve.

Everyone is asked to please pick up trash and do not leave any items behind when they leave.

No vendors outside of automotive and motorcycle parts will be allowed.

Also during the event, Homegirls Jamaican Grill will be open for food and restrooms.

This is not a car show, but a swap meet only.

Those wishing to bring parts or vehicles should call Hunter Goodlett at 334-750-1507 in order to be added to the vendor list.

“Our Mission is Your Health”

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

We do wellness screenings for local & state employees.

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pelika Observer O

B10 Oct. 16, 2019

20th anniversary of AORTA’S ‘Tough 10/Tough 2 Race’ scheduled for Oct. 26 Special to the Opelika Observer Join members of the Auburn Opelika Running and Track Association (AORTA) for the 20th anniversary of the “Tough 10/Tough 2: race on Oct. 26. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. and will begin and end at Ogletree Village in Auburn.

The race features both a 10-mile and two-mile option for participants. In the spirit of friendly competition, awards will be presented to the top-three overall male and female runners and to the top male and female in each age group.

Runners of all ages are welcome and encouraged to participate in both the two and 10-mile courses. Strollers and leashed dogs are also welcome on both routes. Restrooms are located at the start and finish line and a portable toilet will be positioned along the 10-mile course. Auburn University mascot Aubie will also be making a special appearance.

The Tough 10/ Tough 2 race is dedicated in honor of the life of Nick Holler, a dedicated community leader and well-known member of AORTA. “Nick lived his whole life in service to

others, and so it only made sense for us to dedicate this race in his honor after he passed away,” said race director Summer Vaughan.

Proceeds from the race will also benefit the East Alabama Medical Center’s Foundation for Breast Cancer Early Detection. Each runner will receive a pink ribbon to wear during the race.

“It really is the best way to spend your Saturday,” Vaughan said.

“You’re supporting breast cancer education and health and welfare, which is so important, while also giving your body a good workout.”

Online registra-

tion for the Tough 10/Tough 2 is open now and closes at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 24.

Participants may also register on Oct. 25 at Watson Brothers Patio and Hearth from 12 to 5:30 p.m. or on raceday starting at 6:30

a.m. Pre-registered participants can also pick up their race packets at Watson Brothers on Oct. 25.

The race is rain or shine, but will be canceled in the case of thunderstorms. No refunds will be given.

To register for the Tough 10/Tough 2 or learn more, visit www.auburnrunning. org or send an email to Vaughan through vaughanse@att.net.

The shopping center is located at 2272 Moores Mill Road.

Auburn resident Brenda Plympton Smiths Station’s receives ‘Love of Learning’ award Cassidy Sharpe Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn resident Brenda Plympton was recently awarded a Love of Learning Award worth $500 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

She is one of 200 recipients to receive the award.

Love of Learning Awards are designed to help fund postbaccalaureate profes-

sional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members, including graduate or professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, travel related to teaching and research, career development and more.

Plympton, a doctoral student at Auburn University, will use funds from the award to support her dissertation research focused on gender equity in intercollegiate athletics administration.

Plympton was initi-

ated into Phi Kappa Phi in 2013 at Troy University.

Established in 2007, the Love of Learning Program gives 200 awards annually.

The selection process for a Love of Learning Award is based on the applicant's academic achievement, campus and community service, intended use of award funds as it relates to academic and career goals and a personal statement.

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi's award

programs have recognized members and students on its chapter campuses for outstanding academic achievement. In addition to the Love of Learning Program, Phi Kappa Phi awards graduate and dissertation fellowships, study abroad grants and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

Nearly $1 million is awarded each year through programs that last year recognized more than 355 individuals.

Local Dealer​: ​East Alabama Safe Shelters ​(OPELIKA, AL)

awarded the Kids’ Chance Scholarship Special to the Opelika Observer Kids’ Chance Scholarships help students whose parent or parents have been permanently disabled or killed on the job to attend college or technical school.

When a parent is killed or disabled in an on-the-job accident, a family’s standard of living is lowered and, therefore, parents cannot help their children with the costs of higher education.

