Opelika Observer 10-24-18 E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Vol. 11, No. 03

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Warehouse Bistro to reopen in November

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

City announces plans to sell OPS ONE last week

By Morgan Bryce and Robert Noles For the Opelika Observer A formal press conference was held last Wednesday at City Hall to announce the City of Opelika’s sale of OPS ONE to Point Broadband of West Point, Georgia.

The Opelika City Council voted to approve a resolution of the sale of the city’s fiber telecommunications and operations during last Tuesday's regular meeting for a total of $14.1 million, with $1.4 million of that total being held in escrow. Opelika

Power Services will continue supplying power services to residents and retain the city’s electrical smart grid assets.

Mayor Gary Fuller said the sale will ensure a continuation of adequate competition, competitive rates and quality product among internet service providers in Opelika.

“What was important back when we did this … there wasn’t competition for the incumbent (service providers), and frankly, our citizens, which I am one of them, were not treated very See OPS ONE, page A3

Opelika pediatrician wins service award Special to the Opelika Observer Children’s of Alabama presented the the Wallace Alexander Clyde Distinguished Service Award for Excellence in Pediatrics to Dr. David Smalley during the Alabama Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting and Fall Pediatric Update earlier this month.

Smalley, a longtime physician at Pediatric Clinic,

LLC in Opelika, was chosen by a select committee of leaders in pediatrics as a physician who has devoted a lifetime of service to children and their families.

He attended medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and completed his pediatric residency at Duke University School of Medicine.

Smalley was a founding member and chairman of See Smalley, page A3

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured above is Paul Diaz, new executive chef and owner of the Warehouse Bistro, who plans to reopen the fine-dining establishment in November. The restaurant has been closed since last August because of smoke damage from an electrical fire.

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor One of Opelika’s beloved fine dining establishments is set to make its return next month.

Warehouse Bistro, which

closed for renovations and repairs to smoke damage caused by a small electrical fire in August 2017, will open under new executive chef and owner Paul Diaz.

Originally looking to open his own breakfast

or coffee shop, Diaz said he followed a recommendation from friend and Opelika-based Chef Jim Sikes to meet with the McCullough family earlier this year, who had owned and operated Warehouse Bistro

since 1993.

“Everybody (in this area) knows the name, so that was one of the big reasons I agreed to take this on,” Diaz said.

Born in Orlando, Diaz See Bistro, page A5

‘Safer, Smarter Special Needs Families Workshop’ planned for Nov. 1 Special to the Opelika Observer Special needs families will have the opportunity to learn information on how to keep their family members safe during the “Safer, Smarter Special Needs Families Workshop” slated for Nov. 1.

The Opelika Observer and the Autism Society of

Alabama will be hosting autism safety specialist Luanne Helms to offer a insightful and educational workshop discussing how to keep their loved ones safe.

This workshop will discuss crucial topics to encourage awareness and prevent sexual abuse. Individuals with developmental disabilities are 3-7 times more likely to be abused

than their typical peers. The training will give parents knowledge of prevalence, how to avoid and report these unfortunate situations.

This event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Collaboration Station in downtown Opelika and will have limited seating.

It is open to parents and educators. RSVP to helmslu@gmail.com.

Helms

LCSO representatives to hold drug takeback program in Smiths Station Oct. 27 Special to the Opelika Observer Members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will take part in the biannual “National Take Back

Index

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

Initiative” Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Central Time at the Smiths Station Government Center.

Coordinated by the DEA in collaboration with state and local law

LEGALS .....................................B5 CALENDAR..................................B12 RELIGION..............................B13 ENTERTAINMENT......................B14

enforcement agencies nationwide, the initiative’s goal is to remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from people’s medicine cabinets.

According to statistics provided by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, twice as many Americans regularly abused prescription See LCSO, page A5

pelika O Observer.com

pelika O Observer

A2 October 24, 2018

Letter to the Editor: ‘We Letter to the Editor: ‘Opelika’s Day of Reckoning’ believe now is the right time’

By George S. Ford, PhD Special to the Opelika Observer It’s a day of reckoning as sure as a sunrise. Last week, the City of Opelika sold its city-owned broadband system for pennies on the dollar (or, to be fair, nearly a quarter on the dollar). With $43 million in debt and about $15 million in cumulative losses, the city (or rather its constituents and captive electric ratepayers) has poured $58 million into the project. To fund the losses, the city has raised electric rates by over $5 a customer and forgone millions in services the profits of the city’s electric utility once funded.

If it’s any consolation, Opelika is not the first city to fire sale its broadband systems, and it won’t be the last. Despite a near 100-percent failure rate of government-owned broadband systems, city officials across the nation—including nearby Andalusia-Alabama, pointing to the “success” in Opelika—seem committed to the path of financial ruin. Government at its finest.

With a $14 million sale price (about half the going rate per-subscriber for cable systems), the electric utility is left with $28 million in debt on the books for this network. The $15 million in cumulative losses are a bygone. With an annual payment of $1.4 million on that debt, the

city’s electric ratepayers are forced to pony up nearly $10 per month per customer to fund it. For what? The city’s mayor Gary Fuller will tell you its for a “smart grid,” but that’s balderdash.

Chattanooga’s officials said the same to justify hiding the debt on the electric utility, only later to admit the truth. Smart grid technologies don’t require $28 million in fiber for a city the size of Opelika. In fact, it is not clear that the city uses much if any of that fiber for smart grid, or that whatever it is used for couldn’t be done using other technologies costing a fraction of that cost.

Last year, Mayor Fuller described the city’s broadband network as a “success story.” He attacked those that questioned the financial condition of the broadband network, claiming the network is “doing just fine and is getting stronger each year” and “is meeting all projections in the business plan.” Uh-huh. Now Mayor Fuller, rather than eat his humble pie with dignity, is pointing fingers at the state for its lack of “help” and at competitors for doing what competitors do—compete. The thought that extending the network to Beauregard would have saved the network is absurd. At best, it would have had Opelika’s electric customers subsidizing broadband services outside the city’s limits in

areas where the revenue potential is relatively low and the deployment costs relatively high. Perhaps a good situation for Beauregard, but not Opelika.

Mayor Fuller hopes the fire sale of the network will make the city “shine brighter,” but that seems a pretty low standard in light of the facts.

In an effort at positive spin on this fiasco, the Mayor points out that the people of Opelika now benefit from “competitive prices.” Not so. Companies make money when they sell at “competitive prices.” Competitive prices do not require millions in subsidies from captive electric ratepayers, to the tune of $1,250 in electric rates from the past and $115 per year per customer going forward.

Sadly, the ratepayers are left holding this $28 million bag of debt and there’s likely no way out.

Opelika’s enormous financial loss is, put simply, the result of bad decisions by government.

Bad government, in turn, falls in the lap of the voters. Mayor Fuller will never take responsibility for his poor decisions.

Will Opelikans?

Dr. George S. Ford is the chief economist of the Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal & Economic Public Policy Studies (www.phoenix-center. org). He is one of the nation’s foremost experts in municipal broadband projects.

By Mayor Gary Fuller Special to the Opelika Observer The City of Opelika and Point Broadband have announced the signing of a definitive agreement where we’ll sell our fiber telecommunication assets and operations to Point Broadband. The transaction is expected to close Nov. 8.

We built a state-ofthe-art fiber network in 2012 to provide businesses and residences in our city limits with competitive internet, voice and video services and became Alabama’s first “GIG City.” The city council and I agreed that the time had come to divest these assets. The fiber network we built and operated has allowed us to achieve our goal of bringing much needed and effective competitive telecom services to our community. The fiber project also facilitated the deployment of a smart electrical grid to provide more efficient power services to businesses and homes in Opelika. We believe now is the right time to transition the telecommunication assets away from the city and into the hands of an experienced, local company with a long history of providing these important services to cities

like Opelika. This transaction allows us to maintain the electrical smart grid assets and divest the telecom assets, all while being made whole financially on the city’s investment.

In 2011, Opelika Power Services borrowed $28 million to build a new facility and deploy smart-grid technology through the sale of bonds. The electric fund issued the 2011 bonds to pay for several electric capital projects. The bond trustee approved each of those purchases and agreed that they were spent in accordance with the bond agreement. Our auditors, (Himmelwright, Huguley & Boles, LLP) did the same.

The decision was made to enter the Telecom business because of poor customer service and lack of competition. In 2011, Telecom borrowed $13.5 million to deploy the telecom business which includes video, internet and phone. During the last five years, the telecom business exceeded the $13.5 million line of credit and borrowed an additional $7.6 million from the Electric fund.

The total Telecom debt is the $13.5 million plus the $7.6 million, approximately equaling $21.1 million.

The telecommunica-

tions fund is selling certain assets and liabilities to Point Broadband. The upfront proceeds of the agreement total $14.175 million. Those proceeds will be used to repay the $13.5 million that the Telecommunications fund borrowed from Regions bank. Additional proceeds will be used to pay off other debt.

Further, as part of the Point Broadband agreement, the City will receive 3.5 percent of Point Broadband’s gross revenue during a 10year period projected to be $7.5 million. Those funds will be used to repay the electric funds that the Telecommunications fund has borrowed. The city anticipates that the loan from the electric fund to the telecommunications fund will be repaid in full.

Regarding electric rate increases, rates are adjusted periodically by all electric companies as needed to cover fixed costs, continue maintenance, repairs and expansion of electric service to new homes and businesses, and the 2016 rate adjustment was one of those increases. Our city council considers a rate increase very carefully and is proud of the fact that residential electric rates have remained the same for almost three years.

WE KNOW HOW TO GET YOU HOME

BILL PRICE

CAROL NOLAN

334.663.1752

pelika Observer

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Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com

Editor: Michelle Key Associate Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Woody Ross, Doug Horn and Emily Key Photographer: Robert Noles

w w w. o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r . c o m 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Marketing mail postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS permit #205 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

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pelika O Observer

A3 October 24, 2018

OLLI at Auburn to host speaker Village Creed helps individuals find Sheriff Jay Jones Oct. 31 Special to the Opelika Observer The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will host its lecture series entitled Wisdom Wednesday’s on Oct. 31 from 2:30 - 4 p.m. at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art which is located at 901 S. College St. in Auburn.

OLLI members, guests and friends are all invited to learn more about OLLI at Auburn course offerings, social engagements and initiatives.

Sheriff Jay Jones will provide OLLI at Auburn with a presentation titled “The Office of Sheriff—Public Safety’s Jack-of-all-Trades”.

Jones was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and moved to Montgomery, Alabama, after his first year of elementary school. He attended Montgomery Public Schools and graduated from Sidney

Smalley, from A1

the East Alabama Health Care Alliance, and was named the medical director of what is now the Care Network of Alabama.

He has been in pri-

OPS ONE, from A1

well. There was a lot of predatory pricing, because if you don’t have competition, you can pretty much charge what you want to and pretty much have the customer service that you want and we thought we deserved better than that,” Fuller said.

“What we have tried to do is always do what is in the best long-term interest for the City of Opelika, and that’s what we thought about when we began negotiating with Todd and (his company). This fits the bill of that perfectly … and is a win-win for us, winwin for our citizens, win-win for Point Broadband and winwin for folks that don’t already have service.”

Established in 2012, OPS ONE’s construction helped Opelika become the state’s first “Gig City,” but its growth was stifled by a lack of assistance from Alabama and successful lobbying from larger internet service

Lanier High School in 1972. Jones entered Auburn University in the fall of 1972 and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice in 1976. As a senior at Auburn, he began an internship with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, which developed into a full-time position.

Jones has served as a corrections officer, deputy sheriff and investigator. He held the position of the agency’s chief investigator prior to being elected as Lee County Sheriff in 1998.

Currently, Jones is serving in his fifth term as Sheriff and is a candidate for re-election in the November General Election.

Jones’ professional career also includes the FBI National Academy, National Sheriff’s Institute, and FBI Leadership Development Academy.

OLLI at Auburn offers academic not for credit programs for adults aged 50 years or older through program sites at Auburn University, AUM in Montgomery and the Chambers County Public Library in Valley.

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University.

OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property, which is located at 1031 S. College St. For more information regarding this event or if one would like to assist the organization as a volunteer faculty member, volunteer service assistant, or sponsor, contact Ileeia A. Cobb, Ph.D., OLLI Director, by calling 334-844-3105, emailing olli@auburn. edu, or visiting www. olliatauburn.org.

vate practice with Pediatric Clinic, LLC since 1985.

Additionally, he has been an active member of the East Alabama Medical Center medical staff, serving as Chief of Staff twice, Chief of Pediatrics, Credentials Chair, and a member of the Quality of Care

and Planning and Finance committees.

More than 150 attended the annual event, which was held in Birmingham.

Smalley's practice is located at 2401 Professional Village Drive.

For more information, call 334-7498121.

providers to prevent legislation that would have allowed the city to extend its services beyond city limits.

According to a 2017 city audit, the venture showed a negative balance of $13.4 million.

As a privately owned company, Point Broadband, a subsidiary of ITC Capital Partners, LLC, will not be bound by those conditions and instead expand and offer high-speed internet to customers in communities like Beauregard and other parts of Lee County.

“Our culture and our values are very similar (to the City of Opelika). We operate all of the ITC companies with a value system that starts with conducting ourselves with honesty and integrity (and customer service), and that’s what we see here in Opelika,” said Point Broadband CEO Todd Holt.

“We’re pleased to be continuing the great things that Opelika did … the ambition and the innovation for the city to bring competitive fiber is fantastic, because

that is our mentality too, because we want to bring competitive fiber to the marketplace. We have a lot of things in common and we’re very excited about this transaction.”

The only obstacle left in completing the transaction is the city’s approval of a franchise agreement with Point Broadband, which will be up for a public hearing during the Nov. 6 city council meeting.

If positive action is taken, finalization of the sale is expected to be completed by Nov. 8.

