Opelika Observer 10-30-19 E-edition

pelika Observer O

Vol. 12, No. 04

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

Don’t forget to set your clocks back on Nov. 3

“By local people, for local people.”

Opelika resident shares joy of fall through large yard display

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Wright’s Market receives statewide award at luncheon in Montgomery last week Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor Nearly every square inch of Joseph Sides’s front yard is covered

with fall decorations, an annual tradition that began nearly 20 years ago.

The Opelika resident started the display with one hay bale,

potted mum plant and pumpkin.

Sides adds new pieces to the display each year, which he said

World’s finest coffee and teas can be found at the recently opened Ristretto Lounge in Opelika

See Fall, page A3

The Alabama Retail Association recognized 17 retail businesses with operations in 23 Alabama cities as Alabama Retailers of the Year or Centennial Retailers last week, a list including

Opelika’s Wright’s Market.

Owner Jimmy Wright was present to receive the bronze award in the “Annual Sales of $5 to $20 million” category, with Mayor Gary Fuller, City Administrator Joey Motley, See Wright’s, page A5

Auburn matcha business Whimsy expands, opens store in downtown Opelika

By Morgan Bryce Editor Savor a sip of carefully brewed coffee or tea at Opelika’s Ristretto Lounge, which recently opened behind the Tiger Square Shopping Center at 2650 Corporate Drive.

Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, the lounge is owned and operated

by Lee-Scott Academy graduate Johan Jo. In an interview with the Observer this summer, Jo explained the origin of his lounge’s name, which possesses a double meaning.

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

“Ristretto is typically half of what a regular espresso would normally be – the same amount of coffee, but it’s a shorter extraction time, and in my opinion, it’s the sweetest

part of an espresso. And that’s what I want this place to be, a sweet experience for everyone who comes in,” Jo said.

Jo christened the lounge See Coffee , page A5

Index

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

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor Starting last fall with a food truck and a passion for matcha,

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

Whimsy co-founders Jasmine Lee and Victoria McAbee celebrated the next chapter of their young, thriving business on Monday

with the grand opening of their downtown Opelika storefront.

“Sometimes we See Whimsy, page A5

pelika O Observer.com

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

pelika O Observer

A2 Oct. 30, 2019

Downtown Opelika’s ‘Holiday Fringe sponsoring fundraiser for Keep Opelika Beautiful Open House’ returns Nov. 3 Special to the Opelika Observer

Opelika Main Street will present the annual “Downtown Holiday Open House” on Nov. 3 from noon to 5 p.m.

This year’s event will include multiple merchants and restaurants throughout the downtown area, each offering different sales and specials as part of the open house.

“The holiday season is just around the corner,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director Ken Ward.

“The open house is a great way to kick off the season and start on that shopping list.”

Holiday music will also be playing

throughout the downtown area to get shoppers and visitors into the Christmas season.

The following businesses will be open as part of the event: The Gallery on Railroad, Southern Crossing, All Aboard at Southern Crossing, Heritage Gifts and Gourmet, Wakefield Home, Whistle Stop Brew Shop, Fringe Consignment, Red Clay Brewing Company, Resting Pulse Brewing Company, Irish Bred Pub, Studio 3:19, Whimsy Beverage Bar, La Cantina and Maria Jewelers.

Holiday open house signs will also be displayed at retail shops during the event to direct visitors and

shoppers.

For more information, visit opelikamainstreet.org or follow Opelika Main Street on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Opelika Main Street: Opelika Main Street helps Opelika thrive by promoting small businesses through exciting events, projects and social media engagement. Founded in the 1980s, Main Street has helped assist in the revitalization of historic downtown Opelika through facade grants beautification projects and various community events. For more information, visit www. opelikamainstreet.org.

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Many people do not realize that shopping and purchasing items from consignment stores is an easy and effective way to practice environmental responsibility. From reducing energy consumption on the production of new clothes to water preservation to decreasing landfill waste, consumers can make a difference just by where they choose to “recycle” their clothes.

Fringe is excited to sponsor and introduce the “Keep Opelika Beautiful” custom Pura Vida bracelet. The goal is to bring awareness to Keep Opelika Beautiful and how they

that give students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and give them an experience to “get their hands dirty.”

The initial order includes 200 bracelets, priced at just $8 each.

They will be sold exclusively at Fringe Consignment.

For more information, call 334-7056727. The shop is located at 125 S. 8th St. in downtown Opelika.

benefit Opelika. The bracelet was specially designed to promote Opelika with the wellknown black and red colors.

Fringe has donated the bracelets so that when a customer makes a purchase, 100% of the sale goes directly to Keep Opelika Beautiful.

KOB Director Tipi Miller said she plans to enhance the school gardens in Opelika

Subscribe to the Opelika Observer Today!

Name: Address: City:

State:

ZIP:

Phone number: Email address: Payment Type (circle one): Check / Credit Card Visa or Master Card # Exp. Date:

/

Security Code:

Amount Paid:

• $32 for 1 year (inside Lee County) $42 for 1 year (outside of Lee County) •

Return to: Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th St. / Opelika, AL 36801 Please do not send cash through the mail.

pelika Observer

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

O

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

334-528-6191

www.eamcfoundation.org

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

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

pelika O Observer

A3 Oct. 30, 2019

The Steak Factory on Frederick Road now reopen for business

By Morgan Bryce Editor After more than a year of being closed for repairs and renovations, The Steak Factory on Frederick Road has reopened and is ready for business, according to owner Anthony Cleaves.

On Sept. 27, 2018, a female driver experienced medical complications and passed out at the steering wheel, approaching the building at 75 mph without braking.

“I had just finished an order for my customer and was in my office when she came on through, just a few feet away from me. I lost years of tax records, pictures and important documents ... but most importantly, about $80,000 worth of equip-

ment,” Cleaves said.

“Thankfully though, it was just the walls that got damaged ... there was little to no structural damage.”

The last 11 months saw Cleaves balance working toward the re-opening of The Steak Factory, managing his online sausage and seasoning business as well as catering. He officially reopened his 1413 Frederick Road storefront at the end of September, resuming his regular hours of 9:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

“People are still trickling in, and I just gotta win them back that now we’ve reopened,” Cleaves said.

Cleaves hails from Lee County. He is a 1983 Beauregard High School graduate and has

Photo by Churmell Mitchell/Game Changer Photography

bachelor’s degrees in marketing and transportation management from Auburn University.

While in college, Cleaves worked in grocery stores to help fund his education. He briefly worked in the trucking industry before returning to the grocery industry as a manager at stores

around the Chattahoochee Valley area.

Noting the profitability of meat departments within grocery stores, Cleaves decided to open his own business in 2005. He would own and operate “The Meat Store” for the next seven years from his Second Avenue location before

closing down in 2012.

After several more stints in the food and grocery industry during the next four years, Cleaves saw a blueprint for how a steak-rib centric business could succeed, setting the opening of The Steak Factory into motion.

“In the meat department of most grocery stores, ribs and steaks are your main revenue producers. I knew if I narrowed down my selection and focused on steaks and ribs that I could make it work,” Cleaves said.

Since opening The Steak Factory in 2016, Cleaves said he has built a devout following. He said the two most satisfying aspects of running the business are the opportunities he has to build lasting relationships with

customers and provide them with some of the freshest cut meats in the area.

“The meat I source is the same as what you would find (in major retail grocery stores), but I can cut you exactly what you want, and there’s really no wait time. I can generally cut and get your order ready right on the spot,” Cleaves said.

“If you value freshness and specific cuts, then come to The Steak Factory. I’m also there for my customers if they have any wants or needs.”

In the next three years, Cleaves hinted that he has plans to relocate The Steak Factory to downtown Opelika.

For more information, call 334-734-0144 or like and follow The Steak Factory’s Facebook page.

Capell & Howard attorney Jerusha T. Adams appointed magistrate judge; welcomes W. Jackson Britton to the firm Special to the Opelika Observer Jerusha T. Adams, a shareholder at Capell & Howard P.C., has been selected by the Judges of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama as a full-time magistrate judge.

“The firm is very pleased to congratulate Jerusha on her selection as a magistrate judge for the United States District Court, Middle District of Alabama. Although Jerusha’s time with Capell & Howard has been short, we have watched her accomplish great things in her professional career and in the local community. While we are sad to lose Jerusha as a member of the firm, we are

Fall, from A1 he believes one of, if not the biggest, in Lee County.

“When people ask me why I do this, I tell them that if I get one wow, it’s all worth it.

It’s worth my time,” Sides said.

Sides purchases several Atlantic Giant pumpkins and other items for his display from a farm he visits in Tennessee each September.

When Sides returns, he begins the set-up process, which takes several days. He constructed nearly all of the wooden structures himself, including the outhouse, which is a crowd-favorite attraction. Other unique features are the abundance of Auburn University signs and a deer pulling a scarecrow-driven wagon laden with hay and small pumpkins.

Last year marked the first time that Sides has not put up the display,

thrilled to see her take on this new position, and we look forward with pride to her service in the federal judiciary. We know that she will do great things,” said Managing Partner Courtney Williams.

Before joining Capell & Howard, Adams worked as an assistant United States attorney and as senior litigation counsel for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama in both the civil and criminal divisions.

She served as staff attorney for Circuit Judge Joel F. Dubina of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, career law clerk for Chief United States District Judge W. Keith Watkins for the United States District Court

for the Middle District of Alabama, law clerk for former United States District Judge Mark E. Fuller for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama and law clerk for retired United States Magistrate Judge Vanzetta P. McPherson for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama.

Adams graduated cum laude from Western Michigan University and received her juris doctorate from Emory University.

The firm is also pleased to welcome W. Jackson Britton. Britton graduated magna cum laude from The University of Alabama in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in communications and received his

because he was helping take care of his wife after her shoulder-replacement procedure.

While costs may continue to increase, Sides said he plans to continue setting up the display in the future as long as his physical health allows.

“A lot of the kids that first started coming here are teenagers now … so hopefully one day when they have kids,

they can pass the tradition down (to another generation),” Sides said.

Sides’s home is located at 1103 Tatum Ave., and guests are welcomed to explore the display and take pictures day or night.

There is no charge for admission. The display will remain open until the Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29).

Looking Ahead.

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

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

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

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

juris doctorate from The University of Alabama School of Law in 2019.

Britton’s practice includes primarily civil litigation and covers various areas of law.

While in law school, Britton was a senior editor for the Alabama Law Review and served as senator in the Student Bar Association. He also served the Honor Council as student ombudsman.

He is a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church Montgomery.

In his spare time, Britton likes to spend time at Lake Martin with his rescue dog, Judge.

Since 1947, the attorneys of Capell & Howard, P.C. have been providing clients professional expertise

Adams coupled with an abiding commitment to client service. As a full-service provider of legal advice and representation, its attorneys have been recognized across a wide range of practice areas. The firm also has served for many years as the sole Alabama representative in SCG Legal, an international association of law firms with offices in the capital

Britton city of each state and many financial centers around the world.

Based in Montgomery with an office in the Auburn-Opelika area, the firm’s central location allows for efficient representation throughout the state.

In addition to its in-state client base, the firm serves as Alabama counsel for regional, national and international companies.

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

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

pelika O Opinion

A4 Oct. 30, 2019

A

Handshake

seated dinner.

A conference center. I finish making a speech. I walk off stage and dodge a few airborne rotten vegetables on my way to the lobby. Which is where I meet him.

He could pass for one of my uncles. White beard, tweed jacket, big smile. He shakes my hand and holds it tight.

Firm. But, not ridiculously hard.

Some guys will shake your hand firm enough to crush it. There used to be a guy in our church who would shake hands so hard you could hear the bones in your knuckles break. Whenever I saw him coming, I would run and hide behind a qualified church organist for protection.

But, there was no escaping church handshakes. Eventually, I would have to shake his hand. So, I would always shake it firm and look him in the eye.

Because that’s just how guys are.

Which raises a very important point that has nothing to do with this column. Most women don’t understand how hard it is being male.

Men are expected to adhere to all sorts of gender-specific behav-

R

oy Blount, Jr. (the funniest man alive) in Roy Blount’s Book of Southern Humor (the funniest book ever put together) tells a story he got from Loyal Jones. (Stealing is okay as long as you give credit to the one you stole it from, which, you will note, is what I am doing right here). It goes something like this – actually, it goes exactly like this - I am copying it word for word.

A woman moved from Kentucky to Dayton, Ohio. One day, a fire started in her house, and she called the fire department.

“Hello, I’ve got a fire out here in my house.”

“Okay, where is it?”

By Sean Dietrich iors that make no sense.

Shaking hands with a death-grip is only one of those things. Putting the toilet seat down is another.

The toilet-seat issue is a hot-button topic for married people. Women tell their husbands to put the seat down. But men keep forgetting and leaving it up every time they’re finished (ahem) shaking the dew off the lily.

World wars have been fought over this issue.

Monarchies have fallen.

But I want to set the record straight.

Ladies, if your male counterpart keeps leaving the toilet seat up, you ought to be glad. Because I have good news: This means he cares.

Any man who lifts the seat before using the toilet is being considerate. If he didn’t love you, he would leave it down. Lifting the seat means that your male has been raised right.

And more importantly, it means that he knows

what would happen if he didn’t lift the seat.

You (the lady) would see a defiled toilet seat - then, you’d be so horrified that you’d file for divorce and move in with your sister in Prattville who drives you nuts, which would cause you to feel listless and disconnected, and you would take up heavy drinking, thereby spiraling downward until you started hanging out in dimly lit bars that play honky-tonk songs like, “Lookin’ For Love In All The Wrong Places.”

There, some hopeless bar fly would ask you to dance. A guy who doesn’t comb his hair; a guy who has NASCAR tattoos on his neck; a guy who has not had stable employment for 40 years and still lets his mother do his laundry.

You would marry this man because of alcohol and because you sort of miss doing laundry.

And after your wedding, you would discover that this man does not lift the toilet seat like your ex-husband did. In fact, this man has worse toilet-bowl-aim than a sawed-off shotgun. So, you will have to hitchhike to Canada to start a new life.

See Dietrich, page A6

D

Be Careful

ear Wendy, I’m writing this to you as a 52-year-old woman.

I know – that’s old.

You’re only 14, and being middle-aged is beyond your comprehension. But an older, hopefully wiser, self needs to talk to you.

While you read this, it’s the fall of 1981, and you just turned 14 years old. You’re rocking that big hair and those jelly shoes, girl! There have been a lot of changes, haven’t there? You’re a freshman in high school, and it’s a little scary, right? Big school, tough teachers, new friends. Lots of changes. There are so many things I could tell you. But, for now, we need to talk about this past summer. It was a busy one, wasn’t it? I remember how much you looked forward to that trip to Virginia.

Having a brother who lives 12 hours away is rough. I know how much you miss him.

But those trips to the mountains are the best part of summer, aren’t they?

That big Victorian house with the wraparound porch sits right at the base of the Blue

By Wendy Hodge

Ridge Mountains.

There’s a hammock out back with a view of the foothills. It’s the perfect spot to read all day and listen to the mountains breathe.

It’s fun being an aunt already, isn’t it? Anna is like a baby doll brought to life, walking around in her little white dress and cowboy boots. The library is a couple of blocks away, and during Anna’s afternoon nap that first day, you spent a lovely hour there.

You walked back to that big old house with your arms full of wellworn hardbacks whose covers reached out to you and begged you to “pick me!”

The adults laughed, thinking there was no way you could read all those. But you did.

You read all about the Salem witch trials, pouring through one book after the other. You also read your very first James Michener novel –

‘Hawaii.’ And, if I’m not mistaken, there was a Harlequin romance novel thrown in there for good measure.

It wasn’t just family in the house that summer, though, was it?

An 18-year-old college student named Terry was spending the summer there as well. He was studying to be a preacher, just like your brother.

He was blond-haired and blue-eyed, and you had a bit of a crush on him. I remember that very well. I don’t blame you. He was a cutie.

There was also a group of bikers who needed a place to stay for a couple of nights.

Their Harleys were loud, and they wore leather that smelled funny. One had a long beard and a purple bandana knotted through his belt loop. You felt a tiny bit of fear when they sat with you at the dinner table, didn’t you?

But they were kind and polite, and all seemed well.

We need to talk about that afternoon, about half way through the summer.

See Hodge, page A6

I ain’t making this up “It’s in the kitchen.”

“I mean, how do we get to it?”

“Well, you come in off the back porch or through the living room, either one.”

“No, I mean, how do we get from here where we are to you out where you are?”

“Ain’t you got one of them big red trucks?”

Now, if you told this story to someone who was either under the age of 10 or was from, say, New Jersey, they might ask, with a straight face, “did that really happen”? To which all you can do is answer “yes” because telling anyone who would ask such a question that it doesn’t really matter if it did or

didn’t happen would take the edge off the whole story, and in Southern humor, the edge is pretty important where it is.

Or you could reply, “It might have,” which would leave them to ponder the circumstances under which such a conversation could have occurred and to conclude, ultimately, that you were lying.

But not only might something like this have happened, the other day it did.

To me.

Let me explain.

Our phone was full of static, so my wife called the phone company and talked to a computer that asked a lot of questions, then told her they would

By Hardy Jackson fix it by Thursday.

