Opelika Observer 12-19-18 E-Edition

pelika O bserver O

Vol. 11, No. 11

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

• Be sure to check out our community calendar for an updated list of holiday events happening in our community.

• The forecast for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day calls for partly cloudly skies with temperatures in the high 50s or low 60s.

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

One Accord Social Group holds annual toy giveaway for local Covington Community children Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika’s Rev. Clifford Jones shares thoughts on true meaning of Christmas

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer More than 100 children were gifted Christmas presents last Saturday during the annual event.

For more photos from the event, turn to B8.

This is the third installment of a four-part series of prominent Opelikans and their favorite Christmas memories or traditions. On behalf of the Opelika Observer staff, we hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season ahead.

One of Rev. Clifford Jones’s favorite challenges of the Christ-

mas season is to find and present a different viewpoint of the Biblical tale of Jesus’ birth to share with his congregation.

“Through my messages, I want to reenergize people and remind them of the true nature and spirit of the season.

I enjoy trying to find nuggets that does not change the story but at the same time bring more emphasis on the See Jones, page A2

‘Gotta Have It’ opens Opelika Fire Department in USA Town Center receives grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Quality new and used gift items are for sale at “Gotta Have It,” located in Opelika’s USA Town Center.

Owned and operated by Opelika resident Sherry Swindle, the store opened its doors last month.

Products offered include artwork from local painter Pam Coxwell, Auburn and Alabama apparel, seasonal merchandise and Victorian-style See Shop, page A12

Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Index

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

The City of Opelika Fire Department announced last week that it has received a $16,782 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which has been used to purchase Holmatro extrication equipment, comprising of lifting-bag kits and accessories.

In the city’s ongo-

CALENDAR...............................B4 RELIGION......................................B5 LEGALS ....................................B11 ENTERTAINMENT.....................B12

ing commitment to providing the best possible emergency services, the addition of this lifting equipment will vastly improve capabilities in life-safety and emergency operations. Not only will these lifting bags be a vital component in vehicular accident response and extrication, but they will also serve in emergencies involving structural collapse

and other miscellaneous incidents where the raising of excessive weight is necessary.

“This equipment purchase will be a vital addition to our rescue/extrication abilities, and we sincerely appreciate Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for this generous contribution to our community,” See Grant, page A12

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A2 December 19, 2018

Medical Arts Pharmacy celebrates 50 years of service; founder’s son follows in his footsteps

By Morgan Bryce Editor Quality care and topnotch customer service are the cornerstones of Opelika’s Medical Arts Pharmacy, which is celebrating its 50th year in business.

Following several stints at other pharmacies, including a 13-year career with Central Pharmacy in downtown Opelika, Alabama Polytechnic Institute graduate Louie Miller opened Medical Arts Pharmacy in 1968. Fifty years later, the business remains in the Miller family under the leadership of his son, Dennis.

A 1971 graduate of Opelika High School, Dennis followed in his father’s footsteps at Auburn University (previously known as the Alabama Polytechnic Institute) and enrolled in pharmacy school. Fin-

Jones,

from A1 Christmas message,” Jones said.

Jones and the rest of his 15 other siblings grew up on a small family farm in Laurel, Mississippi. Growing up with a deep appreciation and love for the farming lifestyle, he attended the nearby

ishing in 1983, he began working in his father’s business as a pharmacist the day after graduation.

Starting in the family business at 15 years old, Dennis said his daily duties consisted of prescription deliveries, stocking shelves and whatever else needed to be done.

“I did a little bit of everything,” Dennis said.

The father-and-son duo worked together for the next 10 years before Louie passed the business down to Dennis in 1993.

“There wasn’t a day after I took over that I didn’t ask him for advice or help on something,” Dennis remembered.

Despite the rapid amount of change during the last 50 years, Dennis said the primary tenets of the business have remained firm.

“We try to make per-

sonal customer service our number-one priority. And we’ve been able to retain that look and feel of a small-town drug store,” Dennis said. “We’ve got a little bit of everything, and specialty products that not many other stores carry.”

Keeping in step with the digital era, the pharmacy recently launched an app available for Android and iPhone users that will streamline the prescription-filling process for its customers.

“This will help save us time and we won’t have to talk on the phone. It’s a little more specific and helps the customer pinpoint what they’re looking for,” Dennis said.

Along with Dennis, two other full-time pharmacists are employed at the pharmacy: his son Scott and Susan Nolen.

In addition to helping people heal and recovery from injury or sickness, Dennis said he and his staff enjoy the relationships they build with their customers.

“We’ve got customers who are the fifth generation in their family to support our business.

It’s really cool to see that doing business with a place like us can be passed from generation to generation,” Dennis said.

The pharmacy’s hours are 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Monday-Friday. For more information, visit www.medicalartspharmacy.com or call 334745-5756. It is located at 121 N. 20th St.

Alcorn State University, where he majored in agricultural education.

After graduating in 1969, Jones took a job with the USDA in Massachusetts as a soil conservationist. During his 12-year stint in the state, he enrolled in the nondenominational Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, receiving a master’s degree with a major in religious education and

minor in marriage and family relations.

In 1981, he was transferred by the USDA back to the South, taking over as a district soil conservationist in Coosa County. Several years and positions later, including time spent as a soil services liaison for Tuskegee University, he returned to the position of district soil conservationist in Russell County.

It was during his time working in Russell County that he pursued a career in the ministry, serving as the pastor of Pleasant View Baptist Church in Salem in 1992. A year later, he accepted the call take over as pastor of Opelika’s Greater Peace Baptist Church where he has remained since.

During his 25-year tenure, Jones said Christmas has devel-

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

focus.

“We celebrate His birth because had He not been born, then He could not have died for our sins. His birth brought us to the realization of the fact that we have an opportunity to spend eternity with God in Heaven,” Jones said. “If we fail to accentuate the true meaning of Christmas, then we will drift more and more away from that.”

oped into a cherished season at the church, with traditions including children’s recitation of Bible verses on Sunday mornings during December and a large annual congregational singing of timeless Christmas carols. Through programs like these, he said he hopes to reverse the over-commercialization of the Christmas season and return it to its original

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

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

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pelika O Observer

A3 December 19, 2018

Leadership Lee County chooses Lee County Humane Society as service project; plans to raise $10,000 for building repairs

By Morgan Bryce Editor Members of Leadership Lee County are aiming to raise $10,000 for a service project benefitting the Lee County Humane Society.

During a press conference held last week at the Lee County Justice Center, class member Kristen Reeder said the money raised will cover the cost of repairs to the building’s interior and facilities - new ceiling tiles and dehumidifiers, clean drains and fresh paint - as well as improve its overall aesthetic for visitors looking to adopt.

“I thought that this would be a great oppor-

tunity with the amazing people that we have in this program to do something a little bit different for the (Lee County) Humane Society,” Reeder said. “We’re going to spend time fixing up the facilities ourselves, because at the end of the day, it’s about making a love match. We want those potential adopters to come in and feel the environment that they want to adopt these animals in.”

With approximately 125-150 animals present in the shelter at all times, LCHS Shelter Director T.J. McCullough said these repairs will improve their odds of adoption, overall well-being and reduce overcrowding

issues.

“It’s been a huge struggle to get contractors to commit to come on a paying basis to come and help us out ... (and) we are unbelievably thankful for this group and the community that’s going to help pitch in and get this done,” McCullough said.

Reeder added that each member of the class is responsible for providing or raising a minimum of $200 for the project. Donations or sponsorships can be made through the LLC Facebook page or by clicking the “Current Class” tab of the organization’s website www. leadershipleecounty. org and selecting donate below. She said they hope

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer to have both the money and work completed by March 2019.

For more informa-

tion, email kreeder@ auburnalabama.org, like and follow the LLC’s social media pages or visit

www.leecountyhumane. org. The shelter is located at 1140 Ware Drive in Auburn.

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pelika O Opinion

A4 December 19, 2018

L

inda... Listen, They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but lately it’s just been the most stressful. Everyone isbrunning around crazy trying get everything done before Christmas, and for what? I love being home for the holidays, but my family is already driving me crazy.

What should I do to get everyone back on track?

How can I get everyone, including myself, to stop stressing and start enjoying the holiday season?

Sincerely, The Grinch Dear Grinch, Believe me, I can definitely relate to your situation. For many years I have experienced what you are going through and to be honest its exhausting! I got to the point where I dreaded Christmas each year.

Christmas has gotten way too commercialized and we can’t even enjoy Thanksgiving anymore because of all the Pre-Black Friday Sales! The holidays can make people feel out of control. We feel at the

mercy of our relatives or steamrolled by the sheer force of family tradition.

But you do have a say in all of this.

The key is to take some control over the holidays, instead of letting them control you.

For example, you may find the family obligations of the holidays overwhelming. You have to make the fruit cakes according to your grandmother’s recipe, even though you personally find them repulsive.

You have to go over to your aunts for the holiday dinner, even though she always drinks too much, makes a scene, and freaks you out. You have to leave a poinsettia on your grandfather’s grave, even though it’s three hours and two states away.

You don’t exactly want to do any of these things.

You just have to. The big question here is do you

really have to?

The next step is to challenge some of the have to’s. If you enjoyed the holidays differently this year, what would happen? What if you didn’t go to your aunt’s for dinner? What if you didn’t bring the poinsettias to your grandfather’s grave? You would probably work yourself into panic mode like I used to! Once you get past that initial panic, think about what would really happen.

Maybe your aunt would be annoyed. Is that the end of the world? Could you make it up to her later with a lunch date in February?

Instead of going all the way to Egypt and back to your grandfather’s grave, could you honor him in a different way such as lighting a candle or donating in his name to a local organization?

Once you take a stand, then I would be willing to bet that not only you, but the majority of your family will catch on and hopefully these changes will allow an enjoyable and peaceful Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Linda

My Toyota Ate A Christmas Tree

I

t is a Friday afternoon, and I am back in middle school. Well…

I’m in the parking lot of a middle school. Midland Academy in Columbus, Georgia has asked me to speak to their creative writing class. They are focusing on careers and how to obtain and keep the career you want most.

And so there are a handful of kids who want to be a writer, and I am here to tell them how to do just that.

I have no idea what I’m going to say.

Writing has always come naturally to me. If I’m awake, I am collecting stories and thoughts to turn into words on paper.

If I’m asleep, I’m dreaming about more things to write about. But for the last week or so, I have struggled with the process.

Is it just me, or is there an incredible amount of negativity everywhere? I have abandoned watching television altogether, but still I am bombarded with unhappy people and stressful situations. At work, I deal with patients who are sick…. sick in their body, and, more often than not, sick in their spirit. They complain and argue and sometimes yell.

And then I leave work and drive to Kroger where the person behind me in line runs into me with their buggy and then glares as if it’s my fault for standing in line. And the girl at the Captain D’s drive thru (where they make the only dinner in town that my dad craves) simply cannot seem to handle the computerized math involved in selling three pieces of fish. Every time I go, I am charged a different amount for the exact same meal.

By Wendy Hodge

And it’s served with a grunt and a grimace.

Add Christmas shopping with the never-ending lines, the hard-to-buy-for relatives, and a limited budget, and you have the makings for a real bah humbug attitude.

And the rain! Can we please talk about how we never see the sun anymore?!

Day after day, I have picked up my pen and sat and stared at a blank piece of paper until my eyes glaze over, and I eventually take a nap and promise myself that TOMORROW I WILL WRITE! There is a fellow writer, my friend Lucy, who I knew would understand my dilemma, so I texted her on Monday morning and said, “My pen is dry.

Help!”

She understood, just as I knew she would, and was so encouraging. She reminded me that there are places in the world we can go where the noise and chaos of modern life has no effect. Just a few words from her, and I felt better. I had a plan…. right after work, I would find myself a place outside to sit and think and breathe.

The universe, I had been reminded, has a way of filling those empty places in our spirit.

And then it started raining. Again.

I drove up 280, heading for my daughter’s apartment, thinking

how I would be just fine with skipping Christmas entirely this year and giving it a double effort in 2019. There was a pickup truck in front of me with all kinds of junk rolling around in the bed, including a huge Christmas tree.

A real one. Nothing was secured, and the tailgate was down. I slowed down and put on my blinker to pass.

And then the tree flew out of the truck. There was traffic to my left and an 18-wheeler pulled onto the shoulder to my right. I had no other choice but to grip the steering wheel and eat that Christmas tree with my Toyota. It sounded like I’d run over an explosive device. The car shook and shimmied, and I am sure I screamed like a little girl.

I had no choice but to pull in to the nearest gas station… which was about a mile away. That was the longest mile of my life.

The temperature gauge read HOT, and there was a suspicious odor billowed through the front seat.

Maybe that was just my fear. I’m not entirely sure.

Finally there was the Circle K, like a safe haven in the night. I pulled in, grabbed my stuff, and jumped out. And there it was, an entire balsam fir sticking out of the front of my car. Branches hung from the grill. I removed a few, and the entire bumper fell off.

A couple of strangers stopped to take pictures, and I began the ordeal of roadside assistance, insurance companies, and rental cars.

The smell of burning auto parts had been replaced with the smell of See Hodge, page A6

D

Dear Sean:

EAR SEAN:

My husband died three years ago this February, and I know you grew up underneath the same shadow with your father. My son is fourteen, I’m afraid he will never have any joy whatsoever again.

