Opelika Observer 11-28-18 E-Edition

pelika O bserver O Vol. 11, No. 08

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Opelika, Alabama

Featuring: Christmas In A Railroad Town A Christmas Merry-Go-Round AU Gingerbread House Display And much more

A special publication of the

“By local people, for local people.”

Be sure to check out our 2018 East Alabama Holiday Guide inserted in this week’s paper.

Additional copies will be available at local merchants and at the Observer’s office.

Efforts underway to restore cenotaph in downtown Opelika

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

City of Opelika lights up downtown for Christmas

Santa Claus to visit O Town Ice Cream’s new shop Dec. 2 for photos, celebrate holiday season Special to the Opelika Observer

The community is invited to visit O Town Ice Cream’s new shop located at 700 Second Ave to visit with Santa when he stops in for photos and sweet treats on Dec. Photo special to the Opelika Observer 2 from 4-6 p.m.

Parents are encouraged to bring cell phones to capture Santa’s magic.

They will be selling cones, cups and gift certificates.

Their grand opening is scheduled for later in December. Follow their Facebook page for updates.

Southern Union to host hiring fair Dec. 8 to connect area employers with veterans

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Opelika’s Southern Union State Community College campus will host the inaugural “Heroes Hub: Veterans Career Summit for Employers” Dec. 4 from 8-11 a.m.

The purpose of the event is to help area employers learn to connect with and hire veterans who are looking for their next career.

“I’m glad that we’re taking steps forward to actively address workforce development in Opelika. This is our first

step in taking action to directly connect veterans with employers – one on one,” said Chamber President Pam PowersSmith. “I know we’ll learn a lot so we can keep pushing forward to reach out to different sectors and attempt to fill all the vacant jobs

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 RELIGION..............................A9

that our industries have.”

The event is free and open to the public and breakfast will be provided.

For more information, visit www.opelikachamber.com or call 334745-4861. The school is located at 1701 Lafayette Parkway.

SPORTS................................B1 CALENDAR....................................B2 LEGALS ......................................B6 ENTERTAINMENT......................B7

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor A group of Opelikians are working to restore one of downtown’s most iconic landmarks to its former glory.

Opelika musician and resident Dallas Dorsey, along with members of the city’s Robert E. Lee Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, are working to raise $6,000 for a cleaning and renovation of walkways surrounding the cenotaph located next to First Baptist Church on South Eighth Street.

Dedicated in a ceremony conducted by Opelika Gen. George Harrison on April 6, 1911, the monument serves as a tribute to both Confederate dead and Lee County veterans who lost their lives in conflicts far from home.

“As a small child, my grandad frequently took me to the monument, and taught me it’s significance.

We took class trips there, from Northside School, and visited it for Alabama

history class,” Dorsey said. “ I love it, and feel like it honors our ancestors’ sacrifices and service in defense of their homes, the constitution, etc … I think many other Opelikians feel the same way, and they want to honor our dead and our history.”

To date, Dorsey and members of the Robert E. Lee UDC Chapter have raised nearly $2,000 for the cause through the sale of T-shirts printed at Opelika’s Victory Designs.

Those interested in donating can by filling out order forms on Victory’s website www.victorydesigns. com or stopping by their store, which is located at 1525 Second Ave. “Many of our Confederate Veterans never made it home, and their final resting places are in burial pits on far away battlefields.

I’ve seen them at Shiloh, and we even have one in Auburn at Pine Hill,” Dorsey said. “It’s all very poignant to visit those spots, and those experiences make me cherish our cenotaph even more.”

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A2 November 28, 2018

Annual ‘Farm City Banquet’ held last week

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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pelika Observer

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Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

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Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writer: Rick Lanier

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

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pelika O Observer

A3 November 28, 2018

Area 4-H'ers to host 'Back in Time' program Dec. 8 in Loachapoka

By Rick Lanier For the Opelika Observer Pioneer Park will once again host the 4-H History Seekers presentation of the second annual “Back in Time” event Dec. 8 from 5-8 p.m.

The presentation is an effort to raise support and bring awareness to our shared regional history, Alabama’s Bicentennial and the Lee County Historical Society.

This year’s program will introduce guests to the historical travels, research and contributions to Alabama’s botanical history by the noted

American naturalist William Bartram. In 1773, Bartram embarked upon a fouryear journey through eight southern colonies, a trip where he is best known for his many drawings and notes on the native flora and fauna and Native Americans.

Also included in this year’s theme is a historical look at the impact that railroad travel between Montgomery and Loachapoka had on the region.

Guests will be treated to traditional seasonal music as they are taken back to

the early 1700, 1800 and 1900s by periodappropriate costumed servers dishing up a multi-course meal within the confines of historical buildings.

During the meal, character actors and actresses will visit each table to provide a first-hand experience surrounding the deep history of the Alabama people.

Some of Lee County’s more noteworthy historic characters and friends will be featured, including, Auburn University’s Drs. George Petrie, Charles Allen Cary and John Hodges Drake.

Guests may also

expect to encounter local teachers and their students, train conductors, bankers, merchants, cattle drivers, traveling musicians, grist mill operators, blacksmiths, travelers of the Old Federal Road, Native Americans and more.

According to Betsy Jordan, club leader of the 4-H History Seekers, “our efforts started out as a simple attempt to help fundraise and bring awareness to the Lee County Historical Society as a thank you to the Society for their help in support of the 4H.” Jordan added that “it

has now evolved into a much more comprehensive community involvement opportunity that we’re very proud of and hope the public enjoys.”

“Back in Time” is endorsed by Alabama200 and sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities.

Tickets are $50 each with all proceeds considered donations to the Lee County Historical Society.

They can be purchased by calling the Lee County Historical Society at 334-8873007 or visiting www. leecountyhistoricalsociety.org.

Army veteran, assistant director of Auburn University’s Veterans Resource Center reflects on career, experiences

By Rick Lanier For the Opelika Observer

Helping veterans is nothing new to Steve Barnard - he’s been doing it all of his adult life.

“When I think of student veterans, a quote

by Theodore Roosevelt comes to mind: “A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards,’” Barnard said.

As Assistant Director of Auburn University’s Veterans Resource Center, he helps student veterans navigate the Veteran Administration’s educational benefit certification process.

With more than two decades of experience in education, he guides student veterans through the ins-andouts of college life and as a 12 year United States Army Officer and veteran, he helps student veterans with life in general.

Prior to opening the state-of-the-art Veterans Resource Center opened in 2012, Barnard was called on to establish a student veteran affairs office in Mary Martin Hall to support the influx of student veterans taking advantage of the newly passed Post 9/11 educational benefits.

His efforts helped form the foundation of

Barnard Auburn’s campus-based veteran resources and contributed significantly to the university’s certification as a “Military Friendly” campus.

Many of Barnard’s successes can be attributed to a strong academic background and his military service experiences. He entered

the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in December of 1973 and reported to his first assignment at Fort Dix in New Jersey as Assistant Operations Officer. Other assignments include: Fort Benning, Georgia; South Korea, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland; Frankfurt, Germany and Military District Washington D.C. Of all of his assignments, two stand out the most. The first was his tour in South Korea.

“It was my first overseas assignment, but particularly noteworthy is I reported to the 2nd Infantry Division as

the Personnel Officer and shortly thereafter assumed the duties as Brigade Adjutant,” Barnard said. The second, and most favorite was his tour in Germany.

“I was detailed in as a Captain (0-3) to fill the billet as the Property Book Manager for the 3rd Armored Division. On paper, I was accountable for just about everything with a serial number that we had spread out across Europe,” Barnard said.

As Barnard reflects on his military service and his time spent helping student veterans on the Plains, a smile comes to his face.

“Having the privilege of serving as an ambassador of the United States Army, and all that which it stood for to the other countries and armies of the world, was the best. I have always enjoyed being around and helping people, especially veterans.”

Editor’s Note: Mr. Barnard’s story was slated to run in our Veterans Day publication earlier this month, but was pulled due to space issues. Each veteran’s story is one deserving to be told, which is something the Observer has done and will always continue to do.

Friends of Cooper Library Presents: Winter Book Sale

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• Not a Friends member?- Sign up at the door for as little as $1.00 LEWIS COOPER JR MEMORIAL LIBRARY 200 SOUTH 6 TH STREET OPELIKA, AL 36801 Questions? Email us at cooperlibraryfriends@gmail.com

A4

pelika O Opinion Deer-hunting season Alabama Christmas

November 28, 2018

D

a deer might run I was likely riving through the heart to shoot and miss and instead of Alabama last weekof having the hot blood end I saw more than a smeared on my face to mark few big pickups with dog crates me as a hunter, I would have in the beds. my shirttail ceremonially cut Hunting season. off – which is why I always I don’t hunt. wore a shirt I could sacrifice.

At least not any more.

By Hardy Jackson (For the literally inclined I used to hunt, but I never among you, if this sounds worked to become good at it. a little like it was lifted from William I’m sorta like the old preacher who was Faulkner’s The Bear, it wasn’t, though such a poor shot that he quit hunting. For him it was a waste of God’s precious time. repeated reading of that great hunting story surely influenced my telling. Would that it There was that. had also influenced my writing.)

