Opelika Observer 11-27-19 E-edition

pelika Observer O

Vol. 12, No. 08

Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Happy Thanksgiving

Lee County dog with special needs finds home 805 miles away

Pika

By Morgan Bryce Editor Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Observer staff would like to wish all our readers and supporters a Happy Thanksgiving. May your hearts and tables be overflowing this year.

Christmas came early this year for Pika, a nearly 4-year-old

pitbull who spent the last six months at Opelika’s Animal Health Center before being adopted by Dillsburg, See Pika, page A2

Lee County Humane Society Downtown Opelika launches ‘Holiday Decorating Contest,’ voting starts Dec. 1 participating in ‘Maddie’s Fund Foster Express Challenge’ Special to the Opelika Observer

The shops and businesses of downtown Opelika are getting into the holiday spirit by launching the first ever Holiday Decorating Contest.

Hosted and coordinated by Opelika Main Street, this friendly contest encourages business owners to decorate their stores and window fronts for the holiday season.

“This contest is a great way for our downtown businesses to showcase their stores during the holiday season,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director

Special to the Opelika Observer Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Ken Ward. “With many great shopping and dining options, along with dozens of holiday events,

downtown is the place to be this Christmas season!”

Downtown customSee Contest, page A3

Index

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

The Lee County Humane Society is participating in a nationwide “Foster Express Challenge.”

The more shelter animals they can get

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

into foster homes during the holidays, the better chance that the LCHS has to win grant money for their shelter.

Their shelter will receive national exposure, hopes to find new people to sign up

as fosters, and will find foster homes for our shelter animals during the holiday season.

The rules for the challenge are: 1. The challenge See Challenge, page A3

pelika O Observer.com

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

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A2 Nov. 27, 2019

Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library to host a ‘Decorations Swap’ on Dec. 2 Special to the Opelika Obserever The Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library will be hosting a “Decorations Swap” on Dec. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m This is a totally new event that was inspired by area clothing swaps, we wanted to create an inexpensive way for people to refresh their holiday decorations.

To participate, people should drop off current decorations at

Cooper Library during open library hours: -Saturday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

-Sunday, Dec. 1 from 1 to 5 p.m.

-Monday, Dec. 2 by no later than 4 p.m.

Participants will receive a voucher to redeem at the swap on Dec. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. If someone doesn’t have anything to swap and just wants to shop, they can shop with cash and proceeds will benefit the Friends of Cooper Library.

It should be a fun time for all. All ages are welcome to attend.

“We are excited to host the decoration swap! When you want to change your décor or if you are just starting out and don’t have anything to decorate with, making your home festive for the holidays can quickly get pricey,” said Library Director Rosanna McGinnis. “We’re offering an alternative in the hopes that people can save money and have fun!”

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

Pika, from A1 Pennsyvania resident Caroline Blose.

The victim of an abandonment case, Pika was dropped off at the clinic by Lee County Animal Control in May. According to Dr. Buddy Bruce, she arrived with limited use of her two back legs because of a lower back/pelvis injury, and now fully relies on a specialized wheelchair for mobility, which was sponsored by Susan Bolton of the nonprofit Joey’s Paw. “She had some sort of injury, but we have no idea what actually happened ... maybe hit by a car at some point and time, and was probably never treated.

Pika was almost paralyzed in the legs when she arrived, but it got

progressively worse over time,” Bruce said.

“But when we got her the wheelchair, she took to it like a fish in water.”

During the last few months, Pika attended several adoption events, with no luck or new family to be found.

However, Bolton connected Blose and the clinic’s adoption coordinator Sidney Dodd in regards to Pika’s future.

Blose, who lives on a 3.5-acre farmette in southern central Pennsylvania, has been a lifelong lover of all animals. She has been able to adopt and possibly save the lives of several dogs with special needs by working two jobs, experiences that she chronicles on her Facebook page “Jordan’s Journey.”

“I didn’t want Pika to die. She deserved to have a full life,” Blose said. “Plus, looking at

her face, such a sweetheart. I fell in love with her immediately.”

On Wednesday, Dodd and others made the more than 805-mile, 12-plus hour trek to Dillsburg for Pika to be with her new owner.

“What I hope to achieve is to give these dogs a very long, happy and fulfilling life that would not necessarily have had, if I hadn’t adopted them. My life is fulfilled and so is theirs,” Blose said.

“They get to live for however long is possible with their disabilities. In other words, a normal, happy and healthy life.”

“We hate to see her leave and that we won’t get to see her every day. She’s a favorite among the technicians and staff here,” Bruce said. “But, in the end, they and I know that this is the best for Pika and we are very, very happy for her.”

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

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

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

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A3 Nov. 27, 2019

Make ‘Small Business Saturday’ more than a one-time event

By Quint Studer Special to the Opelika Observer Nov. 30 is “Small Business Saturday.”

Starting in 2010, American Express designated this day - the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year - to encourage people to "Shop Small."

The financial services company reports that since the commemoration began, "consumers have reported spending an estimated $103 billion across all Small Business Saturdays combined."

As a community revitalization expert, I welcome every chance to shine a spotlight on the small businesses and local entrepreneurs who make up the economic engine of most small and mid-size towns and cities.

Days like Small Business Saturday can help business owners get face time with customers who might not normally shop there. And consumers get to see what they might be missing—the personal connections and experiences they may not always get from

online or big box retailers.

Still, shopping small and local can and should be more than a symbolic one-day-a-year event.

Anyone who wants a stronger, more vibrant community needs to support their small businesses every day. They are the key to economic revitalization. They play a vital role in creating the "sense of place" that gives a community its competitive advantage.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses create two out of every three net new jobs in the private sector.

What's more, more than half of all Americans own or work for a small business.

There's a symbiotic relationship between residents and small business owners. They really need each other. Small businesses provide jobs and keep the dollars circulating locally.

Their owners have an active and personal interest in the well-being of the community. They live there. Their kids go to school there. They care about what hap-

pens.

When wealth is created, business owners are more likely to turn around and reinvest in the community.

In fact, small businesses have a far more important role in their communities than ever before. The old "pillars" - big institutions like banks, hospitals, media outlets, and other businesses - are no longer locally owned. The executives who work for them play a critical short-term role in the community, but often they're not there for the long haul. It's no longer a given that they'll retire there. So small business leaders must step in to fill this leadership void.

A few decades ago, the owners of these "pillar" businesses were committed to keeping their communities vibrant. They knew their economic health depended on it. But now that the owners of these former "pillars" live elsewhere, they just don't have the same intimate connection to the community.

It makes sense for small businesses to take

Project Uplift recognizes volunteers Claire Carter and Davis Cox Special to the Opelika Observer Claire Carter and Davis Cox are juniors (and a couple) at Auburn University who became involved with Project Uplift during the fall 2018 semester.

They are both from Huntsville.

Carter is majoring in early childhood education and Cox is majoring in business analytics. In high school, they interned for the FCA and worked all summer getting to be with kids. Upon arriving to Auburn University, they realized that they missed getting to pour into the lives of kids.

However, they learned of Project Uplift and were so excited for the opportunity to continue to share their passion for

children. In September 2018, they became mentors to Zionna and Ziquan.

Carter and Cox hang out with Zionna and Ziquan at least once a week for approximately two hours. Some of their favorite things to do with their big sister and brother are going to the Monkey Park or Hickory Dickory Park; they love swinging, running and playing in the creek and looking at the fish.

This experience with Project Uplift has been most beneficial to Zionna and Ziquan, as well as Carter and Cox. When asked how beneficial this experience has been for them and what valuable lessons they’ve learned, Claire said, “This has been such a beneficial experience for us.

We look forward to

Contest, from A1 ers can vote for their favorite business starting Dec. 1 by following Opelika Main Street on Facebook. Customers then will find the post featuring the facade of their favorite downtown business, be sure to like and share the post to cast your vote!

The business with the most likes and shares

this time every week and hope the kids do, as well. We have grown so close and are able to joke with each other, laugh with each other, and also talk about some serious things. We have learned how important it is to invest in the younger generation and how much we can learn from them. We are always learning about new songs, new dance moves, new terms, but most importantly, we have learned how to lead by example. We have watched as the kids mimic our words and actions. We make sure all we do is done out of love and kindness so that they will hopefully mimic that.”

For more information about Project Uplift, visit cla.auburn. edu/projectuplift/.

will be the winner. Customers are encouraged to visit Opelika’s signature Christmas event, Christmas In A Railroad Town, on Dec. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. to learn the contest winner.

For more information about this or other downtown programs and events events, visit opelikamainstreet.org, subscribe to their weekly newsletter and follow Opelika Main Street on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Opelika Main

brand. This is what customers want. The more chaotic and uncertain the world becomes, the more people crave a safe and stable home base.

This is a huge trend, and it's taking place all over America.

This is how you, the small business owner, can compete with the mega-retailers. Create an experience for your community. Citizens will know they're being looked after, and they will want to do business locally. This can become your competitive advantage. Take care of the community, and it will take care of you.

The bottom line?

Don't shop locally only on Small Business Saturday. Do it every chance you get, all year long.

A purchase from a small business owner is an investment in your community. Who better to support than those who are working so hard to create a better future for everyone?

Quint Studer is the author of Wall Street Journal bestseller “The Busy Leader's Handbook” and a lifelong businessman, entrepreneur and

the lead in pulling communities out of the economic slump many have been in for years. When communities are vibrant, there are more high-paying jobs, and people can afford to shop. Quality of life improves. There's more money for schools and programs that lift people out of poverty.

Everyone wins.

That's what happened in Pensacola, which in recent years has seen a surge in new businesses and explosive growth in property values. Small businesses have galvanized into a solid group, and they take an active role in the leadership of the community.

The city's business leaders mentor new entrepreneurs. They've put systems in place to ensure that all small business owners are well trained in the leadership skills they need to thrive long term. And successful small businesses give back. Hopefully other communities will use Pensacola's journey as a blueprint.

Many small businesses have made their commitment to their local community part of their

student of leadership.

He not only teaches it; he has done it. He has worked with individuals at all levels and across a variety of industries to help them become better leaders and create high-performing organizations. He seeks always to simplify high-impact leader behaviors and tactics for others.

Studer has a great love for teaching his insights in books and has authored nine of them in addition to The Busy Leader's Handbook.

His book Results That Last also made the Wall Street Journal bestseller list. Building a Vibrant Community, published in 2018, is a blueprint for communities seeking to revitalize themselves.

Studer is the founder of Vibrant Community Partners and Pensacola's Studer Community Institute. He currently serves as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of West Florida.

To learn more, visit www.thebusyleadershandbook.com, www. vibrantcommunityblueprint.com and www. studeri.org.

Kroger announces 2019 East Alabama ‘Can Hunger’ Campaign to benefit the Food Bank of East Alabama Special to the Opelika Observer More than 41 million Americans face hunger, including nearly13 million children, according to statistics provided to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As food banks around the country begin collecting food for the holidays, Kroger is making it easy for customers to “Can Hunger” in their communities through donations to local ""Feeding America Food Banks," such as the Food Bank of East Alabama.

From Nov. 17 to Dec. 24, Kroger customers can purchase $1 icons or donate a specific amount to help provide food for area families in need.

“Kroger is on a mission to end hunger in the places we call home,” said Felix Turner, manager of

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, beatification projects, business recruitment and various community events.

Learn more about Opelika Main Street by going to opelikamainstreet.org.

corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Eastern Alabama.

“Over the years, our associates and customers have helped us supply food banks with countless meals for the communities we serve.”

Every $1 donated for Can Hunger helps provide four meals for hungry children, hardworking families and struggling seniors – and for every dollar spent, 95 cents, including the value of all donated food, goes directly to help feed those in the Eastern Alabama area who might otherwise go hungry.

“The Can Hunger campaign aligns with Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision to end hunger in the places we call home and to eliminate waste – especially food

Challenge, from A1 runs Nov. 22 until Jan. 10, so it covers three major holidays.

2. The foster period can be as short as two hours and as long as two weeks to be counted towards total pets fostered during the challenge. This means participants can check out shelter animals through the LCHS Jog-a-Dog program for the day and it will still count towards the Foster Express

waste – in the company by 2025,” Turner said. “Zero Hunger | Zero Waste is also designed to address a fundamental absurdity in the nation’s food system: 40 percent of the food produced in the U.S. is thrown away, yet one in eight Americans struggles with hunger.”

About Kroger At The Kroger Co., they are "Fresh for Everyone" and dedicated to the purpose of feeding the human spirit. They have 28,000 associates who serve customers daily by delivering a seamless shopping experience throughout Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina. They are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025.

Challenge!

3. LCHS needs to send at least 25 pets into foster care to be eligible for a grant at the end of the challenge.

Maddie’s Fund is giving away $55,000 to participating shelters, and LCHS desperately needs funding!

For anyone interested in becoming a LCHS foster parent, participating in the Jog-a-Dog program or would like to know more about the Foster Express Challenge, visit LeeCountyHumane.org or email their foster coordinator at foster2@leecountyhumane.org.

pelika O Opinion

A4 Nov. 27, 2019

W

Dear Sean

e have about a month until Christmas, and I’m asking people a simple question on Santa’s behalf.

He actually asked me to do this.

Well actually, it was Santa’s secretary who called me ultra-long-distance to ask.

Or, if we’re getting super technical, it was his secretary’s assistant’s intern, Stacy, who called me.

Santa has a lot of people on his payroll. But hey, he’s tax exempt, so who cares? Stacy tells me the elves get great insurance, with full dental.

But anyway, the question Santa wants to know is: What do you want for Christmas?

There are no limits to how you answer. And nobody will judge you for what you want. Granted, if you ask for something like a 2020 Range Rover Evoque, forest green, with a sunroof, people might snicker at you and call you a shallow, narcissistic, self-important, gas-guzzling pig who is partly responsible for the perpetuation of American greed. But Santa won’t think that.

As it happens, a little boy (Brayden, age 8, Missouri) actually sent me

I

was raised in a time when saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ was as much a part of our way of life as the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer before meals. ‘Yes, sir’ and ‘No, ma’am’ were the correct answer to just about every question. Boys opened doors for girls and no self-respecting man sat in a seat if there was a woman standing. These days, though, it’s easy to believe that manners in general have become a thing of the past.

Take for instance, phone etiquette. My job requires that I make and receive hundreds of phone calls

A

nother trip around the sun, a planetary orbit shifts.

Stars align as I work feverishly into the night.

At a frantic pace, I write of things as they come.

An impending deluge of thought, ideas pour in and I attempt to record them all before they are gone.

They are all tied together.

Like the magician’s silk scarf, one idea lends itself to another. Seemingly endless is this renaissance.

I piece particles together, and weave storylines.

Amid this process, I realize that all of it is comprised of events and experiences within my life. Write from what you know and capture your own time, are prominent rules that I live by. When you awaken to a grounded state of consciousness, like the stars, these thoughts align. In retrospect, your

By Sean Dietrich his Christmas list. Which is what inspired the idea for this column. Along with Santa’s phone call, of course.

Brayden asked for: —A swingset —Bluetooth earbuds —A real bunny —Red duck tap —Checkered Vans —$6,000 So now it’s your turn.

Maybe you want something odd, such as a gift certificate to Golden Corral or a coin-operated pony ride. Maybe you want a ski-resort vacation. A reverse mortgage. A pet alligator.

