Opelika Observer 3-27-19 E-Edition

pelika Observer O Vol. 11, No. 25

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

On the ‘road to recovery’

Local, county, state and federal agencies on the ground to help recovery process

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Kelly Daniel For the Opelika Observer The Lee County Emergency Management Agency played a major role in preparing for the severe weather on March 3 and ensuring that

the disaster response was rapid and coordinated.

Rita Smith, who serves the Lee County EMA as public information officer, described local first responders as responding to the tragic events with a combi-

nation of professionalism, compassion, and teamwork.

A heartbreaking truth of working in emergency management is that even if governments, civic organizations, and citizens do everything right, as Lee

County communities did leading up to and following the March 3 disaster, fatalities can still happen in a powerful tornado, as Smith explained.

"We don't mind cleaning up debris and property damage, but it's the loss of life

that is heartbreaking for everyone working as first responders and emergency management professionals,” Smith said.

While everyone hopes that conditions won't come together to produce a deadly storm, the EMA staff

and first responders weren’t shocked by the impact of the March 3 storm.

As the EMA posted on Facebook on March 8, “In our area, tornadoes have been and will remain the number one threat See LCEMA, page A6

Mando, Pharmavite announce major Beauregard community embraces expansions to Opelika-based facilities return of survivor Kayla Grimes

By Auburn Chason For the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller announced today that two existing Opelika manufacturing companies will be expanding.

Pharmavite will be See Expansion, page A6

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 RELIGION..............................A12 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............B1

Kayla, 11, was home with her father, soon-to-be stepmother and best friend Taylor when the tornado touched down and was the sole survivor of See Kayla, page A6

CALENDAR....................................B8 SPORTS................................C1 LEGALS ......................................D5 ENTERTAINMENT......................D6

Photo by Auburn Chason/For the Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer.com

March 28 - 31

pelika O Observer

A2 March 27, 2019

Lee County receives tax filing deadline extension Annual Going Blue for Autism event The IRS announced it will allow taxpayers to file through July 31 returns April 2

By Justin Smith For the Opelika Observer

President Donald Trump recently approved a declaration naming Lee County as a disaster area after the severe weather and tornadoes that devastated our area on March 3. In line with that declaration, the Internal Revenue Service announced it would postpone tax filing deadline for individuals and business owners in Lee County. The normal filing deadline for individuals is April 15 (with a six-month extension until Oct. 15 upon request). The IRS modified this year’s April 15 deadline to July 31.

Additionally, taxpayers who wish to make a contribution to their Individual Retirement Account (IRA) may also now defer making that investment until July 31 for 2018 contributions. Further, tax payments normally due by April 15 to avoid penalty may be extended through July 31.

Nonresidents who do business in Lee County may also

Smith take advantage of the extended filing deadline.

The IRS has announced the extensions include nearly all types of tax returns (including individual, corporate and estate/trust tax returns, partnership returns, and S Corporation returns). Even payroll returns have been extended for our area.

Following the announcement from the IRS, the Alabama Department of Revenue has also offered tax relief to Alabama taxpayers. Tax filing deadlines for Alabama returns have also been extended until July 31, and penalty relief will also be provided. The Department of Revenue has instructed taxpayers to write “Tornado Relief – 2019” on paperfiled returns, and has

requested taxpayers call their office for electronically filed returns.

Regardless of the situation, taxpayers may and should still file on time to the extent possible or file for a normal extension by the April 15 deadline. Although the disaster relief is available for all taxpayers in the county, it is best to file normal procedures as best as you can. If you need more time to file, I recommend that you go ahead and file for your extension by April 15.

Beware DisasterRelated Charity Fraud Unfortunately, one of the post-disaster risks many taxpayers will face is related to individuals and organizations who fraudulently purport to be a charitable organization providing disaster relief services.

Organizations or individuals may ask for donations and state they are tax-deductible. It is certainly great to be generous in the hour of need of so many people, but do your due diligence and make sure you are contributing to a

legitimate, reputable organization.

Sites such as Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau can help ensure you are contributing to a reputable organization. Most churches in the area, along with well-known nonprofits such as the Red Cross, Salvatian Army, Samaritan’s Purse and others are trustworthy and outstanding, but make sure that your contributions are going where you expect them to.

Remember – you may be concerned that your charitable contributions won’t be deductible this year because of the increased federal standard deduction, but Alabama (and Georgia) taxes are virtually unchanged, and you may still receive a nice deduction on your state taxes.

Keep those receipts!

Justin Smith is a licensed certified public accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting. He can be contacted at 251-209-2579 or Justin@JSmithCPA.net.

His website is www. jsmithcpa.net.

By Morgan Bryce Editor Strengthening the bonds of the AuburnOpelika area’s law enforcement and special needs communities is the goal of the eighth annual “Going Blue for Autism Awareness and Safety” celebration April 2 at Courthouse Square in downtown Opelika.

Organized by Opelika resident Luanne Helms, this year’s event is safety focused, as all children will receive free safety ID kits with fingerprints and photos as well as information booths staffed by local businesses that work for or with the area’s special needs community.

Through a partnership with Auburn’s Alpha Xi Delta sorority, Helms said this year’s event will be larger than normal.

There will be a bubble-blowing station, cake walk, chalk zone, free cotton candy and popcorn, live music from Auburn musician Clay Barker and a host of local law enforcement vehicles for children to interact with and explore.

The square’s fountain will be dyed blue

for the event, part of Helms’s goal to “bring together community members living with autism and those who support and love someone with autism.”

Attendees are encouraged to wear blue and arrive at 5:30 p.m. for a group photo, followed by a proclamation from Mayor Gary Fuller at 5:45 p.m.

Following are sponsors for this year’s event: - Allen Orthodontics - ALL for Children, LLC - Auburn Alpha Xi Delta - Auburn Therapy and Learning Center - Autism Society of Alabama - East Alabama Medical Center - Elliott & Associates Insurance - Pilot Club of Lee County, Alabama - Smith Group Behavioral Consulting, LLC. For more information, follow the event’s Facebook page. Helms recommends that parents with special needs children follow the East Alabama Autism Society of Alabama and Serving East Alabama’s Special Needs Families (SEAMS) for other sensory-friendly events and gatherings.

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pelika Observer

Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and Michelle@opelikaobserver.com D. Mark Mitchell

O

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

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pelika O Observer

A3 March 27, 2019

EAMC named one of America’s ‘Best Hospitals for Orthopedics’, introduces child life specialist Special to the Opelika Observer East Alabama Medical Center has been named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Orthopedics by the Women’s Choice Award®, America’s trusted referral source for the best in healthcare.

The award signifies that EAMC is in the top-10 percent of 4,797 U.S. hospitals offering orthopedics services.

There are clear gender differences in musculoskeletal disease, according to a study reported in The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Structural anatomy differences, hormones and genetics are factors in optimizing care for male versus female orthopedic patients. Because women have higher rates of arthritis than men, some 60 percent of joint replacement surgeries are performed on women.

In a national survey conducted by the Women’s Choice Award, female orthopedic patients identified the following key priorities when choosing a hospital for orthopedics: • single source for orthopedic services • solid patient safety record • high recommendation ratings.

“Women have different orthopedics needs, particularly as they grow older and become more at risk for osteoporosis and fractures,” said founder and CEO of the Women’s Choice Award Delia Passi.

“They also have different healthcare preferences, which we use to evaluate the recipients of America’s Best Hospitals for Orthopedics. We are the only award that recognizes a hospital’s ability to meet women’s distinctive needs.”

The methodology used to select EAMC as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Orthopedics is unique in that it evaluates Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey results along with primary research about women’s healthcare preferences. Award recipients are also measured on their incidence of surgical complications and infections, including: • a wound that splits open after surgery • accidental cuts and tears • deaths from serious treatable complications • rate of complications for knee or hip replacement patients • Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI).

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureu (MRSA) infections A hospital must have arthroscopy, joint replacement and spine surgery orthopedic services available to patients, onsite

physical therapy and an MRI in order to qualify for the award. It is the only award recognizing excellence in orthopedics based on robust criteria that consider patient satisfaction and clinical excellence.

EAMC is one of 484 award recipients (one of eight in Alabama) representing the hospitals that have met the highest standards for orthopedics care in the U.S. by the Women’s Choice Award.

“We’re pleased to have received this as an organization,” said EAMC president and CEO Laura Grill. “In a region known for great orthopedic care, it’s rewarding to know that our physicians and staff rank right up there at the top.”

For more information on America’s Best Hospitals for Orthopedics, visit https://www.womenschoiceaward.com/ awarded/healthcare/ About The Women’s Choice Award® The Women’s Choice Award® is a trusted referral source, empowering women to make smart healthcare choices by identifying the country’s best healthcare institutions based on robust criteria that consider female patient satisfaction and clinical excellence. The Women’s Choice Award has been honored by the INC 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies for three consecutive years.

Visit http://www.womenschoiceaward.com/ to learn more.

Special to the Opelika Observer Because children perceive the world in a way that is much different from adults, they have specific needs when it comes to coping – especially when medical treatment, injury or illness is involved. In January 2018, East Alabama Medical Center partnered with Auburn University to bring a child life specialist to serve the needs of children who come to the Emergency Department and Pediatric Unit.

Child-life specialists are educated and clinically trained to provide emotional and psychosocial support to children who are going through stressful, uncertain and traumatic situations. Certified child-life specialists must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies. Each specialist must also complete 120 hours before applying for a 600-hour internship, which they must complete before they are able to take the certification exam.

Miranda Morrow, a certified child-life specialist, helps young patients at EAMC primarily through procedural support, preparation and medical play. Describing her role as halfway between a teacher and a nurse, Morrow has knowledge regarding medications, procedures and medical technology as well as how to com-

municate these things to a child based on his or her specific needs.

One of the common procedures that Morrow coaches children through is an IV insertion.

Because children are very visual, and their primary language is play, Morrow uses medical play to demonstrate what an IV insertion would look like on a stuffed animal. Starting with the prep, Morrow helps them actively partake in each step so they feel in control of the situation and understand what to expect when their own procedure occurs.

“Miranda not only has helped us improve our pediatric care, but has also been essential in making connections in the community as well as nationwide to help us get donations to further this program,” said EAMC nursing unit manager Forrest Bonner.

For children who may have a longer stay, Morrow uses things like sticker charts to promote positive coping and behavior. Her facilitation of toy donations to the Emergency Department has helped occupy the time of children who have lengthy stays as well as improve their overall experience in an unfamiliar setting.

“Over the past year, we have been working diligently to make EAMC more child friendly and family oriented by enhancing our Child Life program,” Morrow said.

“We are very fortunate to be able to offer these

services to our pediatric patients as typically only larger university hospitals have a child life specialist.”

Morrow has also helped teach nurses developmentally appropriate terms and best practices to use when treating a child to help the procedure and overall hospital stay feel less threatening for younger patients.

“We aim to make the experience as easy as possible not only for the child, but for their family,” Morrow said. “We want the children and their families to know they have a voice, and that we are their biggest advocates.”

Child-life specialists have only been around for approximately 35 years, and there are nearly 5,000 nationwide who are certified. Having a child-life specialist at EAMC is not only benefiting patients, but is benefitting students in the College of Human Sciences who are interested in becoming a child life specialist and want hands-on clinical experience in the field.

“Prior to having a child life specialist, there were many techniques that we did not have implemented here that we have now seen improve the emotional care we provide to children who come through our doors,” Bonner said. “Miranda has influenced the culture of our emergency department and we are seeing our pediatric patients and their families thrive because of it.”

At East Alabama Medical Center, our mission is high quality, compassionate health care, and that statement guides everything we do. We set high standards for customer service, quality, and keeping costs under control. We feel that our patients deserve nothing short of excellence, and we are committed to providing exceptional medical care with respect and compassion.

2000 Pepperell Parkway Opelika, AL 334-749-3411 www.eamc.org

pelika O Opinion

A4 March 27, 2019

A bet is a bet - Part 1

T

here is a box next to my bed that is full of pages in my sister’s handwriting… children’s stories she wrote. They are delightful. And they are precious because she wrote them in her own hand.

Mixed in with those is a piece she wrote about our dad. A handful of weeks ago, I couldn’t sleep, and so I read (for the thousandth time) the account my sister wrote of how Harold Hodge became a Marine. He was 17. It was a Saturday, and he and a buddy went to the picture show.

They watched the news reel of the war that was playing itself out on the other side of the world.

And, being boys still, they made a bet with each other. A bet that, if they were given the opportunity, they would become fine soldiers.

And so they did. They honored their bet…. my dad, by earning a purple heart for the wounds he suffered rescuing his fellow Marines, and his buddy, by throwing himself on a grenade and saving countless others.

Both heroes. Both honoring their bet to each other and to themselves.

I fell asleep reading my sister’s words and woke the next morning with the echoes still in my head. My best friend and I headed south that day. Our destination was Panama City Beach, and the closer we got the more evident it was that last year’s storms had devastated that whole area. Fields of broken trees lined the highway, bent over like old women by the force of the wind.

Buildings with no roof or no walls or nothing but a foundation dotted the

I

t was March. I remember because my truck was covered in yellow powder. And if you don’t know the yellow powder I speak of, you might be from Ohio.

A lot of people who move to the South from other places think our biggest problems are humidity, mosquitoes or evangelical fundamentalists. But those are nothing.

We have dehumidifiers for humidity, citronella for bugs and fundamentalists won’t bother you if you play dead or talk about beer.

No, one of our biggest pests in these parts is the Satanic dust that kills innocent woodland creatures and ushers in Armageddon.

Pine pollen.

Long ago, I tried to start a landscaping company. It was a bad idea and a colossal failure. I bought a utility trailer and some equipment.

And when pollen season hit, I put a few fliers in mailboxes.

“FIRST LAWN-CUTTING IS FREE!!!!” I advertised, and I used four exclamation points.

By Wendy Hodge

landscape.

Businesses closed down or blown away altogether. All these months later, and it still looked like a war zone.

We grew quiet, taking it all in.

I was already a bit nervous, if truth be told.

Panama City is where my best friend calls home.

He misses the water and being a sea captain and, more than anything, the friends who are as close as family. I was going to meet them all, and I was anxious. Would they like me? Would I fit in?

Turns out I was worried for no reason at all.

His friends are as warm and easy going as he is, and they made me feel welcome instantly. We spent the day eating fresh oysters and crab claws and scallops and shrimp and laughing loud and long while they filled me in on all the crazy wonderful things my best friend has ever done.

Turns out my best friend is a skilled boat captain.

And from that moment on, for the remainder of the trip, I referred to him as Captain T. Late in the afternoon, we agreed to meet at a favorite spot of theirs for a friendly game of ping pong and some more good food.

Maybe it was the afterglow of a spectacular meal, or maybe it was the dazzling sun dipping down to touch the ocean, or maybe it was just the

real contentment that comes from being where you feel like you truly belong…. Whatever the reason, I made a bet with my best friend.

A bet that I would beat him at ping pong. Never mind that I hadn’t actually picked up a paddle in at least 25 years. I was confident that I could beat him.

On the ride over, we discussed the details of our wager, and in yet another bold move, I said, “If you win, your friends can decide my penalty.”

Captain T raised an eyebrow and asked, “Are you sure about that?”

I smugly answered, “I am.”

Oh, Wendy Lynne.

Had you not still been in a seafood coma you might have thought through more carefully.

I don’t really have to spell it out, do I? If you’re imagining me being soundly beaten and appropriately embarrassed, triple that and you will be close to the humiliation I actually endured. After my defeat, we all sat around a large table, the six or eight of us, eating yet moreoysters. I held my breath the entire meal, hoping against hope that the whole silly bet would be forgotten. But, no. That was not to be. Captain T’s oldest friend ate his last oyster, leaned back in his chair, and fixed me with an unflinching gaze.

“It’s time to settle your wager.”

Sigh. “Okay. Tell me what I have to do.” I was ready to face my fate.

“The Gulf of Mexico sure is pretty this time of night. I’m thinking we need to take a boat ride See Hodge, page A6

T

Read with care

he Bible: read with care.

“For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; and the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.”

- Song of Solomon, 2:11-12. (KJV) The Song of Solomon is my favorite book of the Bible.

I read it about this time of year, when we start getting hints of spring (like I read Faulkner’s “The Bear,” to get in the mood for winter.)

Though I hardly qualify as a Bible scholar, I am pretty sure Solomon was as close to the heart of humanity as you are gonna get. He could write some pretty words.

But you can find yourself in a lot of trouble if you go around quoting the Bible. (Disclaimer. I cannot vouch with absolute certainty for the accuracy of each detail of what follows, but if memory serves – which sometimes it doesn’t – this is, as they used to say around the court house, “close enough for government work.”)

My childhood playmate Johnny learned the pitfalls of Bible quoting back when we were lads in the Grove Hill Methodist Church and Miss Kling, our sixth-grade Sunday school teacher, told us to come in next Sunday with a memorized Bible verse.

Now Miss Kling was an old maid who for generations had educated students at Clarke County Elementary School five days a week and the Methodists among them on Sunday. She had taught my mother before me so she seemed ancient

By Hardy Jackson

by the time I came under her influence. I recall her as rail-thin, tight lipped, and no nonsense, so when we were told to learn a verse, learn a verse we would.

Bubba, as I recall, quickly claimed “Jesus wept.”

The girls in the class selected the sort of sentimental slop pre-teen girls are inclined to pick – all that “whither thou goest” stuff from the book of Ruth and “love” (not “charity”) from First Corinthians – stuff that would let Miss Kling know how seriously they took the assignment.

(First Corinthians got a lot of traffic later on when we got to high school and another buddy used it to pledge his undying, yet unrequited love to a lass in our class. Almost weekly he would volunteer to read the devotional and open the book to the 13 th Chapter and go at it.

Never did any good other than to confirm among the doubters that God’s word might not be as powerful as Miss Kling had told us it was.)

But I digress.

So I asked Mama, our fount of all Biblical knowledge, for a good verse and she suggested Song of Solomon 2:1112. She said it was one of Daddy’s favorites.

Despite that endorsement, I was reluctant because it was two verses, rather than one, and I was never inclined to do more when

less would suffice. But I read it and it was short, so I learned it. Besides, I liked spring and flowers and birds and such, and the idea of a singing turtle struck me as, well, funny.

When I announced my choice to my circle of friends, Johnny, who was still without a verse, asked if there were any other “songs” of Solomon that he could learn quickly.

I said I didn’t know, but maybe he should take a look.

Bad idea.

He did.