Fuller and Holt assured the public that the changing of the company name will be a seamless

ways to connect, serve in community

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor This is the second installment of a three-part series on how the community can benefit through utilizing the “Village Creed,” an Opelika/Lee County-based public benefit corporation designed to connect individuals and organizations to services, volunteer opportunities and needs present in the Opelika-Auburn area.

One of the Digital Era’s most prominent developments is social media, platforms that have helped connect people and enable them to communicate faster and more efficiently than ever before.

However, social media has limitations. Important discussions pertaining to problems or a lack of services that individuals see in their own communities are happening, but after all the talking is done, what is the next step?

The Village Creed, a local public benefit corporation, provides motivated individuals with an outlet to engage in their communities and find a way to make a difference.

“We have a way to talk about problems now, which is great … it’s beautiful. But we don’t have a way to do something about it, and we’ve developed a solution for that,” said Village Creed Founder Kermit Farmer.

“The Village Creed is transition and will not affect their rates or services provided.

Point Broadband will be renting the same space that OPS ONE occupied for $5,000 a month, according to City Attorney Guy Gunter.

Holt added that all OPS ONE employees have been retained by his company and will receive competitive benefits and salaries as they did previously.

“They (customers) will see the same faces, same field technicians (and the) same people answering the phone. We hired all of the OPS ONE employees to be Point Broadband employees, and there will be no changes

where people and their passions are connected.

It’s a place where people can use their skills, talents, abilities or qualities to connect with others to better their own families and communities.”

Without a membership, individuals looking for ways to contribute to their community can search the Village Creed website and view postings by local churches, ministries, nonprofits and other organizations to find what volunteer opportunities most interest or suit them.

Village Creed membership is free for individuals, however. During the set-up of their account, users will be able to select certain interests. Once joined, theywill be able to access content and postings in their newsfeeds that is tailored to them.

“I think it’s a very healthy thing for people to ask the question, ‘where am I now and where do I want to be tomorrow or five years from now?’ And with all the resources in a community, you should be able to ask those questions in conjunction with the capacity of utilizing all those resources to put yourself or your family in a better position for tomorrow,” Farmer said. “We have the resources now, we have the people now, we have the energy now and the desire, and now it’s time to put all of that into

motion.”

Though geared toward people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life, Village Creed’s “ethos transcript” is an invaluable tool for students to set goals as well as log service hours and time spent honing a particular skill, creating a virtual resume that will benefit them as they advance through their high school and college years.

“What’s powerful about this is that one can see all the evidence of how a person has been engaged in meaningful ways. That’s what colleges want to see to get into school, and employers would love to see the soft skills that they’ve developed,” Farmer said.

Launched in Lee County earlier this year, Village Creed is a concept that Farmer said he and his team hope to expand in the future.

For more information, email kermit@ villagecreed.com or visit www.villagecreed.com/ about.

Next week’s third and final installment will focus on the “Village Creed News Wire,” a continuously updated community calendar. This calendar will focus on disaster recovery efforts of Hurricane Michael to inform our community on events and volunteer opportunities to get plugged as everyone can make a difference.

in prices or plans,” Holt said. “We will increase the sales and marketing effort and open up the web page and the phone lines to take installations.

We’re identifying the areas (in which) we want to grow outside of Opelika to extend the fiber network, but the easy answer is that everything will be business as usual.”

OPS Director Derek Lee confirmed that the agreement be-

tween the two entities is 12 years in length.

In the 25th month after closing, the City of Opelika will receive 3.5 percent of Point Broadband’s gross income to offset its $7 million in internal debts that was borrowed from OPS. For more information, call OPS at 334-705-5150 or visit www.opelika-al.gov, www.opelikapower. com or www.pointbroadband.com.

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pelika O Opinion

A4 October 24, 2018

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Halloween

themselves that gets to love Halloween. me. Some adults seem Loved it since I bound and determined was a kid. Those of to take the fun out of you who grew up in the what’s left over for small-town South probthe kids. ably had similar experiAnd what is fun ences. In my village, about Halloween?

Halloween was given

By Hardy Jackson Getting the bejee over to the children. es scared out of you.

The night was ours. We And by what? roamed the streets in small bands, Things that go bump in the moving from house to house in a night. relentless search for sweet things Now I do not want to get into an to eat, which we were given after argument over the religious connothe threat of harm to person and tations of Halloween, All Hallows property. After we ransacked the Eve, or whatever you want to call neighborhoods we headed downit. There are people who, for good town where we took Ivory Soap and proper reasons, do not want and marked up the windows of their children dressing up like local businesses. and pretending to be ghoulies and It was good, harmless fun. We ghosties and things like that. Fine only went to houses where we with me. And there are churches knew there would be treats, so that put on “alternative Hallowthere were seldom tricks. Occaeens” where kids are costumed sionally we would put someone’s like characters from the Bible. I lawn furniture in another person’s am okay with that as well. yard, but that was about it. The But I can’t help remembering food we got was usually homehow much fun I had dressed as made and some of us became some sort of a demon, surrounded experts at knowing whose cookies by friends dressed like other sorts had more chocolate chips -- those of demons – one of them, as I houses we hit early. recall, was the son of a promiCostumes were homemade nent Baptist deacon. And looking as well, which is why ghosts (a at those friends today, I find no sheet), tramps (old clothes), and evidence that the experience desome sort of ghoul (lipstick for blood) were the most popular. The ranged us any more than we were big kids would scare the little kids, deranged already. (okay one of our gang became a Methodist ministhe boys would scare the girls ter. Maybe I should ask him if this (who really weren’t scared at all), career decision was in response to and one parent dressed up like a any Satanic influences felt during hunchback and scared everyone those dark nights when we went who came to the door. out in pursuit of cookies and canThen, the next day, storeowners dies and apples on stickies.) washed their windows – the soap On the other hand, if the Bible was already there – the tricked recharacter idea catches on, you can covered their property, and everybet that adults will take it from the thing went back to normal. kids. Then, the economic opporBut no more. tunists will move in. And the next Adults have taken over HalAugust a new catalog will arrive. loween. Not only that, they have In it will be a Biblical bonanza done what adults always do, they have commercialized it. In August, of costumes that will appeal to grownups’ natural desire to stay catalogs begin to arrive, loaded on the right side of the Lord with with all sorts of costumes, and their equally natural desire to treat though many of the outfits are for the kids, adults are the main target. Halloween as an opportunity to play out all sort of adult idiosynAnd it works, for as any marketer crasies incognito. will tell you, more costumes are There would be a David cossold to big folks than bought for tume, complete with slingshot and children, and the selection you a dead Goliath doll to drag around. find in catalogs and stores reflect Or maybe Samson, with a bloody the Halloween fantasies of this jawbone of an ass. And for the group. daring there would be Solome, (A couple of years ago a friend complete with velcroed veils for of mine pondered buying his wife easy peeling. an "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark" I sure hope it never comes to outfit, but the woman to whom he that. promised to cleave only to had a Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson cleavage problem so ponder was all he did -- others can profit from is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. his example.)

He can be reached at hjackson@ It’s not just the way adults have cableone.net. commercialized Halloween for

W

e were rummaging through the box of clothes trying so hard to find something to fit her. The photographer would be making her rounds in the NICU (Neo-natal intensive care unit) the next morning so we were pressed for time. Trying to find a Halloween costume to fit a threepound preemie was a challenge within itself.

The nurses were so sweet and patient as we tried to find something to use for a costume.

We settled on a tiny little outfit that had cupcakes on it. It wasn’t exactly a costume, in the traditional sense, but it would do. There

was a nurse that floated around the unit taking pictures of all the babies for their parents. The parents were dressing their little babies up in costumes. We had only been there a week and things had been hectic.

A Halloween costume wasn’t top priority on our to-do list.

Funny enough, several days later, we would receive a gift from a dear friend. She had purchased an Auburn University cheerleading outfit from the BuildA-Bear Workshop for Abigail. It was still a bit big on our fragile little girl but with some small adjustments we made it fit. She was the sweetest and tiniest Auburn

I

Fishermen

found this fishing spot approach slow. And by accident this morneven though I claimed ing. His house was full the exact place where of girls because his baby he sits long before Lincoln sister had a sleepover was sworn in, I ask the last night. It was too boy if he minds letting me much estrogen for one fishing next to him. boy to handle.

He is in my fishing spot.

By Sean Dietrich Then we talk about his A kid. Blonde. Freckles. family. He’s eleven. He moved here He is eating Doritos.

The kid fishes with frozen shrimp from Atlanta with his mother and her boyfriend. His real dad lives in from a Ziplock bag. His cellphone Houston. is beside him, blasting modern He doesn’t say much about his country music. old man, but I know the look on I’ve been fishing this wooded grove since before the earth cooled. his young face. It’s the same face I have seen in my own mirror for the And I’ve always called this “my spot” even though it doesn’t belong last hundred years. He misses his father. to me.

Then, he shows me a photo of a The kid is sitting in a dry-rotted man with several earrings, holding plastic lawn chair I placed here a fish. years ago. He is sort of smiling, “That’s my dad,” he says. “My cranking his reel. dad and me caught this fish together The Choctawhatchee Bay has in Georgia. I was five back then.” strange powers over boys.

It was the only time he ever went I approach slow. And even fishing with his father. though I claimed the exact place The kid hasn’t seen him in five where he sits long before Lincoln years. He called his father last was sworn in, I ask the boy if he month on a whim. It went straight minds letting me fishing next to to voicemail. His father didn’t call him. back. So the kid kept trying and This is a custom among fisherfinally got him on the phone. And men. You would never fish next by a miracle from above, he conto a fella without asking. Such vinced his father to come to town barbaric behavior would be worse than taking your buddy’s mother to for a visit.

Thus, his father is going to be prom. here in a few weeks and the kid is We shake hands. We introduce excited. It will be the first time in a ourselves. We talk. long time.

The kid says, “Did you hear they The kid is letting his hopes soar. caught a gator in this bay?”

He is anticipating doing things that This is male conversation at its we fatherless kids dream of doing best. Murderous creatures with with our fathers. jaws big enough to crush averageThings like: backyard football, sized Buicks. Men in boats, wieldbuilding wooden structures with ing heavy artillery. hammers, hearing stories, and of “It was huge,” he adds. “Like course, fishing. sixteen feet, I think.”

And while he speaks, I am hoping “Wow,” I say. against hope. I’m hoping this kid’s Actually, the gator he is referfather is man enough not to disapring to was only twelve-foot long, but who’s counting? The thing was point his boy. No. I am doing more caught months ago, and it was a big than hoping. I am writing about it so that you might hope, too. deal because gators are not comAll of a sudden, the kid gets a mon here. bite. His rod bends. He reels. He Though, in my youth I heard tugs. It is only a pinfish, so the kid plenty of gator stories. I never put throws it back. But he’s overjoyed stock in any of them. to be fishing here just the same.

I once knew an old-timer, for in“This fishing spot’s awesome!” stance, nicknamed “Snoopy,” who the kid says. “Maybe I’ll bring my claimed he caught an eight-foot gator. I never believed him because dad here and we’ll fish together, and it’ll kinda be our spot.”

Mister Snoopy also claimed he Well. I hope with all my heart invented the first pay phone. that you get your wish, buddy.

The kid asks, “You ever seen gaSay a few words for Mark today. tors in this bay before?”

“Nope,” I say. “But upshore from Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and here, about twenty years ago, my novelist, known for his commentary cousin and I saw an elderly couple on life in the American South. His skinny dipping in knee-deep wawork has appeared in Southern ter.”

Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, “Really?” he says.

Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer Really. And it gave me vivid News, the Bitter Southerner, the nightmares for many years.

Mobile Press Register and he has Anyway, the kid tells me he authored seven books.

Petite

By Lucy Fuller

cheerleader we had ever seen! Although we didn’t receive this gift in time for Halloween pictures, we received it in perfect time for her to wear on October 31 st , 2017, just 18 days shy of her worldly debut.

Abigail Jennings Fuller was born 7 ½ weeks early, in the back of an ambulance on Friday, Oct 13. If you know my husband, you have heard the story.

It’s his favorite story to

tell and my scariest one to remember. Our little girl came into this world on Highway 280 a few short miles from Alexander City, in the back of a speeding ambulance and things haven’t slowed down since, especially time. Our entire first year with her has been a whirlwind.

We celebrated her very first trip around the sun last Saturday. Her very first birthday celebration. It was small.

Just family. I spent the week prior preparing our home for her birthday. I cleaned, hung balloons, baked her birthday cakes, and wrapped presents. It all happened so fast. I never really had time to stop and

truly think about what that first year was like.

What we endured. What we sacrificed. How we changed. How we grew.

How we matured.

It all happened so fast.

I had no doubt in my mind that she was coming early. I knew it. I could feel it. When my water broke close to midnight on Oct. 13 I was prepared. Jody, not so much. I drove myself to the hospital while Jody sat in the passenger seat breathing into a paper bag. I had not packed hospital bag. No diaper bag. No car seat.

My nursery wasn’t finished. I hadn’t even had my baby shower, yet.

I should mention that my very first little girl,

Emily, was also born 7 ½ weeks early. I missed that baby shower also.

Needless to say, the trip to UAB and our stay at the Ronald McDonald House while our little one was in the NICU was not unfamiliar territory to me. I’d done it before and was about to do it again.

This time was a little less scary. I had plenty of emotional support not only from Jody but from the nurses and doctors that reassured our every concern and met our every need. We had setbacks. We hadbad days.

We had sleepless nights.

We had days that we had to remind ourselves to eat or even shower.

See Fuller, page B12

pelika O Observer

Around Lee County

Don Machen receives Walter Gilbert Award Sept. 29

Photo credit: Anthony Hall/Auburn Athletics

Special to the Opelika Observer Don Machen of the Auburn-based Machen and McChesney accounting firm was honored with the Walter Gilbert Award during Auburn University’s gridiron contest v. Southern Mississippi Sept. 29 at JordanHare Stadium.