There was also that when I was young They, the hunters, would pass around and might have gone into the woods, a bottle, skipping me and any other boys hunting season coincided with football present, and discuss whether or not this season. After a Friday night getting snotwholloped on the gridiron, getting up early would be a licensed hunt or a “meat” hunt – a “meat” hunt being one where any deer to ambush some unsuspecting animal was that comes under your gun – buck, doe, not on my agenda.

Besides, there was no cheerleader to hug or spotted fawn – ceases to be a deer and becomes venison. you after a successful hunt. Another mark These were always “meat” hunts. against hunting.

Then we would go to our assigned spots.

My father was a hunter, and I well recall It never occurred to me that I would be him going into the woods at dusk, after standing within shouting distance of men work, to “tree” a turkey, then getting up with whiskey on their breaths and guns in in the pre-dawn darkness to wait for the bird to wake, stretch, and meet its maker. I their hands, and I was in as much danger as the deer. never took part. Maybe Daddy lacked the The first few times Daddy and I shared patience to teach me or I lacked the patience to learn, but probably because it was a stand, but eventually I graduated to a stand of my own. There, with my doublehis solitary pastime and a man needs that. hammer, 16-gauge shotgun, I would listen He did take me deer hunting – deer drives – which consisted of men gathering for the sound of the pack that real hunters could divide by voice – “that’s Rusty, hear on someone’s land, parceling out places him?” – and wait for the animals, chased (“stands”) for each hunter to wait for the and chasing, to run by another stand and game which was “driven” past them by another gun. the dogs that a handler had taken to an I never got off a shot. Nevertheless, assigned spot and turned loose to raise the frightened animal and propel it to its doom. I was there, so if there was a kill, when the meat was divided, I got my portion, As you can tell, here in my dotage, I small though it was. It, combined with my have as much regard for the hunted as for father’s, meant a couple of meals as only the hunter. But not back then. Not when I my Mother could cook them. was a hunter.

Then I went off to college. Flash ahead Or at least pretending to be. to 1990. That was when I got my first and The pretense began as I joined real only deer. Got it on Hwy 431, just south of hunters keeping warm around a fire and Gadsden. Got it with a Buick. listened to the talk of dogs, deer, and men There is a point to my telling this. gone from the earth but still living in A “deer warning” has been issued for memory – “Remember how ‘Buck’ Waite much of Alabama and Georgia. . . .” – the grandfather I never knew, but It is fall. The weather is dry. Deer are whose skill was still recalled and which looking for forage along roadways. Be gave me a credibility I never deserved. alert or you might get one as well.

I have the antlers from one of his kills, Or one might get you. mounted and displayed. But I digress.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is ProfesThey would talk and I would listen, waiting for the “stands” to be assigned and sor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at knowing I would get one of the poorest, hjackson@cableone.net. which was OK, for if I was placed where

T

his is going to be difficult to write so please bear with me. I apologize in advance for the rambling as I have a wide array of emotions and points to put down on this piece of paper.

Remember when I told you about chasing sunsets? I explained why writing was not only a gift for me but that it is also a gift to you.

I explained how to unwrap the words carefully. I also mentioned my father’s suicide and a stepfather who was not so kind. It took years of therapy to let go of all of my mixed emotion filled baggage.

I was burdened with a lot of rage, shame, guilt, fear and mostly, sadness. I struggled for many years. There were many times when I almost gave up, but I stuck around to tell you about it.

Hopefully, you are reading this and will gain truth or insight.

Maybe the words will wrap around your

A

His youngest gave labama, 1963—it him five quarters which was chilly. It was he’d saved in a piggy gray. A skinny bank.

Christmas tree sat in the A black-and-white corner of his rundown family photo—colored home, undecorated. No with crayons. A sockgifts. monkey doll, stuffed His wife was a secreBy Sean Dietrich with newsprint. An alutary. He punched a clock, minum ring. Shoelace wore leather gloves, and bracelets. A few bottle caps. moved steel for a living.

They say he cried. They say the Theirs wasn’t a particularly unfamily dogpiled him. They say that usual story. They worked from can to can’t. They sweat for dimes. They for supper, his wife prepared a steak just for him. The rest ate beans. ate beans, rice and white bread.

Before the meal, he stood to say a They had seven kids. Money was blessing, but he was too overcome. hard to hold on to with seven hunSo, she spoke for him. His solid wife, gry tummies. a woman who reminded everyone to And, on the day she found him home from work early, sitting on the keep believing.

She stood and told her family to steps, she knew things were about to bow heads. get worse.

“Lord,” she said. “Help us not His face was red and puffy. He to worry. And if it’s not too much couldn’t find the words. They’d trouble, give us a sign that you’re still fired him. His supervisor had delivthere.” ered the news without warning.

“Amen.”

His wife held him like a child.

He offered to share cuts of steak “What’re we gonna do?” he said. with his children and wife. But they “We’re gonna believe,” she told refused. him.

And it was after that very supper But he worried until he lost sleep. that one of the children pointed to the Then he worried harder. window and hollered, “LOOK! IT’S The next day, he drove a dilapidated Ford through busy streets with A SIGN!” Snow. the classifieds beneath his arm. His In Alabama. eldest son rode shotgun.

Only a few flakes, but soon the The boy watched through the flakes turned to flurries. The flurries windows while his father begged turned into piles. The piles turned foremen for grunt work.

“Daddy,” said his son. “We gonna into drifts. By New Year’s Eve, it was one of the largest snowstorms starve?”

“No, son,” he said. “But we might Alabama had ever known.

Still, after all these years the family lose a little weight.” hardly remembers the historic storm After three weeks of job hunting he had, in fact, lost weight. They say at all.

They only remember that their he wouldn’t eat suppers. father found a job that same week. It The once strong steelman; an unemployed shell, skipping lunches was the same job he retired from at age seventy-one. and dinners to save money. RejecDon’t give up hope. tion takes a toll.

Not ever.

Christmas morning.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and He woke to a tree with a family novelist, known for his commentary seated around it. There were newson life in the American South. His paper-wrapped packages beneath the branches. Each gift had the word, work has appeared in Southern Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, “Dad” written on it.

Southern Magazine, YellowhamHis eldest made a picture book mer News, the Bitter Southerner, the from construction paper and cardMobile Press Register and he has board.

His daughter had given him a cigar. authored seven books.

The Best Gift

and missed shoulders and him, don’t give you a get me well deserved wrong. warm hug.

With Here’s a football in spoiler alert; the South it’s all going being just to be okay.

By Lucy Fuller as big as The truth the holiday is, I am season, you can only loved. I am blessed. imagine how preocI have so much to be cupied we become thankful for and so with November and much to be proud of.

December. November Eighteen years is has always been my a long time to mess “weak” month. up, break down, and As I have grown rebuild yourself. My mother and stepfather older and have childivorced 18 years ago, dren of my own, my thoughts and feelings and it has become a distant memory in my have changed. Suicide haunts me. I canmind. I have told you not imagine losing a before that I have a child. The thought of tendency to block out things. It’s my coping it makes my stomach churn. I don’t have mechanism.

My father’s birthday to imagine losing is in November. Right a friend, a father, or grandparents, to around Thanksgiving suicide. I know what and the Iron Bowl. it’s like. I’ve lived (You know, one of through it countless the biggest rivalries times. I have no fancy in all of sports). In words to describe how my younger years, awful it is. It sucks. the hustle and bustle This time of year of Thanksgiving and seems to be the worst football was enough for suicides. Maybe to keep me distracted its because there is from his absence. I so much that most of still yearned for him

us are preoccupied with that we forget to notice the change in others. We fail to see the blank stares, the missed attendance at holiday gatherings, and other signs that are present. We are so wrapped up with our own lives that we forget the lives of those around us, maybe.

People hurt more this time of year.

We all handle grief and loss in different ways. I still am saddened by the loss of so many people close to me. Even the divorce still haunts me.

I may not voice it, but it does make my heart ache. This time of year, it hits me the hardest, because there is always that one empty seat where my father should be and where my stepfather was.

What if I told you that I received a phone call from my stepfather? I hadn’t heard from him or seen him in 18 years and after having a week of struggling with my own demons,

the phone rings. Its an unknown number.

I answer, and it’s him. Now, I am not going to get into the details of the phone call. Things were said and emotions were extremely raw. I was angry, and so was he.

I began to cry, and so did he. That’s when it happened. When the first tear hit my cheek something inside of me snapped. Part of me snapped and fell away like a branch of a tree in a storm.

Every ounce of guilt, anger, shame, blame, and sadness plummeted to the ground and landed with a sudden release of weight followed by a smile.

I had forgiven him.

I forgave him.

Eighteen years.

I listened to what he was saying and instead of arguing I told him that I understood. Sometimes, understanding is the best gift you can give another human being.

Sometimes, all someone needs to hear is someone say, “I understand.” Sometimes,

when you receive an unexpected phone call from an unexpected person from your past you find yourself taking the call. I never dreamed I would be speaking to him on the phone at midnight, standing in my kitchen, and all of a sudden forgiving him and feeling happy about it. How is this even possible, after all of the pain?

I forgave him right then and there. And, he also forgave me for my role as a difficult teenager. His role as a stepfather was a tough one, and I never made it easy. I truly wish I knew then what I know now. We never saw eye to eye but we can agree, now, that we were both stubborn. It struck me that we both shared the same pain. The loss of loved ones. My heart hurt for him, and it still does.