More than anything, I want his Christmas to be awesome, but I am at a complete loss.

Does it ever get any better?

GRIEVING-ATCHRISTMAS DEAR GRIEVING: Decades ago.

The downtown was decorated with tinsel and little plastic bells hanging from streetlamps. Santa and his reindeer were strung across the rooftops of mainstreet.

The fiberglass Santa had his right hand outstretched in a perpetual wave to passerbyers.

Though, something was very wrong with Santa. Very, very wrong.

But more about that later.

Anyway, I was in town with my mother. We were shopping for the holidays.

My father had died a few years

By Sean Dietrich

earlier. My mother was not the woman she used to be. She was sad. So was I. Also, I had gained roughly fifteen pounds that year because I was, and still am, an emotional eater. This is why football season continues to wreak havoc on my body.

Also, I have had a lifelong love affair with Chili Cheese Fritos.

That holiday season felt like torture. Everyone else was happy, but not us. We couldn’t laugh, joke, or crack smiles.

We were going through the motions, doing what regular people are supposed to do during December. Gifts, festive music, cheap decor, blah, blah, blah.

That day in town, my mother turned me loose in the department store. I had fifteen dollars to spend on friends, foes, and kin.

Oh, how times have changed. Today, fifteen bucks wouldn’t even buy an iPhone charger.

I wandered through the store with no idea how to spend my money.

After all, why should I care about stuffed animals, jars of pepper jelly, barrels of popcorn, or cheap perfume? The world was falling apart.

I found my mother in the checkout aisle. I approached her with empty hands. I gave the fifteen dollars back to her.

“You’re not gonna buy anything?” she said.

“No, ma’am.”

“Nothing?”

“Nothing.”

We wandered outside. I carried bags of gifts she’d bought. We strolled the sidewalk at a snail’s pace.

That’s when we noticed a small crowd, gathered beneath the fiberglass Santa suspended over the street.

People were pointing, hands over their mouths, snickering.

My mother started laughing when she saw what they were pointing at.

It was vandalism.

A local high-schooler named Marty Daniels would go down in history for removing all Santa’s fingers with hedge See Dietrich, page A6

Eating ‘Eatin’ Dirt’

S

ome years ago, Roy Blount, Jr., clearly the funniest Southerner writing today, wrote about being at a fancy New York literary soiree shortly after The New By Hardy Jackson York Times published Au contraire (as a story on how the they say at sophisti“Southern Practice cated soirees). of Eating Dirt Shows For the other day, I Signs of Waning.” found on “The Bitter Sure enough, a soiSoutherner” an article ree-sophisticated lady denying that dirt eatsidled up to Blount, ing was waning, and looked at him “that advising folks that way,” and in a voice the time had come for that did not hide her distain said, accusing- “Making Peace with the Age-Old Practice ly, “I understand you of Eating White Dirt.” people eat dirt down (For those who there” (or something don’t know, “The like that. I don’t have Bitter Southerner” is handy a copy Blount a sorta on-line SouthJr’s account of the ern literary soiree that incident, so I cannot quote her directly, but also deserves your attention, whether you you get the point.) are bitter or not.)

What Blount Jr. The article pointed wrote in reply was out that indeed, an explanation of Southerners eat dirt. the ways by which However, contrary to dirt eating might be what folks who ain’t denied or defended, from around here and how a New York apparently believe, soiree-sophisticate Southerners do not go might be put in her out, pick up a handful place.

Find yourself a copy of red clay, and scarf it down – at least not – Roy Blount Jr., “I Don’t Eat Dirt Person- on purpose. Back in my football playing ally.” You’ll thank days I occasionally me.

With that, I thought found myself with a the matter was settled. mouth full of football

field dirt. It was not a pleasant experience. I spit it out.

Growing up in Lower Alabama and bagging groceries in a small store that catered to a racially and socially mixed clientele, I heard folks talk about eating “eatin’ dirt.” One day a guy came in with news that a highway cut had exposed a seam of “eatin’ dirt.” He went on to tell anyone who would listen of how “dirt eaters” – whom he clearly counted among the lowest of the low -- scooped it out by the buckets full until the bank was near collapse. Then the seam ran out and the road was saved.

I thought of this back when I first read Blount Jr.’s article, for it confirmed that yes, indeed, Southerners do eat dirt.

Now, thanks to the article in “The Bitter Southerner,” I find out that I am a dirt eater myself.

And so are you, probably.

You see, “eatin’ dirt” is mostly kaolin, a white clay that you can find in everything from toothpaste to See Jackson, page A6

pelika O Observer

Around Lee County

A5 December 19, 2018

Smiths Station City Council amends Iconic Valley Christmas planning commission meeting times Merry-Go-Round continues

to delight the community; will be open thru Dec. 24

By Morgan Bryce Editor The Smiths Station City Council approved an amendment to the meeting times of the city’s planning commission during last Tuesday’s regular meeting.

Held on the first Tuesday of each month, the planning commission’s

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer see no problem with this meeting times will be going forward,” said scaled back 30 minutes, Mayor Bubba Copeland. with the work session Another change for starting at 6 p.m. E.S.T. the planning commission and regular meeting at was the appointment of 6:30 p.m. E.S.T. “Prior to this adminis- City Clerk Scott Johnston to the city’s plantration, they didn’t have ning commission as an a work session, which administrative official. is now much needed for He will make his first some of the things they have to deal with. 7 p.m. appearance as a comis extremely late, and See Smiths, page A6

Opelika Tractor Supply Company store to host pet photos with Santa event Special to the Opelika Observer Tractor Supply Company wants your furry friends to get in the holiday spirit. On Dec. 22 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., the Opelika Tractor Supply is inviting customers to bring their pets to the store for Pet Photos with Santa.

A local photographer will be on site during the event taking holidaythemed photos of Santa's Little Helpers and their owners. The first 25 customers who get a photo taken will also receive a free magnetic picture frame.

"Pets are as much our customers as their owners are," said Billy Lee, manager of Opelika Tractor Supply store. "This is one of many pet-themed events we offer throughout the year, and we enjoy having the entire family at the store."

This event is open to the public and will take place at 2600 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact the Opelika Tractor Supply store at 334-737-7775.

About Tractor Supply Company Tractor Supply Com-

pany (NASDAQ: TSCO) is in its 80th year of operation and, since being founded in 1938, has grown to become the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States. With more than 28,000 team members, more than 1,700 stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website, Tractor Supply is passionate about serving its unique niche, as a one-stop shop for recreational farmers, ranchers and all those who enjoy living the rural lifestyle. Tractor Supply offers an extensive mix of products necessary to care for home, land, pets and animals with a focus on product localization, exclusive brands and legendary customer service that addresses the needs of the Out Here lifestyle.

The company leverages

its physical store assets with digital capabilities to offer customers the convenience of purchasing products they need anytime, anywhere and any way they choose at the everyday prices they deserve. As of Sept. 29, the company operated 1,748 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.TractorSupply.com.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer To check the schedule or for more information, call 334-756-5290 or visit www.cityofvalley.com.

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A6 December 19, 2018

Dietrich,

from A4

clippers, except for the middle finger.

Kris Kringle appeared to have bad case of road rage.

My mother stared at Santa’s obscene gesture, aimed at all God’s creatures.

Her laughter became uncontrollable.

The dam inside us broke. We both laughed until our stomachs hurt. She howled so hard she had to lean against a shop window and cover her face. I almost became incontinent.

She dropped her bags, chest heaving with each cackle.

And I pressed my face into her chest.

Our laughter turned into crying.

We held each other like a couple of fools. And after a few moments, we realized people were staring at us. They were congregated on the sidewalk, no longer looking at Santa, but at us.

Of course, they knew why we were crying. They probably knew more about my family

than I did.

My mother wiped her tears, and faced her spectators. But she couldn’t contain that laugh. She glanced at Santa and started again. So did I. So did the others.

We all laughed.

Then, a few people took turns hugging us. They wrapped their arms around my mother and me, one at a time, placing cold cheeks against ours. They whispered things like: “I’m praying for you,” and “Call me if you need anything.”

This embarrassed me so bad I almost slinked away and hopped a train for Greenland. The last thing anyone wants is pity. But every time I looked at Santa, my sadness turned into humor.

That night at supper, my mother started giggling about it all over again. This time we laughed so hard we couldn’t finish eating. Our hysteria ended in an fullbody embrace. And lots of tears.

And I’ll never forget what my mother said: “God, I miss the way we used to

pelika O Observer laugh.”

That year, instead of repairing Santa’s fingers, community officials placed a baseball glove over his defiled hand.

My mother and I still talk about it today. And we still chuckle.

Nothing I can write will make your life even one ounce better. I don’t know if your Christmas will be merry this year.

But I do pray for you. I mean it. I pray you will remember good things instead of bad. I pray that you find a way to smile, and relearn how good laughter feels.

And above all, I pray Saint Nick doesn’t shoot the bird this year.

It really does get better.

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.

Hodge,

from A4 balsam. I contemplated buying a wreath, hanging it on the 3 feet of trunk that extended from the grill, and driving on my merry way. Instead I looked up at the sky and said, “Okay, universe. I hear you. Merry Christmas to me, whether I like it or not!”

And now the universe has handed me another gift. I just spent the last hour speaking to a dozen bright, interested, energetic kids who are on the brink of their teenage years. They are completely self-conscious one moment and open and talkative the next.

I was asked to speak for 45 minutes, and I started by telling them a little about myself and how I came to work for a local newspaper and an international publishing company. I tried to convey my process and my inspiration, but after about ten minutes I realized

Jackson,

from A4

Kaopectate. You can also find chunks of it in a purer form for sale in plastic bags in the snack section of your local bait and beer shop.

Not only that, eating “eatin’ dirt” is nothing new. Folks have been doing it for more than 2,000 years – long before there were Southerners to look down on for doing it.

And now comes the kicker.

Eating “eatin’ dirt is not something practiced solely by poor whites and blacks. Nor can it be cited as one more piece of evidence of degeneracy in Dixie.

Nossir, eating “eatin’ dirt” has gone uptown.

Shortly after “The Bitter Southerner” ar-

Smiths,

from A5

mission member at their January meeting.

The council also approved a resolution

what I really wanted was to hear what they had to say.

“Would any of you like to read something you’ve written?” They all spoke at once, hands raised in the air, grinning and chattering. I chose a desk in the middle of the room and listened as they read aloud about depression and self-harm, life in middle school, ADHD, and other struggles.

One young lady read her modern take on Beauty and the Beast. A shy little girl placed her piece on my desk and asked me, “Can you just read this to yourself? I hope you like it.” It felt like a gift, and I enjoyed every word. A young man had another student read the piece he’d written about losing his beloved dog. He couldn’t bear to read the words out loud himself. He silently cried, and I cried right along with him.

I realized, sitting there, that the children had gravitated from the outer desks in the room to the ones next to me…. a circle of writers, story tell-

ers, precious little spirits.

And now, after that completely perfect hour, I am in a borrowed car with the windshield wipers battling this eternal rain. I had forgotten that the world is full to the brim with stories that need to be told.

All I had to do was open my heart up again. Shame on me, for not remembering the privilege it is to be a keeper of stories. You were right, Lucy, there is always something to write about. Thank you, students of Midland Academy, for giving me much more than I gave you.

I take off my jacket and step out into the parking lot, breathing in the cold wet air and raise my face to the sky. “I hear you, universe. I hear you!”

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

ticle, a piece appeared in The New York Times announcing that “Eating Clay is Touted

by Celebrities.”

The fact that I had never heard of the celebrities doing this touting should in no way diminish the importance of the touting they are doing.

While pushing her new movie, one actress praised “the breathfreshening and bodydetoxifying properties of clay.”

Meanwhile a “juicing chain,” owned in part by another actress, introduced “a one-ounce bentonite clay shot,” which some folks say will clean you out like a Roto-Rooter.

Plans are in the works to turn it into a drink and bottle it.

Still, there is a downside.

Although clay is high in minerals such as cal-

cium, iron and copper, physicians warn that it might also be full of bacteria, viruses and parasites. I don’t know if the bugs in clay are some of the same ones that plagued Southerners for years, but if that is the case my buddy John’s efforts to organize a “save the hookworm” movement might finally take off.

What has already taken off is “Earthpaste,” a clay based tooth paste sold in health food stores. It is ugly – think of a slug on your toothbrush – but folks are buying it.

If they swallow it, they are eating “eatin’ dirt.” Just like the rest of us.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hjackson@ cableone.net

increasing the amount of petty cash kept at the Smiths Station Government Center. Copeland and Chief Financial Officer Shelby Branton reported that they are expecting an influx of business permit pur-

chases during the next few weeks.

In other business, the council: • approved a resolution for the funding of the city’s Christmas tree-lighting ceremony that was held Dec. 4 • approved a resolution setting a holiday schedule for city operations in 2019 • heard updates on the progress of the soon-tobe-completed employee handbook.

The Smiths Station City Council meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, with a work session beginning at 5:30 p.m.

E.S.T. and regular meeting at 6 p.m. E.S.T. Their meetings are held in the council chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430. For more information, visit smithsstational.gov or call 334-297-8771.

happy Birthday,

alabama!

It’s Alabama’s 200th birthday.

Join the celebration!

Special bicentennial events and activities are planned throughout the state. Here are a few and be sure to visit ALABAMA200.org to find more!