Thursday came and the phone was still full of static.

She called again and talked to a computer that asked a lot of questions, and it told her that a technician would come out on Saturday.

On Saturday, no technician appeared.

Now, my wife was not happy. She wanted the phone fixed. But she was not about to call that

computer again and answer the same questions, and then sit and wait for a technician not to arrive.

So she told me it was my turn.

And being a dutiful husband, on Monday I called the phone company and talked to a computer that asked a lot of questions, then told me they would have it fixed by Tuesday.

And I hung up.

Then it hit me. I am at the mercy of a machine. I call the phone company, a computer answers, it asks me questions, I reply, then it tells me what will happen and I settle down to wait.

The computer has me programmed.

It was then that a voice

within me said, “fight back.”

And I did.

I called the phone company.

The computer came on the line and began asking questions.

And I didn’t answer.

Phone company computer: “What is the nature of your problem?”

Me: Silence.

Phone company computer: “I did not understand your answer.”

Me: Silence.

Phone company computer: “Would you speak more slowly.”

Me: Silence.

This went on for a few minutes. I could tell the computer was getting See Jackson, page A6

Opelika is for sale - the one in Texas, that is!

O

pelika, Texas is about an hour south of Dallas, in Henderson County.

First called “Wanda,” it was renamed by a settler from, you guessed it, Opelika, Alabama.

In 1914, it had its own post office, a poultry breeder, a cotton gin, a fruit-growers group and a general store.

Population reached a high of 50 after World War II and highway maps, circa mid-1930s, indicated a church, a school, but just one business. By the mid-1980s, maps pointed to a church and a cemetery.

Why does this matter to us in Opelika in 2019? Here’s why: Opelika, Texas was

By Greg Markley

never a large town, but had one industry (from a nearby oilfield.) When that collapsed, Opelika, Texas became a ghost town. The Texas State Historical Association, of which I am a member, raises money by selling city and town property, unofficially. When contributors (or suckers?) like me pay $25, we receive a “Certificate of Purchase.” I looked up Opelika and Auburn, for

tidbits about cities that share a name. But first: a definition of “ghost town.”

“A ghost town or alternatively deserted city is an abandoned village, town or city, usually that contains substantial visible remains,” wrote historian T. Lindsay Baker in “More Ghost Towns of Texas.” Changes do not only happen because of economic fallbacks, but “due to natural or human-caused disasters such as floods, droughts, government actions, lawlessness, war, pollution or nuclear disasters.”

Here’s the happy news: Opelika, Alabama, despite periodic tough times, is still here

and certainly not a ghost town. Instead, it is a host town which has adapted quite well and has five times the population it had in 1930, when the land that became Opelika, Texas began its demise.

Opelika had approximately 30,000 residents as of 2018. In 1930, the census recorded just 6,000.

Our “host” city features a major shopping center (Tiger Town); large manufacturing industries such as Mando American (with between 500 and 1,000 employees); and medical companies like Baxter Healthcare. Opelika is, or has been, a host city as well to Ben-

nie Adkins, Medal of Honor recipient; Mallory Hagan, Miss America 2013; Will Herring, NFL player for the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints and Fob James, governor of Alabama (1979 to 1983; 1995 to 1999).

On Auburn: Many people have not heard of any of the 11 cities and two towns in the U.S. that are called “Auburn.”

Note that the distinction between a town and a city is tenuous. For example, one Texas town has a higher population than some of the cities.

Nevertheless, MerriamWebster says a town is “a compactly settled area usually larger than a village.”

Merriam adds: “A city is an inhabited place of greater size, population and importance than a town or village.”

Ever wonder if Auburn, Alabama is the most populous city by that name? With the increased student enrollment at the university, we are a slam dunk, right? What about the percentage of population growth? What can stop Auburn, Alabama with all the building going on and new businesses sprouting?

The first winner is Auburn, Washington, with 82,000 people.

Auburn, Alabama is second with a 65,000 See Markley, page A6

pelika O Observer

A5 Oct. 30, 2019

Opelika Chamber celebrates ‘Women in Aviation’

Mayor Gary Fuller speaks to Opelika Kiwanis Club

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Kimberly Foster Wade, former director of operations for the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, was the keynote speaker commemorating Women in Aviation. Hosted by the Opelika Chamber’s Women’s Business Council, the luncheon was held at the Auburn University Regional Airport on Oct. 18 and was a part of Auburn University’s Girls in Aviation Event. More than 60 ladies, including some women in the Aviation programs at Auburn University, were in attendance.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller was the speaker during last week’s Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting. Pictured left are club member Eddie Smith, Fuller and Club President Rickey Elliott.

Opelika’s Lions and Rotary clubs hold meetings Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Shelly Tufts, co-founder of Exodus Ranch, was a recent guest of the Opelika Lions Club. Founded and incorporated in 2012, Exodus Ranch works to provide up to 14 children at a time with not only a home, but also an extended family who loves and cares for them. Volunteers and contributions to the Exodus Ranch are encouraged and welcome.

Tufts was introduced by Lion President Doug Hicks.

Coffee, from A1 with a soft-opening celebration on Oct. 19, with guests mostly consisting of his family and friends.

While Ristretto’s menu may be simple and include caffeinated standards like cappuccinos and lattes, there are some nuances.

Their methods of coffee-making include batch and dutch brew, espresso, siphoning (which utilizes infrared heating elements) and hand-drip for customers to obtain a first-hand look at their drink being made from start to finish.

For tea, Jo will employ the pour-steep, rinsesteep and traditional Chinese “Gongfu” teamaking methods. Matcha is a major part of the tea menu.

Intelligentsia and T2 Teas are Ristretto’s main coffee and tea distributors. Jo said there will be an emphasis placed on serving single-origin

Wright’s, from A1 City Attorney Guy Gunter and Opelika Police Department Chief John McEachern representing the city. Opelika Chamber of Commerce President Pam PowersSmith nominated the grocery store for this award.

Other winners in this category were gold award winner Leaf and Petal, a home and gardening center with four locations in the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area and silver award winner David Dawoud, owner, operator and president of nine

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Rylan Delap, current president of the Alabama division for U.S. Fencing and owner of the Auburn Fencing Club, spoke to the Opelika Rotary Club. He is also the newly elected Chairman of the Southeast for the U.S. Fencing Coaches Association. Rylan is one of the highest rated referee officials for United States Fencing and officiates internationally as well. He is one of the few Certified Referee Instructors (CRI) for U.S. Fencing and is able to certify new U.S. Fencing referees.

coffee, which is raised and produced by farmers around the world.

“I want to promote more of the farmer side of the coffee, because they put a lot of work into their craft. We trade directly with them to serve coffee here,” Jo said. “There’s not any third-party people that we go through at all, so that’s why I’m fully confident in serving Intelligentsia right now.”

Next week, Jo said Ristretto patrons will be able to purchase baked goods and pastries during their visit, which will be made by the fusing together of French and Japanese baking philosophies.

Fruit trees ranging from apples and cherries to figs and persimmons have been planted outside the lounge. Once they begin bearing fruit, Jo said customers will be welcome to pick and eat what they want free of charge.

Ristretto’s floor plan is open and airy, part of Jo’s vision for the lounge to be a space where people can share ideas and create.

On the ground level is adequate chair-and-table seating options, along with a conference room that can be reserved for group presentations or studying. Upstairs offers more seating options and clear glass partition for patrons to view the happenings below. There is also an outdoor seating area equipped with benches for people to sit and soak in nature, which may also be used for concerts and live music in the future.

“I don’t want people to come here and think, ‘oh, it’s a coffee shop.’

They can come here, and do whatever they want here,” Jo said. “We’re thinking about hosting yoga and fitness classes outside and cinematography and photography workshops upstairs.

People will be able to collaborate on ideas and motivate each other and be hands on with their content.”

For more information, like and follow Ristretto’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Domino’s Pizza locations in the Vestavia Hills area.

Other award categories included “Annual Sales More Than $20 Million,” “Annual Sales $1 Million To $5 Million,” “Annual Sales Less Than $1 Million,” Centennial Retailers and Customer’s Choice.

Together, these businesses employ 791 people at 51 locations in Alabama.

More than 70 nominations were submitted for the 2019 Retailer of the Year awards.

These are the winners. The presentations were made in Birmingham during the 2019 Retail Day luncheon.

This marked the 20th presentation of

the Retailer of the Year Awards since 1999 and the 15th Alabama Centennial Retailer awards presented since 2002.

Gov. Kay Ivey served as this year’s keynote speaker.

“It is an honor to be able to recognize such an outstanding group of retailers.

Each retailer honored is a credit to their community and the retail industry,” said Alabama Retail Association president Rick Brown.

For more information about Wright’s Market, like and follow the grocery store’s Facebook page or visit www.wrightsmarkets.com. The business is located at 603 Pleasant Drive.

Whimsy, from A1 get down when things aren’t going the way we hoped they would or the projections we had aren’t coming into fruition. But, then we stop and look at each other and remind ourselves that we’ve only been open a little more than a year and that it’s truly remarkable that we’ve made it this far being completely self-funded and making (financially) what you’d expect to right out of college,” McAbee said.

Located in the former home of Cheese Please at 109 S. 8th St., Whimsy’s smaller space will facilitate a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere with tableside service and co-working feel, which will appeal to both younger and older generations, according to McAbee.

Whimsy’s story began when the two women met at a tailgate preceding the 2013 Iron Bowl on Auburn University’s campus.

“I knew when I met that girl that we were going to be good, if not great, friends,” McAbee remembered. A bond quickly formed between

them, and they soon became best friends.

Both Lee and McAbee are passionate about health and wellness, which led to conversations of starting a business catered to those ideals last May, and Whimsy was born.

Whimsy made its food-truck debut on Auburn’s campus on Sept.

21, 2018.

While their original focus was coffee, McAbee said matcha grew to become their numberone selling product.

Later that fall, they added a wholesale business called “Whimsy Matcha,” which imports ceremonial-grade matcha from Japan. That particular branch of the business has boomed and sells to boutiques, restaurants and retailers across the country.

As winter approached, McAbee said she and Lee realized the need for a storefront and began looking for the perfect space.

Earlier this year, the two settled on downtown Opelika, a location that McAbee said will help expand their clientele base and inform even more people about the benefits of drinking matcha, which science shows can affect positive change for people’s physical and

mental health.

“Our mission since day one has been to educate. We knew that it would require a lot of education on our end, and it’s a lot of repetition every single day, but we don’t get tired of it, because that’s another person drinking it, and hopefully enjoying those health benefits,” McAbee said.

The menu consists mainly of matcha drinks, which will include the standard lattes, but some other, lesser-known combinations that “people are sure to enjoy,” McAbee said. Coffee will also be served as well as wine in the coming weeks.

One baked good item that McAbee discussed was a matcha-baked donut with a lemon zest glaze produced by the local baking company “Sweetly Sifted.” Most, if not all, of their baked goods will be glutenfree and vegan friendly.

Whimsy’s tenative schedule during its first two weeks of operation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Check their social media pages for updates.

For more information, visit www.drinkwhimsy.com.

pelika O Opinion

A6 Oct. 30, 2019

MAX names Auburn resident Martin Head chief executive officer and president Special to the Opelika Observer The MAX Board of Directors named Auburn resident Martin Head president and CEO of MAX Credit Union effective on Oct. 15. Head was previously the chief lending officer for MAX. Head replaces Greg McClellan, who retired after 34 years June 7.

“I am pleased to welcome Martin as our new CEO. Martin is a strategic leader with a vision for our present and future and has demonstrated the skills needed to continue MAX’s transition into 21st century banking. With more than 31 years of consumer

Dietrich, from A4 This is why good men leave the toilet seat up.

I’ve gotten a little off track here.

So, my new friend and I shake hands. He introduces himself. I introduce myself. He eyes my belt buckle. He asks about it.

“What’s the story behind your belt?” he says.

My buckle has “Coors” engraved on it. The buckle is big— about the same size of the unabridged edition of “Gone With The Wind.” I wear it every day.

The story is: My father used to love Coors Banquet Beer. Back then, Coors was a big deal. Guys his age used to make all-night drives to buy entire crates of Coors because you couldn’t just buy it at any old place.

After my father took his own life, we scattered his ashes in Colorado on a mountain he loved. My life went on.

I quit talking about him, quit thinking about him

Hodge, from A4 You’ve never talked about it much. But, now is the time. The house was empty. Everyone had somewhere to be except you. After spending half the day in that hammock re-reading “The Salem Witch Trials,” you got hungry and wandered through the back door to the kitchen. I don’t remember what you ate, but I do remember being startled when you realized there was someone else in the house.

Terry was there. You felt shy being alone with him. Shy but not uneasy. Not at first. But the way he was looking

and business banking experience at Amsouth Bank, Aliant Bank and MAX, Martin has shown his ability to lead change, drive results and innovate in a changing banking environment,” said MAX Board Chair Keivan Deravi.

“I want to thank our CEO Search Committee for conducting a thorough process that was comprehensive in its diligence and reach.

The committee focused on top industry talent, and in Martin, we are confident that we have identified the best leader to take MAX forward,” said Board Vice-Chair and CEO Search Committee Chair, Barbara

Starr.

“It is truly an honor to be given the opportunity to lead an exceptional financial institution like MAX Credit Union. To carry on the work of all of those before me gives me great pleasure as we continue to be a vital part of our communities. I plan to work diligently with our Board, Management Team, employees and our communities to ensure MAX’s reputation for value, community and integrity remains the same,” Head said.

Head serves on multiple community and civic boards and is a graduate of Auburn University and the LSU School of Bank-

and I didn’t visit him.

Not until I was a grown man.

About thirty minutes after I visited his mountain grave, I went to a farmer’s market below the mountain. I found an old woman selling flea market junk beneath a tent. She had a fifty-dollar Coors buckle for sale, and I almost lost my composure.

“You’re not from around here, are ya?” said the lady.

“No,” I said. “Florida.”

“Long way from home.”

“Yeah.”

“See anything you like?”

“Yeah. How much for the buckle?”

“Make me an offer.”

“Thirty bucks.”

She smiled. “How about five?”

“Why so cheap?”

“You look like you really want it.”

I gave her the money.

I attached it to my belt.

She said, “You must really like Coors, huh?”

“No,” I said. “But I knew a man who did.”

And I’ve been wear-

ing it ever since.

I tell this story to my new friend. He nods.

He says, “I just knew there was a story.”

Then, he shows me his own buckle. It has a pelican engraved on it. It’s magnificent.

He has a story, too.

Before he tells it, he bites his lip and says, “It was my son’s…”

He pauses, then adds, “He died the same way your daddy did.”

Silence.

We are two men.

Two men in a lobby who understand each other. We are strangers, but not really. We both miss someone. So we shake hands again.

This time we shake so hard you can hear our bones crunch.

Because that’s just how guys are.

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

at you was different. He reached out and took your hand, and it sent a shock through you. That unexpected touch. And then you were upstairs. I don’t remember getting there, but you found yourself in Anna’s room.

The room with the pink walls. For the rest of your life, you’re not going to like the color pink.

This next part is blurry, and I think that’s because our brains protect us from the things we don’t need to remember too clearly. His hands were on you in a way they never should have been.

He whispered things in your ear you didn’t understand. And there was pain, quick and sharp.

And when Terry stood up and left that room, he looked back at you and

said, “Be careful.”

For the 30-plus days that remained of the summer, you were still there in that house in the mountains, but it felt like you were watching yourself, didn’t it? Like Terry had taken you away from yourself. And that’s exactly what he did. Every time you opened your mouth to say something to anyone about that terrible thing you’d been through, about how confused and hurt and ashamed and embarrassed you were, you could hear Terry saying “Be careful.” And you were silent.

I don’t blame you for that. It’s taken me decades to let the words cross my lips. And when I did finally say it, it was my best friend I trusted with those words. He passed no

ing.

About MAX MAX is a leading, locally owned financial institution in Alabama, with more than $1.4 billion in assets.

Serving their communities for more than 64 years, MAX provides a full suite of consumer and business financial products, including checking, savings, loans, wealth management, insurance, mortgages and online and mobile banking. MAX has 18 branch locations across its Alabama footprint and more than 30,000 surcharge free ATMs. With approximately 323 team members, MAX is committed to providing exceptional

Jackson, from A4 frustrated.

It is pretty hard on a voice-activated machine when there is no voice to activate it.

Then, as if by magic, a real person came on the line, a lovely lady in Kentucky.

I explained the static and that a technician was supposed to have come on Saturday but didn’t. Then I asked, polite as could be, “could you give me the number of the technical center in my area so I can talk

Markley, from A4 population and Auburn, New York takes third with 26,500 residents.

Regarding population growth, Touchdown Auburn! With a 23% growth rate, the Lee County city wins. Auburn, Michigan came in a respectable 19% population growth, while Auburn, Washjudgment on me. He only held me and said how very sorry he was that not everyone knew how to be a decent human being.

And he let me cry and talk and cry some more.

You got a letter that summer from your sister, Carol. Remember it? You had written to her, and she must have sensed something was not quite right because her response contained this line: “You are stronger than you know, Wendy.” How I wish I could talk to her now.