We both answered the phone awaiting conflict, yet we hung up with tears in our eyes and smiles on See Fuller, page A6

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Around Lee County

A5 November 28, 2018

EAMC’s Unity Wellness Center to hold run/walk to benefit local HIV education, AIDS prevention Special to the Opelika Observer Run, jog or walk a scenic 3.1 mile route during the "Unity Worlds AIDS Day 5K & 1 Mile Run/ Walk" Dec. 1 at Auburn's Town Creek Park.

Strollers and dogs on leashes welcome and encouraged. All proceeds are donated to East

Alabama Medical Center's Unity Wellness Center and all participants will be given a red ribbon to wear. Awards will be presented to the top three overall male/ female runners and to the top male/female in each age group (18-30, 31-40, 41 years old or older).

There will be race number/packet pickup Nov. 30th from

3-6 p.m. at the Unity Wellness Center. The race will take place in the rain, but in the event of thunderstorms the race will be cancelled. No refunds will be given.

Online registration closes Nov. 29 at 11:59 p.m.

After that date, registration will be held from 3-6 p.m. at the Unity Wellness Center or on race day

starting at 6:30 a.m.

About: Unity Wellness Center provides HIV testing and counseling, HIV primary medical care, medical case management services and HIV prevention education and awareness programs. They serve residents of Lee, Macon, Chambers, Russell and Tallapoosa Counties in

east Alabama.

Their goals are to increase testing, awareness and education in our communities to reduce new infections; to provide high-quality, compassionate care so that people with HIV never develop AIDS and to advocate for funding and laws that improve access and quality of care.

World AIDS Day

takes place on Dec. 1 each year. It serves as an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.

Salem’s Garrett Dixon Lee County Commission approves $9.14 million Warrant Purchase awarded ‘Farmer of Distinction’ award at Agreement to fund county projects Farm City Banquet

By Michelle Key Publisher

Special to the Opelika Observer The Lee County FarmCity Committee held its annual banquet last week at Lazenby Farms. Salem farmer Garrett Dixon, pictured with his wife Robin, won the "Farmer of Distinction" award during the event.

The Lee County Commission voted to approve a Warrant Purchase Agreement for a 2018 Series Bond issue between the county and Frazier Lanier Company Incorporated. Four projects have been consolidated into one financing plan the total of which is approximately $9.14 million. The projects include: - the construction of a total of eight recreation ballfields and support infrastructure among the Beauregard, Beulah and Smiths Stations area parks - projected cost of $5 million - plans to finish a large multi-purpose courtroom and judge’s suite at the T.K. David Justice Center - projected cost of $2.3 million - complete the expansion of the downtown Opelika courthouse with an $850,000 renovation to the existing structure - expansion of the emergency management operations

center to add modern office space - projected cost of $1.8 million The warrant issue funding would cover $9.14 million and the remaining $995,000 would come from existing county funds.

According to Bob Young of the Frazier Lanier Company, this purchase agreement would lock in interest rates until the commission’s next meeting where a warrant resolution would be then voted on.

In other business, the commission: • voted to approve the minutes of the commission meeting held Nov. 14 • voted to ratify and approve Claims • heard the first reading vacancy on Lee County Department of Human Resources Board - Opelika resident Vicki Hudson has submitted a citizen’s interest form for this position • heard the second reading and voted to approved Waverly resident Bob Harris to fill the vacancy

on the Mid-South RC&D Council • approved a request by Commissioner Robert Ham for the Lee County Kiwanis Club to use the Meeting Center in order to stage the annual Christmas food and toy give away • approved a salary variance for Sheriff’s office position as presented by Sheriff Jones • approved the request by Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) for the commission to supply a letter of support for the Competitive Highway Bridge Bundling grant which includes a project for I-85 Exit 60 bridge replacement. This would include the replacement of I-85 bridges NB/SB at Exit 60 in Lee County to include Long Street, Railroad and State Highway 51.

Furthermore, the new bridges would be built to accomodate three lanes of traffic should that be applicable in the

See LCC, page A6

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

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

pelika O Observer

A6 November 28, 2018

The Compassionate Friends to hold Candle Lighting Service Dec. 9 Special to the Opelika Observer For parents and other family members and friends grieving from the loss of a child, The Compassionate Friends, a local grief support group, will hold a memorial candle lighting service Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. The service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church which is located at 900 2nd Ave. in Opelika.

The speaker will be Pastor Jimmy Sprayberry, also a bereaved parent, and special music by Daniel Wells.

A power point presentation of children’s

Fuller,

photos will allow loved ones to send in as many as three photos of their child to be viewed during the service. Photos must be emailed to Traycfreeman@hotmail.com and must be received no later than Dec. 1.

Photos received in the past will be included.

A time of fellowship and refreshments will be held immediately following the service.

Those attending are welcome to bring your favorite refreshment to share with others.

The Compassionate Friends is a grief support group that meets every first Thursday evening of the month at 7 p.m. during the

but sometimes our past makes us appreciate how far we have actually come. I am so thankful for letting go and learning how to forgive. You know that forgiveness is truly met when you look back and smile with a full heart. I am so grateful for all of the seasons of life. With each one comes a lesson and healing. It makes

from A4 our faces. “It was really, really good talking with you, Lucy-Winn”, he said.

It was really, really good talking with him, too.

Isn’t it lovely when things come full circle?

Sometimes our past can haunt us,

of a child,” said Lynne Schwarzauer, coordinator of the local chapter. “While no one can take away the pain of such a loss, we can give support and a place for the bereaved to talk about their child and share the grief with others who understand.”

Activities to help with the burden of the loss may include special speakers and Photo special to the Opelika Observer guest who understand the devastating and life year, except July, Many members of changing event of losto help those grievTCF have lost chiling a child. ing from the loss of a dren many years ago The Compassionchild. Members meet but continue to atate Friends have to celebrate the life tend meetings to help established a memorial of their child or chilsupport others in their garden at the corner dren with others in a grief journey. of Columbus Parkway safe, comfortable and “No one is ever and Geneva Street relaxed atmosphere. prepared for the loss

it all worth it, even if it hurts a little or a lot… especially in November.

Lucy Fuller is a lover of nature, animals, gardening, and old houses. She is a full time mother and wife. She currently resides in Dadeville with her husband, two daughters, 4 dogs, and cat. She may be reached at fullalove2017@ gmail.com.

LCC,

from A5 future.

• approved the request by the highway department to authorize the chairman to execute the Federal Aid Agreement for Bridge Replacement on Lee Road 249 over Soap Creek - the projected cost of this bridge replacement is $1,162,501.50.

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

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

Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic products and services.

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

ICK RD.

FREDER

Tiger Town

Lowe’s

R.

D AY TEW GA

Kroger

Our New Location

Visit us here: www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

I-85

1851 Frederick Road Opelika

Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

• approved a bid for a bridge replacement project on Lee Road 65 to Newell and Bush, Inc. in the amount of $1,086,009.79. This project will begin on Feb. 11, 2019 and is expected to take 9-12 months to complete.

• approved a bid for tied concrete block erosion control mat from Grogreen Solutions for purchases that are less than 2400 sq. ft of material and approved a bid from Premier Concrete Products for

in Opelika for those who would like to plant a tree, shrub or structure in memory of their child. Established three years ago, the garden is open to the public to visit and includes an arbor and bench for sitting and reflecting. The garden is managed through donations and a committee from The Compassionate Friends members.

Anyone interested in further information on The Compassionate Friends regular meetings, the candle light memorial service or the memorial garden can contact Lynne Schwarzauer at 334663-4345. purchases that are for more than 2400 sq. ft. of materials. • approved a bid for cement mortar flowable backfill from Sherman Industries, LLC The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Monday nights of every month at 5 p.m. Meetings are held at the Lee County Courthouse which is located at 215 S. 9th St in downtown Opelika.

The next meeting will be on Dec. 10.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • Comedy Competition • Habitat Cookie Walk • EACB Winter Concert • Opelika Chamber’s Annual Christmas Parade • Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour

Tiffany Denson enjoys entertaining at Christmas in historic home Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

S

ituated at the corner of North 8th Street and Fourth Avenue in Opelika, the 1913 Denson home in the Historic District is one of the most beautiful homes on the Victorian Front Porch Tour, slated this year Dec. 5-9. The house has remained in the Denson family with Tiffany and Rush Denson moving in this year, with their three children being the fifth generation to reside in the historic home.

Tiffany and Rush moved back to Opelika in 2015 from Birming-

ham. “We felt it was just the right thing to do,” Tiffany said. “We wanted to be close to family.”

Rush’s parents, Rose Ann and John Denson, who were living in the house, were ready to downsize. The spacious home was perfect for Tiffany, Rush and their children, Rush Sr., 18, who is a student at Auburn University; Quinn, 14, and 4-year-old Sadie.

His parents moved a couple of blocks down the street, while Tiffany’s parents, Patti and Maxie Quinn, moved

from Clearwater, Florida. to the house across the street from their daughter. “We have two sets of grandparents within two blocks,” Tiffany said. “It is a gift, especially to our children.”

Built by Judge and Mrs. Nimrod D. Denson, the Greek Revival style house anchors the Historic District. Judge Denson’s career included serving in the State Senate, the House of Representatives and the Alabama Supreme Court.

