pelika Observer O
Vol. 12, No. 10
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019
Opelika, Alabama
For more parade photos turn to A8 or visit www.opelikaobserver.com
“By local people, for local people.” Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Opelika’s first ‘Longest Table’ event encourages community to come together in love, unity
Chuck Riddle named the Opelika Exchange Club's 'Firefighter of the Year' last week
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
By Morgan Bryce Editor
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Chuck Riddle was recognized as the Opelika Exchange Club's "Firefighter of the Year" at last Tuesday's city council meeting. Riddle was one
of three up for the recognition, and was followed up by Phillip Bell and Stephanie Durbin. According to a recommendation letter from OFD Capt. See Riddle, page A3
Empty Bowls pre-sale Construction ongoing for new extended through Dec. 19 roundabout at the intersection of Gateway Drive, Society Hill Road
Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
By Morgan Bryce Editor Pre-sales of bowls for the annual “Emp-
ty Bowls” event has been extended through Dec. 19. In a previously published article in
the Nov. 6 edition of the Observer, it stated that the presale would end on See Bowls, page A3
Index
OPINION.....................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 RELIGION..............................A13 CALENDAR..................................A14
By Morgan Bryce Editor A new roundabout being constructed at the intersection of Gateway Drive and
COMICS.....................................A16 SPORTS..................................B1 PUBLIC NOTICES..........................B12 POLITICS...................................B15
Society Hill Road is expected to be finished by the end of February 2020, according to Opelika City Engineer Scott Parker.
The first phase of the project is to construct the divider islands, which is expected to be completed by early See Roads, page A3
pelika O Observer.com
What’s Up? www.doughornroofing.com • 334-744-5246
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A2 Dec. 11, 2019
Victorian Front Porch Auburn Pharmacy wants Tour to kickoff Dec. 11 to offer ‘old-fashioned’
experience for customers
Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer By Morgan Bryce Editor
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Individuals who visit Auburn Pharmacy can expect a wave of nostalgia to pass through them as they enter its doors. Located at 643 N. Dean Road, Auburn Pharmacy is designed to look “like the hometown pharmacies you might see in a town square or small downtown” according to owners Chris and Nicole Finley. “We’ve had so many people walk in and say, ‘oh, this reminds me so much of old pharmacy back home’ and that’s just music to our ears. That’s exactly what we envisioned when we set out to do this a couple of years ago,” Chris said. Both Chris and Nicole hail from Bainbridge, Georgia, a small city of
nearly 13,000 people in the southwestern corner of the Peach State. The couple met through mutual friends in their hometown and wedded in 2014, and are now parents of two young children. The Finleys have strong ties to the AuburnOpelika area. After receiving a degree in mass communications from Auburn University, Nicole returned home and opened her own boutique, which she operated for several years. Chris enrolled in pharmacy school in Auburn in 2014 after completing his undergraduate studies at Valdosta State University. Finishing pharmacy school last year, Chris announced to his classmates that he was going to open his own indepent phar-
macy, a decision met with criticism and doubt. “There were a lot of people who questioned my decision and my line of thinking ... but I relied on God to get me through that and to where He wanted me to be,” Chris said. Working closely with local realtors, the Finleys managed to secure the lot at a price within their price range and close proximity to a booming medical park. Construction was started last year. The Finleys were able to host Auburn Pharmacy’s grand-opening festivities on Nov. 20, and were met with a warm reception from the community. A cornerstone of Auburn Pharmacy’s business model is its approach to customer service. See Finleys, page A3
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Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and Michelle@opelikaobserver.com D. Mark Mitchell
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w w w. o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r . c o m 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801
CORRECTIONS The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the Editor at (334) 749-8003.
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A3 Dec. 11, 2019
Local Academy Sports + Outdoors store partnered with Twin Cities Lodge #21 to take 10 children on holiday shopping spree
Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer Last Tuesday, Academy Sports + Outdoors in Auburn partnered with police officers from Twin Cities Lodge #21 to bring 10 children from Boys & Girl Clubs of Greater Lee County on a special holiday shopping spree. Each child was given a $150 Academy gift card to shop with a police officer for items on their holiday wish list including jackets, footwear, team sports equipment, toys and more. This week, similar events are being held with local first responders at all 15 Academy Sports + Outdoors locations in Alabama. In total, the program will donate nearly $25,000 to help 150 children in Alabama.
Roads, from A1 January. Parker said the second and final phase will be to transition the intersection from four-way stop to roundabout, which will include the installation of proper
Riddle, from A1 Tracey Johnson to the Opelika Exchange Club, Riddle is "driven by a strong sense of community and helping others. He is always ready to assist his fellow firefighters, law enforcement, first responders, and others in need. He is a dependable employee who always reports for duty early and ready for work." "The thing I'm most proud of is the work we do in the community and the people we get to help. It's always a team effort at OFD and I credit B Shift for any accomplishments or awards that I (receive)," Riddle said. Riddle's path to becoming a first responder has been a long, winding journey. Originally from Brewton, Riddle joined the Air Force in 1996 and served for four years. He arrived in the Auburn-Opelika area afterward, enrolling at Opelika's Southern Union State Community College campus. After finishing his associate's degree, he transferred to Auburn University, where he majored in early childhood education. Riddle taught at schools in Atmore
Bowls, from A1 Dec. 3. Because of the event’s rising popularity, organizers decided to add 16 more days for patrons to find the perfect
signage. “There is construction work going on in every approach to the intersection. The intersection is still functioning as a fourway stop even though some turn lanes have been closed and shifted,” Parker said. “There is now one approach lane to and his hometown before accepting a game warden position back in Lee County in 2006, an area that he said "felt like home." In December 2010, Riddle experienced the devastating loss of his sister Mia, who was abducted and ultimately killed. It was during the search for her body that he said he found his calling to become a first responder. "After that happened I had a hard time with my job and everything. Utilizing my mapping and tracking skills as a (game) warden, I helped with the search ... and worked alongside fire inspectors from both Alabama and Florida because where it happened was close to the state line," Riddle said. "During the trials, I remember telling my wife that I wanted to work in the fire service one day. In my mind, I wanted to do it because I didn't want someone to go through what I'd been through." Stepping away from his game warden role in 2012, he worked at UPS before applying for an open position at OFD. Accepted for the job in August 2014, he trained for the next four months and became a certified basic firefighter/ EMT. Five years later, bowl and shared the news in a post on the event’s Facebook page. Those interested in purchasing bowls are encouraged to visit the Denson Drive Recreation Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through
the intersection and one departing lane for each of the four roads at the intersection. All turns are available at each road even though there is only one lane. The lane shift around the work zones may cause some confusion, but all movements are still active.” Riddle has become an intrical part of the department. Later in Johnson's letter, it notes some of Riddles' most notable actions. Last fall, he worked with paramedics to save a victim who had been in cardiac arrest for 30 minutes. In March, Riddle came to assist in tornado recovery efforts in Beauregard when he was off-duty, and earlier this fall, he crawled into a drain to rescue six kittens who were at risk of drowning from an impending storm. "(Riddle) is a great morale booster and is always challenging other to better themselves. He has coordinated several fundraisers during his tenor at the fire department and is always willing to help others in need," said OFD Chief Byron Prather. "We are proud of Firefighter Riddle as being selected as the Opelika Exchange Club's 'Firefighter of the Year.'" Riddle and his wife Kelli have been married since August 2010 and have an 8-year-old daughter named Charlee. He is also an active member of the Opelika Firefighter's Association, a 501(c)(3) comprised of career and retired firefighters with the OFD. Friday. With the purchase of a bowl, one receives a ticket to the Empty Bowls fundraiser on Feb. 1, 2020, with proceeds benefitting the Food Bank of East Alabama. There, people will be able to sample soups and
Until construction is completed, Parker urgers drivers to exercise caution and patience when proceeding through the intersection. “Drivers should proceed through the construction zone with caution. Be aware of construction works and equip-
Finleys, from A2 The Finleys said they work tirelessly to match competitor prices and help customers work through insurance concerns and questions when it comes to prescription costs. “There’s a common misconception that local pharmacies have higher prices. A lot of times, we can price match or help people realize that we are cheaper than most major retail or chain (pharmacies),” Nicole said. “We encourage people to call us and let us do a test claim and see.” “When that fact does prove to be true, that difference is normally something (nominal) like 50 cents. And most of the
ment, lane shifts and other traffic,” Parker said. “Traffic delays are expected as it is recommended to slow through the work zones and traffic may be stopped for a short time while construction equipment moves through the work zone.” Future roundabout
projects include the intersections of Columbus Parkway at South 6th Street and South 7th Street and McCoy Avenue, according to Parker. Those are slated to begin next fall. For more city news and developments, visit www.opelika-al. gov.
time, people will want to go with us instead,” Chris added. Nicole oversees the store’s gift shop, which carries the Melissa and Doug toy line and a host of items created by local makers. They will also offer embroidery and vinyl services for their customers. “We’re trying to reach out to local artists and makers and carry as much of their products as we can. We’re telling them, ‘we want to support you, because we hope in term that you’ll support us too,’” Nicole said. Chris added that a builtout space in the store will be converted to an oldfashioned soda fountain in the spring that will rely on the same equipment and drink-making processes found in pharmacies
decades ago. Once launched, their website’s domain name will be www.auburn-pharmacy.com. They have an app for customers to use to place orders and more. Following are some of the other services offered by the pharmacy: - Accept all major insurances - Free local delivery - Free medicine packaging - Immunizations - Spiritual advisors on-call - Transitional services from hospital/rehabilitational stays and more. For more information, like and follow the pharmacy on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter. Their hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer
stews from some of the area’s finest chefs and support a worthy cause. “The Empty Bowls event gives us the opportunity to select a lovely, hand-made bowl that serves a soup meal,” said Martha Henk, executive
director of the Food Bank of East Alabama. But this small bowl represents much more than simply my own meal. By acquiring food through local donations and the national food bank network, every dollar
given to the food bank enables us to distribute the equivalent of seven meals to people in need.” For more information, call the Denson Drive Recreation Center at 334-705-5547. The facility is located at 1102 Denson Drive.
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A4 Dec. 11, 2019
H
Tender Care
er elderly father sits in a wheelchair in front of a television. It’s an old console TV. The kind every American family had back in the early 80s. A big bulbous screen. An archaic remote that looks like a gadget from a James Bond movie and probably interferes with air traffic. He doesn’t move a muscle. She is mid-fifties. Pretty. She sits on the sofa next to him. She talks to him. He can hear her, but he doesn’t say much in return. He grunts occasionally. “He’s in there somewhere,” she says. “I know it. Every now and then he recognizes me.” But not often enough. She touches his hand and says, “Daddy, are you ready for lunch?” He says nothing. He has Alzheimer’s. He has good days and
“All the things I really like to do are either immoral, illegal, or fattening.” - Oscar Wilde mmoral? None of your business. Illegal? Too old for that. (Probably too old for immoral too, but let’s not go there.) Fattening? Ah, there’s the rub. Read recently that Alabama was the third fattest state in the union, right in behind West Virginia (No. 2) and -- drum roll please -- Mississippi (No. 1). To illustrate Mississippi’s top ranking the article
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found my direction through drawing upon observations. The more I drew and the more I painted, the clearer my thoughts, ideas and convictions became. Throughout a career in visual arts, I found my platform to advocate for historic and community cause. When I felt I had no words, I would draw and when the words came, I would write. My life has rotated around this axis and now with new discoveries I found ways to combine them. “Paint from what you know” has been the transcendent rule. Painting from what I know and writing of it, I’ve done both. Yet, along the way, I’ve still been searching for a sense of alignment for these things and more. Its immergence has taken years. I turned to my library of well-read books. There, I revisited my constant literary companion and began to
By Sean Dietrich
bad days. She lives with him. And the way it usually works for her is like this: —When he has a good day, so does she. —When he has a bad one, her day stinks. “It’s just part of the deal,” she says. “When you’re a caregiver, you spend every waking moment in his world, wiping his face, brushing his teeth, I bathe him, too. That took some getting used to.” But this column isn’t about Alzheimer’s. Not really. It’s about the big Douglas fir in the corner. This Christmas, she sprung for a real tree instead of a phony one. It sits beside his
showed a picture of the Taylor Grocery in Taylor, Mississippi (“Eat or we both starve.”). Well, I have eaten there and the catfish is first rate. But I can take you to half-a-dozen catfish places in Alabama just as good and just as fattening. Which is part of my problem. And maybe yours. According to the same survey, 67% of Alabamians are overweight and 31% are down-right obese. Now, excusing those who are fat through no fault of their own (“It’s
television, covered in lights, ornaments and golden garland. They just put it up a few days ago. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. It all started one morning at breakfast when her father said, “Hey, Teresa.” And he said it just like that. No big deal. Except that it is a big deal. “I knew it was going to be one of his good days,” she says. “I had to hurry.” So she called her neighbor to help. They bought a tree. They brought the thing into the living room. It was so big that it touched the ceiling and they had to trim it. The old man saw the tree and his mood immediately shifted. He started shouting, “HEY! I’m not paying for that expensive tree, you good-fornothing #&$@! Get that outta my house! See Dietrich, page A6
Groups for the police, or not, need a ‘Big Good John’ to sort things out
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Grammy winning country song in 1962 was titled “Big Bad John.” It told the legend of a large man, 6-foot, 6-inches, who used his strength to save 20 men in a mine accident. According to folklore, he was never found but in appreciation for his heroism, a marker was placed. It said: “At the bottom of this mine lies one hell of a man – Big John.” In Lowndes County last week, a very popular and competent sheriff was laid to rest. But, this was a much different “Big John.” John Williams was not in any way called “Bad John” but “Good John” and to many, “Great.” Admirers from all over the U.S. attended his funeral; it was
Fat’s in the fire glandular.”), the fact remains that we, as a state, are chubby, fluffy, more to love. Especially white males. Of which I am one. And why are we this way? Because we eat too much -- duh. And who is to blame for this? Why, our Mamas. (Another characteristic of white males, apart from the paunch, is a general refusal to take blame for their own shortcomings. It is always someone else’s fault.) Because of Mama, I was a fat kid.
By Hardy Jackson
In the morning, I would rise early and breakfast on something pork, grits, eggs (cooked in the grease from something pork), biscuits and jelly, all washed down with coffee that was mostly milk and heavy on the sugar. Then, there was lunch. (Mama called it dinner, ’cause the
By Greg Markley held at Garrett Coliseum. A 40-year lawman, Williams was killed in the line of duty Nov. 23. “When things got bad, it gave you a good feeling to look up and see Big John. And Big John always showed up,” said Herbie Johnson, a former Autauga County Sheriff. Williams, 62, was nicknamed for his 6 feet, 6 inches of height. Efforts of civicminded people to “Support Police” are well-appreciated by
night meal was supper, just like in The Bible -- the “Last Supper,” not the “Last Dinner” --’nuff said.). Lunch was a belly busting meal with most dishes enhanced with the drippings from the pork we had for breakfast -- saved in a can on the back of the stove. Supper (I’ve already been over that) was much like dinner except in the summer when the garden came in and we made sandwiches that consisted of white-bread, lots of mayonnaise, something pork,
the hard-working men and women in law enforcement. Especially in big cities, largely gone are the days when police were met on their “beats” by smiling citizens and the hugs of children. Now, some young people who planned to be police or sheriffs have opted for safer and less attentiongetting careers. Some college and university kids actually believe ordinary cops are “Fascists” right out of Italy during World War I. These students are far wrong when they think every police officer or deputy sheriff belongs to the FarRight. I often wonder why-- with all the ugly face-to face conversations and gun battles happening See Markley, page A6
cheese and thick slices of tomatoes. I could and would eat two or three at a sitting. With buttermilk. Life was good. I was chubby. “Ain’t he fat and fine” folks would look at me and say. Years passed and I went through a thin period brought on by an addiction to long distance running, from which I am now recovered. Then, about the time I turned 45, my body began to thicken, and sag. See Jackson, page A6
Where life’s drawing began read his words once again. Long past my student years, I now felt compelled to return to the root of it all. And so my course was set. I charted plans and began my pursuits towards greater dynamics than I had experienced yet. Through every book, museum and academic institution visited, I have come away from them with a greater understanding of just who I am. Such was the result of my return to Philadelphia. There is a current which pulses through a place. It accounts for all that has happened there and it doesn’t forget. Upon my first visit to the Old City, I felt a sense of kindred… understandably so, since most of us can trace our heritage to there. The center of it all was once this city’s cause, and in the centuries to follow most of our cultural beacons have gained influence at her heart. She has a revolutionary
By Sarah West air which transcends the colonial age, it is emulated in architectural and cultural range. Within the shadow of City Hall lays America’s first institution for fine arts academia. I first set foot inside 118 N. Broad St., on a rainy early autumn morning. The building was quiet and reverence seemed to abound in the vacant atelier. I unpacked my things, retrieved an easel from the corner and chose my place. The arrival of others followed, then the instructor. Classes commenced, and I was enthralled by the op-
portunity to study in this historic institution. I produced a sketch followed by another, each gaged by instructor’s critique and conversations continuum. One work inspired the next. All the while working, I couldn’t help realize that my lessons here far surpassed what was learned from just the chosen course. On my lunch break, I took only a moment for a coffee and croissant. My free time, I knew could be better spent communing with the masters in the museum, next door. Artists of a sacred brotherhood, near to my heart, I found them upon the walls. There I stood with Eakins, Sloan, O’Keeffe, Henri, Twatchman and the academy’s early acquisitions of Benjamin West. A building of stately grandeur, she is opulent and timeless, yet there is a humility beneath the surface comprised of all she has felt.