I don’t know how he handled the book’s opening verse and all that about being “black, but comely” (this was during those segregation days and we did not discuss such things, even in a Biblical context) but by the time he got to the second chapter he knew he had found the treasure he sought.

Inspired, he learned one verse, and another, and another.

And so it came to pass that the next Sunday, when Miss Kling called on Johnny to recite his chosen verse, in a clear voice he began “Behold, thou art fair, my love.”

Who would have thought an old woman could move so quickly, or snatch so hard. She nearly lifted Johnny out of his seat as she brought his performance to a screeching halt.

I cowered in fear.

Would my turtle set her off?

But order was soon restored. The girls rescued the rest of us, set a higher tone, and when they got around to me I was praised for my choice and my elocution.

See Jackson, page A6

MARCH One of my first customers was an old man.

He hired me to re-sod his entire front yard during the height of pollen season. I paid my friend Adam to help me.

Adam and I worked like rented mules. We replaced almost half an acre of centipede grass.

Our noses were running, our eyes burning.

“This pollen’s killing me,” I said to Adam.

“Who said that?”

Adam answered. “My eyes are too swollen to see anything.”

While we worked, an old woman came walking out of the house.

She wore a nightgown, her hair was white and messy. She wandered through the yard like she were in a daze, letting the sun hit her face. She smiled. She sneezed.

“Oh, Carl!” she shouted. “There are boys out here!”

She sneezed again.

“Boys!” she said.

“Two boys!”

I was afraid this woman was going to boil us in a kettle with toe of a frog and eye of newt.

Finally, the woman announced that she

wanted to fifty years have a tea younger. party. She She kept clapped her reminding hands tome to hold gether and completely hollered, “A still and tea party!” suppress I almost ran By Sean Dietrich my sneezfor the truck. es.

The old man made She made grand little sandwiches for sweeping motions on everyone. He placed the canvas. She stared fine China on a yellowat me with brilliant dusted patio table. eyes.

We sipped from little Behind her, I could teacups and talked about see the old man was the weather. I don’t crying. know if I’ve ever seen After what seemed a woman eat so many like an hour, she finZapp’s dill-pickle-flaished my portrait. She vored potato chips and displayed it to us. It was incredible. This woman live to tell about it.

When we finished, the was not just a painter, she was a master. old woman barked to The old man took the her husband, “Carl, get canvas into his caremy easel.” ful hands. He led us to The man went to the other room and gathered a room at the end of a long hallway. Inside oil painting supplies. were paintings of all He set up a makeshift kinds. Colorful flowers, studio in the backyard for his wife. A chair sat figure studies, still-lifes, and portraits. opposite of the easel. I “Thank you for poswas instructed to sit. ing,” the old man said.

“Me?” I said.

“You don’t understand, “You,” the woman my wife hasn’t painted said. in fifteen years. Most The woman painted, days she can’t even and when she held her remember my name.” brushes, she became

He went on to say that his wife started taking art lessons long ago when she turned forty.

She turned out to be a natural, and nobody would’ve ever guessed it.

Soon, all her friends were visiting the house to pose. The woman painted furiously through her forties, fifties, and sixties.

Then Alzheimer’s.

It came hard. One day, they closed the doors to her studio forever.

Overnight, the man transformed from husband into caregiver.

And there is a special place in heaven for caregivers.

I don’t remember much more about that day except that my friend and I laid sod after dark by the glow of outdoor lights.

I also remember that the old man paid us too much for our work.

Before we left, we saw the man and his wife through their lit-up windows. The man was helping her into bed, but she was fighting him. He was patient.

I will never forget

that.

Yesterday, I drove through a familiar neighborhood and I saw that house. A young couple lives there now.

There were children playing on lush green grass. A young man was working in the yard.

I asked the man if he knew the people who lived there before him.

“Yeah,” said the man.

“Those were my grandparents, did you know them?”

No, I didn’t. But once, a long time ago, I was fortunate enough to have tea with two beautiful people who loved each other very much.

God bless those touched by Alzheimer’s.

Watch out for pollen.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter Southerner, the Mobile Press Register and he has authored seven books.

pelika O Observer

A5

County News

March 27, 2019

Lee County tornado survivors share stories, experiences

Photos by Philip Shucet Photography

By Philip Shucet Special for the Opelika Observer After an especially hungry and angry tornado chewed into homes along Lee Road 100, the funnel moved to Lee Road 36. Alina Smith and her two daughters huddled for safety in the bathroom.

When I met her on March 6, Alina told me that she held her daughters, said her prayers, was at peace, and accepted that it was time for them “to go.” But we don’t pick our time.

Alina and her daughters were spared that day.

Twenty-three others were not.

Not far away Alina’s boyfriend, Curvin Robinson, scrambled from

his yard and made it to the kitchen before he hit the floor and curled in a fetal position in front of his refrigerator. Curvin would find out that of the 23 dead, seven were from the same family. His family. What do you say to someone who peacefully looks in your eyes and tells you that death scooped away seven members of his family 48 hours earlier? I did not know then. I don’t know now. But I know that Alina and Curvin share a bond forged from misery, stronger in love.

Relying on information from news reports I navigated Lee County roads to Smith’s Station and Beauregard, both hard-hit.

Sheriff’s deputies from Lee and Calhoun counties were pulling double duty to block roads leading to the most heavily damaged areas. I respected those restrictions realizing that searches were still underway for missing persons. On roads that were not blocked the powerful force of destruction was evident.

Force that in an instant turned a peaceful pre-Lent Sunday into devastation and death.

Force that lifted and smashed a trailer into trees as if the home had been a blowing leaf in a spring-like wind.

Why did I go to Alabama?

Truth is, I’m not sure.

Maybe I wanted to bear witness. Maybe I

wanted to see things I had never seen before.

Maybe I needed to be reminded of just how small I am. Maybe I needed to see just how strong other people are.

Or maybe I wanted to know that there is more good in the hearts of women and men than we are led to believe.

I wanted to know that humanity prevails.

It does.

I’m going back to Alabama to see Alina, Curvin and others at Easter; a time for resurrection and rebirth.

A time to record the next chapter of their

story.

I’ve come to realize that there is nothing more powerful than an individual’s story. We are born into a story.

And every day afterward we create and shape new ones. Your story doesn’t just live in your head and heart.

It is your skin.

Nothing is more powerful than your story.

About the Author Shucet retired last year after wrapping up 45 years in corporate America. He has a searing passion for photographing people and telling their stories.

He currently lives in Norfolk, Virginia.

Publisher’s Note: Mr. Shucet approached us with the offer to share his photographs and the stories he collected through talking to those deeply affected by the March 3 tornadoes. He believes that these stories need to be told not only now, but also later as he returns to check in with people and see how they are doing. He has graciously asked us to be the outlet for these stories and it is our privilege and honor to do so.

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pelika O Observer

A6 March 27, 2019

LCEMA, from A1

to life and property as it pertains to natural hazards.”

Rather than surprise, the main reaction was that of deep sadness for the loss of life and injuries that occurred.

The LCEMA’s public information campaign in the days leading up to the storm demonstrated the EMA’s commitment to their mission of partnering with Lee County citizens to prepare for and respond to emergency situations.

As early as the Wednesday before March 3, the LCEMA began to issue notifications of potential severe weather.

A heavier public information campaign began Friday and Saturday, after the NWS updated their projections to include the phrase, “strong tornadoes possible,” which was a significant development for everyone working in emergency management.

When a tornado watch was issued by the National Weather Service Sunday, EMA director Kathy Carson said, “(The EMA) urged everyone go to their designated safe area or storm shelter during the watch period and not to wait

Expansion, from A1

investing more capital into its manufacturing facility in Opelika to accommodate demand for additional products.

It is one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of high-quality vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements. The company plans to invest an additional $8.9 million and hire 18 employees

Jackson, from A4 Afterward, during “big church” we boys sat together like the good little gentlemen we were, took out the pew Bibles,

Hodge, from A4

out to Shell Island, all of us, and watch you do a cannonball right into the water. From the top of the pontoon boat. In the clothes God gave you.”

I looked at my best friend. He smiled at me and said, “I got your back…. but a bet is a bet is a bet.”

I don’t remember much of the ride to the pier or the preparations for getting underway. I

for a warning to be issued.”

As announced in a Facebook post and tweet at 10:30 a.m. on March 3, Providence Baptist Church in Beauregard was opened to the public as a safe place with a basement storm shelter.

“At the time the tornado watch was issued, there were 88 people sheltered at Providence, which is approximately 3 miles from the area the tornado ultimately impacted,” Carson said.

After the tornado hit, firefighters with Beauregard Fire Department were among the first to see fatalities and injuries.

They, along with other firefighters, law enforcement officers and paramedics from departments throughout the area, worked tirelessly to save lives in the first hours and days after the storm.

A week after the storm devastated the area, the visit of President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania raised awareness of the storm’s impact beyond Alabama and placed Lee County in the national spotlight, generating even more aid and support.

The visit also required extensive preparation on behalf of local and state law enforcement.

The Beauregard High School Library

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

was used as a temporary Joint Information Center, in which more than 300 media outlets were represented.

The president's visit was made a success through the collaboration of the EMA, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and both state and local governments.

From the initial recovery efforts in the days following the storm to the long term recovery that is ongoing, volunteers have also played a major role in helping disaster victims and cleaning up storm damage.

The EMA has made use of the United Way’s 2-1-1 program, which matches those in need with others who have the resourc-

during the next year.

Mando America Corporation will invest an additional $9.6 million in capital and create 23 additional jobs during the next two years. Mando’s Opelika operations continue to produce brake calipers and suspension modules to support its customer base located throughout the U.S. “It is a testament to the Opelika employees that these two great companies have

chosen to continue to invest in our community. We couldn’t be more thrilled that both companies have had the success that warrants additional investment and the creation of additional jobs in Opelika and we thank them for their confidence in us,” Fuller said.

For more information, contact City of Opelika economic development project manager John Sweatman at 334-705-5115.

and read those verses that Miss Kling, thanks to her own careful reading, knew Johnny was about to recite.

It was then and there that I learned that you gotta be careful when you go around quoting the Bible.

Especially in the company of people who have read it.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Eminent Scholar in History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hjackson@ cableone.net.

do remember the cold wind in my face as we made our way to Shell Island and my best friend’s arm around my shoulders and how he reminded me, more than once, that a bet is a bet is a bet.

We reached the island and stood there taking in the view. The moon was low and full and seemed to glow around the edges.

The sand sparkled like silver under our bare feet, and there was not a soul in sight besides our small group. Our happy chatter died down, and we soaked it in, lean-

ing towards each other.

From a distance, we must have looked like the only people on a deserted planet. And it was then that I realized I wanted nothing more than to keep my bet.

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

es to help.

As of March 18, more than 6,000 volunteers had assisted in recovery efforts so far, but there is still a great need for volunteers as the LCEMA transitions into working out of their main warehouse.

When asked to list some of the organizations that contributed to recovery efforts, Smith said that there are too many organizations offering generous support to possibly list.

Among them are the United Way of Lee County, the American Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, Salvation Army, Seventh Day Adventists Community Services, and the Southern Baptist Association.

In a March 9

Kayla, from A1 the group. Grimes garnered several injuries which led to three different surgeries at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. During this time Kayla’s mother and stepfather, Michelle and Adam Gladden, primarily cared for her at her side.

However, back home in Beauregard, a slew of supporters came to her aid as well. Friends and family banded together to create a homecoming for Kayla that the whole community could be a part of.

Angela Kirkland, a nurse at EAMC, and Rita and Megan Harman worked together to spread the word via social media that Kayla and her parents would be traveling back from Birmingham Friday afternoon, and their request was simple.

“We want to line her driveway/road as she’s pulling in!” Megan wrote on Facebook.

But what began as a gathering at Kayla’s home turned into a parade fit for royalty as she entered Lee County. The route included stops at Beauregard High School and Providence Baptist Church before arriving home.

At the high school, they picked up a trail

Facebook post, the EMA said, “We are overwhelmed at the amount of help flooding in to the Volunteer Reception Centers.

Thank you, Lee County for loving your community.”

As Beauregard, Smiths Station and other communities continue to recover, the focus has shifted to long term healing.

When asked where Lee County is now in the recovery process, Smith said that the current focus is on showing the people who were affected that they are loved and supported by their communities.

She explained that while those who lost family members may never go back to the state of normalcy before the tornado,

the EMA, local governments and civic organizations are there to help them find their new normal and continue to move forward.

As described in detail on their website, the Lee County EMA offers training that empowers volunteers to save lives and help neighbors when disaster strikes, such as through their CERT program and Citizen Corps.

Trained volunteers learn how to proceed if disaster strikes in their immediate vicinity, and they may also be recruited by the EMA to provide assistance in the event that a disaster strikes elsewhere in Lee County.

For more information, call 334-7498161 or visit www. leecoema.com.

of escorts, including members from the police department and other first responders that worked directly with Kayla. Workers at the Providence Baptist Church associated with Billy Graham and Samaritan’s Purse presented her with a Bible in memory of her lost loved ones.

“Kayla’s testimony is important. All the victims’ testimonies are equally important. Kayla holds a special place in my heart because I know what a blessed fighter she is, and I recognize the long road ahead of her,” nurse Angela Kirkland said.

Kirkland did not previously know the family, but she responded to Kayla’s injuries when she arrived to the hospital and was moved by her story, doing everything she could to make Kayla’s homecoming a special event.

Before the family arrived home, volunteers and extended family members clad in blue T-shirts carried in food and drinks for Kayla and her family, offering to cook meals, telling jokes and occasionally tearing up at the thought of their “Kayla-Bug” returning home. They were excited, murmuring to each other of her character.

“She is so strong, and you will never catch

her without a smile on her face,” said Kayla’s aunt, Melissa Smith.

Friends and strangers alike lined up along Lee Road 119 to welcome Kayla home and cheered for a spirit of recovery, not just for Kayla, but for all of Lee County. Balloons had been attached to her mailbox, and signs were held up in support. Upon arriving home, where a new wheelchair ramp had been assembled, and where her family and friends waited for her, Kayla and her parents smiled and cried at the outpouring of love.

“She needs to know that we will be here for her as she goes forward wit her physical and emotional recovery,” Jackie Moran, a member of the community who did not previously know Kayla, said after tying balloons to the mailbox.

Several members of the party helped Kayla out of the car she arrived in and into a wheelchair, and then, in the midst of everyone looking on this brave little girl, she requested a trip to Waffle House.

Her light-hearted spirit in this time can only be reflective of what is to come from the community. Like Kayla, Lee County will recover from this dark time and come out on the other side stronger and full of love.

pelika O Observer

A7 March 27, 2019

Lewis Cooper Jr. Library receives FINRA grant, 2019 Gold Standard Award Special to the Opelika Observer The Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library is pleased to announce plans to expand its personal finance collections following acceptance of a grant from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.

The additional tools and resources will help ensure that residents have the information they need when making critical money decisions as they repair, rebuild and clean up following the March 3 tornadoes that devasted parts of Lee County.

“We want everyone to know that the library is both a welcoming convening place and a location where our families can obtain unbiased information to guide financial choices that will have a lasting impact.

The library has information to help people avoid financial potholes,” said library director Rosanna McGinnis.

Filing claims, accessing government resources, managing lump-sum payments from insurance companies and meeting immediate expenses when income might be disrupted — these are just a few of the money challenges that residents in disaster areas must navigate.

The expanded personal finance collections at the library are made possible by a $5,000 grant from the FINRA Foundation.

For more than 12 years, the FINRA Foundation has provided funding, staff training and programs to build the capacity of public libraries to address the financial education needs of people nationwide. Much of this has been accomplished in partnership with the American Library Association through a program known as smartinvesting@yourlibrary®.

The FINRA Foundation is also providing the library with multimedia materials that explain the red flags of financial fraud and what people can do to be vigilant and counter the persuasion tactics that fraudsters use.

Financial fraud is especially prevalent following major natural disasters.

Since it was established in 2005, the National Center for Disaster Fraud, which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice, has logged more than 92,000 disasterrelated complaints from all 50 states. Financial fraud makes tough times all the more difficult for people recovering from the trauma inflicted by disasters.

The FINRA Foundation has issued an Alert with practical guidance to help residents protect themselves from fraudulent schemes. (See: www.SaveAndInvest. org/disaster-fraudAlabama.) For more information, contact Rosanna McGinnis 334705-5380.

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika’s Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library has been selected to receive the 2019 Gold Standard Award for Public Libraries, the highest level of achievement possible for Alabama libraries.

Public libraries that receive the Gold Award serve as benchmarks for other public libraries across the state. They are rated on facility, planning, administration and governance, collection, services and technology, among other categories.

“While we are excited to receive this award,

it was only possible because of the hard work of Cooper Library staff, the support from the City of Opelika administration, and because of the people of Opelika whom we enjoy serving every day. We are proud to be a community connecting point for Opelika.

We are so much more than a dusty warehouse for books,” said library director Rosanna McGinnis.

The award is given by the Public Libraries Division of the Alabama Library Association (ALLA). ALLA is a nonprofit corporation formed to encourage and promote the welfare of

libraries and professional interests of librarians in Alabama. The association’s primary purpose is to promote public library service and development throughout the state.

“From silver in 2018 to gold in 2019, I can’t say enough about Rosanna and her team. This award

just proves that their efforts are making an impact on our community,” said Mayor Gary Fuller.

For more information, contact McGinnis by calling 334-705-5385 or sending email to rmcginnis@opelika-al.gov. The library is located at 200 S. 6th St.

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pelika Observer O

A8 March 27, 2019

KLAS Fashions provides comfortable attire for cancer patients

By Auburn Chason For the Opelika Observer When Karen Stroud’s sister, Linda Kyle, was diagnosed with breast cancer, she remarked that there was nothing to wear that made her comfortable when she had to go for her chemotherapy treatments.

Kyle mentioned that there had never been anything created for women to make them feel beautiful during a time in her life in which she did all she could to stay healthy. Even chemotherapy-conscious shirts were just overpriced and less discreet T-shirts with added zippers or buttons.

Kyle asked her sister to design a shirt that would help her have a sense of normalcy during a difficult time, and Stroud did her one better. Stroud designed a shirt that was both feminine and and discreet. Stroud had only one goal.

“It needed to be feminine and help her feel pretty,” Stroud said.

So Stroud took to designing, and she put forth many ideas with only one that really stood out. Her shirt was a blouse, very detailed and feminine, with quality fabric and design, far from the less discreet shirts she had been seeing during her research. These blouses

had perfect layers that supplied plenty of coverage for her sister.