Maybe you are a kid who is being raised as a Primitive Freewill Fundamentalist against your will and your parents don’t believe in celebrating Christmas because it was originally a pagan holiday and in your household your parents believe that Santa represents Satan.

If you live in a house like this, listen to me carefully: Your Christmas is

probably going to suck.

Send me a letter, pronto.

I’ll get it to the Big Guy. Whoever you are, you should definitely know upfront that you probably won’t get whatever you ask for. That’s just how Santa works. I know this from experience.

When I was a kid, every year I used to ask him for a silverbelly-colored Stetson cowboy hat.

Isn’t that stupid? I don’t know why I wanted it so badly. Especially when you consider all the horrors facing humanity like world hunger, MiddleEastern land wars and reality-TV singing contests.

But the year after my father passed away, I really wanted that dumb hat.

Finally, my mother broke the bad news to me gently.

Mama explained that I would not get a cowboy hat because Santa couldn’t go around giving away pricey Stetsons made of genuine 10X beaver pelt to little boys. Santa wasn’t made of cash you know.

He had a lot of elves to feed. And Mrs. Claus, who kept running up Santa’s credit cards with all those Botox injections, wasn’t making anything easier.

Even so, I could not get that hat out of my mind.

See Dietrich, page A6

Just a pipe dream: Hope is gone that vaping is better than smoking

S

everal years ago, an emeritus university professor read a Waffle House window sign that the diner no longer allowed smoking. The retiree went elsewhere.

A while back, two doctors took a smoke break just outside their hospital. Playing by the rules, they were also less likely to be seen by colleagues.

These two cases illustrate that, although smoking and vaping are most prevalent with the less educated, that some people with advanced degrees also continue to smoke. Although only slightly more than 4% of this group smokes, those that do are best to heed the bad news about smoking and vaping and kick these habits for their own health. About 1-in5 preventable diseases and deaths in the United States are caused by cigarette smoking.

It may surprise readers that non-Hispanic whites are not the group with the highest level of smokers. Not even close! According to the Centers for Disease Con-

By Greg Markley trol and Prevention, in 2017, 24% of non-Hispanic American Indians/ Alaska Natives smoked.

Blacks and whites were tied at 15%. People with annual household incomes under $35,000 were almost three times more likely to smoke than those with incomes of $100,000 or more.

“I highly recommend that people who are vaping take health advisories seriously,” said Mitchel Galishoff, M.D., an internist with a practice in Valley.

“More than 1,200 cases of severe lung injury have been reported. The culprits include cobalt, vitamin E, other solvents and the products of chemical reactions that occur during the heating process.”

Galishoff noted that there are abundant tools for quitting smoking.

Among these are a pharmaceutical-grade nonheated nicotine inhaler manufactured by Pfizer.

It is been available for years by prescription.

There are also nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges available “over the counter.” Galishoff added that “It is quite possible that 10, 20 and 30 years from now, we may see a new epidemic of severe chronic lung disease from vaping. It is not worth it!”

Mark Twain, the American writer and humorist, joked that: “As an example to others, and not that I care for moderation myself, it has always been my rule never to smoke when asleep, and never to refrain from smoking when awake.” To an extent, I understood why it was difficult for my Mom and Dad to stop smoking, as they got addicted when the dangers of smoking were not well-known. But for those who came of age See Markley, page A6

Please and thank you a day. Literally. And I’ve noticed that more often than not, people end a conversation without a thank you or even a goodbye… sometimes just hanging up abruptly, an unfinished sentence left hanging like a loose thread. A college male called our office the other day asking for samples of a new medication.

When I told him I would put some at the front desk for him, his response was “cool.” And then the phone went dead. I heard myself saying ‘You’re welcome’ into the dead air.

I was in a crowded Chick-fil-A recently, hungry folks packed into

By Wendy Hodge

booths and around tables, eating sandwiches and fries like there was no tomorrow. Directly across from me stood a white-haired little lady with a cane in one hand and her tray of food in a death-grip in the other. A group of middleaged men (men who ought to know better!) sat not five feet from her, and not a single one of them stood

to offer her assistance or to give her a seat. Her eyes were huge behind her thick glasses, and my heart broke a little.

In line at Walmart just this morning, a lady stood behind me holding a child.

What looked at first glance to be an angelic little girl turned out to be a 3-yearold with a passion for kicking the person directly in front of them… I was that person. After the first kick or two, I turned and looked at her, even winked and smiled, only to be greeted with a glare from both child and mom. As if I were somehow invading their space by simply being

in line before them. The kicking continued. I moved ahead a couple of feet, and so did they. I turned again, not smiling this time, to be met with the same glares.

Had I not desperately needed that bag of Snickers bars I would have abandoned them and fled.

And so now I sit here in front of my computer with the phones scheduled to being ringing soon, dreading the very sound of another human’s voice, and it dawns on me that I can choose to react to all those situations in one of two ways. I can allow someone else’s bad upbringing or attitude bleed all over

me like a coffee stain on a white satin dress. Or I can remember what my grandmother used to say – “Wendy Lynne, meet a frown with a grin. You’ll never be sorry you smiled.”

I think lately my grandmother has been right there with me because this morning as I was being kicked in Walmart I felt a nudge toward the rack of stuffed animals sitting next to the checkout counter.

A jade- green teddy bear holding a tiny soccer ball hung there with a lopsided grin. He looked just perfect for a 3-year-old kicker-intraining. And so I bought See Hodge, page A6

Time Traveler | Ignited Light life’s timeline begins to make sense. Frustrations dissipate, and the strenuous uphill climb fades, just as you prepare to climb again. All experiences, good and bad, form the complex tapestry from which life illustrations are read. Like clock hands, we circle back around to the time where we began.

Things are different now.

Our skill of navigation has been tested, and we’ve explored many uncharted directions. All of this conditions us for the next voyage, as we peer further into the distance.

The events of my time, reflect the delicate hours of life, the revolving cycle reaffirms resilience and reborn ability to thrive. The stars and sun burn brighter this year illuminating our way as we journey onward and stronger still.

Into the night, I record my

By Sarah West thoughts, convictions and compose paint-worthy sketches. Perhaps these might ignite the spark that lights the night for the next time traveler.

Sarah West serves the Opelika Observer as a contributing columnist, with written works of cultural arts relevance and prose. She is a preservation and conservation advocate, activist and visual artist of American illustration with a focus on regional narrative paint-

ing. She is the founder of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts, Smiths Station, Alabama’s premier fine arts destination. She is the appointed official artist to the city of Smiths Station, a Lee County syndicated columnist, the director of her art center’s Cultural Arts Outreach Initiative,

which partners with local schools to make the arts accessible to all. She also serves a chief curator to the city of Smiths Station, City Hall Art Galleries.

She is a founding member of the Smith Station Historic Commission. She is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board- Cary Center, Auburn University

College of Human Science.

She is an elected member of the Society of Illustrators-NYC. She mentors art students of every age through weekly classes at her studio located in the heart of Smiths Station, Alabama. To learn more about her work and activism visit, www.thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com.

YOUR DESTINATION for CONTINUED FINE ARTS EDUCATION STUDIO CLASSES | DRAWING, PAINTING & MORE for ALL AGES www.thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com

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A5 Nov. 27, 2019

Sisters of Promise donate canned goods to Lee County DHR to assist families with Thanksgiving meal preparations Special to the Opelika Observer The Sisters of Promise Chapter #442 Order of the Eastern Star recently donated canned good items to Lee County DHR to assist in the preparation of a Thanksgiving meal for the less fortunate. Members pictured are Katy Campbell, Tina Betts,Marquenta Barnett, Nigel Robbins, Oylinda Harris and Shardonnay Richardson.

Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Opelika Center for the Performing Arts For tickets call 334-749-8105 or visit eastalabamaarts.org

pelika O Opinion

A6 Nov. 27, 2019

An American in Cuba | Third Lens Ministries - Part 2

I

differ; they are out for peace. They all have places to be and things to do, and believe me, at times they are in a mindless hurry, just as we are. But they are kind. They do not point fingers or cause a fuss. They are a family. The entire island. For at one time, all they had was each other, so they highly value each one.

It is safe here in Cuba. They are also looking out for us.

They are kind and assistive and happy to have some Americans on their land.

“How long you stay?” one asks, as we stroll downtown. “We are happy to have you here in Cuba. Would you like to come to our Salsa Festival tonight?” My heart skips a beat. Oh, the fun of

n all honesty, since I feel as you, my readers, are family, I knew nothing of Cuba going into my trip. I had heard of a man named Fidel Castro and my idea of Cuba was one of skepticism. That is all.

I went into this trip completely blind.

I see this as an offering. The ability to have a completely open and new mind to learn and gather my own thoughts and opinions. My curiosity and eagerness to ask all the questions and learn as much as possible sat my heart in the hot seat.

I was desperate to find out about these people. Excited to dive into their world.

I wanted to talk to them, walk into their homes and eat their food. I wanted to laugh with them and cry with them and put myself in their shoes, even if just for a tiny moment in time.

We did this and much, much more.

We drank coffee with them, listened to their stories, broke bread with them, watched sunsets together, prayed with them, sat in their homes and simply loved each other.

The stories to come in the following weeks will tap into each

heart and soul I met.

But for now, I will state my facts, from the eyes and soul that I measure with. The reality of what I felt, in the path I followed to meet Cuba face to face. #1 Cuba is stepping back in time. You first see it in the buildings and the colorful 1950’s cars. It is like taking yourself back to Frank Sinatra and Valentino. You can visualize the movie stars, traveling to the luxury of a foreign island, dancing and laughing among palm trees and vast skies.

Catching a late-night ride in a red Cadillac, top down, with yells of joy at the islanders passing by.

You can see the gorgeous architecture of palace style homes with large columns, painted in what was once white or bright, pastel colors of their Cuban roots. Exquisite marble interiors, complimented by colorful Spanish tiles.

The steep hills of Havana lead you to the coastline, splashing against a cement wall or to downtown where the city people gather, for a tasty treat of ice cream.

There is a long line of hundreds of smiles wrapped around a building that looks

Dietrich,

cheap. Big or small.

Seen or unseen. Maybe what you want for Christmas is more complicated than hats.

Maybe you have a 6-year-old son recovering in ICU, and you just want some good news before Christmas morning.

Maybe you have always wanted a Roy Rogers official guitar from the Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog, even though you are a 71-year-old man.

Maybe you want your whole family simply not to strangle each other this year.

Maybe you need a friend. Maybe you want to feel pretty for once in your life. Maybe you’d like not being stressed out for one day. Maybe you want to wake up to sunshine. Or to visit Cos-

ta Rica. Or Sheboygan.

Maybe you want a cute girl at work to notice you. Maybe you miss your son who is away at college. Maybe your mother or father passed away, and you want a sign from above to show you they’re proud of you.

Sometimes it feels good to simply tell someone what you want. So tell me. And I’ll tell Santa. No matter how strange, selfish, or bizarre your request.

Christmas is coming.

And even though we are strangers, we’re all in this together. Unless of course you’re a complete wacko. In which case, we’re related.

So leave a comment, email me, or send a handwritten letter c/o Santa’s Helper, 226 Hideaway Bay Drive,

Miramar Beach, Florida, 32550.

Write a few sentences about why you want what you’re asking for.

I will compile a list and maybe even mention your letter in a column.

And I’ll do my best to get your words to the white-bearded man who can do something about them.

Please don’t misunderstand me, you probably won’t get what you ask for. But I can promise you this: I love you. And so do others. And well, the great thing about Santa is, you just never know.

I’ll start the ball rolling. Santa, I wear a size 7 ⅜.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South.

over and touched the arm of the lady’s blue fuzzy sweater. She looked up at me with those huge eyes.

“Would you like to come eat with me?” I asked.

“I would love to,” she said.

And we sat there talking about the weather and how crowded all the stores were and how quickly Christmas is coming this year. When our meal was gone, I took her tray to the garbage can and helped her to her car. My gift was a hug and a twinkle in the blue eyes behind those coke-bottle lenses.

Today I choose to hear

my grandmother’s voice and say Please and Thank You. Thank you, universe, for the little girl in Walmart who left a bruise on my lower back. Please may she know that she is capable of so much greatness and that the world is a wide and wondrous place.

And thank you for the table of men who ignored the old lady in Chick-filA. Your loss was my gain.

That hug was exactly what I needed. Please may you see the person you’re looking at next time for the gem they truly are.

As for the phone calls

that will fill this work day, thank you to the voices that are kind and polite. And please, may those that aren’t so nice understand that when my grandmother says “Smile, Wendy Lynne,” my answer will be “Yes, ma’am.”

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.

from A4 Years later, I was a grown man on a road trip through North Carolina for the holidays to visit family. I stopped at a gas station. Attached to the station was a Western-wear gift shop. And I saw The Hat. It was illuminated by an unseen spotlight. I heard distant choirs singing. It was a silverbelly Stetson. The price was $250. It fit perfectly.

But I couldn’t bring myself to buy it. It was way too much money.

So I put the hat down.

I walked out the door.

And to this day, several years later, I sort of wish I would have bought it.

It’s okay to want things. Expensive or

Hodge, from A4 it and told the cashier to give it to the little girl behind me.

As I exited the store, I looked back over my shoulder and caught the child’s eye. I smiled. And so did she.

The other day, sitting there eating my cheeseburger and watching the table of men ignore the older lady standing next to them, I know it was my grandmother who nudged me to my feet. I walked

By Bradley Robertson to be a circus tent, in the middle of a park. Shades of blue and white, different from the red tents in America. I wondered if there was a ride inside. What could these people be standing outside for all day long, waiting for hours to enjoy?

Ice Cream.

For $0.25 you can enjoy a large ice cream for your self and buy a few more for your entire family.

It is simple. And it is utterly fantastic!

We did not stand in this long line. For we were Americans, on a mission. No time in our day to stop.

1950’s Chevrolets of teal, yellow and pink, bounce up and down the roads, dropping people here and there and all over the place. Always horns, always hollering. But in joy and assistance, for Cuban people look out for each other.

This brings me to number two… #2 Cuban people love each other and look out for each other. They are not out to

a real, Cuban Salsa Festival. The man is honest and inviting.

He smiles and begins to give us directions.

I break the news that we cannot attend because of plans. He just smiles back in gratitude.

“Thank you for visitng Cuba. I hope you have fun,” which was said with his best English pronunciation but with a beautiful native tongue.

Everywhere we go is like this. Into their homes. Into their churches, their cars, their life. They speak with gratitude and eagerness, to share their past and for us to share in the hope of their future. #3 God is bigger than big in Cuba. You can see the Lord and you can feel Him.

God is making a wave of gathering up His people and sending them back into their community to find those that seek life. They are a Holy people. They are true disciples, meeting in homes and tiny churches and desolate places we would never find ourselves. They worship and sing and will anoint an American with oil in a New York minute. Then they depart. Full of power and joy to do the good work God has called us to do, to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”

If God is so present there, and we are in the Land of plenty here, then why is it harder to see Him? What if plenty isn’t what we have, but what we hold?

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Markley, from A4 after the 1960s, smoking’s ugly side was no secret.

In 1964, Luther Terry, M.D., Surgeon General of the U.S., released the first report of the Surgeon General’s Advisory Committee on Smoking and Health. It declared that smoking is a cause of lung cancer and laryngeal cancer in men and a likely cause of lung cancer in women.

New laws required a health warning on cigarette packages and banning cigarette advertising on broadcast media.