By midday in studio, I recognized that this experience wasn’t so much about the science of technical components, or artistic accomplishment. This rendered an incomparable journey within, and taught me more about myself, than I knew when I first stepped in. At day’s end, I packed away my things and into portfolio, I placed a number of new works. I stepped out onto N. Broad Street with a profound sense of being, likened to the old streets and the walls above, and those who came before. Sarah West serves the Opelika Observer as a contributing columnist, with written works of cultural arts relevance and prose. She is a preservation and conservation advocate, activist and visual artist of American Illustration with a focus on regional narrative painting. She is the founder of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, a center for cultural
arts, Smiths Station, Alabama’s premier fine arts destination. She is the appointed official artist to the city of Smiths Station, a Lee County syndicated columnist, the director of her art center’s Cultural Arts Outreach Initiative, which partners with local schools to make the arts accessible to all. She also serves a chief curator to the city of Smiths Station, City Hall Art Galleries. She is a founding member of the Smith Station Historic Commission. She is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy BoardCary Center, Auburn University College of Human Science. She is an elected member of the Society of Illustrators-NYC. She mentors art students of every age through weekly classes at her studio located in the heart of Smiths Station, Alabama. To learn more about her work and activism visit, www. thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com.
pelika O Observer
New traffic signal installed last week at Airport Road, Pepperell Parkway Special to the Opelika Observer City of Opelika Public Works/ESG crews have completed the installation of a new traffic signal at Airport Road and
Pepperell Parkway. The power has been turned on and the signals will flash for the remainder of this week. At that time, the light will be turned on and fully functional.
A5 Dec. 11, 2019
Auburn alum Adam Richelieu recently named to the 2020 Forbes 30-Under-30 list Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University alum and former member of Auburn Football’s gameday staff Adam Richelieu was recently named to the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for his work at the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The primary liaison between the NFLPA and NFL agents on player
contract issues, Richelieu brokered an agreement to standardize rookie contract language and has created several new statistical categories related to contract finances. He’s also played a key role in driving up position-specific contract values; wide receiver salaries are up more than 35% in the last three years. Richelieu worked as an events man-
ager for the Auburn Athletics Department from 2013 to 2014. He now serves as the primary liaison between the NFLPA and NFL agents on player contract issues, working alongside agents to help negotiate contracts on behalf of NFL players. For more information to read more of his bio, visit www. forbes.com/profile/ adamricheliu.
Richelieu
Tips for seniors to avoid being victims of cyber scams Special to the Opelika Observer Senior citizens are losing roughly $2.9 billion because of cyber-scams each year. Reclaiming accounts, dealing with the fraud departments, and resetting passwords is a complicated and stressful process that no one should have to experience. Impact of Cybercrime on Senior Citizens The United States Senate Special Committee on Aging estimates senior citizens are losing $2.9 billion each year due to scams targeting seniors Cyber criminals target people over the age of 60 more than any other age group. Out of the 257,667 reported cyber crimes in 2018, people over the age of 60 were victim to more than 62,000 crimes (24%). The average loss per scam reported for
people 50 and older is about $30,150. According to the United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: - People ages 50 to 59 lost an average of $13,400 - People ages 60 to 69 lost about $22,700 - People ages 70 to 79 lost the most, an average $45,300 - People 80 and older lost $39,200 on average. According to a survey by Home Instead, a home caregiver network for senior citizens, 67% of seniors have been scammed online. The FBI declares senior citizens, those born in the 1930’s, 1940’s and 1950’s, are targeted because: - they are more likely to have excellent credit and a hefty savings account. - they were raised to be polite and trusting. - they are less likely to report being
scammed because they don’t want their loved ones thinking they are not mentally capable of managing their money. Scams targeting seniors, also known as ‘elderly scams,’ are often found on social media or in emails. Essential guide to digital theft Phishing Scams How to spot them: • Seemingly legitimate email or pop-up requesting personal info, password or to install software • May come from known legitimate email contacts, or senders disguised to look like family and friends • Usually unsolicited, comes without warning How to avoid them: • Do not click links or respond to email • Delete email and/ or block sender • If the email is coming from a known contact in your address book, call them
at a known phone number to warn them they are being impersonated by a scammer Tech Support Scams How to spot them: • Unsolicited emails, calls or popup windows offering tech support • Request for access to your device (passwords, personal information) • Insistence that your computer has been “hacked” and only they can help you How to avoid them: • Ignore emails, calls or pop-ups that say your computer is infected • Do not share personal or financial information with strangers. • Do not share passwords Ransom for File Scams How to spot it: • Computer suddenly locked and you can’t access files • Receive a message
requesting money or they will delete your files • Unable to use computer or close ransom message even after restarting How to avoid it: •Keep a secure backup of your device to avoid file loss • Remember that there is no guarantee that paying ransom will return files • File a police report Online Dating Scams How to spot it: • Online suitor quickly professes their love for you without meeting in person • Will not meet in person for various reasons • Requests money or personal information to solve a pressing problem How to avoid it: • Do not share personal information or payments with online dates • Frequent spelling
errors or early declaration of love is a red flag • Report fraudulent or suspected accounts Family Member in Trouble Scams How to spot it: • Email or message that appears to come from a family member in trouble • Request for immediate payment, usually via wire transfer • Message will have family member’s name attached and appear legitimate How to avoid it: • Call family member at a known phone number to verify they are okay • Do not send money or share financial information via email, phone or messaging • Delete any emails or messages from attacker For more information visit www. inmyarea.com/ resources/onlinecybersecurity-safetyguides-seniors.
Salem resident Garrett Dixon selected for prestigious A.L.F.A. Leaders Program By Marlee Moore Special to the Opelika Observer Seventeen participants were recently selected to cultivate professional and personal development as members of Agricultural Leaders For Alabama (A.L.F.A. Leaders) Class V, including Salem resident Garrett Dixon. Sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation, A.L.F.A. Leaders participants receive training in agricultural policy, industry leadership, effective communication and organizational involvement. The two-year program begins in May. “We’re proud to offer this agriculture-focused leadership experience for young leaders in our state,” said Federation President Jimmy
Parnell. “A.L.F.A. Leaders has the potential to impact this organization for years to come. Former class members now serve on national boards, as county presidents and are strong leaders in their communities. Investing in the development of our future leaders is critical to sustaining Alabama agriculture.” Members of Class V include farmers, Extension agents, agriscience educators and industry specialists, who were chosen based on a written application and interview. Criteria included communication skills, understanding of agricultural issues, leadership skills and an interest in selfless service. Applicants were 25-
45 years old. Those chosen for the program are, alphabetical by county: - Drew Wendland, Autauga County, row crop farmer - Grace Ellis, Autauga County, cattle farmer and Alabama FFA Foundation development officer - Kevin Burkett, Chilton County, regional farm business management Extension agent - Ryan Cox, Chilton County, Alabama Power - Will Gotcher, Colbert County, precision agriculture consultant and account manager for TriGreen Equipment - Bradley Cox, Fayette County, agriscience teacher at Fayette County High School - Gannon Nunley, Franklin County, poultry and cattle
Dixon farmer - Lucy Edwards, Houston County, regional home horticulture extension agent - Scott Woodall, Jackson County, forester at W.W. Lumber Co. and Sportsman’s Wildlife and Timber - Anna Murphy, Jefferson County, customer service representative with Alfa Insurance - Mitchell Henry, Lawrence County,
cattle farmer - Garrett Dixon, Lee County, row crop farmer - Brady Peek, Limestone County, row crop farmer - Andrew Brock, Marshall County, agriscience teacher at Marshall Technical School - Dillon Turk, Mobile County, manager at Martin’s Nursery - Rachel Chastain, Talladega County, agriscience transition teacher at the Helen Keller School - Zachery Brannon, Winston County, county Extension coordinator Participants will enhance their knowledge through six intensive, multi-day seminars revolving around Federation operations, state government, Alabama agriculture, success-
ful leadership and more. An international agriculture experience and national affairs visit to Washington are included. “This class is an outstanding representation of the talent and potential across Alabama agriculture,” said Jennifer Christenberry, the Federation’s Young Farmers Division director who oversees the premier leadership program. “People across the state recognize the training A.L.F.A. Leaders provides, as class members serve at all levels, strengthening the future of our industry.” A.L.F.A. Leaders culminates during the Federation’s 101st annual meeting in 2022. For more information, visit www. alfafarmers.org.
pelika O Opinion
A6 Dec. 11, 2019
Cacti: The new plants of the holidays By Justin Miller Special to the Opelika Observer Move over poinsettias, holiday cacti are making a name for themselves as the plants of the holidays. Quickly becoming more and more popular, both Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti put on quite a show during this time of year. Thanksgiving v. Christmas Sallie Lee, an Alabama Extension home grounds regional agent, said because they are closely related, it is often hard to tell the difference between Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti. “Many people often
Dietrich, from A4 I’m not paying! HELP!” “Daddy,” said his daughter. “Calm down, its just a Christmas tree.” He winked at her. “Aw, I was only kidding.” Then he laughed so hard his false teeth fell out and he almost choked. “I thought he was having an actual episode,” she tells me. “But he was just being the jokester he always was.” The tree is no cheapy. It’s lush and green. It‘s fragrant. When the old man first saw it in its final position, over in the corner, before the decorations, his face broke wide open. “He cried,” she says. “But Daddy cries a lot these days. He cries at infomercials on the Home Shopping Network about air-fryers.” But this was different. She wheeled the old man to his tree. She let him touch it. Smell it. When he tried to eat it, she had to threaten him to quit fooling around. They listened to old records. His music. Nat, Bing, Frank, Perry, Elvis. “Music brings him out of his shell,” she says. “He was singing right along. I got my phone out and recorded some of him singing, wanna see?” She plays a cellphone video. The
Jackson, from A4 And here I am, mid-70s, “fat and fine” all over again. Only what was once considered something to be admired, today places me in a category where I’d rather not be.
ask why their Christmas cactus is blooming in November and often is it because it’s a Thanksgiving, not Christmas, cactus,” Lee said. These plants have many similarities. Both plant bodies are flat, and the leaves are stems. When it comes to color, the old-fashioned, fuchsiacolored blooms are the most common in both plants. However, new hybrids have white, red, yellow, salmon and even purple colored blooms. There are a few, distinct differences between these two plants. Lee said people can identify the cacti by looking at the shape
of the leaves and the direction of the bloom. “Thanksgiving cacti have sharply serrated or toothed leaves, while Christmas cacti have rounded leaves,” Lee said. “Another way to identify which one you have is by looking at the blooms. If they push upward, it’s a Thanksgiving cactus and if they hang down, it’s a Christmas cactus.” Plant Care These cacti are native to the tropical forests of South America. However, they grow well in Alabama. Because they can grow quite large, people must plant them in sturdy hanging baskets or containers. They
old man is wearing a hat with elf ears and jingle bells. He smiles at the camera and mumbles along to Mel Tormé’s “The Christmas Song.” It’s hard to understand his lyrics, his slurred words come out sounding more like: “Chesh-ruts woasting on an open fryer, “Jack frost slipping on your toes… “Laah dah dee… HEY! TURN IT UP LOUDER! “I CAN’T HEAR! I’M HUNGRY! “WHEN’S SUPPER?” So they decorated the tree. They laughed. They talked about her mother. That day, he was giving her more than one-word grunts. He was saying full sentences. They were conversing like old times. They spoke about happy days when the family used to go on summer vacations. About Disney World, the Grand Canyon. About how they ate hotdogs cooked over a campfire in Yellowstone National Park when she was 10 years old. “He was always my hero,” she says. “I know that’s probably a little corny for your story, but it’s true.” When they finished decorating, she was about to place the topper on the tree and call it quits for the day. But, before she could, her father made a gentle suggestion: “HEY! LEMME DO IT, DAMMIT!”
So she let him. She helped him out of his wheelchair. She stood behind him, holding him for support. She helped him use a mechanical claw grabber to place the figurine atop the tree. When it was in place, he said the most poignant words a daughter could ever wish to hear during the Christmas season from her father: “Take me to the bathroom before I have an accident in my pants.” Before bed, she washed his face and helped him change into pajamas. And she wheeled her father into the den to get one last view of the tree before bedtime. He looked at it for nearly 40 minutes. Neither of them said anything. He finally told her, “That looks pretty good.” “Yeah, it does, Daddy.” Then, she tells me the old man placed a hand on her face and said, “What would I do without you? You’re my hero, Teresa.” Yes, indeed. It’s quite a tree. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter Southerner, the Mobile Press Register and he has authored seven books.
Why? Well, for one reason it is costing me money. Yessir. Across our land, the companies that insure folks like me have started raising rates on the obese to cover the cost of taking care of them when they get old and sick. “They” (whoever “they” are)
complain that “extremely overweight” people are expensive to insure. By one estimate, folks in that category cost Alabama’s public employee health insurance program some $50 million a year. Hearing that, I began wondering if I was one of the “extremely overweight”
can survive outdoors away from artificial light until nighttime temperatures dip into the 40s. At that point, people should bring them inside to a cool area. According to Lee, these cacti grow best in temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. “Once inside, to help initiate blooming, keep them away from light from 5 p.m. until 8 a.m.,” she said. “Water sparingly, as too much water can cause bud drop and even root rot. Let the top inch of soil become dry to the touch before watering again.” Cacti grow best in 50 to 60% humidity. If
the room is dry, fill a waterproof saucer with gravel and add water halfway full. Then, place the pot on the gravel surface. When flower buds drop before they bloom, it is usually because of overwatering, lack of humidity or insufficient light. Regardless of the type of holiday cactus, avoid high temperatures and heat fluctuations when the plant is flowering. Easily Propagated Some varieties of these cacti have been in families for 50 years because they are so easily propagated. To propagate, people need: - small container of moist potting soil
Markley, from A4 with miscreants-- that more controversial arrests don’t occur. “Black Lives Matter” is a multiplier when local civil rights leaders need help dealing with questionable tragedies. The problem: BLM needs to mature. In July, 2013, neighborhood watch worker George Zimmerman was acquitted of killing unarmed African-American teenager Trayvon Martin. Members of Black Lives Matter put a $1 million price on Zimmerman’s head; whether just a publicity stunt or a real threat, leaders of BLM wisely distanced themselves from it. Still, activism by Black Lives Matter and similar groups in states and cities, helps keep an eye on the fairness of court results. In November, Montgomery Police Officer Aaron Cody Smith, 26, was found guilty of manslaughter. In 2016, unarmed Greg Gunn, 58, was killed during a stopand frisk. This is another case where an officer has been held account for his or her use/misuse of lethal force. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” wrote Martin Luther King Jr. as he himself was battling a questionable arrest in Birmingham in April that was contributing to the rising rates. Did I have “a body mass index of 35 or greater,” which would put me in that category? What was a “body mass index” anyway? While pondering this I came across an article with the tempting headline “A simple way to add 3-to-7 years to your
1963. “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Several years ago, I was driving down a county road in south Georgia and was stopped by deputy sheriffs, one white and the other African American. I was returning from an academic conference in Savannah and they saw my car weaving into the white lines. They quickly learned I do not drink alcohol, so was just tired. They suggested that I voluntarily go to the sheriffs’ office, to sleep on the couch. Instead, they sent me on my way, as I was only 75 miles from home. In teaching as an adjunct at a college and a university since, I posed a few questions for students in political science classes to chew over. If I was an African American or Mexican, or a woman and dressed less well that day, what would happen? Was “white privilege” a factor? Was I lucky to have proof (program, etc.) that my profile was indeed middle-class, educated and white? Otherwise, would my choices be not headed home or even to a couch, but to a cell? Both avid supporters of police officers and those who distrust lawmen a lot may wish police would have more circumscribed activities.
life.” Naturally I read it. And it said, “eat less.” Simple? But there it was. It was like they are ganging up on me. Eat less, be healthier, live longer. Do it for your state. Do it for your family (assuming they want you around three-to-seven
- Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus to provide a cutting or cuttings - rooting hormone (this is helpful but not mandatory) First, clip a three or four segment piece of the plant off and dip the cut end in the rooting hormone. Then, push the cut end about an inch or so into the container of soil. Make sure the soil stays moist. Place a transparent plastic bag over the cutting without touching the cactus. To do this, insert a popsicle stick in the container about an inch or so deep then drape the plastic bag See Cacti, page A15 That would make life less complicated. However, there is a sad, sad side to many simple cases involving the police. A case in point: A tragedy in 1970 that happened in my hometown. Early one Sunday morning, a young policeman and an older sergeant stopped the car holding my friend’s father and mother. It was apparently for a simple ID check. When the mother reached for her purse, the younger cop shot her—to death. It was the second Sunday in May, also known as Mother’s Day. Two of our friends were motherless, and her husband just as devastated. The young officer was obviously guilty, but inexperience not prejudice was the conduit. As both the victim and the shooter were white, I don’t remember any outcry other than grief in my small New England city of 65,000. The officer resigned from the force, and I don’t know whether he was charged for this mistake. Painfully, there was no Big Bad John to stop this tragedy, and definitely we could use Big Good John Williams to intervene, too. Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 18 of the last 23 years. An awardwinning journalist, he has master’s degrees in education and history. He has taught as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. more years). Do it for white males. And save money in the bargain. Money you can spend on catfish. Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is professor emeritus of history at Jacksonville State University He can be reached at hjackson@cableone. net.