Only upon lifting the correct layer would the secret opening be uncovered.

“Based on my conversations with people who have been through chemo and medical personnel that work in the chemo field the response to these shirts has been extremely positive and expressed that there is definitely a need for this type garment,” Stroud said.

Kyle was so thankful something had come her way to make her feel like she was her again, and Stroud continued to design as she saw more women fight-

ing the same war as her sister. Her shirts now come in four different designs, named for the four women for whom she originally designed the shirts: the Linda, the Joyce, the Diane and the Marilyn.

Stroud, through her brand called KLAS Fashions, created the KLASsy Chemo Porthole-Accessible Shirt and helped bring femininity back to women who were losing their own personal femininity through illness.

Stroud said all four of her designs are also named after survivors of breast cancer, some who have just recently

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These women all come from different backgrounds, and Stroud knows them all differently, but they are linked by an illness that strikes so many so violently and robs them of their motivation and conviction to feel pretty, and Stroud believes her shirts can help, even if only a

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“Hopefully this will help women who may feel that they have lost their femininity feel pretty while going through treatment,” Stroud said.

The shirts are made to order with the porthole on the preferred side of the customer and come in sizes small through extra-large in a variety of fabrics and designs. Inquiries can be made on Facebook at KLAS Fashions or via email at klasfashions@gmail.com.

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pelika Observer O

A9 March 27, 2019

Operation Song provides veterans opportunity to share experiences, stories through music

By Todd Rauch For the Opelika Observer Veterans and songwriters throughout the Southeast recently gathered for the 6th Annual “Operation Song” retreat at Warriors Outreach Ranch, outside of Columbus.

Operation Song is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower veterans and active duty military to tell their stories through the process of songwriting.

During the twoday event on Mar. 15 and 16, 10 veterans were paired with well-known songwriters from Nashville where they talked about their life in the military, including Opelika’s own Jamie Popwell. Wayne

Womack, a Vietnam Veteran and participant of last year’s Operation Song retreat, submitted Popwell’s name to be participant at the current retreat.

“Last year my song was called “Unconditional Love,” and it meant the world to me to have a song of my own,” Womack said.

“Jamie does so much for his fellow Veterans and community I wanted him to have a song of his own to cherish.”

Popwell’s song, titled “Till God Calls Me Home,” was the fourth song that was featured during the live concert held at the end of the night on March 16, when the songwriters showcased all the songs live that were written composed earlier in

Photo by Todd Rauch/For the Opelika Observer the day. “I wanted my song to be focused on not being afraid to ask for help and the importance of continuing to serve your community after you get out of the military,” Popwell said.

After ending his time as a private contractor in both Iraq and Afghanistan Popwell did exactly that by start-

ing his own nonprofit called “Flags for Vets,” which has installed more than 300 flagpoles throughout Alabama and across the United States.

Throughout the night, the symposium of songs were touching and captured unique experiences like what it means to be dependent of a service mem-

ber serving overseas.

One such song titled “Dandelion” spoke of the resiliency of the children of service members. Dandelions are the official flower of the military child because they are resilient and are able to put down roots and bloom wherever the wind carries them.

After the retreat,

Operation Song will record all the songs written in a professional studio in Nashville to be handed out next years annual retreat. A true continuous cycle of healing for veterans and service members alike.

For more information about Operation Song, visit www. operationssong.org.

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pelika O Observer

A10 March 27, 2019

Regional religious groups contribute Women’s Hope Medical Clinic to to Lee County tornado relief efforts hold annual Walk 4 Life March in Auburn

Special to the Opelika Observer Women’s Hope Medical Clinic will continue celebrating its 35 years of ministry by asking the community to join in its annual Walk 4 Life event.

This year’s event will be held at Town Creek Park on March 30.

Participants will be able to run in a 5k race, onemile walk, and kid’s fun run. The Walk 4 Life brings awareness to the impact Women’s Hope has in the Auburn-Ope-

lika area and helps raise funds to continue offering life-saving medical and educational services.

In 2018 alone, Women’s Hope offered more than 700 pregnancy tests, 400 ultrasounds and more than 800 parenting classes. These services are all offered for free to the community because of the generosity of the community.

For more information, visit womenshope.org/ support to register and help the organization move toward their goal of reaching $30,000.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Volunteers from the Tupelo, Mississippi-based Christian organization Eight Days of Hope recently came and lent a hand to Lee County tornado relief efforts.

Special to the Opelika Observer The Atlanta-based nonprofit Bridge Builders planned and coordinated an outreach effort with Nazareth Baptist Church on March 17 in Beauregard to help those affected by the March 3 tornadoes. The group helped give out food and supplies to those in need.

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pelika Observer O

A11 March 27, 2019

Pastor Rusty Sowell shares Donations for those affected by recent tornadoes received from story, experiences and outlook as Lee County moves DeMarcus Ware, SEC, Jefferson’s SEC donates $100,000 toward tornado relief forward with recovery

By Morgan Bryce Editor Reflecting on the last 24 days, Rusty Sowell said he has seen the tragedy of the March 3 tornadoes be turned into an overwhelming positive, galvanizing the community, area and nation in ways beyond his imagination.

“I like to say that what started as organized chaos has become chaos organized. Our community has been through hard times before, and we’ve seen it come together in glimpses,” Sowell said. “But this moment brought it all together to pass.”

Sowell said he and his wife Gina are fortunate to have avoided being on the list of the 23 lives claimed by the storm.

Notified in advance of that day’s incoming severe weather by Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Holden, Sowell said he and his staff decided to cancel that evening’s services and later open the church’s west campus as a storm shelter.

Following that morning’s services, the Sowells returned home and spent the early afternoon keeping a vigilant eye on the weather. Later, with reports of a confirmed tornado on the ground, Sowell he said he knew the storm was close once the walls of his log cabin-style home began to vibrate.

“Passing my front door, I looked out and saw some good-sized trees flying across the yard. Once the vibrations started and got worse, I told my wife to get down and I started to get down too, wondering if the storm was about to cause my windows to explode,” Sowell said.

As soon as it had come, the tornado had departed. Sowell soon walked outside to witness the devastation, with some neighbors losing barns and the roofs

Sowell of their homes.

Calls from church members began pouring in, but Sowell said his prior first responder experience and knowledge prompted him to stay home and out of the way of medical vehicles attempting to drive into the hardest hit areas to find and save lives.

The church’s west campus was immediately mobilized and opened as a recovery operations center shortly after the storm had passed. Stationed at Sanford Middle School, Sowell spent a good portion of that afternoon and evening in shock, processing what had happened to his beloved community.

“I’ve been a hospital chaplain for 40 years, and when we’re called in, it’s typically a tragedy and a trip to the hospital’s emergency room or intensive care unit. As a former first responder, you never forget what you see, smell and feel, and I was thinking about what those guys were experiencing in mass,” Sowell said.

Expected to climb to as high as 40 people, the final death toll was confirmed at 23 on the afternoon of March 4. Later in the week, Sowell, along with Lee County coroner Bill Harris, was tasked with meeting with the victim’s families to inform them of their loved one’s passing.

“They were hoping against hope, but we knew the reality of what was going on. When I thought about that moment, I just told myself to ‘breathe, breathe,’” Sowell said. “We tried to carry and possess true

compassion, because there was no making this situation okay or it’s going to get better.

It was just a ministry of presence because we were identifying with them in the midst of their trauma.”

On Wednesday, search-and-rescue efforts were moved to recovery.

Emergency management nonprofits and organizations, as well as caring individuals from across the state, Southeast and country, began pouring in to help.

Two days later, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania visited the hardest hit areas, and made a stop at the church. There, they meet with Sowell, victim’s families and Smiths Station Mayor Bubba Copeland, whose city also received severe damage from the storms.

“To have he and his wife come to our little corner of the world was big. It was no political show,” Sowell said.

“You could tell from our initial conversation that he was deeply moved by what he saw out on the field as he met and talked with families (who experienced loss).”

Providence’s recovery operations center will begin trending away from material items today, according to Sowell, and begin assisting those who suffered property damage but retained their homes.

Sowell said he is “beyond humbled” by the outpouring of love and support that they have received during this process, including that of the Beauregard community itself.

“Kids, students, football players, volleyball players, baseball, softball players were going out and willing to do things to help in whatever way they could. People brought food, their grills to help feed survivors, volunteers and first responders,” Sowell said.

“It was just a beautiful picture.”

‘Bo Bikes Bama’ ride to raise money for governor’s Disaster Relief Fund Special to the Opelika Observer Several years ago, Alabama native and Auburn University gridiron star Bo Jackson created The Bo Bikes Bama Ride event to fund the Governor’s Disaster Relief Fund, which provides assistance to rural communities in building storm shelters.

Never did Jackson imagine the 2019

BoBikesBama Route would be in the path of a devastating tornado, something that Jackson said deeply resonated with him.

“You never know when it’s going to be your town,” Jackson said in an interview with WBRC. This year’s ride will be April 27 and volunteers are needed.

Volunteers can sign up by visting the website: https://docs.google.

com/forms/d/e/1FAIp QLSfZG0octuVrGvxEUsPjqgSovhXYL5AOIV7Wb2UHXZ4opI9VRA/viewform?usp=sf_ link.

Also, be sure to “like” the Opelika Bicycle Advisory, Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers (CAMP) and Bo Bikes Bama Facebook pages to keep up with new opportunities to help Lee County’s tornado recovery efforts.

Special to the Opelika Observer

The Southeastern Conference is donating $100,000 to Auburn University to support the needs of students, faculty and staff impacted by the damage caused by recent tornadoes.

“SEC teams often face each other in fierce athletic competition, but it is comprised of 14 institutions who come together as a family during times of need such as this,” said SEC commissioner Greg Sankey. “The Executive Committee of the Southeastern Confer-

ence has established parameters for use of an Emergency Relief Fund to assist member institutions in circumstances such as those experienced by members of the Auburn community.

We are pleased to be able to assist with efforts to ease the stress for those impacted by this devastating storm.”

The SEC has made similar contributions to conference institutions in the past for university communities affected by natural disasters.

Auburn University president Steven Leath thanked the SEC for its generous support, noting that the university

would determine a best course forward in maximizing the funds for its community.

“This is a remarkable donation that speaks to the SEC’s steadfast commitment to its member institutions and surrounding communities,” Leath said. “As we continue to evaluate further ways in which our university can help those affected by the March 3 tornadoes, this funding will be a tremendous boost to our coordinated efforts going forward.”

For more information, visit www.auburn. edu or www.secsports. com.

Lee County native, former NFL star Demarcus Ware donates $10k to tornado relief efforts Special to the Opelika Observer

In a press release last week, Lee County coroner Bill Harris expressed his gratitude to Lee County native and former NFL star Demarcus Ware, who committed $10,000 to the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation help cover the cost of grave markers

for the 23 victims of the March 3 tornado.

“When I heard the news, I didn’t know where to start, I just knew I had to do something. We are coming up on ‘DeMarcus Ware Day’ (April 19th) in the state of Alabama and when that proclamation was declared three years ago, I made a vow to al-

ways do my part to protect ‘Sweet Home Alabama,’” Ware said in a statement. “All things considered, this donation is small in comparison to the devastating feeling of burying a loved one. I look forward to making an even bigger impact in the weeks to come as relief needs continue to be assessed.”

Jefferson’s raises $8,681 during ‘Giveback Day’ Photo special to the Opelika Observer On March 12, all 26 Jefferson’s locations came together and hosted a “Giveback Day.” Ten percent of all sales were donated to help families who were affected by the tragic storms here in Lee County. “Because of all of you who came out to your local Jefferson’s and showed your support, we were able to present $8,681 to Beauregard Elementary School today for disaster relief!! We couldn’t have done it without all of you! We continue to keep all of those impacted in our thoughts & prayers,” read a post a on the business’s Facebook page.

Pictured are Beauregard Elementary principal Lisa Harris and Conner Moulton, the oldest son of Jefferson’s Opelika owner Stephanie Mouton.

Opelika

A12

Family & Religion

March 27, 2019

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Forever in gratitude

remember playing pickup basketball one day at the YMCA when we lived in South Carolina years ago. A couple of guys came in to play.

Everyone seemed to know them but me.

Teams were being picked and we were deciding who was going to guard who and no one wanted to guard one of the guys so I said I would. It turned out he was David Thompson— future NBA hall of famer and one of only six people to score 70 points or more in a professional game. Needless to say, I was on the wrong side that day.

When Jesus was anointed with expensive perfume by

something a woman “beautiful” prior to his for Him crucifix(v. 10). ion, His Anyone disciples objecting criticized to that was her actions.

By Bruce Green clearly on They argued Teaching Minister at the wrong that the per10th Street Church of side. fume could Christ in Opelika We don’t have been know sold and the money given to the anything about the woman’s stance on the poor. Jesus didn’t disresurrection, her take pute their basic premabout John’s baptism ise (that the poor were or what she did or in need), but instead didn’t do on the Sabaddressed the timelibath. ness of the woman’s All of those things action. would have mattered The poor would but none of them continue to be among would have changed them while He was the fact that she did going away. The woman had effectively a beautiful thing for Jesus. prepared His body Christ once said that for burial (Matthew anyone giving a cup of 26:12). She had done

Church calendar

• Pepperell Baptist is continuing to offer a Wednesday evening program from 6 to 7 p.m. for preschool and elementary children called WOW-Worship on Wednesdays. The evening program of Bible messages for children, crafts, fun activities, and snack is ongoing throughout the year. The youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. This is an evening of prayer, Bible Study, and discussion. For more information, contact youth and children’s pastor Ryno Jones if you need more information at 334-7453108.

• First Baptist Church of Opelika’s Womens Ministry will hold an event titled “A Night to Proclaim II: Salt and Light” March 28 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There will be a salad supper served. Tickets cost $10. For more information or to register, call 334-745-5715 or visit www.fbcopelika.com.

• The third annual Sing to Remember event benefitting the Alabama Alzheimer’s Association will be held March 30 at the Roa-

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

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

noke City Auditorium. This year’s musical acts include The McKamey’s and The Exhorters. Tickets will cost $12 and can be purchased at the door on the day of the event.

Children six years old and under are free. For more information, call Jerry Waldrep at 256-357-4147 or 770-359-9641. The venue is located at 100 Tiger Circle.

• Registration for Farmville Baptist Church’s First Steps Preschool program for fall 2019 is now open to the public. For more information or to register, call 334-887-7361 or visit them at 3607 Alabama Highway 147 N. in Auburn.

• April 13 - Pepperell Baptist Church will holding special Easter-themed activities April 13 from 3 to 4:30 p.m., including an Easter egg hunt, bouncy house, face painting and more. Guests are invited to come enjoy the festivities and celebrate Passion Week and the story of Jesus’s resurrection. For more information, call 334-745-3108. The church is located at 2702 2nd Ave.

314 S. 9th St. #745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. #745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E #741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. #703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue #742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. #749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. #363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Liberty Baptist Church 2701 West Point Pkwy #749-9632 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. #745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 #334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy #745-5340 Pepperell Baptist Church 2702 2nd Ave. #745-3108 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd #749-2773 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Rd 166 #745-0807 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. #745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd #741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. #821-7238

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

cold water to a disciple of His would not lose their reward (10:42).

Whatever was done for Him or His was not going to be forgotten!

The beauty of the woman’s gift was that it was highly personalized. It was uniquely from her and for Him. The perfume was likely the most valuable thing she owned.

In Mark’s account the disciples said that it was worth more than a year’s wages. You couldn’t carry something that valuable around with you—it could be lost, stolen or broken. It would be kept at home in a secure place.

When the woman heard Jesus was at the home of Simon, she

made the decision to bring it, break it and empty the jars’ contents on Him. The scalp that would soon experience the soldiers mashing the crown of thorns into it, first knew the tender touch of the woman’s hands. The cheek that would burn with the kiss of betrayal first experienced the sweetscented mixture dripping down it.

We don’t know her name, but we know what she did that day and we who love Jesus are forever in gratitude to this woman for the actions she took that day.

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

Verse of the Week “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.

This is my God, and I will praise Him— my father’s God, and I will exalt him!”

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

Exodus 15:2 Events can be emailed to the Observer at editor@opelikaobserver.com.

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

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

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A13 March 27, 2019

OBITUARIES Dorothy Walton Mitchell Funeral services for Mrs. Dorothy Walton Mitchell, 99, of Opelika, Alabama, were Friday March 22, 2019, at 11:00 am, at First United Methodist Church, Opelika, Alabama. The Reverend Robin Wilson and Reverend Rick Lane officiated. Visitation was Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Mrs. Mitchell who died Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at her residence, was born

Shirley Ann Chestnut Scoggins Shirley Ann Chestnut Scoggins, 83, of Opelika, Alabama, was united with her Lord and Savior on March 7, 2019. Shirley grew up in Atlanta, Georgia where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Richard Scoggins. She and Richard moved to Macon, Georgia in 1966 where they lived for 39 years. She served as the Secretary of Evangelism at Vin-

March 11, 1920, in Lee County, Alabama.

Mrs. Mitchell is survived by her son: Douglas T. Mitchell; daughters: Joanne Mitchell Scarbrough, Susan Mitchell Henderson; grandchildren: Beverly Mitchell Marlett, Douglas T. Mitchell Jr. (Genna), Melissa Scarbrough Snow (Sean), Leah Scarbrough Stowe (Jay), John T Henderson (Stacia), Laura Henderson Bower (Tim); great-grandchildren: Stephanie Marlett , Joseph Marlett (Abbie), Andrea Mitchell Par-

rott (Bryan), Justin Mitchell, Caroline Snow, Claudia Snow, Harrison Snow, Anna-Catherine Henderson, Trent Henderson, Emery Bower.

She is preceded in death by her husband: Ralph T. Mitchell; parents: John Thomas Walton and Lila Estelle Chafin Walton; grandson: Mitchell Scarbrough; three brothers; two sisters; daughter-in-law: Ann Garrett Mitchell; and son-in-law: Jerry Henderson.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

eville Baptist Church in Macon From 1974-1981 and led 21 mission trips and numerous summertime Bible schools.

She later served as a secretary at Mercer University School of Medicine and then Wesleyan College in Macon. After moving to Opelika in 2005 she became actively involved at First Baptist Church of Opelika where her son Steve was pastor. Shirley loved Jesus and was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and

a loving friend to many.