The award is presented annually to a former Auburn student-athlete who has demonstrated excellence in their chosen field.

Machen, a cocaptain for the Tigers during his senior year in 1961, also received the Bill Streit Award and the Cliff Hare Award while attending Auburn. He came to Auburn in 1958 from Sylacauga.

Sixty years, three children and nine grandchildren later, Don and his wife Jane

still enjoy their life in Auburn. After Machen earned his accounting and MBA degrees, he helped create Machen McChesney, LLP, a CPA and advisory firm that has served clients for more than 60 years in Auburn and surrounding communities.

Machen McChesney, LLP was recently recognized by INSIDE Public Accounting as one of the top-400 firms in the nation and

by Business Alabama for one of the largest accounting firms in Alabama. Along the way, Machen delved into his community, epitomizing community involvement, serving in leadership roles on virtually every board in town as well as state and national professional organizations.

Reflecting on his six decades in Auburn, Machen thanked the many people who

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had invested in him, including his beloved wife.

“I was accompanied on this journey with a solid rock in the foundation of my life and career by my wonderful, loving wife Jane. She has not only been my guiding light for 58 years but the mother of my loving children Mindy, Melanie, and Mike and grandmother to 9 wonderful grandchildren,” Machen said. “I was blessed to attend Auburn University in the era of some of the greatest coaches in our athletic history.

It started with my head coach, Ralph Jordan, and continued with a staff of assistants; my freshmen coach, Erk Russell, varsity coaches Vince Dooley, Buck Bradberry, Gene Lorendo, Hal Herring, and Joel Eaves just to name a few. These men taught me so much more than just football. They taught me the basic fundamentals of life and gave me a strong base to begin my career.”

“I want to thank all the people in my life that have made receiving the Walter Gilbert Award possible. It is certainly a great honor to be on this list with the previous recipients and an award that I will always cherish.

Thank you to the Auburn University athletic department and to all the great Auburn Family.”

For more information, visit www.machenmcchesney.com.

The firm is located at 1820 E. University Drive.

LCSO,

nogens, heroine and inhalants combined.

That same study reveals more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statistic that

from A1 drugs than the number of those who regularly used cocaine, halluci-

A5 October 24, 2018 includes raiding the family medicine cabinet.

For more information, visit takebackday.dea. gov/. The Smiths Station Government Center is located at 2336 Lee Road 430.

Former, current Smiths Station mayors address Ruritan Club Photo by Michelle Key/Editor Former Smiths Station Mayor LaFaye Dellinger and current Mayor Bubba Copeland addressed the Ruritan Club last week during the club’s Homecoming celebration. Dellinger spoke of the city’s history while Copeland spoke of the city’s future. The Ruritan Club celebrated 50 years in their building which is located at 2000 Lee Road 430 in Smiths Station.

Bistro, from A1

said he has had a lifelong love of food and its preparation, which led him to attend the Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy. He stayed there for two years and worked while earning his degree.

After graduation, he returned home and worked briefly as a chef at Disney World. From there, he took his talents to a RitzCarlton Hotel located on the island of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands.

Diaz worked in Auburn from 2009-2011 as a chef at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center. Following transfers and cooking stints in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Colorado and Birmingham, he returned to the Auburn-Opelika area in 2015.

The fine-dining aspect of Warehouse Bistro will remain the same, but Diaz said customers can expect his international culinary influences to be present in each dish that he prepares.

“One of the exciting things about owning my own restaurant is getting to do what I do best and throw in a little bit of tastes and twists on things, which is mostly Italian, but I do know the French and Mexican cuisines really well. I’m really excited to see what people think,” Diaz said.

Other major changes

include the overall layout and appearance of the restaurant, which includes new paint and carpet and expanded kitchen featuring a wood-burning grill.

When possible, Diaz said he will source locally grown ingredients to incorporate into his dishes as a part of his commitment to excellence and quality in every aspect of a dining experience at Warehouse Bistro.

“We want everything to be as fresh as possible.

Anything that we’re serving, we’re going to make in-house, which includes items like ketchup and mayonnaise,” Diaz said.

“We’re going to make all our pastas and sauces here and I will try to use as much local and seasonal ingredients as I possibly can.”

Diaz hinted that he has

plans in the near future for the unused frontward portion of the 10,000 sq. ft. building, which formerly housed an antique shop named the “Brass Brassiere.” He said that this development will have a “new identity” and create a “casual dining atmosphere to broaden the customer base.”

A tentative grand reopening date for Warehouse Bistro has been set for Nov. 5, but Diaz said that that date is still being finalized.

The revamped website, www.warehousebistro. com, is set to launch in the coming days. For more information or details on its opening date, email warehousebistroopelika@ gmail.com or call 334745-6353. Warehouse Bistro is located at 105 Rocket Ave.

Amendment 2

would pave the way to ban abortion, leaving no exceptions IN CASES OF RAPE IN CASES OF INCEST WHEN THE LIFE OF THE WOMAN IS AT RISK

This is too far.

With so many other problems facing the state of Alabama, this amendment is just the wrong priority.

Visit ALHealthyFamilies.org to learn more.

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

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Let Tucker Simmons and the staff at Beauregard Drugs help you manage your seasonal allergies.

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Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

pelika O Observer Local civic clubs hold meetings, welcome guest speakers A6

October 24, 2018

Special to the Opelika Observer Maloreigh Todd, a scheduler for the Mallory Hagan campaign, spoke about her passion for advocacy work and her excitement to work with Hagan. Todd also worked for Georgia senator Johnny Isakson her freshman year in college and is passionate about seeing more young voters show up at the polls. Through her involvement with the Miss America Organization, she became involved with charitable organizations at a young age. Her platform, Better Together, a racial inclusion initiative, came about through her own experiences in a multicultural family and the isolation she felt in high school. She plans to continue working towards racial inclusion through pushing for legislation to get a hate crime law on the books in Georgia. Pictured are Joanne Camp and Maloreigh Todd.

Special to the Opelika Observer Garden Club of Alabama, Inc. recently held their Annual District V Meeting in the First Methodist Church of Opelika meeting room. The Garden Lovers Garden Club and the Tulip Garden Club of Opelika were the hostesses for the meeting. District V Director Pat May was in charge of the meeting. Guest speaker was Seth Davis one of the owners of the Potting Shed of Opelika located at Moores Mill Road and Society Hill Road (Hwy. 54) in Opelika. A delicious lunch was prepared

by Sissy Eason who is the church hostess there at First Methodist. This meeting is held each year to discuss the garden and community projects of the pass year and make plans for this next year.

Pictured Left to Right:District V Officers Laura Garland (Secretary), Donna Duncan (Treasurer), LaNell Black (Parliamentarian), Pat May (District V Director and President of the Tulip Garden Club of Opelika), Garden Club of Alabama, Inc. Tricia Mitchell (President) and Perry Garden Club of Auburn Officers Carolyn Coker (Civic Concerns), Susan Farish (President) and Anne Miller (Vice President).

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

Special to the Opelika Observer Barry Elliott, right, recently elected Alabama Lions Sight Conservation Association Executive Director, was a recent guest of the Opelika Lions Club. Alabama Lions, through projects and donations, provided funds to the Callahan Eye Clinics in Birmingham to serve 4,847 patients in the last fiscal year, all patients from Alabama. He was introduced by Lion Brooka Stokes, left.

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

Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic products and services.

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

ICK RD.

FREDER

Tiger Town

Lowe’s

R.

D AY TEW GA

Kroger

Our New Location

Visit us here: www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

I-85

1851 Frederick Road Opelika

Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

Special to the Opelika Observer Jay Hovey, a newly elected member of the Auburn City Council, talked to the Opelika Rotary club about plans for the incoming council. The town faces challenges – notably balancing growth and history in the downtown area – but has an engaged and diverse citizenry to help deal with these important issues. Hovey represents Ward 7 on the Auburn Council. Pictured (from left) are: Hovey; and Jeff Stanfield, club member.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • Comedy Competition • Veteran’s Gala • Alzheimer’s walk • March of dime celebrity chef’s dinner

Phoebe Branch enjoys cooking, decorating for fall months Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

P

hoebe Branch enjoys cooking and decorating her lovely home for the autumn season. Tall lanterns flank the front door, while other lanterns decorate several areas in the home, along with white pumpkins. A fresh berry wreath hangs on the wall over the breakfast table, centered with a dough board filled with Indian corn. She is sharing a variety of her favorite recipes that are especially good during autumn.

Both Branch and her husband, Keith, grew up in Opelika and were high school sweethearts. They

married after graduating from Auburn University.

Keith’s work transferred him to Cartersville, Georgia, for three years, and then they moved back to Opelika where he owns M. Keith Branch Financial Services and Insurance.

Branch taught physical education for Opelika City Schools. She was at Southview over 20 years and worked in other schools. She retired four years ago and is enjoying being home.

The Branches have three grown daughters, who all graduated from Auburn.

Mallory and her husband,

Billy Phillippi, live in Grove Hill, Alabama, and are expecting their first child, a son, in a few weeks, while Meredith lives in Birmingham. Their youngest daughter, Madeline, is married to Robert Farr of Opelika and resides in Birmingham.

Branch’s mother and grandmother were good cooks. When she started cooking, she began baking brownies and other sweets.

Her mother gave her a cookbook when she turned 21 with a note saying she always enjoyed cooking growing up.

After the Branches

Photo by Ann Cipperly Phoebe Branch enjoys cooking for her family and friends. She especially enjoys the fall months decorating her home and preparing her special Carrot Cake and other autumn dishes, including the Chicken Chili Stew with Cheesy Pimento Cornbread.

married, Phoebe also collected recipes from Keith’s mother, who also enjoyed cooking. The Taco pie is one of Keith’s mother’s recipes. It goes together quickly, and Branch prepared it often when the girls were growing up. It is still a family favorite.

Since the girls were active in sports growing up, Branch learned to prepare quick meals for them, and they ate out often during those years. Keith coached

the girls’ softball teams and also worked with them when they were on the golf team in high school.

While they were busy during the week, she always planned a big Sunday dinner. When the girls were in college, they brought friends home. At times, Branch felt like she was running a bed and breakfast.

Now, she cooks more when the girls visit. Keith cooks on the grill, while

she prepares the sides and desserts. When Keith grills salmon, she will make a tasty salmon salad. She prefers to have plenty dishes cooked ahead when the girls visit.

When they get together for family vacations at the lake, the girls help take dishes. They call their mother for recipes and will share a recipe with her when they find something See Recipes, page A8

City to recognize area law enforcement officials in ceremony at City Hall Oct. 25 Special to the Opelika Observer City of Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller will host a press conference Oct. 25 to recognize four area law

enforcement officers for their sacrifices and service.

“We were approached by the Concerned Citizens Organized for Police Support group in the

spring of this year and felt it was a program that is much needed in today’s environment with law enforcement,” Fuller said.

“The program was See Awards, page A9

October full of activities for Opelika Parks and Recreation Special to the Opelika Observer The temperatures are falling, and Halloween is drawing nearer. In

preparation for this haunted holiday, Opelika Parks and Recreation will host five different Halloween events within seven days.

The Covington Recre-

ation Center’s “Spooky Drop-In” will be held Oct. 25 . Children in the 3rd-5th grades can come enjoy See Sportsplex, page A9

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

Kate Campbell to perform at Sundilla Oct. 25 Special to the Opelika Observer

Southern singer/songwriter Kate Campbell will make her triumphant return to the Sundilla Concert Series Oct. 25.

Campbell writes and sings memorable folk songs infused with undercurrents of delta blues, folk, pop and country that originate from a musical landscape spanning the less-traveled back roads from Nashville to Muscle Shoals to Memphis. During the course of 20-plus years since her acclaimed debut album "Songs from the Levee," she has

Campbell resisted the temptation to follow musical trends but

instead chooses to set the See Campbell, page A9

Tuesday - Friday 128 Columbus Parkway

pelika O Observer

A8 October 24, 2018

Recipes,

from A7 good.

The sons-in-law like to cook on the grill too and hunt.

Now that they have two sons-in-law, Branch finds she is serving heartier dishes than when it was just the girls. The Sausage Hash brown Casserole is hearty and good for brunch.

While the casserole has chopped onion, it also contains French onion dip to enhance the flavor. The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake or can be frozen. Many times when making a casserole, she will double the recipe to have one in the freezer.

She generally keeps a casserole on hand to take to a family with a new baby or for bereavement. Branch is on the bereavement committee at First United Methodist Church in Opelika. “I like to take a homemade dish to people,” Branch said, feeling that homemade just tastes better.

Branch prefers to have as much prepared ahead as possible for entertaining family and friends. That way she gets to enjoy being with everyone instead of in the kitchen.

They enjoy entertaining on their covered patio with a brick fireplace.

During the fall months, it is a great place to relax and watch football games.

She also decorates this area with pumpkins and other seasonal materials.

She likes to use fresh, so at the end of the season they are discarded rather than stored.

The Carrot Cake is one of her favorite desserts for fall and is a wonderful dessert for entertaining. It goes together quicker than a traditional version since she uses baby food carrots rather than grating carrots.

For an attractive cake, she spreads the frosting between the layers and on top of the cake but not the sides. She garnishes the top with a generous amount of chopped pecans.

Mama Bessie’s Pecan Pie is another delectable

dessert for fall and the holidays. Her grandmother baked 25 of these pies to give each member of her family for a Christmas gift every year.

The Pecan Pie and Carrot Cake are both scrumptious desserts to serve for Thanksgiving, which is just a few weeks away. The Branches host family for Thanksgiving every other year when the AuburnAlabama game is played here.

Her Spinach Quiche is good for brunch or to take to a get-together. It is different since it uses fresh spinach instead of frozen and sour cream instead of all milk or cream. She will freeze it baked and reheat or unbaked. It is easy for a dish to take. For a brunch, she made them in individual servings.

The Chocolate Chip Muffins are good to have on hand for company or to share. This has been a favorite recipe for years.