After his death, their daughter, Mary, and husband Yetta Samford

Photo by Ann Cipperly Tiffany Denson, her husband, Rush, and their three children moved this year into the Denson home in the Historic District and are busy getting ready for the Victorian Front Porch Tour on Dec. 5-9. Tiffany has a love for cooking and entertaining. She is sharing recipes for her Christmas Eve dinner along with other favorites for the holiday season.

Sr. moved into the house with four-year-old Yetta Jr. Mary enjoyed gardening and planned the landscaping on the grounds.

After her death in 1977, Nimrod Denson’s grandson, Judge John V. and Rose Ann Denson moved into the home.

John was the third generation to serve on the Auburn Board of Trustees, while Yetta Jr. was a trustee for the University of Alabama and served in the Alabama Senate.

“We love the history and being in the house,” Tiffany said, “and now we get to make more history.”

They renovated the kitchen, adding a large chef’s gas stove for Tiffany, who has a love for cooking. The wall separating the kitchen from a breakfast room was removed, opening up the kitchen space. It now has a cozy sitting area by the window perfect for morning coffee.

After entertaining 20 for Thanksgiving, Tiffany is getting ready for the Victorian Front Porch Tour. For their first year in the house, Rose Ann is placing the lights on their 11-foot Christmas tree.

“No one does Christmas decorations like my mother-in-law,” Tiffany said, who will decorate the tree with treasured ornaments.

Along with the tree, See Recipes, page A10

‘Southern Lightning’ to make inaugural appearance in annual Christmas parade

By Morgan Bryce Editor Santa’s sleigh may not be the fastest vehicle in this year’s Opelika Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade Dec. 1.

“Southern Lightning,” a drag-racing car owned by Opelika resident Joe

Zaccaro, will make its first appearance in this year’s Christmas parade. Zaccaro owns and operates his racing operation out of a warehouse on Staley Avenue.

“I took the car to ‘Touch-A-Truck’ this year and people were just blown away. They just can’t

believe that we do this and that we’re here in Opelika,” Zaccaro said. “But having the car in the parade is all about the kids. Very few kids you meet don’t have some interest in wheels … from the time they’re little, you get two little tricycles together and

man, that’s a race.”

Built in 2018 and driven by T.V. Todd, the car is equipped with a GE J85 engine that is capable of helping the car reach 303 miles per hour in five seconds. Zaccaro, along with mem-

bers of Auburn’s and Opelika’s ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) groups, will sit in chairs on the trailer carrying the car and wave to the crowds.

Although he was unable to recruit San-

ta this year, Zaccaro hinted that he may try to find a special guest of honor to ride in next year’s parade.

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.opelikachamber.com.

Rocky Brook Rocket

Reindeer Express

December 13th-15th 5:00-8:00 p.m. monkey park children 2nd grade and younger Come take a train ride through the lights! enjoy food, hot chocolate, face painting, entertainment and pictures with santa!

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

11 AM - 3 PM Tuesday - Wednesday, Saturday 11 AM - 7 PM Thursday - Friday

pelika O Observer

A8 November 28, 2018

OBITUARIES Olene Hill It is with great sadness that the family of Olene Hill announces her passing on November 21, 2018 at the age of 85.

Olene will be lovingly remembered by her daughter's Kerry and Martha, her daughterin-law Jeanne and her siblings Sarah Banks Opelika, Bill (Laverne) Camp Hill, Randall (Heather) - Las Vegas, Tommy (Debbie) - Auburn. Olene will also be fondly remembered by her four grandchildren, Jessica Dennis Nix, Billy Dennis, Coleman and Thomas Stuckey as well as her greatgrandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Olene was predeBetty Ann Null Betty Ann Null of Jay, Florida, native of Chambers County Alabama was born to the late James Thomas Madden, Sr. and Ruby Boggs Madden in Langdale, Alabama on February 7, 1952 and passed away in Pensacola, Florida on November 20, 2018. She was 66 years old.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Bryant Null and sister, Sandra Avooske.

Betty and her sisters, Sandra and Martha were commonly referred to as the "Madden Girls."

She was survived by

ceased by her parents Perry Sanford and Martha Thomas Hill and her daughter Merri Stuckey.

A graveside service in memory of Olene was held on November 24, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Waverly Cemetery, Waverly, Alabama.

The Rev. William Jesse officiated. Interment followed.

Memorial donations in memory of Olene can be made to the American Heart Association by phone 1-800-AHAUSA1 or at www2. heart.org, or in support of the Cemetery at Waverly by mail at 2020 Patrick Street, Waverly Alabama, 36879.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed. her children, Kristy Birdsong (Greg), Jason Null (Talitha); grandchildren, Trent Birdsong, Trevor Birdsong, Stephanie Williams (Joseph), and Brandon Wood; sister, Martha Hubbard (Clarence); brothers, James Madden, Jr. (Patricia), and Arnold Madden.

Visitation was held Nov. 25, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 1:30- 2:45 CST. Funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Nov. 25, 2018 at 3 CST. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Henry Quinton Walton Henry Quinton Walton, age 94, passed away Thursday, November 22, 2018 at home surrounded by his family. A native of Lee County, Alabama, Sgt. Walton served as a flight engineer on B-24 Bombers and C-47 Transports in the Army Air Corps, stationed in the Pacific during World War II. While serving he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and a World War II Victory Medal.

When he returned from service, he married his high school sweetheart, Merle Parker Walton. He

began his career in the automotive parts business. He was part owner of East Alabama Auto Parts in Opelika and later formed an auto parts business, Tiger Parts, with his two sons until 2005.

Mr. Walton is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Merle Parker Walton; oldest son Charles Walton (Virginia) and their children Suzanne Callahan (Joey) and April Farr (Justin); son Jimmy Walton ( Beth) and their children Courtney Thomas (Earl), Katie Walton, Sarah Friley (Nick), Robbie Cartron (Kim), Michael Cartron (Charis); and daughter Anne Ro-

bison (Robbie) and their children Hillary Allen (Patrick), Spencer Norrell (Haylee), Matt Robison and Angela Dunnam (James).

He is also survived by his sister Dorothy Mitchell, and numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He loved his family with all of his heart.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all the caregivers that so lovingly cared for Mr. Walton over the past few years as well as the Hospice care he received.

Funeral services were held Sunday, November 25th at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Visitation was from 1:30-2:30 at JeffcoatTrant and funeral service followed at 2:30.

The burial service was held at Mount Olive Cemetery in Opelika.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation Inc. (UMBF) for the Polycystic Kidney Disease Research Fund.

University of Maryland School of Medicine 31 South Green Street Ste. 302 Baltimore, MD 21201 Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

OFD raffle raises money for Muscular Dystrophy Association Photo special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Fire Department firefighters showed that they are full of heart with the recent raffling of a Yeti cooler to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Congratulations to Keith Morgan, contest winner. For more information, call Fire Capt. Stephen Fields at 334-7055309.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

GRADE 4 WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR Starting Pay: Competitive and Dependent on Experience Level The Utilities Board of the City of Oneonta is looking for applicants to join the team as a Grade IV Water Treatment Plant Operator in a recently upgraded 3 MGD plant in a beautiful setting. The applicant must have current Grade 4 certification from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and have experience in a water treatment plant. Must have a valid driver’s license and high school diploma/GED. The applicant must be willing to work shift work as required.

The Utilities Board of the City of Oneonta is a drug free work place and offers a great benefit package that includes Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance with a dental plan. Company paid life insurance, State of Alabama retirement, paid holidays, and vacation/sick days.

Please send a resume to: WATER TREATMENT OPERATOR P.O. BOX 420, ONEONTA AL 35121 The Utilities Board of the City of Oneonta is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Tomb N' Groom Crew, LLC ✓ We repair and maintain cemeteries ✓ We manage cemetery restoration projects ✓ We safely clean markers & monuments Located in Opelika, AL Serving east Alabama & west Georgia 334-744-9809 www.tombgroomcrew.com

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

Opelika

A9

Family & Religion

November 28, 2018

Meeting Jesus in the darkness of night

T

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

he disciples had been rowing through the night but were only halfway across Lake Galilee. The boat was being “buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it” (Matthew 14:24). If you’ve ever been in a boat in these circumstances, you know rowing against a strong wind can be draining—especially at the end of a long day.

Just before dawn, Jesus goes out to meet them—walking on the water! When they initially see Him, the fatigued disciples are “terrified” and think he is a ghost (v.

26). Jesus “immediately” identifies Himself, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Maybe if this incident had happened during the day they wouldn’t have been, but it’s still dark and though the form looks like Jesus and the voice sounds like Him, the disciples still have some doubt. Peter says, “Lord, if it’s You . . . tell me to come to You on the water” (v. 28). What gets Peter out of the boat isn’t the novelty of walking on

them right water, He is in the eye seeking reasand know surance for that while himself and they may the rest of make our the disciples knees knock that it really

By Bruce Green and our is Jesus. You Teaching Minister at spirits faint, could say he 10th Street Church of they are no is unwilling Christ in Opelika match for to let a little the One who water come walks on water, calms between him and his the sea and rose from the Lord. dead.

