Opelika Observer 12-26-2018 E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Vol. 11, No. 12

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Opelika, Alabama

Roseland lights up Oak Bowery with Christmas lights display

“By local people, for local people.”

“Where did the monkeys go?”

“To eat ice cream at O Town of course!”

By Michelle Key Publisher O Town, formerly known as O Town Ice Cream, held a soft opening last week at their new location on 2nd Avenue in Opelika. Their formal grand opening event is planned for sometime in January.

One of the surprises in the new store is the display of artwork from students from Morris Avenue Intermediate School.

Back in the 70s, Municipal Park, nicknamed “Monkey Park” had live monkeys on display in a large cage. Children loved the monkeys and enjoyed watching their antics and tossing peanuts to them.

The monkeys are no longer in the park, but the memories live on and parents often tell their children stories about the monkeys.

Shop owner Angela George had incorporated the “Opelika monkeys” into the artwork and mural in the original shop in

Photo by Michelle Key/Opelika Observer

downtown Opelika, and said she wanted to find a way to do the same at the new location.

She decided to visit Morris Avenue Intermediate School and ask the students where they thought the monkeys

went when they left Monkey Park.

“The things they came up with are amazing and they didn’t know their artwork was going to be featured at our shop,” George said.

The children were tasked with putting their ideas on paper and the artwork they created is being used to dress up the ice cream counters.

George stated they plan to visit other schools in the area

and swap out the artwork approximately every 3 or 4 months.

The new O Town location is a partnership between George, her husband Chris, Craig David and Jeff Jerkins. The business will be serving the same ice cream that has been named to reflect people, places and events around Lee County such as “Chunky Monkey Park” and Big Swamp Turtle” plus they will be serving Scoops Real Italian Ice. The shop plans to start serving breakfast and lunch in January.

The shop is located at 700 2nd Ave. and will feature rocking chairs, an area where children can draw with chalk and a drive-up window for customer’s convenience. For more information regarding their hours of operation and the grand opening event, follow and like their Facebook page or call 334-737-5700.

For more photos of the artwork from the students at Morris Avenue turn to A2.

Construction of ‘Resting Pulse Brewery’ Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller: underway; slated to open March 2019 ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’

By Morgan Bryce Editor

By Morgan Bryce Editor A relaxing atmosphere, fun hangout for family and friends and quality, on-tap craft beer will be just a few of the features of “Resting Pulse Brewery,” a new business coming to downtown Opelika in 2019.

Started by Auburn residents Dave and Terri Plundo, the brewery will Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer be located on the corner Dave and Terri Plundo pose in front of their of First Avenue and South future business, “Resting Pulse Brewery” in Eighth Street, in the heart downtown Opelika. of a new entertainment of March. district created by Opelika underway, Dave said the brewery’s grand opening “This is such an businessman Richard festivities are planned for Patton. the mid-to-latter portion With construction See Brewery, page A3

Index

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

This is the fourth and final 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.

Christmastime in Opelika is a season that reminds Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller that faith is a cornerstone to the development and growth of the city he leads.

“Our community is

CALENDAR....................................B4 LEGALS ......................................B8 RELIGION..............................B9 ENTERTAINMENT......................B11

Fuller

more than 164 years old and I believe strong families of faith, with our many churches, are the primary reason for our success,” Gary said.

Born in Dadeville, Gary said he grew up in a poor household where Christmas gifts and traditions were sparse, but does recall a special gift from his youth.

“I got a Daisy BB gun

when I was about eight or nine years old. My dad must have warned me at least 50 times not to point it at anyone and shoot out their eye,” Gary remembered.

A graduate of Opelika’s Southern Union campus, Gary would go on to found “Fuller Broadcasting Company, Inc.” in 1985. Operating six local radio stations, the company was lauded for its coverage and contributions to the community it served.

Later, he made the news waves by becoming city councilman for Ward 4 and being elect-

pelika O Observer.com

See Fuller, page A2

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A2 December 26, 2018

Photos by Michelle Key/Opelika Observer

Fuller,

from A1 ed as mayor in 2004, winning re-election in 2008, 2012 (unopposed) and again in 2016.

Married to his wife Laura for 38 years, Fuller said early traditions always revolved around their family and two children, Ginny and Gary Jr. “When Ginny and Gary were very young

we started a tradition of making eggs benedict for Christmas brunch. Ginny makes the hollandaise sauce, Gary Jr. prepares the English muffins, Laura does the asparagus and I poach the eggs,” Gary

of the nativity of Jesus at Christmas and His return at the Second Coming,” Gary said. “It’s a holy time as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is a wonderful time to be with friends and family but Jesus really is the reason for the season.”

First United Methodist Church in downtown Opelika in celebration of Jesus’s birth. “(Christmas) means ‘advent,’ which is about watching and waiting on God’s plan to unfold.

It’s a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration

said. “We always go to a movie on Christmas afternoon (too).”

Though they are empty nesters, Gary said he and Laura enjoy hosting their children for Christmas visits and participating in Christmas Eve services at their place of worship,

WE KNOW HOW TO GET YOU HOME

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pelika Observer

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

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 Brewery,

from A1

exciting time for us.

Every day, you see all the activity here and you see changes - walls going up and new equipment coming in - it’s unbelievable,” Dave said. “And we’re thrilled to be a part of this growing entertainment district ... people will be able to walk back and forth to the other venues and restaurants that are here in downtown. Some of the other venues are looking at some entrances on this side of the street to make it easier for people to do that - you’re seeing this whole area step up to make this a reality.”

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Plundos worked for years in the healthcare field, living in Ohio and

Iowa before moving to the Auburn-Opelika area in 2015.

“We’re not homebrewers ... anywhere we lived, we enjoyed going to craft breweries, craft distilleries and local wineries.

They made for a great date night and adventure for us,” Dave said. “Every time we moved, we talked about how great it would be to do something like this. When we got to (the area), we saw that there wasn’t a lot of choices locally and that you had to drive a good distance to get to others.

We thought to ourselves if we were ever going to do it, it was going to be here.”

During their search, the couple heard of Patton’s efforts toward improving downtown Opelika, and officially toured the future home of their business with him in March 2017.

“Richard’s vision is really our vision. He had

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured is Eric Lindemann, head brewmaster for Resting Pulse Brewing Company, which is slated to open in mid-to-late March 2019. something planned for the corner where we’re going to be, but after talking with us and knowing that my heart was set on that space, he worked and changed things up so that we could have it and do what we wanted to do,” Terri said.

Earlier this year, the couple hired Portland, Oregon native Eric Lindemann to be their head brewmaster. Lindemann met Dave at a

craft brewery conference in San Diego, and said that their conversation was more than enough to convince him to uproot his family and head to the Southeast.

“Two very important factors brought me here: the first was the passing of the ‘Growler Law’ (which allows Alabamians to purchase craft beer directly from the producer) and the commitment these two show to help make this

A3 December 26, 2018 project come through,” Lindemann said.

Though he prefers a beverage that is “maltforward and yeasty,” Lindemann said he and the Plundos will work to tailor their Blonde Ale, IPA, Kolsch, Lager, Pilsner, Stout styles and more to the tastes of their clientele.

Once opened, the brewery will feature an Lshaped bar and seating for nearly 100 guests inside.

The Plundos said they will staff their kitchen with two cooks and four servers to provide food for customers. Thirteen televisions will adorn the walls for sports fans to watch their favorite teams’ games.

The exterior will feature a “beer-garden” with adequate seating and space for events. Trees will be planted to provide shade.

Pets are also welcome to the brewery, which will offer dog biscuits for

canine owners.

Resting Pulse will also be available for hosting events like wedding receptions and work parties and weekly live music from local artists, part of the Plundo’s efforts to make their business a viable part of the community.

“When you come into our brewery, we want you to come in and relax, enjoy, sit back and soak in everything. With family or friends there with you, we want you to get to that ‘resting pulse,’ which is where the name for our brewery comes from,” Terri said.

The brewery’s hours of operation will be 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m. Monday - Saturday and noon midnight on Sundays.

For more information or updates on the brewery’s opening, like and follow its social media pages or visit www.restingpulsebrewing.com.

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pelika O Opinion

A4 December 26, 2018

L

inda, listen!

My husband and I own a business that is at the mercy of mother nature. (Rain, rain, go away!) I get that he's frustrated right now- so am I. We are doing all that we can, but of course money isn't coming in as often as usual and it's Christmas! Not complaining, it is what it is, but I always do everything for holiday or birthday/ anniversary prep and this Christmas is no exception. My Mr. Scrooge is not interested in the details involved with any celebration, ever. I'm trying to do all I can to be ready for my family gathering followed by his family this weekend at our home while working our business, caring for our sick child (Flu, flu, go away!), and prepping for Christmas Eve. Less than a week away, Linda! All I get from Mr. Scrooge every day is questions about what else I'm going to do for income. Am I putting in applications for jobs anywhere? Have I looked into anyone who might be hiring?

I

Mind you, currently, I do everything for our business except the hard labor. And I appreciate the hard work the guys do, Scrooge included, but dang! Is it too much to ask for a little help praying and doing what we can do rather than adding anything else to my list? Aside from calling up ghosts of Christmas' past, present and future, what am I to do about my Mr. Scrooge? I don't want to hate holidays- or my job.

Sincerely, Mrs. Y. Cratchit Scrooge Dear Mrs. Y. Cratchit Scrooge, I’m so sorry you are having to deal with all of this during this already hectic

and stressful time of year!

It’s hard when you live with such negativity from your spouse.

We all have learned the hard way that we can’t change people or control them.

My mother always told me to always come back with positivity when I was around negativity. Even though the negative person may just ignore your positive vibes, it is still seeping in their brain a little at a time. Lol. With that being said, it’s still draining to be around someone like that.

My mother used to always look at my dad when in a heated argument and say, “Honey, I just love you!” As you can imagine, his face went to pure disbelief because it’s almost impossible to continue to fight when someone blurts that out. In other words, instead of fighting fire with fire, just put out the fire!

Hoping this helps and that you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Linda

Very Merry

t was hard to see. I would have missed it if I was not looking down. A tiny piece of Christmas paper was partially submerged in the cold, red, Alabama clay.

I didn’t see much of anything else on the lot except for bricks and remnants of my grandparents’ house.

Then, the memories came pouring back, and all I could see was her.

Mema kept the Christmas decorations in the attic and would make my grandfather get them down for her every year. She would stand at the bottom of the pull-down stairs, while he handed her the boxes that contained the magic ingredients of every Christmas for the first decade of my life.

Tinsel, glitter, glass ornaments, and the felt reindeer that pulled the rosy cheeked plastic Santa in his matching plastic sleigh. I can’t forget to mention the colored lights that my grandfather would quietly sit and test before hanging on the tree.