She found the recipe when they lived in Georgia, and she was part of a mother’s pre-school group.

With the arrival of cooler temperatures, the Chicken Chili Stew is good comfort food on a chilly evening and perfect for watching football games. She serves it with Cheesy Pimiento Cornbread, which combines two favorite southern flavors.

Being retired, Branch is enjoying cooking for her growing family and friends. She belongs to a supper club with a group of longtime friends who get together every month with the hostess preparing the meal. She is also in a retired teachers’ group that meets monthly for fellowship.

“I love having people here and entertaining,” Branch said. “It makes me love the cooking that goes with it when the whole family is here. That is the happiest time.

“We enjoy being home rather than going out,” Phoebe added. “I like to have all the food ready, so I get to relax with everyone. We enjoy being together.”

Ann Cipperly can be reached by emailing cipperly@recipes.com

FOOD RATINGS Moe’s Original BBQ 2319 Bent Creek Rd. Auburn Score: 99

Honestly Smooth Smoothie Co. 2701 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 97

University Donut Co. 157 E. Magnolia Ave. Auburn Score: 98

Saugahatchee Country Club 3800 Bent Creek Rd. Opelika Score: 97

Momma Goldberg’s Deli 217 E. Thach Ave. Auburn Score: 98

East Sea Fishery 1100 S. College St. Auburn Score: 84

Philly Connection 2328 S. College St. Auburn Score: 98

New Tokyo Hong Sheng 2524 Enterprise Dr. Opelika Score: 72

Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 ripe bananas, mashed 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup chocolate chip morsels Cream butter, gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in bananas.

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, beating until blended. Stir in morsels.

Spoon batter into greased muffin tin. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Makes 12-18 muffins.

Spinach Quiche 6 oz. bag baby spinach 4 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup half-and-half 1/2 cup sour cream Salt and pepper to taste 1 bag (7.5 oz) Sargento 4 state shredded cheddar cheese Optional ingredients: chopped bacon bits, peppers, onions and mushrooms.

1 refrigerated pie crust Microwave spinach in a bowl on high for 2 minutes. Drain, cool and squeeze dry.

Coarsely chop and set aside.

Mix together eggs, half-and-half, sour cream, salt and pepper. Blend in cheese and spinach.

Add any optional ingredients, if desired.

Pour into crust.

Bake at 350 degrees 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Easy to double and freezes nicely.

Taco Pie Family Favorite 1 can crescent rolls 1 bag taco chips, crushed (divided) 1 lb. ground beef 8 oz. jar taco sauce 1 cup sour cream 1 small can corn, drained 1 small can sliced black olives 2 cups grated cheddar cheese Spread crescent roll on the bottom of a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Cover rolls using a thin layer of crushed taco chips.

Brown and drain ground beef. Mix taco sauce with the meat. Layer the meat mixture over the chips.

Sprinkle corn and olives over the meat.

Spread sour cream over top and layer the cheese. Top with crushed taco chips.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.

Carrot Cake 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cinnamon 4 eggs 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 1 1/2 cups carrot baby food Sift dry ingredients together. Blend together eggs and oil. Gradually add dry ingredients.

Mix in the carrot baby food. Pour into greased and floured 2-layer cake pans.

Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Icing: 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 tsp. vanilla 1 box confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1 cup chopped pecans Cream together softened cream cheese and butter. Add vanilla and confectioners’ sugar.

Spread half the icing on the first layer and sprinkle with half the pecans. Repeat on the top layer.

Enjoy the super moist cake with delicious icing. You will not taste the carrots!

Mama Bessie’s Pecan Pie 1 stick butter, softened 6 eggs beaten 1 cup sugar 1 cup Karo syrup 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 2 cups pecans, chopped or halves Mix together all ingredients and pour into 2 pie shells.

Bake 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes.

Chicken Chili Stew Delicious served with a slice of Cheesy Pimento Cornbread!

6 Tbsp. canola oil 4 green onions, chopped 1/2 cup each red and green peppers 1 Tbsp. minced garlic 1 rotisserie chicken, torn into pieces 2 cans (14.5 oz.) petite diced tomatoes 2 cans (16 oz.) white cannelloni beans, rinsed and drained 1 (16 oz.) jar prepared salsa 1 can Rotel

2 Tbsp. chili powder Toppings: Pepper jack or cheddar cheese, sliced black olives, sour cream and fresh chopped cilantro.

In a large Dutch oven, heat oil mediumhigh heat.

Add onions, garlic and peppers. Cook 2-3 minutes. Stir in next 6 ingredients.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 30-40 minutes.

Spoon into bowls and add desired toppings.

Makes 8 generous servings.

Cheesy Pimiento Cornbread 1/4 cup butter 1 1/4 cups stone ground yellow cornmeal 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 4 oz. extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1 1/4 cups buttermilk 2 eggs 1 (4 oz.) jar diced pimientos, well drained Place butter in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet.

Place skillet in the oven

and begin to preheat to 425 degrees. Remove the skillet after about 4 minutes or when butter is melted.

Combine cornmeal and the next 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together buttermilk, eggs and pimientos. Add to the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.

Pour the batter over the melted butter in the hot skillet.

Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 8-10 servings.

Sausage Hash brown Casserole (Cowboy Grub) 2 lb. sausage (I like to use 1 hot and 1 mild) 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 cup sour cream 1 cup French onion dip 1 cup chopped onions 1/4 cup each red and green peppers, chopped Salt and pepper to taste

30 oz. pkg. frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed.

Cook sausage and drain well. In a large mixing bowl combine the next 7 ingredients.

Fold in hash browns and sausage. Spread the mixture into a greased 13x9 baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until golden brown. Can be made ahead to refrigerate or freeze.

Grilled Salmon Salad Salad: 4 cups mixed greens 1/2 cup strawberries, sliced 1/2 cup blueberries 1/2 cup cucumber, diced 1/4 cup red onion, sliced thin 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup sugar glazed pecan pieces Strawberry or champagne vinaigrette dressing Divide the salad and ingredients on 2 large plates or bowls. (The pecans can be found in the salad topping isle of the grocery.) Drizzle with the vinaigrette dressing.

Grilled Salmon with Honey Bourbon Glaze: 2 medium salmon filets, skin on 1 lemon, halved 2 Tbsp. honey Bourbon

Garlic salt and pepper Place the salmon in a shallow pan, skin side down. Put honey in a small bowl. Mix in bourbon until the consistency for basting. Add garlic salt, and pepper. Using a basting brush, cover salmon with the glaze. Let stand 10-30 minutes.

Prepare the grill to 350 degrees. Grill skin side up on the grates for 2-3 minutes. Put the lemons on the grill, cut side down.

Flip the salmon over, continue basting with the glaze. Grill approximately 10-15 minutes or until the salmon can easily lift away from of the skin.

Remove salmon from the grill and discard the skin. Squeeze the warm lemon over the salmon.

Place the grilled salmon on top of the prepared salads.

Orzo Salad 1 box orzo pasta 1/2 cup each red and green pepper, chopped 1/2 cup red onion, chopped 1 cup cucumber, diced 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup kalamata olives, sliced 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Salt and pepper to taste Creamy balsamic dressing Prepare orzo according to directions. Drain well. Fill a large bowl with the next 7 ingredients. Stir orzo to the mixture. Add desired amount of the creamy balsamic dressing and mix. Refrigerate before serving.

pelika O Observer

OPS sends team to Dothan to help restore power outages from Hurricane Michael

from A1

games, food and a haunted house. Admission is $5.

Pre-registration is not required.

This event is a precursor to the popular Drop-In program that takes place each Winter. Through providing a fun, themed event specifically for those drop-in students, Covington staff said they hope to get more children involved and excited to return to the program.

For children who have not picked out their pumpkin yet, the Great Pumpkin

Campbell, from A7

pace for her unique musical journey.

Campbell's endearing, clear-water vocal delivery and her eloquent gift for storytelling have drawn repeated comparisons to such bastions of the Southern literary tradition as Flannery O'Connor, Eudora Welty, and William Faulkner. Her easy command of a full range of American musical styles has earned Campbell recognition as a formidable talent by critics.

Time Out London proclaimed Campbell a "major talent" while Chicago Daily Herald described her as a "world-class singer-songwriter."

Americana stalwarts Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Nanci Griffith, Guy Clark, Maura O'Connell, John Prine, Mac McAnally, Buddy Miller, Spooner Oldham, and the heart of the Muscle Shoals classic soul and R&B hitmaking machine are both admirers and collaborators in her distinctly literate musical vision.

Originally from the Mis-

Splash offers a unique opportunity for children ages 6-12 to acquire one.

Children can come pick a pumpkin out of the Opelika SportsPlex pool Oct. 26 from 6-8 p.m.. Pumpkin decorating and free swimming will follow.

For those wanting to watch a Halloween classic in preparation for the holiday, the Opelika SportsPlex will be showing Halloweentown Oct. 28 from 6-8 p.m. Families of all ages are welcome to attend this free event.

Popcorn, candy and soft drinks will be available for purchase.

Opelika’s Halloween event line-up will draw to a sissippi Delta and the daughter of a Baptist preacher, Campbell's formative years were spent in the very core of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, and the indelible experiences from those times have shaped her heart and character, as well as her songwriting. Her music and songs continue to inspire and excite a growing and engaged audience.

Campell's "Two Nights in Texas" CD received the prestigious Mississippi Institute of Arts & Letters Award. Ballet Memphis featured several tunes from her song catalog as well as a live performance by Campbell and band at a ballet entitled "South Of Everywhere."

Three of Campbell's songs were recently featured in documentary films.

A variety of artists have recorded Campbell's songs including Laurie Lewis, Ronnie McDowell, and the Nashville Bluegrass Band who covered her compelling snake-handling song "Signs Following."

Campbell has performed at a number of esteemed venues such as the Cambridge Folk Festival, Merlefest, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk

close Oct. 30 with the Fall Festival and Children’s Carnival. Children 12 and younger can come to the Opelika SportsPlex soccer fields from 5:30-8:30 p.m. to play games, win prizes, jump on inflatables and take a ride on the hayride.

Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes and bring a treat bag.

Admission is free, but individual games and activities will require tickets or an all-access wristband to participate.

Tickets and wristbands can be purchased in advance at the Opelika SportsPlex front desk or they can be purchased the night of the

October 24, 2018

Awards,

from A7

shared with the police chiefs of both Auburn and Opelika, along with Lee County Sheriff Jones, who strongly endorsed this program.”

Lee County’s Kiwanis Clubs have also voted to be a part of the program.

Concerned Citizens Organized for Police Support (CCOPS) is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is: to give support to members of law enforcement as they do their jobs in protecting the lives and safety of our citizens. This is achieved in three ways: interaction with the citi-

Special to the Opelika Observer Pictured from left to right: Rusty Hornsby - crew foreman; Corey Burke – journeyman lineman; Taylor Simmons –journeyman lineman; Wesley Ballard – journeyman lineman; Justin Adams – apprentice lineman and Joshua Hurst – apprentice lineman.

Sportsplex,

A9

event. Tickets are 25 cents each, child wristbands are $10, and a $1 adult hayride wristband will be available to adults wishing to ride the hayride with their child.

“This event is a great way for families and friends in the community

Festival, Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, and the National Storytelling Festival and been featured on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Live From Mountain Stage, and The Bob Edwards Show. Her quirky song "When Panthers Roamed In Arkansas" was included in the debut issue of The Oxford American's ultra-hip Southern Music series.

Sundilla and The Draughon Center for Arts and Humanities are partnering together to bring this outdoor show to Pebble Hill. Advance tickets are $15, and a limited number of them can be found at Spicer's Music, World Cup Coffee, and online at www. sundillamusic.com; admission at the gate will be $20.

Showtime is 7 p.m. Folding chairs will be available but guests are invited to bring their own. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees are invited to bring their own favorite food or beverage, but event organizers request that patrons bring no glass items.

Pebble Hill is located at 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn.

zens and the police force, media campaigns addressing the sacrifices that law enforcement make daily and honoring the best.

Following is the list of officers that will be recognized at the event: Sgt. Reid Chambers of the Auburn Police Department; Sgt. Craig Vickers of the Opelika Police Department; Deputy Sheriff Jeff Sauerwine of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Trooper Christopher B. Williams of the State Troopers Office.

These awards will be presented to these officers by members of the three Lee County Kiwanis Clubs.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers in City Hall, which is located at 204 S. 7th St. in Opelika.

to get together for fellowship and fun,” said Laura Leigh Chesser, public relations coordinator. “It offers a safe, well-lit atmosphere for children to have fun and collect candy and prizes. It’s a great addition or alternative to traditional

trick-or-treating.”

For more information about all Opelika Parks and Recreation events, visit www.opelikaparks. com.

The Opelika Sportsplex is located at 1001 Andrews Road.

A10 October 24, 2018

pelika O Observer

‘On the Tracks’ draws large crowd to downtown Opelika

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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

Upcoming Football Games

Oct. 26

Beauregard v. Tallassee (H) Beulah v. Pike Road (H) Opelika v. Vigor (H) Smiths Station v. Prattville (H)

Opelika volleyball wins area tournament

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika wins third-straight contest, dominates Stanhope Elmore 59-21

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika Bulldogs (4-4 overall, 4-1 in region play) team entered last Friday’s region game against Stanhope Elmore (5-4 overall, 4-1 in region play) needing a win, which would cause a three-way tie for 6A Region 3 championship, move them to .500 for the season and earn a playoff berth.

It only took Opelika 2:10 to score last Friday night. Junior placekicker Marshall Meyers

nailed a 24-yard field goal to give the Bulldogs an early 3-0 lead.

Opelika’s Zachary Collins intercepted a Mustang pass 18 seconds later, giving the Bulldogs the football at their opponent’s 16-yard line. One play later, Brantan Barnett rushed 16 yards for his first of five touchdowns in the game.