Realizing that these students need help, the Workers’ Compensation Section of the Alabama State Bar founded Kids’

Chance in 1992.

Kids’ Chance is administered by the Alabama Law Foundation. Since 1993, $709,500 in scholarships has been awarded to 201 students. Sixtynine students have graduated so far with help from Kids’ Chance. This year, all students received $3,500.

Local 2019 Kids’ Chance Scholarship Recipient Sharpe is the daughter of Lee Sharpe and the late Flint Sharpe.

Sharpe attends Auburn University and is studying public relations. Her father died as the result of an onthe-job accident.

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pelika O Observer

B11 Oct. 16, 2019

Attorney General Steve Marshall extends application deadline for 2019 Safe Schools Initiative Awards to Oct. 31 Special to the Opelika Observer

Attorney General Steve Marshall is extending the deadline for applications for the 2019 Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Awards until Oct. 31. This year, the program has been expanded to include three additional awards for excellence in school safety, and special recognition

for schools building a culture for school safety.

Under the expanded Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Awards, the new categories, administered by an independent panel of judges, will be as follows: Attorney General’s 2019 Safe School Award of Excellence (Three Winners) One public school with the top overall

score will be selected from the North Region, Central Region and South Region of the state for this award.

Marshall will visit each school to present the award in person. This is a new category beginning in 2019.

Attorney General’s 2019 Safe School Award (Nine Winners) One public school with the top score to be

selected from each of the eight Alabama State Department of Education School Districts. One private school with the top score will be selected from the entire State of Alabama. Marshall will visit each school to present the award in person.

Attorney General’s 2019 Certificate of Building a Culture for School Safety Schools - both pub-

lic and private - from across the state that meet certain criteria for forging a culture of school safety as determined by the judges will receive this Certificate from the Office of the Attorney General. This is a new category beginning in 2019.

All schools in Alabama are eligible to participate in the 2019 Attorney General’s

Safe Schools Initiative Awards. The deadline for schools to submit applications has been extended to Oct. 31. Applications and instructions can be downloaded from www.alabamaag.gov/ Documents/files/2019SSI-Nomination-Form. pdf Completed applications should be submitted in digital form to ssi@ago.state.al.us.

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pelika O Observer

B12 Oct. 16, 2019

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MABLE G. THOMAS, 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 17th day of September, 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.

GLORIA ANN THOMAS Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19 & 10/23/19

IN RE THE ESTATE OF: DORIS LEE ADAMS, Deceased.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2019-B-243 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 30th day of September, 2019, by Hon. 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.

SANDRA N. SMITH Executrix Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19 & 10/23/19

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JERRY E. MEARS, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Billy Edward Mears, as Executor of the Estate of Jerry E. Mears, deceased, on the 2nd day of October, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English.

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

Billy Edward Mears, Executor Of the Estate of Jerry E. Mears, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19 & 10/23/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF PAT S. BROWN COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of September, 2019, by the Hon. 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 law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 27th day of September, 2019.

CHARLES R. BROWN, JR. WILLIAM H. BROWN Legal Run 10/02/19, 10/09/19 & 10/16/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF JAMES G. KIRK, JR. COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of September, 2019, by the Hon. 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 law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 27th day of September, 2019.

JAMES G. KIRK, SR. Legal Run 10/02/19, 10/09/19 & 10/16/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF SARA L. HIGGS COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said

deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of September, 2019, by the Hon. 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 law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 27th day of September, 2019.

CAROL LAW DUNCAN Legal Run 10/02/19, 10/09/19 & 10/16/19

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE A.N.S. (DOB: 12/01/2004) JU2014-025.04 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO: The unknown father, of A.N.S. bom at Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA on 12/01/2004 to Susan Nicole Stafford and later adopted

by S.S. The legal Custody of A.N.S. was vested with Lee County DHR on 03/01/2018.

The unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate his parental rights within 14 days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Court Clerk located at 2311 Gateway Dr, Opelika, AL 36801 or a final judgment may be rendered in Case JU-2014025.04 terminating his parental rights and placing said child for adoption. Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O, Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803 (334)7450333 Legal Run 10/02/19, 10/09/19, 10/16/19 & 10/23/19

Notice to Contractors Federal Aid Project No. TAPAATA17 (922) City of OPELIKA, LEE COUNTY, Alabama Sealed bids will be received by the City of Opelika at 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2p.m., 12, November 2019, and at that time publicly opened for constructing the following: PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS ON CARVER AVE, FROM HARPER PLACE TO CLANTON STR., ON CLANTON STR, FROM CARVER AVE TO THE END OF THE PROJECT LIMITS, SIDEWALKS, CURB and DRIVES. The bracket estimate on this project is from $150,000 to 300,000. This bracket range is shown only to provide general financial information to contractors and bonding companies concerning the project’s complexity and size.

This bracket should not be used in preparing a bid, nor will this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award the contract.

The principal items of work are approximately as follows: clearing; pavement and concrete demolition; earthwork; Storm structures; Erosion control measures; Traffic control measures; sidewalk and driveways.

The entire project shall be complete in 60 working days.

To be eligible for considerations, bids must be submitted on complete original proposals made available by the owner.

Bid documents (including plans and proposals) are available at 700 Fox Trail Road Opelika, Alabama 36803. No bid documents will be distributed later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled opening of bids.

A cashier’s check (drawn on an Alabama bank) or bid bond for 5% of the amount bid (maximum of $50,000.00) and made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid as evidence of good faith.

It is not required that a contractor be licensed in order to submit a bid; however, prior to award of a contract, proper proof of all applicable licensures must be provided by the Contractor. Proof of insurance coverage of the types and amounts as set forth in the project specifications will be required of the contractor, and any and all subcontractors, prior to beginning work. The contractor will be required to perform work amounting to at least 30% of the total contract cost with his own organization.

Contractor prequalification is not required to bid on this project. However, the award of the contract will not be made to any bidder who, at the time of the award, is considered by the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to be disqualified from bidding, nor to any bidder who is an affiliate of or has a corporate officer,

director, or principal owner who is a corporate officer, director, or owner of, another person who is presently disqualified

by ALDOT. Further details and definitions regarding this provision are included in Section 102 of Special Provision 18-LPA3.

This is a Federally Funded project through ALDOT. The proposed work shall be performed in conformity with the rules and regulations for carrying out the Federal Highway Act and other acts amendatory, supplementary, or relative thereto. This project is subject to the contract work hours and safety standards act and its implementing regulations. MBE/DBE participation is encouraged; however, no specific MBE/DBE goals have been established for this project.

Minimum wage rates for this project have been predetermined by the Secretary of Labor and are set forth in the advertised specifications.

In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 STAT. 252, 42 U.S.C. 2000D to 2000D-4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, nondiscrimination in Federally-Assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such act, all bidders are hereby notified that if will be affirmatively ensured that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award.

The right to reject any or all bids is reserved.

Honorable Gary Fuller Mayor Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19, 10/23/19 & 10/30/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT - ESTATE OF WILLIAM R. GILLILAND A/K/A WILLIAM ROY GILLILAND, JR COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 4th day of October, 2019, by the Hon. 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 law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 4th day of October, 2019.

MARTHA D. GILLILAND Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19 & 10/23/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT - ESTATE OF NORMA JEAN PARKER KISER COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 4th day of October, 2019, by the Hon. 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 law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 4th day of October, 2019.

MICHAEL HARTWELL KISER CATHERINE HELEN KISER Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19 & 10/23/19

INVITATION TO BID 20002 Sealed bids for the construction of the Geneva Street Improvements 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 November 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.

The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq.

(1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work,

Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number.

Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 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, 36803-0390. Attn: Geneva Street Improvements 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 10/09/19, 10/16/19, 10/23/19 & 10/30/19

ORDINANCE NO. 023-19 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 3.5 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA RELATING TO GAME ROOMS BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. Amendment to Section 3.5-16. That Section 3.5-16 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika, Alabama, shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 3.5-16 Definitions Wherever used in this article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings herein specifically ascribed to them: (a) Amusement device: Any machine or device of any description operated by the public generally for use as a game or amusement, whether or not registering a score, and whether its operation demands skill or chance or both. For the purpose of this article, an amusement device shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following: Pinball machines, pool, billiards, coin-operated bowling machines, video games, electronic amusement devices, video booths, games played with any number of balls, having holes, pockets, cups, or electronically activated devices, electrical impulse games, cathode games, console machines, crane machines, claw machines, pusher machines, novelty arcade games, foosball or table soccer machines, miniature racetrack, football or golf machines, target or shooting gallery machines, basketball machines, skee-ball machines, air hockey machines, trivia machines, simulator games, virtual reality machines, maze games, laser games, racing games and other similar amusement devices which can be legally operated in Alabama. The definition of amusement device shall not include juke boxes, soft drink machines, cigarette machines or other vending machines. (b) Game room: Any place or business where five (5) or more amusement devices are kept for the use and entertainment of the public and where either the gross receipts from the operation of said amusement devices constitute more than fifty (50)

per cent of the gross receipts of the business or more than fifty (50) per cent of the floor space of the public area of the premises is devoted to the operation of amusement devices. (c) Person: Every natural person, association, corporation, or business entity.

Section 2. Amendment to Section 3.5-22. That Section 3.5-22 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika, Alabama, shall be amended to read as follows: Sec. 3.5-22. - Minimum requirements. (a) No licensee, proprietor, manager or employee of a game room shall permit: (1) Any gambling on the licensed premises, and no monetary or tangible awards shall be offered in connection with the operation of any amusement device located on such licensed premises.

(2) Any minor under the age of fifteen (15) years to operate an amusement device between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on days when said minor is required to be in regular school attendance.

(3) Any screen, curtain, blind, partition or other obstruction between the entrance or room where amusement devices are played and the back or rear wall of such game room and a clear view of the entire interior from the entrance to the rear of such room must be maintained at all times. No partitions forming rooms, stalls, or other enclosures where the public congregate shall be permitted. (b) A licensed game room shall: (1) Be closed to the public between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. each morning and the licensee, proprietor or manager shall not permit any person to remain in such game room between such hours, except regular employees performing necessary labor within the premises.

(2) Meet the requirements of the fire, zoning, sanitary, electrical, building and plumbing codes of the city.

(3) Maintain lighting at a minimum intensity of twentyfive (25) footcandles.

(4) Be kept in a clean, healthful and sanitary condition at all times. (c) If the licensee shall permit billiards to be played for which a charge is made, the minimum requirements as provided in Chapter 23 of the Code shall apply in addition to the applicable requirements of this article. (d) An owner, proprietor, manager or employee of a game room or other person exercising control over a game room, a portion of a game room, or an operational amusement device shall provide police officers with immediate unrestricted access during business hours to all areas of the game room and to all operational amusement devices located in the game room.

Section 3. Full Force and Effect. With the exception of the amendments made herein, all other sections and portions of Chapter 3.5 of the Code shall remain in full force and effect, notwithstanding the foregoing amendments.

Section 4. Severability. If any section, sentence or phrase of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of any competent jurisdiction, said holding shall not affect the remaining portions of this ordinance.

Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect and be enforced immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.

Section 6. Codification. Sections 3.5-16 and 3.5-22, as amended herein, shall be codified in the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika, Alabama.

Section 7. Publication. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to cause a copy of this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama.

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

/s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal Run 10/16/2019

ORDINANCE NO. 024-19 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 23-2 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA, EXTENDING HOURS OF OPERATION OF BILLIARD ROOMS BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. Amendment. That Section 23-2 of the Code of Ordinances (the “Code”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama, is hereby amended to read as follows: Sec. 23-2 Hours of Operation It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a billiard room between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. or to harbor or permit any person to remain in such billiard room between such hours, except regular employees performing necessary labor within the premises.

Section 2. Full Force and Effect. With the exception of the amendment made herein, all other sections and portions of Chapter 23 of the Code shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 3. Severability Clause.