She is survived by her sons: Steve (Karen) Scoggins, Tim (Sabine) Scoggins, and daughter Melissa (Mark) Gatlin, as well as fourteen grandchildren and nineteen greatgrandchildren.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Opelika, Alabama with visitation to follow.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

William Roy Gilliland Funeral services for William Roy Gilliland, Jr. of Opelika were Saturday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m. at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home.

Burial was at Garden Hills Cemetery.

The Reverend Paul Howard officiated. Visitation was Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Mr. Gilliland, who died on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at home was born on April 24, 1947 in Lafayette, Alabama.

Mr. Gilliland grew James William Smith Mr. James William Smith, 91, of Opelika, AL passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, AL. Funeral services were held on Thursday March 21, 2019 at 3:00pm CST at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel, 1500 Frederick Rd in Opelika, with Reverend Stephen Grubbs of Victory Baptist Church, officiating. Burial followed in Garden Hill Cemetery. Visitation was held Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm CST at the funeral home.

Mr. Smith is survived by his daughter, Barbara Rodgers (Darryl) of LaFayette, AL; daughterin-law, Cindy Smith of Valley, AL; son, Steven Smith (Helen) of

up in Lafayette, Alabama and has lived in Opelika, Alabama for the past forty-six years.

He was an Eagle Scout.

He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1965 and was a 1983 graduate of Jacksonville State University.

He enjoyed coaching his daughters in junior league girls’ softball for many years. He was employed and retired from Uniroyal after thirty-three years.

He was a well-loved husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed being outdoors, playing golf with his friends, driving his

boat on Lake Martin, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Martha Davidson Gilliland, of Opelika, Alabama; his daughters Laura Gilliland Dunlap (Phil) of Auburn, Alabama and Ivy Gilliland Campanelli (Tony) of Helena, Alabama; his brother Charles Gilliland (Pat) of Opelika, Alabama; his grandchildren Rush and Sydney Dunlap of Auburn, and Kate and Will Campanelli of Helena.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Cheyenne, WY; seven grandchildren, Amanda Grubbs (Stephen) of Lanett, AL: Amy Blackstock (Judson) of Opelika, AL, Craig Smith of Valley, AL; Wyatt Smith (Anna) of Lake Lure, NC, April Freitag (Chaz) of Berthoud, CO, Dawson Smith (Shaina) of Cheyenne, WY, and Logan Smith of Oceanside, CA; along with 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 67 years, Alice Murphy Smith, and son, James Michael “Mike” Smith, as well as several siblings.

Mr. Smith was born in Opelika, AL on September 10, 1927. He was a lifelong truck driver for Admiral Merchants/Jack Cole Trucking Company, Hughley Oil Company, as well as a few other trucking companies and a part-time Tree Surgeon

for over 40 years. Mr. Smith had been a resident of Lakewood Senior Living, Valley, AL for the last six years and had been attending worship services in-residence, but had previously been a member of Pepperell United Methodist Church in Opelika, AL. Mr. Smith served his country on active duty during World War II in the US Army from 1945 to 1947 with a tour in Germany as a truck driver and driving instructor, earning the WW II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.

Mr. Smith was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. He was affectionately called “Daddy James” by his grandchildren (and many others), who were all very special to him.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Community remembers legacy of local accountant, author Charlotte Miller

By Morgan Bryce Editor A cherished mother, skilled accountant and admired storyteller were all used to describe Beauregard resident Charlotte Miller, one of the 23 individuals who passed away during the March 3 tornado.

Born and raised in Randolph County, Miller pursued an accounting degree from Auburn University, later working as a CPA for the Opelika-based Bartlett, Gunter & Yeager firm.

The Observer was a client of hers for several years.

Inspired by her upbringings, Miller penned a trilogy that captures the life and family story of fictional Randolph County resident Janson Sander, a half-Cherokee, halfwhite farmer. Published

by NewSouth Books, the books were a strong seller according to a WSFA interview with editor-inchief Randall Williams.

NewSouth Books of Montgomery has a special exhibit of her work on display in the Read Herring Bookshop.

Only 59 years old, Miller’s life and legacy

Miller was celebrated through numerous social media posts, including her son Justin, a coworker and neighbor.

“She was an amazing woman who worked harder than almost anybody and gave me more than I could imagine,” Justin said.

“Charlotte was one of the nicest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.

She had a genuine, caring heart and was always smiling,” said Bartlett, Gunter & Yeager administrative assistant Kristin Yeager.

“She was my neighbor for 17 years in my dad's mobile home park.

Always (a) very sweet and kind lady,” said Michael Vickery.

“Charlotte was our accountant, but she was much more than that. She was a gracious lady, a good friend as well as an accomplished author of a best-selling trilogy,” said former Observer editor Fred Woods.

A graveside service for Miller was held on the morning of March 9, followed by a celebration-oflife service at First Baptist Church Opelika that afternoon. Instead of flowers, the family requested donations be made to the Community Foundation of East Alabama’s Lee County Disaster Relief Fund through East Alabama Medical Center.

Copies of Miller’s trilogy are available on www. amazon.com.

A14 March 27, 2019

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Opelika Sportsplex hosts fifth annual Frostbite Open March 16

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika Sportsplex hosted the fifth annual “Frostbite Open” March 16. The event is considered by many players to be one of the Southeast’s premier disc golf events.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

Woman’s Club of Auburn publishes cookbook for 100th anniversary Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

W

ith 246 members from Lee County, the Woman’s Club of Auburn is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. A celebration was held March 7 at the clubhouse with Betty Letlow, centennial co-chairman, presenting the program, “A Century of Leaders on Parade,” featuring various members and their husbands representing those instrumental in the club’s founding. At this meeting, the club’s new cookbook, “100 Recipes for 100 Years,” was available.

President Emilyn Gipson recognized past presidents in attendance. She also presented Legacy Awards to two outstanding club members, Betty Letlow and Sylvia Norris.

The restored antebellum clubhouse, listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage, was festively decorated for the occasion by Beverly Webster. The dining room table held an antique blue and white urn filled with brilliant red roses, while tables in the Hollifield Room were decorated with assorted

tea sets.

The Woman’s Club was founded in March 1919 after early Auburn clubs, including the 1892 Conversational Club, 1914 Sojourners and Clover Clubs, met to discuss a departmental woman’s club. The meeting was held at the Hammill Memorial Sunday School Building of the Methodist church.

From this meeting, the Woman’s Club of Auburn became the first community-wide departmental club in Alabama. Founder Edith Royster Judd served as

Photo by Ann Cipperly Centennial Committee for the Woman’s Club of Auburn are, from left, seated, June Spooner, Regina Fromhold, Emilyn Gipson, club president; back row, from left, Judy Melville, Beverly Webster, Dana Parmer, centennial chairman; Betty Letlow, cochairman, and Mary Ann Rygiel. Committee member Cheryl Patten is not pictured.

the first president.

Throughout its history, members of the Woman’s Club have contributed to the community with philanthropic and civic endeavors. Many have been taken over by the city and county agencies. In May 1919, the club established a playground equipment fund for the grammar school.

In 1920, club members “had a thorough cleaning of the entire

town” by hiring a street cleaner. The parkways were planted from Gay Street to Magnolia Avenue to Toomer’s Corner and south one block on College Street.

Club members paid for the first public sidewalk paving. During World War II, members volunteered with the Red Cross.

In the 1930s, they worked to improve Pine Hill Cemetery and held fundraisers for organizations. The public

library was first kept open by club volunteers. The club was involved in the establishment of the first kindergarten.

In the early years, members met at churches and the Thomas Hotel. They began a house fund, but it was years later before having a clubhouse became a reality.

Mollie Hollifield Jones, who served as president from 1933 to See Recipes, page B3

Local author, Auburn instructor to hold Beauregard native to host benefit concert April book launch at 10,000 Hz Records April 13 14 in Opelika Special to the Opelika Observer

By Tyler Roush For the Opelika Observer As a lifetime resident of Beauregard, Tristan Long wanted to give back to his community.

Following the tornados that hit his hometown in early March, Long is coordinating a Lee County Tornado Victim Benefit Concert that will donate all of its proceeds to the Providence Baptist Church disaster relief

fund.

The event will be held on April 14 at the Bottling Plant Event Center on 614 N. Railroad Ave beginning at 3:30 p.m.

For Long, who said that he had family that was affected by the tornados, the event allows him to provide much-needed help for his community.

After his sister came up with the idea of See Benefit, page B6

Local author Justin Gardiner will be hosting a book launch at 10,000 Hz Records in Opelika on April 3 from 7 to 8 pm.

Beneath the Shadow is centered on journal excerpts by eight famous explorers, which Gardiner uses as touchstones for modernday experiences of harsh seas, chance encounters, rugged terrain and unspeakable beauty.

With equal parts

levity and lyricism, Gardiner navigates the distance between the historical and the contemporary, the artistic and the scien-

tific, the heroic and the mundane.

Gardiner, a Pacific Northwest native, now teaches at Auburn University,

where he also serves as the nonfiction editor of the Southern Humanities Review.

See Gardiner, page B7

Monday-Tuesday 11 AM - 3 PM Wednesday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

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B2 March 27, 2019

Acclaimed singer, songwriter James Stanley to perform at Sundilla April 5 Special to the Opelika Observer American singer and songwriter James Lee Stanley returns to Sundilla on April 5.

Stanley’s career is basically a list of highlights. His 1998 album “Freelance Human Being” is described by FI Magazine as “one of the top 200 recordings of all time.” He has toured with Bonnie Raitt, Robin Williams, Nicolette

Larson and comedian Steven Wright’s opening act.

Stanley’s acoustic recordings of rock classics (All Wood and Stones; All Wood and Doors; the upcoming All Wood and Led) are revolutionary. He recently recorded a soundtrack for a book and has acting experience, starring in 13 episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

In a review by the New York culture

Stanley

magazine Village Voice, an author wrote that Stanley’s music is “simple, really. With (Stanley) you get great songs, great guitar playing, great voice and a gifted comedian as well.

You are in for a very entertaining evening."

Advance tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at Spicer’s Music, World Cup Coffee or online at www. sundillamusic.com.

Day-of admission costs

$20.

Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees are welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage.

Showtime at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is set for 7:30 p.m. The venue is located at 450 E. Thach Ave. For more information about Stanley and his music, visit www. jamesleestanley.com.

Museum East Alabama of

invites you to join us 7th Annual

Taste of the Town Tuesday, April 23rd 2019 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Tickets are $30.00 per person

Silent Auction

Beneeting the Museum of East Alabama For more information please call (334) 749-2751

Come Sample the Best of Local Restaurants’ Food & Wine

Sponsored by Henry J Stern Family Foundation

pelika O Observer Recipes,

from B1

1935, was dedicated to having a clubhouse.

She was a 1902 graduate of API and completed her graduate work in 1905.

She also completed advanced study at the University of California and Columbia.

She authored the book, “AUBURN Loveliest Village on the Plain.”

In 1958, club members accepted Alice Cary Pick’s offer to sell the club land on Sanders Street for $2,000, which was about half the value.

The club submitted a bid on the Lane house in 1960 when Auburn University began taking bids for the demolition of three buildings on property where the Ralph Brown Draughon Library would be built.

General James Henry Lane, a Confederate officer, who became head of the engineering department at API, purchased the 1853 house in 1884.

The Woman’s Club was outbid for the Lane house by Thad Webster, who sold it privately to Mollie for $301, one dollar more than he paid for it. Mollie then bequeathed the house to the club.

Architect Frank Orr inspected the house and felt it could be moved in three pieces. He oversaw the renovation for a reduced cost of $600.

The Lane house was moved to its new location on Sanders Street in 1960. A great deal of work was needed on the house. Alice Cary Pick donated funds for a kitchen.

Furnishings were provided by Alice Cary Pick, Libba Duncan Pearson and others. Mollie loaned the club $10,000 for three percent interest for more than 10 years.

Finally, the Woman’s Club had a home and held their first meeting Jan. 11, 1962 in the assembly room of the clubhouse, named the HollifieldJones room. Members of the Woman’s Club dedicated their clubhouse on March 8, 1962. Eight months after the dedication, Mollie died, but her will directed that the remaining balance on the loans be cancelled.

During the years, members have remained active in philanthropic service. In recent years, projects included toys for the Salvation Army, the Alabama Child Care Fund, the Food Bank of East Alabama, the Lee County Youth Development Center and others.

The philanthropic committee meets once a year to decide how to distribute funds to deserving persons or organizations. A $500 scholarship is given to an Auburn University nursing student. At the general meetings and Christmas tea, toys are collected and distributed to various organizations for needy children.

Current departments in the Woman’s Club include Home and Garden, International Affairs, Literature and Arts, Lunch Bunch, Bridge and Philanthropic and Professional.

The Woman’s Club’s history continues as the 100th anniversary is celebrated and current leaders and members are continuing to make a difference.

Following is a variety of recipes from “100 Recipes for 100 Years.” Kara Silvers and Emilyn Gipson assembled the cookbook with recipes from members. Copies are $10 and can be purchased by emailing Emilyn at emilynng@ yahoo.com.

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com

Food Ratings Starbuck’s 2056 Interstate Drive Opelika Score: 100

Firehouse Subs 3000 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 99

Honey Baked Ham 1451 Gateway Drive, Opelika Score: 100

Jack’s 1903 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 98

Big Blue Crawfish 2611 Pepperell Pkwy Opelika Score: 99 BurgerFi 2145 Interstate Drive Opelika Score: 99

Cook-Out 2168 Interstate Drive Opelika Score: 97 Little Taste of Heaven 1405 Geneva St. Opelika Score: 94

Photo by Ann Cipperly On the 100th anniversary of the Woman’s Club of Auburn, Betty Letlow of Opelika presented the program “A Century of Leaders on Parade.” Club members together with three husbands stood in for deceased leaders recognized. Leaders representing themselves were Regina Fromhold, Dora James and Sylvia Norris. Participating in the program are, from left, front row, Sylvia Norris, Margaret Craig-Schmidt, Tricia Watson, Regina Fromhold, Fran Pick Dillard, Charlotte Below; second row, Dora James, Carol Dillard, Beverly Bietzel, Linda Hardy, Michael Bumgardner, Betty Letlow, Patsy Parker; third row, Joe Spooner Mike Parmer and Alesia Davenport.

Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Vicki Evans Hough 2 pkgs. 15 count Athens mini phyllo shells 3/4 cup prepared pimento cheese 1/2 cup Major Grey’s Mango Chutney, hot 15 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill each mini phyllo shell with 1 tsp. or so of pimento cheese.

(Easier to leave in the package to fill). Press a dent in each filled shell and add approx. 1/2 tsp. of Mango Chutney. Top with bacon crumbles.

Transfer to baking sheet and bake 5 to 8 minutes.

Serve warm, but they are also good at room temperature.

Note: I like to make my own pimento cheese to control consistency and seasonings. If you buy, make sure it’s one without too much mayonnaise in order to avoid sogginess.

Salmon Mousse Betty Letlow 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin 1/2 cup cold water 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can red salmon, drained 1 cup mayonnaise 2 Tbsp. vinegar 2 Tbsp. catsup Dash red pepper Dash black pepper 15 pimento stuffed olives, sliced 2 hard cooked eggs, chopped 2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish (or more) 1 cup whipping cream, whipped Garnishes: lemon slices, chopped fresh parsley, and flowering cabbage Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small saucepan; let stand for 1 minute. Cook over low heat, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.

Remove skin and bones from salmon, if desired; flake salmon with a fork. Combine salmon and next 5 ingredients; stir well. Add olives, egg, and relish; stir.

Gently fold in whipped cream. Spoon mixture into a well-greased 5 1/2 cup mold. (I use a fish mold.)

Cover and refrigerate up to two days. To serve: Unmold onto a serving plate with lettuce or flowering cabbage. Place slices

of lemon, cut in half, around shape of fish. (If mousse is slow to come out of mold, place warm, wet dish towel over top of mold, continuing to heat the towel with hot tap water, until the mousse comes loose onto lettuce or flowering cabbage.)

Serve with crackers.

Makes 5 1/2 cups.

Libby Ware’s Vegetable Dip Emilyn Gipson 1 pkg. frozen, chopped spinach, cooked and drained dry 1 cup sliced water chestnuts (drain and chop) 1 pkg. Knorr dry vegetable soup mix 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup sour cream 1/2 tsp. dry onion flakes 1 tsp. lemon juice 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt Dash Tabasco Combine all ingredients the day before serving an refrigerate. Serve with corn chips.

Rainbow Jell-O Salad Nancy Lawhead 6 pkg. (3 oz.) Jell-O Cherry, orange, lemon, lime, black cherry, raspberry 1 pt. (16 oz.) sour cream 13 1/2 x 9 Pyrex dish, lightly greased w/mayo, then refrigerated To each box of Jell-O, add: 1 cup boiling water.

Divide into two bowls, 1/2 cup each To 1 bowl add 1/3 cup sour cream To 2nd bowl add 3 Tbsp. cold water Pour sour cream/JellO layer onto bottom of Pyrex dish. Set timer and refrigerate for 30 minutes. When chilled, layer with just Jell-O. Continue alternating Jell-O and sour cream mixture until you have 12 layers.

Chill thoroughly.

Cut in squares.

Slow-cooked Memphisstyle Barbeque Sauce Ann Whatley 24 oz. bottle catsup 1 1/2 cups water 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/3 cup granulated sugar 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper (I do not use but about 1 teaspoon.

Depends on how hot you want the sauce).

2 tsp. granulated onion

B3 March 27, 2019 2 tsp. dry mustard 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce In a medium saucepan, combine catsup, water, apple cider vinegar, both sugars, pepper, onion, and mustard. Place over medium high heat and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring sauce occasionally. Add lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Pour into airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Hidden Valley Ranch Pinwheels Margaret Clark 2 pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch original dressing mix 2 green onions, minced 4 (12-inch) tortillas 1 jar (4 oz.) sliced pimentos 1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilies 1 can (2,25 oz.) sliced black olives Mix first three ingredients. Spread on tortillas.

Drain vegetables and blot on paper towels.

Sprinkle equal amounts of remaining ingredients on top of cream cheese.

Roll tortillas tightly.

Chill at least 2 hours before slicing into 1-inch pieces. Discard the ends.

Quick Buttermilk Rolls Jeannie Bumgardner 2 pkgs. yeast 1/4 cup lukewarm water 3 Tbsp. sugar 4 1/2 cups plain flour 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. soda 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 1/2 cup corn oil 3 Tbsp. butter, melted Place yeast, water, and 1 Tbsp. sugar in a large bowl; set aside.