The ornaments were always hung with care but there was no hoping to it; I knew St. Nick would definitely be there. I don’t remember Christmas with my daddy. I do, however, remember wishing he was there with me. Mema and Mama would take me out on the grand front porch of my grandpar-

By Lucy Fuller

ents’ home, and we would search the night sky for Santa. I remember searching and combing through the stars for a glimpse of his sleigh. When I finally saw it, I ran back inside to leave cookies and a Sprite on the hearth. Then I was tucked into bed not to arise until Christmas morning.

Christmas Day was always so magical when I was a young girl. I loved spending time with my cousins and playing together with the gifts Santa brought us the night before. I always loved opening presents with my aunts, uncles and the rest of my family, but something was always missing—my dad. No matter what I received under the tree or near the fireplace ever amounted to the emptiness inside of me. More than any Little Miss Make-up doll or Radio Flyer wagon, I wanted my dad and that’s something that Santa would never be able to gift me.

Mema’s house always felt like a safe place to me. I guess it felt that way, because that’s where we lived for the first several years after my daddy

died. Mema and Main (my grandfather) became a second set of parents, in a sense.

My mother worked long hours, so I spent a lot of time with them. Their house was big and full of antique treasures. I would spend endless hours exploring the basement and the attic. I was always “getting into something” my grandmother would tell me. That’s, of course, when I wasn’t busy “eating them out of house and home.” I loved my childhood in that big brick house.

As a tear fell down my cheek, I remember picking up a brick that was laying near that small muddy piece of wrapping paper that held a lifetime of memories. The brick was cold and caked with mud. I took off my glove and I wiped it off the best I could and carried it along with me. I walked along the perimeter of where their home once stood and tried to imagine the construction of new homes that would begin within the next several weeks. My eyes filled with tears as I looked across the large and newly empty lot.

It was hard to believe it was gone. All of a sudden, I yearned for my childhood. It made me miss my father more.

I said a little prayer to myself and walked See Fuller, page A6

Christmas Stars

D

ecember 13th— there is a meteor shower tonight.

That’s what they tell me.

They say it will be a good one.

I am on a porch, waiting to make a Christmas wish on a falling star. But it’s raining.

If this rain ever lets up, I know what I’ll wish for first: I am going to wish for a lifetime supply of cheese.

Laugh all you want.

But when I was ten, I sat at a campfire with my Little League teammates and I saw a shooting star. I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

I wished for endless cheese.

My buddies cackled.

They told me I’d wasted my wish.

“You poop monger!”

My buddy Allen said, “You should’ve wished for more wishes! That way you could have all the cheese you wanted.”

Consequently, until that day, I had never heard of a “poop monger.” I’ve never heard of one again, either.

My friend Reynold reasoned, “You should’ve wished for endless money, then you could’ve bought all the cheese in the world!”

“Yeah,” my cousin remarked. “And girls would automatically like you because you’re rich.

That’s always a plus.”

Well, hooey.

I wanted cheese. Not wishes. Besides, I’ve never been very good with money or girls.

Cheese is my game.

I could live on smoked

By Sean Dietrich

Gouda. I could bathe in melted Swiss and use spray cheese for hair conditioner.

Growing up, whenever we ran out of cheese, it was like the Great Depression in my house. I would lie on my side for forty days and forty nights, praying for a miracle.

Tonight, if I see a second falling star, I will also make another Christmas wish. This one is equally important.

I will wish for you and me to have our best day ever.

You might think I’m joking, but I’m serious about this wishing business. After all, I could certainly use a “Best Day Ever.”

The perfect day might start like this: There I am. I’m going about my business, mowing the lawn, or painting the house, when something good happens.

Maybe I win a contest. Or I find a twenty in my pocket. Someone anonymously places a puppy on my porch. A group of cheerful men with German accents petition the city for legal permission to hold a beer festival in my backyard with moonwalks and bratwurst-eating contests.

This will lead to another good thing, then something else. Then,

everything will spiral out of control and soon I’m shouting, “Hot diggity dog!” because I love bratwursts.

Maybe it will go like that for you, too. Perhaps you’ll get a phone call from someone you haven’t heard from in years. Or wonderful news. Or a letter in the mail. Or a sudden reunion with old friends.

Next thing you know, you’re dancing the Bossa Nova and breaking out the fancy pepper jelly from Harry & David.

It will be as simple as that. The stars will align, and things you thought were impossible will happen. Good feelings will sort of take over. And just when you think life can’t get any better, another thought will occur to you: “Wait a minute here,” you’ll say aloud. “Life isn’t even over yet.

There’s a strong potential that I could have even better days than this one if I keep on breathing.”

Holy Roquefort. This is could be huge.

So then, you’ll start to look at the universe with fresh eyes. You’ll practically be waiting around for more falling stars.

You meet someone, hear something, see something, or feel something that makes you smile so hard you crack teeth. And the more this happens, the more you will start to wonder why you ever doubted in happiness, beauty, and pepper jelly.

And if this all works out like I hope, you’ll forget about the hell that See Dietrich, page A6

I win the lottery W

anna know the difference between $15 million and $6,183?

One number.

If I had I that number, I would be a rich man today.

Let me explain.

When I am in a lottery state, I always buy a ticket.

I never play the big games – Powerball and all that – I play modestly, $1 Lotto “quick pick,” let the machine decide which numbers. Then, I take my ticket and dream about what I would do if I won. Where else can you get so many dreams for so little?

A couple of years ago, being in a lottery state, I bought a ticket. The day after the drawing I woke, went to my office, turned on the computer, went to the lotto website, checked the winning numbers against my ticket, and discovered that of the six numbers needed to win $15 million, I had five.

I double checked,

By Hardy Jackson

triple checked, even woke my son and got him to confirm my good fortune. Then I called the lottery district office, read them the numbers, and they told me to come on in.

So I did.

They cut me a check – minus what they withheld for Uncle Sam, which they take out because some folks might “forget” they won when tax time comes around.

After that deduction, and after I gave 10 percent to the charity of my choice, I ended up with a little more money than I expected to have when the year began.

Now, I am certain some of you dear readers are feeling sorry for me because the machine did not give out that other number. Please

don’t, for when it comes to matters like this, I am much of the same mind with Alfred P. Doolittle.

You remember Alfred P., father of Eliza, the Cockney flower girl that Professor Henry Higgins was able to pass off as an aristocrat simply by teaching her how to speak properly. “My Fair Lady.” Got it?

Alfred P. was a common dustman, the lowest of the low, whose true character was revealed when, upon learning that Higgins had taken Eliza into his home, he decided to pay the professor a visit -- not to rescue his daughter from a “fate worse than death,” but to get duly compensated for being her father.

Doolittle told Higgins, “Five pounds and you can keep the girl.” (I know you are wondering where this is going, but trust me, it is going somewhere.)

Hearing this, Higgins’ associate, Col. See Jackson, page A6

pelika O Observer

Around Lee County

A5 December 26, 2018

Opelika City Council holds Smiths Station Fire and Rescue unveil new ambulance to public final meeting of 2018

By Michelle Key Publisher Mayor Gary Fuller recognized Jessica Mills last night for her accomplishments in completing the "Triple Crown of Hiking" earlier this year. The three trails that make up the informal triple crown are the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail which have a combined total of nearly 7,900 miles.

Mills will be recognized and awarded a plaque next year from The American Long Distance Hiking Association – West (ALDHA–West) for this achievement. The (ALDHA–West) is the only organization in the United States that recognizes this hiking feat and as of the end of November 2018, only 396 hikers since 1994 have received this honor.

Mills did not complete her final trail in time to submit it prior to the deadline for this year's award cycle.

Mills began her hike of the Appalachian Trial in March 2015, then the Pacific Crest Trail and she completed the Continental Divide Trail in October.

"I know you can drive it (Continental Divide Trail) but walking it at 2 miles per hour is a lot more scenic way of seeing it," Mills said.

Fuller went on to describe the many accomplishments of Mills and her family and siblings.

“What an outstanding family. They are all high achievers. Jessica you have led the charge," Fuller said. "On behalf on the city council, I am happy to recognize and honor you and your entire family for

Photo by Michelle Key/Publisher Pictured is Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller recognizing Jessica Mills for completing the “Triple Crown of Hiking” during last Tuesday’s city council meeting. many achievements."

Patricia Skelton was recognized by Mayor Fuller as the 2018 Sanford Teacher Award recipient. Only one teacher from each state receives this honor.

"We are certainly thrilled and ecstatic that she is part of our staff and one of our teachers at the middle school," said Keith York, principal of Opelika Middle School.

Opelika Municipal Court Judge H. Kenneth Wilkes was recognized on the occasion of his retirement after having served the city of Opelika for more than 30 years.

In other business, City Administrator Joey Motley delivered the building permit report for the month of November. The total revenue from building permits for the month was $8,261,161.60 and there were 33 permits issued for See Council, page A6

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor Smiths Station’s Fire and Rescue Unit unveiled the latest addition to its fleet of medical vehicles during a press conference last Tuesday morning.

In attendance were multiple dignitaries, including Smiths Station Mayor Bubba Copeland, House District 38 Rep. Debbie Wood, Alabama State Sen. Randy Price and Lee

County Commissioner Gary Long.

Funding for the ambulance was provided by the Lee County Fire and Ambulance Transport fees, enabling the SSFR to purchase its first new “Advanced Life Support” ambulance, which costed nearly $216,000. Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Sexton described the vehicle’s features in further detail.

“It has all the equipment needed

for advanced life support and transports, heart monitors, CPR machines, safety features included with the stretcher. In the event of a wreck, this is a new type of stretcher that won’t become dislodged and helps protect the patient while they are being transported,” Sexton said.

Copeland and Price both shared their thoughts on See Smiths, page A6

Brian Roberson sworn in to Lee County Board of Education

By Michelle Key Publisher During the December meeting of the Lee County Board of Education, newly elected member Brian Roberson was sworn in. Roberson will serve and represent District 7. He takes the seat formerly held by Napoleon Stringer, whom Roberson defeated in the general election Nov. 6.

In other business, the board: • approved a proposed revision of the 2019-2010 school calendar • tabled a request for the Beauregard High School wrestling team trip to the AHSAA

Super Sectional Wrestling tournament until the next meeting • approved out of town or overnight fields trips for the following schools/groups: - Beauregard High School Band trip to Troy University for the Southeastern US Concert,Band Clinic and Honor Bands - Loachapoka High School Basketball team‘s trip for a tournament - South Smiths Station Elementary first and sixth grade trips to the National Infantry Museum - West Smiths Station Elementary fifth grade trip to Springer Opera House - Beauregard High

School’s softball team’s three trips for tournments - Smiths Station High School business students trip to attend the Hawks Marketing Competition - Smiths Stations Girls Golf team’s trip to Mobile for a golf tournament - Smiths Stations High School’s golf team’s six trips for tournament play • received and approved the monthly financial report and cash reconciliation for the month of October as presented by Ken

Roberts - held an executive session to discuss human resources recommendations Lee County School Board meetings are open to the public.