I still have that letter. And in a few days, you will be going with your best friend and his daughter to get a tattoo.

Your best friend wants a fish hook on his ankle; his daughter wants her mom’s birth date on her side in Roman numerals; and I

Head customer service and value. Please visit

www.myMAX.com for more information.

with someone, close by, who can send someone out to fix my phone?”

Phone company lady: “There is no one in your area you can talk with.”

Me: “Isn’t there someone down here that sends out the technicians?”

Phone company lady: “No, I send the work order to the technicians.”

Me: “Then will you please tell the technician who is supposed to fix my phone to call me if they are not able to keep the appointment.”

Phone company lady: “The technicians have no way to call you.”

And today, some-

where in the files of one of our great public utilities, among the conversations we are told were being “recorded for quality assurance and control” is my voice saying: “No way to call me?

Don’t they have one of them little telephoney things?”

The next day, a technician appeared and when he left, he took the static with him.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is professor emeritus of history at Jacksonville State University.

He can be reached at hjackson@cableone. net.

ington experienced a very good 17% population growth. (All are 2018 figures, except for Auburn, Michigan, which comes from 2013 data.)

When I moved to Opelika in 1996, it was trying to shrug off its unpopular label of being a “Railroad Town.”

Now, it calls itself “Rich in Heritage with a Vision for the Future” - that’s more positive.

Auburn was pejorative-

ly being called a “Cow Town.” Now, it is growing like crazy, yet retains the beloved old motto of “The Loveliest Village on the Plains.”

Folks, stay tuned: there is more to come.

Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 18 of the past 23 years.

An award-winning journalist, he has master’s degrees in education and history. He has taught as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama.

will have that line, in my sister’s handwriting, on my right wrist. So I can see it always.

So now I am writing this to you, my 14-yearold self, because I wish that you could know you did nothing wrong.

You did not cause what happened inside those pink walls at the foot of the mountains. You are no more a witch who can conjure up circumstances than those poor girls who were burned at the stake in Salem so long ago.

Having a crush on someone does not make you responsible for how they behave.

You were a 13-year-old child. And you will carry that day with you forever.

But. You will grow and love and be loved, and

that one afternoon will only be a tiny part of who you are. You will meet a man who will be the best friend you’ve ever had.

And when he tells you to be careful, it is because he cares so much and wants only good things for you.

Be patient and wait for him.

He’s worth it.

Editor’s Note: Names used in this column have been changed to protect their privacy.

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

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

• Nov. 3 - Downtown Holiday Open House in downtown Opelika • Nov. 9 - Auburn CHILI Fest • Nov. 9 - An Evening with John Paul White at Standard Deluxe • Nov. 11 - Cities of Auburn, Opelika’s Veterans Day Services

Remembering journey in collecting recipes, food writing Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

O

n a Sunday afternoon in the Opelika countryside, my mother would be in the kitchen frying chicken in an iron skillet while pots of black-eyed peas and other vegetables were simmering on other burners. The table would be set with a bouquet of flowers from the garden and a plate of just picked sliced tomatoes.

Sunday dinner changed little every week. It was always fried chicken, fresh vegetables and homemade desserts. Mom and dad both grew up on farms and lived off the land. At our home, there

was a garden and chickens scattering in the backyard.

We visited my grandparents on the Gulf and enjoyed fresh red snapper with all the trimmings.

Dessert would be one of Granny’s fabulous creations, such as her thinly layered cakes stacked high and filled with either a blueberry filling or a cooked chocolate fudge that would soak into the layers and drizzle over the sides.

In early summer, we would pick buckets of blackberries from nearby fields for making cobblers. During the July Fourth week, Mom would

can tomatoes, freeze peas that we had shelled under a shade tree, and make fruit jam.

This is how I grew up with southern dishes made with recipes passed down for generations.

It was simple and delicious. I didn’t realize how good it was until after I was grown and dined at restaurants famous for their southern dishes, only to discover they were not as good.

When I married Don, we moved to Philadelphia.

On weekends, we traveled to Manhattan to visit his parents. His parents were from New York and had

Photo special to the Observer Ann Cipperly is sharing her journey as a food writer on the 11th anniversary of her column appearing in the first issue of the Observer. A native Opelikan, Ann has traveled with her husband Don across the country and in Europe to study cuisines, as well as collect recipes. Ann is pictured with Don, center, and his brother, Ed Cipperly, at a restaurant in Aspen, trying fondues after a day of skiing.

been world travelers, living a few times in Europe.

When Don was young, the family lived in Portugal while his father worked with Radio Free Europe. After they returned to the states for his dad to work in Washington, D.C., they lived on the Chesapeake Bay. They moved frequently.

Don graduated from high school in Long Island,

New York. Then, they moved to Huntsville for his father to accept a position at the Redstone Arsenal, which is how Don ended up attending Auburn University. Afterwards, his father worked for NASA in Germany before returning to New York.

It was culture shock going from Opelika to New York dining at

famous restaurants in the city. I had never been to an elegant restaurant with waiters. Cocktails and wine were served that we never had in my southern Christian home.

Don’s mother was a talented cook and had collected recipes from places they lived. I spent weekends copying recipes or being in the kitchen See Cipperly, page A11

The Sound Wall presents ‘A Martha’s Trouble Christmas’ 2019 Special to the Opelika Observer

Join Martha’s Trouble for two nights in December (Dec 20 and 21) as they celebrate the season with renditions of beloved Christmas carols and tunes.

This is a fan favorite event that has always sold out in years past. Those wanting to attend are encouraged to secure their tickets as early as possible because seating is limited to 50 each night. grab your tickets early Guests are invited to bring their own

beer.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door and available online at www. eventbrite.com/e/amarthas-troublechristmas-2019-tickets-75960601203.

About Martha’s Trouble: Martha’s Trouble

(comprised of the husband-and-wife duo Rob and Jen Slocumb), has been called “a hidden gem” by Billboard Magazine and are known for their signature sound of folk and Americana, which has been praised by some of

the most influential and well-respected music critics. MTrouble offered some new additions to their holiday repertoire with two digital singles, “River” and “White Christmas,”

which followed on the success of two independent holiday albums, Christmas Lights (2002) and This Christmas (2008). Prior to that, they also released: Jen Coates’ Seed

Sessions (2014), A Little Heart Like You (2012), Anchor Tattoo (2011), EP (2008), Forget October (2006), Still (2003), Sleeping Dogs (2002) and The Road Ahead (2000).

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

pelika O Observer

A8 Oct. 30, 2019

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama holds Diamond Jubilee in celebration of 75 years of camping at Scoutshire Woods Special to the Opelika Observer Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) is proud to celebrate 75 years of camping at Scoutshire Woods. Scoutshire sits beautifully on 68 acres and has a 12-acre lake in Citronelle. To celebrate, GSSA invited Girl Scout alums, local troops and their families all out for their Diamond Jubilee.

The jubilee kicked off in true Girl Scout fashion with an Opening Flag Ceremony presented by Girl Scout Troop 9195. The daylong celebration featured beloved camp activities like archery, canoeing, zip lining, hatchet throwing, crafts, hiking and more.

After lunch, GSSA gathered everyone together for a ribbon cutting to unveil their new hammock campsite. Then, as the evening approached, alums and troops gathered around the campfire for s’mores and sing-alongs.

“Scoutshire Woods has been one of my favorite places for more than 20 years. I have so many fond memories at Scoutshire,” said Girl Scout alum and lifetime member Jeannie Napper. “I’m so happy to be back at camp, making

more memories with my Girl Scout family.”

A few fun facts about Scoutshire Woods: The camp was built in the 1930s by the CCC as Cedar Creek State Park, and the lake was dug by hand with shovels.

The camp was later turned over to the school system, which Girl Scouts has leased from since 1944. It was in 1945 that the Girl Scouts camped on the property for the very first time, and this year marks 75 years at Scoutshire.

“This camp means so much more to us than just camping,” said Girl Scout alum and lifetime member Kristen Gazzier. “It’s where memories have been made,

friendships formed, and life skills instilled.”

“This camp allows girls to grow in confidence as they face and overcome challenges, connect with nature, and discover passions through the power of the great outdoors,” said GSSA CEO Karlyn Edmonds.

Through Girl Scouting, girls learn to face challenges head-on, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and find solutions to social issues, all while building the skills and courage they need to take the lead every day. To join Girl Scouts or learn more about volunteering, visit www.girlscoutssa. org.

About Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama serves more than 5,000 girls, ages 5 to 17 and 2,500 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) to change the world. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls for more than 100 years. With programming across 30 counties, GSSA offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success.

To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join call 800239-6636 or visit www. girlscoutssa.org.

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama proudly celebrated 75 years of camping at Scoutshire Woods last Saturday. Scoutshire sits beautifully on 68 acres and has a 12-acre lake in Citronelle. To celebrate, GSSA invited Girl Scout alums, local troops and their families all out for our Diamond Jubilee. The daylong event was full of activities like archery, canoeing, zip lining, hatchet throwing, crafts, hiking and more.

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

VETERANS DAY REMEMBER AND HONOR

CITY OF OPELIKA

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2019

VETERANS BREAKFAST • 8 - 9:45 A.M.

NIFFERS AT THE TRACKS (917 S. RAILROAD AVE, OPELIKA) (Free to all veterans and their families)

VETERANS DAY SERVICES • 10 A.M.

CITY HALL • PUBLIC INVITED “Veterans: Why We Serve - Past, Present and Future” Army Colonel Richard Pelham & USMC Colonel Chris Richie

VETERANS RECEPTION • 11:30 A.M.

MUSEUM OF EAST ALABAMA (121 S. 9TH STREET, OPELIKA) MILITARY DISPLAYS & REFRESHMENTS

You can help the Chamber make the Christmas Parade a success!

Here's how...

Parade 2019

Saturday December 7

Rain date: December 8

ATTEND THE PARADE! Build a float!

Donate money to others building a float!

Shop and eat downtown after the parade!

Be a sponsor!

Be patient and aware of road blocks the day of the parade!

Post photos of you and your family at the parade!

Christmas Parade Committee Help Needed!

Week of Volunteers: delivering flyers, placing route signs Day of Volunteers: barricade watchers, line up, disbanding, clean up Construction & Design Committee give input on how to design and build a float Solicitation Committee ask people to build hand-crafted floats Sponsorship Committee find sponsors and cars for entries If you are interested in volunteering, please email vanthony@opelikachamber.com

Here's your chance to show how much you enjoy the parade and want to keep it. We wanted to let everyone actively help the event become bigger and better for the community.

The citizens of Opelika deserve a quality event that reminds them of the ones from years ago. This information will give you opportunities to help! Thank you!

pelika Observer O

A10 Oct. 30, 2019

Webb Wilder to perform John Paul White of ‘The Civil Wars’ at The Sound Wall Nov. 8 to perform at Waverly’s Standard Special to the Opelika Observer

Long before there were Kings of Leon, Keys of Black or Whites of Jack in Music City, there was a riddle spewing prophet of roots rock and roll, with one of its voices being Webb Wilder, who will perform at The Sound Wall in downtown Opelika on Nov. 8.

A bluesy blast of baritone bombast and equally versed in the two glorious worlds of rock and roll, Wilder is a force on tour and a tour de force.

A Hattiesburg, Mississippi native and a member of the Mississippi Music Hall of Fame,

Wilder Wilder’s 1986 debut album “It Came from Nashville” was named one of the 50 Best Southern Rock Albums of All-Time by “Paste Magazine” in 2018. His engaging personality led him to become one of America’s first Satellite DJs on XM Radio. He is now the host of the Americana Countdown

show on WMOT radio/ Nashville as well as continuing his three-decade career as an electrifying artist on stages worldwide.

“Rolling Stone” magazine wrote in an article that “(Wilder) flat out rocks! They serve up potent Southern comfort.”

The “San Francisco Chronicle” added that with “Wilder’s obvious love of British rock and Southern roadhouse, he could be a kind of Tom Petty for the trailer set."

Tickets are $20 each and are available for purchase now on www. eventbrite.com. For more information, visit www.thesoundwallopelika.com. The venue is located at 605 Ave. B.

Deluxe on Nov. 9 starting at 7 p.m.

Special to the Opelika Observer Enjoy an evening at the Standard Deluxe with John Paul White and his band on Saturday, Nov. 9. Gates will open at 5 p.m. The show begins at 7 p.m. at the outdoor stage.

John Paul White was formerly part of the well-known band and four-time Grammy award winners The Civil Wars. Since the band parted ways in 2012, White has been releasing solo music that “draws on the lush, orchestrated music made in Nashville in

White the early 1960s.” His new album, The Hurting Kind, is now available for purchase.

Guests can also enjoy an on-site supper with Sword and Skillet, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The menu will be available on the Standard Deluxe website during the week of the show.

Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs, blankets and alcohol. However, no glass is allowed inside the venue.

No phsyical tickets will be mailed, so guests should be sure to select “Will Call” in the shipping information at checkout. The show will go on rain or shine.

Tickets are $20 in advance online and $25 the day of the show both online and at the gate. Kids 14 and under get in free.

For more information, visit www.standarddeluxe.com.

Auburn Area Community Theatre to stage six performances of ‘The Little Prince’ Nov. 7-10, 14, 15 and 17 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn Area Community Theatre is bringing to life an enchanting stage adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved, classic novel “The Little Prince” with three shows Nov. 7 through 10, 14, 15 and 17.

Inspired by Saint-Exupéry's own experience being stranded in the Sahara after a surviving a plane crash, this familyfriendly tale for all ages tells the story of a worldweary and disenchanted Aviator. The Aviator’s sputtering plane strands him in the Sahara Desert when a mysterious, regal "little man" appears and

asks him to draw him a sheep.

The Aviator obliges and the two travel the desert together. During their time together, the Little Prince tells the Aviator about his adventures through the galaxy, how he met the Lamplighter and the Businessman and the Geographer, and about

Check Out Our New Tiger Town Location

his strained relationship with a very special flower on his own tiny planet. The Little Prince also talks to everyone he meets: a garden of roses, the Snake and a Fox. From each interaction, he gains a unique insight which he shares with the Aviator: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly." Eventually both the "little man" and the Aviator must go home—each with a new understanding of how to laugh, cry, and love. Join in on this imaginative, multi-media adventure!

Performances will

Across from Lowe’s, another convenient location to serve our customers

AuburnBank’s Tiger Town Kroger location has

take place at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center on 222 E. Drake Ave. in Auburn.

Times for shows on Nov. 7, 9, 14 and 15 begin at 7 p.m. with matinee shows on Nov. 10 and 17.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Nov. 7 is “Pay What You Can” - the ticket price is a donation in any amount.

Call 334-246-1084 or visit www.auburnact.org for ticket purchases and more information. Email info@auburnact.org for group rate information.

The rest of AACT’s season includes the shows High School Musical Jr. and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Auditions for all shows throughout the year are open to the public, for community members with or without experience, and details can be found on the website, www.auburnact.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ auburnact.

About the AACT Auburn Area Community Theatre is a nonprofit organization that exists to serve the Auburn-Opelika area. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for education and participation in the world of theatre and present a quality, entertaining, and thought-provoking theatre experience. AACT is actively soliciting new members who have an interest in helping the growth of community theatre. AACT members and the community-atlarge are encouraged to participate. For more information, visit www. auburnact.org.

Avoid common mistakes the average investor makes

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

• Do you have a written market downturn plan?

CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic products and services.

• Have your investments been run through and passed a stress test?

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

Serving Retirees • families • small business Owners • Nonprofits • Individuals www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

I-85

1851 Frederick Road Opelika

Financial planning for today, for tomorrow, for life.

Visit us here:

Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

208 South 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 www.investopelika.com Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Railroad Investment group is not a registered broker dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

Owners, RIG Financial Advisors, RJFS BLAKE HENRY LAUREL CALLAWAY Office - 334-748-9999 Fax - 334-748-9998

Call us today to discuss your charitable giving strategy Raymond James financial advisors do not render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professionals.

pelika O Observer Cipperly, from A7 watching her cook gourmet dishes.

While prime rib roast and lamb were on the menu often, once she made a roast suckling pig.

Most of the food she prepared, I had never eaten.

The desserts were fancy and frequently laced with liquors.

We also had wonderful meals in upstate New York where Don’s grandparents lived. We went for a lobster birthday dinner, and it took me a while to figure how to eat it.

I knew southern cooking, but I wanted to learn how to cook gourmet dishes for Don and his family. No recipe was too long or complicated.

I made it all: puff pastry, my own creation for cream puffs, chocolate mousse from the Portugal cook, tortes, crepes and everything in between.

When the children came along quickly one behind the other, they were with me in the kitchen, banging on pots and pretending to mix up dishes with a wooden spoon and bowl (one became a chef).

After living in Philly,

Recipes Mom’s Best Buttermilk Fried Chicken 1 fryer, cut up, or chicken tenders Salt Buttermilk Self-rising flour Dash of baking soda Black pepper to taste Oil Salt chicken pieces. Place chicken in bowl; cover with buttermilk. Chill overnight.

In a heavy skillet, heat oil.

Combine flour, baking soda and pepper. Dip chicken in flour mixture or place flour mixture in paper bag; shake chicken pieces to cover.

Shake off excess flour.

