Opelika Observer 2-28-2018 E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Vol. 10, No. 21

Opelika, Alabama

OHS Lady Bulldogs win region final; to compete in 6A Final 4 today. Turn to B1 for details.

“By local people, for local people.”

Roundabout at Frederick Road in Opelika officially opened

‘Papa Joe’s Bar-B-Q Night’ to be held monthly at Zoe’s Ice Cream Delight

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer Mayor Gary Fuller, along with Opelika city officials, cut the ribbon and officially opened the new roundabout on Frederick Road Monday.

This is the third and final

phase of the Frederick Road project that began in 1990.

The single-lane roundabout is designed to handle tens of thousands of cars a day without a stop signal.

“We are so excited. We would like to thank everyone for being patient while de-

Michael Holden to run for Ala. District Seat 83

tours were in place,” Fuller said. “This extension and roundabout is going to be a great conduit to downtown.”

City Engineer Scott Parker explained that the roundabout will improve the flow of traffic from Tiger Town See Roundabout, page A9

Zoe’s Ice Cream Delight of Spring Villa is looking to keep an Opelika culinary tradition alive.

Gail Webster, cousin of former Papa Joe’s BarB-Q owner Vickie Anderson, said her restaurant will hold a ‘Papa Joe’s Bar-B-Q Night’ the first Tuesday of every month beginning in March as a way of preserving the establishment’s legacy.

“When the building got torn down (last November), one of my relatives saved the sign for me, and my husband had it framed for my birthday and put it up in my dining room (at Zoe’s).

All my customers that have known me 40 years from Papa Joe’s started saying, ‘well, when are you gonna have Papa Joe’s? I need some of those steak fries,’” Webster said.

After posting her idea on social media earlier this month, Webster said she has received a wave of public support, substantiating her notion that the restaurant may be gone, but not forgotten.

“I think of it as respecting my heritage I guess.

It was just a part of my life ... my son grew up there, a lot of my customers are my Papa Joe’s customers that were there for years,” Webster said. “I just want to keep the tradition alive. It’s

Volunteers, donations needed to help area nonprofit Village Friends

See Zoe’s page A3

Richard LaGrand Sr. to run forLCC District 5

Special to the Opelika Observer

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Beauregard resident Michael J. Holden II announced that he will run on the Republican ticket for the open seat in Alabama House District 83. Holden is a father of three young children, a member of The Church of the Highlands, and has volunteered time coaching youth in the community. He has also worked closely with the Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department over the past See Holden, page A3

“Helping Opelika-Auburn Seniors Live Independently” – that’s the mantra of the nonprofit Village Friends.

But to continue to do that, more volunteers and donations are needed.

Like so many nonprofits, volunteers are vital to the organization’s success, and VF needs many more.

“Right now we have slightly more members than volunteers,” said VF Chief Administrator Latasha Durr.

“The best thing about being a volunteer for VF is you only

volunteer when you are available and you are able to do the things that interest you. Like if someone needs to go to the grocery store and you need to go yourself, if it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”

Seniors 60 and older can become members of VF. The fee for a year’s subscription is $240 for a single person and $360 for a couple or household. The services offered include: transportation, deliveries, basic home maintenance, yard care, technology assistance and more. VF President Martha Shepherd said the nonprofit is not indigent See Villiage, page A3

Index OPINION.................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY........A12 SPORTS...................................B1

RELIGION.................................B3 COMMUNITY.............................B8 ENTERTAINMENT.....................B12

Special to the Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Democratic candidate Richard LaGrand Sr. announced in early February that he is seeking election to Lee County Commission’s District 5 seat.

A former star athlete at Beauregard High School, LaGrand credits his name recognition for being the 1973 team captain of the football team and 1973 basketball MVP for Beauregard High School.

“I would not be who I am without Lee See LaGrand, page A5

pelika O Observer

A2 February 28, 2018

Opelika City Council name Opelika Housing Authority OPD Officer of the Quarter welcomes executive director

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer

countered by the OPD. Two men were arrested while trying to buy a car using stolen identities last December.

After a search warrant was executed, three more people were arrested. Hutto and his team also found close to 150 stolen identity records, social security numbers, stolen lap top computers, remote See Council, page A3

sion in Auburn and Opelika. The four gold and four silver awards honor excellence in building design, marketing and lifestyles in housing for area senior adults.

Detective Brandon Hutto of the Opelika Police Department was named Officer of the Quarter for his work in the largest identity fraud case ever en-

The Opelika City Council handled a full agenda Tuesday night.

Allen Harris of Bailey-Harris Construction presented the city with eight duplicate National Association of Homebuilder Awards that were given to The Springs of Mill Lakes subdivi-

Special to the Opelika Observer

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer

He’s spent 32 years in the housing industry, with the last fifteen in public housing, and the past couple of weeks as the new executive director of the Opelika Housing Authority.

Matthew McClammey comes from Atlanta to take over the seat Akinola Popoola left after he accepted the executive director position at the housing board in Mobile.

Right now, McClammey is focusing on getting out in the community and meeting people. “Observe, inspect and correct that is basically what I’ve been doing - seeing where we are and finding the tweaks where I can so we can move forward,” McClammey said. “I think the Opelika Housing Authority is in great shape.

Popoola did a great job making sure this

Shawn Kirkpatrick / Opelika Observer authority is stable. I see great things here.” Henrietta Snipes, OAC Board Chair, said the thing that impressed the board about Mr. McClammey is that he’s about being on the ground. “Getting out there walking the area, getting with the residents, seeing the residents, knowing the residents and letting them know him - that is the goal of the board and his goal.”

McClammey was born in San Francisco. His parents retired to Monroe County, Alabama when he was in high school.

“My intent has always been to come back to Alabama. This is part of the path home,” McClammey said. “Beatrice is home. As I shared with the board, when I leave here I want to retire to Monroe County.”

But for now, McClammey will be overseeing 1,200 housing units, including Camp Hill. “I will be working closely with the board to hopefully take the authority in the directions they’ve seen for some time. Opelika is ahead of the curve as far as our assets. I think there are a lot of opportunities here.”

Shawn Kirkpatrick /Opelika Observer

Heart Health Month: Saving lives with CPR and defibrillators

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

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“Time is the greatest enemy. The sooner you are able to apply a defibrillator to someone and deliver a lifesaving shock, the better the chances that person is going to survive,” said Randy Boone, CEO of CarePoint Resources.

“One of our primary goals is to educate the public, not only about responding to heart related emergencies, but preventing heart related emergencies.

Heart Health Month is so important, 735,000 people a year die from heart disease in the United States.”

Shawn Kirkpatrick / Opelika Observer Boone gives the statistics. “The average response time for EMS is anywhere from 6-10 minutes. Cardiac survival after 10 minutes is 8-10 percent.

That means out of the 1,000 people that die

pelika Observer

O

Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com

today, or have sudden cardiac arrest today, 900 wouldn’t make it in that situation.”

If Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation is applied until EMS arrives, survival rates goes up See CPR, page A3

Editor: Michelle Key Associate Editor: Morgan Bryce Journalist: Shawn Kirkpatrick Marketing: Woody Ross, Doug Horn and Emily Key Photographer: Robert Noles

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

CORRECTIONS The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or

Return to: Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th St. / Opelika, AL 36801

inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be re-

Please do not send cash through the mail.

quested by contacting the Editor at (334) 749-8003.

pelika O Observer Council, from A2 deposit check scanner and blank credit/debit cards.

The council approved a project agreement with THF/ MRP Tiger Town, LLC, for two retail buildings at a cost of $6.3 million. Almost 50 retail and service jobs will be available after the projects are finished.

The council also approved tax exemptions for Mando America Corp. and Pharmavite, LLC’s projects for 10 years. Mando will

be investing more than $10 million and Pharmavite $5.6 million for expansion projects. More than 25 jobs will be created.

The Alabama Department of Transportation and the city approved money for the construction of a new bridge at Cunningham Drive. The project will cost more than one million dollars. The federal government will cover 80 percent of the cost, the city will pay $352,228.54 In other business, the council: - approved a request by Prayer Force United for a walk March 17

Holden, from A1 10 years. During the last 10 years with BVFD, he has progressively moved from firefighter to lieutenant, and currently serves as station captain and department safety officer. Along with being a community volunteer, he works at East Alabama Medical Center assisting and caring for patients as a multi-care tech.

Holden believes that his experiences with the community and caring for people will help him to be an empathetic voice for the people in District 83.

When asked how he describes himself in this campaign, his answer is simple: “I’m a public servant, not a politician, which is what I believe our community needs,” Holden said.

CPR, from A2 to 30 percent, Boone explains. “If you’re able to do CPR and deploy an Automatic External Defibrillator within 3-4 minutes, we have a 75 to 85 percent chance of that person surviving. You have a 75 to 85 percent chance of planning a birthday over a funeral.”

Boone added that there are four basic

-approved a request by the Community Foundation of East Alabama for a Unity Stampede April 28 -approved a request by Opelika Main Street for annual events in the first half of 2018 - approved an Autism 5K Walk-Run April 7 -approved a demolition of property located at 1106 Magnolia St. - approved an agreement with the school board for 2018 Freedom Celebration - approved an application for a recycling grant through ADEM awarded bids for the purchasing of octago-

Village, from A1 or home health care. “We want the community to be aware of what we offer. We are an alternative to home health care.

No one wants to leave their home and their surroundings. Even if you lose your independence to drive you can still stay in your house and we can take you to the grocery store or mall.”

An email is sent out once a week to volunteers listing the members that need a service. The

steps: turn the AED on, attach the pads to the bare chest of a victim, stand clear of the victim and allow the unit to analyze the heart rhythm, then the shock will be delivered.

When the device is turned on, a voice prompt walks you through all the steps, as well as gives CPR instructions. “Your cell phone is harder to operate than an AED,” Boone said.

“The AED unit will not let you make a mistake. It isn’t pos-

volunteers then chose from the list what they are able to do that week.

Shepherd said the beauty of being a volunteer is you don’t have to show up at a certain time.

Many of the members don’t have family that live in town and can help them.

They rely on VF for transportation and other needs.

VF Web Master Dan Schnittka volunteers by helping the seniors hook up phones and computers, and even changes the occasional light bulb.

“I haven’t lived where my parents

sible for an AED to shock someone who doesn’t need it.”

There is a new feature to the AED units, a CPR feedback device. It is a pad that attaches to the victim that gives real time feedback on depth of compressions, pace and hand position while CPR is administered.

“We try to educate people as much as possible, but we also try to be real about it.

While the incidents of deaths from heart disease is lowering,

nal poles and printer maintenance - approved expense reports from various departments - approved the Morris Ave. Land Addition project -approved a contract with Robinson Paving for Hamilton Place improvements -approved a specialuse permit by AT&T for property located at 1051 Douglas St. - reappointed Jayne Gunter, Patsy Parker, Ronnie Ware and Ronnie Wilson to the Opelika Industrial Development Authority board, with their terms expiring March 8, 2022.

are since I was 18 and just knowing there are organizations like this around to support people who don’t have family nearby is part of the reason I volunteer.”

Volunteers are the heart of VF, Durr said. “I see the volunteers as well as the members, and it (VF) makes such a difference in their lives. They really enjoy being a part of the organization, as well as interacting with the volunteers, and being able to maintain their lifestyle.”

To donate your money or time volunteering go to www.villagefriends.org.

it’s not going to go away,” Boone added Boone offers CPR certifications for individuals and organizations. He also offers free community classes.

To sign up for classes or learn more about AEDs go to Mycarept.com.

You can help the Observer raise money for an AED to be placed inside the Collaboration Station.

Send an enail to editor@opelikabserver. com for more information.

A3 February 28, 2018

OLLI at Auburn to Host Carol Daron March 7 for lecture series Special to the Opelika Observer

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will host its lecture series entitled Wisdom Wednesday’s on March 7 from 2:30-4 p.m. at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art located at 901 South College St. in Auburn.

OLLI members, guests, and the public are all invited to learn more about OLLI at Auburn course offerings, social engagements and initiatives.

Featured lecture guest will be Carol Daron providing a presentation entitled “Much Ado About Nothing”. This presentation will explore the structure and theme of Much Ado About Nothing and concentrate on how Shakespeare adapted a melodramatic and humorless Spanish tale into a successful comedy.

The adaptation is enhanced by the witty Benedick and Beatrice in the parallel second plot and by the comically inept constabulary, headed by Dogberry, who saves the day without realizing it. The play is Shakespeare ironic and clever depiction of the human tendency to see and believe anything but the truth.

Carol Daron has

a Bachelor of Arts in English from Huntingdon College, a Master of Arts from Florida State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Auburn University.

She taught in the Auburn English Department for more than 30 years, was Director of the Ascent of Man/Human Odyssey science-humanities course sequence, and then served as Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Studies until her retirement.

She has been an OLLI member since 2006.

OLLI at Auburn offers academic not for credit programs for adults aged 50 years or older through program sites at Auburn University, AUM in Montgomery, Alabama, and the Chambers County Public Library in Valley.