Sift together flour, salt, and soda. Heat buttermilk on low heat until lukewarm; combine with yeast mixture. Add remaining sugar and corn oil; mix well. Add flour mixture, 2 cups at a time; blend. Let stand 10 minutes; knead for 5 minutes. Form into rolls; place on greased pans. Brush tops with melted butter. Let rise 30 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Yield: 2-3 dozen.

From 1960’s Favorite Recipes of Home Economics Teachers Cookbook Escalloped Tomato Casserole Kara Silvers This is a nice, tangy, old fashioned accompaniment to any meat, chicken, or fish and good for covered dish suppers.

1 large (2.5) can tomatoes (27-29 oz.)

1 1/4 cups dry bread

cubes 1/4 – 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup butter 1 small onion, chopped fine 1/8 tsp. pepper Pinch basil Chop onion fine Sauté in butter in an iron or heavy skillet.

Add brown sugar until melted, then add bread cubes.

Stir and cook slowly.

Last, stir in tomatoes and seasoning.

Place in shallow, greased baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Cream Cheese with Jezebel Sauce Mary Ann Stiles 8 oz. jar pineapple preserves 8 oz. jar apple jelly 1 Tbsp. horseradish ¼ cup dry mustard 1 tsp. black pepper 1 pkg. reduced fat cream cheese Crackers In a small saucepan, thoroughly mix first 5 ingredients. Heat slowly until thoroughly mixed.

Cool.

Spread a small amount of cream cheese on a cracker and top with sauce mixture. You can also place a block of cream cheese on a tray with a small bowl of the Jezebel Sauce on the tray. Put crackers in a separate container. Allow guests to serve themselves.

Blackberry Buttermilk Bundt with Orange Glaze 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened plus 2 Tbsp. for greasing 2 2/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar 4 large eggs, at room temperature 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 pts. blackberries Glaze: 1/2 cup freshly squeeze orange juice 1/2 cup powdered sugar Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Use 2 Tbsp. butter to coat 2 qt. nonstick Bundt pan, then spray with cooking spray.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

In large bowl, mix butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. (Use med. high on mixer.)

Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in vanilla.

Reduce mixer speed to low and mix in half flour; then buttermilk, then remaining flour.

Fold in blackberries.

Bake in Bundt pan for about 1 hour, until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 10 minutes.

While cooling, simmer orange juice and powdered sugar in small saucepan until sugar is dissolved.

Invert cake onto plate.

With a skewer, poke holes in cake and pour on half of orange glaze.

Let soak in for 20 minutes, then pour on other half of glaze.

TOP 5 THINGS NOT TO MISS AT SIP & SAVOR SPRING

March 28 – 31, 2019 Tickets Available at SipandSavorSpring.com

Weekend Getaway with an All-Inclusive Food + Drink Ticket!

5

Tastings Under the Big Top

BBQ ALLEY

The South’s best BBQ superstars in one place – with wine, spirits and beer tastings all included with your ticket for Saturday!

4

3

Callaway Resort & Gardens

Ski Pavilion on Robin Lake

WHERE SPRING BEGINS!

SIP & SAVOR ON THE LAKE

Over 20,000 varieties of azaleas, tulips, dogwoods and more in bloom! The recently renovated resort boasts scenic beauty at every turn! Garden admissions included with all tickets!

2

Bryan Furman, B’s Cracklin’ BBQ

Friday evening culinary and wine, spirits and beer tasting stations with a souvenir glass

1 TASTINGS UNDER WAFFLE HOUSE SHOWDOWN THE BIG TOP Kicking things off on Saturday at 11:30 am with a lively Waffle House celebrity chef competition, breakfast, Bloody Mary’s & Mimosas included O FFI C I A L S P O N S O RS

M E D I A S P O N S O RS

Saturday afternoon, 2 - 5 pm main event with live music, all you can eat and drink with souvenir glass

pelika O Observer

B5 March 27, 2019

Azalea and Dogwood Trail in full bloom across Opelika

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer

B6 March 27, 2019

Morgan Wallen, HARDY to perform in Phenix City April 26 Special to the Opelika Observer Country music’s most exciting new voice Morgan Wallen is bringing his electrifying live show to the Phenix City Ampitheater on April 26 with special guest and label mate HARDY. The Big Loud Records fireband recently celebrated a one-two punch of platinumlevel certifications, first as a songwriter with Jason Aldean’s No. 1 hit “You Make It Easy” and as an artist in his own right with his summertime smash “Up Down” featuring Florida Georgia Line – which the collaborators performed at this year’s CMA Fest.

With an incredible list of achievements under his belt including being named to MusicRow’s 2019 Next Big Thing class, Taste of Country’s 2018 RISERS, and CMT’s Listen Up “18 for 2018” artists, Wallen has become a standout amongst the newest class of Country musicians. His first No. 1 as an artist, “Up Down” is featured on his smash debut album IF I KNOW ME. It also houses his latest single “Whiskey Glasses,” which is racing its way up the

Benefit,

from B1

someone running a concert to benefit the victims of the tornado, Long decided to move forward.

charts after being among the most added at country radio its first week of release. Whiskey Riff calls the play-on-words tune “clever, catchy and if you’ve ever had to drink away a broken heart, you know exactly where he’s coming from,” while Taste of Country lauds it’s “a song that's as easy of a radio hit as they come.”

Coming off of an incredible run this fall opening for Jake Owen on his LIFE’S WHATCHA MAKE IT TOUR, and preparing for his second headlining tour, the IF I KNOW ME Tour presented by Shiner Light Blonde, Wallen’s live shows are at an all-time high.

After honing his stage skills in 2017 opening for Florida-Georgia Line and Chris Lane, Wallen spent the summer of 2018 wowing crowds as support on Luke Bryan’s WHAT MAKES YOU COUNTRY TOUR, including more than a dozen dates on the XL – STADIUM SIZED leg, performing in noteworthy venues such as Fenway Park, Busch Stadium, MetLife Stadium, Dodger Stadium and many more.

“It just feels good to me because I’ve grown up in Beauregard,” Long said. “I know of a lot of the people that were affected.”

Long said that the event will begin with acoustic bands that will play through three

Morgan Wallen “Morgan Wallen is country music’s newest superstar.” – NKD Mag “The guy behind ‘Up Down’ is blowing up.”

– Vevo “All hail Morgan Wallen,” – CMT “…Morgan Wallen is taking country music by storm.” – Hollywood Life About Wallen: Wallen has burst onto the scene as a dynamite solo artist and in-demand songwriter.

His debut album If I Know Me (Big Loud Records), premiered in April of 2018, and was soon after named one of Taste of Country’s top-10 Country Albums of 2018, So Far. With more than 400 million combined

digital streams to his credit, he was spotlighted in CMT’s Listen Up “18 for 2018” class of newcomers, named a 2018 Taste of Country RISER, and earned opening spots touring with the likes of Luke Bryan, Florida- Georgia Line, Chris Lane and Jake Owen. Wallen has co-penned hits for a Thousand Horses, Dustin Lynch, Kane Brown and Jason Aldean, most notably on PLATINUM-certified No. 1 “You Make It Easy.” The Tennessee native embarked on his 27-city headlining IF I KNOW ME tour presented by Shiner Light Blonde on Jan. 4 in Rosemont.

HARDY ents like Chris Lane, ABOUT HARDY: Seth Ennis, Tyler Farr, A Philadelphia, Mississippi native Big Walker McGuire and more lining up to cut Loud Records/Tree his tracks. On Oct. Vibez Music Country 19, 2018, HARDY artist HARDY first made his debut as a arrived in Nashville solo artist, releasing a in 2010 and has since hard-charging EP of established himself Country swagger and as one of the most exciting new songwrit- rock attitude, THIS OLE BOY. Comprised ers on Music Row. Emerging in 2018 with of four loud-and-proud anthems, which also the PLATINUM-cerpack an intriguing tified #1 “Up Down” (performed by Morgan literary punch, the EP features the buzzWallen and Florida worthy small-town Georgia Line) and bangers “Throwback,” gold-certified, No. 1 “Rednecker,” “4X4” hit “Simple” (Florida and “This Ole Boy.” Georgia Line), his HARDY will introknack for unforgetduce his fresh Country table grooves and unique turns of phrase sound to fans for the first time as part of have made him an inWallen’s IF I KNOW demand collaborator, ME TOUR this winter. with new school tal-

different rounds before the main event. Current performers that are listed to play are Murphy Elmore, Blane Rudd, Tyler Braden, Jonboy Storey among others.

In addition to live music, the concert

will also feature food provided by Chicken Salad Chick and a concurrent silent auction.

Long said that the event is still looking to add additional vendors to provide food or items for the silent auction.

While food is served,

the event will also feature art made by Tammy Chase. All sales of Chase’s art will also be donated to the relief fund.

After recognizing the struggle that his family, his friends and his community went

through, Long said that he is happy to have the opportunity to provide support.

“It hit close to home,” Long said. “Being able to help out, it just means a lot to give back to the community.”

pelika O Observer Pepperell Baptist hosts ‘Sweet Tea in Jesus’ fellowship

B7 March 27, 2019

Zimmer Biomet Championship to be played May 23-26 at Opelika’s Grand National course Special to the Opelika Observer The Zimmer Biomet Championship will be played May 23-26 on the Lake Course at Opelika's Grand National, where the players will compete for total prize money of $300,000, the largest in Symetra Tour history.

Zimmer Biomet will be designated the official joint replacement provider of the LPGA and the official joint replace-

ment provider of the Symetra Tour, the LPGA Tour’s official qualifying tour. Additionally, LPGA and World Golf Halls of Fame member and 48-time LPGA Tour winner Nancy Lopez will serve as the company's brand ambassador.

"Representing a company that has a product that has changed my life is pretty exciting, and to be the spokesperson for Zimmer Biomet and to talk about it is fantastic,"

Lopez said, who had her left knee replaced in Florida last November after having her right knee replaced one year prior. "It's going to be a lot of fun to reach out to people that pretty much are afraid to do anything with knee replacements."

Zimmer Biomet will also be a title sponsor on the Symetra Tour. The Lake Course previously played host to the PGA TOUR from 2015-2017.

"We are grateful to

Zimmer Biomet for embracing the Symetra Tour," said Symetra Tour business officer Mike Nichols. "The inclusion of Nancy Lopez as the hostess for this inaugural event makes for a special week for our players, sponsors and fans."

Lopez will attend both the pro-am competition and the pro-am party at the Zimmer Biomet Championship. For more information, visit ww.rtjgolf.com.

Photo by Beth Pinyerd

By Beth Pinyerd For the Opelika Observer Pepperell Baptist Church held its “Sweet Tea In Jesus” spring fellowship on March 16. Fun fellowship, salads, dessert and tea were enjoyed by all. The fellowship hall was decorated beautifully with ladies’ hats, apparel, jewelry to accent the tea theme.

Friendships were enhanced and new friends were made at the fellowship.

Everyone felt so welcome, love and encouraged.

Donna Allen was the guest speaker and soloist. “Reflection of Jesus” in being a woman after God’s own heart was the theme of her talk and outreach to the women. She emphasized that every woman has a purpose. Allen encouraged the ladies by saying that they are created to glow and radiate as they glorify God in all they do.

The church is located at 2702 Second Ave. For more information, call 334-745-3108 for upcoming events.

Benefit concert for tornado survivors to be held March 31 in downtown Opelika Special to the Opelika Observer Hueman Collective, Sylvia Rose Novak and Due South Artist Management are hosting a relief festival to benefit the victims of the tornados that impacted Lee County.

The festival will be held on Sunday, March 31, at three different locations in downtown Opelika

from noon to 5:30 p.m.

Locations that will be hosting live music from local bands and musicians include The Railyard Music Venue, 10,000 Hz Records and Red Clay Brewing Company.

A current listing of performers includes Novak, B.B. Palmer, Larry Mitchell and Brett McDaniel among others.

Novak Separate from the live music, the festival will also be host-

ing food trucks All proceeds from ticket sales for the festival will be directly donated to tornado victims. In addition, a percentage of sales from participating businesses, including Red Clay, 10,000 Hz and Due South Artist Management, will also be donated.

Children under 12 years old will receive free admission.

Gardiner, from B1

He is a recipient of the Margery Davis Boyden Wilderness Writing Fellowship, as well as the Larry Levis Post-Graduate Stipend in poetry from Warren Wilson College’s MFA Program. His writing has appeared in journals that include the Missouri Review, Blackbird, Quarterly West and ZYZZYVA. The event is open to the public, and copies of Beneath the Shadow will be available for purchase.

For more information, visit justingardiner.net. The record store is located at 717A 1st Ave.

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

Opelika Charitable Giving Facts As the economy improves and confidence grows, charitable giving is making a comeback. Now could be a good time to evaluate giving and consider new ways to support the causes that you care about.

Philanthropy Philanthropy has played a role in every major civilization.

Whether the goal is to make a big impact or a modest gift, and whether you’re planning for the end of the year, or an enduring legacy, there are many options. Choosing wisely can be the key to making the biggest impact while minimizing present and future tax exposure.

REASONS FOR GIVING A desire to be philanthropic, to create a legacy, sense of moral duty Tax minimization, asset management, estate planning Serving Retirees • families • small business Owners • Nonprofits • Individuals

Financial planning for today, for tomorrow, for life.

334-528-6191

www.eamcfoundation.org

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

208 South 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 www.investopelika.com Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Railroad Investment group is not a registered broker dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Inc., member FDIC/SIPC.

Owners, RIG Financial Advisors, RJFS BLAKE HENRY LAUREL CALLAWAY Office - 334-748-9999 Fax - 334-748-9998

Call us today to discuss your charitable giving strategy Raymond James financial advisors do not render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professionals.

pelika Observer O

B8 March 27, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• March 28 - Business Over Breakfast - Dr. Joe Sumners • March 28 - Lifestyle Group Business After Hours • April 5 - Carswell Insurance Agency Ribbon Cutting at 11 a.m.

• April 5 - Firing Pin Ribbon Cutting at 4 p.m.

• April 11 - Genesis Health Business After Hours Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 8876659 or at 256-3071449.

Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th Street, Opelika • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika.

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

Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

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

• The 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, con-

tact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-528-4197 or deborahowen@eamc.org.

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

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 7491584.

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects.

Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email.

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

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

Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn. edu.

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday.

Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

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

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

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

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

The event is free and open to the public.

Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in.

The jam session is held from 6 to 8 p.m.

8685 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 706-5189122.

• The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport.

The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to

be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www. auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook.

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

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 8261899 or 502-0216.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334737-5215 or cheri. paradice@gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month.

• 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.

New Events • March 30 - The third annual Sing to Remember event benefitting the Alabama Alzheimer’s Association will be held March 30 at the Roanoke City Auditorium. This year’s musical acts include The McKamey’s and The Exhorters. Tickets will cost $12 and can be purchased at the door on the day of the event. Children six years old and under are free. For more information, call Jerry Waldrep at 256-3574147 or 770-359-9641.

The venue is located at 100 Tiger Circle.

• April 1 - Lee County Voters League meeting will meet April 1 at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church which is located at 201 South 4th Street in Opelika. The group will complete overdue business after devoting the entirely of our last meeting to Secretary of State John Merrill’s visit then provide info and forms on restoration of voter rights as one of the issues Sect. Merrill addressed.

• April 3 - The Lee County Master Gardeners meeting will be held April 3 at the Opelika Municipal Park pavilion, located across the street from the Opelika Parks & Recreation Center, 1102 Denson Dr. The meeting starts at 12:30 p.m. and the public is invited. The speaker this month is Billie Oliver, a long time Lee Co. Master Gardener and lead coordinator of the Caroline Dean Wildflower Trail.

There will be a brief talk on shade plants and then a guided tour of the trail. Visit LeeMG.org.

• April 6 - The Circle of Care Center for Families’ RENEW HOPE 85 invites you to participate in a one-mile Hope Walk to raise awareness to human trafficking taking place in East Alabama and West Georgia. Those interested in attending are asked to arrive at Langdale United Methodist Church’s THE OAKS April 6 at 10 a.m. E.S.T. For more information or to preregister, visit renewhopeinitiative.com.

• April 12 - East Tennessee singer/ songwriter Emi Sunshine will perform at the River Center for the Performing Arts April 12. She is noted for both her vocals and instruments which are deeply rooted in the heritage of Appalachian music. Tickets range in cost from $25-$75 and can be purchased by visiting www.rivercenter.org.

• April 28 - The Junior League of Lee County will hold an Alice in Wonderland-

themed fundraiser and silent auction April 28 at the Moore’s Mill Club pavilion. Called the “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party,” the event will begin at 2 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.juniorleagueofleecounty.com. The venue is located at 1957 Fairway Drive.

• Wildlife in Watercolor An exhibit featuring local art students will be held at the Smiths Station Government Center. Exhibition is open daily, is free, family friendly, open to the public • Sketches from Local History An exhibit featuring recent acquisitions by the City of Smiths Station curated by The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art A Center for Cultural Arts At Smiths Station City Hall Art Galleries Exhibition is Open Daily Free, Family Friendly, Open to the Public •After School Art Classes for Children & Youth Weekly Studio Classes featuring Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today- 334480-2008 •Afternoon Art Classes for Adults featuring Studio Drawing, Painting & More.. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided Thursdays at 3 p.m.

Eastern Standard Time The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Evening Art Classes for Adults Fundamental Drawing Studio - Every Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Portrait Drawing Studio - portrait drawing classes for beginners, Every Wednesday 2 p.m. EST *all fine art supplies are provided The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts - Enroll Today334-480-2008 • Senior Studio Art Classes Every Wednesday 11 a.m. EST *beginners are welcome *all fine art supplies are always provided - Enroll Today- 334480-2008 Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

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

OPELIKA BASEBALL SCHEDULE • March 28 doubleheader at Benjamin Russell at 4, 6:30 p.m.

• March 30 at Sylacauga at 2:30 p.m.

• April 1 - v. Auburn at 6 p.m.

• April 4 - at Stanhope Elmore at 4:30 p.m.

Auburn named as one of the country’s top military-friendly schools

By Preston Sparks For the Opelika Observer

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

T

he Opelika City Schools were on spring break last week, including most sports except baseball and softball. The Lady Bulldogs participated in the “Alex Wilcox Memorial Tournament,” beating Greenville 7-3 and Pike Road 12-2. These two wins will help the girls as they prepare for area competition and tournament. Opelika hosts Auburn at West Ridge Park on Thursday at 6 p.m.