Meetings are held the second Tuesday night of the month at the school board office which is located at 2410 Society Hill Road in Opelika.

Meetings start at 6 p.m.

Agendas for the meetings can be found on the website www.lee.k12.al.us/ Page/5211.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

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A6 December 26, 2018

Dietrich,

from A4

life has thrown at you.

Maybe you won’t feel so bad about the loved ones you miss, or the surgery you’re about to undergo, or the back pain, or the sibling who treats you like a refuse, or the good dog you just buried.

Or the spouse who left you when you needed

Council, from A5

new single family homes issued.

The city council also: • approved Chickchickporkpork Grill's request for a Restaurant Retail Liquor and Beer OnPremise License • approved a resolution to purchase police equipment for police package automobiles for the OPD utilizing the State of Alabama contract - the equipment will be purchased from Emergency Lighting by Haynes totaling $57,690 • voted to removed the resolution for demolition for 513 Ermine St. from the agenda. A permit for demolition has been issued to the Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity • approved a resolution for a special use permit

pelika O Observer

them. Or the parent who said you weren’t good enough. Or the child who broke your heart. Or the boss who let you go. Or any poop monger who couldn’t see you for who you are. Then, maybe you’ll begin to love the reflection in your mirror again. And hopefully you’ll realize that this earth wouldn’t be quite this majestic without your pretty face in it.

Anyway, I know this all sounds far fetched.

But that’s how wishes are supposed to be. So tonight, when this rain goes away, at the first sign of a shooting star, I’m going to close my eyes and ask for your Best Day Ever with all my heart.

Right after I wish for my cheese. And also the beer festival. You are loved.

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

request from Verizion to modify their equipment located at 1015 West Point Parkway.

• approved a resolution to accept infrastructure, Northbrook Subdivision phase V. • approved a resolution to accept a contract with Jocelyn Zanzot and Daniel Neil, d/b/a Mobile Studio, to serve as the Casey Foundation Community of Hope Project Manager for the Carver-Jeter Neighborhood Project • approved a resolution to accept an appropriation contract with the Boys & Girls Clubs for $40,000 • approved a resolution to accept for a special appropriation to the Opelika City Schools for the Opelika High School's "Spirit of the South" marching band's trip to perform at the "Taxslayer Gator Bowl" on Dec. 31 - the appropriation is $20,000 • approved a resolution

to accept a Final Change Order for the 5th Avenue/ North 4th Street Drainage Project - this change order adds an additional amount of $9.700 to the contract, resulting in a new contract amount of $259,312 • approved to reappoint Joanne Camp as a Municipal Court Public Defender. Her new term will end 1-02-21.

• approved to reappoint Todd Rauch and Ken Ridley to the Lee-Russell Council on Government - MPO Citizen Advisory Committee.

The Opelika City Council meets on the 1st and third Tuesday night of every month at City Hall. Meeting agendas can be accessed online at www.opelika-al.gov/129/ Agendas-Minutes. The next meeting will be Jan. 2 with a work session beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the regular session starting at 7 p.m.

Fuller,

from A4 back across the street to my house. I lived across the street from them the last several years of my grandfather’s life. I was never very close to Main, but no doubt about it, we had a special bond. When he passed away, an era ended. It’s as if part of my life died with him. I disguised my pain and lived on brokenhearted. I cried a little more as I washed that brick off in my kitchen sink. I removed the last little bit of mud and set it in on a towel to dry.

That was five years ago. Every Christmas since then has been a painful reminder of what “once was.”

I will never be able to relive the magical Christmas memories of my childhood or explore my grandmother’s attic, but I have my own family now. I have two little girls and a husband.

Jackson,

from A4 Pickering, exclaimed “Have you no morals man?”

To which Doolittle replied: “No, I can’t afford ‘em.”

Morals, Alfred P. explained, are for the middle-class. He was poor. And if that was not bad enough, by his own definition he was one of the “undeserving poor.”

Whenever he tried to get some of what is being given to the downtrodden, the middle-class moralists told him that “you’re undeserving, so you can’t have any.”

This was unfair, Doolittle told Higgins, because “my needs is as great as the most deserving widows that ever got money out of six different charities in one week for the death of the same ‘usband.”

Doolittle figured that since Eliza was getting something, why shouldn’t her father benefit a bit.

With 5 pounds he and “the missus” and their

Smiths,

from A5 the ambulance and what it means for the city moving forward.

“When an emergency happens, being able to service the citizens in the correct way with the best technology possible is what we’re looking for. And that’s what our fire department strives to

There are presents under “our” tree that we cut down in “our” woods, behind “our” home, that we carefully decorated together. On Christmas Eve, we will take Emily and Abigail out on the front porch and we will search the night sky for Santa Claus and his sleigh. We will then rush inside to leave homemade cookies and a Sprite (or maybe a Diet Dr Pepper) for Santa to snack on when he visits later that evening.

Jody and I will enjoy watching our girls relish in the spirit of Christmas as it is so special when they are this age.

Now that I have my very own little girls, I think of the magic of Christmas and how special it was to me when I was a young girl. I remember the wideeyed glory of seeing what Santa left us on Christmas morning and now have the pleasure of seeing that same joy on the faces of my girls.

The emptiness is now just a tiny speck. My father still isn’t here, but I have the sheer joy of watching Jody be a father. I see the smiles on the girls faces. I get to experience so many firsts for me and my girls.

It’s one of the best gifts I could ever ask for.

I still have the brick from my grandmother’s house. It’s almost as if the brick that came from the rubble and ruins of what once was became part of the foundation of what I have today…

My very own family with a mom and a dad.

I can experience a father through my daughters’ eyes and that makes my Christmas very merry.

Lucy Fuller is a lover of nature, animals, gardening, and old houses. She is a full time mother and wife.

She currently resides in Dadeville with her husband, two daughters, 4 dogs, and cat.

She may be reached at fullalove2017@ gmail.com.

friends could celebrate his daughter’s good fortune.

Higgins was so impressed with this line of reasoning that he offered Doolittle 10 pounds instead.

(Here comes the point.) Doolittle turned him down.

Why? “The missus wouldn’t ‘ave the ‘eart to spend ten.

Ten pounds is a lot of money. Makes a man feel prudent like and then goodbye to ‘appiness.”

Which is why I cannot bemoan the fact that I was one number away from being a millionaire.

That sort of money would change everything.

Relatives I have not seen in years, and have been happy not to, would appear with wonderful investment opportunities and go away mad when I turn them down Questionable charities would telephone at inappropriate hours to unsuccessfully plead their case. I would fill my trash can with letters pressing the cause of everything from beach

mice to wayward women to shelter dogs.

My newfound wealth would make me cautious, guarded, suspicious of the motives of my fellow men. As Alfred P. Doolittle so rightly observed, that much money would make me “feel prudent like.”

Instead of hanging out with my old cronies, talking football and drinking beer, I would keep company with other prudent people and together we would explore the world of tax shelters and off-shore accounts.

But now that won’t happen. Secure in the knowledge that my small financial windfall will soon be spent, I am free to continue on my imprudent way.

So I will buy another ticket, and I will dream, just as I did before I won the lottery.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Eminent Scholar in History at Jacksonville State University.

He can be reached at hjackson@cableone. net.

do,” Copeland said.

“They’re constantly working to do better and this is a result of that. I would put our fire department against other fire department in the area.”

“Of course, no one wants to have an ambulance come to their home, but at the same time, when you have not only this kind of equipment and staff put together, it’s just a great day for the people here in the city of Smiths Sta-

tion,” Price said.

Established Sept.

29, 1966, SSFR has seen substantial growth since its founding, expanding to six stations across the community and serving a local fire district that boasts a total of more than 35,000 people.

With the exception of paramedics and emergency medical technicians, the department is 100 percent volunteer.

For more information, call 334-5212221.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

UPCOMING NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENTS:

•Board Games at Cooper-Memorial at 5 p.m.

•Party at Sneak and Dawdle at 5 p.m.

•Waverly Local Champagne Dinner at 6 p.m.

•Party at 3:23 Cigar Bar at 8:30 p.m.

•Odd Alice at Eighth and Rail at 8:30 p.m.

• Casino Night at Collegiate Hotel at Auburn at 9 p.m.

•Connect Church Night of Worship at 10 p.m.

Serve special greens on Bottling Plant Event Center to host menu for New Year’s ‘Jazz and Jokes’ event Jan. 5 Ann Cipperly’s

Southern T

Hospitality

his is part two of Janice and Jim Ryan’s family recipes. One of their favorite recipes is Jim’s Greens, a combination of collards and turnips for a special “greens” dish on New Year’s Day. He

serves it with the Festive Cornbread, black-eyed peas and the Bourbon Pork Tenderloin (recipe in last week’s column).

An assortment of other recipes is included, including several favorite breakfast dishes to serve

on cold mornings.

As you enjoy New Year’s Day with family and friends, we wish everyone a Happy New Year!

For questions on recipes, contact recipes@ cipperly.com.

Jim’s Greens 2 bundles collard greens (prepared by directions to yield 16+ cups) 3 large bundles turnips, chopped 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 Tbsp. minced garlic 2 jalapeno peppers, diced (red jalapenos add color, if available) 8 oz. hickory or applewood smoked bacon, diced 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 8 oz. unsalted chicken stock 1 Tbsp. favorite hot sauce 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes ¼ tsp. kosher sea salt ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper Cut off collard green leaves from the stem.

To prepare collard greens, take each collard green leaf and run a chef’s knife down each side of the center vein to remove it from the leaf. Discard collard leaf veins.

Rinse all collard leaves after removing leaf veins and dry with paper towels. On a large cutting board, stack two or three collard leaves, roll up tightly, and thinly slice all the rolled leaves about 1/8 inch thick.

Run your chef’s knife through the thinly sliced stack after to shorten the pieces. Repeat this process until all the collard green leaves are cut into thin slices.

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven on the stove top. Add bacon and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is browned.

Remove bacon with a slotted spoon to a large plate.

Add chopped onions, turnips and peppers to heated oil/bacon grease mixture and sauté until onions are clear.

Add garlic to mixture and sauté for about a minute.

Begin adding all the sliced collard green leaves to the pot, being

sure to stir the onionpepper-turnip mixture throughout the sliced collard greens. As the heat wilts the collard greens, you can add the remainder of the sliced greens. Add the salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, hot sauce and apple cider vinegar to wilted greens, continuing to stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Add back the bacon and enough chicken stock to cover the greens. Bring to a simmer, cover, turn heat down to low, and cook until greens are tender (about 35 to 40 minutes).

Stir occasionally and add chicken stock as needed to keep greens in liquid. Salt and pepper to taste.