If any section, sentence or phrase of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, said holding shall not affect the remaining portions of this ordinance.

Section 4. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective and enforced immediately upon its passage and publication as required by law. Section 23-2, as amended herein, shall be codified in the Code of Ordinances of the City of Opelika, Alabama.

Section 5. Publication. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama is hereby authorized and directed to cause this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 15th day of October, 2019. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 16th day of October, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 16th day of October, 2019. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal Run 10/16/2019

FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Whatley Construction, LLC Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction for ALDOT Southeast Region District 66 Complex - Phase II, Salem, Alabama for the State of Alabama Department of Transportation, Owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in corUlection with this project should immediately notify Robinson and Associates Architecture, Inc., 906 South Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, in writing.

Whatley Construction, LLC 710 Fox Fun Parkway PO Box 137 Opelika, AL 36803 Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19, 10/30/19 & 11/06/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ) BELVIE JEAN CONRAD ) A/K/A BELVIE J. CONRAD, ) CASE NO.: 2019-C-007 DECEASED. ) NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED

BY EXECUTOR Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to ROBERT J. CONRAD, JR., on the 7th day of October, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English,

See Notices, page B13

pelika O Observer Lee County native Mary Gullatt brings home award in Lee County Fair Livestock Competition

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Lee County native Mary Hannah Gullatt at halter with Reserve Supreme Champion Heifer during the Lee County Fair Livestock competition. She is pictured with Judge George Richburg.

B13 Oct. 16, 2019

Judge Mike Fellows hosts ‘Character in Action’ ceremony

Photo and report submitted by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured from left to right are this month’s Character in Action honorees: Jack Tullier (Auburn High School), Ella Kate Childs (Jeter Primary), Alanese Tolbert (Southview Primary) and Savannah Woodley (Northside Intermediate). Not pictured was Vanessa Bell from Opelika Middle School.

Local students bring home awards from Market Youth Beef Show during Alabama National Fair

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer Pictured above: Lee County natives Mary Hannah Gullatt, Silas Gullatt and Victoria Thompson showed the Bred & Owned Reserve Grand, Hereford Division Alabama Bred and Owned Reserve Champion and Bred & Owned Grand Champion during the Market Show at the 2019 Youth Beef Cattle Show in Montgomery on Oct. 6. The contest, held during the Alabama National Fair, was sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. The contest judge was Shane Werk from the Beef Unit manager at Kansas State University. All three are pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. Pictured left: Maryelliot Martin of Lee County was named Intermediate Champion in Showmanship at the Alabama National Fair on Oct. 5. Contest judge, left, was Shane Werk, Beef Unit manager at Kansas State University. Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance are major sponsors of youth livestock shows at the Fair.

Notices, from B12 Judge of Probate 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. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Executor.

Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19 and 10/30/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JAMES HENRY TATE, Deceased.

Case No.: 2019-0-010 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF TESTIMENTARY of said

deceased having been granted to Derria Franks on the 9th day of October 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.

DERRIA FRANKS Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19 and 10/30/19

N THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF AKISSEA ARROYO CASE NO.: 2019-B-174 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any potential unknown fathers, address unknown.

Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County,

Alabama by Akissea Arroyo on October 8, 2019, for the adoption of H.G.A. born on October 6, 2019 in Columbus, Georgia to Jasmine Symone Arroyo.

A hearing has been set for the 18th day of December, 2019 at 10 o’clock am Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9lh Street, Opelika, AL 36801.

Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Brett Smith, 369 S College Street, Auburn, AL 36830 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition.

Dated on this the 9th day of October, 2019.

Bill Patel HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY,

on November 6, 2019, at the main entrance to the Courthouse of Lee County, Alabama, the following described Real Property situated in Lee County, Alabama (the “Real Property”), to wit: Lots 11 and 12 Sunset Valley Subdivision, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 5, at Page 49, in Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

The Real Property and improvements will be sold “as is, where is” and subject to any rights of redemption existing under federal law, the laws of the State of Alabama or otherwise.

The sale is subject to ad valorem taxes.