Fry over medium heat until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. (Oil must be hot when adding chicken or the flour will fall off.)

While self-rising flour contains baking soda, Mom added a little extra to make the chicken crust flaky. It only takes a few minutes to cook chicken tenders on each side; turn them once.

Mom Cipperly’s Cheese Blintzes Cheese Blintzes have been a favorite in my husband Don’s family for many years.

My mother- in-law used pot cheese in her recipe and so did I when we lived in Philadelphia and New Jersey.

In the south, I cannot find pot cheese, which is a type of dry cottage cheese. This combination of cream cheese and ricotta works just as good.

Crepe Batter 1 cup water 1 cup milk 2 cups flour 4 eggs 2 Tbsp. oil 2 tsp. sugar ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla Oil Butter or margarine Filling: 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 16-oz. pkg. ricotta cheese 1 egg 1/3 cup (or more) sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Dash cinnamon

New Jersey and outside Washington, D.C., I convinced Don to move south, although we knew he would not have the same opportunities in computers. We wanted to raise our children near my parents in a smaller area.

Being back home, I remembered God had called me to write when I was 12. I began to feel God wanted me to write about the love of cooking for my family.

I was nervous when I walked into Millard Grimes’ office at the Opelika paper. I submitted three columns. After those ran, he requested a column every week.

I started with my huge recipe collection and was developing recipes.

One day, Mr. Grimes said he always thought featuring local cooks would be interesting. I thought it was a great idea and started featuring cooks in some columns.

Hearing all the stories of traveling the world from Don’s mother sparked an interest. Little did I know that I would soon be traveling across the country and Europe.

Don began making business trips to San Francisco. When I could go, I was amazed at the scrumptious food. On

Sour cream Fresh fruit, if desired Blend first 8 ingredients in a blender, making sure they are thoroughly blended. Let batter sit for at least 30 minutes before using. Stir before pouring.

Heat an oiled 6-inch skillet over medium heat.

Add about 2 tablespoons batter to the skillet, tilting skillet so batter completely covers bottom.

When edges are slightly brown, place crepe on a cookie sheet.

When cool, crepes may be stacked with waxed paper between layers.

To prepare filling, beat cheeses with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add egg, sugar and vanilla; beat well.

Spoon a tablespoon of filling onto cooked side of crepe. Fold up the bottom edge, then each side; then the top edge, making a rectangular envelope shape. Repeat with remaining crepes.

To cook, melt butter in skillet, place blintz seam side down in skillet.

When brown, turn and lightly brown on other side.

Serve with sour cream and fresh fruit, if desired.

These freeze well. Place uncooked blintzes on cookie sheet. When frozen, place in plastic bags. When ready to serve brown frozen blintzes in butter on low heat.

Shrimp D’ Orleans When I lived in New Jersey, I took a class on entertaining. This was one of my instructor’s favorite recipes. She suggested serving it with rice, asparagus, a salad of avocado, tomato and Boston lettuce; rolls and a chocolate mousse dessert.

1 Tbsp. butter 1 medium onion, diced 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 cup sour cream ¼ cup ketchup 3 oz. can mushrooms, drained (can use fresh)

A11 Oct. 30, 2019

weekends, we would go to the Napa Valley or to Carmel and Monterey.

Going up the coast, Oregon was interesting.

During winter, we drove to Lake Tahoe, and I tried skiing for the first time. It looked like fun, but snow and this southerner did not mix well.

During these trips, I would try to find a cooking class. I spent time exploring bakeries and collecting recipes. We researched to find the highest-ranked restaurants. It was going to be an education on great food. If I was going to write about restaurants, I needed to know what was best.

We went back to New York to the Windows on the World restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center. We relished the food in Boston. Other trips included Cape Cod, places in the Northeast, throughout Florida and out to Dallas and Houston. Across the southern states included Natchez, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. We found places with wonderful food in the Carolinas.

In between all of the traveling, I went to work part time at the newspaper in the lifestyle section.

Three months later, I

was asked to be editor. I was also food editor and continued to write the food column Southern Gourmet.

Don’s love of skiing took us to Aspen, Vail, Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte and others.

During the summer, we had upscale meals at the five star Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

I wasn’t a fan of Albuquerque, New Mexico, but Santa Fe was special, and so were the southwestern dishes. Las Vegas and Reno were other places that were not favorites, but the food at the top of Paris in Vegas was yummy.

We began traveling with Don’s mother after his father passed away. The best times were with our children. When I needed copy for the lifestyle section, I decided to write about our travels with my mother-inlaw, the world’s pickiest traveler. The columns were popular and amusing as she had to have the best table at restaurants, so we changed tables two or three times. Then, the Manhattan cocktail was not perfect.

One time, we went to London with her for 10 days. While it was hectic, I adored savoring afternoon tea. I was disappointed to learn “high tea” was an

early supper.

Don and I traveled through several countries in Europe on our own. The chocolates in Belgium were sublime and cheeses in France and Holland superb.

The lavish desserts in Paris where not as good as my mother’s and grandmother’s cakes.

We not only traveled with Don’s mother but also flew all over the country with his brother Ed, who became director of global sales for American Airlines. Flying with Ed meant first-class travel.

He would send passes to meet him in Miami to fly together to Aspen for skiing. I could write a book, as there are so many stories, including flying with him to Key West for his wedding on a yacht at sunset.

We went on a cruise to the Caribbean, which offered a lot of food. Details of food at every place was recorded in journals.

As the lifestyle, food and entertainment editor for 15 years, I was blessed to receive awards. Afterwards, I wrote for other publications and started at East Alabama Living magazine about 16 years ago. I cooked food for the tablescapes for about 13 years, but it was difficult to pack up and take someplace.

Don and I still travel, explore, search for regional dishes and write about it, and I still collect recipes.

We focus more on the Southeast and enjoy Charleston, Savannah, Asheville and smaller towns that are interesting and offer excellent food.

We have great restaurants in Lee County that we also write about.

I always enjoy writing about cooks. Being in homes with my food column for the last 11 years at the Observer has been a joy to sit in kitchens and listen to stories. I look forward to meeting more good cooks and sharing their recipes.

As I look back over the years at my love of cooking and traveling to learn more about foods in different areas, one thing has remained the same. When we return home, my first meal is fried chicken or a tomato sandwich. Both are still favorites.

When I pull out my Mama’s big cast iron skillet from under the stove, I know my heart still clings to southern cooking, whether it is a classic dish or a gourmet recipe adapted with the flavors of the southland.

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

3 cups cleaned, cooked shrimp Melt butter in skillet; add onions. Cook until tender but not browned.

Add soup, sour cream, ketchup, mushrooms and shrimp. Cook over low heat until mixture is well heated.

Serve on rice. Serves 6.

until mixture forms a ball.

Remove from heat; add eggs all at one time (can add one at a time). Beat until smooth.

Drop dough by heaping tablespoons, less if smaller size is desired, two inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cool. Remove tops; remove any filaments of soft dough.

Fill with Almond Cream and replace top. Drizzle with Chocolate Frosting and make a rosette on top of frosting with Coffee Butter Cream. Top with chocolate covered coffee bean, if desired.

Could also use a chocolate covered almond.

Almond Filling: 2 small pkg. instant vanilla pudding 2 ½ cups milk 2 cups heavy cream, whipped 1 to 2 Tbsp. almond extract Prepare vanilla pudding mixes using 2 ½ cups milk.

Fold in whipped cream and almond extract.

Chocolate Frosting: 2 one-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate 2 tsp. butter 2 cups confectioner’s sugar 2 Tbsp. hot water Melt chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat; blend in confectioner’s sugar and hot water.

Coffee Butter Cream: 1 tsp. instant coffee 2 tsp. hot water 4 Tbsp. butter, softened 1 cup confectioner’s sugar Chocolate coated coffee bean or almond to garnish rosette In a small bowl, dissolve coffee in hot water; add butter and blend. Mix in confectioner’s sugar.

Spoon into a decorator’s bag fitted with a star tip.

Place coffee bean or almond in center of rosette.

squash, split and seeded 2 onions, chopped 4 Tbsp. fresh ginger, vary according to taste (optional) 4 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced 3 Tbsp. butter 6 cups chicken broth, homemade is best, divided Salt pepper to taste Sour cream and/or croutons for garnish Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray Pam on a baking sheet and place squash cut side down. Bake for about 40 minutes or until fork tender (very soft). Set aside to cool.

In a large soup pan, cook onions and ginger in butter about 5 minutes. Add apples and cook until tender.

Add 4 cups of the stock and bring to a simmer.

Scoop out the squash and add it to the stock.

Simmer for about ten minutes.

Either transfer to a blender in small batches or use a submersible blender to achieve desired smoothness. Add more stock or water as needed to reach desired consistency. Salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish and enjoy!

Food Ratings

Blue Cheese and Pear Crostini From first Observer food column 4 oz. blue cheese crumbles 6 oz. cream cheese, softened 8 slices sandwich bread, crusts removed, or sliced baguette Olive oil 1 pear, sliced Lemon Juice Toasted walnuts or pecans, optional Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine blue cheese and cream cheese; set aside. Cut bread into strips or slice baguette.

Brush one side of bread with olive oil. Toast about 12 minutes until brown; cool.

Spread cheese mixture on bread; top with slice of pear dipped into lemon juice, if preparing ahead.

Sprinkle with toasted nuts, if desired. Serves 8 or more.

Mocha Almond Cream Puffs In this recipe for the Southern Gourmet column, I used a classic cream puff batter with my filling and topping combination. It makes an attractive dessert, and can be prepared ahead. One time I made 500 for an event.

Cream Puff Batter: 1 cup water ½ cup butter or margarine 1 cup all- purpose flour 4 eggs Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium saucepan, heat water and butter to a rolling boil.

Stir in flour and stir vigorously over low heat for about a minute or

Butternut Squash Soup Ed Cipperly’s Recipe 2 medium butternut

Chocolate Fondue 12 oz. milk, semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips ¾ cup heavy cream or half and half 1 Tbsp. Kirsch or Cointreau (optional) Fresh fruit Place chocolate and cream in a saucepan; stir constantly over low heat until smooth. Stir in liqueur, if desired.

Place in small chafing dish to keep warm or serve in decorative container.

Surround with fresh fruit. Can also serve with cubes of pound cake, angel food cake and small pretzels.

Wasabi Japanese 1103 Columbus Parkway Opelika Score: 100 Mama Mocha’s Coffee Emporium 414 S. Gay St., Auburn Score: 100 The Olive Garden 2254 Tiger Town Parkway Opelika Score: 99 Cracker Barrel 1051 Fox Run Parkway Opelika Score: 99 Tacorita 138 N. College St. Auburn Score: 99 Byron’s Smokehouse 436 Opelika Road Auburn Score: 99 Veggies To Go 2701 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 95 Kentucky Fried Chicken 101 N. 6th St. Opelika Score: 95 Durango Mexican Restaurant 1107 Columbus Parkway Opelika Score: 91

pelika O Observer

A12 Oct. 30, 2019

OBITUARIES Michael Allen Oglesbee Michael Allen Oglesbee, lovingly referred to as Mike, husband, dad, son, brother, and Manpaw, born in Great Bend, Kansas on Oct. 14, 1966 and called home to Jesus on Oct. 22, 2019 in Opelika, Alabama. Mike was preceded in death by his grandparent David and Marie Clarke and L.W. and Ted Oglesbee.

He is survived by his wife Crystal of 30 years, one son, Tanner Oglesbee (Aly), and three wonderful grandsons Sawyer, Hudson, and Maverick.

His parents Bruce and Darlene Oglesbee, and a brother David Oglesbee (Patricia). His father-inlaw and mother-in-law David and Marsha Flowers, and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Rose Deaton Chandler Ms. Mary Rose Deaton Chandler was born on February 13, 1956, in Harrisburg, Illinois, to Mr. Howard Deaton and Mrs. Alta Deaton.

She passed away at the age of 63 and walked through heaven’s gates on Tuesday, October 22, 2019.

Ms. Chandler is survived by her children: Jonathan (Tiffany Chandler), Miranda Chandler and Erica (Wil) Anderson; four grandchildren, Stallings, Thomas, Tucker and Turner; brother Timothy (Sara) Deaton; nieces, Catherine (Park) McGehee, Charles F. Allen, Sr. A memorial service for Charles F. Allen, Sr. of Canton, Georgia formerly of Opelika, was Oct. 26, 2019 at 12 p.m. at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home with visitation at 10 a.m.

The Reverend Vance McCollum officiated.

Mr. Allen died Oct. 19 2019 in Canton, Georgia.

He was 73 and retired Sue Y. Godwin Mrs. Sue Y. Godwin, 92, passed Oct. 18, 2019 at Bethany House Hospice in Auburn. The family received friends and family Oct. 21 , 5 to 7 p.m. at the Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika. Her funeral service will be Nov. 2 in her hometown of Dunnellon Florida, followed by internment at the Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery in Fellowship Florida.

Mrs. Godwin was born to William David Young and Annie Estelle Folks of Romeo, Florida on Dec. 13, 1926 and is the youngest of 9 children. She graduated from Dunnellon High School and attended Florida State College for Women for 2 years. Later she studied teaching at East Tennessee State College and received a degree. In 1946, Sue married Marvin E. Godwin of Pensacola,

Mike served his community for 21 years as a law enforcement officer, he loved being the hands and feet of Jesus. Mike was known to many by his love for fishing and hunting and had successfully ran OGS Tournament Trail for several years, especially tournaments benefitting others.

Those tournaments included Rodheaver’s Boys Ranch, Haven Hospice, and Friends For Jesus in the Putnam County area where he resided for 25 years. His most recent outreach was to young boys learning fishing skills and coaching sports in Alabama where he resided for the last five years. He was an incredible husband, father, and grandpa. He loved his family with complete sincerity and honored them

well. He was so proud of them.

Mike left an enormous hole in our hearts but knowing he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus, give us peace. We will see him again.

Services were at 2 p.m. on Oct. 26, 2019 in Opelika at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and visitation was from noon until 2 p.m. There will also be a memorial service held in Palatka, Florida at Church of the Heights on Oct. 31 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Wolfson Children Hospital, www.wolfsonchildren.com or WCH Bass Tournament, 841 Prudential Drive, Suite 1300, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Celia (Karlton) Kastle; nephews, Timmy Joe Deaton, William (Angela) Deaton, Paul Deaton and David Deaton.

She also leaves behind several great nieces and nephews, her lifelong family friend, Linda Miller Gray, who was like a sister and her 3 cats.

Ms. Chandler was preceded in death by her parents Mr. Howard Deaton and Mrs. Alta Deaton; brothers, Joseph Deaton and Dr. William Deaton; son Matthew Chandler; niece Lori Deaton.

Mary was the “cool” mom. She had a big heart, a beautiful smile and was a compassionate loving woman. Ms.

Chandler enjoyed life.

Traveling, cooking, and sewing were some of her favorite things to do. She loved spoiling her family and her three cats. She attended Church of the Highlands, Opelika.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Woof Ave Rescue, 1027 Opelika Road, Auburn, AL 36830; paypal.me/ woofaverescue in her memory.

A funeral service was held 11 a,m. Oct. 25, 2019 at Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.

Burial followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

from Uniroyal.

He was predeceased by his parents Reverend Joe and Evie Mae Allen of Opelika.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Allen and his children Charles (Chuck) Allen, Jr. and Amanda (Mr. and Mrs. Keith Geiger); his grandchildren Sydney Geiger (fiancé Chase Fuller) and Jeffrey Geiger; brothers Mr.

Phillip Allen and Mr. and Mrs. Billy Allen (Sandra); his sisters Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Rudd (Joyce), Mr. and Mrs. Harry Biering (Terry), Mr. and Mrs. John H Manning (Janice Laverne), Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Vinson (Phyllis).

Mr. Allen has an extensive extended family in Alabama.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Florida. She has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Opelika since 1981, which is when she and Marvin moved to Opelika, due to his appointment as store manager of the old Walmart on Columbus Parkway.

Sue loved spending time with family, her church community, teaching Sunday school, playing chickenscratch, eating lunch with friends, taking trips, family reunions, telling stories of her childhood and spending time talking with her good friends Casandra, Priscilla, Joyce and Suzanne. She lived in 14 different cities across the U.S. as Marvin’s career progressed managing McCroys “five and dime” stores. She retired about 15 years ago from Auburn University where she worked in the Bursar’s Office.

Sue Godwin is survived by her three sons and

their wives: Allen and Jody Godwin of Brenham, Texas, Robert and Elizabeth Godwin of Kansas City Missouri, and Kenneth and Susan Godwin of Powell, Tennessee; 8 grand children: Samuel Godwin, James Godwin, Daniel Godwin, Casey Godwin, Andrew Godwin, Josiah Godwin, Jessica Godwin Ford, Abigail Godwin, Casandra Thomas; 11 great grand children;and her sister Frances Young Ulm. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Marvin E Godwin, sisters Virginia Young Pedrick, Alma Young Tubbs, Esther Young Preston, Melvene Young Johnson, Wilma Young Combs, Annie Rae Young Edison, and Janet Young Knapp, and a great grandson Abel Ford.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Opelika.