Serve as a side or with cornbread as a light meal.

Festive Cornbread 2 Jiffy cornbread mixes 2 large eggs ½ cup milk See Recipes, page A8

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Rising stand-up comic Wayne Colley, known as “King Kountry Wayne” will headline Byrdman Entertainment’s “Jazz and Jokes” event Jan. 5 at the Bottling Plant Event Center in downtown Opelika.

Local jazz and R&B cover group “The Wayne Colley, also known as ‘King Kountry Wayne’ Satin Soul Band” will shows in 45 cities as a find God. People look serve as the event’s part of his “Child Sup- at me and say, ‘okay, opening act. this guy isn’t perfect. port” tour.

Currently in the He has nine kids by A father of nine midst of his “Gift of different women,’” Gab Tour,” Colley is a children, the content Colley said. “But I rising star in the stand- of Colley’s shows is stand up to my misfamily friendly but up comedy world. takes and the things heavily improvised From Millen, Georthat I’ve done – and I in response to the gia, Colley began tell you that God is the audience’s reactions. building his comedic reason for that.”

Speaking on relationreputation in 2014 Tickets start at $25, ships, family and his through posting 2-3 and can be purchased past life, he said in an minute videos capturthrough www.bottlingAug. 3 article written ing the humor of the planteventcenter.com by Kenya Vaughn of most mundane poror Colley’s Facethe St. Louis Ameritions of everyday life. book page “Kountry can that the primary Quickly building a Wayne.” focus of his shows devoted following, For more informais pointing people he made a successtion, visit www.kountoward a faith-driven ful transition from trywayne.com.

The life. a social media icon venue is located at 614 “I’m more relatable to stand-up comic N. Railroad Ave. to people trying to in 2016, selling out

Sound Wall ‘Supper Club’ is superb

By Emily Key Special to the Opelika Observer The Holiday Supper Club at the Sound Wall in downtown Opelika was fantastic! Chris Wilton prepared an amazing crawfish risotto, a light citrus salad, a perfect Beef Wellington, and finished the meal with a delectable créme brûlée.

He explained what ingredients were creating each dish, and also divulged that he made this for his wife the night he proposed to her. Chris Wilton just raised the bar for all other men.

Sitting at a table for

10, of which I knew one person, was exciting. Sharing a meal is one of the best ways to get to know a person. The social awkwardness fades once good food is in front of you. I now have new contacts, if not friends, and a better appreciation for mankind’s ability to connect with each other no matter how different we are. There is

always a common thread to be found.

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

pelika O Observer

A8 December 26, 2018

Recipes,

from A7 ½ cup sour cream 1 cup shredded Mexican Blend cheese 1 can cream corn 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1 tsp. minced garlic 2 jalapeno peppers, diced (red jalapenos add color, if available) 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper In a medium heat skillet, add extra virgin olive oil. Sauté onions and peppers until onions are clear. Then add garlic and sauté for one minute.

Placed two 12-count greased muffin pans or scone pans into a preheated 400 degree F oven.

In a large mixing bowl, add cornbread mix, beaten large eggs, milk and sour cream.

Combine ingredients thoroughly, adding cheese, sautéed vegetables, both cans of corn, and black pepper.

Set cornbread mixture aside.

Remove heated pans from oven and fill pans with cornbread mixture.

Return to oven and cook for 25 minutes.

Remove pans from oven and allow to cool before popping cornbread from pans.

Depending on size of muffin or scone pans, recipe typically makes 24 individual servings.

Spicy Sausage and Cheese Tarts Can assemble and freeze ahead.

1 lb. hot pork sausage (Kroger or Publix Brand) 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 8 oz. Ranch dressing (Hidden Valley or any other brand) 5 (2.1 oz.) pkg. frozen mini phyllo shells (Athens) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook sausage in a large skillet, stirring until it crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain well.

Combine sausage, cheese and Spicy Ranch dressing in a large bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are blended.

Fill mixture into each phyllo shell with a heaping tsp. of the sausage mixture. (Place back in packing tray and freeze at this point, if you prefer). Bake for 8-10 minutes, until cheese melts. (Add 2 to 3 minutes to baking time if baking frozen tarts) Stuffed French Toast 12 slices Pepperidge Farms Thick Sliced Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Swirl Bread 3 large eggs 2 cups half-n-half 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, room temperature ¼ cup powder sugar ¼ cup chopped walnuts

1 stick unsalted butter In a shallow large dish, beat eggs and combine with half-nhalf. Set aside to coat bread sandwiches.

In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powder sugar, and walnuts to form a paste.

Spread mixture over six of the bread slices and cover with another slice to make six sandwiches.

Set a sandwich in the egg mixture for about 10 seconds and then flip to repeat.

Make sure all sides are covered.

Place a pan or griddle over medium heat and melt a pat of unsalted butter. Place a coated sandwich in pan and sauté in butter each side of the sandwich until it is nice and golden brown.

Repeat with each sandwich. To keep all the sandwiches warm, place cooked sandwiches on a cookie sheet in a preheated, warm oven until all are complete.

Slice cooked sandwiches diagonally to serve over a dusted powdered sugar and nutmeg plate with fresh berries. Maple syrup may be sparingly drizzled over the serving plate for presentation as an option but is not needed for taste.

Breakfast Sausage and Potato Casserole 30 oz. pkg. frozen shredded hash brown potatoes 1 lb. crumbled cooked sausage (cook until no longer pink) 2 cups medium cheddar cheese (we sometime use sharp cheddar) 1 cup sour cream 1 stick butter 4 eggs (blend with fork in a small bowl) 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper ½ cup chopped onions (optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook sausage in a skillet until browned. Allow package of frozen hash brown potatoes to thaw lightly while sausage is cooking.

After oven has preheated, melt butter in the oven in the large casserole dish you plan to cook your potato casserole. Blend sour cream, cheese, salt, pepper together.

Add melted butter, potatoes, sausage and onions. Pour mixed ingredients into large buttered greased casserole dish. Add blended eggs to the potato mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes.

Grandmother’s Pecan Pie 9-inch deep dish pie shell 1 cup light Karo syrup 1 cup brown sugar 3 eggs, room temperature

1/3 tsp. salt 1/3 cup melted butter 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup pecans Using mixer, combine syrup, sugar, butter, salt and vanilla until smooth. Beat eggs separately and add to the mixture. Add pecans to the mixture and mix slow until pecans are fully incorporated.

Pour mixture into a pie pastry shell and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool on rack before serving.

Sliced Zucchini Salad 2 lbs. zucchini squash (smaller preferred), ends trimmed 1 cup shaved Parmesan cheese 1 cup sliced grape tomatoes (can substitute small heirloom tomatoes) ½ cup thinly sliced fresh basil ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice ½ tsp. lemon zest ¼ tsp. dried crushed red pepper 1 tsp. sea salt or course Kosher salt (to dehydrate zucchini) ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper Using a vegetable peeler or V-slicer and working from top to bottom of each zucchini, slice zucchini into ribbons (about 1/16 inch thick). Place ribbons in large bowl, toss with salt, cover with kitchen wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. Nice to make ahead, since zucchini may stay refrigerated 24 hours. When ready to assemble, drain water.

Whisk oil, lemon juice, black pepper, crushed red pepper and lemon zest in small bowl to blend. Set dressing aside.

Slice grape tomatoes in halves. If using larger heirlooms, then divide to grape size. Tightly roll fresh basil leaves and thinly slice down the roll with a chef’s knife. Run your knife back through the thin slices to shorten.

Dry zucchini ribbons with a paper towel and place in a mixing bowl.

Add tomatoes, basil strips, sliced almonds and dressing. Toss ingredients to coat, then add cheese and toss again. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Recipe makes about six servings.

Breakfast Egg Casserole 1 lb. crumbled cooked sausage (cook until no longer pink) 1 cup medium grated cheddar cheese 2 cups milk 6 eggs (blend with fork in a small bowl) 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 5 slices of bread, cut off edges Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook sausage in a skillet until browned and drain well.

Place bread that has been cut into pieces and

cooked sausage in a 10 by 13-inch greased baking dish.

Blend milk, eggs, salt and pepper together then add cheese. Pour mixed ingredients over bread and sausage.

Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. May be prepared and refrigerated overnight.

Green Beans 2 lbs. small fresh green beans 2 Tbsp. butter ½ jar minced pimentos Wash green beans thoroughly and cut off stem end. Steam green beans in a large double boiler until desired tenderness. Move beans to a medium heated pan, add butter and pimentos, and sauté for a minute after butter melts.

Mom’s Coleslaw 16 oz. bag coleslaw mix (green cabbage, carrots and purple cabbage) 1 large bell pepper (yellow, orange, or red add color) ¼ cup apple cider vinegar 3 Tbsp. Miracle Whip Salad Dressing ½ tsp. sugar ¼ tsp. sea salt ¾ tsp. freshly ground black pepper Run a chef’s knife through the contents of the coleslaw mix to chop cabbage to a consistency desired. Seed and dice the bell pepper a similar consistency.

Combine coleslaw mix, pepper, salad dressing, sugar and vinegar into a large mixing bowl. Finish with salt and pepper to taste.

Refrigerate leftover coleslaw.

Jim’s Coleslaw 16 oz. bag coleslaw mix (green cabbage, carrots and purple cabbage) 3 large jalapeno peppers 1 large apple (Fuji, Honey Crisp or Granny Smith) 8 oz. bag Brussel sprouts 3 oz. lemon juice 1 bottle Catalina Dressing (I prefer Wishbone.) ½ tsp. sea salt ¾ tsp. freshly ground black pepper Run a chef’s knife through contents of the coleslaw mix to chop cabbage to a consistency desired. Remove seeds and pith from jalapeno peppers and core the large apple.

Remove stem portion of Brussel sprouts. Dice Brussel sprouts, peppers and apple to a consistency similar to the coleslaw mix.

Toss apples with the 3 oz. lemon juice to prevent the apple from oxidizing and turning brown. Combine coleslaw mix, peppers, apple and sprouts into a large mixing bowl.

Mix in the Catalina Dressing, adding 8 oz. initially and adding more to taste. Finish with salt and pepper to taste.

Broiled Root Vegetables 1 lb. carrots, peeled and cut into 1 inch sections 1 lb. parsnips, peeled and cut into 1 inch sections 1 lb. Brussel sprouts, quartered (not a root veggie, but adds great texture and color) 1 medium onion, diced 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced 2 Tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped ½ cup Wishbone Balsamic dressing 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil ½ tsp. sea salt ¾ tsp. freshly ground pepper Prepare vegetables and place in a mixing bowl. Add rosemary, salt, pepper, Balsamic dressing and olive oil.

Mix vegetables to coat with liquid, rosemary, and seasoning.

Pour vegetable mixture onto a flat oven pan, spreading out vegetables to a single layer.