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University. OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property, 1031 South College St. For more information regarding this event, contact OLLI Director Ileeia A. Cobb, Ph.D. at 334844- 3105, olli@ auburn.edu, or visit the website at www. olliatauburn.org.

Zoe’s, from A1 been a part of the community for 40 years this coming June, and I want people to remember Papa Joe’s.”

The first tribute night is slated for March 6 from 4-9 p.m. at Zoe’s. They will serve ribs, pork, steak fries, baked beans and stew for dine-in or carry-out customers. For more information, call 334-749-4455.

The restaurant is located at 2757 Alabama Highway 169.

mammograms and pap smears If you are age 40 to 64, have no insurance and a low income, you may qualify for a FREE Mammogram and Pap smear.

With you every step of the way from FREE SCREENING to FREE TREATMENT For more information, call toll-free 1-877-252-3324 alabamapublichealth.gov/bandc

A4 February 28, 2018

pelika O Opinion

Annexing the Panhandle Lonely old men T I enough for the privilege of andon’t know why I’m even nexation that Florida could retire bringing it up. We had a its state debt. Others accepted the chance and we missed it. argument that Panhandle people No use crying over spilled were essentially Alabamians milk and all that. But being as already so they might as well I am retired and living smack become what they were. (Implied dab in the middle of the in this was a feeling that fewer Florida Panhandle, and lookBy Hardy Jackson Alabamians would mean a better ing at a building boom that Florida – an early example of that makes you wonder why the look-down-the-nose-at-us attitude that berich need a tax cut ‘cause they sure aren’t running short of money as I can see, I got to came more pronounced as time went on.)

There was also talk that if the Panhandle thinking how all of this could be Alabama’s. was sent packing, then the rest of Florida But we let it, and the sand it sits on, slip could move the capital from Tallahassee – through out fingers. “a small town and not likely to become a It was back in January, 1901. Reprelarge one” – to a more central, more promissentatives from the seven Florida counties ing location. between the Apalchicola and Perdido RivMeanwhile Alabama interests, aware of ers met in Jacksonville “for the purpose of the prize that might be ours, had persuaded considering ways and means of effecting our legislature to make “an appropriation the transfer of (that) territory” to Alabama. for the purpose of working up sentiment in Yep, to us. the territory affected in favor of annexation” The whole thing was reported in the – nothing like fishing in troubled waters.

Atlanta Constitution, which noted that if Then what happened? Nothing. the secession and annexation took place, Instead of using energy and influence to some 194,000 Floridians would become Alabamians, which would give us a popula- make the Panhandle ours, Alabama leaders devoted energy and influence to stealing a tion of 1,928,000. Florida, or what was left couple of elections and writing the constituof it, would have been reduced to a paltry tion that governs us today.

434,165. On top of that, by adding the PanAnd what did we lose? handle’s 10,000 square miles to Alabama, A cash cow, that’s what. Look at Gulf our state would have become the largest, Shores and Orange Beach and multiply that territory-wise, east of the Mississippi!

10 fold – or more.

Apparently sentiment for such a move Our Redneck Rivera is their Emerald had been growing in West Florida. A few Coast, a tourist Mecca for the upscale and years earlier a legislator from Escambia affluent, where second home neighborCounty had drawn up a bill that would alhoods spread inland, and where coastal cash low Panhandle residents to vote on the registers ring and ring and ring. So valuable issue, but East Florida interests killed the has property here become that St. Joe Paper idea. But the dream did not die. Shortly Company, the Florida giant that owns over before the Jacksonville meeting the Young 1 million Panhandle acres has gotten out of Men’s Business League of Pensacola passed a resolution favoring annexation and the paper business and started developing residential and vacation communities. St. other groups were joining them.

Joe is responsible for much of the construcPro-annexation arguments were simple tion going on around me as I write this. enough. West Florida had been settled by Today the landscape is changing so rapAlabamians so family and cultural ties beidly that some residents are joining in a tween the two were strong. Trade connec“no-growth” resistance movement. (Friends tions reinforced this kinship, for commerce of Old Seagrove have successfully fought to and from the region flowed north and south, not east and west. Adding the Florida off efforts to pave its dirt streets.) But little victories will not change long range trends. folks to Alabama would increase the size These are flush times in the Panhandle and of our congressional delegation, which in the bounty of this business could have been turn could do a better job of looking after ours.

West Florida’s coastal interests. Pensacola But it isn’t. Instead we have a constitution especially like this, for once the annexation that has put us dead last in most of the qualwas complete, Alabama’s steel and iron industries would make good use of that city’s ity of life categories that can be measured.

Yep, another opportunity down the drain. harbor.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is ProfesThe article also noted that there were sor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville those in East Florida who would be happy State University. He can be reached at enough to let the Panhandle go. hjackson@cableone.net.

Some felt that Alabama would pay

One day, if I play my here’s a long cards right, maybe I’ll line waiting grow up to become this to get into the old man. breakfast joint. And I “Been driving that see him, sitting on a thing all over,” he says. bench outside. He’s “I’ll keep her until old, and I have a soft she tells me she’s had spot for old men.

By Sean Dietrich enough.”

He’s wearing a He called his son and windbreaker with scheduled breakfast with the holes in it and ratty tennis shoes. grandkids yesterday. It didn’t He’s reading a book—an illustrawork out. So they rescheduled totion of a cowboy on the cover. day. But it’s not looking good.

Many upstanding men have The man checks his watch. passed the hours with the venerThey are running forty minutes able Louis L’Amour. behind. So, he waits. And he His legs are crossed, he’s flipreads. ping pages. I sit beside him. He’s “They’ll be here,” the man says, easy to converse with. Men who reminding either me or himself. like dime-novel Westerns usually “Probably just stuck in traffic.” are.

Probably.

He speaks nice and slow.

I shake his hand and wish him He’s in town visiting his son. luck. I tell him not to strain his Only, no visiting has happened eyes too much with that book. yet.

He smiles and says, “Too late.”

“My son’s got a lot on his Inside, I order eggs, bacon, and plate,” the man says. “He’s not coffee so strong you can use it to able to break away, he’s just so power residential lawn mowers. busy with work.”

Busy. I don’t like that word. Es- And I think about all the lonely old men of the world. pecially when it comes out of my While the waitress warms up own mouth. my mug, I see the old guy through The man’s wife passed two the front window. years ago. It was sudden. And He’s probably reading about even though he doesn’t say, I’ll Jubal Sackett’s desperate and bet he’s not used to the absence yet. Just eating right can be a daily heated gunfight at the Last Chance Saloon. battle for the man whose wife Then, the man digs for a phone spoiled him. in his pocket. It’s a flip phone. I “I am what you call a L-O-M,” see him dial. he goes on. “A lonely old man.”

He listens. I wonder who he’s “Was” is more like it. calling. His mouth never moves.

Because this year, he’s making He hangs up. Finally, he stands. some changes.

He tucks the book into his coat He’s been taking road trips. and walks away.

Mostly, to visit childhood friends His taillights leave the parking and high-school pals. He’s had a lot. That truck of his is a beauty. famous time doing it. He’s been I’m no judge. And God knows, all over the Southeast.

I get busy just like anyone else.

In the last months, the old man But I hope that man’s son realhas visited North Carolina, South izes what a good breakfast he Carolina, South Florida, Missismissed today. sippi, Missouri, and Arkansas.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, He’s been burning the roads, and novelist, known for his comeating truckstop food, staying mentary on life in the American in hotels. He’s not wallowing in South. His work has appeared in loneliness.

Southern Living, the Tallahassee She wouldn’t have wanted him Democrat, Southern Magazine, to wallow.

He nods toward his horse in the Yellowhammer News, the Bitter Southerner, the Mobile Press Regparking lot. Every man’s dream ister and he has authored seven truck. A ‘89 Ford 7.3 liter, diesel. books.

Red. Cherry condition.

Inside the Statehouse

T

he Alabama Legislature usually gets very little done during an election year session except passage of the budgets.

However, the Legislature may have to address issues pertaining to prison health care. A Federal judge has ruled that our prison mental health care is “horrendously inadequate.” This year the solution will probably be to simply add $30 to 50 million to the prison budget and kick the can down the road to the next quadrennium.

Our Medicaid agency funding is always a key issue. Medicaid now consumes more than a third of the General Fund budget. Using part of the BP Oil spill money will allow legislators to wait until next year to tackle this money eating monster.

Mental health or drug addiction issues will probably be pushed back until next year after elections, as will the gasoline tax issue. The gas tax

Teachers has not been and state raised since employees 1992. The may receive state’s gas tax a cost of is earmarked living raise. for roads and Alabama bridges. Busistate emness groups,

By Steve Flowers ployees have county govnot received ernments a cost of living raise since and legislative leaders, 2009. especially Speaker Mac Speaking of the econMcCutcheon and Legislaomy, Alabama has been tors from Huntsville and blessed with two gigantic other growth areas, are emphasizing the need for coups in the past few months. The landing of adequate transportation the new Toyota-Mazda infrastructure.

The Trump administra- plant near Huntsville was huge. In addition, tion is advocating for a the decision by the U.S. national infrastructure Defense Department to initiative. If this comes to fruition in Washington, locate the F-35 lightning aircraft deployment to the state will have to act Maxwell/Gunter in Montin order to match federal gomery will translate into dollars. a significant boom to the The two budgets will not be difficult since both River Region for years to come. the General Fund and The January announceEducation budgets are in better shape than normal, ment that Alabama won especially the Special Ed- the coveted ToyotaMazda plant was tremenucation Trust Fund buddous. We beat out North get. It is dependent on Carolina for the $1.6 sales and income growth taxes and the economy is billion facility, which will be located at a Limestone growing.

County mega site adjacent to Huntsville.

Alabama currently has 57,000 residents employed in the automotive industry. Exports of Alabama made vehicles and parts total over $9 billion. We are now the number two state in America for automotive production. Community College Chancellor Jimmy Baker is moving in the right direction to prepare our young people for these opportunities in the state’s industrial expansion.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, battled mightily for the new automotive facility. He deserves kudos for the victory as does Montgomery mayor, Todd Strange, for landing the F-35 to Maxwell/Gunter. Our senior senator, Richard Shelby, was instrumental in both of these bonanzas behind the scenes.

Speaking of the legislature and their adjourning early for an election year, there will be 10 open Senate seats and

22 House seats with no incumbents. One of the most hotly contested state senate races will be in the Huntsville area. It will be an intra-party battle between Sam Givhan and Mary Scott Hunter. It is for the seat currently held by State Senator Bill Holtzclaw, who is not seeking reelection.

Ms. Hunter is a State School Board member, who is close to the BCA. Givhan is a lawyer and heads the Huntsville/ Madison GOP. He has been endorsed by ALFA. It is fitting and proper that the Alabama Farmers Federation is backing young Sam Givhan.

His grandfather was the legendary State Senator, Walter Givhan, who was a Black Belt planter and stalwart ally of the farmers.

State Representative, Mack Butler, is favored to win the Republican Gadsden area seat of retiring Senator Phil Williams. The Wiregrass will see a battle royale between State Representa-

tive Donnie Chesteen and incumbent State Senator Harri Anne Smith.

The open Republican Senate seat of retiring State Senator Dick Brewbaker in Montgomery and Pike Road may be the best senate race in the state. There are numerous powerful and popular incumbents, who will coast to reelection most with no opposition. That list includes Jabo Waggoner, Jimmy Holley, Jim McClendon, Cam Ward, Greg Reed, Steve Livingston, Clay Scofield, Shay Shelnutt, Clyde Chambliss, Billy Beasley, Bobby Singleton, Gerald Allen, Tom Whatley and Senate President, Del Marsh.

The leadership of the State Senate will return.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

pelika O Observer Beauregard Elementary teacher wins weather radio

A5 February 28, 2018

Annual Opelika Lions Club Pancake Jamboree to be held Mar. 3 at Opelika Middle School cafeteria

Shawn Kirkpatrick / Opelika Observer Beauregard Elementary School Resource Teacher Amy Hess, is the winner of the Opelika Observer, Midland Weather Radio giveaway contest. She submitted her family's severe weather plan, which includes: storing canned goods, water, blankets, batteries and other items in her basement for when dangerous storms threaten her family and home. Congratulations Amy!

LaGrand from A1

County and Lee County School System which is why it is my goal to give of my time, talent and resources to represent those who need a leader to hear their voices and move into action,” LaGrand said.

LaGrand is a member of the Ombudsman Council Advisory Board, Area of Aging Board of Directors, Lee-Russell Council of

Governments, Bancorp South Community Development Advisory Board and the Opelika and Auburn chambers of commerce. Previously, LaGrand served as chairman for EASE House Board of Directors.

Reflecting on his run for the Lee County Commission, LaGrand said he does not plan to slow down his service to his community, with a campaign slogan of “Leadership that is approachable, vocal and visible.”

“All candidates will

have focused efforts to improve roadways, increase aid to jails and schools but I think it is important to allow the citizens to dictate the priority of each of those improvements. I will have an open door policy with office hours that allow citizens to have a commissioner who is accessible to them,” LaGrand said.