Kani Kellum and Nate Evans scored on runs of seven and 20 See Opelika, page B3

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika girls volleyball team swept Benjamin Russell 3-0 to win the area tournament Tuesday night.

With the win, they advance to the super-regionals in Montgomery for the first time in 25 years. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery.

Beauregard reaches .500, buzzes past Carroll 28-13

By Rick Lanier For the Opelika Observer

Some new names and tweaks to the offense and the Hornets were buzzing Friday night at Carroll High School of Ozark as they handily defeated the

Eagles 28-13.

Beauregard’s game plan featured a balanced attack, which produced an impressive 416 yards of total offense and an equally impressive defensive effort that limited the Eagles to just 13 points.

Zip Whitlow and Zach Childers led the Hornet’s defense in shutting down the Eagle’s vaunted run game and simply dominating an offense that had previously averaged See Hornets, page B3

Beulah returns to its winning ways, beats Dadeville 32-27

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Beulah returned to its winning ways with a hard-fought 32-27 road victory over Dadeville at Tiger Stadium Friday night.

The Bobcats drew first blood fewer than four minutes into the contest, with senior quarterback Lonzie Portis weaving outside defenders for a

four-yard touchdown and 6-0 lead with 11:20 left in the first quarter.

After back-to-back defensive stands by the Beulah defense, the Beulah offense was primed and ready to add another score. Behind his formidable offensive line, first-string running back Chris Person gashed the Tiger defense on multiple carries before Caden

Dowdell ripped off a 16-yard TD to extend their lead by two scores.

Following a dominant first quarter, Dadeville flipped the script, answering with two TDs of their own to tie the Bobcats 13-13 at halftime.

A tight third quarter set up a back-andforth fourth quarter and anxious moments for the crowd gath-

ered for Dadeville’s homecoming festivities.

With fewer than three minutes left in the game and clinging to a 26-20 lead, Beulah’s defense forced a three-andout to give its a shot to ice the game. Portis took the first snap of the drive and ran 55 yards to paydirt and the game-winning score.

See Bobcats, page B3

Photo by Jamie Hancock/Beulah Bobcat Athletics

pelika O Observer

B2 October 24, 2018

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.

Beulah Player of the Week Senior quarterback Lonzie Portis was named the Beulah Player of the Week. In Friday’s 32-27 road win over Dadeville Friday night, Portis rushed 19 times for 155 yards and three touchdowns and completed 2-of-4 passes for 34 yards and a TD.

Senior running back Brantan Barnett was named the Opelika Player of the Week. In Friday’s 59-21 victory over Stanhope Elmore, Barnett generated 153 total yards of offense and scored five touchdowns.

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

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

Beauregard Player of the Week Running back Ashton Moss was named the Beauregard Player of the Week. In Friday’s 28-13 road win over Carroll of Ozark, Moss rushed 25 times for 127 yards and a touchdown.

Player of the Week brought to you by

Zone 2 screens

1804 Thomason Dr. Opelika , AL. 36801

pelika O Observer Opelika,

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yards respectively. Tyson recovered a Stanhope fumble and returned 25 yards for a TD. Baker Rowtan added the respective PATs. Barnett, who finished with 20 carries for 140 yards, added rushing scores of four and two yards, along with a a 13-yard TD reception. Quarterback Cade Blackmon finished the night 13-of-23 passing for 208 yards and a touchdown.

The Bulldog defense recorded five sacks including two by Miles Magee and Marcus Tyson, who led with five tackles and an interception.

The way Opelika won the game is “just what the doctor ordered.” The fast start, solid defense and special teams as well as efficient offense contributed to the victory.

BENJAMIN RUSSELL, OPELIKA, STANHOPE ELMORE TIE FOR REGION TITLE Wetumpka earned the number-one seed in the playoffs after using the AHSAA tiebreakers. Opelika is the second seed, Stanhope Elmore is the third seed and Benjamin Russell is the fourth seed.

It appears that Opelika will host St. Paul, Region 1 third seed, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.

OPELIKA HOSTS VIGOR (SENIOR NIGHT) Opelika closes the regular season against 9-0 Vigor Friday night at Bulldog Stadium. The 5A Wolves arrive allowing only 38 points all season, with 16 of those points coming in a 58-16 win over LaFlore. The offense has compiled 297 points through nine games.

Following is a game-by-game breakdown of Vigor’s season: 19-6 over Blount; 45-0 over Wilcox Central; 40-3 over Satsuma; 40-6 over Jackson; 21-7 over Murphy; 52-16 over LaFlore; 41-0 over Faith Academy and 39-0 over Citronelle.

A win for Opelika insures a winning regular season record and would be the fourth win in a row heading into a open week prior to the start of the playoffs.

Vigor is a quality 5A opponent that will test the Bulldogs. The team has size and speed. Look for Opelika to continue to roll and play well in front

of the home crowd.

VOLLEYBALL Opelika’s volleyball team (11-5) continues to play well heading into the area tournament. The Lady Bulldogs defeated Smiths Station 3-0 on the road last week.

The girls hosted the area tournament last night, sweeping Russell County 3-0 to win the area tournament championship Monday night at the Sports Arena.

Four Opelika players earned AllArea Tournament team, Lauren White, Claire Worth, Mattrice Harris and Megan Noon.

Opelika Coach Robin Roberts team advances to the super-regionals in Montgomery for the first time in more than 25 years.

The team will play Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Multiplex at Crampton Bow in Montgomery.

BASKETBALL The Opelika girls and boys basketball teams started practice for the upcoming season. Coaches Devin Booth and John Wadsworth continue to lead the programs. The two coaches have walked the sidelines for more than 10 years each.

The girls are coming off a region championship, regional championship and a trip to the Final four in Birmingham. The boys are coming off a region championship and state playoff trip to the regionals.

Opelika opens Nov. 8 against Prattville at the Sports Arena, with tipoff set for 7 p.m.

SUPER 7 AT JORDAN-HARE The AHSAA Super 7 Football Championship returns to Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, December 5-7.

This will be the fifth time the AHSAA Football Championship will be held in our area. The cities of Auburn and Opelika partnered with Tuscaloosa 14 years ago in an effort to lure the event to the University of Alabama and Auburn University.

The first game features the 7A Championship Dec. 5 at 7 pm. Thursday will start with an FCA breakfast at 8 a.m. for high school coaches. The 3A championship starts at 11 a.m., 1A at 3 p.m. and 5A at 7 p.m. 4A kicks off Friday at 11 a.m., 2A at 3 p.m. and 6A at 7 p.m. Go to ahsaasuper7.com for tickets or more information.

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

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Dadeville countered with a quick score of their own, which came too late. Cutting the Beulah lead to six at 33-27, the Tigers failed to recover an onside kick attempt to seal both the loss and their chances of making the postseason.

Portis carried the offensive load for Beulah, accounting for 189

B3 October 24, 2018 yards of total offense and four TDs. Dowdell and Person combined for 29 carries for 149 yards and another score.

Dowdell carried the Bobcat defense, racking up 11 tackles.

Dylan Coleman, K.C. Moore and Blumer Blanton accounted for six, five and four tackles each, respectively.

Isaiah Glidewell maintained a healthy 43.5 yards-per-punt average and Austin Billingsley finished 2-of-4 on extra-point

attempts.

With the win, the Bobcats improved to 6-2 overall, 4-2 in region play, and have punched their ticket into the playoffs. They will host their final region opponent Pike Road this Friday, who enter at 6-3 overall, 4-2 in region play. The outcome of this game will affect final playoff seeding in November.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. C.S.T. at Bobcat Stadium. The school is located at 4848 Lee Road 270 in Valley.

Photos by Jamie Hancock/Beulah Bobcats Football

Hornets,

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more than 20 points per game.

Hornet’s running back Ashton Moss and the offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage and the

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

time of possession.

Demonstrating power and quickness, Moss ripped off 127 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.

The highlight of the game however was the impressive play of Isaiah McKissic. First, he hauled in a 55-yard TD pass from Q. Seroyer

and then on the next play stepped in front of an Eagle’s pass and took it 35 yards for the pick six - all in a matter of 14 seconds.

Beauregard is at home next week as they host Tallassee in a pivotal regional game on Oct 26 at 7 p.m.

C.S.T.

pelika O Observer

B4 October 24, 2018

11th Annual Read to Run scheduled for Oct. 27

By Arnecia Walker For the Opelika Observer Jean Dean RIF (Reading is Fundamental) and the East Alabama Medical Center are partnering together to host the 11th annual Read to Run which will be held Oct. 27th at West Ridge Park in Opelika.

“Jean Dean RIF’s purpose is to put quality, age-appropriate books into the hands and homes of at-risk

young children before they start kindergarten,” said Jean Dean RIF’s Executive Director Cathy Gafford said.

The Run to Read event is a way for Jean Dean RIF and EAMC to work together to improve health and literacy locally. Participants can run or walk and will have an opportunity to attend the parenting and wellness fair, which will include free health screenings provided by Auburn University Via College

of Medicine.

The event consists of a five and 10K run, which will begin at 8:15 a.m., and the “Sara Schwarzauer 1-Mile Walk” starting at 8:30 a.m. Families, groups and individuals are encouraged to attend.

Race day registration for participants will be available at 7 a.m. with a rate of $25 for ages five to 100 and free for children 4 years and under. Those that completed the early

registration, which concluded on Oct. 17, will be able to pick up their packet on Oct. 26 between 3-6 p.m. at the Jean Dean RIF warehouse, which is located at 1105 Fitzpatrick Ave. Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase books for the children that Jean Dean RIF serves.

Registered participants will be eligible to participate in the Halloween costume contest for a chance to win a

prize. A chance to win the top door prize as well as awards for top runners will also be provided. A limited number of Halloweenthemed event R-shirts (not included in registration fee) will be available for $10.

In addition, there will be many photo opportunities with Clifford the Big Red Dog and Auburn University’s beloved mascot Aubie and a chance to meet an Alabama author.

Donations of books

will be accepted, but will be given to other sites in need. However, donations of shoes in wearable condition are encouraged, but not required to help the fundraiser, SHOES4BOOKS, which benefits those in thirdworld countries.

For more information or to volunteer, call Gafford at 334-7509974 or email jeandeanrif@gmail.com.

West Ridge Park is located at 1600 Covington Ave.

Operation Christmas Child’s ‘National Collection Week’ coming Nov. 12-19 Special to the Opelika Observer This month, sites in the Opelika-Auburn area will be among 5,000 U.S. drop-off locations collecting shoebox gifts for children overseas during Operation Christmas Child's National Collection Week, Nov. 12-19.

Opelika families, churches and groups are busy transforming empty shoeboxes into fun gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items.

The Samaritan's Purse project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God's love to children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine. For many of these children, it will be the first gift they have ever received.

This year, Opelikaarea residents hope to collect more than 46,600 gifts to contribute to the 2018 global goal of reaching 11 million children.

"We are honored to

be linking arms with our community to help children around the world experience the true meaning of Christmas," said Regional Director Shelli Wishard, "These simple gifts show God's love to children facing difficult circumstances."

Local dropoff locations Auburn - Parkway Baptist Church located at 766 E University Drive in Auburn Nov. 12: 4 - 7 p.m.

Nov. 13: 8 - 11:30 a.m.

Nov. 14: 4 - 7 p.m.

Nov. 15: 8 - 11:30 a.m..

Nov. 16: 4 - 7 p.m.

Nov. 17: 8 - 10 a.m.

Nov. 18: noon - 3 p.m.

Nov. 19: 8 - 10 a.m.

For additional dropoff locations visit our drop-off locator at www. samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/ drop-off-locations/.

For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 770-777-9342, or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.

Participants can donate $9 per shoebox gift

online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.

Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism

organization headed by Franklin Graham.

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 157 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.

OBITUARIES Amber Coggin McLeroy 1947-2018 Amber Coggin McLeroy of Opelika, was born in Alexander City, Alabama on April 19, 1947 and passed away at Arbor Springs on October 17, 2018. She was 71 years old.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika. She worked and served on the board of The American Red Cross for more than 25 years. She had a heart for service, having worked at the Opelika Housing Authority, Sylvia Word Manor, and Timothy Manor as Property Manager.

She was preceded in death by her father, Carter Lee Earl Coggin; nephews, Rick and Jim Tankersley.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, William "Bill" McLeroy, Jr.; children, Lee McLeroy (Vickie), April Margaret Anne Rainey 1982-2018 Margaret Anne Rainey, age 36, of Auburn, passed away in Opelika, Saturday, October 13, 2018, as a result of complications from a blood clot. Meg is survived by her parents, Alexander B. and Anne Rainey; her brother and his wife, Alex Rainey (Laura); Brooke A. Myers; niece Sadie Elise Rainey; nephews Jackson Rossee Rainey and Eli Alexander Rainey; and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Meg was born on July 15, 1982, in Gainesville, Ga., and lived her entire childhood in Ellijay, Ga. After graduating from Gilmer High School, she attended Auburn University. At Auburn, she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority and graduated with B.S. Business Administration in Logistics. After graduating from Auburn, she worked in various public relations roles for the City of Auburn, including roles in the Economic Development Department, Office of the City Manager, and Parks and Recreation. After 10 years with the city she transitioned into commercial real estate with Hayley Redd Development as a Project Manager and then as a commercial closing assistant, most recently with Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. in

Doss-McLeroy (Candi); grandchildren, Justin McLeroy (Courtney Harris), Chris McLeroy; great grandchildren, Hudson and Sawyer McLeroy; mother, Gertrude Coggin; siblings, Faye Tankersley (Jimmy), Mike Coggin (Carol), Mitch Coggin (Linda); nieces and nephews, Danny, Mike, Brandi, Wade, and Margaret.

Memorial service will be held Octo.

24, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at FrederickDean Funeral Home with Reverend Mitch Coggin officiating. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to Brantwood Children's Home in Montgomery, Alabama or Toys for Tots/ FOP Lodge 21 in Opelika.