Opelika E vents, Society, & Food
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Dec. 13 • Christmas in a Railroad Town • Collinwood Luminaries • Reindeer Express • Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour Dec. 14 • The Nutcracker at the Gogue Performing Arts Center
Brewers enjoy entertaining friends during Victorian Front Porch Tour Ann Cipperly’s
Southern
Hospitality
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ocated in the Northside Historic District, the enchanting home of Beth and Charlie Brewer is decorated for Christmas with ten festive Christmas trees, adorning rooms from the kitchen to the bedrooms in the house built around 1900. Each tree is decorated with a different theme and sets the tone for celebratory entertaining during the Victorian Front Porch Tour. The Brewers will invite friends to stop by their home to savor Chocolate Chip Cookies and Hot Chocolate with a variety of yummy toppings. The Brewers gener-
der nativity set, which is also on display. Her favorite tree is in the dining room with Victorian ornaments and others she has collected over the years, as well as special ones friends have given them. Charlie’s mother made an ornament from fabric on the dress she wore to their wedding. The ornament is trimmed in tatting lace Charlie’s grandmother made. In the living room, the tree is decorated with vintage photos. Beth got the idea from a magazine. When they first moved in the house in 1995, they didn’t have many pictures.
ally start decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving, but they began early this year. Beth has been collecting ornaments since she was in the fourth grade. One tree in the kitchen displays pink ornaments from her childhood and photos of their children, Sarah and Chas, while another tree in the kitchen is decorated with cookie cutters that belonged to Charlie’s mother and grandmother. In a bedroom near the kitchen, a tree features Madame Alexander dolls and ornaments. This year, Charlie gave Beth a Madame Alexan-
Seth Walker to bring a touch of the blues to the Standard Deluxe on Dec. 15 Special to the Opelika Observer American electric blues singer Seth Walker will perform in the Little House at Waverly’s Standard Deluxe on Dec. 15. Showtime is set for 7:30 p.m. Walker has released nine albums to date, the most recent titled “Gotta Get Back.” His musical genres include Americana, blues and jazz. Gotta Get Back was released in September 2016 and debuted at No. 6 in the U.S. on the Billboard Top Blues
Photo by Ann Cipperly Beth Brewer and her husband, Charlie, enjoy living in an older home in the Northside Historic District and inviting friends to their home during the Victorian Front Porch Tour. Beth serves Chocolate Chip Cookies and Hot Chocolate with an assortment of toppings.
She attended an estate sale in Auburn and found many older photos. She added to the collection from photos on e-Bay. The Brewers collect clocks, which is also part of Charlie’s vocation, as he repairs antique clocks at the Old Timers and Chimes Clock Shop in the Gingerbread House in Opelika. Their favorite one is a grandfather clock from 1815 in the living room.
Beth was smitten with the antique before she noticed it had the name “Brewer” on the clock’s face. Their love of clocks is reflected in the front bedroom on a tree, which is covered with clock ornaments. Other decorations include greenery on the staircase, stockings hanging from mantels and a nativity scene on the piano, among others throughout the house. The
décor mingles with family antiques. The Brewers’ children enjoy the decorations. Sarah generally helps decorate, but she is attending the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Chas, a freshman at Opelika High School, is a distance runner for the cross country team at the high school. Beth grew up in Butler See Cipperly, page A11
Second annual ‘TUBACHRISTMAS’ to be featured in Opelika’s Christmas in a Railroad Town event on Dec. 13 Special to the Opelika Observer
On Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., historic downtown Opelika will present the second annual “Auburn-Opelika TUBACHRISTMAS” as part of Opelika Main Street’s “Christmas in a Railroad Town” event. Stephen Kunzer, lecturer of tuba and euphonium at AuSeth Walker
Album. His 2009 album, Leap of Faith, also charted on the Billboard Top Blues Album chart, peaking at No. 2 in the U.S.
Guests can also enjoy supper in the Feed Shak at 6 p.m. before the show. More details will be
See Tubas, page A9
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
See Walker, page A9
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Shinyribs lead guitarist, vocalist Kevin Russell to perform at The Standard Deluxe on Dec. 14 Special to the Opelika Observer Enjoy a show by Kevin Russell of Shinyribs on Dec. 14. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Little House at The Standard Deluxe in Waverly. Russell is the lead vocalist and guitarist for Shinyribs. Shinyribs is the continuation of Russell’s musical journey that began in Beaumont, Texas, when, at 14 years old, he found his father’s guitar under his bed. Following his family’s oil boom and bust migra-
tory path, he landed in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he formed his first band. A Shinyribs show is an exaltation of spirit. It’s a hip shaking, belly laughing, soul-singing, song-slinging, downhome house party. All styles of American music are likely to be touched on, squeezed on and kissed on by this world-class band featuring Winfield Cheek on keyboards, Keith Langford on drums, Jeff Brown on bass, the Tijuana Trainwreck Horns and The Shiny Soul Sisters
The Art Studio in Auburn to host art camp Special to the Opelika Observer The Art Studio in Auburn will be hosting a “Christmas Break Art Camp” Dec. 20 and 23 from 9 a.m. to noon. On Dec. 20, students will a day celebrating the classic movie, “Merry Christmas Charlie Brown.” They will create three art projects: Christmas tree lot paint/collage on canvas, painted ceramic stocking cap, and a snowflake ornament. Students will also enjoy a holiday snack while watching the movie. On Dec. 23, stu-
dents will dive into Dr Seuss’s classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” They will create three art projects: It will be a Mount Crumpit paint/ collage on canvas, painted ceramic Seuss Tree and possess a Grinch ornament. Students will also enjoy a holiday snack while watching the movie. The cost is $35, which includes the class and necessary materials. For more information, call 334-3325725 or visit www. theartstudioauburn. com. The studio is located at 118 N. Ross St.
- Kelley Mickwee and Alice Spencer. Whether on his six-string ukelele or his electric guitar or singing a cappella, Russell will entertain you like no one else. The freedom with which Russell moves is an experience in and of itself. His original songs laced with magical-realism along with novel interpretations of popular songs old and new (George Jones, TLC, Leadbelly, T-Pain) are the true art that runs throughout. He’s Burl Ives meets Al Green; Hank, Jr. meets
Tubas, from A7 burn University, is coordinating the event. “This is for tuba and euphonium players young and old to gather to bring joyous Holiday song and spirits to the community,” he said. “Last year was a success, and now it’s back by popular demand.” There were 25 participants last year, and Stephen hopes that number will grow. Kunzer said “anyone is welcome to participate in this event – any age, and any level are welcome as long as you have a horn.” Those interested in perform-
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Teddy Pendergrass; Wendell Berry meets Chuck Berry. The show is a bringyour-own-beer event. However, no glass is allowed in the venue. Tickets are $20 each and must be purchased online. No physical tickets will be mailed, so guests must select “Will Call” in the shipping information at checkout. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.standarddeluxe.com. The venue is located at 1015 Mayberry Ave.
ing should register at 4:30 pm at the Opelika High School Band Room, where a rehearsal will follow. There is a $10 registration fee that supports the national TUBACHRISTMAS organization in Indiana. Although this will only be the second time this event will happen locally, the national TUBACHRISTMAS organization is celebrating its 46th Anniversary. The first TUBACHRISTMAS took place in New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink in 1974. Kunzer has organized this event previously in Stillwater, Oklahoma; Tucson and Las Vegas. “I started playing in
Russell TUBACHRISTMAS when I was in middle school, and it is always one of my favorites. It really is unique and a lot of fun,” Kunzer added. It will be a free, family-friendly event. Kunzer says the musicians dress festively and decorate their instruments with lights, garland, and more. He will conduct, but says Aubie will make a special appearance as guest conductor. More information about the event can be found online at www.tubachristmas. com or by contacting Kunzer at kunzer@ auburn.edu.
Walker, from A7 released on www. standarddeluxe.com. This is a bringyour-own-beer event. However, no glass is allowed in the venue. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online. No physical tickets will be mailed, so guests must select “Will Call” in the shipping information at checkout. For more information, call 334-8266423. The venue is located at 1015 Mayberry Ave.
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Inaugural ‘Sno*pelika’ event held in downtown Opelika last Wednesday
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Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika Chamber of Commerce and East Alabama Medical Center collaborated to stage the inaugural “Sno*pelika” event last Wednesday in downtown Opelika. Preceding the event was a walk for dogs, activities for children, Christmas performances from the Opelika City School choirs as well as local churches in a choir competition, collection of toys for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s annual “Christmas Toy Drive” and lighting of Opelika’s official Christmas tree on South Railroad Avenue.
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pelika O Observer Cipperly, from A7 and also lived in Connecticut and Oregon when her father was transferred with his job. The family moved back to Alabama when she was in the fourth grade. She enjoyed cooking from an early age and knew she wanted to be a teacher but wasn’t sure what she wanted to teach. The first time she walked into her ninth grade home
Recipes Sarah’s Chocolate Chip Cookies for Santa 3 sticks butter, room temperature 2 cups brown sugar 1 ½ cups white sugar 3 eggs 2 Tbsp. vanilla 5 cups flour 1 ½ tsp. salt 1 ½ tsp. baking soda 3 cups chocolate chips (1 ½ 12 oz. bags) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees . Cream together the butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla and mix again. Then hand stir in flour, salt and baking soda. Finally, hand stir in the chocolate chips. Spoon out the cookie dough onto the cookie sheets. Make sure the cookies are small. Place 12 cookies per cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes. B.B. Mother’s Orange Cranberry Bread 2 cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. baking soda 1 cup sugar 1 egg, beaten 2 Tbsp. melted butter ¾ cup orange juice 1 cup cranberries that have been cut in-half ¾ cup chopped pecans Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a loaf pan. Then place parchment paper in the bottom and sprinkle a bit sugar over the parchment paper. Stir dry ingredients together with a spoon. Add the liquid ingredients and stir again. Finally add cranberries and pecans and stir gently. Bake the bread for 1 hour and 10 minutes. If making the smaller loaves, bake for 40 minutes. Glaze for Orange Cranberry Bread: 2 Tbsp. orange juice ½ cup sugar ½ tsp. vanilla Mix together and spoon over cooled loaves.
Hot Chocolate for a Crowd with Assorted Toppings 2 quarts heavy whipping cream 2 cans sweetened condensed milk 2 cans evaporated milk 1 container Hershey’s cocoa 2 cups powdered milk 5 quarts water 3 cups sugar Mix everything together in a large stock pot. Heat on low for 30 minutes or until it reaches the desired temperature. Toppings Chocolate Covered Cherry Syrup for Hot Chocolate: 1 packet cherry KoolAid - no sugar added ¼ cup Hershey’s cocoa ¼ cup water Combine the Kool-Aid with the cocoa and water and mix well. Place about 2 tsp. syrup in the hot chocolate cup. Add hot chocolate and stir.
economics class, she knew immediately she had found her calling. Beth excelled in home economics and being involved in 4-H in her hometown of Butler. She was the state 4-H winner in food and electric kitchen appliance demonstrations. While attending Auburn University, she was active in student government, serving as a senator for three years, and an official hostess for the School of Human Sciences. Beth met Charlie, who was working in the school Garnish with a mini cherry candy cane. Caramel Hot Chocolate: Store bought caramel sauce Reddi-Whip Caramel bites Squirt about 2 Tbsp. store bought caramel into the hot chocolate cup. Add hot chocolate and stir. Garnish with whipped cream drizzled with caramel sauce and caramel bites. Peppermint Syrup for the Hot Chocolate: ¼ cup Hershey’s cocoa ¼ cup water 1 Tbsp. peppermint extract Reddi-whip Crushed Andes Mints Mix cocoa, water and peppermint extract. Place about 2 tsp. syrup into the hot chocolate cup. Add hot chocolate and stir. Top with whipped cream and garnish with the crushed Andes’ peppermint candy. Maple Bacon Crack 8 slices bacon 1 tube crescent rolls 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/3 cup chopped pecan pieces Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook bacon in a skillet until soft; not crunchy. Drain bacon and cut into pieces. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray. Roll out crescent roll dough onto parchment paper. Pinch seams to make a single sheet. Prick crescent roll dough all over with a fork. Spread half the maple syrup on top the dough using a pastry brush. Then top with a single layer brown sugar, doing your best to cover all over. Top with pecans and cooked bacon, distributing evenly, and drizzle with remaining maple syrup. Bake until golden, 22 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely before slicing into pieces and serving. Red and White Christmas Pancakes with Candy Cane Chocolate Syrup 3/4 cup milk 2 Tbsp. white vinegar 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 Tbsp. white sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 egg Red food coloring Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to “sour.” Combine flour,
A11 Dec. 11, 2019
of forestry, when she attended a reception as a senator in graduate school. She had been told Charlie knew several people in Butler. It turned out he knew her father and brother. When Beth asked her brother about going out with Charlie, he not only gave his approval but said she should marry him. After Beth and Charlie were married, they moved to a small house on North 8th Street in Opelika. Beth dreamed of one day having a large, older home. Charlie noticed the house on the corner
of North 10th Street and 4th Avenue was for sale. Although the house was in terrible condition, Beth envisioned how beautiful it could become with restoration and loving care. Old shag carpet was removed to reveal gleaming wooden floors. High ceilings and original mantels and molding added character and charm. A few years after moving in, they added a large kitchen, breakfast room and bath. A garage and bath were built on the back of the house. Antiques from both families decorate
the rooms. Beth made the drapes in the living room. “We love knowing the history of the house,” adds Beth. They know Roberta Greene, whose father’s grew up in the house. The house was a gift to Roberta’s grandmother before she got married. Old photos show the house looked Victorian with gingerbread trim. At some point it got a facelift, and the trim was removed. Beth enjoys the home and has a love for cooking and home arts. She teaches family and consumer science classes at Lanett
High School, where she has been teaching since 1993. She received Teacher of the Year Award in 20122013 and 2018-2019. “We feel blessed to have found this house,” Beth said. “I love the location of our home. Being so near town we can walk to church. Opelika still has the heart of a small town. We are very thankful we found such a wonderful community and to be a part of it.” Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com
sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk egg and butter into soured milk. Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone. Take half the batter and transfer it to a second container. Add red food coloring to this half the batter and mix well. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and coat with cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cupful batter onto the skillet to make both red and plain pancakes. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip with a spatula and cook until browned on the other side. Present the pancakes alternating red and plain pancakes like a candy cane.
cube mixture from refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover the pan with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover the pan, and continue baking 25 to 30 minutes, until center is firm and surface is lightly browned. Blueberry Syrup for the French Toast: 1 cup white sugar 2 Tbsp. cornstarch 1 cup water 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 Tbsp. butter In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar, cornstarch and water. Bring to a boil. Stirring constantly, cook 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in the remaining 1 cup blueberries. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, until the blueberries burst. Stir in butter and pour over the baked French toast.
der 3/4 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. butter, melted 1 lb. ground brеаkfаѕt ѕаuѕаgе 4 eggs, ѕсrаmblеd 1 сuр ѕhrеddеd ѕhаrр cheddar cheese 2/3 cup milk Melted butter Preheat оvеn to 425 degrees. In a large skillet, crumble sausage and sauté until browned through. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl add the flоur, baking powder and salt. When the sausage іѕ browned, drain well and then add it to the flour mixture. Stir to соmbіnе until the ѕаuѕаgе іѕ fully соаtеd. Scramble beaten eggs into the pan and cook to a ѕоft ѕсrаmblе. Add the ѕсrаmblеd eggs to the flour mixture and ѕtіr to соmbіnе. Next, add cheese and milk. With a spoon, stir the mixture until all the flour іѕ іnсоrроrаtеd and a slightly ѕtісkу dough forms. With a ѕрооn, drор biscuits into the buttered cast iron skillet or ѕhееt раn. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until biscuits are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Brush the tops the hot biscuits with melted butter.
1 1/2 quarts 100% cranberry juice 1/2 cup white sugar 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 tsp. whole cloves 1 tsp. whole allspice 3 sticks cinnamon broken into pieces Pour the apple cider and cranberry juice into a crockpot. Add sugar and spices to the juices. Heat the liquid. Strain the spices, then discard them before serving warm cider.