What are the things Another thing alluded that can sometimes come to in the story that can between us and Jesus? come between us and the The most obvious Lord is opposition. In item would be fear. It’s our story, it is the wind. there in the text and it’s certainly in our lives. Fear The wind opposes the disciples as they atfor ourselves and for our tempt to cross the lake. It loved ones. Fear of the intimidates Peter as he is unexpected or the unexwalking out to Jesus. It plainable. Fear of the fuis only when Jesus gets ture. Fear, fear, fear. The in the boat that the wind truth is, it’s always there. finally dies down—He If you search for it, you can always find it lurking makes no attempt to stop it before then. What somewhere. And when He does do is offer His you find it, you will always have a reason not presence in the presence of it. That’s the way it is to act (“I was afraid.”) for us and the things that Our faith doesn’t call us oppose us—whether it to ignore our fears. In is financial issues, health fact, it asks to do something quite different. Our concerns, work problems or anything else. faith challenges us to Sometimes God removes face our fears. We look

Church calendar

• Pepperell Baptist is offering a Wednesday evening ministry program from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. for preschool and elementary Children called “Wow-Worship on Wednesday.” The evening program of music, Bible messages for children, crafts, fun activities, and snack begins on Sept. 5. Registration forms are filled out on the first evening. Contact Ryno Jones Childrens, Youth Minister, or Beth Pinyerd at 334-7453108.

• First Baptist Church of Opelika will hold a Christmas

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

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

Celebration Dec. 2 at 6 p.m., which will include musical performances by the church’s childrens choir, youth ensemble and Sunshine Singers.

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

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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

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

them, but most of the time He chooses to take us through them. Things that oppose us can come between us and Jesus when we expect them to be removed.

The last thing that the story speaks of as coming between us and Jesus is our faith. On the face of things, that sounds strange, but it’s true nonetheless. While it is Peter’s faith that initially gets him out of the boat, it is the littleness of his faith that causes him to sink. “Little faith” is something Jesus talks about on five different occasions in Matthew so it’s more than just a passing point in a single story. (He also tells us of occasions of “great faith” so it’s obvious he wants us to understand the difference).

What does it mean to have “little faith?” In v. 31 Jesus says, “You of little faith . . . why did you doubt?” In this particular instance, it is clearly doubt that He is zeroing in on. Faith and doubt are at odds with each other. While very

few people have absolutely no doubt at all, faith is the state where belief is overruling doubt. In Peter’s case, his belief was being overruled by his doubt.

Thus, the “little faith.”

It’s sad when you think of people who no longer follow Jesus because they have allowed doubt to outgrow their faith.

Despite Peter’s struggles, Jesus was there for them just as He is for us.

That’s the story Matthew wants disciples to hear and take to heart. As the church, we’re in the boat trying to get from here to there—and take as many people with us as we can.

As with the disciples in the story, we struggle with fear, opposition and doubt. What we need to know is that in the midst of our darkness, Jesus is there to see us through.

Remember that Jesus is always available—even in the dark of night.

Bruce has written a book on the model pray called Praying in the Reign. It is available through 21st Century Christian.

Verse of the Week “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

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

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

A10 November 28, 2018

Recipes,

from A7

Tiffany will decorate other areas, including a centerpiece for the dining room table. She feels the art of entertaining in the dining room is being lost, but she savors the stories told around the table and the memories being created.

Rose Ann left sets of china and silver for her.

Tiffany is enjoying setting the table for entertaining with five generations of china. “I love that I can match handpainted china from the early 1900s with dishes I received at my wedding,” she says. “There is history in everything in the house.”

While friends tell her she makes entertaining look easy, Tiffany feels it is because she keeps the cooking easy and doesn’t make complicated dishes.

“I think the key to entertaining is just to relax and realize that people are in your home to be with you,” she said, “so the little things don’t matter. I always say people come to be with you, not to look at every square inch of your home. If a dish burns or something is not perfect, it is okay. I think the biggest key to entertaining is giving grace to yourself, and just do it with your heart and not overthink things.”

Being organized, Tiffany sets the table four or five days ahead for a dinner party. There are certain things she keeps on hand for quick appetizers, such as special preserves to serve over cream cheese, meats for charcuterie, pickled vegetables and various cheeses.

She will make the Good-for-You Nuts in early December and store in an air-tight container to have on hand. When entertaining, she places a bowl of these nuts on the bar.

This year, Tiffany is serving the family an elegant Christmas Eve dinner in the dining room with Foolproof Beef Tenderloin and Mustard Horseradish Sauce for the entrée. She will have all of the food on the menu prepared ahead except the beef tenderloin, which she will roast or Rush will cook on the grill, depending on the weather. She will ask the butcher to trim and tie the tenderloin. She keeps the trimmed scraps for making delicious hamburgers.

Tiffany, who grew up in Clearwater, Florida, has had a love of cooking for as long as she can remember and enjoys adapting recipes. She graduated from Auburn University where she met Rush. While she hopes the boys will enjoy cooking one day, Tiffany is passing on her passion for cooking to Sadie, who already enjoys helping in the kitchen.

Arranging flowers is another of Tiffany’s passions, and she assists a floral designer with weddings. For center-

pieces during the Christmas season, she suggests arranging fresh greenery and other materials from the yard. For instance, red berries can be tucked in an arrangement of magnolia leaves.

Other ideas include placing greenery under plates or putting a small cluster of red berries at each place setting to display place cards. For creating festive place cards, she suggests tying place cards with ribbon or writing names on magnolia leaves.

She also suggests filling a bowl with oranges, pomegranates or apples and tucking fresh greenery and cinnamon sticks around the fruit for a seasonal centerpiece during the Christmas season.

On Christmas day, Tiffany and Rush will celebrate in the morning with their children as gifts are opened. She will serve warm cinnamon rolls for breakfast and then a hearty lunch.

Family will arrive in the afternoon for a relaxing evening with games around the dining room table.

Their most important tradition at Christmas and Easter as a family is doing something for someone else, whether it is giving gift cards from Wright’s Market or taking food to the police or fire station. “We like to have the opportunity to do something for somebody else,” Tiffany said.

While she enjoys her home and cooking, Tiffany is also a successful businesswoman. In 2010, she marketed her T.Lish Sweet Garlic Vinaigrette.

She has now secured a trademark agreement for her product, meaning she has loaned her trademark to a much larger company. She has given them packaging and distribution rights under her supervision. She still owns the brand and retains creative control.

In January, Tiffany is launching a management group for influencers and brands. She will conduct business development using what she has learned from running her own company and consulting with others around the country “I feel like God is restoring me,” she said. “I have not had this much fun in years. I have contacts all over the country.”

Rush opened The Denson Group, a real estate and design company, on 10th Street in Opelika.

They renovated the house and transformed it into an office. Tiffany does design work from this office.

“I am so grateful to be settled after moving here in 2015,” Tiffany said. “Not being settled for three Christmases was hard. I am excited to know this is going to be our home for a long time, and I am starting new traditions. Knowing that I have the opportunity to be in my forever home is a great gift and one I won’t take for granted.”

Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@ cipperly.com.

pelika O Observer Good-For-You Rosemary Nuts 2 cups pecan halves, unsalted 2 cups shelled walnuts, unsalted 6 oz. whole natural almonds, unsalted 2 ¼ Tbsp. butter, melted 2 Tbsp. crushed dried rosemary 1 tsp. cayenne pepper 4 tsp. dark brown sugar 4 tsp. kosher salt Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place all nuts in large bowl. Pour in melted butter and coat well. In a small bowl mix remaining ingredients. Sprinkle rosemary mixture over nuts and mix together well.

Spread nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Toast in oven about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Be careful not to burn. Serve at room temperature and store in airtight container.

Make-Ahead Hot Artichoke Dip 14-oz. can artichoke hearts, chopped 4-oz. jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained 8 oz. good-quality feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup light mayonnaise 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced Juice of half lemon ¼ tsp. black pepper Garnish with basil, optional Assorted crackers

In a medium-size bowl combine first 7 ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to bake. (This can be done up to 48 hours in advance.)

Place in a lightly greased 1½-quart baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Garnish if desired. Serve with crackers. Note: For a small crowd, I like to bake only half at a time. Makes 4 cups.

Pickled Shrimp Serves 60 as an hors d’oeuvre 8 lbs. large shrimp, cooked, peeled and deveined (may use frozen; thaw according to package directions) Marinade: 3 cups white vinegar 3 cups vegetable oil 1 cup olive oil 1 jar (1.5 oz.) pickling spices 1 Tbsp. kosher salt 2 Tbsp. hot sauce 2 Tbsp. celery seeds 2 ½ Tbsp. grated lemon rind 6 cups very thinly sliced onions 20 bay leaves 8 Tbsp. capers

9 lemons, thinly sliced Marinade In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, vegetable oil, olive oil, pickling spices, salt, hot sauce, celery seeds and lemon rind.

Assembly Place cooked or thawed shrimp in a large container.

Pour marinade over shrimp and mix well.

Add sliced onions, bay leaves, capers and lemon slices to shrimp. Gently mix to combine. Cover well and refrigerate overnight. Serve slightly chilled.