Bubba Johnson After a lengthy illness, Bubba Johnson died at home in Marvyn, Alabama on October 25, 2019 with his wife by his side. He was 75 years old.

Bubba was born in Opelika on July 25, 1944 to parents B.H. Johnson, Sr. and Lillian Wallace Cunningham. His stepfather was Robert Cunningham.

Bubba graduated from Opelika High School where he loved playing football and basketball.

He continued his education at Auburn University and went to work for the City of Opelika. He served in many departments and culminated his career as Public Works Director.

Bubba and Lei loved animals. They rode horseback whenever Barbara Hartley Barbara Hartley, age 75, of Dadeville, AL, passed away peacefully at home October 22, 2019 with her family by her side.

Barbara was born in Jasper, AL to Harvey and Grace Comer, on October 6, 1944. She and Lamar Hartley married December 21, 1963. Barbara loved worshiping and serving in her church, Mount Carmel Baptist. She also loved working in her yard with her many flowers, canning fresh vegetables each summer, and spending as much time as possible with her family and friends. Few things gave her greater joy than her grandchildren. Barbara was an active member Mark Allen Ray Mark Allen Ray of Opelika, Alabama passed away at his home on Oct. 24, 2019. He was 56 years old.

Mr. Ray was of the Baptist faith and was a disabled veteran.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Mary Lois May and

they could and kept a few cows as pets naming them all with the letter ”B”. Also, they bred, raised, and showed German Shepherd dogs.

This hobby took them many places in the United States and blessed them with many lifelong friends.

Most of all Bubba loved his church. He and Lei were founding members of the River of Life Church in Phenix City.

Bubba served in many positions and helped in anyway the church needed, from painting the sanctuary to being on the Board of Directors.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, aunts: Jessie Bailey, Mary Rudd, Inez Lowe; uncles: Dan and Brinkley Johnson.

He is survived by his

wife Leilawil SmithT Johnson; sister Evelyn Johnson Senn (Cary); nephews: Kenny, Tim and Jeff Senn; their wives and children and many special cousins.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Hospice, especially Tim O’Brian, RNCM and Jessica Williams. Also, we wish to thank Lucille Torbert for the loving care she gave Bubba.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Oct. 28 at Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. with Reverend Randy Comer officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to River of Life Church, 509 Idle Hour Drive, Phenix City, Alabama, 36867.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

of Mt. Carmel for over fifty-five years where she faithfully attended services, taught children’s Sunday school, assisted with countless vacation bible schools and other church-wide events, and delighted in participating in Bible study classes that strengthened her faith.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Grace (Fisher) Comer; her brothers Leroy Comer, Joe Comer and sister Shirley Comer Hack.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Lamar Hartley; sons Chris (Tina) Hartley of Highland Falls, New York; Marrell (Laura) Hartley of Opelika, AL; grandchildren Benjamin “Bence”

Hartley, Kara Hartley and Graham Hartley.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 3610 Dudleyville Road, Dadeville, AL 36853. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all family and friends for their love and support during this time.

Visitation was held Oct. 24 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist. Funeral service followed at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary, with Pastors Freddy Senn and Michael Beck officiating. Graveside services followed at Tallapoosa Memory Gardens immediately following the service.

Langley Funeral Home handled all arrangements.

Billy Fred Ray; stepfather, Wayne May; sisters: Tammy Lynn Meade and Terry Lee Walls Martin.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy Ray; daughter, Catheryn Ray; nieces: Charity Walls George (Jason) and Jennifer Smith; nephews: Billy Walls and Ken Spratlin (Nikki); as well as

several other nieces, nephews, cousins, and family members.

Graveside services for Mr. Ray were held Oct. 27, 2019 at 3 p.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Visitation was held prior to service from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Two grief-support events scheduled for Nov. 14 in the Auburn-Opelika area Special to the Opelika Observer On Nov. 14, there will be two griefsupport events in two locations on one special day, designed to help individuals in the midst of their healing journey.

The "Coping with the Holidays after a Loss" Luncheon will be held on Nov. 14 from 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. C.S.T. at the Opelika SportsPlex on 1001 Andrews Road in Opelika.

The speaker is

Deborah Owen, LPC Clinical Incident Stress Management Counselor. Lunch is free. Reservations are needed by Nov. 8.

For more information, call Jenny Filush-Glaze at 334502-0216.

The luncheon is sponsored by Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care EAMC, The Opelika SportsPlex and lunch provided by JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home and Kitchen 3810.

The "Light the Night- an Evening of

Remembrance"event is also on Nov. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m.

C.S.T. at the Bethany House, which is located 1171 Gatewood Drive in Auburn. There will be a well-lit walk around the lake in memory of loved ones and it is open to the public.

No reservations needed and candles are provided.

Please invite family and friends to participate.

For more information call Filush-Glaze at 334-502-0216.

F Place your ad here!

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

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

P

aul had addressed the Corinthian’s tendency to exalt certain messengers of Christ in 1 Corinthians 3:1. As he writes the letter, we know as 2 Corinthians, it doesn’t seem as if his words had their desired effect. The Corinthians still seemed caught up with the messenger rather than the message. The situation was exacerbated by the self-proclaimed “superapostles” (11:5, 13, 12:11) who had visited Corinth and boasted of their superiority (10:12, 11:18).

Paul response was, “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness” (11:30).

He’s speaking from precisely such a perspective in the fourth chapter

Opelika

amily &

R

Don’t miss the treasure!

when he says, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this allsurpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). The treasure he refers to is “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (v. 6).

This is the message Paul proclaims wherever he goes. He has previously referred to it as: • “our gospel” (v. 3), • “the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (v. 4), • “what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (v. 5).

The “But” of v. 7 suggests a contrast—this glorious light is in jars of

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

clay. A jar of clay was like a first-century version of a plastic bottle or aluminum can (but without the recyclable aspect). They came in all shapes and sizes; you could find them everywhere, and everyone had several. Writing on this passage, James Scott notes that such jars of clay “are found in every domestic excavation site . . . Pottery vessels became the main type of

• Pepperell Baptist’s youth tist Church will be holding a Pastor Appreciation Serprogram meets on Wednesvice Nov. 7, beginning at 2 day evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. This will mark Pastor p.m. This is an evening of Wayne Drakeford’s seventh prayer, Bible Study and anniversary at the church. discussion. For more inforFor more information, call mation, contact youth and children’s pastor Ryno Jones 334-749-3994. The church is located at 4454 Lee Road at 334-745-3108.

166.

• Nov. 3 - First Bap• Nov. 10 - The David tist Church of Opelika is Phelps Family Band has responsoring a 7-on-7 soccer scheduled their performance tournament Nov. 3 from at First Baptist Church of 1 to 7 p.m. at the Opelika Opelika. The concert begins SportsPlex. Registration is at 6 p.m. For more informafree and can be filled out on tion, call 334-745-5715. The cupofnations.net/auburn. church is located at 301 S. • Nov. 4 to 8 - Mount 8th St. Mariah Missionary Baptist • Nov. 17 - Lakeview Church will conduct their Baptist Church will host Dr. “Annual Fall Revival” Nov. Danny Akin for a “Doctrine 4 to 8 each night at 6:30. of Christ Seminar” Nov. 17.

The church is located at For more information, call 2255 Wrights Mill Road in 334-887-7094.

Auburn. All are welcome to come. Bernard Anderson serves as Mt. Moriah’s pasEvents can be emailed tor. to the Observer at • Nov. 7 - Nazareth Bapeditor@opelikaobserver.com.

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

Oct. 30, 2019

eligion

Church calendar

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D #758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta #742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy #749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. #749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. #745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy #749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B #7064421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. #745-6670 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave #742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. #745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd #745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. #745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. #745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. #742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr #749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. #887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika

A13

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

containers in most near Eastern cultures. Yet the vessels were fragile, and their usual lifespans were probably a few years at the most.”

God put the treasure of the glorious news of Jesus in ordinary, fragile, disposable containers. He did this so that no one would confuse the container with the contents. No one confuses the diamond ring with the box it came in.

The box is replaceable, the ring isn’t. Much of what we buy from smaller appliances to the latest in entertainment technology comes in disposable, cardboard boxes.

When you look at these things online or see it in the store—no one displays the box! In the same manner, God has put this

treasure of the glorious knowledge about Him in disposable, fragile containers so no one would make the mistake of associating the life transforming power with them.

Messengers of Christ come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have this in common: they are fragile and disposable.

Like everyone else, they have weaknesses, problems, temptations they struggle with and sin that needs to be forgiven.

All of this means it’s a real mistake to miss the message and magnify the messenger. Don’t miss the treasure carried by the jar of clay!

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

Fall church activities in the Auburn-Opelika area Oct. 30 - Trunk or Treat at Pepperell Baptist Church will take place on Oct. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. The community is invited to attend. For more information, call 334-745-3108. The church is located at 2702 2nd Ave. Oct. 30 - Trinity United Methodist Church Fall Festival from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will include inflatables, trunk-or-treat and more.

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

Oct. 31 - Smiths Station Baptist Church will be hold its annual Fall Festival on Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. The church is located at 2460 Lee Road 430.

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

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

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

Place your ad here!

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

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

pelika Observer O

A14 Oct. 30, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• Oct. 29 - Ascension Tattoo & Art Studio - Ribbon Cutting • Nov. 5 - 10 a.m. - State Farm Insurance – Eric McDade • Nov. 7 - 5 to 7 p.m. - CenterState Bank - Business After Hours • Nov. 18 - Hull Properties / Auburn Mall Pop Ups - Ribbon Cutting Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-2094641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

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

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

at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th St. Opelika • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika.

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

Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

• The Touched

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

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

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

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

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest.

Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email.

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

mercial horticulture crops and many more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Events • Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. - Fall Festival and Children’s Carnival at the Opelika SportsPlex. Because of the threat of inclement weather this event has been moved indoors to the Sportsplex basketball gym. This event is for childrem 12 and younger.

• Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. Kids eat for 99 cents at Niffer’s • Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.

- Brains and Brews Trivia at Red Clay Brewing • Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. Wine Down Wednesday at The Bottling Plant Event Center • Oct. 30 at 6 p.m.

- Scareoke at Jeffersons • Oct. 30 at 6 p.m.

- Bike Night at Irish Bred Pub

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

• Oct. 31 at 7 p.m.

- Trivia Night at Niffer’s.

• Oct. 31 - Build your own burger and side starting at $5 at La Cantina • Nov. 1 at 5 p.m.

- Dia de los Muertos at La Cantina • Nov. 1 at 9 p.m. The Mix Tape at The Corner Bar • Nov. 3 starting at noon - Holiday Open House in Downtown Opelika • Nov. 4 - Lee County Voters

League meeting will start at 6 p.m.

Meetings are held at Bethesda Baptist Church which is located at 201 South 4th St. in Opelika.

The meeting will address candidate qualification, planning for voter registration and preparation for the 2020 election cycle.

A screening committee will be assembled for determining which complaints to pursue as more come to the Voters League for help/guidance on a wide variety of issues.

In closing, President Bickerstaff will put in motion the process for electing officers at our December meeting for the new year.

• Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. Kids eat for 99 cents at Niffer’s

• Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.

- Brains and Brews Trivia at Red Clay Brewing • Nov. 6 at 5 p.m. Wine Down Wednesday at The Bottling Plant Event Center • Nov. 6 - The Lee County Libertarian Party will conduct its organizational meeting on Nov. 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Irish Bred Pub, located at 833 S. Railroad Ave in downtown Opelika.

Individuals must be a good-standing member of the Libertarian Party of Alabama to vote. To join or renew membership visit https://lpalabama.org/membership/. For more information, send email to frank@frankdillman. com.

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

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

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

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

For more information visit www.auburncap. org or find the organization on Facebook.

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

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

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

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every

Wednesday at 6 p.m.

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

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

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

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

The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri.paradice@ gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month.

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

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

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

Southern Union to host Veterans Appreciation Day program Nov. 5 on Opelika’s campus Special to the Opelika Observer The Office of Veterans Affairs at Southern Union State Community College will hold a Veterans Appreciation Day program on Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. in the Southern Room of the Business Technology Center on SU’s Opelika Campus.

The event will feature remarks by Lt. Col. Calina Creech, Auburn University professor of military

science. Recognition will also be given to veterans who are now employed at Southern Union. The event is free to the public and community members, and area veterans are invited to attend. For more information, contact Southern Union Veterans Affair Specialist Rosario Thomas at rthomas@suscc. edu.

The school is located from Opelika High School at 1701 Lafayette Parkway.

pelika Observer O

A15 Oct. 30, 2019

Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity dedicates home #68 in Opelika last Friday Special to the Opelika Observer Local dignitaries and representatives gathered last Friday at 1419 Branch St. for the dedication of Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity’s Home #68.

The home-dedication ceremony included a message from Aaron

Friend, who represented the local habitat’s board of directors, prayer from Rev. Dr. Tommye Walker, housewarming gifts from John Jones of Auburn First Baptist Church and presentation of Bible of keys to the family.

Sponsors for Home #68 were: Auburn University College of Architecture,

Design and Construction, McWhorter School of Building Science, Panhellenic, Publix Supermarket Charities, Auburn Rotary, city of Opelika, Airedale Energy Consultants, Mitsubishi Electric, Turnipseed LLC, Huber Wood, ROCKWOOL, the Teresa Burns estate and family and the Moore family.

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Goodwill to host multi-employer job fair at Opelika Career Center Hundreds of jobs will be available Special to the Opelika Observer Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc. (GoodwillSR) is hosting a multi-employer job fair in Opelika.

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

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

provides free career readiness and job placement programs and hosts multiple job fairs throughout the year to help people in East Alabama and West Georgia find work.

Industries represented range from manufacturing to hospitality to food service.

The event is free and open to the public.

Eighteen top employers from a variety of industries will be in attendance, including: - ABM - Afni - Alabama Depart-

ment of Corrections - Army National Guard - Builders FirstSource - Elwood Staffing - Golden State Foods - Help at Home, Inc. - Huddle House - Olive Garden - Onin Staffing - Sungchang Autotech - Techniplas - The Hotel at Auburn University - Traveling Angels Nursing Services - Waffle House - West Fraser and - United States Cen-

sus 2020.

The event will be held at the Goodwill Career Center which is located at 3740 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Job seekers should come dressed for success and ready to interview with multiple copies of their resume in-hand. Individuals are also encouraged to visit the nearest Goodwill career center and take advantage of free career readiness classes that include resume building, interview

skills and many other skills workshops.

For more infor-

mation, contact the Opelika Career Center at 334-275-4815.

Guilt-Free Screen Time Schedule your breast screening today. eamc.org/mammo

Elliott & Associates Insurance Agency Opelika - (334)745-0888 elliottinsuranceagents.com

A16 Oct. 30, 2019

pelika Observer O

COMICS

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

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

Friday’s Football Schedule

Opelika - Bye Week Beulah v. McKenzie @ 7 p.m.

Smiths Station v. Eufaula @ 7 p.m.

Opelika City School Board remembers O.D. Alsobrook III during last Tuesday’s meeting

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika cruises to big Senior Night win

O

pelika High School honored this year’s seniors that are members of the cheerleaders, band and football team prior to the 44-6 win over Vigor last Friday night at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs (8-1) scored 44 straight points through three quarters before the Wolves scored their lone touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Opelika used seven different players to score the 44 points. Eric Watts scored the first TD on a one-yard run with 7:39 left in the first quarter.

Omar Holloway scored on a four-yard run, Marion Warner caught a 10-yard pass from Brody Davis

for a TD, Jamius Mitchell ran eight yards for a score, JD Tolbert dashed 27 yards for a score, Kani Kellum plunged one yard for a score and defensive lineman Miles Magee recorded a safety with a sack. Baker Rowtan successfully booted all six PATs. The Bulldog defense dominated Vigor (4-5) the entire game, holding them in check until late in the game.

Opelika, off this week, will host McAdory (6-4) Nov. 8 in the first round of the AHSAA 6A playoffs. The Yellow Jackets coached by Bart Sessions, finished fourth in ReSee Sports, page B5

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

By Beth Pinyerd For the Opelika Observer Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr.

Last Friday night’s chances of stormy weather moved Beulah’s trip to Pike Road up to Thursday night, but did little to help the Bobcats in a 55-14

loss to the Patriots.

Pike Road exploded in the first half, jumping out to a 48-0 lead before Beulah was able to counter with a score of their own late in the second quarter.

Only two scores were registered in

Alsobrook, a former OCS board chairman and member, passed away unexpectedly last month while on vacation in Miramar Beach,

Florida. In addition to making a positive impact on local education, he served back-toSee OCS, page B3

Beauregard comes up short in regular-season finale against Tallassee, finishes 1-9 on the season

By Morgan Bryce Editor Despite junior quarterback accounting for four touchdowns, Beauregard dropped its regular-

Pike Road demolishes visiting Beulah 55-14 on Thursday night

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Mark Neighbors presented a resolution to friends and family of the late O.D. Alsobrook during last Tuesday’s regular meeting.

the second half, with Beulah adding their second and final score of the night to cut the Patriot lead briefly to 34 points before Pike Road reextended their lead to 41 in the fourth See Beulah, page B5

season finale against Tallassee 35-28, finishing with only one win this season.