Candy Cane Chocolate Syrup 1 cup water 1/2 cup light corn syrup 12 medium crushed candy canes Peppermint essential oil - optional 3/4 cup cocoa powder 3 oz. semisweet chocolate, finely chopped Extra crushed candy canes for garnish Prepare the candy cane chocolate sauce first before preparing the pancakes. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the water, crushed candy canes, corn syrup and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer and stir until the candy canes are completely dissolved. For additional peppermint taste, use a few drops peppermint oil or melt more crushed candy canes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until melted. Let the sauce stand until completely cool, which will give it time to thicken, or chill in the fridge. Overnight Blueberry French Toast 12 slices day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes 1 cup blueberries 12 eggs, beaten 2 cups milk 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/3 cup maple syrup Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange half the bread cubes in the dish, and top with cream cheese cubes. Sprinkle 1 cup blueberries over the cream cheese, and top with remaining bread cubes. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, milk, vanilla extract and syrup. Pour egg mixture over bread cubes. Cover, and refrigerate overnight. Remove the bread
Chas’ Cherry Pretzel Salad 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels 4 1/2 Tbsp. white sugar 3/4 cup butter, melted 1 cup white sugar 2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, room temperature 1 (8 oz.) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 2 (21 oz.) cans cherry pie filling Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the pretzels, 4 1/2 Tbsp. sugar and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom a 9x13 inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes and no longer. Set aside to cool completely. In a medium bowl, beat the sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over cooled crust. Add two cans cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 1 hour. Christmas Punch 2 cups orange juice 2 cups cranberry juice 1 cup pineapple juice Ginger ale Make sure all the ingredients are chilled. Pour the cranberry juice, pineapple juice and orange juice in a large drink dispenser and mix. Then add in ginger ale and give it a quick stir. Optional: You can garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices if you prefer to make this festive. You can also add some ice. Loaded Breakfast Biscuits 2 ½ сuрѕ аll-рurроѕе flоur 1 Tbsp. baking pow-
Cheesy Breakfast Casserole 1 lb. sliced bacon, diced 1 sweet onion, chopped 4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed 9 eggs, lightly beaten 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 1/2 cups small curd cottage cheese 1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13inch baking dish. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir bacon and onion until bacon is evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain. Transfer bacon and onion to a large bowl. Stir in potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese and Swiss cheese. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven until eggs are set and cheese is melted, 45 to 50 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Spiced Cranberry Apple Cider 2 quarts apple cider
Charlie’s Rich Savory Grits 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup water ½ cup half and half ¾ cup quick grits 2 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. paprika 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ¼ tsp. white pepper ½ cup cheddar cheese Bring chicken broth, water and half and half to boil over medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in grits. Reduce heat to medium low and cover the pot with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened; stir occasionally. Then add the remaining ingredients and stir until well blended. Remove from heat. Tex-Mex Breakfast Casserole 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced potatoes 2 links cooked chorizo sausage, diced (3 1/2 oz.) 2 cans (4.5 oz.) chopped green chilies, undrained 2 cups shredded ColbyMonterey Jack cheese 12 large eggs 1/2 cup chopped scallions 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt 1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced thin 1 small avocado, sliced 1 cup chunky mild salsa Spray a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray. Spread potatoes evenly over the bottom of baking dish. Top with diced sausage, green chilies and 1 cup cheese. In a medium bowl, beat eggs, scallions and seasoning salt with a whisk until well blended. Pour this mixture over potato mixture. Cover with lid and refrigerate overnight, if preparing the night before. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. You can also skip the refrigeration step to prepare and cook all on the same day. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Bake uncovered for 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Remove from oven; top with the remaining 1 cup cheese and jalapeno slices. Bake 2 more minutes, until cheese melts. To serve, cut into squares and serve with salsa and avocado.
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wise man once said, “Why not go another way?” My family and I have been all up in the changes this year. Closing beautiful chapters of our life and opening doors and windows into vast and unknown places. I am learning to be a writer and my husband is back in the hotseat as an entrepreneur, gladly residing in Forestry, where he is talented and filled. And the two of us, together, holding onto hope and family. We found ourselves earlier this year, in a pickle. We had a plan for our Farmers Market endeavor, but it just wasn’t working out. George’s itself was excellent, however, our home was chaos. Our family environment wasn’t so family friendly anymore. The overwhelm was large and the peace of the Lord was as small as a grain of sand.
Repent I remember a friend once telling me, “God is a God of order.” I thought of this idea for weeks. Where was our order? Where was the joy in my children? What in the devil happened to our plan? What happened following all the thought and prayer is simple. We turned around and we went another way. A better way. Not easier, just better. What comes to mind when you think of the “repent”? I used to think of an old Baptist minister wearing a grey suit. He’s shaking his finger at me on a stage and yelling, “Repent! Repent!” I’m a little flustered by this and ready for the closing prayer. The word “repent” from its original Greek roots, actually means, “to turn and go another way.” It literally means “to turn around.” Its Greek word is Metanoia. Which refers to “a change of mind.” In Hebrew,
By Bradley Robertson
the word is Nacham. Which translates into “motivation to take a different course of action.” It is Christmas and the most amazing story is told of 3 wise kings. 3 kings given a plan. 3 kings who decided, to turn and go another way. Their decision changed the world. A simple decision that saved us all. The three wise men, also Astrologists. Wealthy Kings, under the finger of King Herod. They arrived to greet him and asked of the child. “Where is the child who has been born King of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay homeage.” Matthew 2:2 This scared Herod. What other King shall there be besides
himself? The Wisemen gladly told Herod the child was in Bethlehem, just as it had been written by the prophets. King Herod, with his own ambitions, asked that the Kings to go and find the baby. “…and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage. After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they re-
turned to their country by another route.” Matthew 2: 8-12 Wise men, sent by the Lord. Men who took great risk by ignoring Herod and simply going another way. Men following a star, resting high above a baby. The baby brought to the world as the gift of life. A lamb to be taken. A baby sent to be broken for me and you. What if these Wise Men had not turned around? What if they had not been still long enough to see the glory of the Lord in a baby. They knew. They immediately believed and therefore they followed the will of God. They followed the light. They changed their minds. And the rest of the entire world was saved because of it. I’m betting their decision was hard. I’m betting they weighed the odds. I’m betting they knew of the great risks. Yet they
did it anyway. I would like to meet these wise men. Id like to give them a gift and tell them thank you. But the gift has already been given. A baby to save us. And a lesson for the people today, that it is okay to turn and go another way. God has a plan and a will for me and you. He has order and joy. He has peace and hope to place in your hands. He just asks us to believe, even as small as a mustard seed. And the Lord will fulfill his promises to you, just as he did many, many years ago. Merry Christmas! I look forward to sharing with you next week. Bradley Robertson is a local mother, wife and creative. She’s an Auburn University graduate, loves good food and getting outside with her family. Bradley enjoys feature writing, as well as southern culture and lifestyle writing.
OBITUARIES Mable Holstun Collins Mable Holstun Collins, age 93, of Opelika, Alabama passed away on Friday, December 6, 2019. Mable was born August 9, 1926 to John and Florence Holstun. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Charles B Collins. Mable is survived by nieces; Pam Tillman, Bettye Williams (Bob), Nancy
VanCleave, Sara Moore (Glendon), Judith May (Jeff), and Julia Miller (Richard) and nephews; Walter S. Collins (Karel) and Jimmy Poole (Susan). A graveside service was held Monday, December 9, 2019 at 1 p.m. in Garden Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.
Mayor Gary Fuller suspends rules at Opelika cemeteries for coming holiday season Special to the Opelika Observer Mayor Gary Fuller has conferred with Public Works Director Mike Hilyer and has issued an order to suspend the rules at city of Opelika cemeteries starting on Dec. 10 through Jan. 5, 2020, governing the placement of floral arrangements, wreaths and trinkets on graves, allowing loved ones to place extra holiday wreaths, flower arrangements (in a separate container) and trinkets on the graves. The city rules require that there can only be one flower arrangement per grave lot, unless the monument provides its own flower recep-
tacle. Flower receptacles of any kind (glass, wood, plastic, tin, cement) are prohibited and no flowerpots are (normally) allowed to remain on the lawn area beside gravesites. The only exception to this rule is the flowers placed on gravesites from funerals which have occurred within the past week. Also, two trinkets or whatnots per lot are permitted if placed on the base of the monument. The rules will go back into effect – and be enforced once again – on Jan. 6, 2020. Any wreaths or separate floral arrangements or extra trinkets left out at that time will be removed from the gravesites on Jan. 6.
Billie Joe Porter Billie Joe Porter of Opelika was born to the late Jesse and Martha Holley Porter in Elmore County, Alabama on December 15, 1929 and passed away on December 4, 2019. He was 89 years old. He loved Country Music. Since he was a young man he sang Country Rev. Lee Roy Pike Rev. Lee Roy Pike, 66, of Valley, AL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2019 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on November 23, 1953. He was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Roy B. and Mary Saylor Pike and brother, Joseph Pike. He is survived by his wife Karen Bolton Pike; Daughter, Lynn Hurley (Bo); Sons, Mable Holstun Collins Mable Holstun Collins, age 93, of Opelika, Alabama passed away on Friday, December 6,
Music, and played in multiple bands over the years. He was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Betty McKendree; grandson, Scotty McGee; son-in-law, Glen McGee; daughterin-law, Nita Porter; 7 brothers, and 3 sisters. He is survived by his wife of 13 years Annie Ruth Porter; children, Donna
McGee, Sherrie Tate (George), and Michael Porter; grandchildren, Valarie Jones, Michael McGee (Wendy), Brent McGee (Shana), Brandelyn Dodwell (Jerry), Austin Tate, and Christopher Porter; 10 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. Visitation was
held Dec. 9, 2019 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour. A funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Dec. 9, 2019 at 1 p.m. with Reverend Roger Hammett officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.
Lee Roy ”Sonny” Pike, Jr.(Beth), Adam Pike; Stepson, Brian Preston; grandchildren, Christian Pike, Brittany Broadwater, Abby Pike, Dawson Pike, Trevor Looney, Eric Revells, Kyra Pike, and Kalie Pike; great grandchild, Lillie Looney; Brothers , Donnie Pike(Missy)and Melvin Pike; Sister, Charlotte Conway(Austin); 3 Special fur buddies: Casey, Abby, and Yellow Puss, and also many beloved nephews and nieces.
Lee was a true man of GOD who served as a Pastor for over 35 years. He kept the LORD first in his life and was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed being with friends and family and his fur babies. He was an avid Auburn fan and loved NASCAR as well as fishing and just spending time with loved ones. The family offers a special thank you to Dr. Mitchell Galishoff and staff, Dr, Benja-
min Pearce and staff and Chattachoochee Hospice Visitation was held Dec. 2, 2019 in the parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 5 until 7 p.m. Chapel service was held at 1 p.m. Dec. 3, 2019 at FrederickDean Funeral Home, Opelika, Alabama with Pastor Aaron Pruitt and Joe Yearwood officiating. Interment followed at Hephzibah Cemetery. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.
2019. Mable was born August 9, 1926 to John and Florence Holstun. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Charles B Collins. Mable is survived by
nieces; Pam Tillman, Bettye Williams (Bob), Nancy VanCleave, Sara Moore (Glendon), Judith May (Jeff), and Julia Miller (Richard) and nephews; Walter S. Collins (Karel) and
Jimmy Poole (Susan). A graveside service was held Monday, December 9, 2019 at 1 p.m. in Garden Hills Cemetery. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.
To have your loved one’s obituary published in the Opelika Observer, email us at: editor@opelikaobserver.com or call 334-749-8003
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aul’s thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12) can be the gateway to some important and profound truths—and none of them have anything to do with identifying what his infirmity was! Whatever Paul’s “messenger of Satan” (v. 7) was is unimportant. What matters was God’s purpose in allowing it and Paul’s response to it. Everything else is peripheral. In the context, Paul has been engaged in a reluctant rehearsal of how he has been humbled and exalted in his ministry. He begins this discussion in chapter 10 but really gets down to business in 11:16ff. His purpose is to “cut the ground from under” the false teachers who have influenced the Corinthians with their big talk and relentless criticism of his ministry (11:12). Paul shows in this section that while they are masquerading as apostles (11:13), he has all of the characteristics of a true apostle (12:12). That leads to him sharing something that
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happened 14 years before (the implication is that he is sharing this for the first time, a remarkably refreshing reticence from those who feel compelled to make their endless experiences the message rather than the good news of Jesus). He was “caught up to paradise” (12:4) where he heard “inexpressible things, things no one is permitted to tell” (or write a book about). But all of this is mere prologue to what Paul wants to say. Instead of riding his vision for all of the glory it could bring him (and beating his opponents at their own game in the process), he drops the other shoe and explains how to keep him from becoming “conceited” or “exalting myself” (NASV), he was given “a thorn in my flesh” (v. 7). Three times he asked God to take it away and was told, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9). Paul concludes from this that unlike his opponents, he has learned
By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika
to boast about his weaknesses “so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (v. 9). There are obviously lots of places you can go with a text of this richness and depth. I want to use it to address how we think about suffering. For example, we learn here that not all suffering is a bad thing. Paul’s suffering led him to look away from himself and to trust in God and His power. But was it worth the price of his torment? He definitely thought so. This in turn leads to another big truth: a pain-free existence isn’t a goal disciples need to pursue. We live in a culture that caters to the idea of a pain-free existence as the only
Church calendar
• Pepperell Baptist’s youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. This is an evening of prayer, Bible Study and discussion. For more information, call 334-745-3108. • Dec. 15 - Trinity United Methodist Church will host its annual Christmas Cantata beginning at 10 a.m. • Dec. 15, 18, 20 and 24 - First Baptist Church of Opelika will be holding a number of Christmas-themed performances and services to celebrate and welcome in the
Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.
ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D #758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta #742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy #749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. #749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. #745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy #749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B #7064421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. #444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave #742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. #745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd #745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. #745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. #745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. #742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr #749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. #887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika
Dec. 11, 2019
eligion
Life among the thorns
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holiday season. For more information, call 334-745-5715 or visit www.fbcopelika.com. • Dec. 24 - First United Methodist Church of Opelika will host its annual Christmas candlelight and communion services on Dec. 24, with three service times set for 3, 5 and 11 p.m.
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
acceptable way of living. Commercials assure us that if we have the slightest ache or pain, we can consult our doctor about the latest, greatest medication and if we don’t grow a second head or third arm, we can be pain free. The better part of us understands that pain is part of life. The best part of us understands that God can use it to bring us or others closer to Him or in a way that we may not in this life understand or appreciate. All of this should inform our prayers. In short, they need more humility. To listen to us trying to pray away all of our troubles, you would we have a direct pipeline to God and He has told us that our difficulties or those of loved ones have absolutely no purpose or value and they can’t be used by Him in any way, shape, fashion or form. Maybe this was Paul’s thinking when he asked for his thorn to be removed. If it was, he grew out of it. He came
to the understanding that there is no such thing as painless growth, so he quit seeking it! Jesus learned obedience from the things He suffered and so will all who follow Him (Hebrews 5:8-9). When trouble occurs in our lives or in the lives of our loved ones, we can be sure that God is in control and He will work all things for the good of those who love Him. Precisely how He does all this is a glorious mystery that we accept now and will understand in eternity. But Paul said he was sure that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). In the face of the deepest pain or suffering we have a clear word of hope. Not only is there life among the thorns— there is life through the thorns! Bruce has written a two-volume work on the prophets called Known Intimately Loved Ultimately. They are available through 21st Century Christian.
Verse of the Week “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
1 Thessalonians 5:15
CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. #749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy #742-9721 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St. #745-5181 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. #745-6015 Church of Christ 2660 Cunningham Drive CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd #749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place #7496432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court #745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. #749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. #745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 Opelika, Ala. 36804 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. #826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. #742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A #745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 #745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist
8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922 Family Life Christian Center
601 S. 7th St. #741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. #749-1070 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd #749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. #745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. #749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad #749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd #749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd #741-1006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy #749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy #741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy #737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy #745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy #745-7770
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Community Calendar: Events around town
Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.” • The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 8876659 or at 256-3071449. Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th St. Opelika
New Events • Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. - Kids eat for 99 cents at Niffer’s • Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. - Brains and Brews Trivia at Red Clay Brewing •Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. - Burger Night with half-pounder burgers and a side for $6.99 at Niffer’s • Dec. 10 at 5 p.m. - Wine Down Wednesday at The Bottling Plant Event Center • Dec. 11: Build your own burger and side starting at $5 at La Cantina • Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. - Trivia Night at Niffer’s • Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. - Kids eat for 99 cents at Niffer’s • Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. - Brains and Brews Trivia at Red Clay Brewing •Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. - Burger Night with half-pounder burgers and a side for $6.99 at Niffer’s • Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. - Wine Down Wednesday at The Bottling Plant Event Center • Dec. 18: Build your own burger and side starting at $5 at La Cantina
• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika. • The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike. • The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at deborahowen@eamc. org. • The fourth Monday of each month, a community grief support group meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information, call 826-1899 or 5020216. • T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact
Mary Johnson, 7491584. • The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m. • The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops and many more. To view the full schedule, please visit www. aces.edu/anr/beginningfarms/webinars. php. Please send ques-
tions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@ auburn.edu. Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika SportsPlex from 7 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info, call Diane at 749-6320. • The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required. • The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin between 6 and 6:45 p.m. • Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6 to 8 p.m.