For more information about LaGrand’s run for office, contact him at richardlagrand005@ gmail.com.

Ride with the #1 car insurer in Alabama.

Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Lions Club’s annual pancake breakfast will be held March 3 from 6-11 at the OMS cafeteria. The cost $5 per person.

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

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

Drake Martin, Agent 907 2nd Avenue Suite A Opelika, AL 36801 Bus: 334-745-6304 www.drakemartin.net

With competitive rates and personal service, it’s no wonder more drivers trust State Farm .

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ®

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commercial loans in addition to all our checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts,

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FEBRUARY 27 & 28 • 7:30 PM OPELIKA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

COME ONE! COME ALL! LISTEN & BE AMAZED! Mnozil Brass enters the ring to combat the monkey business of daily life with music and humor, transforming the stage into a musical flea circus.

They are decisive and strong believers that the earth is round, and go out of their way to diligently travel the globe and bring their Elysian style of music and laughter to the rest of the world.

IN A NUTSHELL: THE EARTH IS ROUND, HUMANITY LAUGHS, AND THE WORLD IS A CIRCUS! PERFORMANCE SERIES SUBSCRIPTIONS GUARANTEE YOU'LL HAVE THE BEST SEATS FOR EVERY SHOW, RENEWABLE FROM SEASON TO SEASON.

To purchase tickets, call 334.749.8105 or visit eastalabamaarts.org

pelika O Observer

A7 February 28, 2018

Opelika Celebrates 30 Years as Tree City USA Special to the Opelika Observer

program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.

Cities achieve Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and

programs in all Opelika Schools. Part of the curriculum is teaching about Arbor Day and the benefits of planting and maintaining trees in our community, said KOB Director Tipi Miller. “We have also done Christmas tree recycling, Shred Days and tree planting at Garden in the Park. These are great times to talk to people about the importance of trees.”

The Tree City USA

Opelika is celebrating the 30th year of being named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

The Opelika Tree Commission has operated under Keep Opelika Beautiful for the past three years. “Keep Opelika Beautiful provides educational

proclamation.

“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Opelika make smart investments in urban forests,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.

“Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”

Shawn Kirkpatrick / Opelika Observer

Nine crucial tax deductions you don’t want to miss Special to the Opelika Observer Filing your taxes can be frustrating and time consuming. But don’t rush through your return too quickly.

According to the website “Moneytips” you should consider these commonly overlooked tax deductions.

1. Charitable Contributions - Any gift to a qualifying charitable organization can be deducted. The IRS website has an online search tool to verify qualified status of any organization, but the receiving organization should be able to provide you with proof. You may deduct donations worth up to 50% of your income.

Make sure that you have written receipts for any contributions.

2. Retirement Plan Contributions - Contributions to traditional IRAs and Simplified

are a few exceptions that allow total deduction in the year of purchase.

4. State and Local Taxes - Various state and local taxes paid in 2017 can be deducted, either as income taxes or sales taxes paid (but not both). Generally, state income tax is higher, but not all states have an income tax.

5. Personal Property Taxes - You can deduct any personal property taxes that are paid on items such as automobiles or boats as long as the taxes are imposed annually and based on the value of the asset.

6. Job Search Expenses - Some job-hunting costs can

Employee Pension plans (SEPs may be deductible. Roth IRA contributions are not deductible because they are made with aftertax dollars.

You still make contributions up to the tax filing date and apply them to the previous tax year as long as your total contributions are below the annual limits.

3. Mortgage Interest and Points - The annual interest on your mortgage is deductible, along with any points paid on a new home to lower your interest rate. Generally, deductions for points must be spread out over the life of a loan, but there

T h e S p r i n g

be deducted if you are looking for a job within your occupation. Things like transportation costs with associated food and hotel bills, resume printing costs, and employment agency fees are deductible.

7. Moving Expenses - If you get that new job, you can deduct moving expenses as long as your new job is at least fifty miles farther from your home. This

deduction is especially valuable since it is an "above-the- line deduction" that directly lowers your AGI. You can take the deduction whether or not you itemize.

8. Medical and Dental Expenses - Any unreimbursed medical and dental expenses over 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income may be deducted. For example, with an AGI of $50,000, you can

deduct the portion of your medical expenses that exceeds $3,750.

9. Self-Employment Expenses - If you work for yourself, you can deduct 50% of your payroll taxes essentially the employer portion of your taxes. In certain cases, you may also deduct retirement contributions and health insurance expenses, as well as some household expenses if you have a home office.

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pelika O Observer

A8 February 28, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town 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 http://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.

Ongoing: • Village Friends is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

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

The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256307-1449.

Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” support group for autism parents will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. This is a monthly event on the first

Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

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

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

• Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 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 Psychiatric Services at 334528-4197 or deboarhowen@ 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 Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest.

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

During the presentation, participants can send question 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

Keep Opelika Beautiful Prepares for Citywide Cleanup Mar. 3 Special to the Opelika Observer On March 3, volunteers of Keep Opelika Beautiful will be participating in the Citywide Cleanup. This local effort, an extension of the national program, Great American Cleanup, is an opportunity for citizens to join together in the fight against litter. More than 200 volunteers joined KOB in 2017 to participate in the event.

The Great American Cleanup was established by Keep America Beautiful Inc., the nation’s leading nonprofit that builds and sustains clean, green and more beautiful communities. The event is the nation’s largest annual cleanup, beautification and community improvement program. Each year, the Great American Cleanup engages more than 4 million volunteers in 20,000 communities across the coun-

try to take action in their local communities to create positive change.

“For the past 15 years, Keep Opelika Beautiful has coordinated this one-day cleanup for our city,” said KOB Director Tipi Miller. “Most of these volunteers clean their designated roadways throughout the year, but this is one day where we all work together. This year we are fortunate to partner with the 2018 20-Under-40 class to increase participation in the Citywide Cleanup.”

The Opelika Exchange Club feeds all volunteers after the morning of picking up litter.

Also helping with supplies is East Alabama Medical Center.

Businesses and citizens are encouraged to join Keep Opelika Beautiful in the fight against litter.

For more information contact Keep Opelika Beautiful at tipi@keepopelikabeautiful.com or 334-749-4970.

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 non-profit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services.

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

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.

• Auburn-Opelika Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) meets every fourth Wednesday. CCL is a nonprofit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change.

We consider a national carbon fee which would be distributed as a dividend to all U.S. households as the most important solution to climate change. Meetings are held at the Hubert and Grace Harris Center Meeting Room (425 Perry St., Auburn, AL 36830 --- directly across from the Auburn, AL U.S. Post Office), 7:00-8:30 PM. To learn more about CCL go to our website: https:// citizensclimatelobby.org/ • 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: • 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 770-845-2277 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.

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

March 3 The 2018 Dyslexia Dash of East Alabama, hosted by the Alabama branch of the International Dyslexia Association, will be held March 3. The goal of the event is to raise money to help support those with dyslexia and dyslexic characteristics. For more information or ticketing options, visit www.runsignup.com/ Race/AL/Auburn/DyslexiaDashofEastAlabama.

To add your community events to the community calendar, email us at editor@ opelikaobserver.com.

‘Bulldog Classic’ to be held March 3

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

The annual “Bulldog Classic at Indian Pines” will be held March 3 at Indian Pines Golf Course beginning at 8 a.m.

An annual fundraiser for Opelika High School’s golf and tennis teams, the event will be played in the four-person scramble format.

Prizes will be awarded to the first and second-place teams and individuals who shot the longest drive and closest to the hole.

The cost is $400 per team, which includes golf, golf cart, lunch and advertising on the day of the event.

Single players may enter for $100, and all donations are tax deductible.

For more information or to learn more about event sponsorship, call OHS Golf Coach Jonathan Chandler at 334-745-9715 or email him at jonathan.chandler@opelikaschools.org.

The golf course is located at 900 Country Club Drive in Auburn.

pelika O Observer Roundabout, from A1 to downtown, and the new landscaping and pedestrian facilities will also create a gateway to the area.

“With the continuing improvements to the sidewalk, resurfacing and lighting all the way down Auburn Street and ML King Avenue, the neighborhood and drive will be completely transformed.”

Here are some

tips for driving in a roundabout: look for cars in the circle to your left. If there are none, proceed taking a slight right along the circle. If there is a car, stop to let them pass.

Vehicles in the circle have the right of way.

The benefits to the

neighbors in Ward 1 is what City Council President Patsy Jones said is an added plus.

“We are redoing the sidewalks where they can walk from here safely downtown. We are hoping in the next month or so, all the sidewalks will be fin-

A9 February 28, 2018 ished,” Jones said.

“The roundabout also beautifies the community and brings it together, especially with the new trees and flowers.” Billy Edwards of the Opelika Tree Commission was selected by Fuller to be the first person

to drive the roundabout. “I was shocked when he asked me to be the first person to drive through. I said I would do it. I’m just a regular citizen,” Edwards said.

The roundabout is now open to all citizens.

pelika O Observer

A10 February 28, 2018

Opelika Sportsplex to sponsor Will Anniversary of the Battle of Schusterick disc golf clinic March 2 Horseshoe Bend Mar. 24

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Three-time U.S. Disc Golf Champion Will Schusterick will hold a free instructional clinic for disc golf beginners March 2 at the Tumble Tree Disc Golf Course located behind the Opelika Sportsplex.

Event Director Brad Moseley said the clinic’s purpose is to teach people the basic rules and strategy of the country’s fastest growing sports.

“There’s more (disc golf) courses popping up all the time. Events in the Southeast are just getting bigger and bigger,” Moseley said. “Some of those will have a few hundred participants ... Birmingham has one later in the year called the ‘Magic City MegaBowl’ that will

probably have 200-plus people taking part and have a lot of the top professional players from not only the Southeast, but across the United States.”

In addition to training, disc-golf maker Prodigy Disc will be selling discs and other merchandise during the event, which is expected to draw more than 100 people.

Sportsplex Membership Director Billy Jackson said the event is not only a great way to promote the sport locally, but bring in additional revenue for the city.

“From an economic standpoint, it’s a winwin for Opelika and its downtown. These guys will come in and stay Friday and maybe Saturday night, and camp out in Spring Villa and take advantage of that,”

Jackson said.

Jackson added that the city will soon begin exploring the possibility of constructing a second disc golf course within city limits to accommodate for the sport’s expected growth in Opelika.

“A lot of us would love to have a second course somewhere ... there might be an opportunity in Spring Villa to look at doing something (like that) down the road,” Jackson said.

No registration is required, but clinic participants who already own a disc are encouraged to bring it with them to the Sportsplexsponsored event, which begins at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call Jackson at 334-7055560. The Sportsplex is located at 1001 Andrews Road.

A night of food and drink

Niffer’s at the Tracks held a bourbon tasting and dinner last Friday. Check out www.opelikaobserver. com for an article and photos from the event.

Special to the Opelika Observer Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will host the 204th Anniversary of the Battle of the Horseshoe March 24.

This annual event recreates traditional Creek Indian life, frontier life in the year 1814 and emphasizes the importance of the battle in United States history through a variety of special demonstrations and interpretive programs.

Saturday’s activities will provide park visitors with a better understanding of Southeastern American Indian life in this

area from 200 years ago as well as provide insight into the lives of the combatants and the reasons why the battle occurred.

Experience the life of the Creek and Cherokee Indians by visiting traditional hunting camps and watch demonstrations of cultural skills such as hide tanning, cooking and finger weaving.

Children will have the opportunity to participate in an authentic Creek stickball game throughout the day.

Experience the life of Andrew Jackson’s frontier army. Watch Tennessee militia fire smoothbore cannon

and flintlock muskets.

In the museum, patrons will learn how soldiers cooked their meals and lived while campaigning.

A camp depicting American women’s lives on the frontier will provide wool dying demonstrations and teach visitors how to spin the wool.

All demonstrations will be presented multiple times throughout the day and promise to be entertaining as well as educational.

A refreshment stand will be available courtesy of the New Site Volunteer Fire Department.

This program is free to the public.

Severe Weather Survival Kit List from Lee County Emergency Management Agency Basic Kit: 1 gallon of water per person, per day, for 3 days 3 days of non-perishable food Weather radio with batteries Flashlights First Aid Kit Whistle to signal for help Masks Plastic sheeting to shelter in place Garbage Bags Plyers to turn off utilities Portable charger for your cell phone

Additional kit items based on your family’s needs: Generator Prescriptions Formula/diapers Pet food and water for pets Copies of insurance policies, bank documents, ID’s, Passport in water tight container Cash - at least $20 Additional blankets, pillows, bedding Change of clothes Paper plates, napkins, utensils

Lee County Extension office to host several events Special to the Opelika Observer The Lee County Extension Office would like to announce the following upcoming events: Chick Chain Would you like to have your own pet chicken with its’ very own name that you gave it?

The Alabama Chick Chain is a project that teaches our youth about poultry, responsibility, managerial skills and entrepreneurship. Each participate will receive 10 baby chicks that they can care for and raise.

The project is completed when they bring two of their pullets to the 4-H Chick Chain Show

Your Future Matters to Us. Poarch is proud to be a partner in Alabama’s progress.