Place pan of vegetables in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 55 minutes. Half-way through cooking cycle, remove pan and stir vegetables to help them evenly cook.

Chess Pie 9-inch deep dish pie shell 1½ cup sugar 2 Tbsp. cornmeal 3 eggs, room temperature 2 Tbsp. milk 3/4 stick margarine (room temperature) 1 tsp. vanilla Using mixer, cream margarine and combine with sugar, cornmeal, milk and vanilla until smooth.

Beat eggs separately and add to the mixture, mixing slow until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Pour mixture into a pie pastry shell and bake for 55 minutes at 350 degrees F. Let cool on rack before serving.

Corn Casserole 1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix 1 cup sour cream 1 stick melted butter 2 eggs, beaten 1 cup cheddar cheese 1 can creamed corn 1 can whole kernel corn, drained well Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.

Pour into a butter greased casserole dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour until lightly browned.

Hash Brown Potato Casserole 30 oz. pkg. frozen shredded hash brown potatoes 2 cups medium cheddar cheese (we sometime use sharp cheddar cheese) 2 cups sour cream 1 stick butter, melted 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper ½ cup chopped onions 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Allow package

of frozen hash brown potatoes to thaw lightly.

Sauté onions and peppers in a medium heated pan with olive oil. Cook until onions are clear.

Blend sour cream, cheese, salt, and black pepper together in large mixing bowl. Add melted butter, onions, peppers, and potatoes.

Pour mixed ingredients into large buttered greased casserole dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Squash Casserole 3 lbs. small yellow summer squash ½ cup chopped onions 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp. salt ¾ tsp. black pepper ¼ stick butter, melted 1 cup cheddar cheese Wash and cut up squash. Boil until tender, drain thoroughly, then mash and drain again.

Add onions, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, butter and cheese to squash and pour into lightly buttered baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until lightly browned.

Vanilla Pound Cake 3 cups cake flour 2¾ cups sugar ½ tsp. salt 2 sticks butter, room temperature 1 stick margarine, room temperature 6 eggs, room temperature 6 Tbsp. whole milk 2 tsp. vanilla Using a stand mixer is best, but a hand mixer will work, cream butter, margarine and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after incorporating each egg.

Add vanilla and salt to the mixture and beat until vanilla is incorporated.

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

Grease a tube pan, pour mixture into greased tube pan, and bake for up to 75 minutes at 350 degrees F. Test cake at 1 hour to see if done. If straw does not pull clean, then cook the additional 15 minutes.

Oriental Coleslaw 1 pkg. angel hair slaw mix 3/4 cup sunflower seeds 2 pkg. oriental ramen noodles (break up in small pieces) 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds 1 cup cashews Dressing: 1/3 cup vinegar 1/4 cup sugar (you may use less) 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 oriental flavor ramen seasoning mix Mix vinegar, oil, sugar and seasoning mix.

Break-up ramen noodles and add to cashews, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.

When ready to serve, combine with angel hair slaw and add dressing.

Mix and toss well.

Yields eight good servings.

pelika O Observer

A9 December 26, 2018

Auburn Mall’s skating rink open through Feb. 18

Special to the Opelika Observer Following is a schedule for the skating rink at Auburn Mall. The rink’s last day of operation will be Feb. 18. For more information and a full schedule, visit the City of Auburn’s website, www.auburnalabama. org.

December:

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Oberver

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

334-528-6191

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

Dec. 26 - 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Dec. 27 -11 a.m.

- 10 p.m.

Dec. 28- 11 a.m.

- 10 p.m.

Dec. 29- 11 a.m.

- 10 p.m.

Dec. 30 - 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Dec. 31- 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. (New Year's Eve Party from 10 p.m.-1 a.m.)

January: Jan. 1 - 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Jan. 2 - 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Jan. 3 - 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Jan. 4 -11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Jan. 5 - 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Jan. 6 - 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Jan. 7 - closed to the public Jan. 8 - closed to the public Jan. 9 - 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Jan. 10 - 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Jan. 11 - 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Jan. 12 - 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Jan. 13- 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Jan. 14 - closed to the public Jan. 15 - closed to the public Jan. 16 - 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Jan. 17 - 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

A10 December 26, 2018

pelika O Observer

‘Rocky Brook Reindeer Express’ delights young and old at Municipal Park

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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. 15 v. Spencer

Alabama State Parks seek submissions for third annual ‘Eagle Awards’ Special to the Opelika Observer

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Looking back over Opelika High School’s year in sports

T

his week’s column is a recap of the year’s happenings at Opelika High School.

Winter sports were in full swing as January 2018 arrived. Opelika hosted rival Auburn in basketball with the Lady Bulldogs winning 66-50 and the boys losing a buzzer-beater 53-51.

Several deaths hit Opelika in January, as longtime personal friend and OHS alum Roscoe Thomas went to be with the Lord Jan. 15. A day later, Alabama House District 83 representative and Opelika resident George” Tootie” Bandy died after complications from an auto accident.

In education news, Opelika’s City Council appointed Tipi Miller as the fifth member of the Opelika City School Board.

Headed into February, the OHS girls and boys basketball teams won the area regular season title and the area tournament championship. Opelika citizens overwhelmingly voted to renew the 30-year-old tax that provides more than $2 million to Opelika City Schools.

The OHS basketball teams headed to the regionals at Alabama State University in Montgomery after winning sub-regional games. The boys lost a close game in the regionals in Montgomery to end their season. The Lady Bulldogs

won the regional tournament with two wins and advanced to the Final 54 in Birmingham.

Then OHS Coach Caleb Ross resigned after a 9-4 season to become the head football coach at 7A Prattville. Caleb and Amy Ross graduated from Prattville High and both sets of parents reside in the city.

One day later, OCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors introduced Erik Speakman as the next head football coach at a rare press conference at the school’s indoor football facility. This was the first press conference at OHS introducing a head coach since 2010 when Scott Sullivan was introduced as head baseball coach.

Speakman remained AD until the end of the school year.

Spring sports: baseball, tennis, track, softball, golf and soccer started their season. These sports competed for two months until the playoffs began.

The baseball team won the area title and advanced to the second round of the 6A playoffs. OHS’s boys and girls soccer teams won the area regular season title and hosted a first-round playoff game.

OHS’s softball program completed its season with a run in the tournament.

The boys and girls track See Sports, page B3

The Alabama State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will once again recognize special contributors to the parks with its prestigious Eagle Awards to be presented Feb. 2, 2019 at Lake Guntersville State Park.

Nominations are open online at alapark.com/eagle-awards and the awards will be presented in five categories: Elected Official, Community Partner, Park Partner, Volunteer in Parks (VIP) and Youth (students 12th grade and younger).

“We are looking forward to our third annual Eagle Awards,” said Alabama State Parks Division Director Greg Lein. “We are indebted to so many friends, volunteers and elected officials who help and support us throughout the year. This is one way we can recognize them and let them know how much they mean to us and to our parks. We know we have had a lot of individuals and organizations who have contributed in many important ways and we look forward to seeing the nominations.”

The deadline to make an online nomination is Jan. 2, 2019.

The Eagle Awards presentation ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Lake Guntersville State Park, kick-

Photo special to the Opelika Observer ing off that day’s Eagle Awareness Weekend. Following the ceremony, Auburn University’s Raptor Center will do presentations on birds of prey.

Here are the 2019 Eagle Award nomination categories: Elected Official Our parks are shining examples of important quality of life amenities and the strong economic drivers needed in our communities. The support of elected officials is critical to the success of our parks. This

award honors an elected official who has worked in conjunction with the parks to help fulfill its mission to preserve natural areas, operate recreational facilities and extend the public’s knowledge of the state’s natural environment Community Partner The parks cannot succeed without the cooperation and support of community organizations such as other government organizations, chambers of commerce, tourism See Eagle, page B3

Area fourth graders complete dioramas for class project Photo special to the Opelika Observer Fourth-grade students from Wendy Jower’s class at Trinity Christian School recently made dioramas depicting scenes from the books they read independently.

pelika O Observer

B2 December 26, 2018

Local Opelikans graduate from Troy University Special to the Opelika Observer Troy University is pleased to recognize students who completed the requirements for graduation during Term 1 of the 2018-19 academic year.

Local residents who graduated include: - Stephen Barnes of Opelika, master of science in international relations - Jacqueline Ryals of Opelika, bachelor of science

- Christina Kindred of Opelika, master of science in counseling and psychology.

Term 1 graduates include students at TROY's campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and Montgomery along with

teaching sites outside of Alabama and online.

About Troy University Troy University is a public, historic, international university with more than 145,000 alumni. Students choose

TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy

a traditional college experience, while working adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, as well as locations around the world and online.

Tuskegee University’s accreditation reaffirmed for 10 years Special to the Opelika Observer On Dec. 11, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges publicly reaffirmed Tuskegee University’s accreditation status for an additional 10 years.

The announcement is the successful outcome of a process that began three years ago, and comes as part of the accrediting organization’s annual meeting held this week in New Orleans, Louisiana.

“This is outstanding news and a testament to the commitment and teamwork demonstrated by Tuskegee University’s collective campus community,” said President Lily D. McNair. “Maintaining accreditation validates for our students, alumni and partners that Tuske-

gee is committed to providing high-quality academic programs, and to adhering to strict institutional standards related to integrity, effective governance, financial sustainability and appropriate student support services.”

SACSCOC has more than 90 standards in its Principles of Accreditation with which institutions must comply in order to gain or maintain accreditation. In September 2017, Tuskegee officials submitted a compliance certification report following an extensive self-study of all aspects of university operations. And, in March 2018, an on-site reaffirmation team visited campus, during which time SACSCOC reviewers met with students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and community and

academic partners to evaluate the university’s effectiveness and the outcomes of its own self-study.

As part of the reaffirmation process, Tuskegee developed a Quality Enhancement Plan, or QEP — a comprehensive plan for

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butions of many who made reaffirmation of accreditation possible, she highlighted several university leaders for their specific leadership. These included Dr. Charlotte P. Morris, who maintained a central role in the process — especially during her tenure as interim president and at the height of the reaffirmation effort. She also cited Dr. Kellei Bishop Samuels, associate vice president for institutional effectiveness and the university’s SACSCOC Photo special to the Opelika Observer liaison, as well as Dr. Roberta Troy, who — a theme of the first institutional improvechairs the QEP Steering year of her presidency. ment. Its QEP, “Road from Early Achieve“The reaffirmation of Committee in addition to her role as interim ment to a Career High,” accreditation process, provost, for their comor “REACH,” which in and of itself, helps mand of the reporting, will span efforts during institutions ensure documentation and the next five years, is a excellence in their acaoversight required of university-wide focus demics and how they on centralizing current prepare students for the this multi-year effort.