Spinach Gratin 4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 4 cups chopped yellow onions ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¼ tsp. grated nutmeg 1 cup heavy cream 2 cups milk 5 (10 oz.) pkg. chopped spinach, thawed 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1 Tbsp. kosher salt ½ tsp. ground black pepper ½ cup grated Gruyere cheese Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Melt butter in heavy pan over medium

heat. Add onions, cook and stir until translucent, about 15 minutes. Add flour and nutmeg and cook, stirring, 2 more minutes. Add cream and milk and cook until thickened.

Squeeze as much liquid as possible from the spinach to the sauce.

Add ½ cup of Parmesan cheese and mix well.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer spinach mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining ½ cup Parmesan and the Gruyere. Bake for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Serve immediately. Serves 8-10.

Peppermint Ice Cream Pie 2 (1 oz.) squares semisweet chocolate ½ cup butter 2 large eggs 1 cup sugar ½ cup all-purpose flour 1/8 tsp. salt 1 qt. peppermint ice cream, softened ½ cup hot fudge sauce (may purchase) 2 cups whipping cream ½ cup finely crushed hard peppermint candies Hard peppermint candies, for garnish Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 10 inch pie plate. Melt chocolate and butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

Set aside to cool.

Using an electric mixer set at medium speed, beat eggs in a large bowl until slightly thickened. Gradu-

ally add sugar, beating well.

Combine flour and salt and add to eggs along with cooled chocolate mixture.

Beat just until blended.

Spread batter evenly into prepared pie plate. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until done. Allow to cool completely.

Spoon ice cream into pie crust and freeze one hour.

Drizzle fudge sauce over ice cream and swirl gently with knife. Freeze 2-3 hours until firm.

Beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in crushed peppermint candies.

Pipe or spoon whipped cream over frozen pie.

Return to freezer for 30 minutes. When ready to serve, let pie stand at room temperature 5-10 minutes before slicing. If desired, garnish with peppermint candies. Serves 8-10.

Bourbon Milk Punch 1½ oz. Kentucky bourbon 2 to 3 oz. whole milk ½ tsp. vanilla extract (use pure vanilla for this) ½ oz. simple syrup ⅛ tsp. nutmeg, freshly grated, as garnish In a shaker with ice, com-

bine all cocktail ingredients.

Shake very well, for at least 30 seconds. Garnish glass rim with the mixture of grated spices.

Pour cocktail into the glass filled with crushed ice.

Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.

Foolproof Beef Tenderloin with Mustard Horseradish Sauce 1 (4-5 lb.) whole beef tenderloin, trimmed and tied Vegetable oil Freshly ground black pepper Coarse Kosher salt *Note: Sometimes I add fresh, chopped rosemary to the salt and pepper.

Remove beef from refrigerator and allow to rest for 30 minutes before roasting. Preheat oven to 500 degrees and position rack to center.

Rub meat lightly with oil using your hands. Coat tenderloin well with salt and pepper.

Place beef in a shallow roasting pan.

Put in oven and reduce

temperature to 450 degrees and roast for 20-30 minutes (22 minutes for rare and 25 minutes for medium rare).

Remove meat from oven, cover with foil and allow to rest for 20 minutes.

Remove string and slice.

Serves 8 to 10 for a seated dinner.

Mustard Horseradish Sauce 1 cup good mayonnaise 1 Tbsp. Dijon (I use Grey Poupon.)

1 Tbsp. whole-grain mustard 3-4 Tbsp. prepared horseradish ½ cup sour cream, not light ¼ tsp. kosher salt Whisk together all ingredients and serve at room temperature. Can be made ahead.

Garlic Roasted Potatoes 3 lbs. small red or white skinned potatoes (or a mixture) 1/4 cup good olive oil 11/2 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. (6 cloves) minced garlic 2 Tbsp. minced fresh parsley Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Cut potatoes in half or quarters and place in a

bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic; toss until the potatoes are well coated.

Dump the potatoes on a baking sheet and spread out into one layer; roast in the oven for at least 1 hour, or until browned and crisp.

Flip twice with a spatula during cooking to ensure even browning.

Remove potatoes from oven, toss with minced parsley, season to taste, and serve.

Favorite Green Beans 2-3 Tbsp. olive oil 3-4 Tbsp. butter 3-4 cloves garlic 1 lb. fresh green beans Salt and pepper to taste 2-3 cups chicken broth Drizzle olive oil in the pan and melt butter over medium high heat. Wait for all the butter to melt and look foamy.

Next, add the chopped garlic. Let garlic cook for 2-3 minutes and then add the green beans.

Stir them around and get them as flat as possible in

the pan. Cook until they turn bright green. Then add some salt and pepper.

Cook for a couple more minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, add enough chicken broth to cover them, and stir. Let it come to a rapid boil.

Next, cover beans and turn the heat to medium low, venting the pan so steam can escape.

Cook for 15-20 minutes or until most of the chicken broth has cooked out. Serve warm.

Sugar’s Pralines Recipe is from my dear friend Leslie Register who is author of Leslie’s Party Diaries.

1 lb. (1 box) light brown sugar 1 cup heavy whipping cream ½ cup (1 stick) butter 1 ½ cups pecan halves In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat sugar and whipping cream on high for 11-13 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

(Cooking time may vary slightly with microwaves.) Do not let it burn. ( I cook the mixture for 11 minutes in my 1200 watt microwave.)

Remove from microwave, and add butter, combining thoroughly until completely melted.

Add pecans, and stir to combine.

Drop pecan mixture immediately onto wax paper with a spoon or small measuring cup.

FOOD RATINGS Louie’s 1479 Fox Run Pkwy Opelika Score: 97 Mike and Ed’s BBQ 2245 Lee Road 430 Smiths Station Score: 97 Cafe 123 123 S. 8th St.

Opelika Score: 95 Las Margaritas 8600 Highway 29 North Cusseta Score: 93 Steak ‘N Shake 2096 Interstate Dr. Opelika Score: 83

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

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika’s state title hopes dashed by Saraland; finishes season with 7-5 record

O

pelika High School’s 2018 football season ended Friday night with a 24-19 loss to Saraland in the quarterfinal round of the 6A playoffs.

The Bulldogs (7-5) and Spartans (12-1) swapped field goals in the first quarter. Opelika kicker Marshall Meyers nailed a 20yard field goal with 5:33 left in the first quarter to give the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead.

Saraland answered with a 25-yard field goal fewer than four minutes later. Neither team could manage any consistency on offense. Senior Bulldog quarterback Cade Blackmon threw a 28-yard TD pass to Omar Holloway with 5:39 left in the half to regain the lead.

Baker Rowton added the PAT to make the score 10-3. Spartan running back Rashawn McAlpine tied the game with a rushing touchdown with only 33 seconds left in the half.

Opelika’s defense continued to play hard in the second half, forcing a safety after

playing three minutes of the third quarter to recapture the lead, 12-10. Neither team scored any offensive points in the third quarter. Saraland took the lead with 10 minutes left in the game after a rushing touchdown.

Brantan Barnett caught a 75-yard TD pass from Blackmon less than two minutes later. Rowton added PAT to extend the Bulldog lead to 19-16.

Saraland scored the game-winning score on an 11-yard run

by Karie White with 5:34 left in the fourth quarter. Following a successful two-point conversion, the Spartans led 24-19.

Opelika was one of eight class 6A football teams playing last Friday night.

This senior class left an indelible mark on the Opelika football program: a combined 29-11 record, broke the school record with three region titles, three playoff appearances, two trips to the state quarterfinals and a trip to the Super 7 in 2016.

The seniors also

played for three different head coaches.

BASKETBALL The Opelika girls basketball team defeated Columbus High school 66-43 last week. The Lady Bulldogs are 6-1 on the young season. I do not have scoring leaders as Coach Devin Booth is taking a “team” approach this season.

The veteran coach decided not to talk about individual scoring but playing well as a team following her squad’s victory.

Opelika played Smiths Station Tuesday night at the Sports Arena. The results were not available at press time. Both varsity teams travel to Carver High school in Montgomery Nov. 30, with first tip for junior varsity set for 4:30 p.m., varsity girls at 6 p.m., varsity boys at 7:30 p.m.

The Bulldogs travel to Central of Phenix City Dec. 4, Prattville Dec. 6 and Smiths Station Dec. 11.

Opelika’s next home game will be Dec. 12 v. Carver.

AHSAA SUPER See Sports, page B3

OPELIKA BASKETBALL SCHEDULE (Boys and Girls) Nov. 30 - Opelika at G.W. Carve Dec. 4 - Opelika at Central Dec. 6 - Opelika at Prattville (Boys only) Dec. 11 - Opelika at Smiths Station

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 quarterback Cade Blackmon was named the Opelika Player of the Week.

Blackmon was a crucial part of the Bulldogs’ offense this season.

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

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

pelika O Observer

B2 November 28, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

The Christmas Market Date: Nov. 29 - Dec. 1 Time: 6- 9 PM CST Website: http://aochristmasmarket.com Event Description: The A | O Christmas Market Holiday Items for Purchase 2018 Annual Christmas Parade Sponsored by Allstate Insurance: Prewett Insurance Group Date: Dec. 1 Time: 10 -11 AM CST South’s BEST Robotics Competition Date: Dec. 1 - 2 Website: http://www.southsbest.org Event Description: Regional Robotics Championship Veterans Career Summit - Heroes Hub of Opelika Date: Dec. 4 Time: 8- 11 AM CST Event Description: Veterans Career summit Introducing the “Heroes Hub of Opelika” “Employers Hiring Veterans: THe Mutual Benefits.”