We have a tradition of including others.

Poarch provides more than 13,000 jobs to Alabamians, pays millions in state taxes each year, and makes charitable contributions reaching nearly $8 million annually.

Strong communities can help build a better life for all.

ALABAMA NATIVES. ALABAMA NEIGHBORS. PoarchNeighbors.com pci-nsn.gov 251.368.9136

and Auction. Time and place TBA at a later date. If you would like to know more about Chick Chain please call Lee Co Extension System at 334-749- 3353.

Registration and fee of $40 are due March 19.

How does the New Tax Bill affect me and my Farming Operation?

Alabama farmers can learn more about how the new tax law affects them individually and their farming operation at tax bill workshops from Alabama Extension’s Agribusiness Management Team. After the training, famers will be better equipped to navigate the new tax provisions. Dr. Robert Tufts, an Alabama Extension farm management specialist and attorney, will conduct the workshops at 13 locations during February and March from 6-9 p.m. Three exceptions include the Feb. 1 Fairhope workshop from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Additionally, the March

1 workshop in Opelika will be from from 8:15-11:15 a.m., while the Shorter workshop lasts from 1:30-4:30 p.m. The workshop will highlight estate tax changes, individual tax changes and business tax changes in the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.” The workshop will also include a comparison of pass-through entity taxes to C-corporations taxes using case studies showing effects on small, medium and large-sized operations.

Registration-A complete workshop agenda and location schedule is available by visiting the following link: http:// www.aces.edu/agriculture/business-management/taxes/. There is a $15 registration fee per individual or $50 for any person requesting continuing education credit. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Continuing education credit will also be available for accountants, attorneys, foresters and professional logging

managers. To register online and pay via credit card, complete online registration here.

Participants may also call the local contact to register by phone and pay at the door.

Vegetable Meeting and Farmers Market Training On March 1, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System will have a vegetable meeting along with a certification class for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

Extension Entomologist Dr. Ayanava Majumdar will discuss vegetable insect pests and their management in open field and protected agriculture. We will also have a vegetable question and answer session. Regional Extension Agent Dr. Chip East, Talladega County Extension Coordinator Henry Dorough, and SNAP Educator Meaghan Robertson will be there to answer additional vegetable questions. This will

be a very educational meeting for commercial producers as well as home vegetable gardeners. Please call the Talladega County Extension office at 256362-6187 by Feb. 27.

The annual 4-H Open Barn will be March 24, 2018 from 1-4 p.m. at Britton Farms located at 402 Day Lilly St. in Auburn.

For more information Contact Jenny Britton, 334-559-5759 or at jennybritton77@gmail. com.

Come out to the ‘Barn’ and learn about many of our wonderful Lee County 4-H Clubs and all they have to offer the youth here in Lee and surrounding counties! 4-H offers many activities for all ages and for families that live in the city and the country.

There are programs to learn about animals, sewing, history and shooting sports. 4-H has many scholarship programs and camp opportunities!

pelika O Observer

A11 February 28, 2018

Opelika Theatre Company to hold My Travel at Midtown ...your travel professionals first production of 2018 March 9-10

By Lawton Vallely For the Opelika Observer The Opelika Theatre Company will hold their first production of 2018, "The Miss Firecracker Contest," with three shows March 9-10 at the Southside Center for the Arts.

After success with OTC’s previous production of “Steel Magnolias" last June, the troupe

decided to stick to their roots and perform another classic Southern comedy.

“I expect the audience to just come and have a good time and enjoy southern humor because it’s very southern and very funny,” said Theatre Director Dabney Chapman. “I hope that everybody who leaves here after seeing the show will leave in a good mood and be

Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer

happy and realize that their community theater especially is just fabulous.”

Written by playwright Beth Henley, "The Miss Firecracker Contest" is a comedy set in the small town of Brookhaven, Mississippi, and revolves around protagonist Carnelle, a 24-yearold orphan taken in by her Aunt Ronelle.

During the play, the audience witnesses the

life and the obstacles Carnelle must face in her venture for the title of Miss Firecracker.

“My favorite (character) is Carnelle, because I don’t think we could have gotten a better Carnelle,” said Alysa Richards, who plays Tessy.

“She is just so dramatic out there. I just think she is the best person.”

Chapman said she believes casting will be the key to success for this production.

“I was blessed by the casting gods. I really was,” said Chapman. “I have actually directed this show before with a different theater group years ago and I have been involved in theater all my life.”

Tickets for the shows are available for online purchase for $10 at squareup.com. For more information on the play or the OTC, contact OTC Executive Artist Director Marty Moore at 334-663-4480, or visit www.opelikatheatrecompnay.com.

Show times will be 7 p.m. March 9 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 10.

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A12 February 28, 2018

Offering hospitality is a ministry for Bobby Samford

SH Ann Cipperly’s

Southern Hospitality

Tucked in a wooded area down a winding road, the home of Joy and Bobby Samford opens to a large den with a soaring stone fireplace and a screened porch where they enjoy hosting family and friends to share a meal.

Bobby enjoys cooking and sees offering hospitality as a ministry.

“In Acts 2 where the church started,” se days, “and there are scriptures about breaking bread together. There is a lot of ministry done sitting down at a meal together. Inviting people to your home to share a meal with them is special.”

Bobby grew up in Opelika with his parents, Jackie and the late Thomas Samford, being sterling role models of showing love to others.

“Mom was a great cook,” he says, “and Dad was the outdoor weekend cook.”

He remembers both of his

grandmothers were also good cooks and having many delicious meals at their homes.

His paternal grandparents were Aileen and Thomas Samford, and his maternal grandparents were Blanch, “Big Mama”, and Jack Screws, who managed the Opelika Hardware store. All of them lived in Opelika.

Bobby followed in his father’s footsteps of enjoying grilling and has two grills on their covered porch. His younger brother, Richard, was also influenced by their parents’ enjoyment of cooking. Richard is a successful caterer, specializing in barbecue, ribs, chicken, stew and other foods.

Now that their mother doesn’t cook anymore and their father and grandparents have passed away, Bobby and Richard are carrying on the family’s love of cooking and hospitality.

“I like cooking,” Bobby adds. “That is my part of loving and caring for people. I am excited about getting a meal together when I am going to be spending time with people.”

Bobby graduated from Lee Academy the final year before the school merged with Scott Preparatory.

He graduated from Auburn University and attended the University of Alabama for his master’s degree. He met Joy

Recipes Fish Tacos with Chipotle-Lime Sauce 1 lb. of your favorite white, flaky fish (We use tilapia filets since they come in large quantities and can stay readily available in the freezer and thawed quickly).

Tortillas Marinade: ¼ cup olive oil or canola 1 lime (juiced) 1 tsp. garlic salt 1 tsp. Old Bay Blackened Seasoning ¼ cup fresh cilantro Pour marinade over fish and let sit for 30 minutes.

When ready to cook, heat grill or skillet to medium-high.

Cook fish 3-4 minutes on one side; flip for only a couple minutes more. Use your spatula and give fish a ‘rough

chop.’ Set aside to build your tacos.

You can get creative at this point.

Put your tortillas on skillet/griddle for 1-2 minutes per side. When ready to serve, put fish in the taco shell and add salsa, Asian slaw, or whatever you like in your tacos. We top with a ChipotleLime Sauce.

Chipotle-Lime Sauce: 1 cup mayonnaise 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro 1 lime (juiced) Place all ingredients in food processor and puree.

Note: Fat free mayonnaise would make this sauce lower in calories.

It is so easy to make extra fish and keep in Ziplock bags for warm-up and quick meal.

Reuben Egg Rolls (Had these at McGuire’s in Destin and had to try to repeat!)

1 pkg. egg roll wraps 1 lb. thin sliced corned beef 8 oz. Swiss cheese (shredded) ½ cup sauerkraut 1 egg Vegetable oil Thousand island dressing Beat egg and a tablespoon of water together for an egg wash to seal each wrap.

In each wrap place corned beef, pinch of Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut (to taste).

Start rolling at a corner, folding in the sides as you roll. Seal final corner with egg wash. Do not overfill or wraps (very thin) will break open.

Pour 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in skillet; heat to 350 degrees; drop in egg rolls until browned 2-3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towel and dip in thousand island dressing.

while at Alabama. He returned to Auburn for additional graduate work.

Joy grew up in west Alabama in Aliceville. After they married, they lived in Selma where he taught school while in graduate school. They moved to Opelika in 1993.

Bobby spent 34 years in education before retiring last year. He taught and coached in different places and was an administrator at Lee-Scott for 22 years.

Joy has taught music over the years. She was on staff at Trinity United Methodist Church for 17 years and has led choir for different ages. They attend Auburn Community Church where she now sings. Joy teaches part-time at Spicer’s Music Shop and helps take care of her mother, who is in a Dadeville nursing home.

Bobby and Joy have three children. Amanda is in graduate school at AUM, Chase, 22, is a senior at Auburn University and will be starting dental school in July, and Clay, 18, is a freshman at Southern Union.

While Bobby is the main cook for the family, Joy prepares the side dishes. Amanda is beginning to cook, and their sons are getting more involved in watching their father cook on the grill. “That is time together with the kids and that is special,” he says.

When planning meals, Bobby orders groceries at Wright’s

Special to the Opelika Observer Bobby Samford enjoys cooking for family and friends.

He and his wife, Joy, feel offering hospitality is a ministry and inviting people to their home to share a meal is a special time. Bobby is sharing a variety of his favorite recipes.

Market and has them delivered to their home. He recommends the market, and thinks their meats are the best.

His Go-To Grilled, Baked or Air-Fried Chicken is placed in brine overnight and then a marinade to assure it is tender and flavorful.

They are at a point where he wants to cook healthy, so using the air-fryer keeps the chicken crispy without cooking in oil.

The Fish Tacos can be prepared with your favorite white, flaky fish. The fish is marinated and then grilled or cooked in a skillet. For assembling the tacos, the fish are placed in taco shells and topped with a

Go-To Grilled, Baked or Air-Fried Chicken This recipe is what I have settled on to get the most consistent results. Once I tried brining the chicken, it was so much tenderer that I always do it now, if we have time. If you haven’t tried an air-fryer, do it. It’s a game changer for saving time and eating healthier.

4-6 boneless chicken breasts Brine: 8 cups water ¼ cup kosher salt (or 2 Tbsp regular table salt) ½ cup light brown sugar The night before, place chicken breasts and above ingredients in Ziplock plastic bag or bowl; refrigerate overnight.

Make sure brine covers chicken, using ratios above.

The next morning, rinse brine from chicken and place in Ziplock plastic bag

with the following marinade.

Refrigerate until ready to grill.

I take it out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling, so meat will get closer to room temperature.

Marinade: ½ cup olive oil ½ cup balsamic vinegar ⅓ cup soy sauce ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce ¼ cup lemon (or lime) juice ⅔ cup light brown sugar 2 Tbsp. hot sauce 1 tsp. minced garlic Pepper (to taste) You can add your favorite sauce during last 10 minutes of grilling or let everyone use their favorite on the side.

The chicken can also be cooked in a 375 oven for 45 minutes or in an air-fryer at 380-390 degrees for 12-14 minutes, turning over about halfway through cooking.

White Chicken Chili Make this in slow cooker. It could not be easier.

2 lbs. chicken (can be breasts or tenders) If using breasts, cut in half lengthwise.)

1 yellow onion (diced) 1 tsp. minced garlic 24 oz. chicken broth 2 cans Great Northern beans (drained) 1 can Rotel (drained) 2 cans southwestern (or whole kernel) corn 1 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. oregano ¾ tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. cayenne pep-

per ¼ cup fresh cilantro Salt/pepper (to taste) Put all ingredients above in slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours.

8 oz. cream cheese 1/4 cup sour cream 1 cup half and half Here’s where the “white” part comes in.

With 15 minutes to go, add cream cheese, sour cream and half and half to the slow cooker.

A healthier option is to use the fat free options of cream cheese, sour cream and substitute skim or 2% milk.

Chipotle-Lime Sauce.

Bobby’s Turkey Meatballs and Marinara has less than 300 calories per serving but are packed with flavor.

He adapts recipes to suit his family’s taste. The Chicken Spaghetti is one of their children’s favorites.

“I enjoy cooking for the people I care about,” says Bobby.

“It is my part of loving and caring for people by doing something for them. It is special having people in your home to share time and a meal. If it gets the kids coming home, that is a good thing.”

Ann Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@cipperly.com.

Turkey Meatballs and Marinara (fewer than 300 calories per serving) Meatballs: 1 lb. ground turkey 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 egg ⅓ cup parsley (chopped) ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. red pepper flakes Mix all above ingredients and form into 1-inch balls.

If you have an airfryer (which I recommend) cook them in batches, 10-12 per batch following airfryer instructions.

You can also cook in a skillet with 2 Tbsp. olive oil until browned on all sides and cooked through.

This should take no more than 5 minutes.

Marinara: This can be used with spaghetti or any other dish requiring marinara.