The family would like to thank the Staff at Arbor Springs and Southern Hospice for their love and support shown to us during this time.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is directing.

Auburn.

Meg was a member of the United Methodist Church and attended First Presbyterian Church of Auburn where she taught Sunday School. She volunteered her time and talents with various social and religious groups including, Alpha Xi Delta, The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama, Leadership Lee County, and Public Relations Council of Alabama. Meg was an exceptional communicator, a gifted writer, and the epitome of selflessness in her service to others. She was altruistic, always promoting and addressing the welfare of others, even before her own needs. She was funny beyond belief, and fiercely loyal to her family and friends, whom she loved until her last breath.

A memorial service was held on Oct 17, at First Presbyterian Church of Auburn at 11 a.m. A separate reception was held at First United Methodist Church of Ellijay, in Ellijay, Ga., on Oct. 18, from 4 - 6 p.m.

EDT. The family ask that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Exceptional Foundation of East Alabama, 300 N. Dean Road, Suite 5-177, Auburn, AL 36830, or First Presbyterian Church of Auburn.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

pelika O Observer NOTICE OF ADOPTION PROBATE OF COURT OF LEE COUNTY CASE NO.: 2018-B-041 TO: Corey Lewis or any other Unknown Fathers Address Unknown Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Daniel Reeder and Michelle Reeder on September 18, 2018, for the Adoption of M.C.W. born August 15, 2018 to Amanda Darlene Winslett. A hearing has been set for the 27th day of December, 2018, at 11 o’clock a.m. central time in the Probate Court of Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption, you must file a written response within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication herein, with the Clerk of said Probate Court at 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801 or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition. Done this 21st day of September, 2018. BILL ENGLISH, Probate Judge.

Legal Run 10/3, 10/10, 10/17 & 10/24/2018

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Barbara Mae Hand James, Deceased Case No. 2018-B-210 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Fran Cornelia James Murphy, as Executrix of the Estate of Barbara Mae Hand James, deceased, on the 12th day of September, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English.

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

FRAN CORNELIA JAMES MURPHY Executrix of the Estate of Barbara Mae Hand James, Deceased Legal 10/10/18, 10/17/18, 10/24/18

LEGALS

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Selonzo Centrell Jackson, Deceased Case No. 2018-B-232 TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Elisha Moore as Administratrix of the Estate of Selonzo Centrell Jackson, deceased, on the 20th day of September, 2018.

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

Elisa Moore, Administratrix of the Estate of Selonzo Centrell Jackson, Deceased Legal Run 10/10/18, 10/17/18 & 10/24/18

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF RICHARD BENNIE WORD, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2018-B-214 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of RICHARD BENNIE WORD deceased having been granted to Patricia Word Jones, on the 12th day of September 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Patricia Word Jones Legal Run 10/17, 10/24 & 10/31/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MARTHA A. RAY, Deceased Case No.: 2017-A-153 NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that Benjamin H. Parr, Administrator of the Estate of MAR-

THA A. RAY, deceased, has filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, his accounts, vouchers, and statements for a FINAL SETTLEMENT of the Administration of the Estate of MARTHA A. RAY. A hearing has been set for the 13th day of November, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in the courtroom of the Lee County Courthouse located at 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801.

Done the 10th day of October, 2018.

Bill English, Probate Judge Legal Run 10/17/18, 10/24/18 & 10/31/18

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY A. SAMFORD, 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 4th day of October, 2018, 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.

AUSTILL S. LOTT and KATHERINE S. ALFORD Co-Personal Representatives Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 10/17/18, 10/24/18, 10/31/18

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1412 Opelika Rd. Auburn Al, 36830 on 11/14/2018 at 2:00 p.m.

Mary Booker Unit# R313 640 N Ross St apt G5 Auburn, AL, 36830 Tables, decorations, books,

papers Monisha Smith Unit# D68 217 Camellia Ave Opelika AL 36801 One bedroom suite, tv, 5 boxes, wine rack Ricardo Wilkerson Unit# 246 321 1st Ave NW Lafayette, AL, 36862 Furniture and boxes Marcus May Unit# B35 1521 Fitzpatrick Ave APT 4A Opelika, AL, 36801 Household furniture Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 10/24/18 & 10/31/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; Case No.: 2018-C-002 IN THE ESTATE OF JACQUELYNE P. HORNE, DECEASED Take notice that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to HERBERT RICHARD HORNE, Jr., Personal Representative, on the 18th day of October, 2018, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of 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.

Legal Run 10/24/18, 10/31/18 & 11/07/18

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO: 2018-C-037 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of ROMULUS BERNARD SIMS, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed

B5 October 24, 2018

in the the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by SHARON PERSON SIMS on October 22, 2018, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 10/24/2018

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

1HGCD5634TA009767 1996 HONDA ACCORD 1HGEG8659RL037399 1994 HONDA CIVIC 1P3EJ46X4YN171265 - 2000 PLYMOUTH BREEZE 2G4WY55J711140484 2001 BUICK CENTURY 1B7HC13Z71J535798 2001 DODGE RAM 1500 Legal Run 10/24/18 & 10/31/2018

In the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama; Hardwood, LLC v. Spriggs, et al.; Case No.: CV-2018900551.00 NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 20th day of September, 2018, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Hardwood, LLC as Plaintiff; Sara Spriggs and Midland Funding, LLC, as Defendants, whose heirs, executors and/or administrators, registered agents, successors, and assigns are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described as

follows: Lot Number 8, Block “A” containing 1.129 acres, in Crescent Subdivision, located in Section 17, Township 18N, Range 27E, Lee County, Alabama. As shown on plat of survey prepared February 4, 1970, by Philip L. Fretwell, Land Surveyor, Ala. Reg. No. 8113, which said plat is recorded in the office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in the Plat Book 7, at Pages 204 and 205 thereof.

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Legal Run 10/3, 10/10 & 10/17/18 & 10/24/18

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF OLA J. MCKNIGHT, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALBAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 15 th day of October, 2018, 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.

DOROTHY JEAN COOPER Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 10/17, 10/24 & 10/31

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Available now.

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pelika O Observer

B6 October 24, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

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

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

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

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

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

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

• The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

• Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s

at 5 p.m. For more information, call 297-5581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org.

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

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

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

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

For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension 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 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote.

For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

• A monthly educational program on topics for autism parents, caregivers and teachers will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika from 6-7:30 p.m.

Childcare is provided, but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@ leecountyautism.com to make sure there are enough volunteers.

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

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

Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions

that typically begin about 6:30-6:45 p.m.

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

The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6–8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51.

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesdays:

• The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center.

No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

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

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

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

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum. They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights. This event is held the third Thursday of each month. Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

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

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

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

• The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art holds evening and after-school studio art classes yearround. Open to all skill levels, art supplies are included with the cost of registration. Call 334480-2008.

•Oct. 2-26 - EAMC is coordinating a community-wide hurricane relief drive for people in

North and South Carolina affected by Hurricane Florence. Supplies can be dropped off in a pod in the parking lot of the EAMC Education Center, located at 2027 Pepperell Parkway. People preferring to make a monetary donation may make checks available to the Cornerstone Foundation and put “Flood Relief” in the memo line (all donations are tax deductible). Checks can be mailed to EAMC/Attn: Lisa Ruffin/2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801. For more information, contact Chaplain Laura Eason at laura. eason@eamc.org, Lisa Ruffin at lisa.ruffin@ eamc.org.

• Oct 27 - Lee County Master Gardeners will be hosting the last fall mulch sale fundraiser; offering pine bark mulch 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Oct. 27. The location is the Lawrence Farm at 3327 Moores Mill Rd., in Auburn. (From Auburn, 1 mile east of Publix on the left.) The pine bark, purchased from a local lumber mill, is excellent for soil amendment or top-dressing.

LCMG have three pine bark mulch selections with different composting times.. The price, cash or check, is $25 per cu. yard for coarse and $35 for fine. There is a front-end loader tractor available for loading trucks or trailers. There will be Master Gardeners available to answer any questions. If Saturday is a rainy day, sale will be canceled.

Visit LeeMG.org • Oct. 27 - The Eleventh Annual RUN to Read - this year a partnership effort with East Alabama Medical Center- is scheduled for October 27.

As usual, it will benefit Jean Dean RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) in putting books into the hands and homes of at-risk young children across Alabama. We always make sure our runners/walkers have a great time and it is also our desire that their families and others have fun and learn too during the RUN. To that end, we sponsor a Parenting/ Health Fair during the RUN. We would like to invite you to participate in that effort and have an exhibit table/tent. There is no charge for your exhibit, but we need to hear back from you as soon as possible if you would like to participate.

RUN TO READ will be at West Ridge Park located at 1600 Covington Ave. in Opelika. Registration starts at 7 a.m.

•Oct. 31 - Twin City Lodge in Opelika will hold a trunk-or-treat event Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m. The venue is located at 1991 Pepperell Parkway.

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

pelika O Observer

B7 October 24, 2018

Youth target teamwork during Alfa Leadership Conference

By Marlee Moore Special to the Opelika Observer Navigating a ropes course blindfolded and led by near-virtual strangers set the stage for 81 9th and 10th-graders to lead, work together and overcome challenges at the Alfa Youth Leadership Conference.

Students representing 33 counties attended the annual conference at the 4-H Center in Columbiana, Alabama, Oct. 8-9, sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and county Federations.

Motivational speaker Rhett Laubach inspired students to rethink their perspective to overcome obstacles and be an encouraging light to those around them.

“When you decide to use your words and

Jimmy Parnell questions about Alabama agriculture — such as the state’s best farming county, regulations, profits and how to start a farm.

Parnell also encouraged students to evaluate and communicate their views with others.

“You have already proven you are a leader in your school or community,” Parnell said, who also serves as Alfa Insurance’s president.

“Keep it up. Keep working, keep making good decisions, and be willing to stand up and say what Special to the Opelika Observer you think.”

Lee County students Will Durdin and Dillon Phillips sharpened leadership skills during It is an objective the Alfa Youth Leadership Conference at the 4-H Center in Columbiana Oct. 8-9. Durdin Elanco’s Jason Wetzler attends Auburn Jr. High School, while Phillips is a student at Opelika High School. They were sponsored by the Lee County Farmers Federation. From left are the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Mike Tidwell, Durdin and Phillips.

actions to build other people up, to smile, to encourage, you’re making them feel empowered,” Laubach said. “A

challenge in front of you is not a lifetime sentence.

It’s something you can overcome. Leaders take what is in front of them

echoed during advocacy training, where students debunked misconceptions about agriculture and practiced telling their stories on video.

“Whatever your story is, it has a place in agriculture,” Wetzler said, who is a former National FFA officer. “For American ag to continue to have the impact it has — not only on your family and Americans but for people around the world — we have to tell our story to move people emotionally toward the truth.”

Attendees applied for the conference and were approved by their county federation.

and say, ‘I have to look at this differently.’”

Later in the conference, students asked Federation President

Mayor Gary Fuller signs proclamation for ‘Alpha Delta Kappa Month’ Special to the Opelika Observer Mayor Gary Fuller recently signed a proclamation for International Alpha Delta Kappa Month.

Alpha Delta Kappa is an International Organization of Women Educators celebrating 71 years of service.

The purpose of Alpha Delta Kappa is to give recognition for outstanding educators,

to build a fraternal fellowship among educators adding to their effectiveness in promoting excellence in education, to establish high standards in education and to promote educational and charitable projects and activities enriching the lives of individuals everywhere and assisting these individuals into happy, constructive and fulfilling lives. Altruistic gifts at

the International level are given to St. Jude Research Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association. State altruistic gifts are donated to Children’s of Alabama.

Local chapters donate to each of these and select various needs in their local areas to serve.

Scholarships for educators and future educators are awarded each year. The pictured educators rep-

resent 230 years of combined service in education in Alabama, with the majority of the years in Opelika City Schools.

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Daniel is originally from Montgomery, AL, and has lived in Auburn for the past 4+ years with his wife-Abbey, son-Nolan and daughter- Avery and their golden retriever Molly. He is a graduate of Auburn University with a Bach. of Education in Exercise Science and UABDoctorate of Physical Therapy.

His experience involves Hospital Inpatient/Acute Care Rehab, Outpatient Orthopedic/Sports Medicine, previous Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and is certified in Graston technique manual therapy.

Daniel loves to play golf, watch Auburn sports, and spend time with family. His interest in PT began with a significant ankle injury playing football in high school, that required extensive rehabilitation. He was able to make a full recovery with the help of his therapist at the time, and Daniel began pursuing a career in the field. I continue to enjoy helping people achieve their goals, alleviate pain, and assist them to return to activity and recreation.

Special to the Opelika Observer Pictured left to right, Nancy Weatherman, Anne Henderson, Claire Plott, Jerry Barber, Mayor Gary Fuller, Kay Spriggs, Karen Stillwell, Juanita Owsley, members of the Beta Xi chapter of Alabama Alpha Delta Kappa with a Proclamation for International Alpha Delta Kappa Month.

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Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Jortner looks to improve education system if elected Special to the Opelika Observer

Inside the Statehouse

By Steve Flowers

T

hose of us who are Baby Boomers remember the tumultuous times of the 1960s. We lived through the Civil Rights revolution.

Those of us who grew up here in the Heart of Dixie witnessed the transpiring of racial integration first hand. Most of the crusades and struggles occurred here in Alabama, especially Montgomery.

A good many of the landmark Civil Rights court decisions were handed down in the Federal Court in Montgomery. The author and renderer of these epic rulings was one, Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Johnson served as Federal Judge in the Middle District of Alabama for 24 years from 1955 through 1979.

Johnson’s judicial decisions brought death threats to him

and his family from whites opposed to integration. He was vilified by most white Alabamians at that time and became George Wallace’s favorite whipping boy.

Wallace referred to him as a “lying, scalawagging, carpetbagging integrationist.”