December 31, 2018 MoonPie Over Mobile: Bicentennial New Year’s Celebration, Mobile May 27, 2019 Alabama Bicentennial Memorial Day at American Village, Montevallo July 4 Alabama Bicentennial 4th of July at Thunder on the Mountain, Birmingham November 11 Alabama’s Bicentennial Veterans Day: Celebration at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile November 28-29 48th Poarch Creek Thanksgiving Pow Wow, Atmore December 13-15 Alabama Bicentennial Finale and Alabama Bicentennial Park Dedication, Montgtomery

®

alabama200.org

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • Fa La La Festival at Library • Christmas in Camelot • Jazz and Jokes

Ryan family shares love of cooking for the Christmas season Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

W

ith everyone in the family being a good cook, the Christmas season at the home of Janice and Jim Ryan is filled with delectable homemade dishes from Holiday Eggnog to yummy Maple Candy.

The Ryans are sharing traditions and recipes for Christmas Eve, brunch and dinner, as well as New Year’s Day, including Jim’s winning pork tenderloin recipe.

The Ryans have a love for cooking and offering hospitality. Janice and Jim take turns cooking

together. Most of the time, they try to do some cooking ahead before company arrives. “We have a family kitchen,” Jim said, “If everything is not ready, that is fine.

We tell guests to come in the kitchen, have a drink and we will talk.”

Janice and Jim have known each other since the fourth grade in Gadsden. Janice and her family moved away when she was in the fourth grade to the eighth, and then returned when she was in the ninth grade.

They started dating their senior year in high

school.

When Janice was growing up, her family enjoyed the bounty from her grandmother’s garden. Everyone in her family enjoyed cooking as well. Her mother would can tomatoes and homemade spaghetti sauce.

While her mother never served highly seasoned food, Jim’s mother did. His father grew scotch bonnets and would eat them out of the garden. “We had a joke that my mother had a tin of black pepper her entire life,” Janice said,

Photo Special to the Observer The Ryan family’s traditions have always been about the birth of Jesus, being with family and friends and sharing the love of cooking. The Ryans are sharing favorite recipes for Christmas and New Year’s Day. Pictured with Janice and Jim are from left, front row, Mary Ryan, Rachel Ryan and Chase Ryan. Part two of the Ryans’ recipes will run next week.

“and Jim came along and emptied it quickly.”

Both of Jim’s parents are from Franklin, Tennessee, where he was born. His family moved to Gadsden when he was in grammar school. His mother was a good cook and taught Jim life skills of how to cook, iron and sew.

Janice and Jim both

graduated from Auburn University and married in the fall after graduating. Jim began working with Tom Foods in Columbus, where they lived for three years. They became close friends with two neighbors, who have remained good friends.

They attended church together and took turns cooking suppers.

The Ryans moved to this area in 1984 for Jim to work at Ampex in Opelika. After 13 years, he took a position with Auburn University where he received his master’s degree and doctorate. He decided to have a second career in teaching. After eight years at Auburn, he See Recipes, page A10

100 Black Men of America O Town Ice Cream to Inc. hold scholarship gala hold soft opening Friday

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

By Michelle Key Publisher The AuburnOpelika chapter of 100 Black Men of America Incorporated

held their 9th annual Scholarship Gala last weekend.

The Vice Chairman of the national organization, Albert E. Dotson, Jr., was the

keynote speaker for the event.

Dotson challenged the crowd to go to a school and ask the See Gala, page A9

Crowds enjoy ‘Christmas in a Railroad Town’ event

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The annual “Christmas in a Railroad Town” event hosted by Opelika Main Street brought crowds out Dec. 7. Pictured above: local students perform holiday tunes. For more photographs of the event, turn to A8.

O Town Ice Cream’s Chris and Angela George, and new business partners Craig Davis and Jeff Jerkins will be holding a soft opening this Friday from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. to give customers a glimpse of the business’s new home at 700 Second Ave. According to Angela, this will be a “cups and cones” style event, with customers being able to choose their favorite ice cream or shaved Italian ice flavors from both O Town and Scoops Real Italian Ice. “We want the commu-

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

nity to be able to see it and purchase our new (reloadable) gift cards. We have real gift cards now and not paper gift certificates anymore,” Angela said.

In addition to viewing the new store and satisfying their ice cream cravings, Angela added that customers will be able to

witness the unveiling of a new flavor to their lineup.

According to Angela, the shop’s grand opening will take place in early January.

For more information, like and follow O Town’s social media pages or visit www.otownicecream. com.

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

A8 December 19, 2018

pelika O Observer

Inaugural ‘A-O Christmas Market’ draws shoppers to downtown Opelika

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Photos from 2018 Christmas in a Railroad Town

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer Gala,

from A7

principal, ‘how can I help?’

Dotson recalled moving from Atlanta Georgia to Miami Florida and meeting a custodian that ‘spoke life’ into him so it became his duty to speak life into other young people.

Dotson encouraged everyone to spend some time in the schools ‘speaking life’ into the students. Dotson said that he plans to return to the AuburnOpelika chapter’s gala next year to see who answered the challenges.

About The 100 The overall concept of The 100 began in 1963 in New York

City when a group of concerned African American men began to meet to explore ways of improving conditions in their community. These visionaries included businessmen and industry leaders such as David Dinkins, Robert Mangum, Dr. William Hayling, Nathaniel Goldston III, Livingston Wingate Andrew Hatcher, and Jackie Robinson.

Since the group’s inception, the vision has materialized to be shared by more than 10,000 members reaching over 125,000 underserved, underrepresented minority youth annually. Their motto, “What They See Is What They’ll Be,” expresses how our programmatic services rendered

to disadvantaged, disenfranchised and low-income youth and families positively change their life trajectory.

For more information about the national organization and its efforts, visit www.100blackmen. org. The organization’s headquarters are located in downtown Atlanta.

The Local Chapter The president of the local chapter is Rev. Dr. Clifford E. Jones, pastor of Greater Peace Baptist Church on Jeter Avenue.

Alabama House Representative for District 83 Jeremy Gray attended the event. Gray has been a member of the organization in year’s past.

“I know the presence of positive African-American males are few in the community and anytime you have an organization like the 100 that’s dedicated to mentoring the youth and being a part of the restoration of broken communities, we must embrace them,” Gray said.

“The 100 is embodied with a lot of wisdom and knowledge but the organization needs youthfulness that way the mission can continue.

I understand that, that’s why I took on Pastor Jones’s challenge to come back and recruit younger talent. They need gap bridgers, young men ages 23-35 who are influencers of the younger generation.”

A9 December 19, 2018

Photo by InTown Imagery

Photos from 2018 Victorian Front Porch Tour Rainy weather didn’t deter event goers

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer

A10 December 19, 2018

Recipes,

from A7

taught at Troy University for 10 years. He is currently teaching information systems at AU at Montgomery.

Janice is retired from the finance office at Auburn City Schools.

The Ryans two children, Chase and Mary, both grew up cooking and graduated from Auburn University, following in their parents’ footsteps. Chase and his wife, Rachel, now live Houston, Texas.

While Chase was living in Hartville, Ohio, he entered his father’s recipe for Bourbon Pork Tenderloin in a cooking contest and was a top winner, receiving a Green Egg grill.

Influenced by Jim and Janice, they keep family traditions alive, cooking together and often hosting dinner for friends.

Mary graduated from Auburn with a degree in hotel and restaurant management. While being a part of the program, she attended two tours of Napa, California and visited the culinary school there, then studied abroad in the Bahamas. While at Auburn, Mary worked at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Hotel and Conference Center and The Hotel at Auburn University.

She is currently the General Manager of the Second Floor Regionally Inspired Kitchen, a Marriott property, at the Westin Galleria Dallas in Dallas, Texas. Janice and Jim visited at Thanksgiving where the restaurant served more than 850 guests. Although Mary has only been there less than a year, she has already been nominated for Manager of the Year by the Hotel Association of North Texas.

When Chase and Mary were growing up, they always enjoyed being in the kitchen watching and helping their parents cook. They helped prepare and deliver the Holiday Eggnog that their family makes every year to share with close friends and neighbors. It has remained a tradition on Christmas Eve for 20plus years.

Now that they are grown, Chase and Mary still help their parents cook when they visit or they will cook the entire meal. Their favorite time to visit is during the football season, and Jim will always cook something tasty and special to take for tailgating. Chase and Mary also visit at Christmas to savor traditional foods and enjoy the decorations.

The Ryans’ Christmas tree is a collection of their history along the years. Each time Janice and Jim unwrap the ornaments for the tree, it brings back memories of the places they have visited, memories of their friendships along the years, childhood memories and special occasions during the years.

Janice and Jim always place an angel and star

on top of the tree and a nativity scene at the base of the tree as they celebrate the Christmas season with family. Janice also collects nutcrackers, and their staircase is decorated with a collection of nutcrackers from all over the world and their travels.

It is a tradition on Christmas Eve for the Ryans to attend church service after dinner. In the past, Jim has created elegant meals with crown roast of pork or stuffed pork loin, but now he serves a robust Beef Stew that can be made ahead and only needs a salad to complete the menu. The stew is slowly simmered with wine enhancing the flavor that fills the house with holiday aromas.

Jim’s mother would make Chicken and Cornbread Dressing at Christmas. Since she did not like turkey much, she would cook a hen and add the meat to the cornbread dressing for the main dish. It is still a family favorite to serve during the Christmas season, as well as Thanksgiving.

When Mary was growing up, she would bake holiday cookies, cakes and Pecan Pie on Christmas Eve with Jim’s mother. Although his mother lived in the area, she spent the night in order to be there Christmas morning when her grandchildren opened gifts, creating cherished memories.

Mary was close to her grandmother and continues the tradition of baking Pecan Pie and Chicken and Cornbread Dressing on Christmas Eve. Rachel took her grandmother’s handwritten recipe for Pecan Pie and had it etched on cutting boards for family Christmas gifts.

On Christmas morning, the brunch menu includes Egg Casserole and Stuffed French Toast. They also serve stone ground yellow grits. Family and friends often attend the brunch.

Janice sets the table with Christmas china.

Christmas dinner this year will feature a Stuffed Pork Loin with Cranberry Glaze for a stellar entrée. Sides include cornbread dressing and assorted vegetable casseroles.

On New Year’s day, Jim makes his special collard greens and blackeyed peas to serve with his Bourbon Grilled Pork. Leftover pork is used for making tasty sliders. (Look for his greens recipe next week.)

At Christmas, the Ryans’ focus is family and the birth of Jesus. Janice and Jim enjoy preparing their traditional dishes to share with family and friends, as they celebrate the season.

Note: This is the first part of the Ryan family recipes. Part two will run next week. For additional information or questions, contact recipes@ cipperly.com. From our home to yours, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Holiday Eggnog (Adapted from Martha Stewart’s recipe) 12 large eggs, separated 1 cup granulated sugar 1 qt. whole milk 1 cup bourbon ½ cup cognac 1 qt. heavy cream You may strain the beaten egg yolks to increase smoothness. Beat egg yolks with sugar until thick and creamy. Combine with whole milk, bourbon and cognac. Stir and mix well together.

This mixture is the eggnog base and can be made a day or two in advance.

Day of serving, whip cream into soft peaks and whip egg whites to a similar consistency. Fold both whipped cream and egg whites into the eggnog base.

Pour eggnog into a very large serving bowl for party presentation or into qt. jars to share with friends.

Serving size would be 2 to 3 oz. and the recipe makes a minimum of 25 servings.

It is possible to half the recipe for small batches.

Storing the finished eggnog in the refrigerator will cause it to separate into three layers. Be sure to shake the storage container vigorously and thoroughly to combine all three layers before serving. The eggnog will easily keep a week in the refrigerator, but it seldom lasts that long.

Bourbon Grilled Pork 3 pork tenderloins with silver-skins removed or 1 half pork loin cut lengthwise into 3 pieces with excess fat removed Salt and pepper to taste (freshly ground sea salt and black pepper recommended) Marinade 1 bottle Wishbone Italian dressing (The low or reduced calorie product has less flavor) 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper sauce (Frank’s Hot Sauce or Tabasco works well) 1 Tbsp. course-grind mustard BBQ Sauce 1½ cup bourbon whiskey (Jack Daniels or Evan Williams black label works well) ½ cup lemon juice ½ cup brown sugar Place pork in a large sealable plastic freezer bag. Combine marinade ingredients, mix well, and pour over pork. Let pork rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight.

Heat grill to high and place pork at an angle to get nice sear marks. Use marinade and ladle over pork as it sears. When all sides are seared, raise pork to a higher rack or reduce heat to medium. Continue ladling marinade over pork as it cooks until all marinade is used. Depending on the cut/size of pork, grill for 25 to 30 minutes until internal temperature on a meat thermometer registers 165 F. During last 5 to 10 minutes, ladle BBQ sauce over pork and be careful as the bourbon will flame.

It is best to use a ladle/big spoon with a long handle.

When internal temperature of pork reaches 165 F, remove from grill and

allow to rest. Cut pork on an angled bias, about a ¼-inch thick.