1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp. minced garlic 28 oz. can crushed

tomatoes ⅓ cup fresh basil (chopped) ½ tsp. red pepper flakes ¼ tsp. dried oregano ½ tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper Heat oil over medium-high heat in skillet.

Add garlic and heat a couple of minutes.

Add tomatoes and all other ingredients above.

Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes.

Add cooked meatballs to the marinara until warm.

Top with additional Pecorino/Romano cheese and serve with pasta or spaghetti squash as a healthy replacement.

Spaghetti Squash: If using spaghetti squash, use knife to poke 8-10 random holes in it.

Place in pan and cook at 425 degrees for 65-70 minutes.

When cooled, cut open lengthwise and rake insides out with a fork.

It looks and works just like pasta but with virtually no calories.

Joy’s Monkey Bread 3 10-oz cans buttermilk biscuits 1 cup sugar 3 tsp. cinnamon 2 sticks butter (softened) ½ cup light (or dark) brown sugar Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Open biscuits and cut each one into quarters. Combine sugar, cinnamon, and biscuit quarters in a Ziplock plastic bag and mix or shake. Spread these biscuit quarters into bottom of a lightly greased

Bundt pan.

In a small pan, melt together butter and brown sugar.

Once these have become one color, pour over biscuits in Bundt pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until browned on top.

Allow to cool 15-20 minutes and then turn over onto a plate.

See Recipes, B7

Opelika Schools, ports ociety S &S

February 28, 2018

Section

B

Inside

• Puzzles • Restaurant Health Scores • Religion page

OHS Lady Dawgs win regional tournament

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

OHS girls basketball team advance to Final 4 The Opelika Lady Bulldogs basketball team beat Hillcrest of Tuscaloosa 63-58 in the finals of the Central Regional at the Alabama State University Acadome last Wednesday.

The win moved the team to 23-9 overall and earned the Lady Bulldogs a trip to the AHSAA Final 54 (the official title from the Alabama High School Athletic Association because of naming rights) at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex.

OHS will play the 22-4 Ramsey Rams today at noon.

Coach Devin Booth's team only lost two games since January, to Deshler and Auburn. A strong team effort led to multiple 20-40 point blowouts. Opelika beat Paul Bryant 80-25 in the second round of the AHSAA 6A Tournament.

Starting the fourth quarter of their regional final last Wednesday, Opelika and Hillcrest walked on the court with the score knotted at 43-43. The Lady Bulldogs scored 20 points including several clutch free throws, down the stretch to win the game, 63-58. Claire Worth, Alexis Browning and Kaitlyn Bryant combined to hit 13- of-21 free throws.

Four players scored double digits, led by Browning's team-high 15 points. Anita Payne scored 14, Quala Walton added 12 and Worth chipped in 11. Opelika also out-rebounded Hillcrest 42-33.

"I am so happy for these kids. They work so hard, do as we ask and played their heart out," Booth said. "We are blessed ... Hillcrest won 28 games for a reason. They are good, but today was our day.''

Ramsey beat Homewood 73-49 to advance to the Final Four, where the Rams will have home-court advantage playing in their home city.

Opelika is expecting a good crowd, with three student buses and many other fans expecting to make the 2-hour trip to downtown Birmingham.

Fans can listen to the game on 97.7 KICKER FM and online at kickerfm.com. Tip-off is set for noon, with pregame set for 11:45 a.m.

TENNIS The Opelika boys and girls tennis teams both beat Smiths Station last week. The girls beat the Panthers 8-1, with strong performances from the following: Sara Hollis Smith T 8-1, Mary Bentley Barfield 8-2, Martlynn Grouby 8-3, Readen Gagliano See Sports, page B2

Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer

The Opelika Lady Bulldogs basketball team defeated Hillcrest of Tuscaloosa 63-58 last week to advance to the state semifinal game v. Ramsey this morning.

Opelika Middle School girls softball takes 2nd place in OMS Invitational

Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer

Opelika selects Speakman as next head football coach

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Longtime Opelika High School assistant coach and defensive coordinator Erik Speakman has been selected as the new leader of the Bulldog football program.

Speakman replaces Caleb Ross, who was approved last Tuesday night by the Autauga

www.theorthoclinic.com

A division of

SPORTSMED

742-6408 OPELIKA

Turn to B5 for photos from Opelika’s 9-3 victory over Beauregard Saturday.

749-8303 OPELIKA

County Board of Education to be the next head coach at Prattville, his alma mater.

In a press conference held at Opelika’s indoor practice facility last Wednesday, Speakman, accompanied by his family, spoke about his hiring and his goals for the program.

“It’s an exciting day for See Speakman, page B10

pelika O Observer

B2 February 28, 2018

Sports, from B1

8-1 and Blake Bell 8-2.

The following boys won matches against the Wildcats: Connor Pruitt 8-2, Wilson Hudson 9-8, Grayson Crowley 8-4 and Ben Estes 8-6.

BASEBALL The OHS baseball team is 3-2 after the first week of the season. Opelika beat Beauregard, Enterprise and Dadeville and lost to Sylacauga and Enterprise.

The Dawgs beat Dadeville 4-0 behind a stellar performance from pitcher Andrew Parr. The junior pitched a complete game,

seven innings of shutout baseball while allowing two hits and striking out five. Jared Bartlett led the offense with three hits.

Trent Fields added two hits while Micah Christian, TJ Jones and Parr singled.

The Dawgs racked up 11 hits to beat Beauregard 9-3 Saturday. Teakell Demunn, Broday Davis and Jared Bartlett led Opelika with two hits apiece.

T.J. Jones, Trent Fields, Micah Christian and Jace Rhodes each added hits.

Jackson Reynolds pitched five innings, allowing no runs on three hits while striking out eight Hornet batters.

SOCCER The Opelika boys soc-

cer team tied Montgomery Catholic Prep School 2-2. The Bulldogs did not score in the first half but rallied for two goals in the second. Jafeht Marin scored both goals for Opelika.

The Lady Bulldogs beat Montgomery Catholic 7-2, behind two goals from Eleanor Wilson.

Megan Noon, Kayla Phatsadavong, Abby Noon, Chasity Fisher and Estefany Alba each scored a goal. Goalkeeper Emily Lux handled several shoton-goal attempts.

OPELIKA HIRES SPEAKMAN AS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors introduced

Erik Speakman as the new head football coach at a press conference last Wednesday inside the OHS indoor practice facility. The hiring came fewer than 24 hours after Caleb Ross accepted the Prattville High School job.

Speakman served as defensive coordinator the last seven seasons and was a assistant on the defense for 11 years prior.

He was originally hired

by Spence McCracken and worked under Brian Blackmon and Ross.

"To follow the footsteps of Coaches Gore, Wilson, Barfield, McCracken, Blackmon and Ross .. all the head coaches prior, its just an honor to be able to coach our kids and lead

them on the field each week," Speakman said about receiving the job.

Speakman is the second assistant coach hired as head football coach under Neighbors' tenure as superintendent. Blackmon was promoted by Neighbors to succeed Hall-ofFamer McCracken. The hire paid huge dividends, as Blackmon won 69 games and guided Opelika to the schools' first two trips to the finals. Ross was hired from the outside after winning a 7A state title at Mobile's McGillToolen.

Neighbors said he did not need to search for a head coach, because of the last search a year ago when Speakman was one

of the five potential candidates interviewed before Ross was hired.

Neighbors said he started talking with members of last year's search committee after learning that Ross was the top choice to replace Chad Anderson at Prattville.

Speakman is married to Drew Parrent Speakman, and together they have five children: Bryce, Sarah Kate, Hollis, Griffin and Shep. They are members of First United Methodist Church in Opelika.

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

SEC bike race held in downtown Opelika Sunday

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika Players of the Week Quala Walton was named Player of the Week.

In the girl's 63-58 win agsint Hillcrest of Tuscaloosa, Walton scored 12 points, helping punch the Lady Bulldogs' ticket to the championship game this morning v. Ramsey. of Birmingham.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK The City of Opelika is Proud to Sponsor the Opelika High School Player of the Week.

We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the Basketball Court.

#myOpelika • #beOpelika www.opelika-al.gov 2017 observer

Opelika

B3

Family & Religion

February 28, 2018

The challenge of change T

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

oward the end of Les Miserables, Inspector Javert, the thorough going man of law and order for whom no grey area is possible, has his life saved by Jean Valjean—the man he has been pursuing for a decade. To make matters worse, Valjean then surrenders himself to Javert and to everyone’s astonishment (including himself), Javert turns around and lets Valjean go free!

Later as the inspector walks along the Seine and tries to get his point around what has transpired. On the one hand he is hard pressed to explain how a “criminal” such as Valjean could have such goodness in him to spare his life as he did. On the other hand he is equally confused

the truth he at his own is lacking. behavior in In the allowing a case of criminal to Inspector go free. His Javert, he world has ended up been rocked.

by Bruce Green throwing In Acts Teaching Minister at himself 18:24ff, 10th Street Church of into the Luke introChrist in Opelika Seine beduces us to a cause he man named Apollos. He tells us no couldn’t live with the idea that he had been less than half a dozen wrong. virtuous things about The accomplished him that makes him Apollos simply took worthy of our admirathe new truth and tion. After establishmoved forward (v. ing this, he goes on to 27-28)—as if learntell us that Apollos is ing how to change and ignorant (through no fault of his own) in re- adapt was how he had achieved his high level gard to the baptism of of competency to begin Jesus—“he knew only with. the baptism of John” Change can be dif(18:25). Rather than ficult, especially when call him out publicly, making it involves a sensitive Christian admitting that we couple invite him into have been mistaken or their home where they humbly share with him wrong. But much of

Church Calendar

• Liberty Baptist Church invites everyone to “Music Only” services every fifth Sunday night. Special groups and singers will be invited to participate and lead the worship. Liberty Baptist is located at 2701 West Point Parkway.

• Every fifth Sunday evening, Lake Pointe Baptist Church, located at 8352 Highway 50 in Dadeville, hosts a gospel singing at 6:30 p.m.

• The Auburn Music Club Singers practice on Tuesdays during the academic year from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the music ministry room at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Church Drive off South Gay Street. New members are welcomed.For more information, contact director Phyllis Gauker at 334-8877261 or at pgauker@bellsouth.

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

Please submit your church announcements to editor@ opelikaobserver.com!

Content must be turned in by Friday at noon for Wednesday publication.

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

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HOMER S. (BUDDY) BRUCE, D.V.M. BRUCE ENTERPRISES, INC.

1520 Second Ave. Opelika, AL 36801

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• A community-wide program for people with memory loss will be held at Auburn United Methodist Church every Tuesday and Thursday, starting in May. Classes will last from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information, contact program director Betsy Lethander by email at Betsy.Lethander@aumc.net, or by phone at 334-444-9632 for more information.

• Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, located at 201 South 4th St., will observe their annual Missionary Day Program March 18, beginning at 2 p.m.

Rev/Dr. C.L. Daniel and the Historic Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Notasulga will be present at the event.

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

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

the time it’s not that simple. Many times when change is in order it is because the situation or circumstances are different.

Therefore, what was previously the right response no longer is. For Apollos, there was a time when there was only the baptism of John and he was absolutely correct in proclaiming that.

With the sending of the Spirit at Pentecost the baptism of Jesus took effect and John’s baptism became obsolete. Apollos’ proclamation then became wrong even though before it had been right.

All of this means that change is a challenge.

It requires some mental and emotional remapping on our part. We have to integrate a new set of circumstances

and decide what will be the best response.

What makes change easier? Awareness of what’s going on is certainly helpful but an attitude of humility is probably the most important quality. The ability to recognize that not only do we not have all of the answers—we don’t even have all of the questions is fundamental to the kingdom of God. God doesn’t change because He doesn’t have a reason to—but for us change is a constant.

Keep that in mind the next time you come face to face with the need to change and think about our friend Apollos.

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

Verse of the Week “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day,” Psalms 25:5 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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

The Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home Gospel Train Sunday mornings from 6-10 a.m.

pelika O Observer

B4 February 28, 2018

Auburn High School to host ‘Welcome Home’ ceremony for Vietnam veterans Special to the Opelika Observer In conjunction with National Vietnam Veterans Day, Auburn High School will host the East Alabama Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony March 29 on its campus, in the performing arts building, beginning at 6 p.m.

The ceremony will offer an opportunity for reflection, remembrance and celebration, in addition to providing a chance to right the bitter or dismissive reactions so many veterans ex-

family members. who have not already been so were greeted with hostility or For more information or to recognized will be presented ignored when returning.”

RSVP, email Busbin at wbbuswith the official 50th anniverMedal of Honor recipients bin@auburnschools.org or call sary commemoration lapel pin retired U.S. Army Command Auburn High School at 334provided by the Department of Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins, an 887-2120. Auburn High School Defense. The AHS choir will Opelika resident, and retired perform, and Vietnam-era mili- is located at 1701 E. Samford U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. tary vehicles will be on display. Ave James Livingston, an Auburn A reception University graduate, will share their reflections on service in the with light refreshments Vietnam War. Joe Galloway, will follow. a Vietnam War correspondent Vietnam and and co-author of “We Were Vietnam-peSoldiers Once…and Young,” will deliver the keynote address. riod veterans and their famiIn partnership with the Twin lies are invited Cities Chapter of the Disabled American to attend this special event.