On Beauregard’s opening drive, Gasaway sprinted 40 yards for a touch-

down to give the Hornets a 6-0 lead.

Tallassee responded with two consecutive scores and led 13-6 late in the first half, but Beauregard countered with a

24-yard Gasaway TD pass to Lazerious Tolefree. On the ensuing two-point conversion, Gasaway fielded a bad snap and ran around See Beauregard, page B5

Prattville claws Smiths Station 49-21 Friday night, hands Panthers seventh-consecutive loss

By Morgan Bryce Editor Heading into the second quarter in a 1414 tie with Prattville last Friday, Smiths Station’s football team seemed like it was on the verge of pulling off a major upset.

However, 28 unanswered second-quarter points by the homestanding Lions sealed

those hopes, eventually ending in a 49-21 defeat for the Panthers, their seventhconsecutive loss this season.

Junior quarterback Jacob Blackmon was on fire in the first half, completing 5-of-11 passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns, one each to Corey Minton and Cianan Williams.

Prattville’s potent passing attack carved up the Smiths Station defense, accounting for three of the four touchdowns scored in the second quarter.

Junior tight end Spencer Roy recovered a Smiths Station fumble and returned it for a touchdown in the final minute of the first See Smiths, page B5

pelika Observer O

B2 Oct. 30, 2019

Beauregard Player of the Week

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

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

Junior Hunter Gasaway was selected as the Beauregard Player of the Week. In Friday’s 35-28 road loss to Tallassee, he accounted for four touchdowns, two through the air and two rushing.

Senior defensive lineman Miles Magee was selected as the Opelika Player of the Week. In Friday’s 44-6 Senior Night win over Vigor, he finished with several sacks and a fumble recovery.

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

GO DAWGS!

of the

Week Congratulations from

Lee Co. Revenue Commissioner Oline Price

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

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

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

Auburn 1266 Mall Pkwy Auburn 334-737-7298

Beulah Player of the Week

Junior linebacker and running back Donquavious Moreland was selected as the Beulah Player of the Week. In Thursday’s 55-14 loss to Pike Road, he caught two passes for 78 yards and a touchdown, rushed nine times for 65 yards and a score and finished 2-of-2 on extra-point attempts.

Sophomore wide receiver Ciannon Williams was selected as the Smiths Station Player of the Week. In Friday’s road loss to Prattville, he finished with three receptions for 75 yards and two touchdown catches.

pelika O Observer

B3 Oct. 30, 2019

Savoring autumn harvest

Beth Pinyerd

A

s a teacher, decorating my classroom in harvest theme, preparing autumn lesson plans and pre-planning fall field trips are activities that have always won my heart!

Having a son who now lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan where the autumn colors are vibrant and breathtaking, I now pre-plan a long distant field trip to Michigan each year to celebrate God’s beautiful world.

H

ammer and nails, paint and paper, walls for a stateroom and pencils for multitudes. Clouds roll in and breezes chill brown leaves that rustle past the pumpkins. Lines of 44 and 72 form.

They take their place walking in rows, and then each sit silently awaiting their introduction.

Names are an-

October is a month which celebrates seasonal delights. We celebrate apples during the month of October.

National Apple Month was started as National Apple Week back in 1904. Along the way, this observance evolved into National Apple Month with three goals which are: 1) To increase the sale of apples.

2) Encourage the use of apples.

3) Promote the health benefits of apples.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is an old saying attributed to Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s Founding Fathers.

Weekend family field trips to community apple orchards to pick apples are good lessons and memory makers for children. Stopping by curb markets to allow your children to select a basket of delicious apples is another good learning experience.

We have so many different kinds of American apples: McIntosh, Fuji, Red Delicious, Gala, Crispin, Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, etc.

We Baby Boomers can remember recess time at our schools where we looked forward to our big, juicyred apples for snack even more than the free play. Apples’ nutrients have many health benefits.

As a preschool teacher, I love to see apples

back terms as president of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and most recently joined the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation Board.

OCS Assistant Superintendent Jean Miller accompanied Pre-K Director Jolene Clark, who updated the board on the program. As the program continues to grow and develop, more information and updates will be provided to the public.

In other business, the board: - approved various personnel recommendations

see along with young and old, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!”

We teach children that pumpkins are a member of the gourd family, which includes cantaloupe, watermelons and honeydew melons.

They are fruits and not vegetables.

Pumpkins serve food and recreation purposes.

We begin to eat and enjoy pumpkin pie early into fall, and pumpkin pie is a delicious tradition on our Thanksgiving tables. Carved pumpkins shine into the night as jack-o’-lanterns on Halloween!

I love to be around children as they experience a world full of changes in the fall!

As parents and teachers, we can catch the imagination of young children and make this season a wonderful educational opportunity and memory maker.

Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood class-

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

Autumn in Salem nounced, and paper is presented. Each one reaches for a pencil and again names are written.

Measured with fingers, lines are shaped and drawn. Like clay upon a potter’s wheel, lumps then yield to define the subject. Sighs relent to greater confidence.

One’s perceived limitations fade away.

This new discovery reveals potential skill

through capability.

When asked, “what would you like to become?”

Some answer with aspirations for careers in design, construction, veterinary science, performance arts or even sports. And for those whom apprehension has long locked the dreamers door, a drawing upon paper seems to turn the key showing them the

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

OCS, from B1

included in snacks and lunch boxes. While eating apples, children can learn parts of the apple which are the skin, stem, flesh and seeds.

While cutting an apple horizontally, a star will appear in the pulp with seeds for the children to observe, count and plant.

Children enjoy drinking apple juice and apple cider. Helping them to make simple apple sauce or to fix baked apples gives them math lessons in measuring and lessons on smelling, seeing and tasting.

Because harvest time for pumpkins is during October, what better time to designate October as “National Pumpkin Month.” Once the calendar reflects autumn, we see pumpkins sprouting out of grocery stores, road market stands, pumpkin patches, arrangements on tables, art shows and fall gardens.

Yes, autumn has arrived, and I am ready to

- approved a bid for three aquaculture ponds for Opelika High School - approved a resolution allowing Neighbors to enter into a contract with Cooperative Strategies to complete an enrollment project analysis not to exceed $10,000 - heard a presentation of reports on the school system’s monthly financial and nutrition reports - heard a presentation from Miller on OCS’s performance in the Alabama State Department of Education’s Report Card program. Crediting the hard work of the school system’s educators and staff, OCS currently has a “B”

score and standing within the program.

The next scheduled meeting of the board

many things of which they are innately capable.

“There is no art without contemplation”- Robert Henri is quoted. Initially a stranger to all sixth graders, the words of history’s American Painter finds resonance with them.

Through the sharing of a quote, lthey have been introduced to him. They proudly hold up their studies, pictures well drawn.

They now grasp dimension, and each one’s perspective is sharper as the line for class dismissal is formed.

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

She is a preservation and conservation advocate, activist and visual artist of American Illustration with a focus on regional will be a combined November/December meeting scheduled for Dec. 5.

1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING: Abused, Neglected or Exploited

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

She is the appointed official artist to the city of Smiths Station, a Lee County syndicated columnist and the director of her art center’s Cultural Arts Outreach Initiative,

which partners with local schools to make the arts accessible to all.

She also serves a chief curator to the city of Smiths Station and City Hall Art Galleries. She is a founding member of the Smiths Station Historic Commission.

She is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board-Cary Center, Auburn University College of Human Science.

She is an elected member of the Society of Illustrators- NYC. She mentors art students of every age through weekly classes at her studio located in the heart of Smiths Station.

To learn more about her work and activism, visit www.thesarahwestgalleryoffineart. com.

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

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

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

HPV VACCINE FACTS:

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

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Prevents 90% of HPV Cancers.

Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

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

HPV 4 out of 5 vaccine can people will prevent get HPV in at least 6 their lives. types of cancers.

HPV VACCINE IS CANCER PREVENTION!

alabamapublichealth.gov/imm

pelika Observer O

B4 Oct. 30, 2019

Dr. James T. Bradley to speak during ‘OLLI Brown Bag Lunch and Learn’ on Oct. 31 Special to the Opelika Observer Dr. James T. Bradley, professor emeritus in biological sciences at Auburn University, will present his new book “Re-Creating Nature: Science, Technology, and Human Values in the 21st Century” for a special Brown Bag Lecture on Oct. 31.

Bradley will discuss modern science and modern life in ways that challenge any kind of reader:

student, scholar, research scientist and, most especially, political decision makers.

Bradley is the immediate past W. Kelley Mosley professor of Science and Humanities and former director of the Human Odyssey Program.

He is the author of “Brutes or Angels: Human Possibility in the Age of Biotechnology.”

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at

Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) hosts its Brown Bag Lectures from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities, also known as Pebble Hill, which is located at 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn.

There is no charge for the Lunch and Learn for OLLI members and guests.

Lunch begins at 11:45 a.m. and participants should

Bradley bring their own meal.

Coffee, tea and water will be provided. The program begins at

12:15 p.m.

The series is made possible by a grant from the Alabama Bicentennial Commission and is cosponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities. The program is open to the public at no charge.

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University. OLLI’s administrative offices

and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property located at 1031 S. College St. For more information regarding this event or to learn about becoming a volunteer faculty member, volunteer service assistant or sponsor, call Shawnee McKee, OLLI Administrative Support, at 334-8443146, email at olli@ auburn.edu or visit www.olliatauburn. org.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to host U.S.S. Liberty survivor, Moe Shafer on Nov. 6 at Veterans Day lecture Special to the Opelika Observer In honor of Veterans Day, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will present “The Attack on the U.S.S. Liberty,” a public talk about the 1967 attack and the subsequent coverups.

The speaker will be Moe Shafer, a survivor of the attack.

The program will take place in the auditorium of the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, which is located at

901 S. College St.in Auburn from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 6.

The U.S.S. Liberty incident was an attack on a United States Navy technical research ship, USS Liberty, by Israeli Air Force jet fighter aircraft and Israeli Navy motor torpedo boats, on June 8, 1967, during the Six-Day War. This event is considered one of the largest cover-ups in the history of our government. The lecture will consist of a first-hand account of the events occurring during the attack and a discussion of the

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

efforts to prevent public investigations.

Of the 230 crew members who were onboard the U.S.S. Liberty during the attack, 34 were killed, and 171 were wounded.

Raised in West Virginia, Moe Shafer joined the Navy in 1964. Three years later in 1967, he survived the attack on the U.S.S. Liberty.

After the attack, he left the military, later founding two successful companies.

Shafer is co-founder and managing partner of Harbinger National and lives with his family in the Atlanta area.

For more information, visit www.olliatauburn.org. Their regular meetings are held at the historic Sunny Slope property located at 1031 S. College St.

NOW OPEN

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROGRAM LETS YOU EARN WHILE YOU LEARN!

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

Increase your skills and earn higher wages

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

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

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

pelika Observer O

B5 Oct. 30, 2019

Speaking Truth: Training I

got a wild hair recently and decided to sign up for a 10- mile race, a running race. I haven’t done this in a while, two years exactly, and that race I didn’t even train for.

I showed up at 7 a.m. Saturday morning in Auburn excited and full of energy. Experiences like this get me fired up and inspired.

It’s like regardless if my body is physically ready, my mind says, “go for it! Yes! You got this!” I’ve often thought, “Am I too jumpy? Should I think things through better?”

I love spontaneity. I’m not scared to try something new.

I’m somewhat of a thrill seeker and I like challenges. All these things add up to allow me to push the envelope of life. To push beyond what my mind says I can or cannot do.

However, I have a sound mind that wants to jump in and pull the reigns back. I find myself often stuck in the middle. Stuck in between thinking things through and just going for it.

I pretty much started

Beauregard, from B1 the right side of the defense to help his team lead by one entering halftime.

Beauregard struck first in the second half as Gasaway connected with Tolefree again, this time for an 80-yard score and extending its lead to eight points, 21-14.

Momentum, however, would swing

Beulah, from B1 quarter.

The Patriots stifled Beulah’s oft-potent rushing attack, limiting the Bobcats to 58 yards on 21 carries. Donquavious Moreland was the leading rusher with nine carries for 65

Smiths, from B1 half to help extend his team’s lead to 42-14.

Neither team was able to score in the third quarter.

Smiths Station trimmed the Lion lead to 21 points early in the fourth quarter after Blackmon connected with Williams on a 26-

a brand-new career in “writing” in May. (Many thanks to the Opelika Observer.)

Not sure I’d call it a career yet, but I’m crossing my fingers.

Agreeing to be a writer got me all the butterflies but it was a jumpy decision. It felt exciting, it felt inspiring, it felt like a larger than life challenge.

“Sign me up,” I told myself. “I’m in.”

Here’s what I know to be true, any great action forward takes training to bring on great success.

I feel as though I should wear a cute badge everyday that reads “Writer-In Training.” This training mode is bridging the gap between my jumpy endeavors and being mindful of my actions.

The idea of training gives me a visual picture of what it looks like press on and keep going. I can see myself in motion doing the things to get me to the next step.

Training is an action. I’m able to show myself that I’m moving forward, gaining new ground every day.

I’m learning every day. I’m getting more

By Bradley Robertson curious. I see new ideas and inspirations, every day.

Training is consistent and repetitive. This keeps me grounded and focused.

I could easily walk away and go have fun somewhere else, but now it’s a habit.

It’s on my mind and I can’t shake it.

Every week, I learn something new.

Things I know today, I had not much mental awareness of four weeks ago.

I’m growing stronger in my abilities.

I’m more confident in the steps I take. I’m slowly becoming disciplined in my craft.

Training is a whole new mental and physical game for me, combining the two together to allow me to grow.

It’s as if my physical pace has slowed up just enough to catch some extra wind from my mental training.

They are running together, producing a sweet wind in my sails I call perseverance.

Perseverance steps in when you feel you just can’t keep going.

When you feel tired or loss of interest.

When the “what-if’ scenarios run through your head. When you second guess your ability. Perseverance steps in and stakes its claim. Perseverance doesn’t give up and keeps you going even when you have no energy.

These thoughts and ideas consumed my mind for 10 miles of running Saturday morning. Ten miles of tough, hard, difficult, strenuous work that I had indeed trained for. My training kept me going. It sustained me through the hardest part of mile 6 when I seriously believed I just needed to quit. My training allowed me to listen to my legs and heart, still going strong, it was my mind that was getting the best of me. Train-

back to the home team, as Tallassee responded with three unanswered scoring drives and a two-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter.

Gasaway gave his team a fighting chance when he added a one-yard run for a score at the 2:17 mark of the fourth quarter. Trailing 3528, Beauregard got the ball back with fewer than 60 seconds, but the Tallassee defense stood tall

and came up with a stop.

The Hornets finished with 313 yards of total offense and yielded 352 to Tallassee. No defensive or special teams stats were provided for this game.

In a post-game interview with Griffin Pritchard of the Tallassee Tribune, Beauregard Coach Rob Carter praised both his team’s and Gasaway’s efforts for keeping the game close and competi-

tive. “(Gasaway) is an excellent athlete. He’s good with his legs and his arm and he’s got the great ability,” Carter said. “He absolutely gave us an opportunity to move the sticks on some drives with his legs.”

With the loss, Beauregard concluded its 2019 campaign with a 1-9 record, its lowest season win total since 2005 under then second-year Coach Willie Williams.

yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Kaleb Abney completed 6-of-8 passes for 110 yards and a TD pass to Moreland.

Jeremy Conway and Jaquavion Johnson combined for 32 yards on three receptions.

Defensively, cornerback Billy Wayne Sykes led

with three tackles, including one for a loss. Multiple players finished with two tackles each.

On special teams, Austin Billingsley maintained a 27.5 yards-per-punt average on four punts.

Moreland went 2-for-2 on extrapoint attempts.

With the loss, Beulah falls to

3-6 overall, 1-6 in region play. They will host non-region opponent McKenzie High School (1-8) next Friday in their regular season finale at Bobcat Stadium, which is located behind Beulah High School at 4848 County Road 270 in Valley.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. C.S.T.

yard TD pass for his second scoring catch of the night.

After back-to-back defensive stands by both teams, Prattville’s salted the game away with a long touchdown pass at the fiveminute mark of the fourth quarter to re-extend their lead to four scores.

Smiths Station’s offense finished with 253 total yards.

Blackmon finished 6-of-15 passing for

152 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Williams was the top receiver with receptions for 76 and the two aforementioned scores.

Senior running back Jara Nelms led with 10 carries for 50 yards followed

by Blackmon’s 44.

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

Eliminated from playoff conten-

tion, Smiths Station (2-7 overall, 0-5 in region play) will conclude their regular season with a matchup against non-region opponent Eufaula. The Tigers are 7-2 overall this season and fresh off a 20-7 win against G.W. Carver.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. E.S.T. at Panther Stadium, which is located behind Smiths Station Baptist Church at 2460 Lee Road 430.

ing brought me to the discipline that kicked in gear at mile 8 so I would not disappoint myself.

Training allowed me to finish. I finished strong, with a huge smile on face.

I will always seek the thrill and excitement of life. It’s embedded in me. But I will reach for my training to take my excitement to successful and humble places to serve others.