Pork Sliders 1 pork tenderloin or 1 piece of pork loin prepared from Bourbon Grilled Pork recipe 1 pkg. 12 count Original King’s Hawaiian rolls 1 jar Wickles Pickles Original Horseradish Sauce 1 Tbsp. prepared horseradish ½ cup sour cream 1 Tbsp. course-grind mustard Barbecue Sauce ¼ cup Jim N Nick’s Habanero BBQ Sauce ½ cup Heinz BBQ Sauce Take a sharpened carving knife on a large cutting board and thinly slice pork on an angled bias less than a ¼-inch thick. One pork tenderloin or pork loin strip should yield 30 or more slices.

Set pork aside and flip the cutting board over.

Using a long serrated bread knife, slice 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls heightwise into two halves. Lay the top portion aside, making sure to keep all 12 roll halves connected.

On the bottom portion, layer sliced pork over entire connected 12 roll half. Drizzle Horseradish and Barbecue sauces separately over pork layer (I use a squeeze bottle or a qt. Ziploc bag with a corner cut). Layer Wickles Pickle chips over the pork and sauce layers.

Place top portion of the roll pack over pickle layer to yield one large pork sandwich.

Take the long serrated bread knife and slice down the vertical and horizontal lines on top of the roll pack to yield 12 pork sliders. For appetizers, further slice the three columns of rolls in half to yield 24 large bite servings. Cover sliders with plastic wrap to keep the bread soft until serving.

Beef Stew for Christmas Eve (Adapted from Ina Gartner’s recipe) 1 Tbsp. good olive oil 1 pack center cut hickory smoked bacon, diced (can use applewood) 2 1/2 lbs. beef chuck steak cut into 1-inch cubes Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 yellow onions, sliced 2 tsp. chopped garlic (2 cloves) 1/2 cup Cognac 1 (750 ml.) bottle good dry red wine, such as Pinot Noir 2 cups beef broth 1 Tbsp. tomato paste 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter at room temperature, divided 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1 lb. carrots, sliced diagonally into 1-inch chunks 1 lb. frozen whole pearl onions 1 lb. fresh mushroom caps 1 loaf sour dough bread Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven on stove top.

Add bacon and cook over medium heat for 10

minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is lightly browned. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a large plate.

Dry beef cubes with paper towels and then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. In batches in single layers, sear beef in hot oil for 3 to 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides.

Remove seared cubes to plate with bacon and continue searing until all the beef is browned.

Set aside.

Toss carrots and onions, 1 Tbsp. salt and 2 tsp. pepper in the fat in pan and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are lightly browned. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add Cognac, stand back, and ignite with a match to burn off alcohol.

Put meat and bacon back into the pot with juices.

Add bottle of wine plus enough beef broth to almost cover meat. Add tomato paste and thyme.

Bring to a simmer, cover pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for about 1 1/4 hours or until meat and vegetables are very tender when pierced with a fork.

(I use the stove top, but you may wish to place in a pre-heated 250 degrees F oven.)

Combine 2 Tbsp. butter and flour with a fork and stir into stew. Add frozen onions. Sauté mushrooms in 2 Tbsp. butter for 10 minutes until lightly browned and then add to stew.

Bring the stew to a boil on top of stove, then lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste.

Toast 1 ½-inch thick bread slices cut on the bias in oven. Rub each slice on 1 side with a cut clove of garlic. Spoon stew over a slice of bread and serve with a side salad.

Grandmother Frances Chicken and Cornbread Dressing 1 basic buttermilk cornbread recipe, cooked and torn into pieces (Jiffy works well).

10 count regular biscuits cooked and torn into pieces 1 cup celery, diced 2 cups onions, diced 6 cups chicken broth 2 tsp. poultry seasoning 2 cups fully cooked chicken breasts (use salted water to boil chicken breasts) ½ stick butter ½ tsp. salt ¾ tsp. freshly ground pepper Mix cooked cornbread, biscuits, poultry seasoning and chicken broth.

Mixture should be moist, but not runny, so you may or may not use all the chicken broth. Add shredded chicken, celery and onions. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Cook at 350 degrees for approximately 75 minutes or until browned on top.

Leave room in pan for mixture to rise.

Maple Candy This is a delicious candy treat but must be prepared quickly.

1 pkg. small white

chocolate chips 2 cups finely crushed stick pretzels (plain, no flavoring) ¾ tsp. maple extract Crush pretzel sticks in a gallon freezer bag until they are very small pieces (we use a rolling pin).

Prepare wax paper sheets for candy to dry.

Boil water in double boiler. Once water is boiling add white chocolate chips to the top boiler until melted. Remove from heat and quickly stir in maple extract flavoring. Then quickly stir in the crushed pretzels (we do not use powdered part in the bottom of the bag).

Quickly drop blended teaspoonful on wax paper to dry. Store candy in a tin or plastic sealed container.

Stuffed Pork Loin with Cranberry Glaze 1 half pork loin (usually 4 to 6 lbs.)

1 box frozen spinach, defrosted, drained, and squeezed in paper towel/ cheese cloth 1 medium onion diced 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced 2 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped fine 2 Tbsp. minced garlic 1 cup good Parmesan cheese (flakes work well) 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp. butter 1 Tbsp. hot sauce (I prefer Tabasco) 1 tsp. sea salt, divided 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper, divided ½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper 3 to 4 feet butcher twine Vegetable rack, pan gravy 4 whole carrots, scraped, trimmed, and rinsed 2 medium onions, halved 4 celery stalks, trimmed and rinsed 2 cups chicken stock Cranberry Glaze ½ cup cranberry jelly (no berries or pulp) 1 Tbsp. butter 1 Tbsp. sugar In a medium heated large pan, heat olive oil with 1 Tbsp. butter; add diced onions with peppers.

Cook onions until clear, adding garlic and rosemary to cook for one more minute.

Add spinach, salt, and pepper to sauté until heated through. Let mixture cool and place in a bowl. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until fully incorporated. Set aside as this is the filling for the pork loin.

Trim pork loin of excess fat using a sharp filet knife, leaving a thin fat layer. Take the sharp filet knife (has to be super sharp) and gradually trim the pork loin about 1 ½ inch spirally until the entire pork loin looks like a sheet of paper. It is okay if not perfectly even.

Take spinach mixture and spread over fileted pork loin leaving about ½ inch border of pork loin with no filing. Take one end of the pork loin and gradually roll the pork back into the original roll shape of the loin. Using butcher twine, firmly tie rolled pork loin about every inch from one end to the other. The twine

See Recipes, page A11

pelika O Observer Recipes,

from A10

will help the pork loin retain its shape, and I tie it where all the ties are connected. This will help in removing the twine when pork loin is done and rested.

Place whole carrots, celery and halved onions in the center of a roasting pan. Rub 1 Tbsp. olive oil over rolled pork loin. Sprinkle remaining salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper over the rolled pork loin. Place rolled pork loin on top of vegetable rack and drizzle hot sauce over pork loin.

Cover roasting pan with lid or foil and place in a preheated 450 degrees F oven for 10 minutes, reducing to 350 degrees F for another 60 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the pork, but not in the filling, registers 160 degrees F. In a medium heated sauce pan, melt together cranberry jelly, butter and sugar. For the last 15 minutes of cooking rolled pork loin, cook uncovered in oven and drizzle cranberry glaze over top of the rolled pork loin. Remove rolled pork loin from the oven, resting the pork on a platter while you make gravy from pan drippings.

Set pan over mediumlow heat. Add a little oil, if needed, and sauté onions, carrots and celery.

Cook vegetables until well caramelized, about 8 minutes. Then season with salt and pepper.

Deglaze pan with chicken stock and reduce until the liquid has almost completely reduced.

Add chicken stock and reduce again for another 5 minutes; this will ensure you have a nice, rich sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Remove pan from heat and swirl in 1 Tbsp. butter to thicken the gravy.

Slicing the stuffed pork loin at the table makes a great presentation. Pour some of the pan gravy on the platter around the pork loin and then pour pan gravy over sliced stuffed pork loin servings. A 4-pound roast will yield 6 to 8 servings.

Red Velvet Cake 2½ cups cake flour 1½ cups sugar ½ tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cocoa powder 1 cup buttermilk 2 eggs, room temperature ¾ cup cooking oil 1 tsp. white vinegar 1 bottle red food coloring 1 tsp. vanilla Cream Cheese Icing 16 oz. powdered sugar 1 stick butter (room temperature) 1 cup chopped pecans

8 oz. cream cheese (room temperature) Using a stand mixer (best) or a hand mixer (will work), cream oil and sugar until smooth.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after incorporating each egg.

Add vanilla and red food coloring to the mixture and beat until food coloring is fully incorporated.

Sift flour, cocoa, and baking soda together.

Add vinegar to milk and stir. Add flour and milk, alternating between the two until all are incorporated and the mixture is blended smooth.

Grease two 9-inch pans, pour mixture into greased pans, and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. Let cool on rack and then icing with cream cheese icing.

Cream Cheese Icing Sift powdered sugar.

In a mixer, cream butter and cream cheese into a blended mixture.

Add nuts and gradually add powdered sugar until all is incorporated.

Leftover Hint: When you have more cake than the diet allows.

Cut remaining cake into slices. Wrap each slice individually with wax paper like a sandwich. Placed wrapped slices into a freezer bag and freeze for later individual servings.

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

334-528-6191

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

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

A11 December 19, 2018

FOOD RATINGS La Cantina 870 N. Railroad Ave. Opelika Score: 96

Score: 94

Auburn Score: 88

Captain D’s Wok ‘N Roll Seafood 1800 Opelika Rd. Restaurant 1703 Columbus Auburn Parkway Score: 92 Dock’s Opelika 9883 Lee Road Score: 86 McDonald’s 379 1634 Opelika Valley Waffle House Road Score: 95 2346 Bent Creek Auburn Road Score: 91 Agave Loco Auburn Mexican Grill Score: 81 1032 Opelika Rd. Bombay Grill 1251 Opelika Rd. Auburn

pelika O Observer

A12 December 19, 2018

BigHouse Foundation holds event for foster, adoption families

By Robert Noles Opelika Observer

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Santa’s workshop was working like a well-oiled machine as the Big House Foundation provided a Christmas shopping opportunity for adopted and foster children in the Lee, Tallapoosa and Chambers counties.

The BigHouse Foundation, founded by Micah Melnick, provided more than 257 children representing 90 families with Christmas gifts this year. As the parents came into Cornerstone Church on Hamilton Road, they were greeted by an elf who helped them register before they entered into a wonderland of toys.

The foster and adoption parents were able to pick out toys from tables that were packed with age appropriate items.

These toys were available at no charge. Once the parents finished shopping they could have them gift wrapped by some of the 200-

plus volunteers that made the workshop happen.

The toys and presents from the Big House Foundation help the foster parents provide Christmas for the children they foster without having the big financial burden and give the children an enjoyable Christmas.

The children also had a special treat. As the parents were shopping for them, the children were led by a volunteer into a room where they could also shop for free to get gifts for their parents, brothers, sisters, and others in their life that they wanted to give gifts.

Once finished shopping, they were also given the opportunity to have their gifts wrapped. The excitement of the children at being able to give gifts to their families was observed by the elves. One child was especially excited to tell the gift wrapper who was getting each of the gifts that he had picked out for those in his life.

Local District Attorney gives tips for protecting packages from ‘Porch Pirates’ during Opelika Rotary meeting Special to the Opelika Observer Brandon Hughes, Lee County District Attorney, spoke to the Opelika Rotary club at a recent meeting. Hughes shared information about the prescription drug takeback kiosks which his office has installed at area drugstores. He also advised us on methods to thwart the “porch pirates” which insist on spoiling our holidays by purloining precious packages. Pictured from left are Nate Kastner, club president and Brandon Hughes.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Alabama A&M alumni visit Darden Headstart Center; deliver gifts for children Special to the Opelika Observer Local Lee County Alabama A & M University Alumni visited with the Darden Headstart Center to give the youth Christmas stockings stuffed with Christmas items and books that will help them with future life skills.

Shop,

from A1

furniture, as well as monogramming and heat transfer vinyl services in the near future.

Swindle, former owner of Magnolia House on

Geneva Street and an online shipping business, said she is looking forward to helping grow the shopping center’s customer base and developing strong bonds with local patrons.

“This is just my passion. I love meeting people,

Grant,

from A1

said OFD Chief Byron Prather.

In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the Firehouse

customers and hearing their stories,” Swindle said.

Gotta Have It will also begin offering painting courses in the coming weeks.

The store’s hours are 10 a.m.

- 6 p.m. TuesdaySaturday, and it is closed on Sun-

Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, lifesaving equipment, and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations.

Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs Public Safety

Photo special to the Opelika Observer days and Mondays.

For more information or updates on the business, call 334-7442192 or like and follow “Gotta Have It” on Facebook.

The store’s address is 1220 Fox Run Ave., Suite #216.

Foundation has granted more than $37.7 million to hometown heroes in 47 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $2 million in Alabama.

For more information, visit www.opelika-al. gov.

AlabamaWorks: Opportunity-Innovation-Accountability-Inclusion

Now there’s a way to recruit, train and empower, a highly skilled workforce driven by business and industry needs.

It’s your competitive advantage in Alabama.

It’s time to grow at: www.alabamaworks.com

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

OPELIKA BASKETBALL SCHEDULE (Boys and Girls) Jan. 4 @ Auburn Jan. 5 v. Northview Jan. 8 v. Russell County Jan. 11 v. Benjamin Russell Jan. 17 @ Lafayette

Opelika wrestlers fall to Wetumpka

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika wrestling sees mixed results last week

O

pelika High School wrestling coach Jim Davis kept his team busy last week.