Move forward to 2018.

The American Heart Association said E-cigarettes have not been successful in helping people throw off smoking. On the contrary, research found that users tend to continue smoking and vaping; this is called “dual use.” The AHA says there are better options than e-cigarettes.

“The long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are not well understood yet,” the AHA noted. “But the science clearly indicates vaping is not a safe or healthy alternative to smoking.”

On Aug. 1, Alabama debuted extensive changes to its vaping laws. Advertising is prohibited for vaping and nicotine products as alternatives to smoking; Alcoholic Beverage Control Board now regulates e-cigarettes and

vape products and selling vaping and nicotine products is restricted for those under age 19. Also, vape shops must have a tobacco license.

“They look like the kind of change you would expect to see in an unfortunate worker in an industrial accident where a big barrel of toxic chemicals spills and that person is exposed to toxic fumes and there is a chemical burn in the airways,” said Dr. Brandon Larsen, surgical pathologist at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona on 17 vaping injuries. Other physicians think the injuries resemble those of soldiers hit by chemical warfare (“mustard gas”).

I believe we non-smokers can diplomatically encourage, but not shame, our relatives and friends into quitting smoking and/or vaping. If we have a relative who avoids Waffle House because a city law prohibits smoking there, be supportive. If you see your own doctors smoking, be understanding. The tragedy is that an innovation such as vaping has turned out to be hazardous to users’ health, just like the cigarettes that smokers thought they were forever leaving behind.

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

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

• Nov. 30 - Small Business Saturday • Dec. 2 - Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library’s Holiday Decoration Swap • Dec. 4 - Sno*pelika • Dec. 5-7 - Hyundai of Auburn Christmas Bazaar

Aycock family grateful for community, outreach programs Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

F

or the Jima and Tony Aycock family and many others in our community, this holiday season is a difficult time. Empty seats around the table are a reminder of lost loved ones. In many cases, the table and setting are new and don’t feel like home.

While the holidays will be different this year, Jima and Tony are thankful for the prayers and care of their church family, the community and outreach programs, including the EAMC’s Mend Foundation, Samaritan’s Purse and Eight Days of Hope, among many others.

Generally, if there were tornado watches, Cameron Photo by Ann Cipperly and Carmen would take Jima and Tony Aycock of Opelika are sharing the story of their son Cameron and his family’s devastathe girls to his parents’ tion in the March tornadoes. The family is thankful to the community for coming together to provide home since their house support. Jima is sharing recipes the family has enjoyed over the years during the holidays. had a basement. They knew the weather was They took Angela to was in shock.

They rushed to the hall. going to be stormy that the fire station down the Angela had also blacked As soon as they huddled afternoon but were not road where the ambuout.

She woke up for a few together, the trailer began aware of the possibility for lances were picking up the moments and screamed, bending.

The last thing tornadoes. injured.

First responders Cameron remembered was then passed out again.

As they were getThe hunters began pulling and officers were at the seeing the floor bending ting ready to sit down area as soon as possible, as debris off her. When they up before he blacked out. for lunch, the alarm on well as Sheriff Jay Jones. first found her, they did As soon as the tornado Cameron’s phone sudThose who lived nearby not think she was alive. passed, hunters in the denly warned of dangerwere busy removing trees When Angela began area stopped to search for ous weather. Ten seconds moving and moaning, one from the roads so the survivors. later, the sky went black, ambulances could get into of the hunters, who was Cameron woke up and and Cameron knew it was the area. a retired paramedic, perstarted pushing debris off. a tornado, sounding as Carmen was found formed CPR. They were He heard a man saying, though a 747 was heading able to get her on a door to “Hey, I’m coming.”

The toward their home. carry her out. hunter got Cameron who See Cipperly, page A11

Jima and Tony’s son Cameron and his wife Carmen were enjoying a relaxing Sunday afternoon on March 3 at home with daughter Angela, a junior at Beauregard High School, while the other daughter Andrea was working at East Alabama Medical Center. Carmen, the assistant director of Nutrition Services for the Auburn Early Education Center, adored being home in their new five-month-old double wide mobile home. After moving from Mexico five years earlier and marrying Cameron, it was the home of her dreams.

‘Jahvon’s - A Little Taste of The East Alabama Civic Chorale Heaven Restaurant’ to reopen to perform at Auburn First at USA Town Center on Dec. 1 Baptist Church on Dec. 3

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Jahvon’s - A Little Taste of Heaven Restaurant will have a new home at USA Town Center, with a grand-opening date slated for Dec. 1. It will replace Homegirl’s Jamaican Grill, which is set to close on Nov. 27.

Previously located within the Pepperell Corners Shopping Center, Jahvon’s owners Tyrone and Montesha Durrell said they are excited to re-open their business in the shopping center.

“We’re ecstatic. For me, I’m ready to get

Special to the Opelika Observer

Tyrone and Montesha Durrell back to it and do what I love doing,” Montesha said. “We want our customers to know though that even being in a new location, it’s the same old Jahvon’s.

Everything is still there and they’ll know the food.”

Both Tyrone and

Montesha are Lee County natives. While Tyrone handles Jahvon’s advertising and promotion, Montesha, her mother and cousin focus on cooking and serving their customers.

Montesha’s love

The East Alabama Civic Chorale will present its annual Christmas Concert on Dec. 3 at Auburn First Baptist Church, starting at 7 p.m. This is the chorale’s first concert under the leadership of its new conductor, Dale Peterson.

The 65-voice choir will present a wide variety of seasonal music including works by Vivaldi, Mendelssohn and Berlioz plus

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

traditional favorites and carols arranged by John Rutter. Liza Weisbrod is

the chorale’s pianist and for See Chorale, page A9

See Jahvon’s, page A9

Book your Holiday Party with us!

We offer full service off site catering, delivery or pick up options for events, and private dining events at our Opelika location.

Visit our website niffersplace.com/catering for private dining room requests and event menus, or contact cater@niffersplace.com.

Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

pelika O Observer

A8 Nov. 27, 2019

Noel McKay, David Olney to perform at The Sound Wall on Dec. 5 Special to the Opelika Observer The Sound Wall will host David Olney and Noel McKay in concert on Dec. 5.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show will begin a few minutes later. This is a bring-your-own-beer event.

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased through visiting www.thesoundwallopelika.com or www.eventbrite.com.

The venue is located at 605 Ave. B. Following is more information about the respective artists: Noel McKay Noel McKay is a songwriter who was raised in Lubbock, Texas. His songs have taken him across the United States and all over the world.

In 1993, he was discovered by songwriting legend Guy Clark while performing his songs at a venue in Ker-

rville, Texas. Clark’s mentorship has been a key component to Noel’s success as a songwriter.

In the 2000s, McKay had several regional hits across the state of Texas with his brother Hollin in the band “McKay Brothers.”

Those songs can still be heard from time to time getting spun on Texas radio stations and satellite radio.

These days, McKay can be found playing his songs to packed houses of astute listeners both stateside and in Europe. He has recently discovered the art of cowriting and has written songs with greats such as Guy Clark, Richard Dobson, David Olney, John Scott Sherrill, Shawn Camp and Brennen Leigh. Recently, Leigh has become McKay’s songwriting and duet partner and their collaborations have garnered wide acclaim.

McKay When not on the road, McKay splits his time between Austin and Nashville.

David Olney “Americana Pioneer” singer-songwriter/recording artist, stream-caster and actor David Olney is well-known worldwide for his indelible songs and powerful live performances.

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

Recorded by Emmylou Harris, Del McCoury, Linda Ronstadt, Steve Young, Slaid Cleaves, The Wailin’ Jennys and many others, he shares his songs and the story behind it in his weekly “You Never Know” Songwriter Series videos posted every Tuesday on

Olney DavidOlney.com and YouTube.

About The Sound Wall The Sound Wall is a destination studio owned and operated by the husband-andwife duo of Rob and Jen Slocumb. It is a place for artists looking to escape the big cities.

Conveniently

located in historic downtown Opelika, it is 90 minutes from Atlanta and fewer than three hours from Birmingham.

The multi-use space is available to the community offering monthly supper clubs, concerts, songwriting events, classes and more.

pelika O Observer

A9 Nov. 27, 2019

A safe turkey is critical this holiday season

By Victoria Dee Special to the Opelika Observer The best turkey for the holiday table is the one that’s been prepared safely. Angela Treadaway, an Alabama Extension regional food safety and quality agent, offers information on making sure your holiday turkey is also a safe turkey.

Stuffing the Bird To prepare your stuffing, mix wet and dry ingredients separately and combine

Jahvon’s, from A7 and passion for good, down-home cooking can be traced back to her four summers working at the now-defunct Whispering Oaks Restaurant on Geneva Street, working closely alongside a seasoned, older cook she called “Ms. Eva Mae.” “I held a number of different roles at (Whispering Oaks), but the majority of the time, I was back there in the kitchen. And often, Ms. Eva Mae would be back there working and ask me to help,” Montesha said.

“She’d say ‘hand me this’ or ‘hand me that’ and I learned how to do certain things and develop a love for cooking.”

That love of cooking has carried with Montesha into her adult life. Whether it was preparing food for church gatherings, family reunions or work parties, she said her food was always warmly received.

In 2014, the Durrells’ 13-month-old son and restaurant namesake Jahvon passed away following a battle with myocarditis, a virus that can “affect your heart muscle and your heart’s electrical system, reducing your heart’s ability to

just before use. Place the stuffing inside the bird immediately before placing it in the oven. Loosely stuff the turkey, using roughly three-fourths of a cup of stuffing per pound of bird. Place extra stuffing in a greased casserole dish and continue cooking.

“No matter if you are cooking it inside or outside the bird, cook all stuffing and dressing recipes to a minimum temperature of 165° Fahrenheit,” See Turkey, page A14 pump and causing rapid or abnormal heart rhythms,” according to medical reports.

Jahvon’s passing, paired with her longtime dream of owning and operating her own restaurant or food-oriented business, pushed Montesha to pursue her dream.

“Sometimes we’ll have things that happen to us that push us into our destiny. When (Jahvon) passed, I wanted to open something in his name, and I wanted it to be something that I loved to do and could put my all into, and ultimately led me to doing this,” Montesha said.

Loyal patrons have buoyed the business during the years of Jahvon’s existence.

During the restaurant’s hiatus, customers have been flooding Montesha’s inbox and the restaurant’s social media page with orders for meals or catering events, which gives the Durrells confidence moving forward.

“The restaurant would be nothing without (our customers). They never stopped asking if and when we’d reopen, and some people were even sending me possible locations and vacant buildings they thought we might be interested in,” Montesha said.

“All of that support means a lot to us.”

As previously men-

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Chorale, from A7

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer tioned, Jahvon’s menu will remain the same.

There will be rotating daily specials, and Montesha said customers can expect items like barbecue quarters, collard greens, macaroni-and-cheese, oxtails and sweet potato casserole to remain a prominent part of the Jahvon’s menu.

Jahvon’s planned hours of operation

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

will be 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

It will be closed each Saturday.

For more information, like and follow the restaurant’s Facebook page. It will occupy Suite 220 of USA Town Center, which is located at 1220 Fox Run Ave.

this presentation the Plains Woodwind Trio will accompany several of the selections.

A delightful new composition, “Three for Three” (three carols arranged for three wind players) by Conductor Emeritus Jim Sikes will receive its world premiere at the concert.

“Even though retired as conductor, we are so delighted Jim Sikes continues to use his creativity to benefit the chorale and the community,” Peterson said. “I believe the East Alabama Civic Chorale has prepared a concert of Christmas music, both sacred and secular, that everyone will enjoy. These singers love music and

love singing and their faithful attendance and hard work every week are proof of their love of choral music and commitment to the chorale.”

The community is cordially invited to attend. The concert is free, however donations will be accepted.

All of the donations will be divided between the chorale (paying for the expenses of the concert) and The Food Bank of East Alabama.

“We support and believe strongly in the arts in our community. At this time of year, we are also reminded and believe strongly in helping those in our community who are less fortunate. So, we are glad that we can share our donations with the Food Bank,” Peterson said.

For more information, like and follow the group’s Facebook page. Auburn First Baptist is located at 128 E. Glenn Ave.

& Flea Mall

TOBACCO BASKET

Get Thanksgiving ready with us!

9 0 0 C O L U M B U S P K W Y, O P E L I K A 3 6 8 0 1 O P E N E V E R Y D AY 1 0 - 7 & S U N 1 - 5 ( 3 3 4 ) 7 4 5 - 3 2 2 1 • W W W. A N G E L S A N T I Q U E A N D F L E A M A L L . C O M

A10 Nov. 27, 2019

pelika Observer O

pelika O Observer Cipperly, from A7 about five feet from her daughter, but she did not survive.

The other three mobile homes near the Aycocks were also picked up and blown into the woods.

Residents who were in the other mobile homes did not survive. A brick house across the street was also blown away. Fortunately, no one was home.

Jima and Tony had gone out for lunch after church.

Once they returned home, Tony turned the television on. When regular programming was preempted for the weather, he became concerned about Cameron and his family.

He tried to call their cell phones but could not get an answer. He was hoping they had gone out for lunch.

When he saw on television that a tornado had touched down near where Cameron lived, he left to check on them. He was on Geneva Street when Jima called to tell him to come back that their son was in the hospital. Since Cam-

Recipes Red Velvet Cake Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cake: ½ cup shortening 1 stick butter 1 ½ cups sugar 2 large eggs 3 small bottles (or 3 oz.) red food coloring 1 tsp. salt 1 cup buttermilk (whole or non-fat) 2 ¼ cups cake flour 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 level Tbsp. cocoa powder Mix 1 Tbsp. vinegar and 1 Tbsp. baking soda. Stir to dissolve. Set aside.

Sift all dry ingredients together.

Cream butter, shortening and sugar together until fluffy. Add red food coloring and eggs.

Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk and mix well.

Mix in the vinegar and soda last.

Bake in two 9 inch or three 8 inch greased and floured pans for 25 to 30 minutes or until an inserted wooden toothpick comes out clean.

Icing: 1 cup milk ¼ cup flour (any kind) 1 cup sugar ½ cup shortening ½ cup butter 1 tsp. vanilla extract Cook milk and flour together until thick while stirring constantly. Let cool completely.

Cream together the sugar, shortening and butter. Add the cooled flour mixture and beat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the vanilla last. Frost cake.

Pumpkin Roll 2/3 cup pumpkin (squash can also be used) 1 tsp. lemon juice 1 cup sugar 3 eggs ¾ cup all-purpose flour 2 tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. ginger

eron had his wallet and cell phone in his pocket, the hospital was able to identify him.

When Jima and Tony arrived at the emergency room, they found the area filled with hundreds of people. They were thankful to find their ministers, Sean Rezek, Earl Ballard and Steve Bass from Trinity United Methodist Church.

About an hour later, a staff member took Jima, Tony and Andrea, who was working at the hospital, into the chapel.

Tony was expecting to hear the worst. They were told Cameron had been severely injured and was in ICU waiting for surgery.

He had one arm broken in two places, a collapsed lung and a cut that would have killed him if it had been deeper.

Soon afterwards they learned that Angela was in the hospital and was being taken to UAB. When she arrived at the hospital, Angela was not breathing. The doctor said if they had not gotten her there when they did, she would have died. Angela had a severe concussion, a fractured skull, her back

broken in two places and one leg badly cut-up.