Frank Johnson, Jr. was born in Winston County in October, 1918. Winston County attempted to stay neutral during the Civil War. It was a Republican stronghold in an overwhelmingly Democratic Alabama.

In contrast to the Black Belt planters in South Alabama, the people who settled North Alabama were small farmers. The land they settled on was hilly and not as conducive to growing cotton.

Rather than large plantations and slaves, the fiercely independent hill country

farmers had 40 acres and a mule.

Therefore, when the winds of division between North and South began to blow in the 1850s, an obvious political difference between North and South Alabamians arose. In 1860 there were only 14 slave owners in Winston County. With the election of Abraham Lincoln, the crucial decision of secession arose. Contrary to what most presentday Alabamians think, it was not an easy unified decision that we should leave the Union.

A secession convention was held in January, 1861, in Montgomery. The vote was extremely close. The delegates split 54-46 for secession. The Black Belters from South Alabama were for creating a conSee Flowers, page B11

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of the campaign. He summarizes his campaign by pointing to Adam Jortner, a his rally fans. One side professional educator, reads, “Adam Jortner stakes his campaign for for State Board of State Board of EducaEducation.” The other tion on reducing stanside reads: “We CAN dardized testing and reduce standardized Jortner wants to bring back testing.” emphasis on vocational Jortner has made education (career tech), civics, and reducing testing a cornerstone of history that are lost due to test prep his campaign for this little-known based solely on math and reading. office. He will host a meeting with Jortner will host a meeting Oct. concerned parents Oct. 24 at 6:30 24 with Heather Milam, Democrat- p.m. to explain his campaign nd ic candidate for Secretary of State. his plans to “take back” Alabama’s He is bringing his campaign schools. The meeting will be against standardized testing home to Lee County for the final weeks See Jortner, page B11

Harris to run as a ‘write-in’ candidate against LaGrand Special to the Opelika Observer

Longtime Lee County politician John Andrew Harris is running as a write-in candidate for the Lee County Commission’s District 5 race v. fellow Democrat Richard LaGrand.

As an incumbent of the office, Harris said if elected that he plans to fully dedicate himself to ongoing improvements that the citizens of Lee County need.

Harris helped reintroduce the Industrial Development Board for Lee County, which helped repave several roads in the area that were formerly dirt.

With a background

Harris as a small business and career in education spanning more than three decades, Harris describes him as a candidate like no other regarding his work ethic and integrity.

In 1990, Harris served as Mayor ProTem for the Opelika City Council. He has also been honored and recognized by many

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organizations for his achievements, character and integrity.

He is a 2016 Barack Obama Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, contributed as Doug Jones’ campaign manager in Lee and Russell Counties and most recently was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award from the Dreamday Foundation.

Other recognitions include: • 1986 - Community Service Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha • 1995 - Outstanding and dedicated service for 16 years of service from the City Govern-

See Harris, page B11

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pelika O Observer

B10 October 24, 2018

Letter to the Editor: Vote no on Alabama Amendment 1 allowing public display of Ten Commandments Dear Editor, A referendum to authorize the display of the Ten Commandments on public property has been put on the Nov.

6 Alabama ballot at the behest of Roy Moore backer Dean Young. State legislators unwisely approved a measure to amend the Alabama Constitution to allow Ten Commandments displays in courts and public schools.

Alabamans must vote down this un-

constitutional ruse.

The U.S. Supreme Court has spoken clearly on this question, noting that Bible edicts do not belong in our public schools, which exist to educate, not to proselytize.

High courts have likewise spoken against Moore and his crusade to put

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Ten Commandments monuments inside Alabama courthouses. He’s even been removed from judicial office for trying to do so.

The First Commandment — dictating which god must be worshipped — is reason enough why the decalog does not belong on government property, since it clearly violates the First Amendment.

Instead of placing Bible verses on public property, we ought to be placing signs reminding citizens such as Young and Moore to “Honor Thy First Amendment.”

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VETERANS BREAKFAST & WWI ARMISTICE CELEBRATION

Saturday, November 10, 2018 VETERANS BREAKFAST • 8 - 9:45 a.m.

Niffers at the Tracks {917 S. Railroad Ave, Opelika} (Free to all Veterans and their families)

MAIN EVENT: VETERANS & WWI CELEBRATION • 10 a.m. • PUBLIC INVITED Courthouse Square {215 South 9th Street, Opelika} Speaker: Dr. Marty Olliff, “Armistice Day and Commemoration of the Great War” Live Entertainment: Opelika Ovations & New American Freedom Train Band

New American Freedom Train Band led by Army Veteran and Nashville recording artist Tim Maggart

Special Guest: Auburn University Southeastern Raptor Center, Golden Eagle “Aurea”

VETERANS RECEPTION • 11:30 a.m.

Museum of East Alabama {121 South 9th Street, Opelika} Military Displays & Refreshments

BRING A CHAIR OR BLANKET If it rains, the event will be moved to First Baptist Church {The 3:16 Center), 301 S. 8th Street.

For more information, call 334.705.5136.

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pelika O Observer Flowers,

Letter to the Editor: ‘Debbie Wood is the clear choice’ The election in November for District 38 is a clear choice. Debbie Hamby Wood has spent her life in the district.

A graduate of Beulah High School, she has often donated to the school and neighboring elementary school. As a parent, I appreciate this support which has benefited my children and other children.

On the other hand, I am unaware of Brian Mcgee being involved in any District 38 school until he started his campaign.

Debbie Hamby Wood owns a successful, long established small business with employees and years of satisfied customers in Valley. Decades ago, Brian McGee served our nation in the Army but I am not aware of any

from B9

federacy of southern states to protect their slave ownership and way of life. The hill farmers from North Alabama preferred to not secede. These North Alabamians voted against secession from the Union at that time.

Shortly after the secession convention, citizens of Winston County met at a local establishment, Looney’s Tavern.

These yeoman farmers of the hills were obviously reluctant to leave the Union for the cause of the planter and his slaves.

Legend has it that on July 4, 1861, the good people of Winston County decided to secede from Alabama and remain in the Union.

That is why they

Wood experience in any leadership positions that he has held in District 38.

Debbie Hamby Wood is a county commissioner, holds civic positions, and is widely known in her community. Brian Mcgee has never held a public office though he did have a failed U.S. Senate bid.

Thanks, Jeremy Crowder

are known in Alabama political history and folklore as, “The Free State of Winston.”

That same sort of independent streak was a hallmark of the Johnson family who were some of the earliest settlers of Winston County.

Judge Johnson’s father served as one of the few Republicans in the Alabama Legislature in the first half of the 20th century.

Frank Johnson Jr. studied law at the University of Alabama and graduated at the top of his law school class in 1943. He then distinguished himself as a U.S. Army officer in World War II. He was wounded at Normandy and received the Purple Heart. After the war, he settled in Winston County and began practicing law in Jasper.

B11 October 24, 2018 Although the Democratic Party dominated Southern politics, Johnson was a lifelong Winston County Republican.

Therefore, he led the 1952 Dwight Eisenhower campaign for president in the state.

After Eisenhower became president, he rewarded Johnson with a federal judgeship.

In 1955-1956, shortly after taking his seat on the bench, Johnson became involved in a formative event of the Civil Rights movement.

Rosa Parks was arrested for violating a Montgomery ordinance requiring racial segregation on the city buses.

In response, the African American community organized a boycott of the bus system and nominated Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as its leader. Johnson ruled that the Montgomery

ordinance violated the due process clause of the 14th Amendment.

The ruling was the first of many by Johnson which eliminated racial segregation in public accommodations such as parks, libraries, bus stations, and airports during the 1950s and 1960s.

Johnson’s decisions were legendary and groundbreaking. He became the central defender of Civil Rights in America from his Federal Bench in Montgomery. The Federal Courthouse in Montgomery is now named in his honor. Judge Johnson died in 1999.

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.

Lee County Voter’s League releases list of endorsements Special to the Opelika Observer Many thanks to all the media reporting on league meeting announcements, events and results.

The league’s next “Get Out the Vote” meeting will be held Nov. 5, the day before the general elections, to inform citizens of their endorsements and educate them on how to participate in the process.

The league is a non-partisan organization that endorses Democrat, Libertarian, Republican, Independent and write-in candidates.

Lee County Voters League secretary Dorothy Stringer (stringer2131@ bellsouth.net) recorded the following endorsements for next month’s Nov. 6 Alabama general elections: • Governor: Walt maddox - Democrat • Lt. Governor: Will Boyd - Democrat • United States Representative 3rd Congressional District: Mallory Hagan Democrat • Attorney General: Joseph Siegelman - Democrat • Secretary Of

State: Heather Milam - Democrat • Chief Justice Of The Supreme Court: Bob Vance, Jr. Democrat • Associate Justice Of The Supreme Court, Place No. 4: Donna Wesson Smalley - Democrat • State Auditor: Miranda Karrine Joseph - Democrat • Public Service Commission, Place No. 1: Cara Y. Mcclure - Democrat • Public Service Commission, Place No. 2: Kari Powell Democrat • Member, State Board Of Education, District No. 2: Adam Jortner - Dem-

ocrat • State Senator, District No. 13: Darrell Turner - Democrat • State Senator, District No. 27: Nancy Carlton Bendinger - Democrat • State Representative, District No. 38: Brian Mcgee Democrat • State Representative, District No. 79: Mary Wynne Kling - Democrat • State Representative, District No. 80: Christopher F. "Apostle" Davis Democrat • State Representative, District No. 82: Pebblin Walker Warren - Democrat

• State Representative, District No. 83: Jeremy "Mr. Eyg" Gray - Democrat • Lee County Judge Of Probate: No Endorsement • Lee County Sheriff: Jay Jones Republican • Member, Lee County Board Of Education, District No. 6: Larry Patterson - Democrat • Member, Lee County Board Of Education, District No. 7: Napoleon Stringer - Democrat • Member, Lee County Commission, District No. 2: No Endorsement • Member, Lee

County Commission, District No. 4: No Endorsement • Member, Lee County Commission, District No. 5: John A Harris Write-In • Lee County Coroner: No Endorsement • Member, Macon County Commission, District No. 4: Frank Dillman - Libertarian.

In closing, the league continues to experience good “growing pains,” which shepherded meetings to Bethesda Baptist Church [where Rev. Anthony Pogue is pastor] at 201 S. 4th St. in Opelika.

Mallory Hagan creates Voter Protection Committee to Safeguard Nov.6th Election Special to the Opelika Observer Mallory Hagan announced the creation of a “Voter Protection Committee” composed of lawyers, volunteers, and voting professionals who will answer questions, fight for unreasonably denied voters

Jortner,

from B9 held at the Lee County Democratic headquarters, located at 1775 Opelika Road in Auburn.

“Standardized tests are strangling our schools,” Jortner said. “Alabama has made testing the only thing that matters.

So all kids learn is how to take tests.”

Federal demands like No Child Left Behind

on election day and ensure voters’ rights are protected across the 3rd District during the Nov. 6 elections.

“The voter suppression efforts of Alabama’s past, the questionable developments across the district, and the current efforts by Geor-

gia’s Secretary of State are extremely concerning. I asked my team to help me put together a Voter Protection Committee that can help fight any efforts of voter suppression and answer questions on election day.” Hagan said last Friday.

“There is no rea-

and Common Core bear some responsibility for the massive testing in Alabama, Jortner says, but “We choose to test more than we need to.”

Instead, Jortner promises to save the state money by doing less testing and including vocational educational programs in evaluations of Alabama schools.

This idea resonates with a wide variety of people. Sarah Price, a volunteer for Jortner, recalled handing out the fans at one rural high

son that any citizen should be denied the right to vote on a technical error or lied to about their right to vote. The handling of voter registration in Georgia has been fundamentally undemocratic and stinks of voter suppression.

Ultimately, voters should be automati-

school game: “Folks from deep-red Geneva County and blue Barbour County were both excited,” Price said.

“Adam’s campaign offers a real chance to change Alabama’s schools, and he’s going to get a lot of crossover votes.”

Jortner will meet with local parents at 6:30 p.m. in Auburn, followed by a visit from Heather Milam, Democratic nominee for Alabama Secretary of State, at 7 pm.

cally registered to vote, be able to register up until election day, and be able to cast their ballot for their preferred candidate.”

“Until those goals are realized, the least we can do is ensure no voter is kept from their right by unfair burdens.”

Harris,

from B9

ment of Lee County Alabama from the Association of County Commissions • 2000 - Outstanding Leadership Service to his community from the Zuber Federation Club • 2002 - Outstanding leadership and service as a “history maker” as the first African American elected to the Opelika City Council on behalf of Ferguson Chapel CME Church

The Voter Protection Committee will be assisting in both monitoring and addressing voter suppression up to and including election day.

Interested attorneys can join the effort by reaching out to the campaign online or emailing campaign@ haganforhouse.com.

• 2004 - Alabama Council Partnership of Lee County • 2007 - Distinguished Men Award • 2008 - Get Out and Vote, Excellence in Leadership and Dedication for extraordinary service on behalf of the Lee County Democratic Party • 2014 - Top County Performers, Voter Registration Drive awards on behalf of the Alabama Voter Registration Alliance.

Harris is a father of seven adult children and an active member of St. Luke AME Church.

pelika O Observer

B12 October 24, 2018

Kreher Preserve and Nature Center to host ‘Halloween Enchanted Forest’ Oct. 25-26

By Sarah Crim Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University’s Kreher Preserve and Nature Center will hold its first "Halloween Enchanted Forest" Oct. 25-26.

The center will be teaming up with the City of Auburn Junior Theater program, Auburn College of Engineering students and Auburn University student and community volunteers to offer this non-scary, fun and educational event.

Families are invited to wear their costumes as they head out on a guidedirected exploration into the enchanted and well-lit trails. Along the way,

they will find 10 stops, where costumed actors will sing, dance or recite a poem about the animal, plant or insect that they represent including a pitcher plant, bat, beaver and praying mantis.