TINA DEESE TO RETIRE Opelika Middle School teacher and Opelika High School softball coach Tina Deese announced her intentions to retire last week. Deese, hired

by OCS in 2015, was the Auburn University Softball coach from 1997-2013. She guided two Lady Bulldog teams deep in the playoffs. Deese taught PE at OMS while coaching the high school team.

BASEBALL The Opelika baseball team (6-18), coached

by Zach Blatt, hit the road for five games.

Opelika finished the week 1-4, beating Boonville and losing to Oxford, Austin, Tuscaloosa County and James Clemons.

The Bulldogs started the week with an 11-1 win over Booneville.

Hooney Oh pitching five innings, allowing five hits and striking

out three to earn the win. Colton Dunson led the charge offensively with three hits, two runs scored and walked. Brooks Bryan and Micah Christian added two hits apiece while Kory McCoy, Brayden Thomas and Julian Duke each added hits.

Oxford beat the Bulldogs 10-4 behind 11 hits. Opelika’s Christian, Andrew Parr, Bryan, Duke and Latrell Gulatte singled.

Will Ingram, Hunter Weston and Taylor Birmingham pitched.

Austin High School held the Dawgs to only two hits over seven innings. Jase Rhodes and Brayden Thomas pitched.

Tuscaloosa County defeated Opelika for the second time in seven days, 8-1. Tuscaloosa is coached by former Opelika coach Nick Richardson.

Offensively, Thomas and Jackson Harris led Opelika with two hits apiece. Christian, Parr, Dunson and Jackson Craft added singles.

In the final game of the week, Opelika battled James Clemons to a 9-7 loss. No details or stats were made available.

SOCCER V. AUBURN The Opelika boys and girls soccer teams travel to Duck Samford Stadium Friday to See Sports, page C4

She’s held five different roles in the U.S. Army, achieved the rank of Sergeant E-5, traveled the globe on tours to war-torn Afghanistan and Iraq and has tackled with the best of them as a player in the Women’s National Football Conference.

Meet Amber Grant, a 32-yearold Philadelphia native who has already lived a life full of experiences and yet this spring will add another major accomplishment to her resume – earning her business management degree from Auburn University. Grant, who served more than nine years in active duty military service through 2014, credits Auburn for helping provide

a strong foundation toward her ultimate goal of starting her own catering company.

“I considered Auburn because they had a program in entrepreneurship and family business,” Grant said, who has two children, Sonya, 10, and Billy, five, and whose husband Billy also is a veteran. “I want to own my own restaurant/catering company as my long-term goal. So, when I saw that Auburn had an entrepreneurship program I knew that Auburn was where I wanted to be. Also, I made my decision because of the Veterans Resource Center (at Auburn) because they offer a home away from home for veterans.”

Such firm support of veteran students is a hallmark of the Auburn experience, and recently the univer-

Sparks sity once again received accolades for those efforts by being named a Military Friendly School for 20192020, a list to be published in the May edition of G.I. Jobs Magazine.

The high ranking comes as no See Auburn, page C5

AHSAA’s Super 7 State Football Championships to return to Auburn University Dec. 4-6, 2019 Special to the Opelika Observer The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Super 7 State Football Championships will be heading back to Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium Dec. 4-6 for the second year in a row, announced AHSAA executive director Steve Savarese on Sunday.

The seven AHSAA state football championship games have been rotating between the University of Alabama’s BryantDenny Stadium and Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium annually since 2009.

“With our upcoming plans to upgrade parts of Bryant-Denny Stadium, we asked Auburn to host the Super 7 again this year, and they generously accepted,” said University of Alabama Athletics Director Greg Byrne. We will look forward to hosting the Super 7 again in 2020 and want to thank Auburn and everyone involved in helping move this forward.”

Auburn University Athletics Director Allen Greene said Auburn

University was glad to be able to accommodate Byrne’s request.

“We are excited about the opportunity to once again welcome the state’s best football teams, their bands, cheerleaders, students and supporters to Jordan-Hare Stadium,” Byrne said. “As they have done so well in the past, our community and local organizing committee will work to provide a great experience for those that travel to our city and campus for this great event.”

Savarese said that from the very beginning he has been amazed at just how well the parties involved have worked together to make the Super 7 such a special event.

The Super 7 has rotated with the championships being held at the site not hosting the annual Auburn-Alabama Iron Bowl each year. Jordan-Hare will be the site for the Auburn-Alabama game next December as well.

“The University of Alabama and City of Tuscaloosa asked Auburn to step in and host again this year,” Savarese said. “Auburn University and the Cities of Auburn and Opelika graciously

agreed. Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama will host the 2020 Super 7 the following year.

“This partnership rotation between our state’s two finest football stadiums, the cities of Tuscaloosa, Opelika and Auburn and both universities has been outstanding. “Each community and each university have always shown tremendous cooperation working together to provide lifelong memories for our studentathletes, member schools and our participating communities from all across this great state.”

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox say they appreciate the opportunity to host the Super 7.

“From the beginning, there has been extraordinary partnership between the universities and our respective cities,” Maddox said. “Together, we take tremendous pride in hosting the AHSAA Super 7. The City of Tuscaloosa is truly appreciative of the willingness of the cities of See AHSAA, page C6

pelika O Observer

C3 March 27, 2019

How far the light goes

I

reached for my sunglasses, then the overhead button; the sunroof opened and the car filled with salted balmy air. The light flickered in slow flashes as I drove through the treelined arcade. I stopped for a dry cappuccino at a favored café, and paused to read in a cool whitewashed corner before making my way to the shoreline. My walk to the sands was at a slow pace. I stopped often to consider the landscape of the seemingly far off place, still so close to everything.

Over pale ghostly dunes, new pines reach upwards with determination. I’m always captivated by the early blooms of magnolia and the lavender hues of Lupine. For wildlife, this is a refuge, free from development.

So near to luxurious progression, yet natural wonders remain virtually untouched.

Perhaps this, too, is reason I return often.

I walked to the water’s edge, and there I stood.

The tide was serene, water clear with sapphire and emerald in the dis-

YOUR DESTINATION for CONTINUED FINE ARTS EDUCATION STUDIO CLASSES | DRAWING, PAINTING & MORE for ALL AGES www.thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com

By Sarah West tance. The sunlight cast kaleidoscope patterns on the corrugated sands below. Shells washed ashore and then burrowed into the surface near my feet, reminding me that there is still life to be lived until an end is reached. This ecosystem seemingly untouched at first glance is effected by our every footprint. I see a shell caught amid the cresting wave. I attempt to determine whether or not it is complete before reaching to retrieve it.

Captured. I keep it. It will become a talisman that prompts consideration.

The foam chills my feet

and the sun warms me. I think to myself, I want to write about this moment, but I question “what will this mean?”

The tourist tracks, the morning runner, the aesthetic voyager, the child building the nearby sand castle.

We take something from the earth with each new step. I often wonder, “With as much as we take, do we give at least this much back?”

How far does the light go, and what do call that ever changing kaleidoscope that the sun casts and the water reflects upon the earth below? I

leave the beach with my one seashell. Like the waves, these questions echo. That moment in the sun. The time in which that ray of light found me, the space between the waves. In intervals they wash against me.

I’m quite far inland, now.

Days since, I claimed the shell, meditated among the dunes, and watched the foam collect round the wall of the cappuccino cup and the light still finds me.

Sarah West serves the Opelika Observer as a contributing columnist, with written works of Cultural Arts

relevance and prose. She is a preservation, and conservation advocate, activist, and visual artist of American Illustration with a focus on Regional Narrative Painting. She is founder of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts, Smiths Station, Alabama’s premier fine arts destination. She is the appointed Official Artist to the City of Smiths Station, a Lee County syndicated columnist, the director of her art center’s Cultural Arts Outreach Initiative which partners with local schools to make the arts accessible to all. She also

serves a chief curator to the City of Smiths Station, City Hall Art Galleries.

She is a founding member of the Smith Station Historic Commission.

She is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board- Cary Center, Auburn University College of Human Science.

She is an elected member of the Society of Illustrators- NYC. She mentors art students of every age through weekly classes at her studio located in the heart of Smiths Station, Alabama. To learn more about her work and activism visit Sarah West Fine Art Gallery

Leaving winter behind Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer

A

s I walked into a preschool building, the front bulletin board caught my eye. Four bunnies with their bundled-up cotton ball tails facing the blue sky and clouds on the board with the appropriate title “Leaving Winter Behind and Welcome Spring!

The preschool teachers who created this board knows the sentiments of their students as well as we teachers. It’s time to go out and enjoy spring!

March blows in with a lot of wind but with also a gust of neat ideas for young children as they take advantage of the seasonal characteristics of this month. One is reminded of Mary Poppins singing “let's go fly a kite up to the highest heights” and the looks of joy and glee on the children’s faces as they dashed outside to the fun and freedom and amazement of watching their kites fly and dance in the wind. I witness that same joy

and smiles in children’s eyes today as they join family or their friends on an afternoon kite adventure.

Where did kites come from? Kites have been around for 2,000 to 3,000 thousand years in celebrating special events and occasions. According to records and legends, China was the country that invented the kite. Other Asian countries including Thailand and Japan have used kites in their celebrations.

We especially notice that brightly colored kites are used in The Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan and Children’s Day in Japan as well. Too, it has been used for scientific purposes as we remember. Benjamin Franklin discovered there was electricity present during a storm.

Our environment in the Auburn-Opelika area provides wonderful places and parks to go fly kites! I love the lakes and streams in our area where

families can catch winds off the water.

There are so many websites to show parents how to make simple newspaper kites, box kites and other forms of kites with their children.

It’s so much fun to work together on a project like this.

Sometimes, it is better to purchase a kite if you don't have time to make. This spring entertainment object is not expensive and well worth the investment for memorable family fun!

I'd like to remind my readers of just some common sense safety rules: (1) Remember Benjamin Franklin's discovery, in the rain, kite string can carry electricity. So don't fly kites in a thunderstorm, electricity has already been discovered!

(2) Never fly a kite near electric lines or poles.

(3) With kite materials don't use metal parts or lines which will attract electricity. Fishing line or wire can cut a young child's hands.

(4) Fly the kite in a safe location, not near trees, ditches or steep hills.

(5) If a kite gets caught up in a tree or pole, just leave it alone.

As I look at my March teacher calendar and my lesson plan book, there are

other neat events that happen during March.

Here are some events that you might want to jot down for you and your child to celebrate. This month is American Red Cross Month. Take time to explain to your child how important the American Red Cross is to our community in helping to take care of us after a crisis hits. Explain that they provide needed items and take care of us like after bad weather or other times we need help.

It’s also Music in Schools Month, a time for making easy homemade music instruments out of empty boxes, paper plates, rattles, etc.

March celebrates “National Nutrition Month.” Take time to explain what are good foods to eat versus foods that are not good to eat. During this month, I love to bring in my classes the vegetable and fruit trays to guide them on what good nutrition is.

“Newspaper in Education Week” was at the beginning of March, but we can still emphasize the importance of our local newspapers.

Our newspapers are such valuable tools in teaching children about our community and world. Sit down with your child, show them the newspapers and what is happening all around them. This is a good way to teach

some reading and comprehension skills from the newspapers.

Not only do we think of flying kites during this month but National Bubble Week is celebrated in March too! What fun it is to blow bubbles or wave that wand through the air and see your little ones chase the bubbles all around. I love to have my students do this at recess.

With your new kite whether made or bought, have a grand old afternoon with the family. Don’t forget the picnic! Let’s go fly a kite!

Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for 34 years as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings.

She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika

and Baldwin County.

She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education as well as a bachelor’s degree in family and child development both from Auburn University. Her husband is the late Carl Pinyerd and she has one son, Gus Pinyerd who has taught her so much about learning.

Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools, and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth, and families.

Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures, and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@att. net.

1 OUT OF 10

ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:

Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

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

pelika O Observer

C4 March 27, 2019

Baby Steps to hold silent auction Richland Elementary receives 2018 April 5 at Southerly Warehouse Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Award Special to the Opelika Observer Baby Steps, a local nonprofit that provides housing, support and community for pregnant and parenting college students, will host a live and silent auction at the Southerly Warehouse in Opelika on April 5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Single tickets are $50 each or $90 for a pair and can be purchased at the organization’s website or by calling 334-5212184. Baby Steps is also seeking ambassadors and corporate sponsors for the auction event. As an ambassador, one only needs a passion for the organization’s mission, the ability to help promote the auction by personally inviting friends, family and co-workers; share auction social media posts and attend a brief informational meeting on March 31 at 3 p.m. The corporate sponsorship includes four tickets to the live and silent auction event, as well as optimal advertising for one’s business to all auction guests and donors.

Pricing for the sponsorship

Sports,

from B1

play rival Auburn. This is the annual “Soc-

is $1,000.

Currently, few colleges in the United States offer resources for pregnant women pursuing their degrees. This often leaves them feeling that they have nowhere to turn. By offering housing, support and community to college women in unplanned pregnancies, Baby Steps meets a critical need. Baby Steps is currently renting a home which is located in the historic district in the heart of Auburn, just a short walk away from campus. However, fundraising is needed for a more permanent location so that they can continue to offer support to pregnant and parenting women in the Auburn-Opelika community.

Kaitlyn Willing, who now serves as Baby Steps’ director of operations, became pregnant in 2011 when she was a junior at Auburn.

“My parents pulled all financial support when I decided to parent my baby, and I was left scrambling to find a new place to live. I can't imagine what a blessing it would've been to have someone cer for a Cure” game, played to raise money for the East Alabama Medical Center Cancer Foundation. The girls start at 6 p.m., followed

living in a home with me that would support me spiritually, physically, and emotionally throughout my pregnancy,” Willing said on why she supports the organization’s cause.

For more information, email thrive@baby-steps. org, call 335-521-2184 or visit www.babysteps.org.

About Baby Steps Baby Steps, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded

by Matt and Michelle Schultz, who experienced an unplanned pregnancy more than 30 years ago while in college, and opened its doors in fall 2017. After sharing their story for many years, they recognized there was still a lack of resources available to college students who find themselves in similar situations. This allowed the vision of Baby Steps to be born.

They imagined a home with a loving support system that would enable young women to complete their education and have their baby. Through Baby Steps, their dream has become a reality by providing housing, support and community during pregnancy and after birth. by the boys at 8 p.m.

DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL REGISTRATION The Opelika Dixie Boys Baseball League,

Special to the Opelika Observer Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall announced last week the winners of the 2018 Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Awards of Excellence, including Auburn's Richland Elementary.

A panel of independent judges met at the Attorney General’s office to review submissions from 94 schools throughout Alabama, a record number since the program began in 2002 and twice the number received last year. Winners were selected from each of the eight state school board districts as well as private schools for each state region.

“In these times, we are all intensely aware of the serious responsibility our schools carry for the safekeeping of our children,” Marshall said. “The Alabama Safe Schools Awards of Excelages 13-14-15, is currently holding registration at the Opelika Sportsplex.

Registration Fee is $45.00 per player/$50.00 for those outside of

lence is an important tradition of the Attorney General’s Office, to recognize schools throughout our state for dedication and excellence in keeping students safe. Each day that parents leave their children at school, they are entrusting what they hold most precious into the care of schoolteachers, principals, school resource officers and other staff. With these awards, we honor those who have achieved particularly high standards and set examples that others may follow. We are grateful for their service and commitment to protecting the children of Alabama.”

Awards will be personally presented by Marshall during the next several weeks to the winning schools.

Below is a list of the 10 award recipients for the state school board district and state regions for private schools:

Opelika city limits. All players will be placed on a team. Fee includes, cap and jersey. For more info or questions, email foxonthemark@yahoo.com

District 1, Orange Beach Elementary School, Orange Beach, Baldwin County District 2, Richland Elementary School, Auburn, Lee County District 3, NicholsLawson Middle School, Sylacauga, Talladega County District 4, Eastwood Middle School, Cottondale, Tuscaloosa County District 5, Prattville Junior High School, Prattville, Autauga County District 6, Decatur High School, Decatur, Morgan County District 7, Hewitt Trussville Middle School, Trussville, Jefferson County District 8, Morris P-8 School, Huntsville, Madison County Private School, Central Region, Saint James School, Montgomery, Montgomery County: Private School, Southern Region, The Lakeside School, Eufaula, Barbour County.

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

Opelika falls to Saraland 13-1 last week

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer

C5 March 27, 2019

Cybersecurity program launches for high school girls to reduce the digital skills gap in America Special to the Opelika Observer A national cybersecurity program designed specifically for high school girls has launched to encourage more females into the industry and reduce the digital skills gap. Girls need to be at least 13 years old and either in grades nine through 12 to qualify.

The program- award winning participants will receive cash prizes of up to $1,000 and college scholarships of $500.

There are three stages to the program: CyberStart Assess, CyberStart Game and CyberStart Compete.

Girls-only cybersecurity program Girls Go CyberStart officially

launched last week, the result of a partnership among 27 state governors and SANS Institute. It is designed to encourage more young women into the cybersecurity sector and reduce the digital skills gap in America.

Girls who want to participate in the free program do not need any experience in gaming or computer science, but must be at least 13 years old and enrolled in the 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade at a public or private school (or the homeschool equivalent) in a participating state.

To register for the program, girls, teachers or administrators associated with a school or organization, need to sign up here:

https://www.girlsgocyberstart.org/interest.

The interactive extracurricular activity consists of three stages, with each stage featuring a series of digital challenges that are designed to introduce participants to important concepts in the field of cybersecurity.

When registered, girls will be sent a link to the first stage, CyberStart Assess, which consists of a series of questions that measure existing knowledge, problem-solving skills, and the potential for a career in cybersecurity.

To progress to the next two stages of the program; CyberStart Game and CyberStart Complete, participants must be regis-

tered with a ‘club,’ which can be easily set up by a school teacher, administrator or equivalent.

CyberStart Game involves learning cybersecurity techniques to tackle real-world challenges including cracking codes, finding security flaws and dissecting a cyber criminal's digital trail. Finally, CyberStart Compete is for the best performing teams from each participating state, and will see them compete in a national online Capture the Flag competition.

The program is offering multiple prizes for completion; three schools will be entered into a prize draw to win $1,000, clubs with the highest number of girls registered

will win $1,000, $750 and $500 respectively. The top-scoring Capture the Flag teams both nationally and in each state will win cash prizes for students and their schools.

At least 10 high-scoring high school juniors and/or seniors per state will win $500 college scholarships.

The 27 states that have registered participation are; Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

“This is an exciting time to launch the program, cybersecurity is becoming ever more important in this country and by educating young people, we can ensure the industry has a stream of diverse new talent.