They were all worried about Carmen. When she was not found at the hospital, Tony and Jima went to the staging area at Samford School at midnight and talked to Coroner Bill Harris to see if anyone had been found that matched her description. It was complicated since Carmen’s name is Mexican, Irma Del Carmen Gomez Moran.

“We were calling every hospital,” Tony said. “We didn’t want to lose hope.

“About 24 hours later, on Monday night, they got us together and told us that Carmen did not make it. Steve Bass was with us. Cameron kept asking about Carmen and told me not to lie to him that he wanted to know. Steve went with us to tell him.”

When Angela and Andrea’s father and grandmother in Mexico were notified, they flew to Birmingham to be with Angela. When she was released from the hospital, the sisters, their father and grandmother stayed at Oak Park in an apartment provided by EAMC until their new home was

built. Their new home in Opelika was built through donations from the EAMC Mend Foundation and local volunteers.

After Cameron came home from the hospital, he lived with his parents for three months.

His employer, Aflac, was very helpful. Cameron has three children, Alexandra (Alex), Liam and Amelia (Mimi), from his first marriage, who live in Opelika.

Jima and Tony have four other sons: Shanon and his wife, author Anna Hubert, live in Fort Wayne, Indiana. and have two children, Aria, 5, and Madelyn, 2; Shaun, a banker, and wife Becka reside near Rome, Georgia. and have two children, Aiden, 10, and Maddox, 5 and one on the way.

Tristan, who is in the Air Force, and wife Kayla are near Destin and have one daughter, Kendall, 5; and Ian is single and lives in Opelika.

Tony and Jima both grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina. They met in high school and began dating. After high school, Tony joined the Air Force.

When he graduated from

½ tsp. salt ¾ cup powdered sugar ¾ cup freshly chopped nuts (your choice – optional) Cake: Beat eggs for 5 minutes, add sugar, pumpkin and lemon juice.

Mix all dry ingredients together well and then fold into pumpkin mixture.

Note – The less you work this the better.

Spread mixture into greased and floured 15 x 9 inch pan.

Add the nuts on top if desired.

Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.

Sprinkle powdered sugar on a clean towel and then turn out cake onto prepared towel.

Roll cake and towel together and let cool.

Filling: 1 cup powdered sugar 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 4 Tbsp. butter ½ tsp. vanilla extract Beat all ingredients together until smooth.

Carefully unroll cooled cake from towel.

Spread filling onto cake and sprinkle with powdered sugar and then carefully re-roll.

Sprinkle with finely chopped nuts and chill in refrigerator.

cherries.

Mix both mixtures together well.

Bake at 250 degrees 2 ½ hours in a tube pan.

DO NOT OPEN OVEN for the entire 2 ½ hours.

Remove from oven and let cool before serving.

onion 28 oz. can diced tomatoes 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes Two 16 oz. cans black eyed peas 1 rounded Tbsp. rosemary 1 lb. grated cheddar cheese Brown sausage in large pot and drain excess fat. Return to medium-high heat.

Add green pepper and onion to sausage and continue cooking until vegetables are soft.

Add tomatoes and black eye peas along with all their liquids; mix well.

Tie rosemary into sachet bundle or use commercial tea ball.

Place rosemary into mixture.

Let simmer 30 minutes or longer stirring often until bubbling hot.

Serve in bowls with grated cheese topping to your liking.

Palmetto Cake 6 eggs 1 cup butter 2 cups sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. lemon flavoring 1 tsp. vanilla extract 12 oz. box seedless raisins 1 grated fresh coconut 1 cup green candied cherries 1 cup red candied cherries Cream together butter, sugar, eggs, flour and flavorings.

Mix together coconut, raisins and

Hearty Carrot Cake Cake: 2 cups sugar 1½ cups oil 4 eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 rounded tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. salt 1 ½ lbs. grated carrots (This recipe uses lots of carrots - trust me, it will turn out great.)

3 ½ cups chopped pecans Beat eggs well and set aside.

Mix sugar and oil together. Add eggs and mix well.

Mix dry ingredients separately and then add to wet ingredients.

Add the grated carrots.

Add the pecans and stir well.

Pour into a greased and floured tube pan.

Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until cake springs back when touched.

Remove from oven and set for 10 minutes then turn out onto cooling rack.

Allow to fully cool to room temperature before applying icing.

Icing: 1 box powder sugar 1 stick softened butter 8 oz. softened cream cheese 1 tsp. vanilla extract Cream all ingredients together until smooth and fluffy.

Black Eye Pea Soup 1 lb. ground sausage 1 chopped green pepper 1 chopped large

Deviled Puffs Prepare ahead and fill just before serving 1 cup water ½ cup butter 1 cup All Purpose flour 4 eggs Filling: 3 small cans deviled ham 1 Tbsp. horseradish ¾ tsp. pepper ¾ tsp. onion salt 1/3 cup sour cream Heat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large saucepan heat water and butter to a rolling boil. Stir in flour stirring vigorously over low heat until mixture forms a soft ball. Remove from heat and beat in eggs all at once until smooth and glossy.

Drop dough by rounded tsp. onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes or until puffed, golden brown and dry.

Remove puffs to wire rack and allow to cool slowly.

A11 Nov. 27, 2019 technical school, they were married and lived in various places.

In 1985, Tony was sent to Auburn University to receive a degree in aerospace engineering.

After graduating, he was assigned to Colorado Springs and then to Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery as an instructor at the college.

Since they had loved Opelika and still had a house here, they moved to Opelika. He retired in 1992 from the Air Force and has worked for the city of Opelika as the GIS director for 16 years.

Tony and Jima are active at Trinity United Methodist Church. He has taught Sunday school for many years, as he took over the Mike Spain class when he passed away.

“I am so proud of our community and churches,” Tony said. “Everybody in the community, our church and all the local churches helped so much.

We would not have made it without the community.

“When I went out Monday where Cameron and his family had lived, I couldn’t help but cry,” Tony said. “It was

Blend all other ingredients together thoroughly. Refrigerate until time to serve.

To serve, cut tops off puffs and remove any filaments of soft dough. Fill each puff with rounded tsp. of filling mixture.

Makes about 6 dozen puffs.

Persimmon Pudding 1 cup sugar ½ tsp. baking powder Pinch of baking soda Pinch of salt ¼ tsp. allspice ¼ Tbsp. cinnamon 1 cup pulped persimmons 2 eggs (beaten) 1 cup milk 5 Tbsp. melted butter Mix all ingredients well and cook in oven at 300 degrees for 30 minutes.

Lazy Man Sweet and Sour Green Beans 4 cans cut green beans, drained 1 medium finely chopped onion 2 rounded Tbsp. bacon grease ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (or to taste) ¼ cup pancake syrup (or other syrup to taste) Heat altogether on stovetop until green beans are softened and mixture is hot.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Snacks 1 stick butter 12 oz. bag semisweet chocolate chips 1 cup peanut butter 12 oz. box Crispix cereal 1 lb. powdered sugar Heat butter and chips and peanut butter together in microwave for 1 ½ minutes on high.

as though they had been in a blender with pieces of the trailer shredded through the woods. I was heart-broken that Carmen had died. When I saw the devastation, I knew it was a miracle from God that Cameron and Angela survived.

“Every day I went out to Cameron’s place, and there were teams of people working and going through debris. Robert Ham was always in the field helping clean up.

“It was the entire community,” Tony added.

“We would not have made it without all the help and God.” Cameron is going to his brother Shanon’s for Thanksgiving. While the family has been together at holidays in the past, Tony and Jima are not sure about Thanksgiving this year but will be with Angela and Andrea during the holidays. Jima is sharing recipes the family has enjoyed during the holidays over the years, including cake recipes that her mother baked and sold.

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com

Stir in cereal until well covered. Place mixture into large bowl with top cover. Add powdered sugar and shake vigorously until sugar coats pieces.

Sweet Potato Casserole 2 large cans sweet potatoes 1 ½ cups sugar 1 stick butter ½ cup canned milk (evaporated milk) 2 tsp. cinnamon Heat sweet potatoes in saucepan on stove until hot. Then drain and mash until smooth.

Add all other ingredients and beat until butter is melted and mixture is fluffy.

Place into casserole dish.

Caramelized Topping: Before cooking, cover potatoes with about ½ inch light brown sugar then about ½ inch chopped pecans over the brown sugar. Dot the top with small amounts of more butter (about ¾ stick of butter).

This will melt and caramelize while cooking.

Bake in oven on 300 degrees just until topping is melted and caramelized.

Pecan Pie Use two 9 inch or one deep dish pie shell(s).

3 eggs 1 cup light corn syrup ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 Tbsp. melted butter 1/8 tsp. salt ½ tsp. vanilla extract 4 cups pecan halves Slightly beat eggs together. Stir in corn syrup. Add brown sugar; beat well.

Stir in melted butter, salt and vanilla.

Add pecans and mix well.

Pour into pie shells.

Bake in oven on cookie sheet at 375 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until inserted knife blade comes out clean.

Remove and let cool before serving.

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Acclaimed author, speaker Brad Formsma to speak at First United Methodist Church on Dec. 1 Special to the Opelika Observer First United Methodist Church of Opelika will host nationally renowned speaker and best-selling author, Brad Formsma, on Dec. 1. Formsma will be speaking at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. church services, as well as teaching a combined Sunday School with his young adult son, Drew, in the fellowship hall at 9:45 a.m.

“We are honored to welcome one of Forbes “20 Must See Speakers”

to First United Methodist Church on Dec. 1.

Formsma has helped countless businesses, organizations and families create cultures of generosity. We invite everyone to join us Sunday morning to learn more about how we can bless our community through generosity,” said Rev. Robin Wilson, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church of Opelika.

Formsma is the author of the best-selling book “I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Gener-

ous Life” and “Everyday Generosity: Becoming a Generous Family in a Selfie World.” He is the Founder of I Like Giving, an organization which has inspired more than 120 million people in 170 countries to live generously.

Formsma helps leading businesses and churches around the country increase engagement, improve health and increase giving through one of his messages on seven ways to live generously. He has had the opportunity

to speak to hundreds of thousands of people at corporations, conferences, churches and community events. Formsma also serves families each year by facilitating a one-day experience “Generosity For Generations,” bringing multiple generations of a family together to discuss generosity so their story and values live on.

For more information, contact Laura Boggs at First United Methodist Church at 334-745-7604.

The church is located at 702 Ave. A.

Formsma

OBITUARIES Billy Bryant White Mr. Billy Bryant White, 88, of Opelika, passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at Arbor Springs in Opelika. He was born February 26, 1931 to John Elbert White and Claudie Lee White.

Mr. White had been a resident of Opelika for the past 35 years.

He was retired from the U.S. Army with 23 years of service. Following his military retirement, he worked with Auburn University Campus Police for 12 years. Bill and Fusako were active members of Chette LaRue Williams, Jr. Chette LaRue Williams, Jr., 19 of Auburn, passed away November 16, 2019. A graveside service was held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2019 in Town Creek Cemetery.

A memorial service was at 4 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Lakeview Baptist Church. Visitation was held Friday, November 22, 2019 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Chette was born and raised in Auburn, AL. He spent the last 3 years in the Metro Atlanta area. He was loved by a host of family and friends. It is rare that you meet someone that is so captivating, but if you met Chette you were drawn in by him. He was a dynamic football player, a brave leader and a talented musician. He recorded songs including: Make it Out, Big Ole Racks – lyric “Can’t go slow, I can only go fast”. Simply put, to know Chette was to love Chette.

Chette is survived by his parents Rev. Chette

Trinity United Methodist Church of Opelika.

Mr. White is survived by his wife of 65 years Fusako White; brother, Jack White along with several nephews and one niece.

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Visitation was held Saturday, November 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. also at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home.

Burial followed the service in Garden Hills Cemetery.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

LaRue Willliams, Sr. and Dr. Lakeba H. Williams (and fiancé), his sisters: Lauren and Caitlyn Williams; his grandmothers: Katie Williams (and spouse) and Estella Hibbler; his grandfather Percy Roberts (and spouse); uncles: Greg, Calvin Jr. Quency, Reginald, Percy Williams, Sr. and Thomas Johnson (and spouses); aunts: Calette Williams and Lakeisha Hibbler; cousins: Quenisha, Jay, Kristen, Olympia, Percy Jr., Steven, Carley, Marcus, Erin, Kayleigh, Cedric, Israel,Genesis Searles and TyKhari Jones; and a vast, loving extended family. Chette also leaves behind the village of coaches, teachers, neighbors and friends that he loved immensely. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Calvin Williams, Sr. and his uncle Stan Williams.

The family wishes to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for your kindness, prayers and love during our time of need.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Saturday, December 14th Downtown Montgomery

Charles Allen (Chuck) Furlow Charles Allen (Chuck) Furlow went to be with His Lord on Monday, November 18, 2019.

He is survived by his beautiful bride, Lynne of Auburn; daughters, Stephanie Furlow Dunn (Johnny), Kelly Furlow McNeil, and Molly Furlow; son, Michael Otwell (Jenna); eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren; two brothers, Bruce Furlow and Vernon (Karen) Furlow. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Raford and Nell Furlow, and brother, Tommy Furlow.

Chuck was a native of Opelika, a 1965 graduate of Opelika High School, a member of the Livingston University (now University of West Alabama) football team, and a 1970 graduate of Auburn University.

Chuck served with the National Guard from (1970-76) He was a long-time member of Auburn United Methodist Church and a member of the Sojourners Sunday

Larry C. Hodnett Larry C. Hodnett of Beulah, Alabama was born in Lee County Hospital in Opelika on July 28, 1955 and passed away at Perry Hospital in Perry, Georgia on November 16, 2019. He was

School Class. Coach Furlow, as he was known to many, had a long and distinguished career in athletics administration which spanned nearly four decades. After starting at Beulah in the (197071) school year, Coach Furlow made stops at Opelika Junior High School (1971-72), Lyman Ward Military Academy (1973-75), Beauregard (19761981), Auburn High as a coach (1981-84), Gardendale (19851994) and the Jefferson County Schools central office (19941998) before returning to Auburn. He retired from Auburn City Schools as Athletics Director in July 2009.

During his career, Coach Furlow coached football, baseball, basketball and track as well as serving in administration as athletics director. Coach loved, mentored, and influenced thousands of student athletes throughout his career, and if he ran into a former student, he could still remember not just their name, but their number, position and a funny story about them.

After his retirement, he continued his dedication to athletics and his community by serving as a color analyst for Auburn High School football broadcasts, serving on the Super 6, now the Super 7, committee, and numerous other community activities such as the Auburn Beautification Council, Auburn Tree Commission and the Auburn University Diamond Club. Chuck loved being an on-air personality with The Drive Sports call-in show where he shared his wisdom of athletics and life.

Chuck was known as friend and neighbor to many and was always willing to lend a hand and offer advice and perspective that only he could.

He loved adventures in travel, time at Lake Martin and Auburn University sports.

He was known as husband, father, dad, friend, Uncle Chuck, Mr. Chuck, Unofficial Mayor of Red Oak Court, Big Dad and Gramps. His family held the largest space in his heart, and he had a way of making

all around him feel like family. He treasured each member of his family, and they felt the same.

To family, friends and all he met, he will always be known for his Chuck-isms – always making a point while making you smile. Chuck would all want us to remember that “a winner finds an opportunity in every problem. A loser finds a problem in every opportunity.”