“We are so excited to bring this new educational Halloween event to our community. Years of thought and planning have gone into creating these fun, memory-making evenings," said Jennifer Lolley, the center's outreach administrator.

"We greatly appreciate the Louise K. and Frank A. Turner Foundation for funding our lighting and costumes. Come on out and support the preserve and enjoy a great evening with your family.”

Tickets are $5 per person with proceeds benefiting the continued programming and improvement of the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center.

To purchase tickets, visit the website at www. auburn.edu/preserve and click on "Purchase Tickets/Register." This event is not recommended for very young children who might be afraid of costumed characters.

Guests are encouraged to wear close-toed shoes and bring a flashlight.

Halloween activities including pumpkin bowling and face painting will take place under the pavilion. The night will end around a campfire with s’mores and hot cocoa

available for purchase, along with other fun activities for families.

The Kreher Preserve and Nature Center is an outreach program of the Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. The preserve has 120 acres, including six miles of marked trails, nature playground and several natural features of interest. It is open to the public free of charge every day from sunrise to sunset and located at 2222 N. College St. For questions about this event or any other of the activities at the preserve, contact Lolley via email at preserve@ auburn.edu or by phone at 334-844-8091.

Alabama should expand Medicaid

By State Sen. Gerald Dial

I was born in Delta, Alabama, and I have spent the majority of my life in Lineville, working as a teacher, a coach, and as a state senator in the Alabama Legislature. I served my country in the Alabama National Guard as a Brigadier General and have a strong sense of duty for the state of Alabama.

I know the joys and the challenges of life in rural Alabama, and I am committed to keeping our rural areas strong.

As a retiring legislator and a former chairman of the State Senate Health Committee, I can appreciate the struggles our lawmakers face in trying to fund key state services.

However, I also understand the importance of quality health care in our local communities, and I believe that by not expanding Medicaid we are missing a huge op-

Fuller,

from A4

We had tears but we also had laughter. Most importantly, we had God, and we had each other.

I believe that when a person goes through a traumatic experience in their life their brain blocks it out. I truly believe that it’s a defense mechanism that our body uses so that we can push forward and keep going. I would never compare our journey to other parents.

Our journey was a walk in the park compared to what some other less fortunate moms and dads have endured. I pray for them daily, and I mean that.

The echoes of the monitors and the stat alarms still ring in the back of my mind every now and then.

portunity to strengthen our local economies.

For years, we have used state dollars to recruit industries to locate in Alabama, and we have been very successful. We now have an opportunity to support existing health care jobs and make sure every Alabamian has access to care when they need it, and where they need it.

Investing in Medicaid expansion will keep our rural hospitals open, save hundreds of local jobs, and provide basic insurance coverage to nearly 300,000 Alabamians.

These are our friends and neighbors, hardworking Alabamians who don’t earn enough to afford health insurance. They work in our local restaurants, in our local retail shops and build our houses. Medicaid expansion would enable them to continue working while keeping their family healthy.

What happens if Alabama passes up

Those dings were so loud for the first several days and then I grew unable to even hear them anymore.

But, every now and then I will hear them.

A distant and chilling reminder of how blessed and fortunate we are to have just celebrated a year of life…at home.

Our little 3lb baby grew bigger every day in that isolette (incubator) in the NICU and so did our faith, our trust, and our hearts.

That 3lb baby is now a toddler with six teeth and an attitude that she gets honestly.

Our pediatrician has told us that she

this opportunity? More hospitals will close.

Already, six rural hospitals have closed since 2011, and 88 percent of the remaining rural facilities continue to operate but are losing money every day, providing care to thousands of un-insured individuals.

Many have had to eliminate services, cut staff and, if nothing changes, a number of them will likely have to close their doors.

And when a community loses its hospital, it also loses doctors, pharmacies, and other providers, devastating the community not only in terms of access to health care, but in job and economic losses.

I realize we don’t have all the answers on how Medicaid expansion will be funded.

But I do know that for every $1 the state invests, the federal government will return $10 to the state. That’s a good deal for Alabama and one that we can’t

afford to pass up.

And remember that federal funding comes from tax dollars that we are already sending to Washington, dollars currently funding expanded Medicaid programs in 33 other states and in Washington, D.C. Instead of sending our money out of state, let’s invest that money in Alabama’s health care industry.

We’ve got to find a way to keep our state’s health care system viable.

I urge all Alabamians to find out more about Medicaid expansion and the tremendous benefit it will have, particularly in our rural areas. I’m afraid that the cost of doing nothing is too great.

Gerald Dial represents District 13 in the Alabama State Senate, which includes all or parts of Randolph, Lee, Cleburne, Clay, Cherokee, and Chambers counties.

doesn’t like to use the term “little” so she refers to Abby as “petite.”

She may be a petite girl but her big heart, vivacious spirit, and jovial smile make her seem larger than life.

I laugh now because I find myself in a similar predicament as last year at this time. I’m trying to figure out what her Halloween costume will be. We are doing an impromptu photo shoot tomorrow. Maybe this

OPHS holds annual ‘Membership Drive’ Thursday

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Robert Noles Photojournalist Opelika businessman and native Richard Patton was the guest speaker at the Opelika Historic Preservation Society’s annual membership drive held last Thursday at the Brownfield House.

The theme of Patton’s talk was “Bring New Life to Opelika’s Historic Past,” an update to the public on developments/projects that he is leading in Opelika.

One is the renovation project on First Avenue between 7th and 8th streets. Patton started out showing some Sanborn maps from 1885 – 1949. These maps showed what businesses were in many of these locations in historic cotton warehouse district and what they looked like at that time. With the help of the architect David Hill of the Auburn-based architecture firm Hillworks, Patton said he is trying to restore this area to what many of the outside of the building looked and preserve the inside like the looked during Opelika’s early days.

Starting to purchase property dating back to 2006, his vision is to make this area walkable bike friendly, with a green space leaning toward an artistic rim which could be used for food or art work.

With the help of the City of Opelika, this area of the road on

First Avenue maybe closed between Friday afternoon and Sunday evening.

Working on this project is taken longer than Patton said he would like since he is trying to find the right renters to fill the spaces. Not all prospects qualify, for the space since he is looking for people desiring to rent long-term.

One of the new renters will be Resting Pulse Brewing Company, which will be housed in the former home of the Opelika-Auburn News.

The brewery is expected to open in February 2019.

Patton is also undertaking the construction of the “Southside Project,” a series of housing developments at Avenue D and 8th Street. Keeping with the architecture of the time of when the other houses were built, the development will consist of seven homes and 21 condos with green space included.

These will be for permanent residents and not for rent. Owners of these would be someone that enjoyed the downtown atmosphere.

The OHPS also used this event as a membership kickoff event.

Those interested in joining or learning more about the organization can visit their Facebook page or go to the website https://www. opelikahistoricpreservationsociety.com.

year will be a little bit easier. Target has a much better selection than UAB. Lucy Fuller is a lover of nature, animals, gardening, and old houses. She is a full time mother and wife. She currently resides in Opelika with her husband, FRIENDS FAMILY COWORKERS MOTHERS TEACHERS SONS two daughters, 3 DAUGHTERS NURSES GRANDPARENTS NIECES FATHERS AUN dogs, and cat. She UNCLES ALABAMA IS #1 EMPLOYERS COUSINS FAMILY can be reached at FAMILY IN THE NATION FOR NEPHEWS DOCTORS PARENTS fullalove2017@ FRIENDS PRESCRIBED OPIOIDS. FAMILY COWORKERS MOTH gmail.com.

THIS IS NOT A NATIONAL TITLE WORTH KEEPING.

GRANDPARENTS NIECES FATHERS AUNTS UNCLES EMPLOYE NEIGHBORS COUSINS NEPHEWS FIRST RESPONDERS DOCTOR PARENTS FRIENDS FAMILY COWORKERS MOTHERS TEACHER SONS DAUGHTERS NURSES GRANDPARENTS NIECES FATHE AUNTS UNCLES NEIGHBORS COUSINS NEPHEWS FIRST

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

Opelika

Family & R

B13 October 24, 2018

eligion

The call to righteousness

T

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

he Sermon on the Mount is an extended message about righteousness (an often misunderstood term).

Jesus uses the word five times in the three chapters that comprise the SOTM but in actuality the idea is in just about every verse.

The righteousness He is speaking of is what happens when God’s kingdom comes in our lives and His will is done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). It is what happens when we do the right thing for the right reason.

This righteousness is relational. It is not an add on to our relationship with God (like leather seats or an extended warranty)—it is our

perfect. It relationship. is weak at God loves times and us, saves us inconsistent and blesses on occaus by calling sions—but us to share it is still a in His righBy Bruce Green walk! And teousness. If Teaching Minister at if we walk there is no such pursuit 10th Street Church of in the light as He is in of righteous- Christ in Opelika the light ness, there is no relationship with then the blood of Jesus purifies us from God—because that’s all sin (v. 7). what He is.

What Paul has to That's why we are say in Romans 6 to "seek first His syncs well with Jesus’ kingdom and His words. He speaks of righteousness" (v.

33). John says, “If we us offering ourselves as “obedient slaves” claim to have fellowwith the result being ship with Him and righteousness (v. 16). yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live In the act of being set out the truth” (1 John free from sin, we “be1:6). If we have a come slaves to righrelationship with God, teousness” (v. 18). we walk in the light as There aren’t two He is in the light. stages where God Our walk isn’t saves us and then we

Church calendar

• Pepperell Baptist is offering a Wednesday evening ministry program from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. for preschool and elementary Children called “Wow-Worship on Wednesday.” The evening program of music, Bible messages for children, crafts, fun activities, and snack begins on Sept.

5. Registration forms are filled out on the first evening.

Contact Ryno Jones Childrens, Youth Minister, or Beth Pinyerd at 334-745-3108.

• Pepperell Baptist Church will hold a Community Trunk or Treat Oct. 31 in their church parking lot. Church members will open up their trunks and share candy and games with the children as they visit each of the decorated trunks. The event will last from 5:30 - 7 p.m. The event is open to the public and whole families are encouraged to come out for a night

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

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

of wholesome fun. For more information, contact PBC’s children’s/youth pastor Ryno Jones at 334-745-3108.

• Christian comedian Tim Hawkins will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Feb. 7. Besides comedy, Hawkins is known for his songwriting and singing abilities. For more information or ticketing options, visit www. timhawkins.brushfire.com.

•Airview Church of God will hold a community-wide car wash and yard sale this Saturday from 8 a.m. - noon.

For more information, call 334-745-7464.

• The Church at Cunningham Drive will host a community-wide singing on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. The adress is 2660 Cunningham Drive in Opelika.

Corinthians 15:10).

The Pharisees and the teachers of the law didn’t have this righteousness. Jesus makes it clear that they were talkers rather than doers (Matthew 23:3).

When they finally got around to doing the right thing, it was for the wrong reason (v.

5).

In light of this, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Jesus tells His disciples that their righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees if they want to be a part of God’s kingdom (5:20).

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness!

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

Verse of the Week

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”

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

decide out of gratitude to pursue righteousness.

There is one stage— we give our lives up to God and He brings us into relationship with Him (righteousness) and we continue to live it out in our lives.

Salvation for Israel wasn’t any different in the wilderness than it was at the Red Sea—it was all about trusting God and walking in His way.

In all of this, there’s never any earning of anything. We work out only because God works in (see Philippians 2:12-13). Paul’s on record as saying he worked diligently for God yet in the same breath he acknowledges that it wasn’t him— “but the grace of God that was with me” (1

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

Romans 13:8 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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

The Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home Gospel Train Sunday mornings from 6-10 a.m.

B14 October 24, 2018

pelika O Observer

Last week’s answers:

10-17 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Escort 2) Corner 3), Theory 4), Scrawl Solution: Chocolate

pelika O Observer

B15 October 24, 2018

COMICS

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

pelika O Observer

B16 October 24, 2018

Lee County youth represent well at livestock show during recent Lee County Fair last month

Left Column: • Hannah Grace McHugh won Lee County Supreme Champion Heifer.

Pictured left to right: County Agent Smokey Spears, Judge Stanley Windham, Cattleman Lee Rice, at Halter, Lee County 4-H’er Hannah Grace McHugh.

• Jewel Thompson won Reserve Supreme Champion Heifer. Pictured left to right: County Agent Smokey Spears, Victoria Thompson, Show Judge Stan Windham, Cattleman Lee Rice, at Halter, Lee County 4-H’er Jewel Thompson.

• Sammy Huey won Champion Steer

Pictured left to right: Show Judge Stan Windham, Lee County Cattleman President James Caldwell, at Halter, Randolph County 4-H’er Sammy Huey • Jewel Thompson won Reserve Champion Steer. Pictured left to right: Show Judge Stan Windham, Lee County Cattleman President James Caldwell, at Halter, Lee County 4-H’er Jewel Thompson Right Column: • Champion and Reserve Champion Market Lamb. Pictured left to right: Randolph County 4-H’er Clayton Cosper won Champion Market Lamb, Chamber’s Co 4-H’er Jack-

son Hill won Reserve Market Lamb, Center Show Judge Bob Britton, Auburn University • Supreme and Reserve Supreme Breeding Ewes. Pictured left to right: Randolph County 4-H’er Clayton Cosper won Champion, Lee County 4-H’er Colt McIntosh won Reserve Supreme Champion, Center- Show Judge Bob Britton • Champion Market GoatThompson sisters presents award to Lee County 4-H’er Lou Lou Thompson at halter, winner of Champion Market Goat • Reserve Champion Market Goat - Thompson girls presents

Photos special to the Opelika Observer award to Reserve Champion Market Goat shown by Lee County 4-H’er winner Claire Smith

• Supreme and Reserve Supreme Breeding Doe • Lee County 4-H’er Walton Epperson

winner of Supreme and Reserve Supreme Breeding Doe with parents Mr. & Mrs. Epperson.