8685 Alabama Highway 51. • A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information, contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122. • The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap. org or find the organization on Facebook. • East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center, located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika. Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month, a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216.
• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday at 6 p.m. • Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays: • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika. • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook. • Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/ Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334737-5215 or cheri. paradice@gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month. • T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334-528-1076 for more information. Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.
Visit the Collinwood Luminaries Dec. 13
By Ann Cipperly Opelika Observer
Collinwood residents will continue their Christmas gift to the community with the 52nd annual Luminaries on Dec. 13 from 5 to 9 p.m. More than 1,500 flickering candles in sand filled bags line the winding, sloping streets in the Collinwood neighborhood, symbolizing the guiding of the Holy Family on their journey to the manger where Jesus Christ was born. Along the candlelit drive, homes are decorated for Christmas, signs display Bible verses, and scenes throughout the neighborhood tell the Christmas story. Living scenes feature shepherds, wise men and angels and at the end of the path, a live nativity scene resonates the message of Christmas.
Rick Lane of the First United Methodist Church of Opelika has worked many years with youth to participate in the nativity. Live animals are often included in the nativity scene. Fifty-two years ago, the first Collinwood Luminaries included only a few houses on East Collinwood. In 1966, Mrs. J.R. Fuller of the Twilight Garden Club suggested the idea to the club after seeing luminaries in Europe. The holiday tradition of luminaries originated more than 400 years ago in Mexico. The following year, with 15 families living in the neighborhood at the time, the residents undertook the project. The late Aileen Samford and Lucy Salter were instrumental in organizing the event. During the first few years, the residents of
East Collinwood used an assortment of bags and candles. After West Collinwood Circle and Collinwood Street were added to the subdivision, the event became more organized. Paper bags and candles were ordered in order to be consistent throughout the pathway. “The neighborhood has always seen the luminaries as its gift to the community,” explained Martha Hill, a Collinwood resident who has participated from the beginning when the first candles were lit. “It makes Christmas special for children,” Hill said, whose children grew up looking forward to the annual family event. She served as chairman several times during the years and feels the event keeps the neighborhood close. In 1984, Hill, along with another neighbor,
visited Southern Living magazine with information and pictures of the luminaries. Southern Living sent writers and photographers to cover the event and neighborhood party, which was held at Jane and Jacob Walker’s house. The following year, the event and recipes from the party were featured in the Christmas issue. The preparation in setting up the candles involves the entire family. Yards are raked and neatly groomed. Children in the neighborhood assist older residents. A few days before the event, sand is delivered to several locations around the neighborhood. Three to four inches of sand is placed into a plastic bag, then into a paper bag, with the top folded down two inches to add rigidity. The day of the lumi-
naries, bags are placed 20 inches from the curb and spaced evenly for uniformity. City sanitation and power employees assist in getting ready for the event by cleaning streets and turning street lights off. The Collinwood tour is also supported by the Opelika Mayor and City Council, Public Works Department of Opelika (ESG), Opelika Power Services, Opelika Police Department and Boy Scout Troop 858. First United Methodist Church Youth group provides the characters for the live scenes along the way. Luminaries begin at 5 p.m. at the corner of 10th Street and Collinwood. Motorists turn off headlights as they slowly drive one way through the neighborhood and end at McLure. The tour is free.
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Cacti, from A6 over it. These rooted, growing cuttings make great gifts for friends and family gardeners during the holidays. More Information For more information about Thanksgiving or Christmas cacti, visit www.aces. edu or contact your county extension home grounds agent.
Photos special to the Opelika Observer
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COMICS
“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Opelika Schools & Sports Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports
Turn to B5 for more Super 7 photos
Opelika High School swim team places 10th in state meet at Auburn last week
On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell
Super 7 Championships held in the AuburnOpelika area last week, Opelika basketball splits contests with LaFayette
T
he Opelika High School Swim Team finished 10th (6A/7A Division) in the AHSAA Swimming and Diving Championships at the Martin Aquatics Center on Auburn University’s campus last Thursday through Friday. OHS was led by Bradi Jones, an Arkansas commit who won the state title in the 100-meter breaststroke and placed fifth in the 50-meter freestyle. The 200-meter medley relay team of Julia Bush, Beth Dawe, Sarah Bush and Jones finished second. Dawe swam to a fifth-place finish in the 100-meter breaststroke. The relay team took sixth in the 200-meter freestyle. CONGRATULATIONS OPELIKA SWIMMERS! WRESTLING OHS wrestlers competed in the “Red Devil Duals” in Phenix City last Saturday.
The Bulldogs grapplers battled Russell County, Columbus, Chattahoochee County and Shaw. The team lost all three of four matches because of not having enough wrestlers on the team. If you do not have a wrestler in every weight class, you will lose points in the open weight class. Opelika lost to Russell County 36-32, Columbus 63-18 and Chattahoochee County 42-18. The Bulldogs beat Shaw in the final match of the night 37-36. The following student-athletes earned wins during the meet. James Dawson finished 4-0 with four pins, scoring 24 points. Ben Daughtry went 4-0 with three pins, Joseph Baker went 3-1 with three pins and freshman Landon Willis went 2-2. Coach Jim Davis keeps a positive attiSee Sports, page B6
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Opelika City School Board holds last meeting of 2019 By Beth Pinyerd For the Opelika Observer
The Opelika City Schools Board met on Dec. 5 at the Central Office, located at 300 Simmons St. The
meeting was brief and approval was given to approve personnel recommendations and contract renewal for OCS's Chief Financial Officer Chris Harrison. Monthly financial
reports for September and October 2019 were presented and reviewed as well as monthly child nutrition reports were included in the board agenda. The next school
board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 28, 2020. While meeting dates vary, the board holds one meeting each month. For more information, visit www. opelikaschools.org.
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Opelika High School athletes Kayla Fourtenbary, Jase Rhodes ink collegiate scholarships last week
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured left, Rhodes, a senior pitcher on Opelika High School’s baseball team, signed a scholarship to continue his baseball career at LaGrange College. Pictured right, Fourtenbary signed with Coastal Alabama Community College where she will continue her softball career.
Opelika Wrestling Bulldogs hosted quad matches on Dec. 3
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
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Let’s make Christmas merry and bright!
Beth Pinyerd
D
uring the regular school schedule, we families have to multitask in order to meet needs. We look forward to the schedule slowing down when we get out for the holidays. But, the holidays are busier than the regular, routine days! We have different age children with many different needs because of different personalities. Holiday celebrations with cheerfulness, singing, bright lights, games and delicious seasonal foods are so much fun! But as parents of children, we have to balance all this in order not to push them into sensory overload as well as anxiety. We want our families to enjoy
the holidays as well as each other. I would like to share from resources and experiences some heartfelt tips that I hope will help you and your child to look forward to this holiday season with its richness of joy and love. Find joy and happiness in your child, children. Children who enjoy each day are those who feel loved and accepted for who they are. Taking time in noticing what your child is doing spells LO-V-E. Verbalize how much you love them. Young children find inner happiness, confidence and pleasure in making and creating their own gifts to share. Their creative minds enjoy making Christmas decorations
to display through the home. This builds cherished memories for your child. Children can give gifts from the heart like helping out with younger siblings, simple sweeping, wiping tables, cleaning up their rooms, etc. In the early childhood classroom, making and giving Christmas coupons of tasks or chores to be done is a gift of love action. A parent tears off a chore that needs to be done for each day such as cleaning their room, sweeping the porch, setting the table for meals, etc. Invite your children to help you make Christmas cards that can be sent to family and friends. The friendliness of our community post offices makes it a joyful field trip. Mailing packages and letters stresses giving love to others. When children ask why and what questions be sure to spend time answering their questions. Children ask so many times why we do certain Christmas symbols. This provides a wonderful learning time for children and adults. We are surrounded
by so many lights everywhere during this beautiful Christmas season. The Bible records in Psalm 76:4 “You are radiant with light more majestic than mountains rich with game. God is resplendent with light.” When we squint our eyes to view the beautiful lights, we think of love and the true light who came into the world, Jesus Christ. Children love to sing and they learn at an early age! “Silver Bells” is a favorite as it announces Christmas time in the city! Bells are rung during Christmas to proclaim the arrival of the season and to announce the birth of Jesus. Why do we have the colors red and green? The color red is used at Christmas to represent the blood of Jesus when He died on the cross. The color green signifies everlasting light and life. Candy canes are a delicious treat for everyone. The cane is shaped as a shepherd’s crook which reflects that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The red represents the blood that Jesus shed for us and the white represents His purity.
The beautiful Christmas wreaths that we see everywhere demonstrate the neverending symbol of eternal love that God provides. They also represent giving in spirit and in heart as well as the gathering of the family. Gifts tied with a bow remind us of the gifts that the wisemen brought to Jesus. The ribbon that is tied around gifts symbolizes that all people should be tied in bonds of love and unity during the holiday season. Christmas trees are usually the very center of a home and community’s celebration of decorations! Children love to hear about the origin of the Christmas tree which is attributed to Martin Luther, the leader of the Reformation. It is said that on Christmas Eve, Luther was walking through the wooded forest near his home. He was awestruck by the snow-covered branches of the trees shining brightly in the moonlight. He wanted to recreate this beautiful scene for his family whom were waiting for him at home. He cut down the tree, set it up in his home,
and decorated it with candles. Just imagine how beautiful this was. Poinsettias are seen everywhere during Christmas. The poinsettia is a native plant of Mexico and is called “star flower.” Their star-shaped leaves remind us of the star of Bethlehem and Christ who is called the “bright morning star.” Lighted stars and candles reflect the Bethlehem star which guided the wise men to the baby Jesus. As Classroom Observer, I have just skimmed the surface of what this season offers in love and memories for children and families to cling to and have hope. The Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools, and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth, and families. Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures, and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@charter.net.
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the jay and susie gogue performing arts center at auburn university
DON’T MISS THESE UPCOMING INAUGURAL SEASON PERFORMANCES VOCES8 (Holiday Program) Tuesday, December 17 • 7:30 p.m. Dino-Light by Lightwire Theater Friday, January 17 • 7:30 p.m. Dorrance Dance Friday, January 31 • 7:30 p.m. RENT 20th Anniversary Tour Tuesday, February 18 and Wednesday, February 19 • 7:30 p.m. Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience Friday, February 21 • 7:30 p.m. Waitress Tuesday, February 25 and Wednesday, February 26 • 7:30 p.m.
The You & Me Tour: An Evening with Drew and Ellie Holcomb Thursday, February 27 • 7:30 p.m. Pablo Sáinz Villegas: Americano Trio Sunday, March 1 • 7:30 p.m. Matt Haimovitz and Simone Dinnerstein Tuesday, March 3 • 7:30 p.m. Sierra Hull Band Friday, March 20 • 7:30 p.m. Dover Quartet and Bridget Kibbey Tuesday, March 24 • 7:30 p.m. Alfredo Rodríguez and Pedrito Martinez Duo Tuesday, April 7 • 7:30 p.m.
Tickets available now! 334.844.TIXS (8497) GOGUECENTER.AUBURN.EDU
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Auburn Alumnae Chapter celebrates 41 years of service Special to the Opelika Observer Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. Since its founding, more than 300,000 women have joined the organization. The organization is a sisterhood of predominantly black, collegeeducated women. The sorority currently has 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters
located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Republic of Korea. Delta Sigma Theta was founded on Jan. 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University and was incorporated in 1930. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to those in need. In March 1913, the founders of Delta Sigma Theta Soror-
ity, Inc. performed their first public act by participating in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington, D.C. On Nov. 12, 1978, the Auburn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was chartered and became a beacon of service in Lee County. We strive to implement the major programmatic thrust which includes: educational development, economic development, international awareness and Involvement, physical and mental health and political awareness
and involvement. Since its establishment the Auburn Alumnae Chapter has provided a multitude of programs in the communities of Lee County. Our chapter has provided countless youth programs for our at-risk population in schools, community locations, and on Auburn University’s campus through their first youth initiative, the Delteens. Our current initiatives are the GEMS Program ( Growing & Empowering Myself Successfully) and EMBODI Program (Empowering Males
to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) which focus on mentoring high school females and males. On June 28, 2018, they extended their services to include Tallapoosa County, Chambers County, and Russell County (excluding Phenix City). Currently, they are providing services at all of the high schools and other organizations throughout our service area in order to strengthen our communities as a whole. They are grateful for our community
and its support. The group recently hosted a 40th Chapter Anniversary on Dec. 7 at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church in Opelika, which featured guest speaker Thelma Daley, the 16th national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. For more information please contact Dr. Joanna W. Abram, president of the Auburn Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. at auburnalumnae1978@gmail.com or visit www.auburnalumnaedst.org.
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Opelika High, Middle school bands host joint Christmas concert Dec. 3
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
Sports from B1 tude and believes his team will keep improving as the season progresses. Opelika will host Smiths Station and Huntsville High on Dec. 12 in the OHS
Mainstreet Gym at 5:30 p.m. The team will compete in the “Suede Umbach Tournament” at Auburn High School this weekend. BASKETBALL Girls The OHS Lady Bulldog basketball team (8-3) has won five-straight games,
including two victories last week. The girls thumped Smiths Station, 58-22 on the road. Claire Worth and Kaitlyn Bryant led Opelika with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Coach Devin Booth’s team outscored the Panthers 24-0 in the first quarter.
We would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring one or more of our newspaper boxes and racks around Lee County
• Better Bodies Massage Institute • Interim HomeCare • Opelika Theatre Company • Three Keys Properties, LLC To have your company’s logo placed on a box email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com
Opelika blew out Lafayette 62-30 in the Mainstreet Gym last Thursday. Offensively, Ananda Hughley and Hakey Sanders scored a season-high 20 points apiece. Boys Opelika boys team split last week, beating Smiths Station 64-57 and lost 63-49 to Lafayette in front of a packed Mainstreet Gym. The Bulldogs earned their first win of the season, beating Smiths Station on the road by seven points. Brandon Howard led offensively scoring 22 points, while teammates Ant McGuire and Rashaad Frye added 12 points apiece. Lafayette outscored Opelika eight points in the second half in a 63-49 win. Ja Carr scored 13 points, while Grady Bynum and Brandon Howard added 10 points each. Coach John Wadsworth team will now have his complete roster after adding
three student-athletes that play football. All three contributed last season and should make a huge impact immediately. Both teams played Central in Phenix City Tuesday night, but no results were available at press time. The Lady Bulldogs travel to Smiths Station Thursday while the boys host Smiths Station Dec. 13. SUPER 7 The 2019 AHSAA Super 7 Football Championship, sponsored by the cities of Auburn and Opelika, was a huge success. The Alabama High School Athletic Association announced 42,988 people attended the event. On Wednesday, 14,369 people attended the 7A Championship. Thursday’s crowd was the smallest at 12,583 and Friday was the best day with 16,036 people watching. Following are scores from each contest: 1A-Lanett
beat Mars Hill Bible 41-30; 2A-Fyffe downed Reeltown 56-7; 3A Piedmont slipped by Mobile Christian 26-24; 4AUMS Wright beat Jacksonville 28-17; 5A-Central-Clay beat Pleasant Grove in a 31-27 thriller; 6AOxford was one point better than Spanish Fort 14-13 and 7A-Thompson beat Central (Phenix City) 40-14. Tuscaloosa ends the original 12-year contract by hosting the 2020 Super 7 at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The new contract begins in 2021 with the Super 7 being played at Protective Stadium in Birmingham. The Auburn-Opelika area will have a chance to host the 2022 Super 7 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.
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Alabama Sports Hall of Fame announces 2020 class Special to the Opelika Observer The Board of Directors of the State of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the Class of 2020 to be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame on May 2, 2020. The class was selected by ballot through a statewide selection committee; votes were tabulated by the firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers. The newly elected inductees for the Class of 2020 are as follows: -Ronnie Brown -Sylvester Croom -Doug Kennedy -Q.V. Lowe -Woody McCorvey -Jorge Posada -Duane Reboul and -Steve Shaw.
Starting with the first class in 1969, this will be the 52nd Class inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. The eight newly elected inductees will bring the total number of inductees to 369. The 52nd Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony will be held in the Birmingham Ballroom, at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, on May 2, 2020. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Museum at 205-323-6665. Following are biographies on athletes of local interest: Brown - Born Dec. 12, 1981 in Rome, Georgia, Brown played running back at Auburn
University from 2000 to 2004. He finished seventh in school history in rushing yards and fifth in rushing touchdowns. Brown was the 2003 Citrus Bowl MVP. Drafted second overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2005 NFL Draft, he started at running back the first four weeks of the season. In the 2008 season, he had 916 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading to his Pro Bowl selection. In 2010, Brown started all 16 games with the Dolphins. He played six seasons with Miami and went on to play with the Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers and Houston Texans. He retired in 2014 with the Chargers. Croom - Born Sept.