Visitation was held at Auburn United Methodist Church on Thursday, November 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. in Founder’s Chapel.

A graveside service, open to all, was held at Town Creek Park on Friday, November 22 at 11 a.m. The memorial service was held Friday, November 22 at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of Auburn United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Baldrick’s Foundation or Auburn United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

64 years old.

He attended church at Fairfax First Christian Church. Larry loved old cars, racing cars, and car shows, as well as Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.

He is survived by his wife, Loria Gabert; mother, Ma-

vis Durham; father, Clyde Hodnett; sister, Brenda Hodnett (Greg Butts); nephews, Lee Walston (Anna), and Clay Walston.

Visitation was held Wednesday, November 20, 2019 in the Parlor at Frederick-

Dean Funeral Home from 5 until 7 p.m.

A Funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Duwayne Bridges, Jr. officiating.

To have your loved one’s obituary published in the Opelika Observer, email us at: editor@opelikaobserver.com or call 334-749-8003

F Place your ad here!

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

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T

hanksgiving is a unique holiday. For starters, it is an American holiday as opposed to one celebrated internationally (like New Year’s Day, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, etc.) Although it has some roots in England in the practice of the Puritans, it was in America that it blossomed. It has quite a bit to do with the early history of our country - from the Pilgrims’ early observation of it as something of a harvest festival to President Washington declaring the first nation-wide observance in 1789. Thanksgiving is about as American as it gets.

Because it is so tied in with the origin of

Opelika

amily &

R

Thinking and Thanking

our country, Thanksgiving isn’t generally regarded as a religious holiday but rather a national one (much like Independence Day). All Americans, whether they believe in a higher power or not, celebrate our nation’s heritage and the prosperity they enjoy as citizens of this country. I think there is something wonderful about that. All of us, no matter what our circumstances, can find things to be thankful for.

When you choose to adopt a mindset of looking for things to be thankful for, it is absolutely life altering. It’s much harder to complain when you are focused on being grateful. It’s more difficult to get and stay angry

• Pepperell Baptist’s youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m.

This is an evening of prayer, Bible Study and discussion. For more information, contact youth and children’s pastor Ryno Jones at 334-7453108.

• Dec. 1 - Trinity United Methodist Church’s “Hanging of the Greens” service will be held Dec. 1 and begin at 4 p.m.

• Dec. 6 - First Baptist Church Opelika will be holding a “Parent’s Evening Out” for parents of children

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

Nov. 27, 2019

eligion

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

it you are thinking about all there is to be thankful for. Generally speaking, you really have to work at being negative if you are filled with gratitude.

Paul tells the disciples at Thessalonica to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:1618). There are a lot

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. #444-5148 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

is saying. He’s not telling us that everything is good; but he is telling us that everything is under the dominion of our Father and “in all things God works for the good of those who love him,” (Romans 8:28). We aren’t exempted from the difficulties of life, but we are promised that God will help us through them—and that is worth celebrating! It also means there is no excuse for living without deep and profound gratitude every day of our life.

If we think, we’ll thank.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

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

Verse of the Week

with disabilities. To register or for more information, call 334745-5715. The church is located at 301 S. 8th St. • Dec. 8, 15, 18, 20 and 24 - First Baptist Church of Opelika will be holding a number of Christmasthemed performances and services to celebrate and welcome in the holiday season.

For more information, call 334-745-5715 or visit www.fbcopelika. com.

Events can be emailed to the Observer at editor@opelikaobserver.com.

314 S. 9th St. #745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. #745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E #741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. #703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue #742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. #749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. #363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Liberty Baptist Church 2701 West Point Pkwy #749-9632 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. #745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 #334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy #745-5340 Pepperell Baptist Church 2702 2nd Ave. #745-3108 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd #749-2773 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Rd 166 #745-0807 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. #745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd #741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. #821-7238

of important truths packed into these few words. You’ll notice that the words “always,” “continually,” and “all circumstances,” point not to isolated actions but a lifestyle of rejoicing in, praying to, and the thanking of, our Father. The first two are easy to digest, but the idea of giving thanks in all circumstances or as Paul will say in Ephesians 5:20, “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,” is a little more difficult to swallow. Scan the headlines and you’ll find all sorts of awful things that happen and tragic circumstances that come upon people. We’re to give thanks for those?

That’s not what Paul

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

“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”

1 Timothy 4:4-5 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922 Family Life Christian Center

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

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

pelika Observer O

A14 Nov. 27, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• Dec. 4 - Sno*pelika 5 to 8 p.m. at Courthouse Square • Dec. 5 - 10 a.m. - Rich’s Car Wash Ribbon Cutting • Dec. 7 - 10 a.m. Opelika Christmas Parade • Dec. 13 - 5 to 8 p.m. - Christmas in a Railroad Town Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-2094641. 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 826-1899 or 5020216.

• 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 Coving-

ton Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Events • Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. - Kids eat for 99 cents at Niffer’s •Nov. 26 at 5 p.m.

- Burger Night with half-pounder burgers and a side for $6.99 at Niffer’s • Nov. 27 at 5 p.m. - Wine Down Wednesday at The Bottling Plant Event Center • Nov. 27: Build your own burger and side starting at $5 at La Cantina • Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. - Trivia Night at Niffer’s • Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.

- Paint a Wood Sign at Spirited Art • Nov. 28 at 8:30 p.m. - Thanksgiving Rebellion at Eight and Rail • Nov. 29 at 9 a.m.Record Store Black Friday Day at 10,000 Hz Records

• Nov. 29 - 30 all day: 25% off Melissa and Doug; 25% off holiday apparel and 50% off select items at All Aboard • Nov. 29 - 30 all day: 50% off Glampagne corkcicles; 50% off select apparel; 50% off Mud Pie candles at Southern Crossing • Nov. 29 at 2:30 p.m. - Home for the Holidays Workshop at Spirited Art • Nov. 29 at 9 p.m.

- The Mix Tape at The Corner Bar • Nov. 30 all day Small Business Saturday. Shop and dine local in downtown Opelika • Dec. 1 at 8:30 a.m. - Guest Preacher Brad Formsma at First United Methodist Church • Dec. 2 - The

Lee County Voters League meeting will be Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church, which is located at 201 South 4th St. in Opelika.

President Lindsey Bickerstaff will put in motion the process for electing officers as we prepare for the 2020 election cycle.

There will also be a brief presentation for Voters League members coordinating in the effort to reactivate the Lee County NAACP chapter.

• Dec. 5 - The Sound Wall presents David Olney and Noel McKay • Dec. 5 to 7 Hyundai of Auburn Christmas Bazaar • Dec. 7- The Opelika Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Christmas Parade

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 dealing with the pain

Turkey, from A9 Treadaway said.

Cooking to Temperature “The single most important thing to know about cooking turkey, no matter the method, is that it must be cooked to the proper internal temperature as measured with a meat thermometer,” Treadaway said.

Inserting a meat thermometer into the innermost part of the thigh and into the thickest part of the breast gives the most accurate reading.

Temperatures should reach 165 degrees or higher in both the breast and the thigh.

Timetable for Roasting an Unstuffed Turkey *Roasted at 325 degrees in a thermal/ conventional oven.

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.

*Using an open pan method.

Pounds/Time Estimate • 8 to 12 pounds 2-3/4 to 3 hours • 12 to 14 pounds 3 to 3-3/4 hours • 14 to 18 pounds 3-3/4 to 4-1/4 hours • 18 to 20 pounds 4-1/4 to 4-1/2 hours • 20 to 24 pounds 4-1/2 to 5 hours Timetable for Roasting a Stuffed Turkey *Roasted at 325 degrees in a thermal/ conventional oven. *Using an open pan method.

Pounds/Time Estimate • 8 to 12 pounds 3 to 3-1/2 hours • 12 to 14 pounds 3 -1/2 to 4 hours • 14 to 18 pounds 4 to 4-1/2 hours • 18 to 20 pounds 4-1/4 to 4-3/4 hours • 20 to 24 pounds 4-3/4 to 5-1/4 hours Carving the Turkey

Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes.

This allows the juices to set. This ensures that the turkey will carve more easily. It is helpful to use a clean cutting board with a well to catch excess juices. After removing all stuffing from the turkey cavity, use a sharp knife and begin carving the turkey.

Storing Leftovers Within two hours of carving, store leftover turkey in shallow containers and put in the refrigerator or freezer.

“If storing in the refrigerator, use cooked leftover turkey and stuffing within threefour day,” Treadaway said. “However, in the freezer, cooked turkey keeps for three to four months.”

When using leftover turkey, reheat thoroughly to 165 degrees or until hot and steaming.

pelika Observer O

A15 Nov. 27, 2019

’s

a k Ope l i

2019 • WWW.OPELIKACHRISTMAS.COM • #MYOPELIKACHRISTMAS

Your Christmas Destination SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Start Your Christmas Shopping!

November 30 Normal shopping hours CHRISTMAS IN CAMELOT Month of December • 4:30 - 10 p.m.

Off of Rocky Brook Road DECORATIONS SWAP December 2 • 5 - 7 p.m.

Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library OHS/OMS CHRISTMAS BAND CONCERT December 3 • 6:30 p.m.

Opelika Center for Performing Arts SNO-PELIKA Official Kickoff and Tree Lighting Courthouse Square & Downtown December 4 • 5 - 8 p.m.

Sponsored by East Alabama Medical Center opelikachamber.com OPELIKA CHRISTMAS PARADE December 7 • 10 a.m.

Rain Date December 8 • 3 p.m. opelikachamber.com OHS/OMS CHRISTMAS CHORAL CONCERT December 12 • 6:30 p.m.

Opelika Center for Performing Arts

CHRISTMAS IN A RAILROAD TOWN December 13 • 5 - 8 p.m.

Sponsored by Kia of Auburn opelikamainstreet.org REINDEER EXPRESS December 13 - 15 5 -8 p.m. • Monkey Park $2 train rides Children 2nd grade and younger VICTORIAN FRONT PORCH DRIVING TOUR December 11 -15 • 5 - 10 p.m. opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com VICTORIAN FRONT PORCH BIKE TOUR December 12 • 6 p.m.

COLLINWOOD LUMINARIES December 13 • 5 - 9 p.m.

51st Anniversary Off of 10th Street VICTORIAN FRONT PORCH WALKING TOUR December 14 • 6 - 9:30 p.m. opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com VICTORIAN FRONT PORCH HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES December 15 • 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Provided by Friends of the Library FA-LA-LA FESTIVAL December 21 • 10 a.m. - Noon Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON December 23 • 10 a.m. - Close Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library New movie starts every 2 hours

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

• City of Opelika • Opelika Parks & Recreation • Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library • Opelika Chamber of Commerce • Opelika Main Street • Victorian Front Porch Tour • Auburn-Opelika Tourism • Opelika City Schools • East Alabama Medical Center

A16 Nov. 27, 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

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika beats Hueytown 4524, advances to semifinals

T

he Opelika High School football team defeated Hueytown 45-24 last Friday in the third round of the AHSAA 6A State Playoffs.

The Golden Gophers jumped out to a 7-0 lead after Alex Young scored on a 10-yard touchdown run with 8:22 left in first quarter.

Opelika answered with a 28-yard field goal from Marshall Meyers with 4:55 left in the opening quarter. Hueytown pushed the lead to 14-3 after a six-yard scoring

by Roydell Williams.

On the ensuing possession, Eric Watts closed the gap on a 61-yard sprint for a TD. The Bulldogs scored 21 points in the second quarter while holding the Golden Gophers to seven points.

Omar Holloway caught a 31-yard pass from Brody Davis for a TD, Watts ran 68 yards for his second TD and Holloway caught a 32yard pass for his second touchdown.

Hueytown scored their only TD of the second quarter on a one-yard run from Williams.

Opelika took a 31-21 lead into the locker room at intermission.

The second half was the opposite of the first half. The two teams

combined for 17 total points.

The Bulldogs scored two fourth quarter TDs, with Watts running seven yards for a score and J.D. Tolbert scored on a 35-yard run.

The Gophers’ added a 35-yard field goal.

With the win, the Bulldogs will play at Spanish Fort Friday night in the state semifinals.

Spanish Fort (8-4) defeated Park Crossing 28-21 to advance. They made the playoff because Daphne played an ineligible player in the win over Spanish Fort.

Following the loss, Toros Coach Ben Blackmon asked the AHSAA to investigate a player on the Trojan squad.

The AHSAA ruled Daphne played an ineligible player because of violating the transfer rules, therefore forfeiting the win over the Toros.

The player in question transferred to Daphne but did not follow proper protocol.

Spanish Fort had an up-and-down regular season. They started the season 1-1, b McGill -Toolen 37-7 and Daphne won 35-7.

Spanish Fort won back-to-back games, 6113 over Robertsdale and See Sports, page B5

Opelika City School’s School Board Meeting on Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.

Friday’s Football Schedule Opelika at Spanish Fort at 7 p.m.

Auburn-Opelika area mourning the loss of prominent athletic director, coach and radio personality Chuck Furlow

By Morgan Bryce Editor Opelika native and former Auburn High School Athletic Director Chuck Furlow passed away suddenly on Nov. 18 at the age of 72.

The community has been mourning Furlow's passing, sharing their stories and memories of him on social media.

"Chuck Furlow, thank you for your friendship and all you have done for Auburn High School Football.

We honor your legacy (and) our prayers are with you and your family," said Auburn High School Coach Adam Winegarden.

Auburn Ward 3 Councilwoman Beth Witten described Furlow as being "the salt of the earth" in her post.

Though he is perhaps best known for his role at Auburn High School, Furlow became a beloved voice on The Drive, a local sports-talk show he co-hosted with Bill Cameron on ESPN 106.7 FM. “This is a very sad time for all of us,” said Mike Hubbard, President of Auburn Network, Inc., parent company of ESPN 106.7.

“Chuck was one of the finest men I have ever known and was beloved by everyone

Furlow here. We were blessed to have him as a part of our team where he

shared his vast knowledge of sports and See Furlow, page B4

Student Veterans Organizations of Auburn and Alabama and Operation Iron Ruck raising funds for veterans

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Operation Iron Ruck teams the Student Veterans Organizations of Auburn and Alabama to walk the 150+ miles between each stadium during Iron Bowl week. Each participant will carry a 22lb ruck sack signifying the 22 veterans and active military members that take their lives each day.

The items in the ruck sacks will be donated to Mission 22, Alabama State Veterans homes, 3 Hots and a Cot and the student veterans association’s of the two schools. For more information, like and follow the group’s Facebook page.

pelika Observer O

B2 Nov. 27, 2019

Opelika wrestling spars with Russell County, LaGrange to open season

Special to the Opelika Observer The Wrestling Bulldogs started the season at home and it was quite an inauspicious start as they dropped both matches.

In the first match, they faced Russell County and fell 5127 because of forfeited weight classes.

However, gaining individual victories

for the team against Russell County was Keon Brazier (152-pound class), Ari Brogdon (160-pound class), Chris Willett (170-pound class), Ben Daughtry (220-pound class) and Joey Baker (120-pound class).

In the second match against Lagrange, they fell 60-12. Jaylin Thomas and Ben Daughtry were the

only Bulldogs to score on LaGrange.

The team’s next matches were against Tallassee on Nov. 26 for the Thanksgiving Duals. No results were available at press time.

The Wrestling Bulldogs’ next home matches are tenatively scheduled for Dec. 3 and 12. A full schedule is available on www.c2cschools.com.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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.