Girls Go CyberStart was a huge success last year, so we’re hoping even more students and schools will sign up this year. Our ultimate goal is to encourage young women to consider a career within the cybersecurity sector. It’s a very lucrative and rewarding industry that not many American women are aware of - we’d like to change that,” said SANS Institute director of research Alan Paller.

Gullatt sibling trio turns in strong showing at state livestock competition

Special to the Opelika Observer Top left: Mary Hannah Gullatt of Lee County exhibited the bred-and-owned (B&O) reserve grand champion heifer at the 2019 Alabama Junior Beef Expo (JBE) March 16 in Montgomery. Her heifer was B&O champion and champion in the Hereford division. Her prize was sponsored Farm Bureau Bank. Gullatt is pictured with Breeding Heifer Show judge Owen Macfarlane of Grandview, Texas; Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan; Federation CFO Phillip Johns and Federation President Jimmy Parnell. Top center: Nathan Gullatt of Lee County exhibited the third-place overall bred-and-owned (B&O) heifer at the 2019 Alabama Junior Beef Expo (JBE) March 16 in Montgomery. His heifer was B&O reserve champion in the Hereford division. His prize was sponsored AT&T. Gullatt is pictured with Breeding Heifer Show judge Owen Macfarlane of Grandview, Texas, and Federation President Jimmy Parnell. Top right: Silas Gullatt of Lee County was the Showmanship Junior Reserve Champion at the Junior Beef Expo (JBE) March 14 at the Teague Arena in Montgomery. Gullatt is pictured with judge Jim Bloomberg of Berwick, Illinois, left, and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. Showmanship was sponsored by the Federation and Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation. JBE is presented by the Federation and held in conjunction with the SLE Rodeo at Garrett Coliseum. Bottom left: Class 1 Senior Division Showmanship winners at the Junior Beef Expo (JBE) were, from left, Chelsea Langley of Chambers County, first place; Tanner Denney of Chilton County, second; Nathan Gullatt of Lee County, third; Leah Ray of Tuscaloosa County, fourth; and Harmon Butler of Dale County, fifth. The contest was March 14 at the Teague Arena in Montgomery.

JBE is presented by the Alabama Farmers Federation and held in conjunction with the SLE Rodeo at Garrett Coliseum. Bottom right: Class 21 Junior Division Showmanship winners at the Junior Beef Expo (JBE) were, from left, Silas Gullatt of Lee County, first place; Mylee Stagner of Mobile County, second; Leah Jones of Tuscaloosa County, third; Bryan Lambert of Lowndes County, fourth; and Jackson Redmon of Pike County, fifth. The contest was March 14 at the Teague Arena in Montgomery. JBE is presented by the Alabama Farmers Federation and held in conjunction with the SLE Rodeo at Garrett Coliseum.

Auburn,

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surprise to Grant.

“I agree that Auburn is a military-friendly school, and the honor is well deserved,” Grant said.

“I would rank Auburn’s friendliness when it comes to veteran students among the best around because the staff in the VRC always go above and beyond to ensure veterans are taken care of whenever they come in the office. Also, the professors are extremely helpful when it comes to assisting with accommodations that some veterans may need.”

Auburn is one of just 766 schools nationwide to receive the designation, which was based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools

nationwide, input from student veterans and responses to a survey of participating institutions.

Ratings combine survey scores with the assessment of an institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, degree advancement or transfer and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

Paul “Puck” Esposito, director of the Auburn's VRC center and retired Navy captain, said it is great to have Auburn listed as a Military Friendly School but his office works hard daily to go even further, providing service above and beyond the standards of such rankings and offering a “holistic approach” for the military clients they serve.

“There’s so much more to it that doesn’t go into that rating that we offer,”

Esposito said, adding that everyone on his office’s staff has past military experience or is the spouse of a veteran.

According to a brochure about the Auburn University Veterans Resource Center, or AUVRC, which services a total of 1,100 clients, the center’s mission is to “assist, transition and support veterans, guardsmen, reservists, active duty, military dependents and survivors who receive federal Veteran Affairs educational benefits in all aspects of benefits, both campus and community.”

The center offers tutoring services, a student textbook library, an annual veterans golf classic and even a professional clothing locker with dress clothes available to help military students better prepare for interviews or presentations.

“They can come in and

pull from the clothing locker and if they need it, they can keep it,” said Meg Ford Alexander, a 1986 Auburn graduate who is a VA certifying official and outreach coordinator in the Veterans Resource Center.

Alexander said a major part of the center’s appeal is how it reconnects those who have or are currently serving in the military.

“We’re a big family uniting that population,” Alexander said.

And that is perhaps seen nowhere better than with Grant, who not only uses the services of Auburn’s VRC but also works there.

“The VRC offers tutoring services for veterans, a place to meet for group projects, a place to study, resume assistance, VA benefits assistance, financial services and computer access,” Grant said. “The biggest benefit that I feel the center offers veterans

is a place to call home and an atmosphere where we can express ourselves amongst people who have had similar experiences.”

The center even offers an Auburn Warrior Orientation and Learning, or A.W.O.L., program, which provides a veteranspecific orientation session that helps military students not only find their classes but also with such resources as financial aid.

The Veterans Resource Center participates with, among other programs, the post 9/11 G.I. Bill and the Yellow Ribbon program.

Additionally, military students can follow the AUVRC on Facebook (@Auburnvrc) and can become members of the Auburn Student Veterans Association, or ASVA, which is a chapter of Student Veterans of America, or SVA. The 501(c)3 group represents veter-

ans transitioning from prior military service into higher education.

Grant says such support is crucial for veterans, and she plans to continue assisting Auburn’s VRC even after she graduates, adding “I love Auburn because of the family feel that you get when you come to Auburn. Also the bonds that you make with a diverse group of people and the network that you build.”

Beyond her plans as an entrepreneur and her past in the military, Grant has another goal in mind as well that involves a different type of team effort.

Grant is now entering her third season on the Atlanta Phoenix team in the Women’s National Football Conference. As an offensive lineman and the team’s logistics manager, she said she is having fun putting all of her many skills to good use.

pelika O Observer

C6 March 27, 2019

New Gogue Performing Arts Center announces star-studded inaugural season to open Sept. 25 Season, series subscriptions now available to sponsors

Special to the Opelika Observer The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University announced the full schedule of dates and performances for its 2019–20 inaugural season on March 6.

As unveiled by Christopher Heacox, executive director, the Gogue Center will present an eclectic mix of 27 headlining acts during its premier season. Performances span nine genrespecific series, including americana roots, broadway, celebrity concerts, chamber arts, dance, family, global stage, jazz and vocal songbook.

Season highlights include performances by surf-rock legends The Beach Boys; the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis; star of stage and screen Sutton Foster; banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck and the original Flecktones lineup; soprano Renée Fleming; acclaimed choreographer Camille A. Brown and Dancers and hit Broadway musicals “RENT: 20th Anniversary Tour” and “Waitress.”

“We’re thrilled to present such a diverse and dynamic inaugural season,” Heacox said.

“We’ve put a great deal of thought into our lineup and have selected acts from around the world that will inspire, engage and entertain audiences.”

In addition to presenting high-caliber entertainment, the Gogue Center—Alabama’s first land- grant university performing arts center—will elevate and transform the cultural landscape of the university and region through education and community engagement.

“Several of our inaugural season artists will present school show performances for Auburn area students as part of our K-12 education program,” Heacox said.

“These performances are opportunities for thousands of schoolchildren to gain exposure to American music, circus arts, dance and more.”

Many visiting artists will also interact directly with Auburn University students and faculty through artist talks, master classes and lecture demonstrations.”

Starting off the fes-

AHSAA,

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Auburn and Opelika and Auburn University for going the extra mile to host in 2019. Along with the University of Alabama, we look forward to resuming the schedule in 2020 and showcasing

tivities for its historic first year, the Gogue Center will host a four-day grand-opening festival Aug. 22–25. A different musical act is planned for each day of the festival.

Scheduled performances and events include a free Auburn University student concert on Thursday; a Grammy Award-winning artist (to be announced April 22) in concert on Friday; a black-tie Grand Opening Fête featuring performances by bel canto tenor Santiago Ballerini and Michael Feinstein and Friends on Saturday and a “Campus and Community Day” with local and regional performers on Sunday.

Heacox also announced that season and series subscriptions for the inaugural season are now available to all Gogue Center sponsors and donors.

“Subscriptions are really the best way to guarantee a seat at a performance—and they provide the best value in terms of ticket price,” Heacox said.

Season subscriptions include tickets to all 27 season performances and offer patrons a savings of 25 percent off regular ticket prices. Series subscription packages include tickets to three shows per series and are priced at a discount of up to 20 percent off regular ticket prices.

Subscriber access to seat selection for individual performances will be prioritized based on cumulative giving to the Gogue Center and will begin March 12 and continue through May 14.

Sponsorship opportunities for the season are still available. Those who would like to become a season sponsor and gain priority access to subscriptions and seat selection should contact Leah O’Gwynn, director of development, at 334-8441287 or leah.ogwynn@ auburn.edu.

Additional subscription packages will be made available in the coming months and remaining single tickets will go on sale to the general public Aug. 22.

Dates and performances for the Gogue Center’s 2019-20 inaugural season are as follows: • Sept. 25 - Renée Fleming (Vocal Song-

book) One of the most celebrated singers of our time, Grammy Award winner Renée Fleming is a world-renowned touring soprano who has performed for momentous occasions from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Diamond Jubilee Concert for Queen Elizabeth II. • Sept. 27 - An Evening with Sutton Foster (Celebrity Concerts) Tony Award-winning actress, singer and dancer Sutton Foster will perform her tour de force cabaret show “An Evening with Sutton Foster.”

• Sept. 29 - Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox (Vocal Songbook) Taking contemporary popular hits and reframing them in vintage musical genres, Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox’s live show is full of dancing, pageantry and can include anything from a 1920s brass band cover of Aerosmith to a hot jazz reworking of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” to a 50s-style interpretation of the 1980s Toto hit “Africa.”

• Oct. 3 - DIAVOLO: Architecture in Motion (Dance) The dancers of DIAVOLO: Architecture in Motion combine elements of contemporary dance with martial arts, acrobatics, gymnastics and hip-hop while interacting with the elaborate, unique set pieces designed by creative director Jacques Heim.

• Oct. 12 -Larry, Steve and Rudy — The Gatlin Brothers (Celebrity Concerts) For more than six decades, the Grammy Award-winning trio of Larry, Steve and Rudy— The Gatlin Brothers has dazzled audiences everywhere with their gospel harmonies.

• Oct. 18 -Blue Note Records 80th Birthday Celebration. The State of Jazz featuring Kandace Springs, James Carter Organ Trio and James Francies (Jazz) As jazz’s longest-running and most-respected label, Blue Note Records has elevated everyone from Miles Davis to Herbie Hancock to John Coltrane.

• Oct. 30-31 - “42ft — A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels” by Cirque Mechanics (Family) The innovative circus

troupe’s latest creation, “42ft — A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels,” takes place inside a 42foot single-ring circus, mesmerizing audiences with wonders like acrobats, strongmen and a galloping metal horse. • Nov. 1 - Allman Betts Band (Americana Roots) The sons of Greg Allman and Dickey Betts have combined their talents to form the Allman Betts Band.

• Nov. 21 - Béla Fleck and The Flecktones (Americana Roots) Innovative bluegrass and jazz quartet Béla Fleck and The Flecktones have reconvened for a long run of live performances in celebration of the band’s 30th anniversary.

Their performance at the Gogue Center marks the band’s first appearance in the state of Alabama in more than 10 years.

• Dec. 3 - Montrose Trio (Chamber Arts) Praised in the “Washington Post” for its “absolutely top-notch musicmaking,” the Montrose Trio has rapidly earned a reputation for performances of unmatched distinction.

• Dec. 4 - 5 - “Escape to Margaritaville” (Broadway) Featuring the music of Jimmy Buffet and based on a book by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia and Emmy Award nominee Mike O’Malley, “Escape to Margaritaville” is the ideal musical comedy for every Parrothead.

• Dec. 17 - VOCES8 (Vocal Songbook) The spellbinding “a cappella” talents of preeminent British vocal ensemble VOCES8 span everything from early English choral works to modern jazz and pop.

• Jan. 17, 2020 “Dino-Light” by Lightwire Theater (Family) A menagerie of neon-lit creatures moves around a completely darkened stage, choreographed to exhilarating music and including the occasional neon sword fight—this is “Dino-Light” by Lightwire Theater.

• Jan. 31 - Dorrance Dance (Dance) Founded in 2011 by artistic director and 2015 MacArthur Fellow Michelle Dorrance, Dorrance Dance is an award-winning, New York City-based tap dance company whose exceptionally talented

dancers and musicians deliver innovative, powerful performances at every show.

• Feb. 13 - The Beach Boys (Celebrity Concerts) The legendary surf-rock band has hit the road for a globe-trotting new tour, led by original member Mike Love.

This will be the Beach Boys’ first appearance in Auburn in almost 45 years.

• Feb. 18 - 19 “RENT: 20th Anniversary Tour” (Broadway) “RENT” premiered in 1996 to rave reviews and became the hit Broadway musical of the year.

• Feb. 21 - Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience (Global Stage) A signature blend of American roots music, New Orleans funk, reggae, world and blues, Terrance Simien and The Zydeco Experience is a massively entertaining live show that incorporates all that is great about Louisiana’s diverse musical heritage.

• Feb. 25 - 26 “Waitress” (Broadway) A hit Broadway musical based on the beloved 2007 film starring Keri Russell, “Waitress” tells the story of Jenna Hunterson, an expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town.

• March 1 Pablo Sáinz Villegas: Americano Trio (Global Stage) Celebrated as the soul of the Spanish guitar, virtuoso Pablo Sáinz Villegas brings passion and emotion to each of his stirring live performances.

• March 3 - Matt Haimovitz and Simone Dinnerstein (Chamber Arts) “The New York Times” has lauded Matt Haimovitz as a “ferociously talented cellist [of] uncommon, expressive gifts,” and the “Independent” praises pianist Simone Dinnerstein for the “majestic originality of vision” in her artistic approach.

• March 20 - Sierra Hull Band (Americana Roots) A mandolin prodigy, Sierra Hull had already signed to a record label by age 13 and released her debut “Secrets” three years later.

The bluegrass virtuoso’s latest album, 2016’s “Weighted Mind,” received a Grammy Award nomination for

Best Folk Album and was produced by banjo master Béla Fleck.

• March 24 - Dover Quartet and Bridget Kibbey (Chamber Arts) Cherished harpist Bridget Kibbey and the world-renowned Dover Quartet unite for the first time in a celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach.

• March 26 - Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (Jazz) Wynton Marsalis leads 15 of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today as they perform a vast repertoire ranging from original compositions to masterworks by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fletcher Henderson, Thelonious Monk, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Charles Mingus and many others.

• April 7 - Alfredo Rodríguez and Pedrito Martinez Duo (Jazz) This Cuban jazz supergroup is the combination of classical piano prodigy Alfredo Rodríguez and ingenious percussionist Pedrito Martinez.

Their first collaborative album, “Duologue,” was released in February 2019 and produced by the legendary Quincy Jones who discovered Martinez at the 2006 Montreux Jazz Festival.

• April 18 - Camille A. Brown and Dancers (Dance) Founded in 2006, Camille A. Brown and Dancers is a Bessie Award-winning, New York City- based dance company whose high theatricality, gutsy moves and virtuosic musicality connect timeless stories and history with contemporary culture through innovative social dance.

• April 21 - Zakir Hussain and Friends featuring Kala Ramnath and Jayanthi Kumaresh (Global Stage) Zakir Hussain is appreciated as an international phenomenon and a classical tabla virtuoso.

• May 8 “Air Play” by Acrobuffos (Family) Since 2005, Acrobuffos have been redefining traditional circus performance to the delight of all ages.

The Gogue Performing Arts Center’s 201920 inaugural season is sponsored by the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau and WLTZ.

the major upgrades at Bryant-Denny Stadium.”

Fuller and Anders said they look forward to the opportunity of hosting the Super 7 for the second straight year.

“The City of Opelika is happy to be part of this incredible team,” Fuller said. “We work side-by-side with Auburn University and the City of Auburn to give the

players, fans and parents an experience they surely won’t forget.”

Anders, who was one of the founding members of the group that helped form this Super 7 alliance with the AHSAA in 2009, said he is proud of the way each city and university has worked together to celebrate the achievements of the state’s student-athletes

and high schools.

“We’re looking forward to being a part of yet another unforgettable experience at this year’s AHSAA Super 7 at Jordan-Hare,” said Anders.

“This event is a testament to the strong bond between Auburn and Tuscaloosa, and we’re grateful for the chance to step in and celebrate our great high school athletes

for the second year in a row.”

Don Staley, president and CEO of Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports, manages the Super 7 event locally when it is in Tuscaloosa.

“Although we are disappointed at not being in a position to host this year’s AHSAA Super 7 High School Football Championships, we

recognize the importance of enhancements and construction timelines taking place at Bryant Denny Stadium” said Staley. “We appreciate the years of collaboration with Auburn University, Auburn Athletics, City of Auburn and City of Opelika on this project and are indebted for their support in hosting this year’s event.”

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C7 March 27, 2019

Lee County youth excel at recent statewide cattle show

Photos special to the Opelika Observer Top left corner: Class 17 Junior Division Showmanship winners at the Junior Beef Expo (JBE) were, from left, Rex Harrison of Cullman County, first place; Hannah Grace McHugh of Lee County, second; Luke Ray of Tuscaloosa County, third; Mary Elliott Martin of Lee County, fourth; and Eliza Downey of Autauga County, fifth. The contest was March 14 at the Teague Arena in Montgomery. JBE is presented by the Alabama Farmers Federation and held in

conjunction with the SLE Rodeo at Garrett Coliseum.

Top right: Class 12 Intermediate Division Showmanship winners at the Junior Beef Expo (JBE) were, from left, Ace Ashley of Cherokee County, first place; Victoria Thompson of Lee County, second; Alexis Bolding of Chilton County, third; Andrew Conway of Cullman County, fourth; and Arles Thrash of Chilton County, fifth. The contest was March 14 at the Teague Arena in Montgomery. JBE is presented by the Alabama Farmers Federation and held in

conjunction with the SLE Rodeo at Garrett Coliseum.