The grapplers hosted Wetumpka, traveled to Seale for duals matches against Russell County and Northview and ended the week with a visit to Harris County for the “King of the County Tournament.”

Opelika wrestled Wetumpka’s varsity, junior varsity and middle school teams in the Mainstreet

Gym last Tuesday.

The Indians swept the Bulldogs 48-30 in the varsity match and 5130 in the junior varsity match. Five Opelika wrestlers pinned their opponents earning wins: Bevin Williams, James Dawson, Jordan Clark, Timmy Tolbert and Trint Vaughns.

The junior varsity and middle school teams picked up wins from Ben Owens, Trace Gaither, Logan Sheridan, Keon Brazier and Trey Coleman.

Special to the Opelika Observer Last week, the Wrestling Bulldogs’ varsity, junior varsity and middle school teams faced off against the Wetumpka Indians in the Mainstreet Gym. Each Bulldog wrestled hard even though they fell short in both divisions. The varsity

had too many holes in the lineup and fell 48-30. Getting wins for the Varsity were Bevin Williams, James Dawson, Jordan Clark, Timmy Tolbert and Trint Vaughns.

Each varsity member scored pins.The loss drops the team to 7-5 on the season in team duals.

The next match-up was last Thursday

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer ment at Harris County night, as they traveled High School featured 16 to Russell County High total teams from AlaSchool, where they debama and Georgia. feated the Warriors and Four Opelika wresNorthview Cougars. tlers received medDuring the weekend, als: James Dawson, the teams participated Bevin Williams, Trint in the “King of the Vaughns and Timmy County” tournament hosted by Harris County Tolbert.

The four went 5-1 to in Hamilton, Georgia.

Harris County Tigers in earn second place and help the Dawgs finish Franklin, Georgia. sixth out of 16 teams.

The two-day tourna-

Northside Intermediate holds Cody Flournoy named D.A.R.E. graduation Dec. 14 See Sports, page B3

3A Coach of the Year

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Only two years into his tenure at Beulah, Cody Flournoy’s drastic turnaround of the Bobcats football program is garnering statewide attention.

Following a breakout year that saw Beulah end its 10-year playoff drought and earns its most wins in a season since 1995, Flournoy was chosen as the 3A Coach of the Year by the Alabama Football

Coaches Association.

After a 3-7 season in 2017, Beulah opened the 2018 season with 5-straight victories, including a thrilling 27-26 victory over defending region champion Montgomery Academy.

Team leaders including linebackers Caden Dowdell and Justin Hancock anchored a solid defense and diminutive running back Chris Person had a stellar year.

See Flournoy, page B3

Special to the Opelika Observer Pictured above are the Essay Representatives: Destiny Armstrong, Jasmine Smith, Neveah Maddox, Officer Hodges, Don Zion Chatmon, Mary Cara Montel, Avery Massey following the D.A.R.E graduation at Northside Intermediate Dec. 14. Turn to B11 for information on the D.A.R.E program.

pelika O Observer

B2 December 19, 2018

Northside Intermediate receives Fourth-grade students $1,000 donation from Walmart

‘believe’ as teachers Read ‘The Polar Express’

Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Transportation Office has chosen Northside Intermediate School to receive a $1,000 donation as part of Walmart’s commitment to education.

For every accidentfree mile private fleet truck drove July 22-28, the Walmart Foundation made a financial contribution to local schools.

The Walmart Foundation is donating one cent for each accident-free mile driven by the drivers at each Walmart transportation office. A school in the home region of

each transportation office will receive at least $1,000 and as much as $5,000, based on the safety performance of local drivers. During this year’s program, Walmart Transportation offices nationwide contributed more than $148,000 to schools in their communities.

“This is just one of the many ways Walmart supports education across the country,” said Keith Windham, General Transportation Manager at the Opelika Walmart Distribution Center. “It’s also a great way to engage all of our drivers in

raising money for our local schools.

This program serves as a great reminder to each of us that children are returning to classes and all drivers need to watch carefully for school buses and school children.”

Walmart’s Private Fleet is one of the largest in the United States and its more than 72 offices, including 8,300 drivers, supporting more than 4,500 Walmart stores, Sam’s Club locations and Neighborhood Markets in the U.S. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit http://www.foundation.walmart.com.

Check Out Our New Tiger Town Location

By Beth Pinyerd For the Opelika Observer In the halls of Northside Intermediate School last week fourth grade students were all smiles in their snuggly, cozy, warm pajamas.

Each fourth grade teacher prepared their rooms to reflect the magical scenes of The Polar Express. The students were all nestled around their teachers sipping on delicious hot chocolate and Christmas treats as their teachers opened up their

Photos by Beth Pinyerd/Opelika Observer imaginations with joy in reading The Polar Express.

The Polar Express is a children’s book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg. The book is now widely considered to be a

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

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AuburnBank’s Tiger Town Kroger location has moved to a new, full-service location on Frederick Road in front of Lowe’s. Under the leadership of City President Eddie Smith, our new location provides three drive-up windows, a drive-up ATM, a night

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deposit drop, safe deposit boxes, consumer and commercial loans in addition to all our checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts,

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classic Christmas story for young children. Mrs. Kristen Massey, a fourth grade teacher at the school, said the book offers many teaching tools as well.

A young boy goes on a Polar Express journey which causes him to believe again!

Fourth grader Payton Matheny said that she enjoyed the magical Christmas pictures. She stated “Christmas is very important because it brings us together.”

Fellow fourth grader Trent Eiland said he was fascinated by the train going up the mountain but not rolling back down. He added that he was fascinated by the multi colors over the sleigh. Trent’s favorite part of Christmas is being together.

pelika O Observer Flournoy,

Sports,

from B1

The Bobcats finished second in Class 3A Region behind St. James, who defeated them 49-20 in their lone head-to-head matchup Oct. 12.

Chilly, wet conditions set the stage for a defensive battle between Beulah and first-round playoff opponent Thomasville, who eked out a 7-0 win at Bobcat Stadium Nov. 9.

In two seasons at Beulah, Flournoy has compiled an 11-10 record. For more information or to see a list of other award winners, visit www.alfca. com.

from B1

Opelika beat Russell County 48-24 and Northview 54-27 in Seale last week, one day prior to the “King of the County Tournament.” The two-day tournament at Harris County High School featured 16 total teams from Alabama and Georgia. Each team could compete in the 14 weight classes but Opelika only took seven wrestlers, Dawson (co-captain) - 220 pounds, Williams (cocaptain) - 195 pounds, Trint Vaughns - 195 pounds, Tolbert (cocaptain) - 170 pounds, Eli Schwenk - 132

pounds, Williams 152 pounds and Jason Shoemaker - 106 pounds. Four Opelika wrestlers received medals: Dawson, Bevin, Vaughns and Tolbert. The four went 5-1 to earn second place and help the Bulldogs finish sixth out of 16 teams.

Opelika will host Central and Shades Valley at 3 p.m.

Thursday in the Mainstreet Gym. BASKETBALL The Lady Bulldog basketball team improved to 11-2 after beating Smiths Station (68-17), Carver (55-43) and LaFayette (66-32) last week. Coach Devin Booth, coming off a Final Four appearance last season, saw her team destroy Smiths

Station on the road.

Haley Sanders scored a game-high 20 points, Ananda Hughley scored 14, with Kaitlyn Bryant and Claire Worth scoring 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Opelika hosted Carver at the OHS Sports Arena last week. The Wolverines led 14-7 after the first quarter. Booth’s team never trailed after the opening quarter, Claire Worth scored 14 points with Ananda Hughley and Quala Walton adding 10 points apiece.

The week ended with a 66-32 win over LaFayette at Opelika.

Bryant scored 18 points while Sanders added 16 points.

The Opelika boys basketball team lost

B3 December 19, 2018 three games last week, Smiths Station (60-53), Carver (72-60) and LaFayette (58-55). The Bulldogs could not overcome a slow start at Smiths Station. Trey Boone scored a game-high 19 points, Taye Fields scored 12 and Brandon Howard added nine. Carver traveled to Opelika after winning a 4-point game over the Bulldogs in Montgomery. Another slow start doomed the Dawgs. Fields and Jared Willis scored 17 and 16 points each.

Wadsworth’s team ended the week with a 3-point loss to Lafayette at home. Lafayette outscored Opelika by 10 points in the fourth quarter to earn the win. Boone scored 11 with Grady By-

num, Fields and Jared Willis, scoring 10, 9 and 8 points respectively.

BLACKMON SIGNS FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIP Congratulations to Opelika senior and soon-to-be graduate Cade Blackmon for singing a football scholarship with Birmingham Southern.

Blackmon inked his scholarship this morning at the high school.

I hope you all have a MERRY CHRISTMAS! Please remember why we celebrate Christmas.

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

OHS Varsity basketball take on LaFayette Boys fall 55-58; Girls win 66-32

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Oberver

Date Nov. 8 Nov. 9-10 Nov. 12 Nov. 15 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 11 Dec. 12 Dec. 14 Dec. 17-19 Dec 20-22 Dec. 21 Dec. 28-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 5 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 17 Jan. 22 Jan. 25

Varsity Schedule Opponent Site Prattville High School Home Hazel Green Tournament Away Northview High School Away Loachapoka High School Lagrange High School Columbus High School Troup County High School Smiths Station High School Carver High School(Montgomery) Central High School - PC Prattville High School Smiths Station High School Carver High School(Montgomery) Lafayette High School Handley Tournament Spain Park Christmas Tournament Eufaula High School Ball N Prep High School Auburn High School Northview High School **Russell County High School **Ben Russell High School Spencer High School Lafayette High School **Ben Russell High School **Russell County High School

Home Columbus High School Columbus High School Home Home Away Away Away Away Home Home Away Away Thompson HS Away Home Home Home Home Away Away Away

JVB 5:30

4:00 4:30 4:30 4:00 5:30 4:00 4:30 4:30

VG TBA 3:00 6:00 4:00 3:30 6:00 6:00 5:30 5:00 6:00 6:00 TBA

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TBA 6:00 4:00 6:00 6:00 5:00 6:00 6:00 6:00

VB 6:30 4:30 7:30

5:00 7:30 7:30 7:00 6:30 6:30 7:30 7:30 TBA TBA 7:30 5:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30 7:30

pelika O Observer

B4 December 19, 2018

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

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

The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-307-1449.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The

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

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

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote.

For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

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

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

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

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

Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30-6:45 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

For more information

visit www.auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook.

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

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

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary.

For more info call 8261899 or 502-0216.

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

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

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

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

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and

up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum. They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights. This event is held the third Thursday of each month. Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

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

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

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

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

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

• Now thru Dec. 24 - Valley Christmas Merry-Go-Round • Ongoing through Dec. 31 Christmas in Camelot display • Open through President’s Day - Feb. 2019 - Ice Skating Rink at the Auburn Mall • Dec. 23 - Polar Express

Dinner Event at Niffer’s on the Tracks from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Each guest bring a gift to assist in the Lee County Toy Drive.

• Dec. 21 - Fa La La Festival of the Lewis Cooper Memorial Library in Opelika from 10-noon.

• Dec. 21-22 - Martha’s Trouble Christmas at the Sound Wall at 7:30 p.m.

• Dec. 22 - Bee With a Purpose Foundation Holiday Masquerade Gala at Clarion Inn & Suites in Auburn at 7 p.m.

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

Holiday Events

Sanford Court Outreach Fellowship Group holds 6th annual Christmas Toy Giveaway

Special to the Opelika Observer The Sanford Court Outreach Fellowship Group held its 6th annual Christmas party and toy giveaway Dec. 8 at Christian Care Ministries. The event was hosted by Pastor Carolyn Morton, Minister Lucille Gray, Marquetta Barnett and local youth. Also in attendance were Opelika Housing Authority representatives, Ward 2 Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts and members of the Opelika Fire Department.

Opelika

B5

Family & Religion

December 19, 2018

God’s wish for the world A Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706

baby is God’s way of saying the world should go on. Who doesn’t smile at those words? The birth of a child carries its own inherent joy and celebration. It doesn’t need to be linked to anything else. So when you connect it to God and hope for the world with these words, well, you’ve said a mouthful.

The man who said these words was the poet Carl Sandburg.

He was awarded two Pulitzer Prizes for his poetry and another for his biography of Abraham Lincoln. For several years his three adult daughters and his two grandchildren lived with him and his wife on their farm on Connemara in North Carolina. And as long

is as maras we're velous as on the a newborn subject, baby. The he didn't finest of quite say our precithe words sion watchas they've

By Bruce Green es, the most been Teaching Minister at super-colospassed 10th Street Church of sal of our down to Christ in Opelika supercargo us today. plants, Sandburg's don't compare with words were, "A baby a newborn baby in is God's opinion that the number of and life should go on." ingenuity of coils and Writing in 1948, he springs, in the flow went on to say: of chemical solutions, A book that does in timing devices and nothing to you is dead. A baby, whether inter-related parts that are irreplaceable. A it does anything to baby is very modern. you represents life.

Yet it is the oldest of If a bad fire should break out in this house the ancients.