The sale is subject to any easements, encumbrances or other matters of record which take priority over the Mortgage.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also

exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process.

An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said Mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the Real Property and, if it is the successful bidder, to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the Real Property. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

SouthPoint Bank Owner of Said Indebtedness MICHAEL B. ODOM McGLINCHEY STAFFORD PLLC 505 North 20 th Street, Suite 800 Birmingham, AL 35203 Telephone: (205) 725-6400 Attorney for Mortgagee Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19 and 10/30/19

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MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by Mary Carlton Wilson-Hinson, a married woman (“Mortgagor”), in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for SouthPoint Bank (the “Mortgagee”), dated February 21, 2018, and recorded on February 22, 2018, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Mortgage Book 4369, Page 550 (the “Mortgage”). Said default continuing, notice is hereby given that the Mortgagee will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage, offer for sale at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash during the legal hours of sale

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pelika Observer O

B14 Oct. 16, 2019

Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku?

Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

This week’s Scramblers Answers: 1. Conquer; 2. Charge; 3. Sever; 4. Relax - Today’s Word: SQUEALER

Even Exchange Answers 1. Plate, Place 2. Sister, Sitter 3. Donkey, Monkey 4. Radio, Ratio 5. Think, Thick

6.Gaggle, Giggle 7. Alter, Altar 8. Tamer, Timer 9. Locket, Locker 10.Picky, Pinky

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

Inside the Statehouse Smiths Station City Council Congressman Jack Edwards – an approves new speed limit, Alabama legend passes away funding for Christmas event

O

ne of the greatest Congressmen and leaders in Alabama history is Congressman Jack Edwards.

He passed away three weeks ago at age 91.

He was born with the full name of William Jackson Edwards, III. However, he was always known as Jack. Although he was renowned as acongressman for Baldwin and Mobile counties, he was born and raised in Jefferson County. He received his early education in public schools and graduated from high school in Homewood.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1946. He continued his military service from 1946 through 1951 and served during the Korean War. Following his military service, he attended the University of Alabama, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1952 and law degree two years later. While at the university, he was elected president of the student government association. He was also a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity and Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society. After law school, he taught business law at the university and married Jolane Vander Sys. They were married for 66 years and have two children.

In 1956, he moved to Point Clear in Mobile and began the practice of law in Mobile County.

Eight years later, he was elected Congress-

By Steve Flowers man from the famous first district, which is primarily comprised of Baldwin and Mobile counties.

Edwards went to Congress in what is referred to as the Southern Goldwater Landslide. The South voted overwhelmingly for the Republican nominee, Barry Goldwater. In fact, the South pulled the straight Republican lever that day and has never looked back. Alabama and five other Deep South states changed parties in November 1964.

A Republican presidential candidate had not carried Alabama in more than 70 years, and we had also had no Republican congressmen in those 70-plus years. Prior to that fateful November 1964 day, we had eight congressmen. All eight were Democrats. Five of the eight were wiped out by Republicans that day. Those new GOP congressmen went on to distinguished careers. Along with Jack Edwards, Bill Dickinson was elected from Montgomery, Jim Martin from Gadsden and John Buchanan from Birmingham.

Edwards and Dickinson had been friends

since college. They both had been railroad lawyers when they were approached to run for Congress in 1964.

They both may have been surprised to have been elected. However, they went on to do great work together in Congress. Both were experts on national defense and supported the defense industry.

Edwards served on the Defense Appropriations Committee. Dickinson rose to be the ranking Republican on Armed Services.

Jack Edwards served in Congress exactly 20 years, from 1965 to 1985, with distinction. He was never seriously challenged politically during those 20 years. He decided to leave Congress at the fairly young age of 54.

Edwards then wrote the book on how to contribute and have an effect on progress of the state after life in Congress.

He again began a law practice in Mobile. He joined the prestigious Hand Arendall law firm.

Edwards began the Governmental Affairs arm of the firm. This began a practice followed by other well-known firms in Birmingham.

Edwards had developed a close friendship and working relationship with President Ronald Reagan. He had strongly supported President Reagan’s military buildup as the ranking Republican on the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations.