Tuskegee University, programs and activities, real-world challenges whose previous 10-year and developing new they will face through accreditation reaffirmaones, to better prepare their chosen profestion dates back to 2008, students to be equipped, sions,” she said. “Our has been continuously competitive and succontinuing accreditation accredited by SACcessful as they strive to provides a firm springSCOC since 1933. In achieve their education- board for our ongoing addition to ensuring al and career goals. efforts in this area as that Tuskegee’s stuMcNair noted that we further deploy our dents are experiencing continuous improveREACH QEP initiament efforts like the tive and other academic high-quality academic reaffirmation of acstrategies in the months programs, successful reaffirmation of accredcreditation process help and years to come.” itation determines the the university achieve While McNair noted university’s eligibility excellence in every way the combined contrito receive federal and state funding, including student financial aid, and its ability to transfer academic credits with other institutions.

As the major accrediting body for public and private institutions of higher education in the 11 southernmost states, SACSCOC accredits more than 780 univerAlabamaWorks: sities and colleges in Opportunity-Innovation-Accountability-Inclusion North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Now there’s a way to recruit, Mississippi, South train and empower, a highly Carolina, Tennessee, skilled workforce driven by Texas and Virginia and business and industry needs. in Latin America.

It’s your competitive advantage For more information, in Alabama. visit www.sacscoc.org.

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pelika O Observer Sports,

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teams made the AHSAA State Meet in Gulf Shores.

The two teams finished in the top-10. The boys and girls tennis teams enjoyed a solid year but did not win any titles.

OHS announced Mike Pugh as its new athletic director May 24. The former OHS basketball coach returned to the school in a part-time role.

After 37 years as “Voice of the Opelika Bulldogs,” OHS announcer and com-

Eagle,

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organizations and local businesses. These groups understand that the success of the park means success for the community and work in many different ways to help the parks achieve their goals.

B3 December 26, 2018

mentator D. Mark Mitchell was relieved of his radio duties by Neighbors and the OCS Board. Van Riggs and Spence McCracken replaced the former football broadcast team of Coach Larry Gore, Mitchell and Jeff Sasser.

OHS’s baseball coach Nick Richardson resigned after two successful seasons to become the head baseball coach at Tuscaloosa County. Assistant Coach Zach Blatt was elevated to head coach the following week.

Coach Billy Kinard, former OHS defensive coordinator under Coach

Doug Barfield, died June 30.

The Opelika Dixie Boys baseball All-Star Team won the State Tournament, advancing to the World Series in Bossier City, Louisiana. The Opelika Dixie Youth Ozone All-stars finished runner-up behind Auburn.

As August approached, iHeart Radio hosted the first “Kicker High School Media Days” presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic.

This event kicked off the start of football and also explained the “new” high school replay rule. The AHSAA was the first

governing athletics body in the country to use instant replay during the regular season.

Opelika finished 7-5 under first-year Coach Erik Speakman. The Bulldogs tied for the region title and advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to Saraland.

The AHSAA Super 7 football Championship was held at Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium. More than 52,000 fans paid to attend the seven games, with one on Wednesday and three on Thursday and Friday. The event is a joint partner-

ship between the cities of Opelika and Auburn along with the university.

Congratulations to Central High School and Coach Jamey Dubose for winning the 7A Championship.

Other noteworthy events in 2018 included: Robert Maddox retiring from coaching at Lee-Scott Academy, Mike Glisson being hired as Smiths Station’s football coach, Beulah winning eight games in a season and hosting a playoff game, Auburn High School Athletic Director Clay McCall retiring from ACS and Tommie Agee leaving the

City of Opelika Parks and Recreation Department to take a similar position with the CIty of Andalusia.

As I wrote earlier, several tragic deaths happened in 2018, including the passing of educator Dr. John Meals, longtime friend Sharron Robinson Fuller and several relatives.

I hope each and every one of our readers and subscribers has a wonderful 2019!

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

Park Partner Organizations work to provide or maintain amenities in the parks, such as hiking and biking trails, that otherwise might not exist due to the allocation of resources for other services. This award celebrates those partners who see a need and cooperate with park leadership to fill it

Volunteer in Parks These VIPs work in various ways to make our parks system better. Volunteers may be providing physical labor or strategic planning to improve one park, or the entire system of parks. This award honors a person who gives of his or her time for the benefit of every person who visits the parks, all

without any expectation of any recognition.

Youth Our parks inspire young – and old, alike – but the impression left on youngsters often lives with them forever. Many turn their love of the parks, of the outdoors, into projects to benefit some of their favorite places – often as part of a Scouting program. This

award, for students 12th grade and younger, honors the person whose contribution is extraordinary.

About Alabama’s State Parks System The Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The division maintains 22 parks encompassing approximately

48,000 acres of land and water. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Download the State Parks app at pocketranger. com.

For more information about Alabama State Parks, go online to www. alapark.com.

Opelika City Schools holds band concerts

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Oberver

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B4 December 26, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

• Jan. 9 New Members / Connections Breakfast - 8 a.m.

Sponsored by: Machen McChesney • Jan. 10 Point Broadband Business After Hours 5 – 7 p.m.

• Jan. 24 Business Over Breakfast Education Edition – with Dr. Mark Neighbors 7:30 a.m. at the Saugahatchee Country Club Presenting Sponsor: Glynn Smith Chevrolet – Buick – GMC Gold Sponsors: Baxter International• S & S Termite & Pest Control• MAX• Huntingdon College • Opelika Power Services• Opelika-Auburn News • Jan. 29 Business After Hours Pre-Performance Series Reception 5 – 6:45 p.m.

Sponsored by: Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau 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 Re-

source 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 2975581 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 Psychi-

atric Services at 334-5284197 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 459-0214 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 nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services.

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

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

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

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

• Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday

at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 - 8 p.m.

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

• The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway.

For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum. They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights.

This event is held the third Thursday of each month.

Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

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

The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants.

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

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

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

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

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

Christmas bells ring for young and old

By Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer What a wonderful time of the year for our young children and our elderly population to share Christmas joy with each other! The National Council on Aging defines intergenerational programs as activities that increase cooperation and exchange between two generations. “It has been shown that a relationship between young and old enlightens both generations.”

As I have been blessed to serve both the young and old, intergenerational relationships are something that goes beyond anything that money can buy. What is exchanged mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally is so rich in benefits for the young and

elderly.

During the holidays, families coming together at home provide wonderful opportunities for young children and seniors to come together to enjoy simple holiday fun. In our community, retirement villages always look forward to young visitors. Many of our local schools of children plan field trips to visit and provide programs of song and cheer for the elderly. Local church children’s ministries also encourage our Senior citizens in songs and cheer. Retirement Village directors and activity coordinators in knowing and planning ahead activities for their Senior residents welcome intergenerational activities.

In planning ahead for young and old during the holidays, keep

things simple. Quiet activities such as looking at family pictures, reflecting on the present and the past, reading Christmas books and poems, watching holiday movies and television programs, engaging in simple crafts, simple baking, painting, and coloring provide educational opportunities for the younger and older generation to learn from each other.

Providing simple Jigsaw puzzles, card games, board games, word searches, crossword puzzles, word searches, etc. offer objectives in cognitive development, social interaction, as well as team work and cooperation. Providing games and puzzles which is on the appropriate level for your children and elderly provide

enjoyable activities to work on keeping minds active.

As a teacher, I love to observe children and our seniors engaging in arts and crafts as a creative outlet. Working together on a joint project provides wonderful opportunities to be creative.

Children and the elderly doing light exercises and movement such as joining hand in hand and taking a walk, enjoying light outside fun in observing nature and movement, simple finger plays that our elderly can teach the younger, and just light exercises in waving hands, marching in place, dancing, swinging, and pretend play is something they can do together.

Young children provide such a spark of energy and enthusi-

asm to we older adults.

Children are truly blind to age differences.

I hope this article gives our community

families time to plan out enjoyable activities for the whole family.

The time families spend together spells love!

Photos by Beth Pinyerd/Classroom Observer

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B5 December 26, 2018

Share the gift of story-telling

Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer

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s families approach the holidays, an activity that all young children enjoy is story telling. Story telling is one very effective way for opening up a child’s imagination, feelings, and fun with young children at home. Children love to hear and respond beautifully to a vital, creative, and involved story teller.

Without a lot of money spent or abundant resources, you can provide a variety of props for story telling. The back of a chair or couch, behind a bedsheet, or simple tagboard, a child’s imagination and perception can go anywhere! Through story telling, children can

experience many skills, emotions, and possibilities such as: mastery of listening skills, use of comprehension skills, extension of verbal language, practice of sequencing skills, expression of feelings and emotions, opportunities for role-playing, provision of independent thinking, encouraging creative expression, and providing growth of constructive socialization skills.

Young children love a variety of techniques for story telling of their favorite books as well as allowing your child to dictate their own stories.

You don’t need a lot of fancy props or anything when you do verbal story telling. As you tell or read

the story use your voice, mannerisms, and body movements to convey emphasis and emotion.

Children are so quiet and spellbound when you show excitement in the story you are reading or telling.

Children get really excited and want mom or dad to repeat over and over simple finger plays.

When you are riding in the car during the holidays or having to wait on a meal in a restaurant children love to do short rhyming stories. Make up rhymes about holiday items such as bells, gifts, trees, sleds, lights, etc.

Simple home-made flannelboards are priceless in illustrating childrens favorite stories. Children love to interact with the stories by moving the pieces, taking the pieces down and replacing them, sequencing the events in the story on the flannelboard, and just feeling the pieces as you tell the story. This visual is priceless in telling a child’s favorite story.

Puppets are a huge favorite with young children in telling a story. Simple

Photo by Beth Pinyerd/Classroom Observer finger puppets, hand puppets, sock puppets, glove puppets, puppet masks, wooden puppets, clothespin puppets, the possibilities for creativity are endless!

Young children love to dramatize stories as they interact with the story.

Simple costumes can be made from what you have around the house from sheets, towels, brown pa-

per bags, to old materials.

Childrens imaginations are awesome on what they can come up with.

Visit your local library and ask your librarian for books appropriate for your age child. There are so many neat holiday books out there according to your family’s traditions.

Too there are several valuable resources listed on the web.

Storytelling for your young child becomes an avenue for your child to learn and appreciate the world around them. Fill up those spare moments during the holidays and allow your child to express himself through the art of storytelling.

This will definitely make a lasting memory and gift for your child to pass on!

‘The Kennel’ captures the daily life, happenings at Opelika High School

By Morgan Bryce Editor The latest happenings at Opelika High School are documented in a weekly, student-led production called “The Kennel.”

Launched in 2014

by OHS Mass Media/ Technical Theater teacher Tracy Tidwell, production of the show allows students to assist in a variety of ways, both on and off camera.