A baby doesn't know and I had the choice he is a hoary and venerof saving the liable antique—but he brary or the babies, is. Before man learned I would save what is how to make an alalive. Never will a phabet, how to make time when the most a wheel, how to make marvelous invention

Church calendar

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

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

• Christian comedian Tim Hawkins will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Feb.

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

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

7. Besides comedy, Hawkins is known for his songwriting and singing abilities. For more information or ticketing options, visit www.timhawkins.brushfire.com.

• First Baptist Church of Opelika will hold two Christmas Eve services next Monday: 3 p.m. - Family Communion Service and 5 p.m. - Traditional Candlelight Service (childcare provided during this service only). The church is located at 301 S. 8th St. 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

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a fire, he knew how to make a baby— with the great help of woman and His God and maker.

But you don't have to be a Pulitzer Prize winner to know that having a baby brings change.

That's true with any child but it's especially true with the first one.

It's no longer just two adults hanging out together, doing what they want when they want.

Now there is a third person—and he or she is totally dependent upon you for everything. There are some things you know will change, others you can reasonably anticipate and then those that you never saw coming.

Yes, the birth of a child changes things.

Matthew would have us to see that the birth of Jesus changed the

world.

A long line of genealogy spanning almost two thousand years and all manner of things spoken by the prophets are fulfilled in Him. Wise men seek Him. A disturbed king threatened by His birth responds violently. His mother and earthly father live humbly and, in many ways, heroically.

God used Moses to save Israel from the oppression of Egypt, but Matthew wants us to know that He used Jesus to save them from sin.

The birth of Jesus was God's way of saying He wanted the world to have life!

Bruce has written an entry level book on Revelation called The Thrill of Hope. It is available through Amazon.

Verse of the Week

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

James 1:17

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

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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B6 December 19, 2018

OBITUARIES James William Olmes Rogers, Sr. Yep, I'm dead now! But I had the foresight to write this obituary prior to my death, believing it is better to come from me rather than a disinterested thirdparty!

I was born in the DuBois Hospital on December 14, 1935, an eon of years ago.

My dad, James G. Olmes, was a Pennsylvania State Trooper, my mother, Grace Ann Hipps Olmes, was a homemaker. My sister, Cynthia Ann, was born in 1940, shortly before my dad was transferred to the troopers' Punxsutawney barracks. In 1942 he suffered an accidental death and my mother, sister and I moved to the Curwensville home of her father and mother, William A. "Bill" Hipps and Beulah Haggarty Hipps. My grandfather, who owned an eponymous insurance agency, became my father-figure, mentor and best friend.

In 1945 I had the great good fortune of having Ms. Hilda Passarelli as my 5th grade teacher. She was the most gracious and influential teacher I ever experienced, regardless of the grade. She started me on the path that led to my career in radio and TV. In 1946 my mother remarried. She, Ann and I moved to Clearfield; at Leonard Grade School, I became a member of the CHS class of '53! The post WWII years were filled with the trials and joys of "growing up," and in 1950 I began working as an announcer at WCPA, begin-

Douglas “Doug” Craig Kistler Douglas “Doug” Craig Kistler, 60, of Salem, Alabama passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018.

Doug was born in February 14, 1958 in East St. Louis, Illinois to Charles A. and LaVerne (Welhoelter) Kistler. Upon graduating from Collinsville

ning a career that led me to WMIE, Miami; KCRS, Midland, Texas; WCED, DuBois, then KDDA in Pittsburgh; WERE in Cleveland; WCAU-TV in Philadelphia; WNEW in New York, then to WXIATV in Atlanta; WKIX, Washington, DC; WBAP, Dallas/Fort Worth; ABC Radio News in New York City and Washington, DC; WBIG and WMAL, Washington, DC; KOI, Denver and KFI, Los Angeles. between radio and TV stations I was a licensed real estate broker in Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Colorado, Nevada and Washington, DC. Yes, my family and I moved a lot!

I graduated from Penn State in 1960, also receiving a commission as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force, leading to an assignment as an Information Officer at the MATS Provisional Base in Chatereau, France. Following my active duty I was an AF reserve member until I was discharged in 1968 with the rank of Captain.

In 1961 I Married Allie Richards Short, the daughter of Alice and Paul J. Short, prominent funeral directors in DuBois. Our first son, my namesake, James William Olmes, Jr., was born in 1963. Our second son, Paul Scott Olmes, was born in 1966.

Sadly I was preceded in death by Allie (1980) and Jimmie (2008). Paul Scott was a United States Army Blackhawk pilot and flight instructor until his retirement in 2017. He, his wife Lisa and my granddaughter, Amanda Scott, live in Hammock Bay, Florida.

High School, Doug joined the United States Marine Corp in 1976.

After serving in the marines, he was medically discharged earning his present day family nickname “Gimpy”. Doug then moved to Alabama where he become a “damn Yankee” because he never went back north. He worked at Ampex for 17 years.

Amanda Scott is an undergraduate student at Auburn University. My grandson, James William Olmes Rogers, III is being raised by his maternal grandfather following the death of his father, then the death of his mother, Marnie Padgett Rogers, in 2010.

In 1975 while living in Atlanta, we added "Rogers" to our name. "Jim Rogers" was the name given to me at WCAU-TV and it became the last name by which we all were known and which we have carried, or will carry, to our graves.

1935 until now is a very long time. My life was filled with many peaks of joy, including husband, fatherhood and career achievements, and a few deep valleys of sadness and despair. I have one surviving son, a beautiful daughter-in-law, a granddaughter filled with intelligence and beauty and a handsome, namesake grandson. I wish them joys and achievements that eclipse mine!

And you, too, readers who have stayed with me through this brief remembrance of my life!

Part of my cremains will be scattered by my nephew, Rob Shank, over the graves of my family at Oak Hill Cemetery in Curwensville.

The rest will be scattered by my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter into the four winds and seven seas, via a beach on the Gulf of Mexico, following their private celebration of my life! So, the next time you get a speck in your eye, smile!

It might be me! Thank you for reading my obituary.

Doug was then hired at Briggs and Stratton where he worked over 23 years and became first in seniority.

Doug was preceded in death by his father, Charles A. Kistler, his mother, LaVerne (Welhoelter) Kistler, sonin-law Steve Hooten, and his youngest son, Benjamin Brian Kistler.

Doug is survived by his wife Linda (Baker)

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

Angela Deese Senn Angela Deese Senn passed away peacefully at her home in Panama City, Beach on Friday, December 7, 2018 after battling a lengthy illness.

She was 72.

Angie was born on May 28, 1946 in Covington County, Alabama. She was a graduate of Opelika High School. A skilled graphic artist, she worked for many years for the Opelika-Auburn News and Craftmaster Printers where she won a national award for her design of the Auburn University football program.

In addition to being blessed with an amazing singing voice, Angie served the Lord faithfully for many years as a Sunday School teacher and Children’s Minister.

She was also known for her puppet ministry as Patty.

She was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Angie was preceded in death by her father, Samuel Deese of Crestview, Florida; mother, Beatrice Brown of Auburn, Alabama; brother Lester Deese of Phenix City, Alabama, and sister Evelyn Deese Aldrup of Huntsville, Alabama.

She is survived by her hus-

Deborah Baker Cole Deborah Baker Cole, 68 of Opelika, passed away at her home on December 10, 2018 after a brief illness. A graveside service was 2:00pm Wednesday, De-

band, Reverend Buford Senn of Panama City Beach, Florida; sister Deborah Carver of Beauregard, Alabama; sisterin-law Gloria Senn Davis of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter Diedre Meadows (Gary) of Auburn, Alabama; son Keith Senn (Carol) of Panama City Beach, Florida; and son Dr. Eric Senn (Anna) of Auburn, Alabama.

Grandchildren, Garrett Meadows of Troy, Alabama and Michael Meadows of Auburn, Alabama; Alan and Lauren Senn of Panama City Beach, Florida; Jackson, Lily, Ava, and Hadley Senn of Auburn, Alabama.

Family gathered for a memorial service at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at 2:00pm CST with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Visitation was one hour before the service beginning at 1:00pm CST until 2:00pm CST. A memorial service was held Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 2:30 CST at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Panama City Beach, Florida with her cousin, Reverend Clain Roberts and Reverend Joseph Lay officiating.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

cember 12, 2018 at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Mrs. Cole is preceded in death by her father, Rayford J. Baker; mother, Mary Nell Holman; step-father, F.C. Holman; sister, Jeanette Knight.

Mrs. Cole is sur-

vived by her sister, Beverley B. May (Earl) of Opelika; niece, Angela S. Underwood (Will); grandnieces: Evi, and Catherine Underwood all of Summerdale, AL. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Kistler; siblings: Chuck (Sharon) Kistler of O’Fallon, IL, Terry (Rick) Beckett of Troy, IL, Kurt Kistler of Fairview Heights, IL and Mary Beth Hooten of Camden, TN; son, Matthew (Jennifer) Kistler, daughter-in-law Malynda Schmitt-Kistler both of Belleville, IL; daughters: Brandi (Stephen) Gooden, Sheree (Robert) Cox

both of Opelika, AL. along with 10 grandchildren: Katie Daniel, Nora Austin, Drake and Mary Whitten Samford, Gage Cox, Rachel, Allison, Isabella, Christiana and Abigail Kistler, Barbara Kistler, mother of his sons, and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his “little girl” Molly Sue. Visitation service

was held on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home at 1:00pm. A memorial service immediately followed at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home at 2:00pm.

The family would like to thank all family and friends that attended. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Mark Wayne Williams

Williams. He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Maria and David Garrett; his mother, Mavis Smith; his grandchildren, his nieces and nephews; and a countless number of friends and relatives.

Funeral Services for Mr. Williams was held

Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation was held one hour prior to the service at 1:00 pm at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home.

He was laid to rest in Garden Hills Cemetery.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

in death by his sons, Johnny Dorris, and Randy Dorris.

He is survived by his son, Richard H. Dorris (LaGina); granddaughter, Bekah Jane McCormick; sister, Mary Towater; brother, Bruce Dorris (Dottie).

Visitation was held on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. which Brother Chuck Ferrell officiated. Mr. Dorris lain in state from 12:00 Noon until 12:45 p.m. prior to the service. Interment followed the funeral service at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Mr. Mark Wayne Williams of Opelika, AL met his Lord and Savior this past weekend in December 2018.

He leaves behind his son, Joey Lee Johnson; his daughter, Shelly Rose Cooke; and his daughter, Melissa Rae

Gene A. Dorris Gene A. Dorris of Camphill, Alabama was born in Pinson, Tennessee to the late Gladys and Victor Dorris on May 26, 1932 and passed away at his home on December 9, 2018.

He was 86 years old.

He was the owner and operator of Dorris Sign Company for the last 66 years.

He was preceded

pelika O Observer

B7 December 19, 2018

There is a song in a child’s heart

Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer

I

love to be in our schools before Christmas! Children love to sing Christmas songs! Even our youngest of children have caught on to the joy and excitement the season brings!

Humming, singing, or a happy baby gurgling indicate that a child is happy. Children love to make music! And they love to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

As you look at the school schedules, you can see our schools in the community have done school musical programs, choral concerts and band concerts. Opelika and the surrounding community does such a good

job in providing arts and music opportunities for children and families.

Music has so many developmental benefits.

Our schools realize this and too as parents, grandparents, caregivers we enjoy singing in our homes over the holidays!

Infants quickly recognize a parent’s singing voice. Part of bonding with an infant is for parents and caregivers to sing to their babies.

You do not have to be on key at all to sing to your young child.

Toddlers and twos are great imitators. Toddlers love to listen and do songs that involve motions with their hands and feet. Preschool age

children enjoy music just for music.

They love to sing and hum when they are playing and doing their little jobs. Young children love and respond happily to music directions.

In being in young children’s classrooms the last two weeks, the very youngest quickly catch on to the words of traditional songs like “Jingle Bells”, “Frosty the Snowman” , etc.

They love to clap and move! Try it at home.

Family fun!

Playing music in your home or car is thoroughly enjoyed by your young child. Music can definitely set the mood for a happy day. One goal that a young child tries to accomplish is to pucker their lips in a whistle! It may take a while to learn but while they are learning they blow little tunes through their lips.

Children love to do moving exercises with music. They love to dance, skip, run, and jump to different rhythms. Clapping a simple rhythm helps

your young child with comprehension, memory making, and math. Using music to help your young children to memorize words, math facts, and other lists plants it in their memories.

Point out in nature different birds that chirp and sing. Just being outside going on a nature walk children can listen to many different animals that just might be communicating in a song. As fall and winter approach and the winds begin to blow, a young

Photo by Beth Pinyerd/Opelika Observer child can use their imagination as they listen to the wind blow in song.

Parents, there are so may CDs in the early childhood world to teach and entertain your young child for hours. Also, young children love to make their homemade instruments with pots, pans, spoons, empty boxes around the home.

On taking afternoon naps or going to sleep at night sweet lullabies relax your child and help your child to drift off to sleep.

Our teenage children love to listen to music with friends! They may desire to take music lessons, play in a band, or join a singing group.

There are so many ways for you as a parent to share the gift of music with your children. This Christmas season is a perfect time to recall song memories and share them with your child!

Wake up your young child with a song on their heart. Plant a song in your heart as well.