This event is the place of 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 334209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-307-1449.

Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for parents whose children have autism will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway,

choice to help Veterans find careers! Come and get all the details about hiring veterans and meet these wonderful heroes. RSVP to Opelika Chamber by Nov. 27. coc@opelikachamber.com.

Business After Hours Chicken Salad Chick Date: Dec. 4 Time: 5 - 7 PM CST Event Description: Chicken Salad Chick Business After Hours Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour Date: Dec. 5 - 9 Website: http://www.opelikavictorianfrontporchtour.com Event Description: The homes are decorated with life size Santas, angels, toys, carousel horses and Christmas themed figures Dilworth Design Gallery Ribbon Cutting Date: Dec. 6 Time: 4 - 4:30 PM CST Event Description: Ribbon Cutting Christmas In Railroad Town Date: Dec. 7 Time: 6 - 9 PM CST Website: http://opelikamainOpelika. This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

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

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

Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

• Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 297-5581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org.

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

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

street.org Event Description: Kids Festival Rides and Games North Railroad Ave .

Holiday Movie at the Plex Date: Dec. 8 Time: 6 - 8 PM CST Website: http://www. opelikaparks.com Marriott at Grand National Ribbon Cutting & Business After Hours Date: Dec. 10 Time: 5 - 7 PM CST Event Description: Join us for the Grand opening of the Spa at the Auburn Opelika Marriott at Grand National!

Direct Auto & Life Insurance Ribbon Cutting Date: Dec. 11 Time: 10 - 10:30 AM CST Event Description: Ribbon Cutting Reindeer Express Date: Dec. 13 -15 Website: http://www. opelikaparks.com Event Description: Reindeer Express Train Ride

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

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Teamorganizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored

in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website.

Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more.

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

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

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

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

• The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by nonvoting work sessions that typically begin about 6:306:45 p.m.

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

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union

State Community College and Opelika High School.

For more information contact Bill Parker at 4590214 or 706-518-9122.

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

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

• East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika.

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

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

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

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

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

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum.

They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights.

This event is held the third Thursday of each month.

Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

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

Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri.paradice@gmail. com for more information or luncheon location of the month.

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

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

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

• The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, a center for cultural arts located in downtown Smiths Station, is delighted to announce a New Season of Studio Classes, and specialty programs for Continued Fine Art Education.

• New Youth Portrait Classes beginning Dec. 3, held every Monday 6-7 p.m.

E.S.T. • enrollment is limited Tuesday Evening Classes Return Nov. 27 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. E.S.T. (weekly) - open to adults 18 years old and over • New Thursday Afternoon Classes Begin Nov. 29th 3 - 4 p.m. E.S.T. (weekly) - open to adults 18 years old and over • Portrait Classes every Wednesday - open to adults 18 years old and over All fine art supplies are always provided. Beginners are welcome and there are no studio use fees.

• New After School Weekly Drawing Classes begin November- December - For more information or to enroll, call 334-480-2008. The studio is located at 2750 Lee Road 430.

• Nov. 29 - Dec. 2 Cirque Italia, the spectacular water circus from Italy that will be in Columbus, GA from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2. For more information or to purchase tickets, which range in price from $10 - $50, visit www.cirqueitalia.com.

• Dec. 3 - Lee County Voters League meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church; located at 201 South 4th Street, Opelika. President Harris will move to catch up on old business with the Nov. 6th general election behind us and address next year’s efforts, then elect officers.

• Dec. 4 - The East Alabama Civic Chorale will perform Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Auburn. The church is located at 1100 N. College St. Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

pelika O Observer Sports,

from B1 7 JORDAN-HARE STADIUM The 2018 AHSAA Super 7 Football Championship is a week closer after last Friday night. The 7A

Championship game Dec. 5 will feature Central of Phenix City v. Thompson.

The Red Devils and Warriors rallied in the fourth quarter to win their semifinal game.

Thompson defeated Hoover 31-28 while the Red Devils slipped

by R.E. Lee 34-27.

Class 1A-6A semifi-

nal playoff games will be held Friday, with the winners advancing to the Super 7 Dec. 6 and 7. Fans interested in tickets should go online super7al.com The website provides information for fans and teams attending.

The cities of Opelika and Auburn partnered 15 years ago to form the “A-O Sports Council,” with the intention of forming a team with Tuscaloosa. The ultimate goal was to bring the Super 7 to JordanHare Stadium and Bryant-Denny Stadium. This will be the fifth time the championship games will be played at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The two cities split the economic impact.

Seven teams stay at hotels in Opelika while seven teams

stay in Auburn hotels. The teams eat pre-game meals, including breakfast at local restaurants. The attendance ranges from 55,000 to 65,000 during three days.

Fans can listen to all seven championship games on iHeart Radio. The 3A and 4A games will air at 11 a.m. on WTLM 1520 AM. The 1A and 2A games will air on WZMG 9120 AM and 5A-6A-7A airing on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM. Central will play Thompson Dec.5 at 7 p.m. I will have 1A-6A Pairings in next week’s column.

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

& Flea Mall

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Best lunch in town . . . any town

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www.niffersplace.com dine in only, Mon-Fri 11-2

Buying or Selling?

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B3 November 28, 2018

Auburn Zeta youth provide food to area family in need

Special to the Opelika Observer Engaging in community service provides students with the opportunity to become active members of their community and has a lasting, positive impact on society at large. Community service enables Auburn Zeta youth to acquire life skills and knowledge, as well as provide a service to those who need it most. During the month of November, Auburn Zeta youth collected and donated non-perishable food items to a local family for their November service project.

pelika O Observer

B4 November 28, 2018

South’s BEST Robotics competition to be held Dec. 1-2 at Auburn University Special to the Opelika Observer The South's BEST Robotics Competition will be Dec. 1-2 at Auburn University.

BEST stands for Boosting Engineering Science and Technology, and is a national program with fifty local competition sites in eighteen states. It is administered by BEST Inc., a 501c3 non-profit

organization, that sets curriculum and competition standards.

The mission of BEST is to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through participation in a competitive robotics program that fosters knowledge, teamwork, and communication.

A major tenet of the program is that it is

free to schools; there is no cost for robotics materials nor to enter a team.

Each year, middle and high school student teams are tasked with building a robot to compete against other schools in that year's challenge. Each challenge is based on an educational model.

Previous models include "Just Plane Crazy,” in which

students learned about aeronautics and built a simple model airplane with their robot and "Total Recall" in which students studied six-sigma to optimize manufacturing.

The robotics competition is a high-energy sports-like environment but good sportsmanship is essential.

Student-driven robots compete against the challenges of the

game, not other robots. Each year's game theme and playing field is revealed in mid-September. Teams are given six weeks to design and build their robot before entering their local competition.

In addition to robotics, the most coveted award of the program is the BEST Award. To compete, students must provide an engineering notebook, give an oral

marketing presentation, construct an educational exhibit, and show excellent team spirit and sportsmanship. BEST uses the excitement of robotics to teach engineering and business processes.

For more information, visit www.southsbest.org/about.html#.

The event will be held inside Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum on Auburn’s campus.

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

AUXILIARY

334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org

“ rareLy does one see five Grand Pianos hUddLed onstaGe, mUCh Less hear them PLayed simULtaneoUsLy in ConCert. bUt PLay them the 5 browns did on satUrday at the mUsiC Center in strathmore, in a PerformanCe that was as sPontaneoUs as it was PersonabLe.” - the washington Post

the five browns

wednesday november 28th the oPeLiKa Center for the PerforminG arts

To purchase tickets, call 334.749.8105 or visit eastalabamaar ts.org

Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Inside the Statehouse

A

By Steve Flowers

few last thoughts and observations on our Nov. 6 general elections in Alabama.

Our new 55th Governor looked and sounded more like the old Kay Ivey than the one we have seen the last few years and during the campaign.

She was vibrant, succinct to the point, had a perfectly timed and unscripted victory speech. Her green jacket was becoming.

She will be a good governor. She will tackle the tough issues the state must face in the next four years, especially our infrastructure needs.

She is extremely

qualified and ready to be governor. She is a real Republican with a real Republican super majority State Legislature. There are 27 Republicans and eight Democrats in the Senate. The numbers are 77 Republicans and 28 Democrats in the House.

Ivey also has a unique and advantageous relationship with all of the Alabama Senate. She was the presiding officer of the Senate the last six years and was considered fair and impartial. She worked with and developed a very good working relationship with the GOP leadership. The

three primary leaders of the Senate, Del Marsh, Jabo Waggoner and Greg Reed, have a close knit, trusting bond with Ivey.

Ivey not only becomes the 55th Governor, she is the first Republican female elected as governor and the second female governor in our state history.

Ironically, she cut her teeth in politics working in our first female governor, Lurleen Wallace’s campaign for governor. Ivey was a student at Auburn University.

Little did she know that 52 years later, she

Attorney General Marshall, other state offices issue public guidance on Alabama law concerning possession of cannabidiol Special to the Opelika Observer Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall joined with the leadership of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Office of Prosecution Services, and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to draft and distribute public guidance on

Marshall

the current state of Alabama law on the possession, use, sale, or distribution of

Cannabidiol, or CBD. This guidance comes in response to a growing number of inquiries about increasing sales of CBD around the state.