25, 1954 in Tuscaloosa, Croom played center from 1972-1974 at the University of Alabama. During his college career, he was awarded the Jacobs Blocking Trophy and also earned All-American honors. Croom helped the Crimson Tide win three SEC championships and the National Championship in 1973. He played one year in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints before returning to Tuscaloosa to coach. Croom was an assistant at Alabama for 11 seasons under Coach Paul Bryant and Coach Ray Perkins. He then spent 17 years coaching in the NFL. In 2004, he was named head coach at Mississippi State University, making him the first African-
American head football coach in the Southeastern Conference. For the 2007 season, Croom was voted SEC Coach of the Year. After Croom’s time at Mississippi State, he served as running backs coach in the NFL for the Rams, Jaguars and Titans. Lowe - Born Jan. 15, 1945 in Red Level, Lowe played at both Gulf Coast Community College and Auburn University. As a pitcher at Auburn, he went 23-3 with a winning percentage of .885 in two years. He set an Auburn record at that time of a career ERA of 1.69 and most complete games in one season (10). During his senior season, he went 15-1 and helped lead Auburn to the 1967 Col-
lege World Series. After his playing career, he was a coach and manager in the minor leagues for the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and Montreal Expos farm teams. In 1986, he established the baseball program at Auburn University-Montgomery. He won 1,127 games at AUM, and led them to the NAIA World Series three times, finishing second in 1990. His teams won six conference championships and he was named NAIA Coach of the Year in 1990. In 2007, he was named Alabama Baseball Coaches Association College Coach of the Year; the Auburn Walk of Fame in 1998 and the Alabama Coaches Hall of Fame in 2005.
Jordan-Hare Stadium site of 2019’s Super 7 Championships last week
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Super 7 Championships were held last weekend at Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. Pictured top are highlights from the sixth annual “Unified Sports” exhibition flag football game between Baldwin County and Vestavia Hills. Next, Lanett defeated Mars Hill Bible 41-30 in the 1A final to claim the school’s first-ever state title. Pictured in the third row from the top are highlights of Fyffe’s 56-7 defeat of Reeltown in the 2A final, repeating as state champions. Bottom row, Thompson avenged last year’s loss by beating Central (Phenix City) 40-14 in the 7A final. Following are results from the other game: (3A) Piedmonet slipped by Mobile Christian 26-24; (4A) UMS Wright beat Jacksonville 28-17; (5A) Central-Clay beat Pleasant Grove 41-27 and (6A) Oxford escaped Spanish Fort 14-13.
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Alabama 4-H Foundation to award $35,000 in Scholarships Special to the Opelika Observer The Alabama 4-H Foundation is helping advance the education of 35 high school seniors. The foundation will be awarding $1,000 scholarships to 35 high school seniors of the 2020 graduating class. “We are excited about the opportunities these scholarships will provide for our young people,” said Molly Gregg, Alabama Cooperative Extension System assistant director of Alabama 4-H. Nancy Alexander, an Alabama Extension 4-H specialist said the
recipients will use the scholarships in their post-secondary education. “The scholarships can be used for any post-secondary education, whether that is attending community college, trade school or a university,” Alexander said. “Payment for tuition and fees will be made from the Alabama 4-H Foundation directly to the student’s post-secondary institution to be used in the 2020-21 academic year.” Scholarship Dates and Application Guidelines Applications are now being accepted
via 4HOnline at www.4honline.com. Completed applications are due online by March 1. As part of the application process, students must submit a resume, letter of recommendation and their 4-H story titled How Alabama 4-H Has Changed My Life. These requirements must meet the following guidelines: Limit the 4-H story to 500 words or fewer. Also, double space the text, use Arial or Times New Roman 12–point font and have one-inch margins. Limit a resume to one page. A letter of recom-
mendation should be from a non-family member such as, 4-H staff members, school administrators, teachers or coaches. Save all documents as PDFs and upload them into 4HOnline. Scholarship winners can expect notifications by April 15. “The Alabama 4-H Foundation is committed to ensuring that scholarship opportunities and 4-H programming continue for Alabama youth for years to come,” said Seth Tuttle, development officer for the Alabama 4-H Foundation. More Information Scholarship recipi-
ents and their parents or guardians receive invitations to the 4-H Competitive Events Day June 26. There, 4-H will formally recognize the scholarship winners. 4-H will also recognize scholarship recipients during high school scholarship days or graduations. If you have questions regarding the scholarship application process, contact Nancy Alexander at 4henrollment@aces.edu. About Alabama 4-H For more than 100 years, Alabama 4-H has been helping young people develop into resourceful citizens and responsible
leaders. Alabama 4-H is part of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and uses regional Extension agents as well as community volunteers, corporate partners, alumni and parents to deliver youth development programs in all 67 counties. Today, Alabama 4-H engages with more than 178,000 youth. It seeks to empower them with the skills to lead their communities and also grow into future leaders. Visit the Alabama 4-H Foundation or make a gift online at www.alabama4hfoundation.org.
LaFayette, Opelika split basketball contests last week; girls win 62-30, boys fall 63-49
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
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‘23rd Annual Special Children’s Christmas Program’ moved to Opelika SportsPlex; attended by hundreds of people, local dignitaries and politicians and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus
Photos by Michelle Key/Opelika Observer The "23rd Annual Special Children's Christmas Program" was held last Friday at the Opelika Sportsplex. Hundreds of children and young adults from Lee and four other surrounding counties attended. Founded by Harold Watts in 1997, fellow retirees of United Steel Workers Local 753 Uniroyal/BF Goodrich Union have continued the tradition, which epitomizes the spirit of Christmas, according to event volunteer Paschal Prickett. “Until you’re here in this room, and see the children’s faces and how happy it makes them … you just have to see it to believe it. Some of them can’t respond at all, others just want to touch you, touch your hand, because of how much it means to them,” Prickett said. Local dignitaries were present for the event as well as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
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ear Santa, I can’t wait till Christmas Santa! I also can’t wait to spend time with my family. I don’t want a lot of gifts this year. All I want for Christmas is 4 tickets to parris because I like to travel. I also want a american girl doll. I also want to have a great Christmas. I am a very nice girl. I love Christmas!! Ruth
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ear Santa, I am so excited for Christmas!!! As much as I love to spend time with my family. I love presents. This is what I want for Christmas. I love so I want a guitar. I also want a little WWE wrestling ring and the new Nerf gun, the elite titan. Santa that’s what I want for Christmas. David
would be nice. It needs a read and blue collar. I will take good care of the dog. I will name him America Brick. I want the dog to be awesome. I might have been good...maybe. I would also like a white pet bird and a baby cat. I think you are COOL! Sam
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ear Santa, I love Christmas. I want Christmas to come soon. I would like to get toys and games. I want to ride on an airplane - a really big airplane. I would like to see my grandmother. I have been a good boy. Jesus
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ear Santa, What I want to see on christmas is every person happy with a smile on there anta for Christ- face. I hope evmas is a guitar, ery person gets putty, slime, clay, what they want. play doh Baby doll, I hope my fampower wheel jeep ily gets what they Love Christmas want to. I want a because I get to minecraft lego box spend time with because I think my family and it is cool I dont friends know why but it is I really love what I want. One Christmas. thing I know if the To Santa world dozent have From Destiny christmas everyone would be sad ear Santa, no one would be I want six happy they would cans of Play dough be all sad the end. and six Batman Love leo. action figures. I ear Santa would like one box I am so of blocks. I need excited about a dog. A bulldog
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christmas this year. I think it would be fun spending time with my family because it’s not about the presents it’s about spending time with them but I do want a couple of things. I want a phone, hoverboard, fidget spinner, remote control car, a new dog man book, and for everybody to have a merry christmas! Sincerely, Caiden
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ear Snata I love you Santa. Merry Christmas Santa. I love Christmas because I get to spend time with my family. I love getting presents. I love Christmas because I get to make cookies for Santa and milk. I love Christmas. I love decorating the Christmas tree. I wont a sleeping make, puzzles. Alot of toys. Christmas is so cool Savannah
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ear Santa Merry Christmas i am so excited for christmas. I cannot wait to get my big present it is going to be a paintball gun. I am also excited to get some hot wheels track builder with a jump. I am also really excited to get that race track! I am getting a callosal crash playset and I can’t wait for Christmas break
ear Santa, I am so excited to spend time withmy family! I am so nice. I hope I get some presents. I am so excited about Christmas! I know Christmas is not about the presents or gifts. I like Christmas because I get to a lot. Christmas watch TV most of is about family. I the time. Thank also want a hovyou for all this time erboard from you. hope you have a But my family does good time. something next Jerry week were we give presents to all our ear Santa parents, uncles, I am so aunts, cousins, and excited I want a grandparents. By. dash the robot. Sincerely, and injustice 2 the Carter game. and sunglasses that flip. ear Santa, and 90000 v buck. I am excited And a whce and four christmas. new chain.and Do you want me a jupe char. And to tell you what I a xbox cade and want for christmas Sosa a and. ? I want a hoverLove, makai board, Jordans, light up shoes, ear Santa. black boots, brown I am so exboots, a tv for my cited for Christmas bedroom, slime this year. I like to table, bunk bed, be super happy. So jens, snap braceI will like a ps4 and let, iphone 7+, games. But I want ipad, apple watch, a nintendo switch. computer, case for I will be happy my phone, clothes, if that day was a air pods, chockers, good day. lip gloss, dog and I Jordan want food for it. Torriah ear Santa I am so ear Santa, excited for ChristI love Christmas. I don’t want mas. Christmas that much for is a joyful time. I Christmas. But would like a lefo these are the seat maybe 3 things that I do or 2 seats. And want. I want a a Thanksgiving American girl doll dress I grow out but it is ok if you of my old one. I don’t get to me it would love a pant because my mom seat and more is going to give me Pants and paint one for my birthbrushes. day. But I really From Allyson want a skateboard it seems so much ear santa, fun! I also want All I wish for copic markers and is for alabamam maybe more art and my friend supplies. But what aiden be safe and I mostly want evei would love some rone to be happy! new hunting Land. Love, I hope all of ala-
bama is safe.
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ear Santa, i love you because i’m thankful that you get me gifts. Do you know why I like christmas because you are in volved in it. you are the best. I want art set, phone, kids makeup, and you santa. Love, Caytlynn
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ear santa, I don’t want a lot of stuff for christmas. all I really want is my elf to be happy they’re six things I really want is a hydro flask and a lot of scrunches and a polka shell and vans and a jacket and a neckles and books and one more thing and a sweatshirt and for my teacher to be happy and for my family to be happy and for my brother to be happy. Aubree
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ear Santa, Christmas is my favoritae holiday so... these are my “Wish Items”, a ukulele, copics (any color) and more art supplies pls UWU I hope that’s not to hard... hehe June UWU
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ear Santa, Hi Santa merry christmas! I am very happy and ready for christmas. I hope i’m not on the bad list. I saw you at Callaway Gardens. Remember me, Aiden. We will leave you the things we normally do. Can I please have a boy scout knife I have a toting chip and a mini four wheeler. Thank you santa. Bye santa Love, Joseph
pelika O Observer
B12 Dec. 11, 2019
PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF KYLE VAUGHAN JONES, DECEASED - PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been to Frank V. Jones on the 14th day of November, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Frank V. Jones Legal Run 11/27, 12/04 & 12/11/2019
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF LEE CASE NO. 2017-C-071 IN RE:The Matter of JIMMIE LOU BAKER NOTICE OF PARTIAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that a Petition to Approve Partial Settlement of the Conservatorship Estate of JIMMIE LOU BAKER has been filed by the Conservator, Belinda Pink. A hearing has been set for the 6th day of January 202 at 1:00 o.m. Cental Time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this partial settlement, you must appear on the date of the hearing as set above. Bill English Judge of Probate Legal Run 12/04, 12/11 & 12/18/19
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF DONNA S. TANKERSLEY COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of November, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand, and dated this the 27th day of November, 2019. DAVID PATRICK TANKERSLEY Legal Run 12/04, 12/11 & 12/18/19
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF FRANCIS DRAKE HARPER - COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of November, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand, and dated this the 27th day of November, 2019. TYRA HARPER WOODS Legal Run 12/04, 12/11 & 12/18/19
IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA - IN RE: The Estate of John William McFarland, Sr., Deceased - Case No. 2019-C-075 NOTICE TO CREDITOR TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to John William McFarland Jr., as Executor of the The Estate of John William McFarland, Sr., Deceased on the 20th day of November, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. JOHN WILLIAM McFARLAND, JR., Executor of the The Estate of John William McFarland, Sr., Deceased Legal Run 12/04, 12/11 & 12/18/19
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF J. MILES THOMAS, DECEASED. - IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA TO: JOSEPH MILES THOMAS, JR. OR THE UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JOSEPH MILES THOMAS, JR., IF DECEASED NOTICE: On the 26th day of November, 2019, a certain writing, purporting to be the Will of J. MILES THOMAS was filed in my office for Probate by
KENNETH J. THOMAS and the 6th day of January, 2020, at 11:00 o’clock a.m. was appointed a day for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest thesame, if you see proper. Given under my hand, the 26th day of November, 2019. Bill English JUDGE OF PROBATE Legal Run 12/04, 12/11 & 12/18/2019
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. PURPOSE - The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. ________ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 12491 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-3 District (Low Density Residential District) to I-1 District (Institutional District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Commence at the Southwest corner of Lot 1 Lake Condy Subdivision, according to and as shown by map or plat of said subdivision of record in Town Plat Book 8, at Page 40, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, thence run South 4° 24’ West for 374.6 feet to the point of beginning of the tract or parcel of land herein to be described and conveyed; thence run North 4° 24’ West for 375.6 feet to the Southwest corner of said Lot 1 of said Lake Condy Subdivision; thence run South 64° 47’ East for 683.6 feet to the Southeast corner of Lot 6 of the said Lake Condy Subdivision, then run South 3° 51’ West for 63.5 feet; thence run South 89° 15’ West for 630 feet, more or less, to said point of beginning; and containing 3.2 acres more or less. The above-described property contains 3.2 acres more or less and is located on the westerly right-of-way of Dickson Street, Opelika, Alabama. Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing. Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-2083 two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability. WITNESS my hand this the 11th day of December, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 12/11/19
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - (CANNON GATE PUD) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. PURPOSE - The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Development Plan for Cannon Gate PUD. The Development Plan for Cannon Gate PUD was approved by the City Council as required by
Section 8.18(n) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO.__________ ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR CANNON GATE PUD BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The City Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct: (a) Mae’s Pasture, LLC heretofore submitted to the City a Development Plan for a planned unit development (“PUD”) entitled “Cannon Gate PUD” consisting of approximately 163.77 acres. (b) Pursuant to Ordinance No. 101-07, the City Council approved said Development Plan for Cannon Gate PUD and amended the Official Zoning Map of the City to designate the zoning classification of Planned Unit Development (“PUD”) for approximately 163.77 acres located on the west side of Oakbowery Road and north of Blackhawk Drive. (c) On June 20, 2017, the City Council approved an amended Development Plan for Phase 2 and a portion of Phase 3 of Cannon Gate PUD. (d) Cannon Gate Homeowners Association, Inc., has heretofore submitted to the City a proposed amended Cannon Gate PUD which will convert 6.4 acres of open space to private ownership. (e) The current Development Plan shows 20.1 acres of common area. The proposed amended Development Plan will convert 6.4 acres of common space located in the southeast quadrant of the development to private ownership. The subject property is located adjacent to the west side of Oak Bowery Road and approximately 4.7 acres of the 6.4 acres is unbuildable because it is located in a100 year floodway or flood plain. (f) The Planning Commission of the City of Opelika heretofore conducted a public hearing on the proposed amended Development Plan. (g) The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amended Development Plan for Cannon Gate PUD. (h) It is advisable and in interest of the City and the public interest that the amended Development Plan be approved. Section 2. Approval of Amended Development Plan. The amended Development Plan as submitted for review is hereby approved and confirmed as required by Section 8.18(n) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City. Section 3. Retention of Copies of the Amended Development Plan. Copies of the amended Development Plan shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, City Planner, City Engineer, and Building Official and shall be open for public inspection. Section 4. Repealer. That any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 5. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law. Section 6. Publication. This Ordinance is to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the ___day of __________________, 2020. PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the _____day of _______________, 2020. CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the _____day of _____________, 2020. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK END All interested persons are invited to attend the Public Hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the Public Hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and Public Hearing. Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-2083 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. WITNESS my hand this the 11th day of December, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA
Legal Run 12/11/19
CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. ________ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TEXT OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND SPECIFICALLY TO AMEND SECTIONS 9.5(15), 9.5(18), 9.5(19), 9.10(7), 9.10(9), 9.12(2), 9.12(3) AND SCHEDULE A THEREOF BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. Amendments. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, as amended, is further amended in the following respects: (a) That Section 9.5(15), FLAGPOLES AND FLAGS, FLAG BRACKETS, FLAG STANCHIONS AND FLAGS, is amended to read as follows: (15) Flagpoles and Flags; Flag Brackets, Flag Stanchions and Flags. a. Flagpoles and Flags. For each parcel and development site in residential use with one principal structure, one flagpole may be installed and two (2) flags may be displayed per flagpole. A flag in a residential Zoning District displayed on a flagpole shall not exceed forty (40) square feet in size. For each parcel and development site that is over one-half (1/2) acre in size and is in nonresidential use, up to three flagpoles may be installed and up to two (2) flags may be displayed per flagpole. A flag in a non-residential Zoning District displayed on a flagpole shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet in size. b. Flag Brackets, Flag Stanchions, and Flags. For each principal structure on a parcel, up to two flag brackets or stanchions may be attached or placed for the display of flags. A flag displayed from a flag bracket or a flag stanchion shall not exceed twentyfour (24) square feet in size. c. For the purpose of determining the size of a flag, only one side of the flag shall be counted as the display surface. d. Flags on parcels in nonresidential use may be externally illuminated. e. The United States flag/American flag may be illuminated. The lighting should be directed away from roadways, traffic areas and adjacent residential properties. f. In-ground American flagpole requirements are the following: Maximum height (feet) Maximum size (square feet) 60’-65’ 135’ 50-59 96 40-49 72 30-39 50 20-29 30 Under 20 15 (b) That Section 9.5(18), FREESTANDING SIGNS, is amended to read as follows: (18) Freestanding Signs. A freestanding sign may be a pole sign or a monument sign, unless otherwise restricted and where allowed, and subject to the following: a. General Requirements. In the C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2, I-1 and GC Zoning Districts, pole signs and monument signs may display two or more sign subject to the additional provisions set forth below for single-lot general businesses and for group developments. In the event that a reader board (manual or digital reader board) is attached to a freestanding sign, the reader board sign surface shall be no larger than fifty percent (50%) of the principal sign surface area. The principal sign surface area includes all signage on the freestanding sign except the reader board. b. Single-Lot General Businesses. The maximum area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet. The maximum height of a freestanding sign shall be twenty (20) feet. Only one (1) freestanding sign is allowed per singlefrontage lot; and up to two (2) freestanding signs are allowed for a corner lot or for doublefrontage lots. No lot shall have