Lee-Scott Academy holds holiday events, including toy drive for local children

Photos special to the Opelika Observer Lee-Scott Academy hosted their annual Christmas Choir concert, White Christmas program and Christmas Band concert to celebrate the season this week on campus. Lee-Scott partners with the Auburn Fire Department Station 4 during the Christmas season to provide toys for families in the local community. Students participate in a special assembly held on the school's campus where the toys are placed under the tree.

Trinity Christian School holds annual Christmas band concert Photo special to the Opelika Observer Trinity Christian School held their annual Christmas band concert Dec. 6 at Lakeview Baptist Church. It was a wonderful evening of music provided by students in grades 5-12. The beginner band, intermediate band, advanced band, and jazz bands were spectacular. What a blessing to kick off the Christmas season with these students sharing their talents.

B8 December 19, 2018

pelika O Observer

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Robert Noles Opelika Observer The One Accord Social Group has made children happy for Christmas for the last seven years. More than 100 kids from the Covington community were present to enjoy Christmas crafts, snacks, see Santa Claus,and receive gifts.

The Opelika Fire Department had an engine truck present for the kids to view and explore.

Club M anager Nathan Evans said the club wanted to think all the business that helped to provide the children with Christmas they may not have had otherwise.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Inside the Statehouse

2018 Farm Bill to go to President Trump for signing; may open doors for hemp CBD oil sales in Alabama

By Michelle Key and Morgan Bryce

By Steve Flowers

T

he Republican tidal wave that swept Alabama’s statewide office holders to landslide victories filtered down to legislative races.

Even though our legislature really didn’t need to become any more conservative or Republican, it did anyway. We had a super majority Republican State House and Senate. We now have a super, super GOP majority. Republicans picked up five more Alabama House seats and added another state Senate seat. That gives the GOP a 27-8 advantage in the Senate and a 77-28 edge in the House.

If you make a trip to the Capitol and view the circus-like atmosphere of the January organizational session, you will be as likely to see a dinosaur on display as to spot a white Democratic legislator.

There are two in the 140 membership. The two relics are Billy Beasley in the Senate and Neil Rafferty in the House.

Three Democratic House Icons did not run for reelection this year. Retiring House members, James Buskey of Mobile, Marcel Black of Tuscumbia and Richard Lindsey of Centre, were legends and they will be missed. They epitomized the class and quality of individuals who have rendered outstanding leadership and statesmanship to public service for not only their constituents but also to the State of Alabama.

Buskey is retiring at 81. He has served 42 years in the Alabama House of Representatives. He first won election to his House Seat in a Special Election in 1976. He subsequently was

reelected overwhelmingly to 10 four-year terms. His leadership has made an impact for all of Mobile County. During his legislative career, he served on the Ways and Means and Rules Committees. Over the past decade he has been the leader and wise shepherd of the Democrats in the House even though he let young members hold the title.

His professional career was as an educator. He served as a vice principal and principal of several Mobile high schools.

I watched him be pushed to the limit numerous times in his efforts to represent his constituents. I never saw him lose his temper or his dignified yet humorous demeanor.

As long as I live, I will never forget a speech he made on the floor of the House in 1983. George Wallace was in his last term as governor and he was trying to tax everything that wasn’t nailed down. Even though Mobile had always been good to Wallace, he was aiming a good many of his tax initiatives at the Port City. Buskey took to the microphone and an impassioned yet hilarious portrayal of Wallace’s tax men in a flotilla of vessels sailing into Mobile Bay to rob the Mobilians.

I will fondly call him Admiral in memory of that speech for the rest of my life.

Black is retiring at age 67 after 28 years in the Alabama Legislature.

Black is one of the finest gentlemen I’ve ever known. He was born and raised in Tuscumbia and represented his hometown of Tuscumbia and County of Colbert for seven four-year terms.

He is a proud graduate of the University of Alabama and Alabama Law School.

Besides being an outstanding legislator, he is one of the most prominent lawyers in his part of the state.

He was a great friend and admirer of Tuscumbia’s most prominent lawyer and judge and Senator Howell Heflin. Heflin, who served as Alabama’s Chief Justice and our United States Senator for 18 years, however, was not Tuscumbia’s most prominent citizen. That title belongs to one Helen Keller.

Black served in a host of legislative posts. He was Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and would have probably been elected Speaker of the House had the Democrats retained the majority in 2010.

Lindsey is retiring at the ripe old age of 62. He has served 36 years in the Alabama House of Representatives. If you assume that you are an adult at 21, then that means that Richard has

Expansion of the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program, the legalization of hemp for agricultural production and protection of SNAP funding are the three main by-products of the 2018 Farm Bill which Congress passed last week.

Typically renewed on a 5-year basis, the current Farm Bill expired Sept.

30.

The bill is currently awaiting President Donald Trump’s signature.

Expansion of the Conservation Reserve Program In an NPR interview earlier this month, Rep. Collin Peterson (DMinnesota) discussed the expansion of the Conservation Reserve Program, which “pays a yearly rental payment in exchange for farmers removing environmentally sensitive land agricultural production and planting species that will improve environmental quality.”

The legislation will preserve the program and boost its reach from 24 million to 27 million acres.

Hemp Legalization Through the 2018 Farm Bill, agricultural production of hemp will be made possible with the removal of its designation as a drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a November interview that he believes that this action will encourage farmers to tap into what he believes could be a significant revenue source in the future.

“I don’t want to over-

See Flowers, page B10

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state this - I don’t know if it’s going to be the next tobacco or not - but I do think it has a lot of potential,” McConnell said. “And as all of you already know, in terms of food and medicine but also car parts. I mean, it’s an extraordinary plant.”

According to Max Runge, an extension economist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Auburn University’s College of Agriculture, said he is uncertain if the hemp portion of the bill will immediately go into effect in Alabama. That may require a vote of the Alabama Legislature.

Earlier this year Attorney General Steve Marshall joined with the leadership of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Office of Prosecution Services and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to draft and distribute public guidance on the current state of Alabama law on the possession, use, sale or distribution of Cannabidiol, or CBD. The guidance comes in response to a growing number of inquiries about increasing sales of CBD across the state.

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

Following the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, Marshall’s office released an updated version of the memorandum. An excerpt from the updated version is printed below: “NOTE: This notice

has been updated to reflect recent action by the U.S. Congress regarding cannabidiol (CBD) derived from industrial hemp. On December 12, 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives gave final passage to the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018i which is expected to be signed into law.

This bill contains a provision legalizing industrial hemp, beyond the existing pilot programs passed

by Congress in 2014. As a result of this Congressional action, CBD derived from industrial hemp, with a THC concentration of not more than .3%, can be legally produced, sold, and possessed in the State of Alabama.

However, as stated in the bill, the new federal law will not prevent states from adopting laws to restrict or regulate the production of industrial hemp.

Furthermore, prescription drugs and other consumables containing CBD will continue to be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The guidance in the rest of the memorandum still applies to CBD derived from marijuana or CBD derived from hemp with above a .3% (three one-thousandths) THC concentration.

To read the rest of the document visit the Attorney General’s website: ago.alabama.gov.

SNAP Compromise The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as “SNAP,” represents See Farm Bill, page B10

pelika O Observer

B10 December 19, 2018

Farm Bill,

from B9

more than 70 percent of the farm bill’s total spending.

Heated debate over the legislation’s language pertaining to SNAP eligibility ultimately led to the HouseSenate compromise bill which anti-poverty advocates claim saves 1 million or more people from being removed from the program.

According to statistics, more than 46 million Americans are enrolled in SNAP. SNAP funding is vital for Wright’s Market’s “Wright2U” delivery service that provides access to fresh groceries and medical attention for the elderly and homebound in Lee County. “ Like all other food retailers, a large portion of our business comes from SNAP. We have seen a steady decline in the distribution and redemption of those benefits as the economy has improved and many people

have been able to find employment and not have had to rely on the program to make ends meet,” Wright said.

“On the Agricultural side of the bill, I am glad to see the provisions put in place to protect our farmers. I have always had great respect for the family farmer, but some of the work I have been involved in over the last few years has grown my respect even more.”

Alabama Congressman Mike Rogers issued the following statement in a press release following the passage of the bill.

“I am proud to vote for the Farm Bill. As a Conferee on the bill, I know firsthand just how important this bill is to our nation. This Farm Bill strengthens the farm safety net for Alabama’s farmers and producers and it provides five years of certainty.

America’s farm economy is still struggling, and this bill will be a much-needed shot in the arm.”

“The bill also improves the SNAP (food stamp) program integrity while incentivizing

work for those who are on government benefits. The rural development programs in the bill will be great for folks across Alabama who need rural broadband, and the research funding in the Farm Bill is great news for universities like Tuskegee and Auburn. Finally, I am pleased to say language I introduced with Rep. Terri Sewell was included in the bill. This important language helps provide grants for folks with failing wastewater infrastructure.”

Alabama Arise had this to say about the passage of the Farm Bill in a press release.

“The Farm Bill contains good news for struggling families across Alabama and across the country. It protects and strengthens the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, our nation’s most effective anti-hunger program. SNAP has long had bipartisan support, and we commend House and Senate negotiators for continuing that tradition by working together across party lines to protect food assistance.”

“SNAP helps nearly 900,000 Alabamians make ends meet, and we’re pleased that Congress passed a Farm Bill that protects this critical program. We thank Sens.

Doug Jones and Richard Shelby and Alabama’s House members for voting to keep food on hundreds of thousands of Alabama tables.”

“We also thank the many Alabamians who stood together to help protect food assistance after the House initially voted for harmful SNAP cuts that would have increased hunger. Their calls and letters to our representatives in Washington were critical in ensuring that SNAP will continue to help feed a range of people in households that struggle to make ends meet, including children, parents, seniors, people with disabilities, and working people with low pay and inconsistent hours.”

For more information or updates on the progress of the bill’s passage, visit agriculture.house.gov/news/.

Flowers,

from B9

served almost his entire adult life representing his home folks in the legislature, 36 of his 41 years as an adult has been as a legislator. He was elected in 1982 at age 26.

Even though he has been a state representative for most of his life, he is first and foremost a farmer.

He was born and raised in Centre in Cherokee County and runs the family farm business. He has been a leader in the Alabama Farmers Federation and his Methodist church.

Like Black, Lindsey is one of the finest gentlemen you will ever meet.

Buskey, Black and Lindsey exude integrity. Legislators on both sides of the aisle should strive to emulate these three gentlemen.

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.

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

pelika O Observer

B11 December 19, 2018

LEGALS CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: J.L.M. A minor child JU-2017-475.02 NOTICE TO: The unknown father of J.L.M. born 10/07/2017 and to the mother of J.L.M.: LaDonna Marie Morgan, aka: Stround, aka:Pierson-born at EAMC in Opelika, AL. Custody of the minor child J.L.M. was vested with Lee County DHR on 11/21/2017. The unknown father and mother must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Family Court of Lee County, AL

by Lee County DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a final judgement may be rendered in Juvenile Case Number JU-2017-475.02 in the Family Court of Lee County, AL terminating all parental rights to the minor child.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK - Lee County Justice Center 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O. Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 12/12/18, 12/19/18, 12/26/18 and 01/02/2019

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF AGLICE CUMBIE MESSER, Deceased NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Aglice Cumbie Messer, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 3rd day of December, 2018 by the Honorable Judge of Probate of Lee 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.

Paul W. Nichols, Sr., Executor Legal Run 12/12/18, 12/19/18, and 12/26/18

FORM OF ADVERTISMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that KNIGHT SIGN INDUSTRIES, Contractor, has completed the Contract (Construction) (Revenue) (Alteration) (Equipment) (Improvement) of SOUTHERN UNION STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, at RANDOLPH COUNTY, WADLEY, AL CHAMBERS COUNTY, VALLEY, AL LEE COUNTY, OPELIKA, AL for the State of Alabama and

the (County)(City of) (Listed above), Owner(s) and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for lavor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify PH& J ARCHITECTS, INC, (Architect) KNIGHT SIGN INDUSTRIES (Contractor) 5959 Knight Ave. Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 (Business Address) NOTE: This notice must be run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00, for projects of less than $50,000.00, run one time only. Proof of publication is required.