Senior running back Eric Watts was selected as the Opelika Player of the Week.

In Friday’s 45-24 win over Hueytown, he rushed 28 times for 306 yards and three touchdowns.

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

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

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pelika O Observer

B3 Nov. 27, 2019

Wearing daddy’s shoes and mama’s jewelry

Beth Pinyerd

H

appy Thanksgiving Eve! ‘Tis the day before Thanksgiving! The holidays bring families together in a wonderful way.

It gives parents and grandparents close time and down time to be with children and grandchildren. Children from infants, toddlers and older preschoolers observe everything as they take the whole world in! They are observing and taking all in what we adults do!

We are their first teachers and young children model and copy our ac-

tions in order to learn.

Recently, my brother sent me a picture of his grandson wearing his daddy’s size-15 shoes!

This little toddler was standing tall and looked so proud to be wearing his daddy’s shoes.

I am sure many of you have seen your toddler daughters love to adorn themselves with mama’s jewelry or makeup. What a joy and a complimentary reflection of how young children want to be like mama and daddy.

In early childhood, play is a child’s work.

After teaching readiness lessons to young children, free play is part of developmental and social learning.

A “happy memory” for me as a teacher was when I took my class of first graders out for play. I heard a group of my little first graders pretending “school.” I quietly overheard from them a familiar lesson in playing school. They were modeling their first-grade teacher, good and bad, as they conducted their pretend first-grade classroom.

Truly, this was an eye opener for me to know just how much “little folks” observe. It was a very good teacher evaluation.

Children learn acceptable and unacceptable behavior by watching we adults.

They are like little sponges! We preschool teachers and parents have to be so careful in what we say and do because we have a little audience who are watching us.

How can we model

life skills for our younger children?

Take time to truly listen. We have so many technology distractions such as televisions, cell phones, computers, videos, etc. Our children need our undivided attention during certain periods of time.

The holidays’ flexible schedules offer us more time to truly focus in on our young children.

Have a good work ethic. My heart melts as a teacher when my little 3-year-old class in Community Bible Study and MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers, bend down and help us sweep, pass out snacks and pick up their toys with very little direction or instruction. They are modeling what they have learned at home. Include your preschoolers in home chores.

Model good manners. Again, young children are looking to see how we adults treat other people.

This helps in developing good social skills

when you show your preschoolers how to greet other people of all ages, help people, like opening the door for them and helping them carry packages that might be heavy.

One memory that this teacher still ponders in my heart is when I was bending over to grade spelling tests of my first grade class. Well, I fell over on the floor after tripping over a chair. I was so embarrassed to fall in front of my students. Before I could get up, one of my little boys offered his arm for me to lean on as I got back up.

My whole class then supported me back to my feet. I lessened the tension of the class by laughing and then we all laughed. These little people checked on me all day long!

Children observe we adults on how we manage our emotions when we are disappointed, frustrated or sad. Talk honestly with your preschoolers and they will model

how you handle life’s joys and disappointments.

Volunteer in the community as a family. Bring the world to your doorstep by volunteering to truly help others. Right now, our community needs this more than ever. Donating food, supplies, toys and essentials to other families in need is a good lesson of caring beyond the home front to help make the world a better place to live. It is a life lesson that they will continue, as they grow up.

Show respect as you teach understanding and empathy to our young children. Let’s set up our “Cornucopia of the Fruits of The Spirit” this Thanksgiving season by modeling love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as we gather together as families and friends and celebrate God’s blessings for us.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Opelika Character Council’s Word of the Month for November: ‘Gratitude’

By Jan H. Gunter For the Opelika Observer As we enter the holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah, the word “gratitude” is one of those quintessential edicts which comes to mind when talking about what makes these seasons so meaningful. But, as we approach this special time of year, with all of the notable “hustle and bustle” in the days leading up to this season – the special parties and dinners, shopping for the perfect gifts to give and time spent with family (sometimes after we’ve had to travel a long distance) – how many of us truly stop for a moment to sincerely recognize, and give thanks for, all we have to be grateful for?

We speak of gratitude. Many can even define it as the quality of being thankful or appreciative. The Latin word “gratia” means grace, graciousness or gratefulness (depending on the context).

We often call someone “gracious” when they have the type of personality that is pleasing to most who know them, or when they have done something out of the “goodness of their

heart.”

But the question becomes this: is there more to gratitude than just an intangible sense of being thankful when something nice happens to us, or someone shows us some kindness? And, can all of us develop the ability to make it a part of our lives?

The answer is a resounding yes to both questions! True gratitude (thankfulness) begins when we not only recognize actions of kindness and love in our lives from others, but also when we can truly appreciate those intangible things we also possess – things like our family and friends, our life and freedom and the ability to determine our own futures.

If we strive to develop an attitude of gratitude, we can develop a positive quality of life atmosphere for ourselves that lasts throughout the year – and not just during the holiday season – no matter what life throws at us! An attitude of gratitude is something we should seek to possess and practice all year long, not only because it helps us in our relationships with others, but because, as scientific research has

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shown, it’s also good for our physical and psychological health status as well.

According to the psychological research done through the years by experts across the country, those who learn how to focus on things they can be thankful for, rather than on the “gripes” they have in their everyday living, develop more of the ability to process and cope with the feelings of loss, depression and moments of overwhelming sadness whenever life throws us those proverbial “curve balls” (which it does to all of us at some time or another).

Believe it or not, there have been numerous studies done on this very notion.

The typical research setup of institutions usually involves long term analyses of two or sometimes three study groups. Group one is instructed to write down their feelings of things that happen to them

every day, including “what went wrong.”

Group two is instructed to do the same thing, only add a sentence or two of what, or who, they could still be grateful for each day (i.e. something or someone who had made a positive difference). Group three does nothing. At the end of the given time for the research each group receives psychological evaluations.

The conclusion reached time and time again is the following: practicing and focusing on gratitude can make us happier, healthier and stronger in our relationships with others, and better able to cope when bad things happen.

So how do we cultivate this attitude of gratitude in our lives?

And how do we teach our families to develop this important attitude as well? Below are some of the ways it has been suggested to start doing this.

Start making it a habit of writing thank you notes when someone has given you something or has touched your life in some positive way. No time to write? Then call the person to let them know your gratitude.

Let the special people in your life know how thankful you are that they are in your life.

Not only will you put a smile on their face, and in their hearts, it will strengthen your friendship in many positive ways.

If you are someone who prays, try including things you are grateful for in your quiet time, alongside of your prayer requests. It will help you recognize what you have already been blessed with in so many areas of your life.

Start a journal of gratitude and write in it every day. It doesn’t have to be long drawn out pages of writing (unless you love writing!); a few sentences will do.

Even on “bad days,”

we all have things to be grateful for – even if it’s as simple as writing “I’m glad I made it through this day!” This helps you see that even when things are not what we’d like them to be, there are still plenty of positive things in our lives we can focus on and be grateful for.

Recognize your blessings. On particularly bad days, begin writing down what you do have – and all that you have been blessed with – and keep it somewhere close so you can read it when you need encouragement or when you’re feeling “blue” over what you wish you had, but don’t.

Establish a gratitude ritual in your family.

You can make a game of “what I am thankful for today” when your family gathers around the dinner table, with everyone sharing something they are pleased about in the day. Parents can help See Gratitude, page B6

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B4 Nov. 27, 2019

SUSCC alum and UA instructor Ja’Morris Rivers teaches master class Special to the Opelika Observer Southern Union alumni Ja’Morris Rivers, who is now a ballet and jazz instructor at The University of Alabama, visited the Southern Union State Community College dance program last week to offer a master class in ballet and jazz.

A Dadeville native, Rivers trained with Lynn Curtis and Mandy Moore in Opelika, as well as at the Alabama School of Fine Arts summer programs and Southern Union before graduating from The University of Alabama.

He has danced with Montgomery Ballet, Southern Danceworks, Alabama Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Rivers has taught at Samford University, Birmingham-Southern College, Alabama Dance

Academy and The Dance Foundation. He is the resident choreographer and artistic director of AROVA Contemporary Ballet in Birmingham.

SUSCC Director of Dance Sonja Fincher said that she was so proud to welcome Rivers back to teach her current students.

“It is a great opportunity for them to experience instruction from someone who is so decorated in dance,” Fincher said.

Respectively, the classes made Rivers reflect on his time at SUSCC. “It was so humbling to be back home at Southern Union. So many memories came flooding in; looking back, I’m just so grateful to have had such an amazing experience with Sonja and (former music director) Mrs. (Ann) Caldwell,” Rivers said.

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

Members of the SUSCC Dance Department pose with Ja’Morris Rivers after class.

For more information on the SUSCC Dance Department, contact Fincher at

sfincher@suscc.edu.

About SUSCC: Southern Union State Community

College is the second oldest two-year college in the state and is one of a select few

community colleges to offer a comprehensive program in the fine arts.

Furlow, from B1

four-decade career in athletic administration in the 1970-1971 school year, Furlow worked at Beulah, Opelika Junior High, Lyman Ward, Beauregard, Gardendale and Jefferson County Schools's Central Office before returning to Auburn in 1998.

In those years, he coached baseball, football and track, serving as athletic director at Lyman Ward, Beauregard and Gardendale and lastly Auburn for 11 years until his retirement in 2009.

According to a press

release from ESPN 106.7 FM, Furlow "joined The Drive with Bill Cameron following his retirement and has been an integral part of the on-air team ever since. He also served as color analyst for Auburn High School football broadcasts and appeared on multiple ESPN 106.7 broadcasts" and that Cameron would deliver a special tribute to him on air last Tuesday afternoon.

Outside of sports, Furlow was known for his love of the area, particularly time spent

on Lake Martin, and time spent with his family. He is survived by his wife Lynne, three children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Furlow was held Thursday at Auburn United Methodist Church’s Founders Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Friday in Town Creek Cemetery and a memorial service was held at 3 p.m. Friday at Auburn United Methodist Church’s main sanctuary.

remarkable insights. It is hard to understand when someone as genuine and caring as Chuck is taken from us, but we trust God’s plan and pray that he will watch over and comfort Lynne and the Furlow family.”

Furlow graduated from Opelika High School in 1965 and attended Auburn University.

Beginning his nearly

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B5 Nov. 27, 2019

Sen. Doug Jones introduces bill to alleviate Alabama’s teacher shortage crisis Special to the Opelika Observer U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Alabama) today introduced the Classrooms Reflecting Communities Act, legislation to alleviate the teacher shortage crisis in rural Alabama and in communities across the United States. The legislation comes in response to a roundtable discussion with educators and other stakeholders that Senator Jones hosted in

Sports, from B1 45-0 over BC Rain.

St. Paul’s beat Spanish Fort 35-30 in week six followed by a 37-7 win over Baldwin County.

They lost two of the last three regular season games, to Blount 27-10 and Saraland 17-16.

The Toros best Gulf Shores 42-3 in between those losses.

The Toros have won three straight playoffs games, 28-21 win over Dothan, 63-21 over Wetumpka and beat Park Crossing 28-21.

This is the third meeting between Opelika and Spanish Fort in football, all three on the road.

Spanish Fort won the first game 31-21 in 2015, and Opelika returned in 2016 for a 21-17 win.

Friday’s game will starts at 7 p.m. at Toro Stadium on the Spanish Fort campus. Fans can

August at the University of Montevallo about the challenges facing Alabama’s teacher workforce.

In Alabama, during the 2017-18 school year, more than 1,700 teachers in grades 7 through 12 were not certified to teach the English, math, social studies, science or special education classes to which they were assigned. In 70 Alabama schools, 10% or more of the teachers are working without full

certification. Teacher shortages are shown to be the most severe in rural areas of Alabama.

The School Superintendents of Alabama have reported that now elementary teachers are also becoming difficult to find, particularly in remote and rural parts of the state.

“Great teachers can make a huge difference in lives of the children they teach. We need to do everything we can to make sure that they have the resources they

purchase tickets online at gofan.co for $10.

This is a $2 increase because it is a semifinal game.

The winner advances to the AHSAA Super 7 Football Championship at Jordan-Hare Stadium Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.

Fans can listen to the Opelika v. Spanish Fort game on WKKR 97.7 FM beginning with pre-game coverage at 6:30 p.m. or watch live on the NFHS network.

There is a minimal charge to watch the live stream.

SWIMMING The AHSSA Central Section Swimming/ Diving Championships at Birmingham’s Crossplex last weekend. Opelika’s Bradi Jones won the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:04.12.

Opelika placed fourth overall in sectionals and finished first in the 100 and 200-yard medley and freestyle relays.

OHS swim team placed 4th overall in sectionals with only nine swimmers at the

Birmingham Crossplex.

Placing first in the 200-meter medley relay and 200-meter freestyle relay were Bradi Jones (Sr.), Julia Bush (Sr.), Beth Dawe (Fr.) and Sarah Bush (8th).

Bradi Jones placed first in the 100-meter breaststroke, and second place in the 50-meter freestyle. Julia Bush qualified for state in the 50-meter freestyle and 100-meter freestyle.

Beth Dawe placed first in the 100-meter backstroke and also qualified for state in 100-meter butterfly.

Sarah Bush qualified for state in 100-meter breaststroke and 100-meter freestyle.

The state swimming and diving Championships will be Dec. 6 and 7 at Auburn’s Martin Aquatics Center.

WRESTLING The OHS wrestling team lost two home matches last week, 51-27 to Russell County and 60-12 to LaGrange. Winning matches against RCHS were, Ari Brogdon,

need in order to be successful and provide all of our children with the best education possible regardless of their ZIP code. This program will help incentivize the recruitment and retention

of teachers who are invested in their communities and reflect the diversity of the students they teach,” Jones said. Jones is a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

The bill would authorize competitive grants for schools to establish a “Grow Your Own” program, which recruits diverse teacher candidates from the community into the teaching profession and supports

them as they work to receive a teacher certification or licensure.

Improving access to quality education has been one of Senator Jones’ top priorities since arriving in the Senate. Among other things, he has introduced legislation to dramatically reduce the FAFSA application, fought to renew vital funding for HBCUs, and secured an increase in funding for childcare options for studentparents.

Chris Willet, Ben Daughtry and Joey Baker.

Jaylin Thomas and Ben Daisy earned wins against LaGrange.

Opelika grapplers were in Tallassee Tuesday night for the Tallassee Thanksgiving Duels.

The results were not available at press time.

BASKETBALL Both the varsity boys and girls basketball teams opened the newly renovated Mainstreet Gym last week against Carver.

The Bulldogs won the girls game 63-53. Kaitlyn Bryant and Haley

Sanders scored 15 points apiece to lead the team. Ananda Hughley added 10 points.

The Carver boys beat the Bulldogs 74-57.

Opelika only scored 11 points in the first half and nine points in the fourth quarter, which proved to be the difference in the outcome.

The Bulldogs scored 19 points in both the second and third quarters, compared to Carver’s 19 and 17 points.

The Wolverines outscored the Bulldogs 38-20 in the first and fourth quarter combined.

Brandon Howard led Opelika with 17 points.

Rashaad Frye and Grady Bynum added nine points apiece.

FRESHMAN BASKETBALL The Freshman boys basketball team beat Benjamin Russell 57-30 last week. Jayvontay Conner, Brenton Williams and Jayden Cooper scored 13 points each. Alijah Hicks scored 12 points.