“The kids that have been a part of this have always been invested, they just didn’t have the skills that they do now. A lot of the ones involved now can do almost

everything,” Tidwell said. “At this point in the school year, I’m more and more of a guide and less hands on, which shows me that they know what they’re doing.”

Filmed on a set similar in design to that of Rhett and Link’s “Good Mythical Morning” YouTube daily morning program, The Kennel features a variety of school news, information and entertainment designed to appeal to both students and faculty.

“We sometimes find our own ideas and stories that we want do for the show one

week, and sometimes we’ll have teachers come in and ask us to promote a certain school club or group - it’s a mixture of us

having to find content and then content being brought to us,” said junior Matthew Johnson, who is responsible for athletics coverage.

A majority of The Kennel’s staff hail from the school’s theatre troupe, though adjusting from the big stage to camera can be

a challenge, according to anchor Keirsten Gamble.

“The hardest part about this is trying act See Kennel, page B10

B6 December 26, 2018

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Max Credit Union collects toys to benefit Lee County families Special to the Opelika Observer MAX, in conjunction with the MAX4Kids Foundation®, hosted a shopping trip, benefitting a local non-profit: Big House Foundation’s Santa’s Workshop. Big House Foundation’s Santa’s Workshop helps make Christmas unforgettable for children in foster care, in and around Lee County, by giving parents the opportunity to select Christmas gifts for their children. Santa’s Workshop was held on Dec. 15, serving more than 50 foster and adoptive families in the Lee County area. The Big House Foundation helps to provide services and meet the needs of foster families and children in foster care.

MAX employees held a shopping trip to purchase and deliver several toys for Big House Foundation’s Santa’s Workshop. The MAX4Kids Foundation was honored to partner with the Big House Foundation to

help make Christmas a little brighter for those foster children and their families.

About the MAX4Kids Foundation The MAX4Kids Foundation® is a non-profit organization that was created in 2001 by MAX associates as a way to give back to the communities MAX serves.

Throughout the year, MAX volunteers hold fundraisers that include the MAX4Kids Annual Charity Golf Tournament, blue jean days, candy bar sales and other events to raise money.

To date, the foundation has awarded more than $1 million to local children’s charities and the MAX4Kids Scholarship program.

For more information, contact Brooke Foster at 334-215-4644 or by email at bfoster@ myMAX.com About MAX MAX is a leading, locally owned financial institution in Alabama, with more than $1 billion in assets. Serving our communities for more than 60 years, MAX provides a full suite of consumer and business financial products, including checking, savings, loans, wealth management, insurance, mortgages, online and mobile banking. MAX has 17 branch locations across its Alabama footprint.

For more information, visit www.myMAX. com.

Opelika High School’s ‘Spirit of the South’ band to perform at TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Dec. 31

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika High School’s Spirit of the South marching band was selected earlier this year as the national guest high school band to perform at the 2018 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida on Dec. 31. The Spirit of the South will also perform at the pep rally on Dec. 30.

“We are extreme-

ly excited to have the opportunity to perform at the Tax Slayer Gator Bowl.

Our students have worked hard and performing on a national stage will be an incredible experience.

Thank you to the City of Opelika, Opelika High School, and the OHS Band Boosters for their support and to the students for their hard work,” said OHS band director, Neil

Sasser.

The Spirit of the South has a long tradition of excellence and has marched in the 1989 and 1994 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, Texas and the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade in Pennsylvania.

The band has nearly 200 members and is under Sasser’s direction.

Opelika High School quarterback Cade Blackmon signs with Samford Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Senior Opelika High School quarterback Cade Blackmon signed a football scholarship with Samford University of Birmingham at a special National Signing Day event Wednesday at the indoor practice facility.

Cade originally committed to Samford in July and will begin classes in

January.

Son of former Opelika Coach Brian Blackmon, Cade had a stellar career with the Bulldogs in his two seasons as a starter.

Despite injuries during his junior season, he managed to throw for 1,361 yards and 10 touchdowns.

This fall, Cade was able to fully showcase his talent, passign for nearly 1,500 yards and 13 TDs

as well as rushing for 63 yards and three more scores.

Samford is coming off a 6-5 season and fourthplace finish in the Southern Conference. The Bulldogs nearly topped Florida State at DoakCampbell Stadium Sept.

8. In the 2019 season, they will travel to Auburn, the first meeting between the schools in five years.

Judge H. Kenneth Wilkes retires after serving more than 30 years as the City of Opelika’s municipal court judge Special to the Opelika Observer The City of Opelika would like to congratulate Judge H. Kenneth Wilkes on his retirement after serving more than 30 years of as Opelika Municipal Court Judge.

“Judge Kenny Wilkes has served this city with distinction for many years. As the Presiding Judge in our Municipal Court, he has heard thousands of cases during his time on the bench. I believe he has been fair and compassionate when dealing with people who have broken the law. It’s not an easy job but Judge Wilkes was always professional. No question he will be missed,” said Mayor Gary Fuller.

Wilkes accepted his

appointment as Opelika Municipal Judge on March 15, 1988.

During his tenure as municipal judge, he also maintained a private law practice and worked as a part-time assistant district attorney for Lee County.

“I would like to thank the City Council for giving me the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity. I would like to thank Municipal Court Clerk Anita Comer, the probation officers, along with their staffs for their dedication and hard work. Lastly, I would like to give special thanks to Guy Gunter for being my Court’s prosecutor during all this time,” Wilkes said.

An Opelika native, Judge Wilkes is mar-

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Left to right: Tara Bryan, Probation Officer, Dorothy Daniels, Magistrate, Jamie Payne, Magistrate, Anital Comer, Court Clerk, Judge Wilkes, Nadja Frazier, Magistrate, Ashley Smith, Magistrate, Denise Rogers, Senior Probation Officer. ried to Earle Hobbs Wilkes.

They have two children, Emily Wilkes

Garner and Samuel Kenneth Wilkes, and four grandchildren.

They are active mem-

bers of First United Methodist Church of Opelika.

Wilkes is an ac-

tive member of the Opelika community.

He has served as on the board of directors for the Opelika Chamber of Commerce (1998), the board of directors for the Opelika Kiwanis Club (1985–1986), the board of trustees and the finance committee at the First United Methodist Church of Opelika, as president, vice-president and secretary-treasurer for the Lee County Bar Association and as president of the Lee County University of Alabama Alumni Association.

He is also a member of the Alabama State Bar, the Farrah Law Society, the East Alabama Arts Association and the Opelika Historical Preservation Society.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Inside the Statehouse

A

s is my custom at the close of the year, I like to memorialize great Alabamians who have appeared and lived legendary lives upon the stage of political history in the Heart of Dixie.

This year, we have had some real legends. I have expanded the geographical limits to outside of Alabama to include two of the greatest men in American history. America’s greatest preacher and one of the nation’s great presidents passed away. Most of these fellows lived a long time.

One of my favorite men I ever had the privilege to know, Mr. John “Bubba” Trotman, died in February at age 93 in Montgomery. Bubba was born and raised in Troy, but he spent his entire life in Montgomery. He was the best known cattle farmer in Alabama.

He served a stint as President of the National Cattleman’s Association. Bubba played football at Auburn and loved the “Loveliest Village on the Plains.” Bubba epitomized the term, a true Southern gentleman. My mama grew up with Bubba in Troy. They graduated high school together.

One day, I told mama that Bubba was one of the finest gentlemen I had ever met. She said he was just that way growing up in Troy. A lot of people in Montgomery loved Bubba, but a lot of people in Troy did too.

Billy Graham died in February at the age of 99 at his beloved mountain home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

He was probably the greatest preacher in American history.

He was America’s preacher.

Judge Wesley McCollum sworn in as next City of Opelika municipal court judge

By Steve Flowers Speaking of great preachers, Dr. John Ed Mathison, the legendary Methodist minister in Montgomery did not pass away this year, however, he has made his mark as one of the greatest preachers in Alabama history. John Ed Mathison gave a masterful Eulogy for his friend, Milton McGregor, who passed away in March at age 79. Milton had a lot of friends throughout the state. He was born and raised in Hartford, and spent his early adult life in the Wiregrass.

Alabama lost one of its greatest entrepreneurs and charitable benefactors when Milton passed away.

He created thousands of jobs and generated hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes for Macon County and the state of Alabama.

There are untold stories of people who he personally helped who were down on their luck. He used his personal jet to transport people he did not even know to hospitals all over the country for medical care, more than he used it for himself. He and his wife, Pat, donated millions to charitable organizations as well as their church, Frazer United Methodist in Montgomery.

Milton McGregor was the ultimate family man. He was devoted to his wife, Pat. They were married 50 years. He loved his wife Pat and their two daughters, Cindy and Kim, better than life itself. He was an intensely loyal friend to those he called his friends.

Birmingham Congressman John Buchanan Jr. passed away in March at age 89. He was one of Alabama’s and Jefferson County’s first Republican Congressman, having been

elected in the 1964 Goldwater Republican landslide in the state.

His father was the longtime pastor of the legendary, prominent, Southside Baptist Church. His congregation included most of the City’s wealthiest and most powerful businessmen. It was where Liberty National Life founder, Frank Samford, went to church along with his friends and associates.

Samford University was built with Liberty National money.

C.C. “Bo” Torbert passed away in June at age 88 in his beloved Lee County.

He served eight years in the Alabama House and served two four-year terms in the Alabama Senate. He was elected Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court in 1976 and was Chief Justice for 12 years. He was a great Alabama leader and a gentleman.

Our 41st President, George H. W. Bush passed away at the age of 94 in Houston, Texas on Dec. 1. Bush served as President from 1989 to 1993.

See Flowers, page B10

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Above, Judge Wesley McCollum is being sworn as the next municipal court judge during a ceremony last Monday. He replaces Judge H. Kenneth Wilkes who served in the same position for more than 30 years.

Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall hails new EPA water rule which clearly, fairly defines waters of the United States Special to the Opelika Observer Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall welcomed the Trump administration’s release last week of a new “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) environmental rule that defines the scope of the Clean Water Act. “I applaud the Environmental Protection Agency for the release of a commonsense approach to the protection of America’s waterways,” Marshall said. “The new EPA Waters of the United States definition clearly delineates whether a waterway is covered by the federal government, thus simplifying the process for landowners in seeking permits for use of their property. This

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new definition will be especially welcome to our farmers, timberland owners and others who use land for commercial purposes and who were unfairly targeted under the old Obama administration Waters of the United States rule.”

Last week’s release of the new rule follows the EPA’s announcement in June of its intent to withdraw the unpopular rule which began under President Barack Obama.

The Obama administration’s WOTUS Rule asserted sweeping federal authority over usually dry channels, roadside ditches, and isolated streams, as well

as over land covered by water only once every 100 years. Furthermore, its broad assertion of authority unlawfully impinged on the States’ traditional role as the primary regulators of land and water resources.