Legal Run 12/12/18, 12/19/18, 12/26/18 and 01/02/2019.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE ESTATE OF BILLY WILSON, DECEASED. Case No.: 2018-C-009 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take notice that Letters Administration of said deceased having been granted to LATANYA TURNER, Personal Representative, on the 5th day of December, 2018, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/ LaTanya Turner Personal Representative Legal Run 12/12/18, 12/19/18 and 12/26/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE ESTATE OF MARGARET M. WILSON, Deceased Case No.: 2018-C-008 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take notice that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to LATANYA TURNER, Personal Representative, on the5th day ofDecember, 2018,

by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/ LaTanya Turner Personal Representative Legal Run 12/12/18, 12/19/18 and 12/26/18

SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to

amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcels of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcels from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: Parcel 1 From a I-1, GC-P District (Institutional, Gateway CorridorPrimary Overlay District) to a C-2, GC-P District (Office/Retail, Gateway CorridorPrimary Overlay District), the parcels of land hereinafter described: Commence at the Northwest Corner of Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama; thence running S 89°20’22” E a distance of 50.00 feet to a point; thence S 00°20’45” W a distance of 651.52 feet to a point; thence running S 03°30’02” E a distance of 301.68 feet to a point, more or less, said point being 113.79 feet left and opposite Station 12+54.29 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama Project, which is the True Point of Beginning; Thence running S 89°43’56” E a distance of 609.04 feet to a point 29.13 feet left and opposite Station 19+03.66 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence along a curve to the right a distance of 67.15 feet, said curve having a radius of 85.00 feet, being subtended by a chord bearing of S 67°39’20” W a chord distance of 65.42 feet to a point 25.00 feet left and opposite Station 18+14.56 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence running N 89°42’39” W a distance of 300.76 feet to a point 25.82 feet left and opposite Station 15+16.71 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence along a curve to the left a distance of 90.22 feet, said curve having a radius of 150.00 feet, being subtended by a chord bearing of S 73°03’28” W a chord distance of 88.87 feet to a point 37.50 feet left and opposite Station 14+42.02 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence running S 55°49’35” W a distance of 18.87 feet to a point 37.50 feet left and opposite Station 14+23.15 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence along a curve to the right a distance of 35.71 feet, said curve having a radius of 62.50 feet, being subtended by a chord bearing of S 72°11’43” W a chord distance of 35.23 feet left and opposite Station 13+66.01 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence running S 88°33’51” W a distance of 104.51 feet to a point 37.50 feet left and opposite Station 12+61.50 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence along a curve to the

Alabama Dept. of Revenue issues notice regarding CNG production Special to the Opelika Observer NOTICE: Dec. 13, 2018 – Section 40-17-168.2, Code of Alabama 1975, requires any individual producing and using compressed natural gas (CNG) as a fuel in a personal vehicle used for noncommercial purposes to file an annual application fee of $100 per CNG vehicle. According to Section 40-17-168.1, Code of Alabama 1975, a personal producer of CNG is defined as “Any individual producing and using CNG as a fuel in a personal vehicle used for noncommercial purposes.” The application and fee are due no later than

January 20 each year for the upcoming calendar year. The first annual application and fee are due January 20, 2019. If a personal CNG vehicle is acquired or a personal vehicle is converted to a CNG system, the individual or personal producer is required to file an application and remit the appropriate fee within 20 days from the acquisition or conversion. For vehicles acquired or converted after June 30 the fee is $50, and after September 30 the fee is $25.

This application must be submitted electronically through MyAlabamaTaxes. alabama.gov (MAT).

Under quick links for businesses on the

website, click “Obtain a New Tax Account Number.” Then follow the prompts, selecting CNG Personal Producer when asked for the tax type. Once you are approved, the Department will send you an online filing instruction letter to set up your account and begin filing.

If you have any questions pertaining to this notice, please contact this office at the address or telephone number shown below or via email at mft@ revenue.alabama.gov.

Business & License Tax Division Motor Fuels Section P. O. Box 327540 Montgomery, Alabama 36132-7540 334-242-9608 334-242-1199 (Fax)

right a distance of 9.51 feet, said curve having a radius of 38.00 feet, being subtended by a chord bearing of N 84°15’57” W a chord distance of 9.49 feet to a point 38.68 feet left and opposite Station 12+52.09 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence running N 00°14’28” E a distance of 75.14 feet, which is the True Point of Beginning.

Parcel 2 All that tract or parcel of land lying and being in Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the Northwest Corner of Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama; thence running 89°20’22” E a distance of 50.00 feet to a point; thence S 00°20’45” W a distance of 651.52 feet to a point; thence running S 89°40’07” E a distance of 704.02 feet to a point; more or less, said point being 39.47 feet left and opposite Station 22+26.07 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road, City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama Project, which is the True Point of Beginning.

Thence running S 89°40’07” E a distance of 17.34 feet to a point 25.00 feet left and opposite Station 22+35.63 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence running S 33°46’56” W a distance of 31.50 feet to a point 25.00 feet left and opposite Station 22+04.13 on the proposed construction centerline of Bush Road; Thence running N 00°23’09” E a distance of 26.28 feet to a point, which is the True Point of Beginning; Together with and subject to covenants, easements and restrictions of record.

Said tract or parcel having an area of 227.94 Square Feet, (0.005 Acres), as shown on a map prepared by Mulkey Engineers and Consultants, dated September 30, 2011.

Parcel 3 From the NW Corner of Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, go thence South 89 degrees 20’ 22” East 50.0 feet; thence South 00 degrees 20’ 45” West 651.52 feet to the point of beginning of the property here intended to be described and conveyed; thence South 89 degrees 39’ 15” East 726.0 feet for a point; thence South 00 degrees 20’ 45” West 300.0 feet; thence North 89 degrees 39’ 15” West 726.0 feet; thence North 00 degrees 20’ 45” East 300 feet to the Point of Beginning containing 5.0 acres, more or less, LESS AND EXCEPT, part of the NW ¼ of NW ¼ Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, and being more fully described as follows: Commence at the northwest corner of said NW ¼ of NW ¼; thence east long the north

line of said ¼ - ¼, a distance of 50 feet, more or less, to the present east right-of-way line of Hamilton Road; thence Southerly along said east right-of-way line a distance of 652 feet, more or less, to a point on the north property line that is easterly of and at right angles to the centerline of project number MAAAF-77(12) and the point of beginning of the property herein to be conveyed; thence easterly along said north property line a distance of 25 feet, more or less, to a point that is 60 feet easterly of, and at right angles to, said centerline; thence southeasterly a distance of 301 feet, more or less, to a point of the south property line that is 80 feet easterly of and at right angles to said centerline; thence westerly a distance of 45 feet, more or less, to the present east right-of-way line of Hamilton Road; thence North along said east right-of-way line a distance of 300 feet, more or less to the point of beginning containing 0.2237 acres, more or less.

The above-described property contains approximately 5.0 acres and is located at 2015 Gateway Drive, Opelika, Alabama. Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on December 19, 2018 in The Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Section 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975).

THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 19th day of December, 2018. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 12/19/2018

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM G. COPELAND, DECEASED. Case No.: 2018-C-093 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that Letters Testamentary of the Estate of WILLIAM G. COPELAND, deceased, having been granted to WILLIAM E. COPELAND on the 5th day of December 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Um E All WILLIAM E. COPELAND Legal Run 12/19/18, 12/26/18 & 01/02/2019

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE ROY L. JOHN-

SON, DECEASED. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that Letters Testamentary of the Estate of ROY L. JOHNSON, deceased, having been granted to MYRA JEAN JOHNSON on the 16th day of Nov. 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present such claims within the time allowed by law, or the same will be forever barred. monaroknsor MYRA JEAN JOHNSON Legal Run 12/19/18, 12/26/18 & 01/02/2019

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE #: 2018-C-100 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF DYONIOUS DUKES, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Dyonious Dukes, deceased, having been granted to Carter Hurd Dukes, this 6th day of December 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Carter Hurd Dukes, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-7452564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030 Legal Run 12/12/18, 12/19/18 & 12/26/18

STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF LEE IN THE PROBATE COURT CASE NO.: 2018-C-052 RE: LILLIE BELL COOPER, Deceased, Estate of NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 5th day of November, 2018 by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Austin Joe Williams, Executor Lauryn A. Lauderdale Attorney for Executor Lauderdale & Lauderdale, P.C. 700 Avenue D Opelika, Alabama 36801 Telephone: 334-749-5196 Facisimile: 334-749-5532 Legal Run 12/19/18, 12/26/18 and 01/02/2019

Opelika City Schools has strong D.A.R.E. program; honors graduates with ceremony

By Beth Pinyerd Opelika Observer D.A.R.E graduation was held for fifth grade students at Northside Intermediate School auditorium Dec.14 at 10 a.m.. The community and families were invited to attend this outstanding accomplishment. The red carpet was rolled out to honor the graduates!

D.A.R.E-Drug Abuse Resistance Education is an international substance abuse and gang prevention education program that seeks to educate and prevent addiction to drugs, alcohol, and to prevent children from joining gangs. The program involves students interacting with police officers and teachers in a classroom environment.

Officer Shayna Hodges, a 3.5-year veteran with the Opelika Police Department, is the School Resource Officer that serves at Northside

Intermediate School.. She is in charge of the D.A.R.E program.

The D.A.R.E curriculum builds healthy development by having lessons on • Self awareness and management • Responsible decision making • Understanding others • Relationship and communication skills • Handling responsibilities and challenges Hodges stated that she has met with the teachers and students three times a week for 45 minutes where lectures, the D.A.R.E book, video lectures, and peer mentoring from OHS students have been done.

“D.A.R.E is here to support children to be kind, respectful, and no bullying,” Hodges said.

The D.A.R.E commencement was opened by 5th grade teacher teacher Mrs. Kirk. The National An-

them was sung by Officer Dwayne Fears.

The fifth grade students performed three D.A.R.E songs under the direction of Chad Turner, music teacher.

The guest speaker was Savannah Karl an OHS graduate who encouraged the fifth grade students to make safe and responsible decisions.

Abbagail Henderson was chosen as the Good Citizen Recipient. Hodges stated the Good Citizen Recipient is a student who treats others with respect, they are kind and help others, they respect authority, and they respect their environment.

D.A.R.E Class Essay Representatives read their outstanding essays to the audience. Fifth grade teachers presented their students certificates of completion of the D.A.R.E. The graduates did the D.A.R.E chant.

Closings remarks and acknowledgments were done

by Principal Poteet.

B12 December 19, 2018

pelika Observer O

Last week’s answers:

12-12 Scramblers Answers: 1. Chasten, 2. Regard, 3. Herald, 4. Debate Solution: Headache

pelika Observer O

B13 December 19, 2018

COMICS

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

Auburn Opelika

Auburn Opelik A H A b i tAt YeAr in review

2018 board

merry Christmas & may god bless You All.

John Jones Aaron friend, President Judy Jones Cathey Donald, Vice President susan Dale Lisa Ruffin John goodin bobby Yeo, Secretary Joree Jones miles Hill troy Johnson malta Jones Carol Womer tina Cook, Treasurer

— Mark Grantham, Executive Director

Audrey marshall

w w w. a u b u r n o p e l i k a h a b i t a t . o r g

Letter from the Director Dear friends and neighbors, thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of qualified hard working families. together we are building homes, building community, and building hope. We have helped 67 families realize the dream and responsibility of home ownership. Our founders believed in a program that would offer families a hand up. Our partner families work very hard to contribute 500 volunteer hours, save a down payment, participate in home owner and financial management classes, and make a nonprofit mortgage payment that is recycled to build more homes.

We give thanks this season for the leadership of our board of Directors. We give thanks for god’s provision through all of you who make a difference every day.

January 2018 -Thank you Publix Super Market Charities for $10,000 Home Sponsorship each year.

Spring 2018 - habitat home #65 Dedicated - Thank you sponsors AU Architecture & Panhellenic, Auburn Bank, Publix, Lee County Association of Realtors, ACI, Jonquil Garden, Wal-Mart, Auburn Rotary, AAHA

May 2018 - AU Panhellenic sponsors a Habitat Home each year with +$37,000 donation from Greek Sing June 2018 - Lee County Association of Realtors presents $5,000 check to sponsor at home and as the presenting sponsor for Habitat Around the Heart.

July 2018 - habitat around the heart at Saugahatchee Country Club Thank you to our sponsors LCAR, EAMC, Auburn Bank, Scott Bridge, iHeart, Auburn Network, River Bank, Opelika Observer, Glynn Smith, J & C Cleveland, Our Home Pharmacy, RAPA, BanCorp South, University Ace, McDonald’s,Turner Auto, Bubba’s Medicine Shoppe, Chappy’s Deli, Drake Martin State Farm helping raise +$48,000 September 2018 habitat home #66 Dedicated Designed & built in partnership with AU Architecture, Building Science and Rural Studio.

Fall 2018 - habitat home #67 Breaks Ground Thank you sponsors EAMC, ACI,Teresa Burns Estate the Moore and Burns families, Dr. John & Roberta Hand

weHelp Churches

December 2018 - Christmas Cookie Walk Fundraiser Thank you to WeHelp Churches & all of the commmunity.

We raised +$7,500 on cookies sales for another home.

Thank you for your consisted support of HFH Auburn AmE Zion Church | Auburn first baptist Church Auburn Unitarian Universalist fellowship | Ebenezer missionary baptist Church first Presbyterian Auburn | green Chapel missionary baptist Church grace United methodist Church | Holy trinity Episcopal Church trinity Lutheran Church | true Deliverance Holiness Church White street missionary baptist Church | st. michael’s Catholic

Thank You

Dr. & mrs. John Hand, mr. & mrs. David Housel & Auburn Rotary for your consistent love & support of this ministry.

year end GIvInG

Please consider a year end gift before December 31, 2018. We are a 501C3 nonprofit. Your donation should be tax deductible and we will provide you a reciept. Your giving will help us build 3 more homes in 2019 mark.a.grantham310@gmail.com | 334.745.2123

V i s i t O U R s E C U R E L i N K At W W W. AU bU R N O P E L i K A H A b i tAt. O Rg tO g i V E .

O R m A i L t O AO H f H 6 0 5 2 N D AV E , O P E L i K A , A L 3 6 8 0 1

T h a n k yo u To a l l o u r d o n o r s , s p o n s o r s & vo lu n T e e r s If you have a property to donate, please consider us.

Yo u m a y d o n a t e t o Ha b i t a t & c l a i m t h e v a l u e a l l ow e d by l a w a s a d e d u c t i o n .