Veterans, participat- Gold Star families are also ing veterencouraged ans who to participate served in memory during Special to the Opelika Observer of their fallen Vietnam sumers with high-quality, broadband service in an efficient, cost-effective way. The application period for providers seeking to participate in the auction runs from March 19 –30.

Broadband access is IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE essential in the 21st CenCOUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA tury for jobs, education, IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF : IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF information and economic MISTY LEE HALL, : Case No: LINDA SUSAN HULL, : Case No: Deceased. : Deceased. : development.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO BE PUBSince 2011, the FCC In the Matter of the Estate of MISTY LEE LISHED BY EXECUTOR HALL, Deceased, Letters of Administrahas targeted more than $9 In the Matter of the Estate of LINDA SUtionhaving been granted to MICHAEL ROGSAN HULL, Deceased, Letters Testamentabillion in support for rural ERS HALL, Personal Representative, on the ry having been granted to MARK STEVEN broadband expansion to 22 nd day of HULL on the 4 th day of December, 2017, February, 2017, by the Honorable Bill over 4 million homes and by the Honorable Judge of the Probate English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given small businesses through County, notice is hereby given that all persons that all persons having claims against said its Connect America having claims against said estate are hereby estate are hereby required to present the required to present the same within six months same within six months after the grant Fund. after the grant of letters, or within five months of letters, or within five months from the For more information from the date of the first publication of this date of the first publication of this notice, on the Connect America notice, whichever is the later to occur, or the whichever is the later to occur, or the same same will be barred. will be barred.

Fund Phase II. Witness my hand this 22nd day of February, Witness my hand this 4 th day of December, Link to map of eligible 2018.

2017. areas: https://www.fcc.

First publication: 2/28/2018 First publication: 2/28/2018 /s/ Bill English /s/ Bill EnglishJudge of Probate, Lee gov/reports-research/ Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama County, Alabama maps/caf2-auction-finalLegal Run 2/28/18, 3/7/18, 3/14/18 Legal Run 2/28/18, 3/7/18, 3/14/18 areas/.

perienced upon returning to the United States after their tours of duty, as Auburn High School history teacher Dr. Blake Busbin explained.

“This ceremony allows the greater East Alabama region to demonstrate our gratitude for the devotion and sacrifice of those who served during this period,” Busbin said. “The Vietnam War was one of the most consequential events of the 20th century for America, yet we have not taken the time to honor our veterans who accepted the call for duty and, in many cases,

Nearly 12,500 rural Alabama homes, businesses could get access to high speed internet Special to the Opelika Observer Nearly 12,500 rural homes and businesses in Alabama that are currently unserved by high-speed Internet service could get connectivity in the near future. These homes and businesses are in unserved areas of Alabama eligible for financial support from the next phase of FCC’s Connect America Fund (CAF), which helps offset the high cost of extending broadband service into rural areas. The FCC will be distributing these funds through an innovative “reverse auction,” which is scheduled to launch on July 24.

“Connecting the unconnected in rural America is my top priority,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “I’m excited that our CAF

auction will provide opportunities for innovative companies and cooperatives to bridge the digital divide for the Alabama consumers and small businesses that lack highspeed access today.”

Nationwide, providers will compete for up to $2 billion in support to expand access to broadband to nearly 1 million homes and locations in unserved rural areas over the next decade. The auction will provide opportunities for new entrants to the marketplace, regardless of technology, including phone companies, fixed wireless service providers, satellite providers, cable companies and electric utility broadband providers.

By harnessing market forces, the auction is designed to provide con-

IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF MICHAEL GEORGE LANCE, Plaintiff, vs.

JANINE K. LANCE, Defendant, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY,ALABAMA CASE NO.: DR-2018900031.00 NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION Janine Lance, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Michael George Lance’s Petition for Divorce and other

relief by the 15th day of February, 2018, or thereafter judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No. DR-201890031.00 Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Done this the 15th day of February, 2018.

Mary B. Roberson CIRCUIT CLERK LEE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT Legal run: 2/28/18, 3/7/18, 3/14/18, 3/21/18

LEGAL NOTICE FOR SALE OF SURPLUS ITEMS BID# 18021 The City of Opelika will receive sealed bids at Opelika City Hall, 204 S. 7 th St, Opelika, Alabama at 2:00 P.M, local time on Thursday, March 1, 2018, and will be open and read immediately for the following: Sale of Two Used Remington Model 700 Bolt Action Rifles The bidder MUST be a licensed firearms dealer who is

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell, to satisfy lien of the owner, at public sale by competitive bidding on March 21, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Extra Space Storage facility located at: 1412 Opelika Rd. Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 703-6337 The personal goods stored therein by the following may include, but are not limited to general household, furniture, boxes, clothes, and appliances.

Joshua Spraggins Unit# W389 1837 Coopers Pond Rd Auburn, AL 36830 Misc. household items, furniture, clothing, boxes etc.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the time of sale. All goods are sold as is and must be removed at the time of purchase. Extra Space Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid. Sale is subject to adjournment.

Legal Run 2/28/18 & 3/7/18

authorized by federal and state law to buy and sell firearms in the State of Alabama. A photocopy of the bidder’s current “Federal Firearms Dealer License” must be included in the bid responses.

Bids must be in accordance with specifications advertised on the City of Opelika website at http://www.opelika-al. gov. The bid is available for pick-up at the Purchasing Department, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, Alabama 36801.

LEGALS

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Friday, Mar 30, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

2MEBM7FVOAX613505 - 2010 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS Legal Run 2/28/18 & 3/7/18 Bidders shall be responsible to check for any bid addendums. The items are available for inspection by appointment only on February 27, 2018 during the hours of 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm. All bidders are urged to inspect the rifles before submitting bids. Call Captain Ed Clark for an appointment at 334-705- 5215. If you have any questions, contact Captain Ed Clark at the above telephone

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Thursday, Mar 15, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509

Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

4TAWM72N3VZ280625 1997 TOYOTA TACOMA Legal Run 2/21/18 & 2/28/18

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1242 N. Dean Rd. Auburn AL, 36830 on 03/21/2018 at 1:30 p.m.

Linda Renegar - Unit#99 1321 Sycamore Drive Auburn, AL, 36830 Furniture, clothes, household items Keith Renegar - Unit#2 1321 Sycamore Drive Auburn, AL, 36830 Household Items Kieth Renegar Unit#2 1321 Sycamore Drive Auburn, AL, 36830 Household Items

Tiffany Sorenson - Unit#159 2212 Grand National Parkway Opelika, AL, 36801 Household goods Felecia Fuller - Unit#501 903 Chappie James Ave Tuskegee, AL, 36083 Crates, boxes, electronics, and miscellaneous household items Richard Fitch - Unit #115 4100 Walnut Ave. Lot 4 Opelika, AL 36801 Bed, chair,couch, dresser, boxes, clothes, totes & toys.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

2/28/18 & 3/7/18

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on MONDAY, Mar 26, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

2G1WX12X3T9197528 1996 CHEVY MONTE CARLO 2C4GP44G01R161058 2001 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY Legal Run 2/28/18 & 3/7/18

number or at his office on the second floor of the Opelika Police Department located at 501 South 10 th Street, Opelika, AL 36801.

LILLIE FINLEY-REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 2/21 & 2/28

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY STATE OF ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF TOMMY JUSTIN FARMER, deceased.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 26th day of January , 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby, given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/ TERESA ANN ROBINSON FARMER Legal Run 2/21/2018, 2/28/2018, & 03/07/2018

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MARTHA M CULLEY, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2018-A-054 TAKE NOTICE: Letters Testamentary of said deceased, having been granted to LISA CULLEY PATETE, on the 5th day of February, 2018 by the Hon. Bill English.

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. BY: Lisa Culley Patete Legal Run 2/14/2018, 2/21/2018 & 2/28/2018

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE ESTATE OF: DANNY RUSSELL WINNINGHAM, deceased/ Letters of Administration on the estate of said deceased were granted to BRITTNEY WORLEY on the 14th day of February, 2018 by the Hon. Bill English, Probate Judge 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.

BRITTNEY WORLEY, Adminsitratrix Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Estate, P.O. Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803 Legal Run 2/21/18, 2/28/18 & 3/7/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of James Truett Gullage, Deceased. Case No. 2018-A-084 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Julia C. Gullage, as Executrix of the Estate of James Truett Gullage, deceased on the 23rd day of February, 2018, by the

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

1G2NW52E44C112979 2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM Legal Run 02/21/18 & 2/28/18 CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL, FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: C.L.B. A minor child, JU2016-483.02 NOTICE TO: The unknown father of C.L.B. born 8/29/2008 at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, in Newnan, GA. Custody of the minor child C.L.B. was vested with the Lee County DHR on 10/27/016.

The unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Fmaily Court of Lee County, AL by Lee County DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of the notice, or a final judgment may be renderedin Juvenile Case Number JU 2016-483.02 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 2/21/18, 2/28/18, 3/7/18 & 3/14/18 Honorable Bill English.

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

JULIA C. GULLAGE, Executrix of the Estate of James Truett Gullage, deceased BILL ENGLISH Probate Judge Legal Run 2/28, 3/7 & 3/14

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B5 February 28, 2018

Beauregard woman crowned Miss Auburn Opelika, will compete in Miss Alabama pageant in June

By Kendyl Hollingsworth For the Opelika Observer Beauregard native Camden Swatts, the 2018 winner of the Miss Auburn Opelika Area pageant, will represent the area in the Miss Alabama Pageant at

the Wright Center on the Samford University campus this June.

The Miss Alabama Pageant is part of the Miss America Organization. According to their website, the state’s not-for-profit program benefits all its participants with financial college assistance and

seeks to give participants a foundation of self-confidence.

Swatts, a sophomore at Jacksonville State University, represented her university as Miss JSU in last year’s Miss Alabama Pageant and said she was “shocked and honored” to place in the top 12. This year,

she said she plans to continue to prepare as much as possible and be content with the outcome.

“I will … just try my best to focus on my talent, be aware of current events and be able to express who I am and See Swatts, page B5

Special to the Opelika Observer

East Alabama Community Band provides outlet for local musicians

By Kendyl Hollingsworth For the Opelika Observer Musicians young and old have been convening locally in the East Alabama Community Band for six years to continue to practice and showcase their musical talents for the community.

Mary Slaton, a retired teacher and longtime musician, first had the idea to start a community band in the fall of 2011 when she needed a change from the piano.

“I’m a piano player, and I was kind of getting bored with that a little bit, and I thought, ‘You know, I would love to go back and start playing my French horn again,’” Slaton said.

After realizing the community lacked an outlet for people to continue their musical passions following school, Slaton decided

to start the East Alabama Community Band to fill that vacancy.

At their first meeting in January 2012, the band had only five members.

Slaton said one of the most difficult challenges was finding a place to practice, as well as finding necessary equipment. The first official practice took place March 5 at the Cultural Arts Center of East Alabama, and the band practiced there for the first two or three years before they grew and had to switch to what was then the Auburn High School band room.

“I remember that first year, one night we had five people to come for practice, and we practiced. We just weren’t going to give up,” Slaton said. “I think that’s the main thing— everybody that’s been concerned with it, they’ve really been determined that it’s going to keep going. We’ve had a lot of

Special to the Opelika Observer support.” According to Slaton, the band had two or three concerts their first year. In the beginning it was difficult to fill out the band, so many players had to fill in at the last minute.

However, the band’s hard work paid off—at the end of their first concert, they received a standing ovation.

Today, the band has grown to include 40 members, and Slaton said the caliber of the band has continued to rise since its inception.

“There’s a flux of people that have … been

there for the whole six years,” Slaton said. “It’s all ages—we have some as young sometimes as 14 or 15, and then we have some as old as 73. People have kids, they move away, but we’ve managed to replace the ones that have moved away or whatever, and so we’ve been real lucky.”

The band has players from a 50-mile radius, including people from Tuskegee, Alex City and Phenix City.

“Several of the other bands that have been started around [surrounding communities] … they lost a lot of people, and so they had to shut it down, so I feel real excited that we still have a band and [are] doing well,” Slaton said.

The first director for the band was Michael Marcades, a minister of music from Opelika First United Methodist Church. Other directors have included retired AHS band director Rusty Logan, Mike Stough

and David Alexander, who has served as the band’s director for the last two years.

Slaton said the band is planning a concert in April and will return to Monkey Park on May 15 for the Summer Swing concert series.

The East Alabama Community Band practices on Monday nights from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Auburn Junior High School band room, and Slaton said they welcome anyone who wishes to join, no matter how long it has been since they played their instruments. For more information, visit the band’s Facebook page.

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

AUXILIARY

334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer

Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

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B6 February 28, 2018

4-H club builds footbridge on nature trail Special to the Opelika Observer The Lee County 4-H Wildlife and Forestry Club recently completed the construction of a footbridge on a nature trail at Hardley Creek Park at West Point Dam. Ben Williams, park ranger at West Point Lake, contacted Greg and Angela Nichols, volunteer 4-H leaders, about the need for a new bridge. 4-H members worked hard as a team to construct it.