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

Jones

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pelika O Observer

B6 Nov. 27, 2019

Lady Bulldogs outshoot G.W. Carver last Tuesday, now sporting 5-3 record

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

G.W. Carver dominates Opelika 74-57 on home court on Nov. 19

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Gratitude, from B3 their younger children develop this habit when tucking them in bed at night. This not only teaches them to develop a sense of gratitude in their lives, but it helps you hear about when thingsare “not going so

well,” giving you the opportunity to point out to them the positive things they can be grateful for at the end of each day. Some families have created a “gratitude jar.” Whenever something nice happens to a member of the family, they write it down and slip the notion into the jar. The jar is maintained until

a special family occasion, where it is taken out and all of the notes are read. The reading is then followed up by a celebration of sorts when the family celebrates with gratitude all the positive things going on in their lives.

Do something nice for someone else - or have a sweet attitude about something you need to

do, or have been asked to do. And if someone has done something nice for you, practice “passing it forward” by doing something nice or kind for someone else whose path you cross, who might need help that you can offer.

According to many psychological experts, practicing gratitude and making it a habit in our

lives helps us to appreciate what we have instead of always trying to “gain more of what others have” to make us feel better about our lives, or think we can’t feel satisfied until every physical and material need or desire is met.

The attitude of gratitude helps us realize that it’s not so much the “things” in life that will

make our lives fulfilling and joyful; but rather, the family and friends we can draw close to all through our lives.

Having an attitude of gratitude, and being able to show others our thankfulness for having them in our lives creates a special bond along life’s journey that money or things just can’t buy.

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B7 Nov. 27, 2019

the jay and susie gogue performing arts center at auburn university

GOGUE CENTER Auburn, Alabama

Wednesday, April 22 6 p.m.

DON’T MISS THESE UPCOMING INAUGURAL SEASON PERFORMANCES Montrose Trio Tuesday, December 3 • 7:30 p.m.

Dorrance Dance Friday, January 31 • 7:30 p.m.

Escape to Margaritaville Wednesday, December 4 and Thursday, December 5 • 7:30 p.m.

Lyle Lovett and his Acoustic Group Wednesday, February 5 • 7:30 p.m.

VOCES8 (Holiday Program) Tuesday, December 17 • 7:30 p.m.

RENT 20th Anniversary Tour Tuesday, February 18 and Wednesday, February 19 • 7:30 p.m.

Dino-Light by Lightwire Theater Friday, January 17 • 7:30 p.m.

Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience Friday, February 21 • 7:30 p.m.

Tickets available now!

334.844.TIXS (8497) GOGUECENTER.AUBURN.EDU

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B8 Nov. 27, 2019

Gogue Center Chamber Arts series debuts this December with concert by acclaimed Montrose Trio Special to the Opelika Observer On Dec. 3, the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University will welcome the world-renowned Montrose Trio to the Woltosz Theatre, ushering in the first of three Chamber Arts series performances the center has programmed for its historic 2019-20 inaugural season.

The presentation of a Chamber Arts series is one way the Gogue Center is working in partnership with the Auburn Chamber Music Society, who have had a long-standing mission to bring highly acclaimed chamber musicians to the Auburn area.

“The Auburn Cham-

ber Music Society has been providing highquality chamber works by world-class musicians for more than half a century,” said Dr. Craig E. Bertolet, copresident of the Auburn Chamber Music Society.

“We are excited for this new partnership with the Gogue Center and its support of our mission to bring the best of human creative work and performance to Auburn and the East Alabama region through the Chamber Arts series.”

Receiving widespread acclaim ever since their premiere tour in 2015, the Montrose Trio has been praised by the “Washington Post” for their “absolutely topnotch music making,” declaring the group

“poised to become one of the top piano trios in the world.”

The Montrose Trio consists of pianist Jon Kimura Parker, violinist Martin Beaver and cellist Clive Greensmith.

All three musicians boast lengthy resumes of awards and accolades and have performed on the world’s most prestigious stages, from Carnegie Hall to the Berliner Philharmonie and the Sydney Opera House.

“The Gogue Center strives for diversity in our programming,” said Executive Director Christopher Heacox.

“We’re looking to offer the widest possible range of cultural experiences at our venue, and exceptional classical

performances are part of what we believe our audiences will enjoy.”

The Chamber Arts series continues in March, with a performance by the virtuoso duo of cellist Matt Haimovitz and pianist Simone Dinnerstein on March 3 and a celebration of the great-

est works of J.S. Bach by the Dover Quartet and Bridget Kibbey on March 24.

“These performances are an opportunity for concertgoers to appreciate masterful renditions of works by classical icons like Bach and Beethoven all the way

to a great 20th-century composer like Philip Glass,” Heacox said.

“And the intimate size and cutting-edge acoustics of the Woltosz Theatre offer an ideal space to hear chamber music when it’s played at this level of technical skill and emotional nuance.”

Chamber Arts series subscriptions begin at $75 and can be purchased at four price levels; single tickets begin at $30, with a reduced $20 rate available exclusively to Auburn University students. All Chamber Arts series performances begin at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit goguecentertickets.auburn. edu. For more information, visit goguecenter. auburn.edu.

Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Courthouse Square Reindog Parade • Inflatable Snowglobe Giving Back Sleigh • Inflatable Slide School Performances • Food Vendors Church Choir Competition • Artificial Snow Giveaways & More from EAMC *Official Tree Lighting*

pelika O Observer SAVE THE DATE: Annual ‘Preview Meet’ set for Dec. 6 B9

Nov. 27, 2019

Special to the Opelika Observer

The Auburn gymnastics team will hold its annual “Preview Meet” on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. in Auburn Arena. Admission is free.

“Our team is getting more excited by the day to get back into Auburn Arena,” said head coach Jeff Graba. “Our veterans are looking forward to getting in front of our home crowd as this is our final tune-up going into the holidays. We have a young team again this year and the newcomers are excited to kick off their careers with the Auburn Family.”

“This event is always fun, but it is also important since it will be our only chance to compete in our arena before Alabama comes to town in January,” Graba added. “We need to make the most of this opportunity and we hope our fans will join us.”

As always, there will be a handful of activities for fans during the meet. The big giveaway for this year is an Aubie Claus beanie, featuring everyone’s favorite holiday tiger. The Kid’s Zone will be set up and following the meet, the Tigers will hold an autograph session.

Parking for will be offered in the Arena lot, Campus Safety lots off of War Eagle Way and

Photo by Wade Rackley/Courtesy of AuburnTigers.com Donahue Drive, the CDV lot on Extension Loop, the Athletics Complex Deck off of Samford Avenue, and the East Coliseum lot.

These lots will be used for gymnastics and Super 7 (high school football state championship) parking, beginning at 5 p.m. Parking is available on a firstcome, first-serve basis.

In addition, fans who

are interested in purchasing season tickets can do so during the meet.

Seating options for season tickets have once again been upgraded for the 2020 season so fans are encouraged to take note of the new opportunities. Reserved chair back premium seating sections will now be all-orange seats, sections 101-118

and sections A-C. Prices remain the same for season ticket holders at $40.

Auburn's roster boasts five experienced seniors in Katie Becker, Gracie Day, Kendal Moss, Skyler Sheppard and Emma Slappey. In addition, the squad returns all-arounders Drew Watson and Derrian Gobourne. The junior and sophomore

combined for 11 allaround titles throughout the season and Gobourne returns as the defending NCAA Champion on vault.

In addition, the team welcomed seven freshmen to the Plains and Friday's event will be an opportunity to see most of the newcomers in action.

The Tigers have five

meets in Auburn Arena, with four of them being against the SEC. This includes match-ups with Alabama (Jan. 10), Kentucky (Feb. 7) and Florida (Feb. 14).

For the latest on Auburn Gymnastics, follow @AuburnGym on Twitter and visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/ AuburnGym.

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B10 Nov. 27, 2019

pelika Observer O

Auburn soars over Samford in spite of heavy rain, beating the Bulldogs 52-0 Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn shut out in-state, FCS-level Samford 52-0 last Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tigers exploded for 544 total yards offense and raced to a 31-0 halftime lead despite the rainy condi-

tions. With the win, Auburn moves to 8-3 overall (4-3 in SEC play) and will face Alabama in the Iron Bowl Saturday.

Prior to the game, the school recognized five Medal of Honor recipients and 50 Purple Heart recipients who were in attendance.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

pelika Observer O

B11 Nov. 27, 2019

Jewish Foundation for the Righteous awards Opelika teacher with prestigious Holocaust Education Award Special to the Opelika Observer The Jewish Foundation for the Righteous (JFR) presented the Robert I. Goldman Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education to Patricia Skelton, sixth-grade language arts and history teacher at Opelika Middle School, at its annual benefit on Nov. 25 at The New York Public Library in Manhattan.

The JFR selected Skelton as the recipient of the 2019 Goldman Award because of her outstanding commitment to teaching the Holocaust in her school.

“We are privileged to honor such exceptional educators each year, and especially proud to present this year’s award to Patricia for her outstanding work in teaching the Holocaust within her school,” said JFR Executive Vice President Stanlee Stahl.

Skelton’s continued involvement in JFR programming has been made possible by the Birmingham (Alabama) Holocaust Education Center. She first attended the JFR’s Summer Institute in 2017 and has since participated in the organization’s European and Advanced Seminars.

Skelton The three programs are intensive academic seminars for middle and high school teachers whose curriculum includes or focuses on teaching about the holocaust. Over the years, Skelton has used

what she learned from the JFR to focus her lessons on creating a better understanding of the Holocaust so that her students become more tolerant and empathetic towards others.

Skelton has been teaching for 24 years, the last eight of which has been at Opelika Middle School. She resides in Auburn.

Goldman, for whom the award is named, was one of the founding trustees of the JFR. A beloved and respected leader of the organization, Goldman was its vice chair and led its education committee until his death in 1998. In tribute to his commitment to Holocaust education, particularly to teaching about rescue, the JFR established the award in his memory.

The JFR continues its work of providing month-

ly financial assistance to more than 265 aged and needy Righteous Gentiles, living in 18 countries. Since its founding, the JFR has provided more than $40 million to aged and needy rescuers – helping to repay a debt of gratitude on behalf of the Jewish people to these noble men and women.

Its Holocaust teacher education program has become a standard for teaching the history of the Holocaust and educating teachers and students about the significance of the Righteous as moral and ethical exemplars.

For more information, visit www.jfr.org/.

pelika O Observer

B12 Nov. 27, 2019

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES W. TURNER, JR., DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 20 th day of November, 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.

JANE T. POE and JOAN T. WILLIAMS Co-Personal Representatives Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Legal Run 11/27, 12/4 & 12/11

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NORA LEE JONES, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA TO: TERESA JONES BRIEDENBACH NOTICE: On the 23rd day of September, 2019, a certain writing, purporting to be the Will of NORA LEE JONES was filed in my office for Probate by JOSEPH JONES and the 17th day of December, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. was appointed a day for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper.

Given under my hand, the 6th day of November, 2019.

Bill English JUDGE OF PROBATE Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 3683-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 11/13, 11/20 & 11/27/19

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms

of the mortgage executed on the 26th day of February, 2016, by Bennie Lee Edwards, a single man, and Benny Edwards, Jr., a single man, as mortgagors in favor of H. M. Prather, as mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book No. 4192, at Page 906, and said default continuing, the mortgagee, under power of sale contained in said mortgage will sell at auction for cash to the highest bidder on the steps of the Lee County Courthouse in Opelika, Alabama on Friday, the 20th day of December, 2019, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said mortgage, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: “Lot 11, BUDDY ROLL ESTATES, FIRST REVISION, A REDIVISION OF LOTS 11, 12, 13 and 17 OF BUDDY ROLL ESTATES, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat of record in Town Plat Book 18, at Page 82, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.”

THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/ OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. 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. Said sale is made for the purpose of foreclosing of said mortgage, paying the mortgage debt, the costs and expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fee.

Mortgagee reserves the right to bid on the subject property. Said mortgage is a first mortgage and is not junior to another mortgage of record. Said sale is also subject to unpaid taxes or assessments whether of record or not.

H. M. Prather, Mortgagee J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Mortgagee 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, AL 36801 Legal Run 11/13, 11/20 & 11/27/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ROBERT JOSEPH CURTIN, Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION WITH THE WILL ANNEXED of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 4th day of November, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby require to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Melanie Dynese Hill, Administrator Legal Run 11/13, 11/20 & 11/27/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF BILLIE WISENER-MEIGS COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 6th day of November, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, ntoice 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 6th day of November, 2019.

DELL HILYER CORLEY

Legal Run 11/13, 11/20 & 11/27

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GLADYS MOORE, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2019-B-090 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 5th day of November, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate of said county, in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby require to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Dwight Lee Moore, Administrator of the Estate of Gladys Moore, deceased Legal Run 11/13, 11/20 & 11/27/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOANN BENNETT EDGAR, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE No. 2019- C-053 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to John C. Edgar, Jr., on the 7th day of November ,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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

John C. Edgar, Jr., Executor Legal Run 11/13, 11/20 & 11/27/19

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

We would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring one or more of our newspaper boxes and racks around Lee County

• Better Bodies Massage Institute • Interim HomeCare • Opelika Theatre Company • Three Keys Properties, LLC To have your company’s logo placed on a box, please email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com

AL, 36830 on 12/9/2019 at 1:30 p.m.

John Toney Jr Unit# 47 820 N. Gay Street Auburn, AL,36830 king bed, couch, recline, household items, tv, dresser Thera Charvieve Brooks Unit# 510 840 Twinforks Ave Auburn, AL,36830 Couch, chairs, dining set, queen bed, dresser, full bed, dresser, boxes 15, 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 11/20 & 11/27/19

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2019-C-62 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF JAMES GORDON BURDETTE, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said James Gordon Burdette, deceased, having been granted to Kristopher Michael Burdette, this 12th day of November, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Kristopher Michael Burdette, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer Attorney at Law 334-745-2564 P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0030 Legal Run 11/20, 11/27 & 12/04/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF GEORGE A. WELDON COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of November, 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 14th day of November, 2019.

DANNY TYLER WELDON Legal Run 11/20, 11/27 & 12/04/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No. 2017-A-0235 IN THE MATTER OF: THOMAS J. MITCHELL, JR., An Adult in need of a Conservator.

NOTICE OF PARTIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that Thomas C. Mitchell, Conservator of Thomas J. Mitchell, Jr., an incapacitated person, has filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, his accounts, vouchers and statements for a Partial Settlement of the Conservatorship of Thomas J. Mitchell, Jr. A hearing has been set for the 124h day of December, 2019, at 3:00 p.m., Central Time, in the Court Room of the Probate Court of Lee County,

Alabama, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Done this the 18th day of November, 2019.

Bill English, Judge of Probate Legal Run 11/20, 11/27 & 12/04/19

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 12/09/2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Gwendolyn Reeves Heard Unit# A13 1999 Sara Street Auburn,AL,36832 boxes, totes, couches,furniture, clothing Akin McQueen Unit# H106 4344 patty lane Pinson,AL,35126 boxes,bags,tables,chairs Thera Charvieve Brooks Unit# D67 840 Twinforks Ave Auburn,AL,36830 boxes,bags,lamps,small furniture Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 11/20 & 11/27/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF VICKI J. BRASWELL, Deceased LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Remy Whatley on the 14th day of November , 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.