In 2015, Alabama was among 11 states that filed suit against the EPA over the Obama administration’s WOTUS. The Sixth Circuit granted a nationwide stay of the WOTUS Rule. The States subsequently won a nationwide stay blocking enforcement of the rule and allowing the new administration time to work on withdrawing the rule.

pelika O Observer

B8 December 26, 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 JU2017-475.02 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 NO-

TICE 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.

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 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 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 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

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE ROY L. JOHNSON, 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 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0030 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

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Thursday, January 24, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

1G4HP54KXY4170728 - 2000 BUICK LASABRE 1J4HR48N55C530528 - 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 1G1AK52F057667171 - 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT 1B3ES26C64D507529 - 2004 DODGE NEON 1FALP4041SF187077 - 1995 FORD MUSTANG 1G1AK55F277347431 - 2007 CHEVROLET COBALT LEGAL RUN 12/26/2018 & 01/02/2019

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space Located in downtown Opelika for low traffic business. Utilities included. Two small offices for $395.00 each and 1 large office for $525.00. All are upstairs. Call Rice Rentals at 334-3640480.

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Opelika

B9

Family & Religion

December 26, 2018

Crumbs from the King J

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

esus is not acting very “Jewish” in Matthew 15.

He goes on record as saying (in front of the Pharisees no less), that food does not defile (v. 10-12).

He then withdraws into Gentile territory (v. 21), where He is pursued by a Canaanite woman (v. 22). Is Matthew is trying to tell us something?

I think so. By showing us Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees (v. 1-9), he’s undercut their authority (which still would have been substantial at the time of Matthew’s writing).

Through Jesus declaring all food clean, he’s addressing one of the big first-century barriers between the Jews and Gentiles (Acts 10:9ff, 15:23ff). By the time he gets us to Jesus’ visit to Tyre and Sidon, we should be primed for more in this direction and

that’s exactly what we get.

Because of all of this, it’s best to understand Jesus’ encounter with the Canaanite woman as a teaching episode for the disciples.

In this instance, they occupy the antagonist role as the proud, short-sighted covenant people of God. They ask Jesus to “send her away, for she keeps crying out after us” (v. 23).

They’re more concerned about themselves and their circumstances than the suffering of the woman and her daughter. God forgive us, we’ve all been there, haven’t we?

Jesus’ reply is to them rather than the woman when He reminds the disciples He was sent to “the lost sheep of Israel” (v. 24). It is definitely a teachable moment for the

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

disciples—have they learned anything about the nature of Jesus’ kingdom (13:31-32) and of what will one day be their commission (28:18-20)?

They make no reply. Instead, it is the woman who seizes the opportunity.

She falls to her knees before Jesus and asks for His help. His answer, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs,” though given to her is still directed to the disciples.

I have no doubt that Jesus knew how this woman was go-

Church calendar

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

5. Registration forms are filled out on the first evening. Contact Ryno Jones Childrens, Youth Minister, or Beth Pinyerd at 334-7453108.

• Christian comedian Tim Hawkins will perform at

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

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

• First Baptist Church Opelika will host “Aspire” Feb. 16, an evening full of female-led music and worship. For more information or ticketing options, call 480-812-1100 or visit aspirewomensevents.com.

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The disciples have seen what great faith looks like (Five times in Matthew Jesus speaks to them of their “little” faith).

It doesn’t appear that the woman had much to go on in regard to her knowledge of Jesus, but it brought her to Him and she wouldn’t leave until her request was granted.

Faith makes a better parent. Faith makes a better person.

And Matthew would have us to understand from the contents of this chapter that though the kingdom of heaven is Jewish in its roots, it is universal in its reach—all the way to a Canaanite mother eager to receive “crumbs” from the King.

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

Verse of the Week

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

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

ing to respond. He knew she wouldn’t be dissuaded—her daughter’s well-being was at stake and mom wasn’t going to take “no” for an answer!

It is her response that He wants the disciples to hear.

She notes that “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table” (v. 27). It’s more than clever banter! There is faith in her words!

She believes God has something for her. And she believes that even it is just “crumbs”—it will be enough. When the faith of this persevering mother is compared with the insiders’ anxiousness to have her dismissed, the contrast is stark.

Jesus brings it all to the forefront by telling her, “Woman, you have great faith!

Your request is granted” (v. 28).

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

Romans 6:23 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

pelika Observer O

B10 December 26, 2018

OBITUARIES Jo Ellen Browning

Uniroyal where she served as the secretary for the local union. Mrs. Browning was of the Baptist faith.

Mrs. Browning is survived by her daughter Whitney Browning of Opelika; sister, Gayle Baker (Mike) of Opelika; brothers: Emery Rice, Jr. (Linda) of FL, Troy Rice (Ruby) of TX, Brian Rice (Karen) of TN, and Mark Rice of Opelika, along with several nieces and nephews.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Mrs. Jo Ellen Browning, 61 of Opelika, passed away Friday, December 14, 2018 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. A graveside service was 2:00pm Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Mrs. Browning was born May 7, 1957 to the late Emery and Emily Rice in Albany, GA. Mrs. Browning spent most of her life in Opelika, retiring from Edna M. Farrell

time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn and a long time resident of Arbor Springs Nursing Home in Opelika AL. Edna was a registered nurse who became an aqua aerobics instructor in her retirement years. She loved to sing and was a member of multiple choirs (both church and civic).

Her family will remember her for being lively, active, and her wonderful laugh.

Mrs. Edna M. Farrell passed away peacefully on December 11, 2018 at the age of 93.

Her family has moved her to St. Petersburg, FL for burial next to her husband.

Mrs. Farrell is survived by two sons and one daughter, four grand children, three great-grand children and one great-great grand child.

She was a long

Flowers,

from B5

Bush was a true statesman and gentleman. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later as a Congressman, U.S. Ambassador, our CIA Director, and Vice President prior to being elected President of the United States.

Even though the above resume of distinguished service puts him in a league

Glennon Maples Glennon Maples of Waverly, Alabama passed away on December 16, 2018 at home with his family by his side. Glenn was born in Perkinston, Mississippi on August 24, 1932.

He graduated from Mississippi State University with a B.S and Masters in Mechanical Engineering and went on to receive his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University. After working briefly in the petroleum industry, he began a career in academics and research. His teaching career started in 1965. His career at Auburn University spanned Jimmy F. Howell Jimmy F. Howell of Opelika was born to the late Mattie Walker and Edward Robert Howle on October 21, 1940 and passed away at his home on December 18, 2018.

He was 78 years old. He was preceded in death by his daughter, DeboFranklin Oneal Everett Franklin Oneal Everett of Opelika was born to the late Essic Story and John Everett in Georgia on June 25, 1934 and passed away at Dadeville

watching them grow.

Upon retirement he was awarded the distinction of Professor Emeritus at Auburn University.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Bettie Maples and his brothers Bibb and Melva Maples.

Glenn is survived by his two brothers Dupree and Dago Maples of Perkinston, MS, his wife of 50 years Martha Ann Maples, his oldest son Darrel Maples, his daughter Stephanie Maples Edwards and son in law Robert Edwards, and his son John Maples and daughter in law Laura Maples. He also was a proud grandfather of five wonderful grandchildren: Audrey

and Sam Edwards, and Jessi, Rylie, and Boone Maples.

Visitation was held on Thursday, December 20, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services were held at Waverly United Methodist Church in Waverly, Alabama Friday, December 21, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. with Reverends Helen Walton and Blue Vardaman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation OR Waverly United Methodist Church.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

rah Cordell; sister, Linda Duke; brother, Buddy Howle.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rebecca S. Howell; daughter, Yeolanda H. Carmichael (Eddie) of Jacksonville, Florida, Laura H. Campos of Opelika; son, J. Matthew Howell of Dekalb, Texas; 14 grandchildren;

24 great grandchildren; 4 special great grandchildren, Bella, Dillon, Dottie, and Annabelle; sister, Martha Terlouw (Sammy) of Ozark, Alabama; as well as numerous other family members, including his baby dog, Co Coa. Visitation was held Friday, December 21, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-

Dean Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m.

Funeral services were held in the Chapel at FrederickDean Funeral Home Friday, December 21, 2018 at 12:00 noon with Pastor Rick Lane officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Health Care on December 16, 2018. He was 84 years old.

Franklin attended Lakeside Church of God, he enjoyed planting flowers and keeping up his yard and garden.

He liked to fish, watch

NASCAR, and rastlin (wrestling).

He was preceded in death by two brothers, and a sister.

He is survived by his sister, Evelyn McCarty and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and

other family members.

Graveside service were held on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Garden Hills Cemetery with Pastor Doug Click officiating.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

50 years. He retired in 2016 after teaching some 15,000 students while advancing the field of energy utilization. In 1970, he settled in Waverly, Alabama and started a small cattle project for his children.

This endeavor, known as Diamond M Farm, is now a thriving operation that has produced a multitude of state and national champions. The farm is now managed by his son and daughter in law, John and Laura Maples. In 1972, he started an engineering consulting firm with his partner David Dyer which is still in operation today. Glenn and his wife were known for laying down seeds and

very few Americans in U.S. history can lay claim to, he personally was probably prouder of having been a star first baseman on his Yale Baseball team.

We lost some icons in 2018.

Happy New Year.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

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

Kennel,

from B5

natural and like you’re not on camera,” Gamble said.

“After a point, you just start feeling like the camera is a third person in the conversation and you’re just sitting there talking to them,” added fellow anchor Wesley Herring.

Through the atmosphere that Tidwell facilitates for his students, on and offair talent Caleb Eason describes the process of making the show as a time to be “creative” while at the same time “have fun along the way.”

“Like theatre, being

a part of The Kennel allows you to be able to laugh at yourself.

You want the people who watch it to laugh and enjoy watching it, and that’s mainly at your expense .. once you learn and know that, it makes it a lot more fun and less serious,” Eason said.

With most of the Kennel’s staff working for multiple years on the program, Eason added that he and camera operator Denson Gould plan to continue doing the same line of work in college with War Eagle Productions at Auburn University and possibly pursue video production as a full-time career.

For Tidwell, seeing the joy and enthusiasm

his students display on a weekly basis outweighs the hours of work put into the show’s production.

“It’s been great to help these kids along and help them discover their talent. It’s a great feeling,” Tidwell said.

The show will not air for the next few weeks because of finals and Christmas break, but will return once the school year resumes in the early to middle portion of January.

For more information on the program, visit ohs.opelikaschools.org. Each week’s edition of The Kennel can be viewed on their YouTube channel, “The Dawg Network.”

pelika Observer O

Last week’s answers:

12-19 Scramblers Answers: 1. Mingle, 2. Direct, 3. Create, 4. Inhale Solution: Cleaning

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

B11 December 26, 2018

B12 December 26, 2018

pelika Observer O

COMICS

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