Initially, the group evaluated the site and made measurements.

Greg worked with teen leaders Rice Nichols

Special to the Opelika Observer and Gavin and Ethan Rankins during the design process. Cost analysis was conducted next. Supplies were bought and lumber was cut to appropriate lengths.

Site work included preparing the foundation and then finally erecting the bridge. During construction, 4-H members learned skills such as woodworking, teamwork, and safety. Park

visitors expressed their gratitude to the builders.

The building of the bridge was made possible by generous donations from Opelika Bolt LLC and Winston Smith T Building Supply.

Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika Parks and Recreation’s Trampoline and Tumbling Team competed in Franklin, Tennessee on Feb. 3. The athletes competed against athletes from Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana and Mississippi. Opelika brought home two gold medals, one bronze, and two silvers. The team also competed in Suwannee, Georgia Feb. 10 and Opelika brought home a total of 32 medals.

Top: Maya Billingslea, Paige Bales, Aalaya Bell, Abby Haga and Linsey Boies at the Franklin meet.

Middle: Anslee Bell competed in her first meet with Opelika Parks and Recreation Trampoline and Tumbling at Suwannee.

Bottom: Danielle Scott, Makiah Paschal, Mary Evans Cooper, Olivia Battle, Caden Ryan, Linsey Boies, and Alex Crowley at the meet in Suwannee. (not pictured: Aalaya Bell, Ivey Portis).

pelika O Observer

Recipes, from A12 Chicken Spaghetti 3 cans cooked chicken or 3 cooked chicken

Spicy Guacamole 2-3 ripe avocados ½ cup red onion (diced) 2 jalapenos (seeded and diced) 2 limes (juiced) ¼ cup fresh cilantro 1 Tbsp. minced garlic 2 Roma tomatoes (or 1 can

Breakfast Casserole with Bacon and Sausage It is so easy to have in refrigerator for easy warm-up all week.

Making this the night before allows the egg and milk mixture to soak into the bread.

Turkey sausage and bacon could easy substitures.

10 pieces white bread (broken into pieces), divided 10 eggs (beaten) 1-quart milk 3 cups shredded/ grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided 1 lb. bacon (cooked and crumbled) 1 lb. sausage (cooked, drained) 2 tsp. yellow (or stone-ground) mustard 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 tsp. dry mustard Coat a 9 x 13 casserole dish with nonstick spray (foil/disposable is easier). Break up 5 pieces of bread in bottom of the dish. Spread 1½ cup of the cheddar cheese, bacon and sausage to the top of the bread.

Beat eggs, milk, mustard, Worcestershire and salt/pepper and pour half of the mixture over the bread, cheese and meat. Add remaining bread and cheese. Pour remaining egg mixture on top.

Cover and refrigerate overnight, if possible.

Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until browned.

breasts 2 Tbsp. butter 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 medium yellow onion (diced) 1 pkg. spaghetti noodles (or angel hair) 1 can Rotel 1 can cream of mushroom soup

Rotel) Kosher salt/pepper (to taste) Seal unused portion in refrigerator. Combine all ingredients and serve with chips of choice. “Heat” can be increased by leaving seeds in jalapenos or adding cayenne pepper.

1 can cream of chicken soup 2 cups sour cream 16 oz. shredded cheddar (or Colby jack) ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (experiment with your favorite cheeses) 1 tsp. garlic salt

Thai Lettuce Wraps 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips (or buy precooked strips to save time) ⅓ cup soy sauce 1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar ⅓ cup hoisin sauce 1 ½ tsp. minced garlic 2 Tbsp. sriracha 1 Tbsp. minced (or fresh grated) ginger Combine above ingre-

Game Day Wings There are many ways to fix wings. Of course, frying before tossing tastes good. We tried this alternative to see if they would be crispy without all the oil and fat. They are!

This is healthier and a lot easier than frying them!

25-30 wings (we prefer drumettes) 1 Tbsp. baking powdera ½ tsp. kosher salt (or ¼ tsp. table salt) ½ tsp. garlic powder Place all chicken in large bowl. Sprinkle baking powder, salt and garlic powder over chicken. Toss the chicken Great Southern Biscuits 5 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. kosher salt 5 Tbsp. sugar ¼ cup warm water 2 packets active dry yeast

February 28, 2018

Pinch of pepper Panko breadcrumbs for topping, optional Prepare pasta per instructions on package.

While pasta is cooking, melt butter in pan and add onion and garlic.

Cook approximately 5 minutes or until onions

dients in Ziplock plastic bag and marinade for couple of hours or overnight.

When ready to prepare, dump Ziplock ingredients into a skillet and cook chicken until done. If using precooked strips, you’ll just be warming-up the chicken.

Peanuts Cilantro

with tongs or your hands.

This mixture helps dry out the chicken skin and will help get them crispy.

Place wings on a greased baking rack sitting inside an oven pan (with sides or fat rendering from chicken will make a mess in your oven). Placing wings on this baking rack helps them get crispy on all sides. Place in a 250-degree oven for 30 minutes.

After this, turn oven up to 425 and cook an additional 45 minutes Toss wings in your favorite wing/hot sauce or eat as is.

2 sticks salted buttercubed plus 4 Tbsp. melted 2 cups buttermilk Whisk together first 5 dry ingredients. Combine water (90-110 degrees if you have a thermometer), yeast and sugar and set aside for 2-3 minutes.

Using hands, mix the cubed butter into dry flour mixture, breaking up the

B7

are translucent.

In large bowl, combine all ingredients (except topping), including onion mixture and cooked spaghetti (drained); fold in chicken.

Put entire mixture in lasagna pan or any 11

x 14-inch dish. We use panko breadcrumbs on top and cook uncovered at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until breadcrumbs are browned on top.

This recipe makes a lot of spaghetti and should easily feed 8-10.

Chop up a couple tablespoons of peanuts and cilantro and sprinkle over chicken when cooked/warmed.

Baby lettuce leaves or romaine Asian slaw or red cabbage Corn, black beans, green onions Pico Thai chili sauce At this point, you can

be creative. Use either butter lettuce leaves or whole romaine as your ‘container’ for the ingredients.

We add the chicken, Asian slaw or red cabbage, and the corn, black bean and green onion combo, or pico and finish it off with sweet Thai chili sauce (found in ethnic foods aisle).

Pumpkin Bread This makes 2 loaves-keep one, share one!

2 cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. ground cloves 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground nutmeg 1½ sticks unsalted butter (softened) 2 cups sugar 2 large eggs 15-oz. can pure pumpkin Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Grease two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans with butter and flour (or coat with nonstick spray).

In a bowl combine first seven dry ingredients and whisk until

butter into small pebbles as you mix.

Make a well in the center and pour the yeast mixture and the buttermilk. Gently fold the flour into the wet ingredients.

Keep mixing until a ball starts to form then gently knead to create a smooth dough. Cover with wet towel or plastic wrap and

mixed; set aside. In bowl of electric mixer, combine butter and sugar and mix just until blended.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. Continue beating until fluffy-about 2-3 minutes. Fold in the pumpkin.

Add the dry mixture and mix on low speed until well combined.

Turn the batter evenly into the two greased loaf pans. Place on middle rack in preheated oven for 65-70 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean.

Use a knife to go around edges of pans to avoid sticking. Let loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, and then turn out on wire rack to cool completely.

let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Transfer dough to a floured surface and press out so that dough is 1-2 inches thick. Fold dough in half, press out again, and fold again-this will create layers in your biscuits.

Cut dough using 2-3-

inch round cutter or glass.

Brush bottom of cast iron skillet with the melted butter. Place biscuits, sides touching, in skillet and brush top of biscuits with melted butter. Bake at 425 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until browned on top.

This recipe makes enough dough for approximately 15 biscuits.

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who want to be part of a winning team. Sales Consultants daily responsibilities include prospecting (self generate), follow-up on company sales leads, presenting security products and services to businesses and homeowners, ensure proper contracts and continuous communication with sales management. We offer defined and established territories. Base salary plus an aggressive commission structure. Car allowance, company smart phone and IPad provided. Professional weekly training with dedicated sales trainer with one-on-one sales support. Excellent benefits including 401k, health/dental/vision/life insurance. Opportunity to qualify for 3 all expense paid trips a year.

Job Requirements: Positive attitude and strong character. Strong prospecting (self generate) skills. Ability to run all set appointments. Adept at working referral business. great networking skills,, Alarm industry experience preferred but not require, Reliable transportation.

ADS Security is a leader in the rapidly expanding home and commercial security industry. Our advanced solutions include Life Safety and several advanced services. This position is for the Auburn/Opelika branch location that is one of ADS 22 locations, the Auburn/Opelika location provides services in several counties the surrounding area. We provide security installation, service and monitoring through our own UL certified 5 diamond central station. You may submit your resume through the link shown below, email your resume to rgarrido@adssecurity. com or by mail to: ADS Security 1619 Thomason Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 (NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE).

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B8 February 28, 2018

Opelika High School Latin Honor Society initiates new members

Special to the Opelika Observer New members of the Opelika High School Latin Honor Society are shown at the recent initiation ceremony held at Western Sizzlin’ with the sponsor, Janet Smith, John V. Denson of Opelika and Auburn University Professor Emeritus Dr. Hamp Morris.

New members are: Abbie Bagwell, Will Beams, Avery Davis, James Dawson, Jada Grimmett, Samiya Gunn, Lauryn Marshall, Andrew Parr and Alexus Williams.

In attendance were Opelika City Schools representatives, families and friends and members of the National French Honor Society participated.

Officers for the Latin Honor Society are: co-presidents Brighton Gregory and Lydia King, co-vice presidents Hank Brown and Turner Powers, co-secretaries Tiffany Boutdy and Shelby Johnson and co-treasurers Lia Hansen and Kailey Greene.

Swatts, from B5 my goals to the judges,” Swatts said. “I will enjoy every step of the way to the state pageant and be happy with the results knowing I did my best.”

Through her platform, Fibromyalgia Awareness, Swatts hopes to increase understanding, acceptance and better treatment for those suffering with the disorder.

Pageants are also opportunities for personal growth in Swatts’ eyes.

“Since last year, I have changed so much and conquered many fears through being in pageants,” Swatts explained. “I encourage girls to step outside of their comfort zone because that is where you become who you are meant to be.”

According to Swatts, the onstage question is the most difficult part of a pageant because “you can never predict what

you will be asked.”

However, she said she enjoys the interview with the judges because it allows them to get to know her before she steps onstage.

Putting her dancing talents on display is Swatts’ favorite part.

Having grown up dancing at Opelika’s Make Your Move Performing Arts Studio, Swatts said it was a special moment when she received the Make Your Move Performing Arts talent award at the Miss Auburn Opelika Area pageant.

“I miss being in the studio and in dance competitions, so pageants help me keep the part of my life that I love so much,” Swatts said.

Outside of pageants and dancing, Swatts said she enjoys waterskiing and spending time on Lake Martin, as well as helping her family cook. As a student majoring in family and consumer sciences with a concentration in dietetics, Swatts said

she hopes to earn a master’s degree in dietetics and develop a career through which she can help patients change their diets to treat medical conditions. She also emphasized her desire to guide others in living healthier lifestyles.

Swatts said she has been “called to be in pageants” and credits God with giving her opportunities she never imagined she would have. She also noted that pageants have allowed her to meet “amazing girls” and make new friends. She recognized her family, friends and hometown for their continued support in the process.

“Even though I am two hours away now (at school), I still feel so close to all the people from this area because of the love and encouragement they give me,” Swatts said. “Growing up, I constantly saw families and friends caring for and helping each other. Everyone is just so uplifting, and I am very grateful for that.”

Alfa Insurance Manager of the Year Buddy McDanal inducted into company's hall of fame Special to the Opelika Observer Alfa Insurance District Manager Buddy McDanal of Opelika was recently inducted into Alfa's Hall of Fame during the company's annual awards ceremony. This elite group represents the highest honor one can earn with the company. McDanal also received the Distinguished Service Award - Gold Level and took top honors as Manager of the Year for Alabama for the second consecutive year.

The ceremony, held Feb. 20 at the Hyatt Regency Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, recognized Alfa's

best agents and managers for their dedicated service and commitment to policyholders.

McDanal began his career with Alfa as an agent in 1993 and has served as district manager since 1995. During his career, he has won numerous awards including Rookie of the Year in 1994, Manager of the Year for Alabama in 2014 and 2016 and multiple Distinguished Service Awards. McDanal and his wife, Pam, have three children, Anna, Gary and Abby.

Alfa and its affiliates provide insurance and other financial services to nearly 1 million customers in 11 states.

Special to the Opelika Observer From left are Senior Vice President of Marketing for South Alabama Mark Evans; Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell; District Manager Buddy McDanal and his wife, Pam; and Executive Vice President of Marketing Al Dees.

Opelika Lions Club hosts Camp Seale Harris counselor at recent meeting Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer

& FLEA MALL

Pure

Local Honey Look for a new find each week!