He served a stint as See Flowers, page B16

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

By Morgan Bryce Editor A unanimous vote by the Smiths Station City Council during their regular meeting last Tuesday established a speed limit of 30 mph on Lee Road 490.

Located near Terry’s Grocery off Lee Road 246, the road is located in one of the city’s most bustling locations. Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland ran the council through the road study and explained how they came to a 30-mph speed limit.

“If you’ll look at the data sheets, you’ll see the compiled speed totals.

What’s always interesting

is seeing the maximum speed people achieved, which was 75 mph on this road,” Copeland said.

“Based on percentiles, only .3% drove 45 mph or faster ... but the vast majority, 98%, drove between 45 and 30 mph which led us to choose 30.”

Copeland also recognized the two division winners of the 2019 Miss Station Panther Pride Beauty Pageant, Smiths Station High School senior Taylor Hasty and junior Erin Roberts.

Lastly, the council voted to approve city funding for the annual Christmas treelighting ceremony slated for Dec. 12.

“At this event, we’ll

always have performances from bands and groups at our local schools, visit from Santa Claus and a fireworks display at the end, something new we’re adding this year,” Copeland said.

The Smiths Station City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month with a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m. E.S.T. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. Their meetings are held within the council chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430. For more information, call 334-297-8771 or visit www.smithsstational. gov.

Sen. Doug Jones: fighting for health care

By Doug Jones Special to the Opelika Observer Over the past year and a half, I’ve spent much of my time traveling across Alabama hearing from folks about how we can improve access to health care in our state. I’ve met with medical providers, nurses, hospital administrators, patients, and people who are just trying to get the care they need for themselves and their families. And the thing that everyone has agreed on is that we need to be making it easier for people to get the health care they need, not harder.

That’s why I’m so

Jones concerned right now about the ongoing efforts to repeal our country’s health care law.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen Republicans in Congress and in Alabama try again and again to weaken or even get rid of the Affordable Care Act completely -- without offering any kind of

feasible replacement plan. Now don’t get me wrong, the current health care law isn’t perfect – no law is. But overturning it would leave millions of people without health care and would destabilize our entire health care market.

And folks, their efforts to undermine the health care law are working: recently released Census data shows that 32,000 fewer people in Alabama were insured in 2018 than 2017. And since 2011, 13 hospitals have closed in Alabama and seven of those hospitals were in rural areas.

See Jones, page B16

pelika O Observer

B16 Oct. 16, 2019

Opelika Utilities launches new road closure notification system Special to the Opelika Observer Road closures because of maintenance, upgrades or troubleshooting of Opelika Utilities’ water distribution system are now being posted through a new automated notification system through Twitter.

According to Alan Lee, capital projects manager for Opelika Utilities, “We will specifically generate notifications internally based on highly targeted GIS programs. They will automatically be distributed through Twitter (Opelika Utilities @OpelikaWater) and Opelika Utilities’ website www. owwb.com.

Newspapers, the city of Opelika and other media outlets will be able to capture and send out closure information from the new system.

On planned outages for

Flowers, from B15 chairman of the Mobile Chamber of Commerce.

Like many other Mobilians, he and his wife settled in Fairhope near Point Clear. Edwards served on the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama System from 1988 to 1999, and

maintenance and improvements, notices will be sent as far in advance as possible and again when the project is completed.”

The system not only shows a closure but also the reason for closure, any detours, a map of the affected area and anticipated date of completion.

It also allows customers to drill down into very specific information, should it be needed. A tweet will follow when the project is completed, roads re-opened and water service restored.

Road closure notification is part of Opelika Utilities’ ESRI GIS system, which is one of the most advanced system is and a prototype for others across the country.

Customers should follow Opelika Utilities on Twitter (@OpelikaWater) to get the most immediate notification. was President Pro Tem of the board before retirement. Additionally, he served on the corporate boards of the Southern Company as well as Northrup Grumman Corporation.

Through his board memberships and Washington connections, he was instrumental in Airbus choosing to locate in Mobile.