I run with intention to train my body and my work is a constant training to improve a talent laid upon my heart.

This is my 30th article to publish for the Opelika Observer.

My wild spirit will

bring fantastic ideas to the table and my training will allow me to do the work.

The two together will allow me to publish 100 more.

Are you seeking a new endeavor or have a hunch to do something lively?

Speak your truth into life and train.

Train like it is nobody’s business and keep on going.

Bradley Robertson is a local mother, wife and creative.

She’s an Auburn University graduate, loves good food and getting outside with her family. Bradley enjoys feature writing, as well as southern culture and lifestyle writing.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Sports, from B1 gion 4 behind Hueytown, Bessemer City and Paul Bryant.

Playoff tickets can be purchased online at gofan. co.

VOLLEYBALL The Opelika volleyball team advanced to the AHSAA South Super Regional at the Multiplex in Montgomery last weekend.

The Lady Bulldogs, area runner-up, opened with a 25-15, 25-21, 25-23 sweep of Dothan in the first round. Chelsea eliminated OHS (25-9, 25-14 and 2520) in the second round.

This is the second-consecutive year Coach Robin Roberts guided Opelika to the Super Regional.

CROSS COUNTRY Opelika’s boys and girls cross country teams participate in the section meet Oct. 31 at Kiesel Park in Auburn. The top qualifiers advanced to the AHSAA State Meet in Moundville Nov. 8 and 9.

BASKETBALL Opelika High School’s boys and girls basketball teams started the 2019 season last week. The girls are coming off a second-place finish in the state and backto-back trips to the Final 56 in Birmingham. The boys were one shot away from advancing to the Final 56 last year. Both teams swept the area regular season and tournament championships.

Opelika coaches John Wadsworth (boys) and Devin Booth (girls) will play all games in the newly renovated Mainstreet Gym inside OHS. The gym was the original home for Ope-

lika basketball when the school was built in the 70s.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller led the charge to renovate Mainstreet Gym. Several years ago, Opelika spent $40 million dollars to renovate the school and upgrade Bulldog Stadium, including the jumbotron and the new indoor practice facility. The administration did not include Mainstreet Gym in the renovation.

Mayor Fuller and members of the City Council should be thanked for providing most of the money to renovate the gym.

Fans attending basketball games will be able to park in the front of OHS and enter through the front doors. This will be easier for fans, especially those with handicaps or have special needs.

I will provide more insight on both teams in next week’s column.

OPELIKA REC DEPARTMENT TRYING TO GROW BASEBALL FOR 13-15 YEAR OLDS The Opelika Parks and Recreation Department is trying a new baseball format for ages 13 to 15 year olds in order to cut costs.

Anyone interested can enter a team in the league with up to 13 players. The teams will be responsible for paying the entry fee to the recreation department.

Those interested or who have questions can send email to foxonthemark@ yahoo.com or call Melissa Martin at the Opelika Sportsplex. There will be an organizational meeting in January.

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

pelika O Observer

B6 Oct. 30, 2019

Black Belt Community Foundation launches fourth popular ‘Throw and Go’ Fundraiser Contest during month of November Special to the Opelika Observer For the fourth year in a row, the Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) is conducting its “Throw & Go Contest” – an annual fundraiser created by the BBCF’s Community Associates to support the Black Belt Leadership Development Program, Young Men and Boys of Color Initiative, the Black Belt Believe and Achieve Education Initiative and the Community Grants Program.

The prize is something well-sought after in the state of Alabama, a pair of tickets to the 2019

Iron Bowl (Alabama vs. Auburn football game) to be played at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on Nov. 30. The tickets were given by a donor to BBCF for the specific purpose of this effort. ”The winning combination of Alabamians’ passion for football with their deeply seated values of giving and helping their neighbor is what makes Throw & Go such a successful campaign each year. This is a fun, team-spirited way for many people to come together to help their own communities!” said BBCF President Felecia Lucky.

How to participate?

Potential participants will be asked to give a $5 donation for a ticket, which creates an entry for them into the prize drawing. All the tickets will be placed in a container, and one of BBCF’s board of directors will be randomly selected to pull one ticket from the container on Nov. 18. The name that is pulled out will be the individual selected to participate in the Black Belt Community Foundation “Throw & Go Contest.” This drawing will be captured by video and shared to the media and public via social media for transparency. The BBCF Community Associate

Program Officer or BBCF President will contact the contestant on Nov. 18 immediately following the drawing.

The Community Associate Program Officer will schedule the “Throw & Go Skills Contest” prior to the Iron Bowl.

For the “Throw & Go Skills Contest,” the contestant will have three tries to complete a 12-yard pass to a BBCF staff member. The 12 yards are symbolic of the 12 counties that are in the Black Belt Community Foundation’s service area.

Again, the skills contest will be captured by video for transparency and documenta-

tion of the integrity of the contest. For any questions related to Throw & Go, contact Christopher Spencer at the BBCF office 334-874-1126 or by email to cspencer@ blackbeltfound.org.

Find out more about BBCF and “Throw & Go” at www.blackbeltfound.org.

Join their social media community and follow “Throw & Go” live updates at www.facebook.com/ BBCF2004/.

During the last

14 years, BBCF has worked tirelessly to help Alabama’s most challenged region realize its potential. BBCF has awarded more than $5 million in grants to support more than 450 community-led initiatives across BBCF’s 12-county service area in the Black Belt. The BBCF was established in 2004 to support local efforts that contribute to the strength, innovation and success of all of the region’s people and communities.

2 6 TH ANNUAL

Clean Home Alabama comes to Opelika Nov. 1 BEAT BAMA Special to the Opelika Observer In honor of Alabama’s 200th birthday celebration, the Alabama Community College System is joining the state’s bicentennial efforts by leading a new initiative called “Clean Home Alabama.”

Gov. Kay Ivey signed the official proclamation on Sept.

16. Southern Union State Community College is one of 24 community colleges across the state that is participating in this beautification project.

Southern Union’s “Happy Trail Project” will be held on the Opelika campus on Nov. 1, beginning at 9 am. SU employees are partnering with Keep Opelika

Beautiful and the Hoar Program Management Team in efforts to help beautify the community.

Litter removal will take place along the “Bison Trails” (West Point Parkway and Lake Condy Road) that lead to the Opelika campus.

Any community member is invited to participate by meeting in front of the Health

Science Building at the scheduled time.

All participants will be provided with a T-shirt and reflective vest. Keep Opelika Beautiful will be providing gloves and garbage bags for the event.

For more information, please contact Eddie Pigg at epigg@suscc.edu or 334-745-6437, ext.

5513.

FOOD DRIVE

BENEFITTING THE FOOD BANK OF EAST ALABAMA

OCTOBER 1STNOVEMBER 21ST FOODS: MOST-NEEDED R TTE BU T NU PEA CANNED MEATS & CANNED FRUITS VEGETABLES S & STEWS CANNED SOUP EESE CH & NI RO CA MA RS NE DIN CEREAL RICE & PASTA

DID YOU K NO

W? ONE IN FIV E MEMBERS O F OUR COMMUNITY ARE FOOD INSE CURE.

FOR A LIST OF BARREL LOCATIONS, VISIT WWW.FOODBANKOFEASTALABAMA.COM OR FOR MORE INFO CALL 334.821.9006

pelika Observer O

B7 Oct. 30, 2019

Opelika defeats Vigor 44-6 on Senior Night

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

pelika Observer O

B8 Oct. 30, 2019

Applications now available for Max4Kids Foundation Scholarship Special to the Opelika Observer High school seniors across Central and East Alabama can now apply for one of 10 $5,000 scholarships available through the annual MAX4Kids Foundation Scholarship Program. The scholarships’ purpose is to help students who face cost-prohibitive challenges in continuing their education be-

yond high school. The application process runs from now until Feb. 14, 2020.

“At MAX, we hope this scholarship helps students in our footprint to further their education and build a foundation for success,” said Vice President of Mortgage Services at MAX and MAX4Kids Foundation President Kenneth Hill. “We believe investing

in local students is also investing in the future of the communities we serve.”

High school seniors in Central and East Alabama can apply by visiting myMAX. com or picking up an application at any MAX location.

The applying student must be or become a MAX customer by Nov. 1 in order to be eligible for the scholarship.

The student should also be a spring 2020 graduate of a Central or East Alabama high school with at least a cumulative 2.75 GPA and must plan to attend a trade school, college or university in the state of Alabama.

The MAX4Kids Foundation is a nonprofit organization created in 2001 by MAX team members as a way to give back

to the community.

To date, the foundation has donated more than $1.3 million to the MAX4Kids Scholarship Program and local children’s charities in Central and East Alabama.

About MAX MAX is a leading, locally owned financial institution in Alabama, with more than $1.3 billion in assets. Serving their

communities for more than 64 years, MAX provides a full suite of consumer and business financial products, including checking, savings, loans, wealth management, insurance, mortgages and online and mobile banking.

MAX has 18 branch locations across its Alabama footprint.

For more information, visit www. myMAX.com.

Doug Horn roofing Co., LLC

P.O. Box 141 • 1603 Blackhawk Drive Opelika, AL 36801-0141 since 1957 jcrowder1022@gmail.com Owner: Jeremy Crowder www.doughornroofing.com

334-744-5246 What’s Up!

Hail and Storm Damage

JIMMY BUFFETT’S

©

Set Your Mind on Island Time.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 7:30 P.M. 334.844.TIXS (8497 GOGUECENTER.AUBURN.EDU

pelika Observer O

B10 Oct. 30, 2019

LSU outlives Auburn 23-20, hands Tigers second SEC loss

“Our Mission is Your Health”

Beauregard Drugs We do wellness screenings for local & state employees.

Call 334-364-9993 for details p 334-364-9993 | f 334-364-9997 7667 Alabama Hwy 51, Ste. A, Opelika www.beauregarddrugs.com

Photos by Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics

Report provided by www.AuburnTigers.com

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

CONTACT—​334-610-1646 OR ​EASTALABAMASAFESHELTERS@GMAIL.COM Display models on-site at Gateway Tire and Automotive 2023 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika, AL 36801

QUALIFIES FOR FEDERAL GRANT “We are here for our community and will be happy to assist with the Federal Grant Application Process. When the dust settles, we will still be down the street from you and your family”

No. 9 Auburn, playing in its second top-10 matchup this month, held No. 2 LSU to a season-low 23 points Saturday, but the upset bid from the visiting Tigers came up short in a 23-20 loss on the road.

“I’m proud of our kids’ effort,” said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. “They came in here against the No. 2 team in the country and fought their guts out until the very end.

We have a bunch of

winners in that locker room. They’re not going to flinch moving forward. But we had opportunities, and we didn’t seize the moment. Give LSU credit.

They’re a very good team.”

After being on the road the entire month of October, Auburn (6-2, 3-2) will return home for four straight home games in November, beginning with Ole Miss next Saturday.

The game is scheduled to kickoff at 6 p.m. CT and will be televised on ESPN.

EACH OF OUR SHELTER MODELS HAVE ENGINEER STAMPED BLUEPRINTS AND HAVE BEEN TESTED AT TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY TO MEET OR EXCEED FEMA 320/361 & ICC-500 GUIDELINES *BELOW GROUND

*ABOVE GROUND

*SAFE ROOMS/SUPER CLOSET

*INTERIOR

*EXTERIOR

*CUSTOM SIZES AVAILABLE

*NEW CONSTRUCTION

*EXISTING HOMES

*GARAGE FLOOR IN-GROUND

FINANCING AND LAY-AWAY OPTIONS AVAILABLE For as little as $3,400 (Above Ground) and $5,200 (In Ground), You could provide your family with a Safe Shelter from Storms and Home Invasions. With approved credit, monthly payments are as low as $89.

& Flea Mall

SPOOKY

DECOR!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! GET READY FOR SPOOKY SEASON!

Local Company! All Products Manufactured here in Alabama

334-745-3221 • ANGELSANTIQUEANDFLEAMALL.COM 900 COLUMBUS PKWY, OPELIKA 36801 OPEN EVERYDAY 10-7 • SUN 1-5

pelika O Observer

B11 Oct. 30, 2019

Opelika child plants, successfully raises watermelons in parent’s garden Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer This summer, 5-year-old Opelika child and resident Charlie Ward went with parents Joy and Harry to purchase plants for their small garden. Charlie is pictured with a young, sprouting melon and a fully grown one he harvested months later.

pelika O Observer

B12 Oct. 30, 2019

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

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

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

The entire project shall be complete in 60 working days.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The right to reject any or all bids is reserved.

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

INVITATION TO BID 20002 Sealed bids for the construction of the Geneva Street Improvements shall be received at the Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday November 12, 2019, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered.

At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number.

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

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

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

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

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

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: Geneva Street Improvements LILLIE FINLEY- PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 10/09/19, 10/16/19, 10/23/19 & 10/30/19

FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Whatley Construction, LLC Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction for ALDOT Southeast Region District 66 Complex - Phase II, Salem, Alabama for the State of Alabama Department of Transportation, Owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in corUlection with this project should immediately notify Robinson and Associates Architecture, Inc., 906 South Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, in writing.

Whatley Construction, LLC 710 Fox Fun Parkway PO Box 137 Opelika, AL 36803 Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19, 10/30/19 & 11/06/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BELVIE JEAN CONRAD

A/K/A BELVIE J. CONRAD, DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2019-C-007 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED

BY EXECUTOR Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to ROBERT J. CONRAD, JR., on the 7th day of October, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Executor.

Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19 and 10/30/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JAMES HENRY TATE, Deceased.

Case No.: 2019-0-010 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF TESTIMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to Derria Franks on the 9th day of October 2019 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

DERRIA FRANKS Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19 and 10/30/19

N THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF AKISSEA ARROYO CASE NO.: 2019-B-174 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any potential unknown fathers, address unknown.

Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Akissea Arroyo on October 8, 2019, for the adoption of H.G.A. born on October 6, 2019 in Columbus, Georgia to Jasmine Symone Arroyo.

A hearing has been set for the 18th day of December, 2019 at 10 o’clock am Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9lh Street, Opelika, AL 36801.

Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Brett Smith, 369 S College Street, Auburn, AL 36830 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition.

Dated on this the 9th day of October, 2019.

Bill Patel HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19, 10/30/19 & 11/06/19

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by Mary Carlton Wilson-Hinson, a married woman (“Mortgagor”), in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for SouthPoint Bank (the “Mortgagee”), dated February 21, 2018, and recorded on February 22, 2018, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Mortgage Book 4369, Page 550 (the “Mortgage”). Said default continuing, notice is hereby given that the Mortgagee will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage, offer for sale at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash during the legal hours of sale on November 6, 2019, at the main entrance to the Courthouse of Lee County, Alabama, the following described Real Property situated in Lee County, Alabama (the “Real Property”), to wit: Lots 11 and 12 Sunset Valley Subdivision, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 5, at Page 49, in Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

The Real Property and improvements will be sold “as is, where is” and subject to any rights

of redemption existing under federal law, the laws of the State of Alabama or otherwise.

The sale is subject to ad valorem taxes.

The sale is subject to any easements, encumbrances or other matters of record which take priority over the Mortgage.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process.

An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said Mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the Real Property and, if it is the successful bidder, to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the Real Property. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

SouthPoint Bank Owner of Said Indebtedness MICHAEL B. ODOM McGLINCHEY STAFFORD PLLC 505 North 20 th Street, Suite 800 Birmingham, AL 35203 Telephone: (205) 725-6400 Attorney for Mortgagee Legal Run 10/16/19, 10/23/19 and 10/30/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2019-B-176 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WARREN S. MARTIN, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that Letters testamentary of the Estate of WARREN S. MARTIN, deceased, having been granted to WENDY K. MARTIN on the 26th day of September, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama: Notice is hereby given that all persons having cliams against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Wendy K. Martin Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of William Glenn Ridgeway, deceased Probate Court Lee County Case No: 2019-B-239 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTMENTARY of William Glenn Ridgeway deceased having been granted to Mary Susan Ridgeway Lovelace on the 10th day of October, 2019 , by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Mary Susan Ridgeway Lovelace James M. Ivins, Attorney at Law 1408 Broad Street Phenix City, AL 36867 Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JAMES WILLIAM CARROLL Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Patricia Cook Carroll on the 11th day of October , 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Patricia Cook Carroll Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

Notice of Sale of Abandoned Automobile Location of Sale Whitt’s Auto 461 Opelika Rd Ste a AUBURN, AL 36830 County -Lee Date and Time of Sale

12/4/2019 8:00 a.m.

2000 GMC Sierra C1500 1GTEK19TXYE104724 Legal Run 10/23/19 & 10/30/19

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1242 North Dean Road. Auburn AL, 36830 on 11/11/2019 at 1:30 p.m.