334-745-3221 • angelsantiqueandfleamall.com 900 columbus pkwy • opelika 36801 Open Everyday 10-7 • Sun 1-5

Turner Adkins, left, and his mother Vickie, right, were recent guests of the Opelika Lions Club. The Opelika Lions sponsored Turner, who has Type 1 Diabetes, to Camp Seale Harris, a diabetes camp, when he was 6 years old. He now serves as a counselor for others who attend the camp, and his mother helps others in the community learn to cope with the symptoms of the disease. Introductions were made by Lion Brooka Stokes, center.

Camp Seale Harris, started in 1949 and administered by Southeastern Diabetes Education Services is a 501c3 nonprofit. CSH is a founding member of the Diabetes Education and Camping Association and accredited by the American Camp Association, which means meeting up to 300 standards for health, safety and program quality. According to their website, SDES educates, encourages and empowers children with diabetes and their families to live well with diabetes through programs including family, day, overnight and camp community programs.

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B9 February 28, 2018

OBITUARIES Robert Edward James Robert Edward James of Opelika, Alabama passed away on February 20, 2018 at the age of 72. He was born July 24, 1945 in West Point, Georgia to Forrest Hood James, Sr. and Rebecca Francis Ellington James. Mr. James attended public schools in Lanett, Alabama and Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He attended Baylor School from 1960-1962.

He returned home and graduated from Lanett High School in 1963.

Mr. James was a proud member of the Lanett High School band programs. He attended Auburn University and later studied at The New York School of Interior Design in New York City. While in New York, he served apprenticeships under the renowned interior designers William Farenga and Harvey Smith, his beloved cousin.

Mr. James worked as an interior designer throughout Alabama, Georgia, and New York during his professional career, specializing in Persian carpets, exclu-

Florence Alberta Patterson Florence Alberta Patterson of Opelika was born to the late Bertha and Albert Trimble in Chambers County, Alabama on July 4, 1938. She

Huey Andrew Mann, Sr. Huey Andrew Mann, Sr. (79) of Opelika passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2018.

He was born on June 8th, 1938 in Alexander City, Alabama. He grew up in Opelika where he met and married the love of his life, Maxine Askew. The two were married 58 years ago where they raised their

sive fabrics, fine porcelains, and American and European antiques.

Mr. James was well respected for his creativity and devotion toward designing exquisite and stunning interiors and for providing trusted and professional advice to his clients.

Mr. James was actively involved and interested in the preservation of historic structures throughout East Alabama. He was very supportive of the establishment and recognition of the Opelika Northside Historic District. He was a devoted supporter of the revitalization of Historic Downtown Opelika. He held deep appreciation for the rich heritage of Opelika and his native area, and he was always open and eager to share his passion for preserving its legacy.

He was a longtime patron of The Arts Association of East Alabama and an avid supporter of the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of East Alabama. Mr. James was an outspoken advocate for the preservation of green spaces and planting of trees

in downtown Opelika.

He was quick to tell his listeners that the most beautiful cities in the South were Savannah, Charleston, LaGrange, and Eufaula, and the reason for their beauty was that those cities had lovely, well-kept homes and gorgeous shade trees lining their streets.

Mr. James was an accomplished pianist and often provided music for weddings in the East Alabama area.

He frequently designed impressive floral arrangements on special occasions for family, friends, and clients. One of Mr. James’ greatest pleasures was entertaining guests alongside his mother, “Miss Rebecca,” at their home in Opelika where they would serve his famed Charleston coffee, lace cookies, and cheese straws while wearing his infamous tattered blue denim jumpsuit or white painter’s pants with a heavily starched, light blue Oxford cloth Brooks Brothers shirt.

The recipes for his famed chilled beverage and delicious treats are, still to this day, a closely held family secret.

Mr. James was a fascinating conversationalist and could talk endlessly, holding his listeners spellbound with his vast knowledge of the British Royal Family or reciting in detail the genealogy of the James, Ellington, Robertson, and Harris families in Chambers and Lee Counties. Only a few of his very closest friends ever knew that each year on Queen Elizabeth’s birthday, he would send Her Majesty a bouquet of roses to Buckingham Palace with birthday wishes.

Mr. James was truly a man that fit perfectly the description of one who could “walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch.” (If, Rudyard Kipling) Mr. James was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church and a current member of the Gold Hill United Methodist Church in Gold Hill, Alabama. He was a life member and lineal descendent of the Somerset Chapter Magna Charta Barons, as well as numerous other genealogical societies.

In addition, Mr. James was a charter member of

the Richard Henry Lee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution where he held various leadership positions.

Mr. James is survived by his brother, Former Governor Forrest Hood James, Jr. (Bobbie) of Fairhope, Alabama; his sister-in-law Mrs. Calvin Ellington James, Sr. (Dora) of Opelika; his niece Sidney Porter James Nakhjavan (Behzad) and great nephew Arian Hanson Nakhjavan of Auburn; nephew Calvin Ellington James, Jr. (Ashley), great nieces Katherine Ashley James and Courtney Ellington James, and great nephew Calvin Ellington James, III of Auburn; and niece Kathryn-Aimee Rebecca James Reese (Jeffrey) of San Francisco, California. He is survived by numerous relatives and close friends in Alabama and Georgia.

Mr. James is preceded in death by his parents Forrest Hood James, Sr. and Rebecca Francis Ellington James; his brother Calvin Ellington James, Sr.; his nephew Gregory Fleming James; and his great niece Grace Porter James.

The family would like to express deep appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Earnest Grady (Peggy) and Mr. and Mrs. Rolahac Phillips (Alberta) for their friendship and loving care given to Mr. James. The family also wishes to thank the many friends and caregivers for their expressions of support and encouragement.

Visitation with the family was Thursday, February 22, 2018, 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage House in Opelika.

A graveside service celebrating the life of Mr. James was Friday, February 23, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika.

The graveside service was officiated by Dr. Tom Tippett and Reverend Robert Cadenhead.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. James’ memory to the Robert Edward James Legacy Fund/Community Foundation of East Alabama, P.O. Box 165, Opelika Alabama 36803.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

passed away at her home in Opelika on February 20, 2018, she was 79 years old.

She was a Member of Chewacla Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, George Edward "Son-

ny" Allen, Charlie Howard, and Marvin Guy Patterson; sister, Carolyn Weldon, and brother Clarence Trimble.

She is survived by her children, John Allen, Darlene Rudd (Lonnie), Ray Lamar

Allen (Patti), Gale Rudd (Ronnie), Roger Allen (Laura), Tony Allen (Wendy), Misty Patterson (Chenina); brother, Donald Trimble (Gay); 12 grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren, as well as numerous

nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Visitation was held Friday, February 23, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services

were held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 3:00 p.m. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

4 children in a home that instilled a strong work ethic and love of family. They eventually became grandparents to 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who adored their “Da” and never doubted his unconditional love.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Lee Mann; sister, Betty Ann Coombs and brother, Henry Earl Mann.

He is survived by his

wife, Maxine Mann; children: Andy Mann, Mike (Kim) Mann, Beth (Jeff) Sasser, & Christy (Bill) Harris; grandchildren: Lee (Kyle) King, Marie Mann, Trey (Ashley) Mann, Hank (Abby) Mann, Ann-Braxton (David) Smith, Drake Sasser, Chloe Sasser, Mary Grace Sasser, Drew (Claire) Weaver, Dylan (Rachele) Weaver, Mary Catemann Peters, & Will Harris; great-

grandchildren: Miles, Charlie, & Evelyn King, Olive, Huey IV, and Emitt Mann, Caroline Mann, MaryMaxine Smith, Margaret & Huey Turner Weaver, & Andrew Peters; and brothers: Perry & Noyle Mann.

He is also survived by a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He served 4 years in the United States Navy, retired from Opelika Manufacturing, and was

a member of Pepperell United Methodist Church. Huey “Da” spent countless hours following his grandchildren to any and all milestones throughout their lives. His journey on earth ends with us living in the incredible legacy that he left for us to enjoy. A special thanks to Dr. John Abrams and his staff.

Funeral arrangements for Huey Mann, Sr. were handled by

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. The family held a visitation on Friday, February 23, 2018 from 5:00-7:00. Funeral services were Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 11:00 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Burial followed at GardenHills Cemetery in Opelika, Alabama.

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pelika O Observer

B10 February 28, 2018

Speakman, from B1 me and my family, something I’ve looked forward to for a long time. We feel like this is a great place, (it) always has been, and that’s one reason why we have never left,” Speakman said. “What I want to see (on opening night) is the kids that we have always prided ourselves with at

Opelika ... kids that play hard, play with great passion, talk about controlling our effort and attitude. And if we walk off the field victorious, then that’s wonderful, but if we don’t, as long as those things are there, then that’s okay.”

OHS Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore stated in a press release that he is excited about Speakman’s hiring, citing his experience and leadership as key factors for what he believes will

ensure the program’s continued success.

“Opelika High School is honored to have Erik Speakman as its new head football coach. I have worked with Coach Speakman the past seven years and know that Opelika is blessed to have him to lead our young people,” Seymore said.

“Erik is a student-centered, family man who will lead with purpose and integrity.”

A graduate of Athens High School and Auburn

Casting Call If you love acting…..And acting is your thing….

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University, Speakman worked as a graduate assistant under former Auburn head coaches Terry Bowden and Tommy Tubberville to start his coaching career.

After spending one season at Mobile’s UMSWright as a wide receivers coach, Speakman came to Opelika in 2000 as a quarterbacks coach before switching to safeties in 2004. He was also promoted to defensive coordinator during the 2012-13 football season.

Speakman also served as the school’s assistant athletic director six years before fully taking over the position last year following Brian Blackmon’s departure.

With fewer than 185 days remaining until the season begins, Speakman said he and his staff will begin working right away on coaching up a solid team that he expects will dominate in all three phases of the game.

“I’m a defensive guy, so we’re going to play

great defense and then offensively, we’re going to run the football and throw it down the field.

I feel like we’re going to have a great running game, and with Cade Blackmon coming back, I feel like we’re going to have a strong passing game,” Speakman said.

Speakman added that he will serve as the school’s athletic director until a replacement has been found. No timetable for finding his replacement has been set.

Sundilla Concert Series & Radio Hour presents Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen March 2

Special to the Opelika Observer

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Special to the Opelika Observer Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen will be making their Sundilla debut on Friday, March 2.

Showtime at the AUUF is 7:30, and advance tickets are just $12 and can be found at Spicer's Music and Blooming Colors, and online at sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door will be $15. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees are invited to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer.

Canadian-American duo Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen are "... prodigious players with songwriting that sets them apart" (Penguin's Eggs). Dan and Laurel seamlessly combine emotive, soaring violin, diverse guitar styles, a dash of harmonica and humor, and unique vocal chemistry with a polished, engaging performance, showcased both in their stage performance and on their three albums.

Dan Frechette is an eclectic and exceptionally prolific multi-instrumen-

talist and singer-songwriter inspired by jazz, blues, and folk music from the 30's to the 70's, with a voice that holds a similar timbre to Don Henley, and a refreshing and memorable songwriting style in the spirit of Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Louis Armstrong and Paul Simon.

Dan's signature guitar playing style is a beaming nod to the masters of the guitar: Pete Townshend, Norman Blake and Doc Watson.

Laurel Thomsen, California genre-bending violinist, composer, published author, and respected educator, has performed classically and with a variety of bands and artists since 1998. With a rich and expressive violin tone and an interpretive style that can both rock a solo or add backup texture and groove, Laurel is frequently sought for her ability to add depth and emotion to diverse styles of music in the studio or on stage.

Driven to create, play, and perform, Dan

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Frechette and Laurel Thomsen are quickly finding their niche on the North American and European folk circuits.

However, hard work and dedication is only one facet of Dan and Laurel; as those who meet and hear them soon discover, "there is something incredibly romantic about these two and the way that their love story is told through their music" (Brandie Michelle, Medicine Hat Zine). Whether at home in Northern California, or creating their home on the road at various tour stops across the globe, it's clear to people who observe these two that their harmony extends well beyond their music.

With broad influences ranging from Folk, Classical, Old Time and Celtic, to Gospel, Jazz, Vintage Country, Rock N' Roll, Blues, and Bluegrass, Dan and Laurel flow seamlessly through genres, tempos, stories, and moods, embodying each style with virtuosic command and keeping music fans on the edge of their seats.

Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen will be making their Sundilla debut on Friday, March 2.

Showtime at the AUUF is 7:30, and advance tickets are just $12 and can be found at Spicer's Music and Blooming Colors, and online at sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door will be $15. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees are invited to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer.

For more information, please contact: dan@ramblingdan. com, www.ramblingdan. com or Laurel Thomsenlaurel@laurelthomsen. com, www.laurelthomsen.com.

pelika O Observer

B11 February 28, 2018

COMICS

A well-balanced person is one who finds both sides of an issue laughable. — Herbert Procknow

B12 February 28, 2018

pelika O E ntertainment

Last week’s answers:

2-21 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Spread 2), Mingle 3), Ramble 4), Inane Solution: Blimp