more than two freestanding signs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, freestanding signs are not allowed in the C-1 Zoning District for single-lot general businesses. c. Group Developments. (1) Only one (1) freestanding sign is allowed for each street frontage of a group development. (2) A freestanding sign for a single tenant of a group development is prohibited. (3) Group Development size and height standards (a) Group Developments with an aggregate gross building area not to exceed 29,999 square feet, the maximum area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed one hundred twenty (120) square feet, and the maximum height of a freestanding sign shall not exceed twenty (20) feet. (b) Group Developments with an aggregate of 30,000 to 64,999 square feet of building area, the maximum area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet, and the maximum height of a freestanding sign shall not exceed twenty (20) feet. (c) Group Developments with an aggregate of 65,000 to 99,999 square feet of building area, the maximum area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet, and the maximum height of a freestanding sign shall not exceed thirty (30) feet. (d) Group Developments with an aggregate of 100,000 to 499,999 square feet of building area, the maximum area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed five hundred (500) square feet, and the maximum height of a freestanding sign shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet. (e) Group Developments with an aggregate of 500,000 to 999,999 square feet of building area, the maximum area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed seven hundred fifty (750) square feet, and the maximum height of a freestanding sign shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet. (f) Group Developments with an aggregate over 1 million square feet of building area, the maximum area of a freestanding sign shall not exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet, and the maximum height of a freestanding sign shall not exceed forty-five (45) feet. d. Interstate Signs. In addition to the allowable freestanding signage for any nonresidential development site, an interstate sign may also be erected provided that; 1. Any portion of the development site over five (5) acres lies within an area of 1,000 feet from the center point of the centerline of the interstate overpass. One (1) interstate sign with a maximum area of either 250 square feet and a maximum height of 60 feet may be erected; or 2. Any portion of the development site over five (5) acres lies within an area of one (1) mile, (5,280 feet) from the center point of the centerline of the interstate overpass and whose development site abuts the right-of-way of the interstate. One (1) sign with a maximum area of 130 square feet and a maximum height of 30 feet may be erected. Such signs must be located only along the property edge abutting the interstate right-of-way and must be positioned as to be read from the interstate. The maximum setback from the interstate right-of-way shall not exceed 20 feet. 3. A group development that lies within either of the geographic areas described in 18.d.1 or 2 shall be allowed a group development sign meeting the height of 18.d.1 or 2 with the allowable area afforded to the applicable group development in 18.c.3. In such case that a group development interstate sign is permitted, a freestanding interstate sign for an individual tenant of the group development is prohibited. e. Subdivision Identification Marker – A freestanding sign marking an entrance from a perimeter road to a residential subdivision, commercial development, or industrial park. Subdivision markers may be a single sign or a pair of signs. A subdivision marker shall contain no advertising other than the name of the residential subdivision, commercial development, or industrial park. No subdivision marker shall be located within the public right of way and must be within the perimeter of the subdivision. The sign shall be a ground-mounted or monument sign installed at the entrance of a perimeter road to a subdivision/ development; maximum sign area shall be 100 square feet and maximum height 6 feet including architectural features. (c) That Section 9.5(19), WALL SIGNS, is amended to read as follows: (19) Wall Signs. a. Wall signs shall not extend above the top of a building wall. b. Wall signs may be installed on one or more exterior walls. The total square footage of all wall
signs installed must not exceed the maximum total display area allowed. c. The maximum total display area for wall signs in the R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-4M, R-5, R-5M, and PRD Zoning Districts shall be four (4) square feet. Only one wall sign is allowed per residence. d. The maximum total display area for wall signs in the AP, and FP, Zoning Districts shall be twelve (12) square feet. Only one (1) wall sign is allowed per building. e. The maximum total display area for wall signs in the C-1, C-2, C-3, M-l, M-2, I-I, R/E, GC, and HOD Zoning Districts are as follows: (i). On any single lot with 30,000 square feet or less of floor area, the maximum total display area for wall signs shall be the lesser of (a) the display area calculated at one and six-tenths (1.6) square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of exterior wall business frontage, or (b) 200 square feet. The exterior wall business frontage shall be the front exterior wall facing the public right-ofway of a street. (ii). On any single lot with more than 30,000 square feet of floor area, the maximum total display area for wall signs shall be the lesser of (a) the display area calculated at one and six-tenths (1.6) square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of exterior wall business frontage, or (b) 320 square feet. The exterior tenant wall business frontage shall be the front exterior wall facing the public right-of-way of a street. (iii). For a Group Development, the maximum total display area for each tenant for an exterior wall sign on the exterior wall business frontage shall be the lesser of (a) the display area calculated at one and six-tenths (1.6) square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of exterior wall business frontage, or (b) 100 200 square feet. The exterior business wall frontage for each tenant space within a Group Development shall be the front exterior wall facing the public right-ofway of a street. For a Group Development with more than 30,000 square feet of floor area, the maximum total display area for wall signs shall be the lesser of (a) the display area calculated at one and six-tenths (1.6) square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of exterior wall business frontage, or (b) 320 square feet. The exterior tenant wall business frontage shall be the front exterior wall facing the public right-of-way of a street. f. Up to fifty percent (50%) of the wall sign surface may consist of a changeable copy sign; provided, however, that the sign copy of the changeable copy sign shall not change more than once in any twenty-four (24) hour time period. The wall sign shall not project more than twelve (12) inches from the wall. If the wall sign projects more than two and one-half (2½) inches from the wall, the wall sign shall be mounted so that the bottom of the wall sign is at least nine (9) feet above ground at finished grade below the wall sign. The wall sign may be illuminated. (d) That subsections (e), (i) and (q) of Section 9.10(7), SIGN PERMIT APPLICATION, are amended to read as follows: (7) Sign permit applications e. An address or legal description of the property upon which the sign is to be located. The legal address may be located on a certified boundary survey. i. For all wall mounted signs, the facade elevation with dimensions, drawn to scale. Windows and doors and other openings shall be delineated. q. Signature of Property Owner or complete an “Authorization to Act As Applicant for Property Owner” form. (e) That Section 9.10(9) DESIGN REQUIREMENTS is amended to read as follows: (9) Design Requirements a. Tenant panels in monument signs. All tenant panels in a monument sign, including those added to an existing sign structure, shall be constructed of similar materials and illuminated by a similar method. b. Wall signs. Wall signs shall not be installed to cover windows, doors, or other types of fenestration. (f) That Section 9.12(2), BRIGHTNESS LEVEL, is amended to read as follows: (2) Luminance/Brightness Level. Self-luminous outdoor signs shall not operate at brightness levels more than 0.3 foot candles above ambient lighting conditions when measured using a footcandle (Lux) meter. The sign’s brightness level is measured at a certain distance based on the sign area. The distance to measure the sign’s foot- candles is calculated using the following
See Notices, page B13
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Notices, from B12 formula: Measurement Distance =√Area of Sign X 100, rounded to the nearest whole number. (Research and Information about measuring brightness levels can be obtained from research by the International Sign Association, August 2016.) The signs shall be equipped with manual diming or scheduled dimming controls, or photocell/light sensors that automatically dims the brightness of the sign as ambient conditions change. Prior to issuance of a sign permit, the applicant shall provide a written certification from the sign company or sign manufacturer that brightness levels will not exceed 0.3 foot candles above ambient lighting conditions. (g) That Schedule A to Section 9.12(3) is amended to read as follows: SCHEDULE A Pursuant to Section 9.12(3), entitled “Reduction of Non-Digital Billboards through Conversion to, or Replacement by, Digital Billboards,” it is recognized that the City has a goal to reduce in the number of billboards in the City. In addition to ordinary attrition and in addition to the destruction of billboards through Acts of God, lawful nonconforming non-digital billboards that currently exist within the City may be removed by other means. Specifically, such nonconforming non-digital billboards may be converted to nonconforming digital billboards based upon the trade ratio, the sunset provision, and the other conditions as set forth in this Schedule A. Except as specifically set forth in this Schedule A, no vested rights shall accrue to any person or entity. This Schedule A provides two alternatives for minimum trades of existing billboards or legal non-conforming off-site commercial signs constructed prior to the adoption of this ordinance. Each new digital sign face shall require one of the following alternatives as a pre-condition for the vested right to place one and no more than one (1) digital billboard sign face into operation. a) Standard billboards – a minimum trade ratio of 4:1, namely at least four (4) qualifying nonconforming non-digital billboard sign faces (each qualifying sign face must equal or exceed two hundred twenty-five square feet (225 sq. ft.) b) Small billboards – billboards or off-premise commercial signs shall be allowed to trade signs smaller than 225 square feet if the total of all sign faces exceeds 900 square feet. 1) The replacement digital billboard structure shall have no more than two (2) digital faces, with any one digital sign face not exceeding three hundred square feet (300 sq. ft.). 2) The surrounding cabinet or border shall not exceed six inches in width. 3) Each sign face, up to a maximum of two sign faces per billboard structure, qualifies as an existing sign face so that the removal of an existing billboard structure with two (2) or more sign faces qualifies as the removal of two existing sign faces. 4) All sign faces shall be removed from an existing billboard structure and the structure and visible foundation demolished and removed in order for each removed sign face to qualify as an eliminated sign. 5) Each digital changeable face qualifies as a replacement sign face under this schedule. However, each advertising face
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within a digital changeable face shall not count as an additional replacement sign face. 6) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an eliminated sign structure has more than two (2) sign faces, only two sign faces count as a qualifying replacement sign face. Each replacement billboard sign structure shall be located at the site of an eliminated sign which was demolished and removed. In other words, all replacement sign structures are restricted to the locations of qualifying signs eliminated under this Schedule A. 7) Replacement signs shall not be relocated to new sites or locations. 8) All replacement signs shall meet all requirements and regulations of the City of Opelika and all applicable laws and regulations of the State of Alabama. Absent compliance with the foregoing, no building permit shall issue. If any building permit is issued without complying with the foregoing, then the building permit is void ab initio. This Schedule A provides for a sunset period of twenty-five (25) years for any new digital billboard structure (inclusive of any new digital sign faces), meaning that any new digital billboard structure and any new digital billboard faces that are so placed must be physically removed in their entirety immediately upon the passage of twenty-five (25) years following their placement into operation or following the erection of the new billboard structure, whichever comes first. Any nonconforming non-digital billboard structure that is voluntarily removed as a result of the loss or termination of lease, or that is substantially destroyed by an Act of God, shall not be eligible to be counted as a “qualifying non-digital billboard structure.” Any new digital billboard structure, inclusive of its digital billboard face(s), shall be and remain nonconforming under the City’s Zoning Ordinance during the twenty-five (25) year sunset. In the event that any such structure is destroyed by an Act of God or is removed due to a loss or termination of lease before the conclusion of the twenty-five year period, then the structure may not be rebuilt or re-established elsewhere; and, in any such event, the sunset period shall be deemed at an end even though twenty-five year period has not fully elapsed, and any and all vested rights that then existed shall be fully and completely extinguished. Any new digital billboard structure and its digital billboard faces(s) that may be erected or placed in operation pursuant to this Schedule A shall be subjected to the following conditions as to placement [and operation]: 1. Digitally converted billboards (replacement billboards) shall be a minimum of two thousand five hundred (2,500) feet apart from any other digital billboard on the same road facing in the same direction of travel. 2. The new digital billboard structure shall be no higher than thirty (30) feet to the top of the sign structure or sign face from the ground level at the foot of the sign structure. 3. The new digital billboard structure shall only be located on one of the following roads, highways, or locations: I-85 or within one hundred (100) feet of I-85 and the Gateway Overlay Corridor Zoning District. However, no replacement billboard shall be located in the C-1 Zoning District or within the boundaries of any historic preservation district. 4. The new digital sign faces shall not exceed three hundred
square feet (300 sf.). 5. The messages on any digital sign face shall not change more frequently than once every ten (10) seconds. 6. Any digital sign shall abide by the brightness and luminance standards as are established from time to time for all digital signs that utilize lighting to display messages. 7. No digitally converted billboard (replacement billboards) shall be placed within any street right-of-way and no closer to the street right-of-way than the existing billboard. 8. Electrical wiring shall run underground from the power source to serve the digitally converted billboard. 9. The City, through appropriate personnel, may exercise its police powers to protect public health, safety and welfare by requiring emergency information to be displayed on digitally converted billboards. Emergency information includes, but is not limited to AMBER alerts, dangerous criminal alerts, fugitives from justice alerts, weather alerts and emergency management information. Upon notification, and at no cost to the City, the sign operator shall exclusively display the emergency alert for the period of one (1) hour. Thereafter, emergency alerts are to remain in rotation according to the designated issuing agencies protocols. 10. As part of the digital permitting process, the owner of a static billboard sign must identify in its application the following: (a) The location of the static billboard face to be replaced (b) The size of the static face to be replaced (c) The size of the digital billboard face being installed (d) The location of four (4) the other billboard faces being removed Section 2. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances. Any ordinance or parts thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law. Section 4. Publication. The City Clerk is directed to publish a synopsis of this Ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama pursuant to Section 11-45-8(b)(2), Code of Alabama, (1975) as amended. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the __day of _________________, 2020 PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the __day of _________________, 2020. CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the ___day of ______________, 2020. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK END All interested persons are invited to attend the Public Hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the Public Hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and Public Hearing. The City Council reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-2083 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if
B13 Dec. 11, 2019
LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Supplier Development Engineer, Opelika, AL: Master’s deg or equiv in ME or rel eng. field & 2 yrs’ exp (or Bach deg + 5 yrs’ exp) in mftg eng & quality eng w/ focus on Supplier Quality Improvement Programs & audit procedures, incl. performing precision measurements, inspecting sub-parts for defects & analyzing quality data w/ automotive parts mftg ind. Resume to Mando America Corp., 4201 N. Park Dr., Opelika, AL 36801. Test Engineer, Opelika, AL: Master’s deg in IE, ME, or rel eng field & completed postsecondary level coursework in Mechanical Design Mftg, Eng Mechanics, CAD & Machine Components, Design & Mftre, Product Design, Probability, Statistics, & Data Science for Engineers, Heat Transfer, Eng Economy, Mechanics of Materials Fluid Mechanics, E-Mechanical Sytm Design, Energy & Thermodynamics, Mechanical Eng Capstone Exp, & Product Sytm Analysis. Resume to Mando America Corporation, 4201 N. Park Dr., Opelika, AL 36801. Quality Engineer, Opelika, AL: Master’s deg in IE, Oper.& Technology Mgmt, or rel field & completed post-secondary level coursework in Decision Modeling, Database Mgmt, Process Analysis & Quality Mgmt, Execution & Control of Oper, Supply Chain Mgmt, Strategic Mgmt of Resources, & Statistics & Quantitative Analysis. Resume to Mando America Corp., 4201 N. Park Dr., Opelika, AL 36801. Supplier Quality Engineer, Opelika, AL: Bach deg in IE, Ind & Sytms Eng or rel field & 2 yrs’ quality eng exp in implementing & maintaining sub-parts supplier quality improvement programs & auditing sytms within automotive parts mftg ind. Resume to Mando America Corp., 4201 N. Park Dr., Opelika, AL 36801. Test Engineer, Opelika, AL: Master’s deg in IE, ME, or rel eng field & completed post-secondary level coursework in Ind Mgmt, Mftg Process, Mechanics of Materials, Thermodynamics, Capstone Design, Design of Machine Elements, & Automotive Eng. Resume to Mando America Corp., 4201 N. Park Dr., Opelika, AL 36801. Supplier Quality Engineer, Opelika, AL: Bach deg or equiv in IE or rel field & 2 yrs’ eng exp. in planning & managing new product devel’t for customers, supplier devel’t & preparing validation test plans for automotive parts mftr. In lieu of Bach deg + 2 yrs’ exp, will accept HS Diploma and 4 yrs’ stated exp. Resume to Mando America Corp., 4201 N. Park Dr., Opelika, AL 36801.
you require special accommodations due to a disability. WITNESS my hand this the 11th day of December, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 12/011/2019
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF RUTH THOMAS SUTTON A/K/A MARGIE THOMAS DUTTON COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undresigned on the 4th day of December, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand, and dated this the 4th day of December, 2019. JACKIE YOUNG COFIELD Legal Run 12/11, 12/18 & 12/25
CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in the Public Works Administrative Building located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session begins at 2:40 PM. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: 1. A public hearing on a request by Ronnie Wilson, authorized representative of the Opelika Industrial Development Authority, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Opelika Innovation and Technology Park subdivision, 2 lots at 3800 Birmingham Highway. 2. A public hearing on a request by David A. Slocum, authorized representative of Min Chang, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Fox Run Industrial Park Lot 1 subdivision one lot at 510 Walker Street. 3. A public hearing on a request by Mike Maher, authorized representative of Anthony & Catherine Stephens, property owners, for preliminary plat approval of the Stephens Woods Phase VI subdivision, 108 lots accessed at the terminus of Sawyer Drive and Catherine Drive. 4. A request by Steve Timms, authorized representative of Retirement Systems of Alabama, property owners, for final plat approval of National Village Phase 1D subdivision consisting of 8 lots accessed from Robert Trent Jones Trail. 5. A request by Jay Knight, authorized representative of Builders Professional Group, LLC, property owners, for final plat approval of The Village at Waterford Phase 3 subdivision consisting of 78 lots accessed from Arlee Lane and Brittany Lane. 6. A public hearing on a request by Scott Brown, authorized representative for Harry Nolen of Viking Sun Inc., property owners, for conditional use approval for a taproom lounge at 840 North Railroad Avenue.