This memorandum will be accessible by the public from the Attorney General’s website at ago.alabama.gov.

would be the second female governor of Alabama.

The more things change, the more they stay the same in Alabama politics. The Alabama that Ivey and I grew up in and knew 50 years ago was totally Democratic. In fact, the word tantamount was used continually to describe the dominance of the Democratic Party. It was an accurate statement. The dictionary describes tantamount as “the same as.”

Today, I use the word tantamount when explaining winning the Republican Primary in Alabama. We were a one-party state 50 years ago and we are a one-party state in statewide politics, today. The difference is we changed parties.

We are now a Republican state, yesteryear we were a Democratic state.

Winning the Republican nomination for statewide office in Alabama is tantamount to election.

The proof is in the pudding. We have 29 elected statewide offices in Alabama, all 29 are held by Republicans.

I’m not prophetic, but allow me to share a short passage with you from my column the week before the election. “In bygone

days, the Democratic Primary nomination was tantamount to election. Today, it is just the other way around. Nowadays, winning the Republican Primary is tantamount to election in the good ol’ Heart of Dixie. The more things change the more they stay the same in Alabama politics. Boy, when we change, we really change. We were a one-party state then and we are a one-party state now. When Ivey won the GOP mantle back in June, she essentially won the Governor’s race.”

That was my statement Wednesday before the election. My belief was overwhelmingly confirmed Nov. 6. We are a Republican state and I don’t see it changing anytime soon. That was my foremost takeaway from the election.

My second observation is akin to my first - we are so Republican that folks are just voting straight ticket.

We have joined the rest of the nation in that we simply vote straight Republican or straight Democratic.

Our voting has become nationalized.

More than 65 percent of Alabamians voted a straight lever ticket.

It is primarily along racial lines. Alabam-

ians are essentially African American Democrats or Caucasian Republicans.

Therefore, Alabama is a red Republican state for statewide politics. However, just the opposite is true for the metropolitan counties of Jefferson and Montgomery. If you are going to win a countywide office in these locales, you must run as a Democrat.

The third takeaway was the tremendous turnout at the polls.

A record-breaking 50 percent of Alabamians voted on Nov. 6.

Again, this was driven by national politics.

Folks are either hardcore conservative Republicans or hardcore liberal Democrats.

They are few and far between.

Alabamians voted the national party brand. It is apparent that more Alabamians like and agree with Donald Trump than they do with Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.

See you next week.

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

Opelika City Council approves ALDOT agreement during meeting

By Robert Noles Photojournalist

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Mayor Gary Fuller presents Opelika Chamber of Commerce President Pam Powers-Smith with a proclamation celebrating “Small Business Saturday” during last week’s council meeting.

The Opelika City Council approved agreements with ALDOT for four phases of improvement on Pepperell Parkway during their Nov. 20 meeting.

The first two phases will consist of a traffic study, road improvements and repaving portions of Pepperell Parkway from Westend Court to Lowndes Street.

Mayor Gary Fuller commended the work of the Downtown Christmas Committee headed up by Community Relations Officer Leigh Krehling for See Council, page B6

pelika O Observer

B6 November 28, 2018

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: 2018-C-012 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES URIAH CHESNUTT NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary of said deceased, having been granted to Pamela A. Chesnutt, on the 6th day of November 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Pamela A. Chesnutt, Personal Representative Legal Run 11/14/18, 11/21/18 & 11/28/18

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Tuesday, Dec 18, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

JN1CA21D9VT218163 1997 NISSAN MAXIMS LEGAL RUN 11/21/18 & 11/28/18

IN THE MATTER OF THE CONSERVATORSHIP OF EARL DIXON, (a non compos mentis, ) IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA (SHARON DIXON, Conservator) NOTICE OF CONSERVATOR’S SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that SHARON DIXON, the Conservator of EARL DIXON, a non compos mentis, has filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, the detailed accounts, vouchers and statements for final settlement of her conservatorship of EARL DIXON, covering the period from September 22, 2017 through October 8, 2018 and that the 19th day of December, 2018 at 1:00 o’clock p.m. has been appointed as the day for making said final settlement in this Court and that any person interested therein may appear and contest the same if he sees fit to do so.

This the 19th day of November, 2018.

BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 11/21, 11/28 & 12/05/2018

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 12/19/2018 2:00 PM. Monisha Smith Unit# D68 217 Camellia Ave Opelika AL 36 Opelika, AL, 36801 One bedroom suite, TV, 5 boxes, wine rack Marilyn Smith Unit# 205 536 Shelton Mill Rd. Auburn, Al, 36830 Toys, Fabric, Thread Sandra Fuentes Unit# 207 3526 Lee Rd 137 Lot 30 Auburn, AL, 36832 Household furniture, boxes, etc.

Marc Burns Unit# 259 683 Anders Ct Auburn, AL, 36830 Household furniture and boxes Jekivion Silmon Unit# S333 626 MLK Dr Lafayette, AL, 36862 Dresser, bed/frame 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 pur-

chase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 11/28/18 & 12/05/18

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES PHILLIP WILLETTS, (DECEASED) IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Ceretha Haywood Willetts, as Executrix of the Estate of James Phillip Willetts, deceased, on the 16th day of November, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

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

PREPARED BY: Blake L. Oliver Adams White & Oliver, LLP 205 S. 9th Street, P. O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 11/28/18, 12/05/18 and 12/12/2018

Council, from B5

her team’s efforts in decorating downtown and thanked the council members for providing the money for the decorations.

City Administrator Joey Motley reported that October’s building permits totaled $5.54 million, with nine being single-dwelling homes.

Fuller also presented Opelika Chamber of Commerce President Pam PowersSmith with a proclamation declaring last Saturday “Small Business Saturday” in downtown Opelika. He encouraged citizens to go downtown on Saturday to participate and support the local merchants.

The council also approved a request by St. Mary Catholic Church to use Floral Park for a walk and parking spaces and a request from Kabuki Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar for a alcohol Beverage License.

A number of public hearings for demolition of properties were approved, with

the exception of 112 N. 18th Place which was tabled since the owner was working with the city’s planning department to make improvements.

In other business, the council: - approved bids for the purchase of three 2019 Chevy Tahoes for the Opelika Police Department - approved the Opelika Sportplex’s connector road financial change orders for a construction cost of $77,000 with a total cost of $1.8 million - approved the reservation of two tables at the J.W. Darden Foundation’s annual “Black-Tie Gala” Feb. 3 - approved a change of council meeting date from Jan. 1, 2019 to Jan. 2.

- renewed annual appropriation contracts with the American Red Cross for $10,000 and Arts Association of East Alabama for $25,000. Following the renewals, council members asked for organizational representatives to attend meetings in order to obtain a report on services provided for funds received.

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Looking for Work English tutor, proofreader, editor for writings available now. Qualified for high school, college, business and translation work. Email embak@me.com

Help Wanted CyberZone is currently hiring for a variety of positions: Saturday and night

availability is required. Interviews start next week.

Immediate openings for: • Supervisor, experience required, avg 25-35 hours per week • Key Holder, experience required, avg 15-25 hours per week • Attractions Rotation, avg. 5-15 hours per week • Event Coordinator,

experience required, avg. 8-20 hours per week plus commission Near Future openings for: • Party Host, avg 4-12 hours per week plus tips • Kitchen cook/runner, avg. 4-12 hours per week All we require is a cheerful, outgoing, welcoming disposition, the ability to thrive in a fast-

paced, high energy environment, selfmotivation, initiative, and a drive for excellence.

For Rent 809 2nd Avenue 7000 sq. ft. commercial building for rent or sale.

Contact The Brown Agency at 334-7453584 or visit thebrownagency.com/ rentals/listing/127

Affordable office space Located in downtown Opelika for low traffic business.

Utilities included.

Two small offices for $395.00 each and 1 large office for $525.00. All are upstairs. Call Rice Rentals at 334-3640480.

Coming Soon!

459 Lee Rd 2087, Salem - Cute & Clean,

3 bd/2 bath with single carport and large back yard. Smiths Station School system. $900.00 per month.

Call Rice Rentals 334-364-0480 Coming Soon!

900 Cutler Ridge Rd., Opelika - 3 bdrm/2 bath with garage and fenced back yard. $1375.00 per month Call Rice Rentals 334-364-0480

ALASCAN CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES LEADING SMART home provider Vivint Smart Home has an offer just for you. Call 1-877220-8817 to get a professionally installed home security system with $0 activation.

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FINANCIAL SERVICES

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Are you behind paying your Mortgage? Denied a Loan Modification?

Threatened with Foreclosure? Call the Homeowner’s Relief Line now for Help! 844-745-1384

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY NEW AUTHORS Wanted! Page Publishing will help you selfpublish your own book.

FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 1-888283-4780 WANTED TO BUY FREON R12 wanted: Certified buyer will pay cash for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 1-312291-9169; www.refrigerantfinders.com

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pelika Observer O

Last week’s answers:

11-21 Scramblers Answers: 1. Ogle, 2. Prone, 3. Score, 4. Ache Solution: Horoscope

B7 November 28, 2018

pelika Observer O

B8 November 28, 2018

COMICS

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