Mary Nolen Unit# 368 P.O. Box 1206 Auburn, AL, 36831 Dresser, desk, boxes, household items 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 10/23 & 10/30/19

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1412 Opelika Road. Auburn AL, 36830 on 11/11/2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Mark Brumbeloe Unit #255 194 Winterset Ln Notasulga,AL,36866 Many books, boxes, chairs, toys, sporting goods Mark Brumbeloe Unit #256 194 Winterset Ln Notasulga,AL,36866 Many books, boxes, chairs, toys, sporting goods Jordan Taylor Unit #N162 202 1/2 N 2nd St opelika,AL,36801 Totes, boxes, clothing, toddler toys and items Iris Mae Wallace Unit #D64 2102 Crestview St Opelika,AL,36801 Couches, Totes, clothing, small furniture Danielle Jolly Unit #E78 701 Baker Blvd Tuscumbia,AL,35674 Furniture, totes, clothing 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 10/23 & 10/30/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF LIZZIE PEARL MARSHALL, DECEASED PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION WITH THE WILL ANNEXD of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 11th day of September, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Probate Judge of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having cliams against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Christopher A. Thomlinson, Administrator Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF OTIS DEWITT ALSOBROOK, III, DECEASED LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Phillip E. Adams, Jr., as Personal Representative of the Estate of Otis Dewitt Alsobrook, III, deceased, on the 11th day of October, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Phillip E. Adams, Jr. /Personal Representative PREPARED BY: Blake L. Oliver Adams White & Oliver, LLP 205 S. 9th Street, P. O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JES-

SIE L. PINK GUARDIAN - CONSERVATOR’S FINAL SETTLEMENT AND RESTORIATION OF COMPETENCY NOTICE This day came Edward B. Raymon, as Guardian-Conservator of the estate of Jessie L. Pink, and filed his account, vouchers, evidence and statements for Final Settlement of said Guardianship-Conservatorship estate and for Restoration of Competency.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the 18th day of November, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., is appointed as the day on which to make such settlement and restoration, in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, at which time all persons interested can appear and contest same if they think proper.

WITNESS my hand this 21st day of October, 2019.

BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY DOCKET NO. 2019-C-026 RE: ESTATE OF DENA LEE BARNES, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 18th day of October, 2019, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Diana Lou Barnes, Personal Representative Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr., Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 10/23, 10/30 & 11/06/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT COURT OF PROBATE ESTATE OF JUDY H. REEVES A/K/A JUDITH VONCILE REEVES Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 24th day of October 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 24th day of October, 2019.

JAMES E. REEVES, III Legal Run 10./30, 11/06 & 11/13/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE ESTATE OF: MAMIE KOON, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 25th day of October 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 24th day of October, 2019.

CRAWFORD S. MELTON, Executor Legal Run 10./30, 11/06 & 11/13/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: BAYARD RODNEY BECK, SR., Deceased Case No.: 2019-C-038 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Susan T. Beck, Personal Representative on the 25th day of October 2019, 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.

Susan T. Beck Legal Run 10./30, 11/06 & 11/13/19

pelika O Observer

B13 Oct. 30, 2019

ALASCAN CLASSIFIEDS AUCTIONS AUCTION SATURDAY, November 2nd -9:00a.m. 10513 Hwy. 84 West, Dothan, AL. Construction and farm equipment. Dennis Burton, AL# 578. 1(334) 692-3955, www.

BURTONAUCTION.com SERVICES BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year price Guarantee! $59.99/ mo. with 190 Channels and 3 months free premium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 1-855-943-1314 WANT YOUR ad to be seen in 120 newspapers statewide?

Place your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (a participat-

ing ALA-SCAN member) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!

INSTRUCTION ONLINE PHARMACY Technician Training New Students Only. Call & Press 1. Financial Aid Available for those who qualify. 100% Online Courses. Call 1-844359-2283 INSURANCE AUTO INSURANCE Starting at $49/month! Call for your Free rate comparison to see how much you can save! Call: 1-855-408-7970 GET A-RATED Dental Insurance starting at around $1 per

day!. Save 25% on Enrollment Now! No Waiting Periods.

200k+ Providers Nationwide.

Everyone is accepted! Call 1-205-666-8226 (M-F 9-5 ET)

OXYGEN - ANYTIME. Anywhere. No tanks to refill.

No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 1-844-322-9935

LOWEST PRICES on Health Insurance. We have the best rates from top companies! See how much you can save, Call Now! 1-844-335-8693.

FINANCIAL SERVICES DONATE YOUR Car to Charity. Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes.

Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details. 1-844-810-1257

HEALTH/ BEAUTY ATTENTION: VIAGRA and Cialis Users! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special-$99 + Free Shipping!

100% guaranteed. Call Now: 1-855-382-4115

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY BECOME A PUBLISHED Author! We edit, print and distribute your work internationally. We do the work. You reap the Rewards!

Call for a Free Author’s Submission Kit: 1-888-283-4780 AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE TITLE Problems?

We have a solution! Call Jason Steward Enterprises, We’re Alabama’s #1 Vehicle Title Problem Experts! Free telephone consultation. North AL 1-256-850-0527, Central AL 1-205-267-5735, South AL 1-251-342-8538 FOR SALE BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. Easy, One Day updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for free in-home consultation: 1-877-7303876.

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

Mechanical Engineer - Position available in Auburn, AL. Seek one with Bachelor of Mechanical Eng. Duties include designing, evaluating, and developing mechanical systems and processes, etc. Mail resume with cover letter to “CNJ, Inc.” at 265 Teague Ct., Auburn, AL 36832.

INDOOR YARD SALE Saturday, Nov. 2 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST at 206 Etowah Ave in Opelika Furniture, Clothes, Toys, Home Decor... too many things to list!

Spread the word!

Join us for the

SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION

Signature Chefs Auction is an annual gathering of East Alabama’s most talented chefs who come together with their passion for fine cuisine and offer an exclusive evening designed to satisfy the most demanding palate!

Join Lead Chef Robbie Nicolaisen of The Hound for an unforgettable evening of fine foods, silent and live auctions, and the opportunity to support the mission of March of Dimes to fight for the health of all moms and babies.

WHEN November 7, 2019 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

WHERE Auburn University Hotel 241 S. College Street Auburn, AL 36830

CONTACT 334 513 7381 or lgross@marchofdimes.org

MORE INFO

© 2019 March of Dimes

SIGNATURECHEFS.ORG/EASTALABAMA

pelika Observer O

B14 Oct. 30, 2019

Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku?

Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

This week’s Scramblers Answers: 1. Insult; 2. Create; 3. Secure; 4. Process - Today’s Word: CIRCUS

Even Exchange Answers 1. Limber, Lumber 2. Pulse, Purse 3. Rough, Rouge 4. Baron, Bacon 5. Squirt, Squirm

6. Dipper, Diaper 7. Raven, Ravel 8. Chase, Phase 9. Margin, Marlin 10. Quiet, Quilt

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019

Inside the Statehouse

Smiths Station City Council recognize

Light being shown on Poarch Creek gambling casino monopoly in the Heart of Dixie

two prominent citizens with mayoral

R

ecently, an organization was formed with the name, “Poarch Creek Accountability Now.” This nonprofit group is headed by former 40-year veteran State Sen. Gerald Dial, who retired from the Alabama Senate in 2018.

The stated goal of this nonprofit group is to spread the true and accurate information about the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and their gaming revenue and expenditures. Dial says it is time to point out the unfairness of their operation. “They make billions upon billions in this state and pay zero in taxes,” Dial said. He said, and rightfully so, “that’s not right.”

“We just want to make sure that the general public is aware of the true facts about the Poarch Creek Indians.

The PCI Gaming syndicate is using the vast revenues collected in Alabama on nontaxed gambling and using these Alabama dollars to purchase the Sands Casino in Pennsylvania for $1.3 billion and then the Alabama tribe would begin a $250 million renovation of their Pennsylvania Casino,” Dial added.

Dial says that while the Alabama Tribe makes this out-of-state $1.5 billion investment with Alabama money, the Pennsylvania casino will be taxed at a 16% onsite gaming fee and 54% of online profits.

It is no secret that during the past legisla-

By Steve Flowers tive session, the PCI lobbyists worked to kill a lottery bill that would have allowed Alabamians the right to vote on a lottery. It is good that Senator Dial and fairminded Alabamians are shedding light on this unfair, and some say un-American, advantage and gravy train that the Poarch Creek casinos have acquired in our state. It is not only unfair, it is dangerous. The unimaginable profits being accumulated by these shadowy operations allow them to contribute large amounts of campaign money to legislative candidates, mostly incumbents, which in turn allows them to accumulate immense power politically. This is evidenced by their ability to kill Alabamians’ rights to vote to have a simple lottery.

These indian casinos were created by the Abramnoff and Scanlan corruption scandal. Several years ago, these two bagmen came to Washington with a Brinks’ truck full of money.

Congressional testimony indicates that it came from Las Vegas as their way of

spreading these casinos nationwide. Scanlan and Abramnoff went to jail, but the indian casinos were granted asylum and sanctified their once native lands to open casino gambling operations.

They took full advantage of those new federal laws here in Alabama. Most of the land in the state prior to our statehood was occupied by the Creek Indians. History reveals that our Creek Indians were done wrong.

What Andrew “Ole Hickory: Jackson did to the Creek Indians in Alabama was inhumane to say the least, and most would call it a barbaric massacre.

How those few who survived his sword made it to Oklahoma was a miracle.

However, the Creeks were not the only ones slaughtered by “Ole Hickory” during that time frame. As soon as he got through with the Creeks, he traversed down the Mississippi River and did it tenfold to the British Red Coats in New Orleans in 1812. There were very few survivors of Jackson’s savage victory over the British.

He made sure that the Indians and the British knew that this was the land of some tough new American frontiersmen, and they were led by one tough as nails, take-no-prisoners leader.

There are some folks with British ancestry who should be asking See Flowers, page B16

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

proclamations during last meeting

By Morgan Bryce Editor With only one business item on their agenda, the Smiths Station City Council took time during their meeting last Tuesday to recognize two prominent citizens by proclamation for their contributions to the city.

The first citizen recognized was the 105-yearold Ella Frances Cook, a resident of the nearby Motts community. Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland knelt and read Cook her centenarian proclamation, which said “born Sept. 22, 1914, she is the mother of 10 children, grandmother to 20 children and has many great-grandchildren ... and is a woman of great

Photos by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

faith who loves her church family at St. Mark CME Church in Smiths Station and is a longtime member there.”

“I was thinking about all the historical events and periods you’ve lived through, all the things you’ve witnessed in your lifetime, and it just gives me goosebumps. When I

have a chance, I’d love to come sit and spend an hour with you to talk about some of that,” Copeland said.

Cook told Copeland and the gathered crowd in the council chambers that her secret to a long, happy life was “to be good and stay on the right side.”

The second and final citSee Council, page B16

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones recognizes four individuals at Lee County Commission meeting

By Michelle Key Publisher During Monday night’s Lee County Commission meeting, Sheriff Jay Jones recognized four individuals on their promotions within the sheriff’s office.

- Dennis Harrell to the position of lieutenant.

Harrell is part of the school resource officer’s division - Daniel Scivicque was also promoted to lieutenant.

He is in the investigations division.

- Jimmy Taylor was promoted to the office of Captain and has been named as the chief investigator for the sherrif’s office.

Photo by Michelle Key/Opelika Observer

- Erin Pierce was promoted to corporal and is second in command for her patrol shift.

“They all have demonstrated capabilities of leadership and demonstrated that they are willing to do

the job that is required to be done and certainly uphold the standards that we set and the sheriff’s office wants to recongize them publicly tonight,” Jones said.

See LCC, page B16

pelika O Observer

B16 Oct. 30, 2019

City of Opelika kicks off first ‘Complete Count Committee’ meeting for 2020 Census Special to the Opelika Observer In early October, the city of Opelika kicked off the first Complete Count Committee meeting for the 2020 Census. They gathered many Opelika community leaders and talked about the importance of the census and different ways to reach out to the community.

The 2020 Census provides an opportunity for everyone to be counted.

Tribal, state and local governments; communi-

ty-based organizations; faith-based groups; schools; businesses; the media and others play a key role in developing partners to educate and motivate residents to participate in the 2020 Census.

When community members are informed by trusted leaders, they are more likely to respond to the census. Through collaborative partnerships, the U.S. Census Bureau and Opelika community leaders can reach the shared goal of counting

everyone in 2020.

The Complete Count Committees (CCC) program is key to creating awareness in communities all across the country: -CCCs utilize local knowledge, influence and resources to educate communities and promote the census through locally based, targeted outreach efforts.

-CCCs provide a vehicle for coordinating and nurturing cooperative efforts between tribal, state and local governments; communities; and

the Census Bureau.

-CCCs help the Census Bureau get a complete count in 2020 through partnerships with local governments and community organizations.

The Opelika Complete Count Committee will be sending additional information for residents during the next few months.

Residents can also stay up-to-date by following the Opelika Counts Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/OpelikaCounts-Census-2020110351850376203/.

‘Gen Z and Millennial Votes Matter Training Symposium’ to be held Nov. 7-9 Special to the Opelika Observer The Alabama NAACP has partnered with the Transformative Justice Coalition to bring the Gen Z and Millennial Votes Matter

Flowers, from B15 for some reparations after what Jackson did to their ancestors.

The Creek Indians left in Alabama got their reparations from the Abramnoff/Scanlan Federal Deal. With that grant came some inherent federal pro-

Training Symposium to Montgomery, Alabama.

Those living outside of the general Montgomery area will receive hotel accommodations for two nights, mileage stipends when traveling within

Alabama, as well as a $50 per day stipend for attending. Meals are included. They will also be required to submit a 500-word essay (onepage, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman) on why they

should be selected. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1.

To apply, go to www. votingrightsalliance.org/ algenzmvm. Once registered, RSVP at www. facebook.com/events/ 483231752404624/.

tection from taxation along with their casinos. However, states like Alabama should not allow them to have a monopoly.

Let me give some legislators an idea on how to extract a little well-deserved penance from these greedy PCI gaming operations in the state. My guess is that the roads leading to their shiny, gold-plated, gambling

palaces are state roads.

What would be wrong with making those roads toll roads and charge a $100 fee to pass through to the casino and prohibit any other road being built parallel to our state toll road?

I bet that toll fee would give us the same amount of revenue as a lottery. You can bet your bottom dollar that Huey Long or Lyndon

Johnson would take that approach to those arrogant, money-grubbing, power-mongering casinos.

See you next week.

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

Duffy Stewart - REALTOR 1810 E. Glenn Ave. Suite 130 Auburn, AL 36830 Cell 334-444-8041 Office 334-826-1010 Fax 334-826-1049 duffystewartrealtor@gmail.com www.BHHSPreferredAuburn.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affliates, LLC

Council, from B15 izen recognized was Hermine Bridges, who has lived in Smiths Station since 1978. Born and raised in Bad Tolz, Germany, she grew up in the midst of her country’s involvement in World War II. According to information on Hermine’s proclamation, “she was 17 (years old) when she met a young American soldier named Rex Bridges who was stationed in her hometown and (later) swept her off her feet.”

Returning from service in 1952, Rex wrote a letter to then-U.S. President Harry Truman requesting permission for his new wife to be able to join him in the United States. In the three years it took to become a naturalized citizen, she worked to learn the English language and culture while raising two sons.

Hermine spent most of her career in the banking industry, working at Opelika’s First National Bank and later First Federal Savings in Phenix City.

Now retired, Hermine is best-known for her lemon pound cake and “having the most manicured lawn in Smiths Station” according to Copeland. Utilizing her

LCC, from B15 Also during the meeting, City Engineer Justin Hardee spoke of Lee County Highway Department Special Projects Coordinator Joey Hundley on his upcoming retirment after 25 years of service to Lee County.

“Joey is a mentor and is a friend and he has been all these years. I hate to see him leave. I wish him well in his retirement,” Hardee said.

In other business, the commission: • heard from David Scott Johnson on the commission’s decision to reaffirm Lee Road 3 as a public road • heard from former commissioner John Andrew Harris regarding the sale of Windover Farms Trailer Park - Commissioner Richard LaGrand requested that City Attorney Stan Martin research laws regarding “opportunity zones” in order to determine if the commission has any legal standing to be involved in this matter • held a first reading on the citizens interest for from James Majors of Valley for

This week’s puzzle answers:

Snapper lawnmower, she mows her lawn a couple of times a week to maintain its well-maintained and landscaped appearance.

“I love Smiths Station, and I’m proud to call it home,” Hermine said after being read her proclamation.

In other business, the council: - approved the environmental and general fund budgets for September - heard a reminder from Copeland on trick-ortreating festivities officially lasting from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the city limits and - heard updates on a proposed tornado shelter to be constructed near the Smiths Station Goverment Center.

The Smiths Station City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month with a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m. E.S.T. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. Their meetings are held within the council chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430. a position on the Beulah Utilities District Board • approved John Johnson to remain on the Lee County Recreation Board - the decision to vote on the second position for the LCRB was moved to the next meeting.

Houston Black of Cusseta and John Southwell of Valley have both submitted citizen interest forms for the position • approved a change order for the HVAC replacement at the detention center - The final phase contract did not require the full contingency allowance requiring the need for the change order to reduce the contract by $52,272.49 in order for the contract to be closed out • approved an aerial photography contract with Kucera International, Inc. for photogrammertist services for Lee County as part of a cooperative that is made up of Auburn University, the cities of Auburn and Opelika. The total contract amount is $504,716 with the county’s portion being $217,075.22 The next meeting will be on Nov. 12 at 5 p.m. because of Monday of that week being Veteran’s Day.