Remy Whatley Legal Run 11/27, 12/04 & 12/11/2019

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF KYLE VAUGHAN JONES, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been to Frank V. Jones on the 14th day of November, 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.

Frank V. Jones Legal Run 11/27, 12/04 & 12/11/2019

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

1FTKR1ED8BPB16492 2011 FORD RANGER Legal Run 11/27 & 12/04/19

pelika O Observer

B13 Nov. 27, 2019

Sheriff Jay Jones visits Opelika Rotary Club

Bottling Plant Event Center owner

Nov. 19 to discuss progress, recovery efforts

Lisa Ditchkoff shares details of

after the March 3 tornadoes in Lee County

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones spoke with the Opelika Rotary Club on Nov. 19. Jones shared information about the March tornadoes and recovery efforts during and after the storm. Pictured are Janie Corley, Sheriff Jay Jones and Club President Shey Knight.

book ‘The Girl with the Caterpillar Eyes’ at Opelika Kiwanis meeting

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Lisa Ditchkoff of the Bottling Plant Event Center was the guest speaker at a recent Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting. Ditchkoff talked about her book “The Girl with the Caterpillar Eyes.” Pictured above are club member Carson Cooper, Ditchkoff and Club President Rickey Elliott.

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Santa’s Underground Workshop COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) Public Hearing December 2, 2019 Public Notice The City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, December 2, 2019 at 4:00 p.m., in the Planning Commission Chambers at the Public Works Facility to discuss the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) activity and progress for the end of the year Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER) for program year 2018: October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019.

Discussion about the program and how it benefited Low-Moderate income families in the City of Opelika will be heard and discussed; A Public Hearing will also be held to discuss proposed Amendments to the CDBG Annual Action Plans for PY2017 and PY2018. The proposed amendments will include reallocation of $21,904.87 from PY2017 in unspent funds from Emergency Home Repairs, Homeownership Loan Program, Public Facility, and $4,013.70 from PY2018 from Administration PY2018 budgeted programs.

A copy of the CAPER will be available for public review and comment beginning November 22, 2019 at Public Works, City Hall (Mayor’s office) and the Cooper Memorial Library. Copies of the CAPER may be obtained at the public hearing or by contacting the Planning Department. Public participation and comment are invited either in writing or in person and will be accepted for a minimum of fifteen (15) days with the comment period ending on December 16, 2019.

Comments may be sent to: Community Development CAPER Citizen Comment 700 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36801 Or lthrift@opelika-al.gov

Rickwood Caverns

Nov. 23 - Dec. 30

2-8pm each day

Closed Thanksgiving & Dec. 24-26th

See Santa every night! www.alapark.com/parks/ rickwood-caverns-state-park/ santas-underground-workshop Rickwood Caverns, 370 Rickwood Park Rd, Warrior, AL

Join us for a truly magical experience when we transform the cave into an underground winter wonderland.

1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING: Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

“In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Opelika will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate, please contact the ADA Coordinator 72 hours prior to the meeting at (334)705-2083.”

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.”

pelika Observer O

B14 Nov. 27, 2019

Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku?

Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

This week’s Scramblers Answers: 1. Pride, 2. Credit, 3. Super, 4. Gloom - Today’s Answer: DUMPS

Even Exchange Answers 1. Wafer, Water 2. Pasta, Paste 3. Castor, Pastor 4. Scold, Scald 5. Nickel, Nicked

6. Tarry, Terry 7. Remain, Retain 8.Relay, Relax 9. Throw, Throb 10. String, Strong

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019

Inside the Statehouse Lee County Commission hears from Players are in place for next year’s election citizens, owner of mobile home park

Q

ualifying has ended and the players are in place for next year’s elections. It is a Presidential year. It is up in the air as to who will be the Democratic presidential standard bearer.

President Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee.

It is a foregone conclusion that Trump will carry Alabama next November. In fact, it would be safe to say that all statewide Republican candidates on the ballot will win next year. When it comes to national and statewide contests in the Heart of Dixie, we are a one-party state. If you want to win a state or U.S. Senate race in Alabama, you have to run as a Republican.

Therefore, winning next year’s March 3 Primary is tantamount to election in the state. That means the election is fewer than four months away. There will be a little holiday lull between now and the first of the year. However, when January and the new year begin campaigns will begin going full steam ahead.

The premier contest will be for the U.S. Senate and two open Congressional seats. I will address those federal races in a separate column next week.

The most important positions, along with the federal races, will be for posts on our state Supreme Court and our Courts of Civil and Criminal Appeals. There are two seats on each of these three tribunals on the ballot. Most of the judges up for election are incumbents and either have no opposition or

By Steve Flowers only token opponents.

Former Houston County Circuit Judge Brad Mendheim will win election to a full sixyear term on the State Supreme Court without opposition. The very popular presiding judge for the Court of Civil Appeals Bill Thompson will be anointed without opposition for another six year stint.

Thompson has done an outstanding job on this court for decades. He even looks like a judge.

Judge Beth Kellum has done an exemplary job in her post on the State Court of Criminal Appeals. She probably will be reelected to another term. She has two opponents – Jill Ganus and Will Smith. It does not hurt that she was born and raised in Tuscaloosa.

The Druid City seems to have an inordinate number of statewide officeholders. Tuscaloosa has a lot of voters, but it seems to be more than that. It is as though the Black Warrior River spawns them.

Judge Mary Windom of Mobile will more than likely win another sixyear term on the Court of Criminal Appeals.

She has an opponent in Melvin Hasting.

There will be a contested race for a place on the State Court of

Civil Appeals. The very popular Scott Donaldson is retiring. By the way, Donaldson is from Tuscaloosa and served on the bench there before being elected to the State Court. There will be a spirited race for his seat between Shelby County State Representative Matt Fridy and Birmingham Lawyer Phillip Bahakel.

The most hotly contested race on the March 3 Primary ballot will be between State Sen. Cam Ward and incumbent Greg Shaw for Shaw’s seat on the State Supreme Court.

Shaw has done a good job on the High Tribunal and is considered a solid conservative, probusiness judge. Ward has been on a fast and successful track in the state legislature. He hails from Shelby County and has been a high-profile State Senator for several terms. He is 48 years old and a very gregarious and tenacious campaigner.

It is doubtful that the business groups that primarily fund these State Supreme Court races will abandon the solid but quiet Shaw. However, these same groups may be reluctant to not cover their bets with Ward.

In addition, the plaintiff trial lawyers have found a way to funnel money quietly to these races.

Popular PSC President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh will be reelected.

Cavanaugh is known and respected as one of Alabama’s most conservative leaders. She has a token opponent who is part of a left-wing, California-like liberal See Flowers, page B16

By Michelle Key Publisher During Monday night’s regularly scheduled Lee County Commission meeting the commission continued to hear from concerned residents, activists and the owner of the Windover Mobile Home Park. During the course of the conversation, Harry Painter, owner of the park, addressed both the commission and the audience and stated that the rumors that he has sold the property are false.

“I have not sold

my property. I have to close my property because it has lost money the last three years,” Painter said.

“Therefore it is bad business (to stay open.) It is strictly a business decision.”

In other business, the commission: • voted to approve the minutes of the Nov. 12 commission meeting • voted to ratify and approve claims • held a second reading of one opening on the Lee County Recreation Board and voted to approved Houston Black for this posi-

tion • voted to approve Commissioner Robert Ham to assist in establishinga fiveperson committee to review applications and present qualified applicants to the commission for the EMA director position • approved a request by Ham use of the meeting center for Kiwanis Club annual Christmas toy giveaway event • approved the low Bid from Mobile Communications in Columbus, Georgia for the purchase of See LCC, page B16

Lawmaker, law enforcement prosecutors promote ‘Drowsy Driving Awareness’ Special to the Opelika Observer Between 2013 and 2017, more than 4,000 people were killed in car crashes in which drivers fell asleep or were too sleepy to safely operate a vehicle.

Nov. 19 was ‘Drowsy Driving Awareness Day’, and Alabama’s district attorneys joined with law enforcement and the sponsor of the resolution to create this awareness day to help bring public attention to what is a prevalent national public health and safety problem.

“Drowsy driving is a public safety issue that needs to be addressed,” said state Sen. Jimmy Holley. Holley is the sponsor of the resolution that

created Drowsy Driving Awareness Day. “We believe the public can rally around this problem and improve the safety of our roads by supporting drowsy-driving prevention efforts. By establishing a routine that fights fatigue and supports a healthy sleep lifestyle, we can save lives on the roadways.

“I am proud to continue the partnership with the Alabama Traffic Safety Prosecutor and the District Attorneys Association to promote our state’s Drowsy Driving Awareness Day.” To highlight this growing problem, a press conference was held last week at the Alabama District Attorneys Association office, in Montgomery.

The legislature passed Holley’s resolution in 2016 establishing the awareness day in memory of Wendall Williams. Williams was killed in 2006 in a crash caused by a driver who apparently fell asleep.

According to Bill Lindsey, traffic safety resource prosecutor in the state Office of Prosecution Services, research has identified its principal causes of drowsy driving, special at-risk populations and effective countermeasures.

“Today’s fast-paced, high-stress world has caused everyone to deprioritize sleep,” Lindsey said. “Sleep is as important to our bodies as diet See Driving, page B16

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B16 Nov. 27, 2019

Driving, from B15 and exercise. Experts recommend 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep for teens and young adults, and 7 to 9 hours for adults. Sleep affects every part of a person’s life, including health, safety, mood, learning, appearance, relationships and productivity.

Nearly 70 million people in the U.S. have a sleep problem. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), up to 30 million of those problems are related to stress, anxiety and depression. Untreated sleep disorders and poor sleep habits contribute to accidents, impaired work productivity and poor academic performance. These problems reduce quality of life and cause poor health, even death.

Sleepiness has been identified as a causal factor in a growing number of highway automobile crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that at least 91,000 policereported crashes each year are the direct result of driv-

LCC, from B15 60 or more Durabook computers for patrol vehicles - the cost of the equipment will be $2,977.08 per computer

er fatigue. Some 55% of all crashes in which the driver fell asleep involved drivers age 25 or younger. Half of Americans consistently report that they have driven drowsy, and approximately 20% admit they have actually fallen asleep at the wheel in the last year.

Similar to alcohol and drugs, sleep fatigue impairs driving skills such as hand-eye coordination, reaction time, vision, awareness of surroundings, decision-making, judgment and inhibition. According to studies, someone who has been awake 24 hours has an impairment that is equal to having bloodalcohol content (BAC) of 0.10%. Keep in mind that under Alabama law, a driver is presumed too impaired to safely operate a vehicle at 0.08 % BAC. Safety is not an accident; steps can be taken to be a safer driver and passenger. In order to reduce your risk of sleep fatigue and drowsy driving, get enough sleep, schedule breaks every 100 miles, arrange for a travel companion and avoid alcohol and sedating medications. If you take these steps and still feel drowsy, stop driving.

• approved a proposed 2020 holiday schedule with necessary changes to regular commission dates as presented by Wendy Swann • Commissioner Ham requested that the commission consider drafting and

Violent crime in Alabama: ‘Enough is enough’ Special to the Opelika Observer

By Steve Marshall Kamille McKinney.

Aniah Blanchard. Sloan Harmon.

During the last six weeks, the people of Alabama have been confronted with a frightening reality that very few of our politicians have been willing to acknowledge: our state has a violent crime problem.

Don’t believe me? Violent crime in Alabama is up 20% over the last 10 years, despite some improvement over the past year. We have the seventh-highest murder rate in the nation and FBI data indicates that we are the fifth-most violent state in the nation. Let that sink in. The kidnapping and murder of a three-year-old, the abduction of a bright college student and the cold-blooded killing of a 20-year-old National Guardsman - in light of these statistics, these incidents don’t seem quite as unforeseen, do they?

But who is talking about it? In Alabama, and across the country, “enlightened” reformists only want to talk approving a resolution in honor and memory of the late Sheriff John Williams, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Nov. 23 • received a fiscal year 2020 budget update from County Administrator Roger

(or get paid to talk) about the plight of the criminal.

They tell stories about what life is like for those behind bars, but conspicuously fail to mention the crimes that landed the prisoners there in the first place - the havoc they wreaked on a community, the sense of security they took away from the innocent, the parents and siblings they left heartbroken.

The activists would also have you believe that our prisons are full of peaceful pot smokers and inadvertent thieves. But, of course, that is false. Alabama’s prisons are full of violent offenders - 4,200 murderers, 2,500 violent robbers, 1,000 rapists, more than 1,200 would-be murderers and the list goes on. The imprisoned “nonviolent” offenders are mostly those that simply refuse to stop stealing or dealing drugs or will not follow the terms of their probation. Only 21% of those in our prisons have committed “low-level” felonies and those offenders aren’t staying long - there’s just always a new offender waiting to fill the spot.

Traditionally, incarcera-

Rendleman The next meeting will be held on Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. Meetings are held in the commission chamber in the courthouse annex. Because of construction, attendees should enter the annex using the 10th Street entrance.

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tion serves four purposes: retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence and incapacitation. Somewhere along the way, we have forgotten the common denominator of all four purposes, and that is public safety. If a disproportionate fixation on any one of these four (like rehabilitation, for instance) leads to decreased public safety, then we are doing it wrong. I fear that that is precisely where Alabama is headed.

For those who think that “criminal justice reform” has a nice political ring to it, let’s examine the most recent reform package to become law - the FIRST Step Act, passed by the U.S. Congress. At the time of passage, the Republican-led Congress was so smitten with the tepid media acclaim surrounding its “progressive” efforts that it refused to heed the warnings of law enforcement and prosecutors from around the country. Now, only one year after passage, we are left wondering what exactly Congress took a “first step” towards? Gang members and other violent offenders have been set

free and lives have already been lost as a direct result of the new federal law. (A note of thanks is due to Senator Shelby and all of Alabama’s Congressional Republicans who wisely voted against the final bill.)

We must ardently oppose similar efforts in Alabama and, believe me, they are coming.

In 1981, Ronald Reagan recognized that, “for too long, the victims of crime have been the forgotten persons of our criminal justice system.” It was true then, and sadly, it has become true again. The pendulum in Alabama has swung too far. We have a very real violent crime problem and it won’t be solved by incessantly watering down sentences, expanding extracurricular activities in our prisons, doing away with the death penalty, or, most shamefully, ignoring victims of crime. If we believe that our citizens deserve better than the dangerous lawlessness of today, we must reevaluate our logic and our priorities when it comes to criminal justice.

Enough is enough.

Opelika City Council calls special work session on Dec. 2 Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika City Council President Eddie Smith has called a special work session that will be held on Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. According to a press release the purpose of this session is to discuss: • the city clerk/treasurer position and job

Flowers, from B15 group.

Huntsville’s outstanding mayor, Tommy Battle, will be up for reelection in that city’s August 2020 mayoral race. Battle will be a prohibitive favorite to win reelection to a third term.

Battle ran a respectable second to Kay Ivey in the 2018 governor’s race. During that contest, I asked him why in the world would he trade

This week’s puzzle answers:

description • Quick Trip (QT) fueling station application.

No formal action by the council will be taken during this work session.

The meeting will be held in the council chambers at City Hall located at 214 S. 7th St. This meeting is open to the public. being mayor of Huntsville for being governor of Alabama? Huntsville is poised to be the fastest growing and most prosperous metropolitan area, not only in Alabama and the South, but in the nation during the next decade.

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.