When he left Congress in 1984, he

City of Opelika updates municipal court address Special to the Opelika Observer With construction complete on the new Opelika Police Department and nearing completion on Municipal Court, the city is announcing several updates to doing business at Municipal Court.

As of Oct. 4, a new address has been given to the Municipal Court and Probation offices, 300 Martin Luther King Blvd. The existing address of 501 S. 10th Street will be retained for the Opelika Police Department.

To pay tickets, issue warrants or to

essentially handpicked his successor, State Sen. Sonny Callahan. Callahan served in Congress for 18 years, from 1984 to 2002. Callahan then endorsed his successor, Josiah “Jo” Bonner.

Congressman Bonner served the district for 10 years with honor and distinction. Bonner is now Governor Ivey’s Chief of Staff and basically her right arm.

The First District

see the probation officer, please enter the Municipal Court building at the Martin Luther King Boulevard entrance.

For police reports or to file a report, please enter at the 10th Street Opelika Police Department entrance.

Municipal Court will still be held at the Southside Center for the Arts, located at 1103 Glenn Ave. until the courtroom is completed. The city will give ongoing updates as construction of the courtroom nears completion.

For questions, call 334-705-5190.

has had a history of outstanding congressmen. The greatest may be the Honorable Jack Edwards.

See you next week.

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

Duffy Stewart - REALTOR 1810 E. Glenn Ave. Suite 130 Auburn, AL 36830 Cell 334-444-8041 Office 334-826-1010 Fax 334-826-1049 duffystewartrealtor@gmail.com www.BHHSPreferredAuburn.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affliates, LLC

Jones, from B15 We should be working together to make the law work better, to lower drug prices, and to make it easier for folks to get the care they need – not creating instability that causes people to lose their insurance and threatening to dismantle the whole thing without even offering a replacement. But that’s exactly what’s happening right now.

Twenty states, including Alabama, have filed a lawsuit claiming that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional and calling for overturning it immediately.

The Trump administration has publicly come out to support that argument, and the lawsuit is currently being considered by a federal appeals court.

If successful, this lawsuit would hurt the millions of Americans who rely on health insurance made possible by this law. And for people with preexisting conditions or who rely on this coverage for expensive medications or treatments, upholding this law could literally be a life or death matter.

And if the law is overturned, Alabama is one of the states with the most to lose. More than 166,000 Alabamians could lose their health insurance.

One-third of people under the age of 65 in Alabama – more than 942,000 people – have a pre-existing condition and could be denied coverage or charged more for health care.

Before the law was passed, health insurance companies could deny coverage for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, cancer, and pregnancy – and the list goes on and on. The Affordable Care Act also ended the practice of imposing annual or lifetime caps on health care cover-

This week’s puzzle answers:

age and gave more Americans access to preventative and maternal care.

Increasing access to health care isn’t just the right thing to do for Alabamians, it makes financial sense too.

That’s why earlier this year, I introduced a bill to incentivize states like ours to expand Medicaid. By refusing to expand Medicaid, Alabama has turned away $14 billion of our own taxpayer dollars.

That money could have helped keep our hospitals open, supported good jobs in our communities, and provided health coverage for hundreds of thousands of Alabamians.

If Alabama had expanded Medicaid five years ago, it could have created a $935 million increase in tax revenue for the state and could have led to approximately 12,000 new jobs across all sectors of Alabama’s economy in 2016 alone.

Medicaid expansion would be a huge boon to Alabama’s economy, especially as our state’s farming and manufacturing industries have taken hit after hit recently as a result of the administration’s trade wars.

For years, Alabama’s rural hospitals have been warning public officials about the financial cliff they are facing, and expanding Medicaid would provide a huge boost to help them keep their doors open. Instead, Republican politicians in Montgomery and Washington are cheering on efforts to take our health care away. It doesn’t make any financial sense, and it sure doesn’t make any sense for the people of Alabama.

I just don’t think that’s right. I’m going to keep fighting to make quality health care in Alabama more affordable and easier to access – and I will always stand up against any attempts to take that care away.