7. A public hearing on a request by Sanjay R. Patel, authorized representative for Joseph and Suzanne Shepherd, property owners, for conditional use approval for a gas station and restaurant at 323 Samford Avenue. 8. (a) A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Bolt Engineering, Inc., authorized representative for Kyle S. Drake, Jr. Living Trust, property owner, to rezone 150 acres accessed at 2015 South Uniroyal Road from a R-1 zoning district to a PUD zoning district. (Tabled at the November 19, 2019 PC Meeting.) (b) An agenda item related to the rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for the 150 acres at 2015 South Uniroyal Road from a low density residential to a planned unit development. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the property, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map is recommended. (Tabled at the November 19, PC Meeting.) 9. (a) A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by John Persons, authorized representative for Morgan Foster, property owner, property owner, to rezone 22.7 acres at 1203 Crawford Road from a R-1 zoning district to a C-2 zoning district. (b) An agenda item related to rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for the 22.77 acres at 1203 Crawford Road from a low density residential to a light commercial land use category. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the property, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map is recommended. 10. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a rezoning request by Jason A. Forbus, authorized representative for Broad Metro, LLC, property owner, Will Kadish, manager, to rezone 32.45 acres accessed at 2899 Gateway Drive from a C-2, GC-P zone to a PUD zoning district. 11. The following agenda item is included as “Other Business” at the December 17th Planning Commission meeting: a. Barrett-Simpson, Inc/Blake Rice, Century Boulevard, C-2, Providence Apartments, 56 units, Conditional use approval will expire on December 18, 2019; requesting extension of conditional use approval for one year to December 17th , 2020. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/ public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings. The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council. Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 12/11/2019
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LEONARD
HAYWARD JERNIGAN, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 8th day of June, 2017, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. AUDIE HUFF JERNIGAN Administrator Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 12/11/19, 12/18/19 & 12/25/19
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES W. TURNER, JR., DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 20 th day of November, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. JANE T. POE and JOAN T. WILLIAMS Co-Personal Representatives Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Legal Run 11/27, 12/4 & 12/11
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF VICKI J. BRASWELL, Deceased - LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Remy Whatley on the 14th day of November, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Remy Whatley Legal Run 11/27, 12/04 & 12/11/2019
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARTHA J. MAXWELL, Deceased Case No. 2019-C-027 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration on the Estate of MARTHA J. MAXWELL, deceased having been granted to the undersigned, LARRY H. MAXWELL, on the 14th day of November, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County, 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. /s/ LARRY H. MAXWELL Larry H. Maxwell, Adminsitrator Legal Run 12/11/19, 12/18/19 & 12/25/19
pelika Observer O
B14 Dec. 11, 2019
Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku? Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/
This week’s Scramblers Answers: 1. Trifle 2. Tablet 3. Right 4. Feral - Today’s Word: LITTLE
Even Exchange Answers 1. Picket, Packet 2. Grime, Gripe 3. Better, Bitter 4. Refuse, Refute 5. Thyme, Theme
6. Forget, Forged 7. Shock, Smock 8. Gauze, Gauge 9. Copper, Cooper 10. After, Alter
Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019
Inside the Statehouse Opelika City Council recognizes Lamar Some Henry County stories Baker as ‘Officer of the Quarter’, issues a proclamation thanking community O members for cleanup efforts in Ward 2 ne of the really good guys in Alabama government took over the reigns as president of the Alabama Association of County Commissioners this summer. Henry County Probate Judge and County Commission Chairman David Money is an extremely outstanding and quality leader for his beloved Henry County. He is revered by his folks in Abbeville, Headland and throughout his home county. Henry County is one of the friendliest counties you will ever enter. Money is their boy or maybe you might say their David. You can see a look of admiration and reverence for Money in the eyes of his people when they look at him. He was raised in Henry County and therefore, he knows most of the folks there. His best buddy is his neighbor and friend Jimmy Rane, the “Yella Fella.” Some say this big old Henry County boy is one of the wealthiest men in the state. Rane still lives in Abbeville and has his business center there. Rane and Money visit over coffee several times a week. To observe the folks and relationships of Henry County, like the Money and Rane story, epitomizes the saying made popular by the late, great, Alabama storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham that “Alabama is just a big front porch.”
By Steve Flowers Having told you about Money, Rane and Henry County reminds me of another story about the county which I will share with you. Bill Baxley like most politicians had his favorite stories. One that Baxley told repeatedly throughout the years was about an old guy named Squatlow. Squatlow was nicknamed that because he would squat down close to the ground whenever he would talk with folks. You have seen old guys who do that, squat down while they talk. Old Squatlow would hunker down with a chew of tobacco in his mouth and gossip and swap stories all day. Baxley was a young district attorney for Houston and Henry counties. Houston is a fairly large county. Dothan is the county seat. Houston had about 90% of the people in the circuit with Henry County being the home to about 10% of the people in the circuit. Baxley was a youthful 25-year-old D.A. and would travel to Court on occasion in Henry County to prosecute the few wayward
criminals they had in Henry County. Baxley like most politicians would stop at a country store and drink a coke with the rural folks in the area. Henry County is a very sparsely populated rural county in the Wiregrass with two small towns, Abbeville and Headland. Abbeville happens to be the county seat. This story takes place in the early 1960s about the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Squatlow was a mechanic in a gas station/grocery store in the obscure community of Tumbleton in Henry County. Most folks in that area refer to Tumbleton as “Shelleyville” because most of the people have the surname Shelley. Squatlow’s whole world was no bigger than that county. The biggest places he had ever been were Abbeville and Headland with a population of nearly 1,000 people each. Well, they may have been back in the woods, but they sure knew about the Cuban Missile Crisis and the standoff between the United States and Russia. It was a scary situation. I think most people were afraid that a nuclear war was imminent. The whole world was on edge. During the week of this crisis, Baxley was traveling to court in Henry County. He stopped by Squatlow’s store in Tumbleton. Squatlow and See Flowers, page B16
By Michelle Key Publisher Mayor Gary Fuller and the Opelika City Council recognized Lamar Baker as the “Opelika Police Officer of the 4th Quarter” during last week’s city council meeting. Also during the meeting, Opelika firefighter Chuck Riddle was named “Firefighter of the Year.” Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
See Council, page B16
Lee County Commission holds next-to-last meeting of 2019 on Monday By Michelle Key Publisher The Lee County Commissioners voted to approve changes to the budget for the 2020 fiscal year that was approved at the end of September. This newly finalized budget comes $55.36 million in expenditures which includes funding for 17 new positions within the county. Also during the meeting, Sheriff Jay Jones recognized Jarred Foley on his promotion from corporal to sergeant. After Jones recognized Foley, Commission Chairman Judge Bill English surprised Jones with an award from
Photo by Michelle Key/Opelika Observer
the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, honoring him for his service and leadership to the Self Insurance Fund Board of Trustees. In other business the commission:
• approved the minutes of commission meeting held on Nov. 25 • voted to ratify and approve claims and procurement card transactions from November See LCC, page B16
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pelika O Observer
B16 Dec. 11, 2019
Opelika opposes wireless small cell legislation By Mayor Gary Fuller Special to the Opelika Observer 5G is the next generation of mobile broadband that will eventually replace or augment the current 4G LTE connection. With 5G, the customer will possibly see exponentially faster download and upload speeds. Carriers started rolling out fixed 5G to selected cities about two years ago and mobile 5G has already started making an appearance in cities around the United States this year with more comprehensive roll-outs expected in 2020. With the roll-out of 5G Internet service, carriers will be deploying “small cells,” a type of wireless technology for broadband infrastructure. Generally, small cell refers to both the small coverage area of the wireless signal, and the smaller size of the infrastructure. Smallcell installations generally cover much smaller geographical areas — measured in hundreds of feet — than traditional macrocell towers (cell towers) that can cover miles in each direction. The small cell antennas are much smaller than those deployed at macrocell sites and are often attached to buildings, rooftops and structures in the public rights-ofway (ROW), including utility poles. Pole or groundmounted equipment accompanying the antennas may be needed. Clusters of small cells can be visually unappealing and detract from the aesthetic of the community. Deployment and installation of small cells can potentially interfere with exist-
ing technology such as wireless traffic signals and other municipal technology in close proximity. In Alabama, most wireless infrastructure siting is governed by local governments. Cities and counties assess applications for permits to build new or other existing wireless facilities for a variety of purposes, including public safety, overall management of public property and rights-of-way, environmental issues, land use and community aesthetics. Small-cell deployment is already happening in Alabama through locally negotiated agreements. These negotiations are conducted in good faith to balance the demand for new technology while protecting public assets and aesthetic qualities unique to each community. Local governments have long advocated for universal access to high-speed broadband services, as these services are critical for the delivery of education, economic development, employment and a variety of essential services necessary for success and progress in the 21st century. Local governments have been leaders in developing innovative solutions for ensuring reliable high-speed broadband wireline and wireless services are widely available in their communities through the management of public streets and other public assets in a manner that balances competing interests and needs of various constituents. In Opelika, we welcome 5G technology. It is a crucial foundation for smart city initiatives.
Flowers, from B15 all the folks in the little community were scared. This was obviously the topic of conversation that day. Old Squatlow sauntered down in his lowest squatting position and just shook his head. “You know, I’ve been thinking about it all night, and
In 2019, the city of Opelika enacted ordinances to manage and streamline small cell deployments. Opelika’s small cell ordinances include provisions to protect safety and aesthetics. In October 2019, the Opelika City Council approved our first small cell deployment. Our new ordinance complies with the Federal Communications Commission’s Small Cell order that was issued last September. The order is a blatant effort by the FCC to strengthen the hand of carriers, such as AT&T, in their negotiations with local governments. In spite of the FCC order, during the 2019 Legislative Session, Sen. Arthur Orr introduced a bill aimed at establishing even more rules for small-cell deployments and amending existing statutes to additionally limit local governments’ ability to regulate such deployments. This bill was widely criticized by local governments across the state. This bill failed in the 2019 legislative session, but AT&T is actively lobbying the Legislature in hopes in getting the small cell bill passed in the next session. Senator Orr has said he will take up the issue in the 2020 legislative session. Senator Orr’s bill is an attempt to override local government control over the installation of wireless equipment, like small cells, in neighborhoods across Alabama. The proposed legislation will significantly impede local governments’ ability to serve as trustees of public property, safety and well-being.
I just know those damn Russians are going to bomb Abbeville. Yeah, they gonna drop one of them atom bombs right on Abbeville,” said old Squatlow. Baxley looked at Squatlow and said, “Squatlow, why in the world would the Russians drop a bomb on Abbeville, Alabama?” Squatlow looked at Baxley like he was the most stupid person he had ever seen. He shook his head at how ignorant
This legislation will transfer significant local resources to private companies, such as AT&T, without securing any guarantee of public benefit in return. The bill will deprive Alabama cities of their authority to regulate public rights-of-way and will leave municipalities minimal ability to control the aesthetics of their rights-of-way. The Opelika City Council and I are vigorously opposed to Senator Orr’s bill. This bill will preempt local jurisdictions from enacting sensible laws to protect their right-of-way and other public property. And remember, there are already federal rules and regulations that we must adhere to. AT&T and other large carriers are pursuing small cell wireless legislation because lobbyists and special interests know it’s easier to influence a few state lawmakers than hundreds of mayors and city councils across Alabama. This is a move by powerful corporations and a few state legislators to expand the power of the state over local control and to strip powers from cities and counties. The ability of local governments to manage their poles and rights-of-way is critical. Therefore, we urge state policy makers to resist the temptation to pass unnecessary statewide legislation that will override the ability for communities to make decisions locally. Alabama’s local communities are in the best position to make policy decisions for their local citizens regarding the use of public rights-ofway, and these agreements are already happening around the state.
this young, 25-year-old lawyer was. He looked at Baxley and said, “Boy, don’t you know nothing? Don’t you know that Abbeville is the county seat of Henry County?” See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.
Council, from B15 Fuller also read a proclamation honoring the community cleanup efforts in Ward 2. Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts and Golden Rule Lodge #11 members Darryl Mitchel, Derric Baker and Demarcie Whatley were present to accept the proclamation on the community’s behalf. Michael King was also recognized in the proclamation, posthumously for his service to Ward 2. “Michael was kind, loyal and committed to make sure that Ward 2 was clean,” Fuller read. King passed away in November 2018. Also during the meeting, the council: • approved a request 2019 Victorian Front Porch Tour for street closures during the event • approved a request from Mama Mocha Coffee for a street closure for the ‘Longest Table Event’ • denied a revised request from Opelika Main Street for Christmas in a Railroad Town pertaining to the times of the road closure for 8th Street • approved the Tru Blu Sports Bar request for a lounge retail liquor class I and an onpremise beer license • held public hearings and subsequently voted to approve the weed abatements on the following properties: - 100 Cottage Court - 101 Cottage Court - 102 Cottage Court - 103 Cottage Court - 104 Cottage Court - 106 Cottage Court - 108 Cottage Court • held a public
LCC, from B15 • approved a request for tuition reimbursement for a member of the sheriff’s department • approved a motion to dispense with the second commission meeting this month that was scheduled to be held on Dec. 30. The next scheduled commission meeting will be Jan. 13, 2020 • Wendy Swann encouraged
This week’s puzzle answers:
hearing to amend the zoning ordninance and map to rezone 105.6 acres in the 3800 block of Birmingham Highway - Later in the session the council voted to suspend the rules and vote after the first reading and voted to approve this ordinance • approved the bid for the Carver-Clanton TAPAA-TA17(922) Project • approved the bid for the Geneva Street Improvements • approved the expense reports from various departments • authorized the mayor to designate city personal property as surplus and to authorize the disposal of said property • approved an ALDOT agreement for Columbus Parkway Roundabout Project • approved an ALDOT agreement for Pepperell Pkwy MPO Project • approved a license agreement for rightof-way encroachment, with One Voice Coalition • approved a resolution for a tax abatement for Mando • approved a resolution for the contract for career firefighter cancer supplemental insurance coverage with Chubb Insurance Company • approved a resolution to authorize a purchase agreement, GO Warrants Series 2019-A and 2019-B • approved a resolution to initiate public process and to amend zoning ordinance for a PUD at Capps Landing • approved an application for a refund of sewer fees • held the first reading for an ordinance to amend city code and to add Chapter 4.5 titled “Art and Culture.”
the commissioners to select members of their districts to serve on the volunteer Complete Count Committee. Commission meetings are held on the 2nd and last Monday nights of every month unless otherwise discussed with meetings starting promptly at 5 p.m. in the commission chamber located on the 2nd floor of the courthouse annex. Entry to the annex is located on the 10th Street side of the building at this time due to ongoing renovations at the courthouse.