Top center: Class 5 Senior Division Showmanship winners at the Junior Beef Expo (JBE) were, from left, Cheyenne Walker of Madison County, first place; Jewel Thompson of Lee County, second; Heather Gladney of Tuscaloosa County, third; Daraja Maye of Lowndes County, fourth; and Rowdy Rutherford of Escambia County, fifth. The contest was March 14 at the Teague Arena in Montgomery. JBE is presented by the Alabama Farmers Federation and held in

conjunction with the SLE Rodeo at Garrett Coliseum.

Left top: Victoria Thompson of Lee County exhibited the bred-and-owned champion Performance Documented heifer at the 2019 Alabama Junior Beef Expo (JBE) March 16 in Montgomery.

She also exhibited the reserve champion Shorthorn heifer.

Left bottom: Jewel Thompson of Lee County exhibited the bred-and-owned reserve champion Performance Documented heifer at the 2019 Alabama Junior Beef Expo (JBE) March 16 in Montgomery.

Local student named National Geographic GeoBee Alabama Competition semifinalist by National Geographic Society Special to the Opelika Observer Local student Henry Vaughan will participate as a semifinalist in the 2019 National Geographic GeoBee Alabama State Competition this Friday in Birmingham.

A fifth grader at Auburn Classical Academy, Vaughan will compete against students from other parts of Alabama to receive a $1,000 cash award, college scholarships and an opportunity to compete on the event’s national stage. Second and third-place finishers will receive $300 and

Vaughan $100 awards, respectively.

In 2019, the national champion will receive a $25,000 college scholarship, $1,000 in cash, lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society and an all-expenses-paid

Lindblad expedition to the Galápagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Endeavour ll; second place will receive at $10,000 college scholarship and $1,000 in cash; third place will receive a $5,000 college scholarship and $1,000 in cash; and seven runners-up will receive $1,000 in cash each.

For more information, visit www.natgeobee. org Follow the National competition at National Geographic Headquarters in Washington, D.C., May 19-22 at natgeoed.org/experiences.

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pelika O Observer

C8 March 27, 2019

Auburn, Opelika students receive scholarships for participation in state livestock industry Special to the Opelika Observer Hannah Grace McHugh, Auburn, and Victoria Thompson, Opelika, were awarded scholarships by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI) for their participation in Alabama’s livestock industry March 16 Photo special to the Opelika Observer at a luncheon held in

coordination with the Alabama Junior Beef Expo and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) Rodeo. Pictured left to right are PBCI tribal council member Keith Martin, PBCI elder Billy Smith, McHugh, Thompson and SLE president Jimmy Holliman.

The PBCI has a proud history of

supporting youth in livestock.

Each year, two young people from each of Alabama’s 67 counties are awarded a scholarship to aid in future participation in youth livestock events or further education during the Junior Beef Expo held at Garrett Coliseum during SLE Livestock Week.

Opelika Tractor Supply Store supports school gardens Nation’s leading rural lifestyle retailer provides students with hands-on learning experience Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Tractor Supply Company store is supporting Eclectic Elementary School in developing a school garden that will provide students with an enriched, hands-on learning experience.

"The School Garden Program provides kids with an opportunity to use their hands and minds in a way that's not typically available in a traditional classroom setting," said Opelika store manager Billy Lee. "We are excited to educate stu-

dents about the origin of their food while encouraging them to continue exploring how the world around them works."

Tractor Supply carriers all the supplies necessary to start or sustain a garden, including mulch, soil, fertilizers, live plants, traditional and organic seeds, and gardening tools. Tractor Supply will provide Eclectic Elementary School with a starter kit that will assist in the establishment of the garden.

Interested schools can contact or visit the Opelika Tractor Supply

store at 334-737-7775 for more information.

Opelika Tractor Supply is located at 2600 Pepperell Parkway.

About Tractor Supply Company Tractor Supply Company is in its 80th year of operation and, since being founded in 1938, has grown to become the largest rural lifestyle retailer

in the United States.

With over 28,000 team members, more than 1,700 stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website, Tractor Supply is passionate about serving its unique niche, as a onestop shop for recreational farmers, ranchers and all those who enjoy living the rural lifestyle. Tractor Sup-

ply offers an extensive mix of products necessary to care for home, land, pets and animals with a focus on product localization, exclusive brands and legendary customer service that addresses the needs of the Out Here lifestyle.

The Company leverages its physical store assets with digital capabilities to offer customers the convenience of purchasing products they need anytime, anywhere and any way they choose at the everyday prices they deserve. At September 29, 2018, the Company operated

1,748 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.TractorSupply. com.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services. At September 29, 2018, the Company operated 181 Petsense stores in 27 states. For more information on Petsense, visit www. petsense.com.

Auburn University to host fisheries field day April 6 Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University’s School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences will be hosting a fisheries field day on April 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the E.W. Shell Fisheries Station which is located on North College Street.

Free and open to the public, the day’s activi-

ties include the interactive Fisheries Learning Center, tours of the worldrenowned program’s facilities and ponds, food vendors, extended fish market hours, child-friendly fun, treasure hunt and presentations by faculty and students.

“The Auburn Fisheries Field Day is not an event, it is an experience for the entire family. Come to the Auburn Fisheries Field

Character Word of the Month

Courage • n. Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

Day, have tons of fun and learn about AU’s bestkept secret," said Fisheries Learning Center education coordinator Stan Arington.

There will be plenty of activities for children, including a treasure hunt, go fish game with prizes and treats for youngsters, backyard bass fishing competition and more.

“The goal of the event is to bring more awareness to our research and our precious aquatic resources,” said extension aquaculturist and event organizer David Cline.

“Our program is one of the best in the world and has a global impact. We want to take advantage of this opportunity to share what we do with the community and the Auburn family.”

Teens and young adults will have opportunities to talk directly to many different Auburn fisheries researchers and professors about their work and the real-world applications for it, and they can also see many examples of that work. At the “Career Station,” students can ask Auburn counselors about classes, pathways and career majors within aquatic sciences, fisheries, aquaculture and other agriculture careers. Visitors can check out the production greenhouses where we produce thousands of pounds of produce per month in our commercial aquaponics system or see live native fish and learn about the biodiversity of Alabama’s fish populations at the Biodiversity

Lab. Guests of all ages can enjoy rain barrel and rain garden demonstrations and displays from the Auburn's Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental sciences. Come see how aquaponic and hydroponic systems grow food crops like lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc., with no soil and using 95 percent less water than traditional row crops; or demonstrations of fish filleting, oyster shucking and cooking demos.

Guests can purchase live catfish or tilapia for home preparation at the fish market, or for the less adventurous, frozen catfish filets and frozen shrimp are available for purchase as well. All are fresh farm-grown in Alabama.

This event will celebrate the official grand opening of the Fisheries Learning Center, the new public face of the research station. The learning center includes engaging, interactive electronic and live animal displays and educational programs for area schools, the public and visitors from around the world.

For more information on the expo and field day, contact Cline at 334-8442874 or clinedj@auburn. edu, and Stan Arington at 334-844-4630 or sca0028@auburn.edu.

For more information about the E.W. Shell Fisheries Center, visit https:// sfaas.auburn.edu/e-wshell-fisheries-center/.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Inside the Statehouse Lee County Commission receives Infrastructure - Alabama needs a road program; Wallace and Big Jim knew this

O

ne of the obvious political changes in Alabama government over the last decades with the Republican takeover of the Legislature has been the reluctance to raise new revenue to fund state government. Many of the current Republican legislators came to Montgomery in 2010 with a no new tax pledge. Voting for any kind of tax or fee increase was considered blasphemous.

In bygone days, powerful governors like Big Jim Folsom and George Wallace would raise taxes at the drop of a hat. Especially when it came to a gasoline tax to build roads. It was perfunctory and almost mandatory for a governor to have a road program. That was their legacy and how they and their legislative allies made friends.

It was expected that a governor would build roads.

Raising the gas tax was the only way to create a Road Program. Folks didn’t seem to mind.

Looks like this current Legislature may have realized they need a road program.

One day during the Wallace era, he was having a benign news conference to talk politics and garner publicity. A young reporter out of the blue asked him a pointed question.

“Governor, why do you give all the road building contracts and permits to your cronies, contributors

By Steve Flowers and legislative allies?”

Wallace looked at him quizzically and replied, “Who do you think I ought to give them to, my enemies?”

In 1983, I was a young freshman legislator and Wallace was in his last term as governor, and as usual, he was going to have a road program. Well, he wasn’t just interested in raising the gas tax, he was taxing just about everything that wasn’t nailed down.

He had already asked us to pass eight or nine “revenue enhancement measures,” before he came with the whopper the gas tax for roads, highways, and bridges.

I was actually Wallace’s representative since I represented his home county of Barbour.

Therefore, I was dutifully voting with the governor because, believe me, our area was going to get more than our fair share with Wallace as governor.

To get his gas tax passed, he went to the wall and resorted to a tactic he had used in past administrations in his earlier years as

governor. He would bring us down to his office, 10-15 at a time, and hot box you and prod a commitment out of you. Well, I was in a group with a particularly bad boy named W.F. “Noopie” Cosby from Selma.

Noopie had voted against all of Wallace’s revenue enhancement measures.

Noopie had acquired his nickname early in life and I’m not sure anyone in Selma or anywhere else knew his given name.

Wallace, besides being almost completely deaf, had also gotten prematurely senile because of the tremendous amount of pain killers he had to take every day to even survive because of the devastating gunshot wounds to his body 10 years earlier. He was very hazy this day and he called Noopie “Nudy.” He must have called him Nudy 20 times. I could hardly contain my laughter.

Several of us in the room laughed so hard we started crying. It was the most humorous dialogue I ever recall. Wallace said, “Nudy, you need you a road program. When I was a legislator I had a road program for Barbour County.

Nudy you need a road program for Dallas County and Nudy we need these taxes for our road programs, so Nudy, here’s the way it works here. Nudy, if you vote for my taxes your road program will be part of my road See Flowers, page D3

report on tornado cleanup, recovery

By Michelle Key Publisher More than 100,000 cubic yards of vegetation debris has been removed from the county right-of ways since the March 3 tornadoes according to County Engineer Justin Hardee. These statistics were part of an updated presented by Hardee to the county commissioners during their reqularly scheduled meeting Monday night. In addtition to the vegetation debris, Hardee also stated that more than 1,000 tons of construction and demoli-

tion debris have been removed.

Debris will continue to be removed as it is placed at the roadways over the next several weeks.

Kathy Carson, director of the Lee County Emergency Management Agency recognized Public Information Officer Rita Smith for her dedication and professionalism in her handling of the recent events.

“Her expertise was certainly put to the test after the EF-4 tornado tore through our county,” Carson said.

In her update on relief efforts, Carson provided the commissioners with the following statistics: - 226 buildings destroyed - 136 with major damage - 245 with minor damage - 153 affected in some manner otherwise not classified - 668 people registered with FEMA - $731, 339 approved for housing assistance - $142,834 approved for other needs assisSee LCC, page D3

Lee County, Opelika to build roundabout pending county approval of agreement

By Michelle Key Publisher During last week’s Opelika’s City Council meeting, council members voted to enter into an agreement with Lee County to build a roundabout at the intersection of Society Hill Road and Gateway Drive. According to the agreement costs of the project will be split 50/50 between the county and the city. The county still needs to approve the agreement before it can be implemented.

In other business, the council: • approved a request for the annual Going Blue for Autism celebration on April 2 • approved a request for the Pride on the Plains parade on May 31 • approved a request for ACS Relay for Life on April 26.

• tabled a request for the

Rehab Works Walk-Run on May 18 until route details are amended • held public hearings on and later approved a resolution for the demolition of 808 Donald Ave. • approved the purchase of a Ford F450 - HGAC contract for the fire department in the amount of $240,332.41 • approved the purchase of VMware Licensing and Maintenance for the police department in the amount of $102,370.62 • approved the purchase for a backup solution in the amount of $46,377 • approved server hardware that includes backup support for five years for the police department in the amount of $335,535.88 • approved the Refund Request from Christina Cox for overpayment of occupational license Fees.

• approved a resolution for demolition at 808

Donald Ave. • tabled the resolution to vacate right-of-way, portion of Sportsplex Parkway and West Point Pkwy, Awesome LLC and Inwoo Paek and Morgan & Boothe • approved a tax abatement for Pharmavite LLC • approved a tax abatement for Mando America Corp • approved a tax abatement extension for Golden State Foods & Wells Fargo EF • approved an appropriation contract with the Lee Co. Water Festival in the amount of $3,000 • approved a special appropriation to the Arts Assoc. of East Alabama in the amount of $2,500 • approved a Special appropriation to the American Cancer Society - Relay for Life in the amount of $5,000 See Council, page D3

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pelika O Observer

D3 March 27, 2019

Opelika’s Boody Brown honored with Rogers on Mueller Report: No Collusion, No Obstruction Norway Congressional gold medal Special to the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor Norway’s government recently recognized the service of Opelika WWII veteran Orrin “Boody” Brown with the gifting of a congressional medal.

During the war, Brown served as a bombardier and member of the Office of Strategic Services, which engaged in acts of espionage behind enemy lines.

Brown and other members of the 801st/492nd Bombardment Group (also known as “The Carpetbaggers”) flew in several notable missions, including Belgium and France on the eve of Photo special to the Opelika Observer D-Day on June 5, 1944.

Pictured above, Orrin ‘Boody’ Brown with his None were as dangerous, daughter during an OSS gold medal ceremony however, as the one parin Washington D.C. last March. ticular drop in Norway.

Brown and other OSS thank “The anti-air troops on members were able to For more information the ground were not prebe recognized for their about Brown’s career and pared for the first plane, service following the service, use the followbut they were prepared for passage of the “Office of ing link to read an article us. Our pilot took immeStrategic Services Conpublished in the April diate evasive action and gressional Gold Medal 3, 2018 edition of the we ended up taking minor Act” in December 2016.

Observer. damage, but it could’ve Last March, he flew with www.opelikaobserver. been a lot worse,” Brown his daughter to receive his com/opelikas-boodysaid. “That’s probably the gold medal in a ceremony brown-receives-goldmost dangerous mission held in Washington D.C. medal-for-wwii-service/. we flew.”

Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement today after the investigation led by Robert Mueller found no evidence that President Trump nor his campaign conspired with Russia.

“For over two years, the Mainstream Media and their allies in the Democratic party have pushed the fake narrative that President Trump

somehow colluded with the Russians to steal the 2016 election. Finally, the Mueller report is released and tells us exactly what we’ve known all along, that it was nothing

more than a political hoax. I hope we can all move forward and focus on America’s strong economy and securing our border now that this witch hunt can finally be put to rest,” Rogers said.

Rogers serves as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and is a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.

For more information, visit mikerogers.house.gov.

of the state so that Alabama small farmers who lived on dirt roads could get their crops to market. He made his legacy with this Farm-to-Market Road Program.

When I make a speech in the state from Scottsboro to Dothan, many times I will share Big Jim stories with my audiences. Invariably, afterwards, some old timer will come up to

me and say, “Flowers, if Big Jim was running for governor today, I’d vote for him. He paved my daddy’s road.”

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column appears in more than 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the state legislature.

Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers. us.

Rogers

Flowers,

from B9

program, but, Nudy if you don’t vote for my taxes I’m afraid you won’t have a road program and your road program will go to Barbour County.”

Big Jim Folsom had a road program. He built farm-to-market roads in every corner

Sen. Doug Jones sponsors bill to fix inconsistency in GI Bill benefit eligibility; Opposes proposed cuts to Alabama military projects Special to the Opelika Observer Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) has cosponsored new legislation, called the GI Education Benefits Fairness Act, to support military families by extending Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to foster children and legal wards.

The legislation was recently introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin (DIll.) and has bipartisan support in the House of Representatives.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides education benefits to veterans and service members who serve on active duty after September 10, 2001.

It also allows activeduty troops to transfer

their unused education benefits to a spouse or child. Under current law, while the Department of Defense (DOD) includes wards and foster children in the definition of an eligible child, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not. This has led to a bureaucratic nightmare for some members of the armed services and their families.

The GI Education Benefits Fairness Act would amend the definition of an “eligible child” for the purposes of transferability of benefits under the Post 9/11 Educational Assistance Program to include the DOD definition of a child – which includes wards and foster children.

Council,

from D1

• approved a design services agreement for society hill roundabout • approved a design- services agreement for 1st Avenue streetscape • approved a resolution to accept Pinehurst Drive as a public street.

• approved an agreement, pump station replacement with Delta Development Group, LLC. • approved a inducement agreement, water supply and sewer services, with Opelika Utilities Board, City of Auburn and Auburn Waterworks Board.

Doing so would allow foster children and wards to receive the education funding they were promised, including providing retroactive pay for those foster children and wards who were previously approved for GI education benefits only to have them revoked.

“I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that will help all military children access the educational benefits their families have earned,” Jones said, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“These brave men and women have sacrificed for our country and we owe them the full benefits they were promised.”

• approved an agreement, settlement with Emanuel’s Trailer Park, Vincent Lamar Kindred in the amount of $13,000 • approved an ordinance to amend City Code, Chapter 4 Animal Control • reappointed Chuck Beams to the Opelika School Board - new term ends 4-01-24.

• reappointed Farrell Seymore to the Mental Health Center Board - new terrm ends 4-01-25.

City council meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Monday nights of every month at city hall which is located at 204 South 7th St. Meetings are open to the public and start at 7 p.m.

Along with Senator Jones and Senator Durbin, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Chris Van Hollen (DMd.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (DConn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Debbie Stabenow (DMich.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Ron Wyden (DOre.).

The legislation is supported by Student Veterans of America, the National Military Family Association and Paralyzed Veterans of America.

LCC,

from D1 tance - 12 approved for the maximum award for a total of $482,296 - average eligibility rate is 19 percent - FEMA disaster survivor assitance teams have visited 4,532 homes and interacted with 2, 971 survivors - 6,671 meals served by the Red Cross - nearly 28,000 snacks or meals served by the Red Cross - more than 6,900 small tools items like

Special to the Opelika Observer Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is cautioning the administration against following through with its proposal to cut or delay funding for Alabama military projects in order to pay for a wall on the Southern border.

Earlier this week, the Pentagon sent a 20-page list to Congress of military construction projects that are at risk of being cut or delayed in order to free up funding to pay for the wall. Several Alabama priorities were on the list, including $5.2 million for Anniston Army Depot to build a weapons maintenance shop, $38 million for a training support facility at Fort Rucker and two Maxwell Air Force Base projects: a $15.5 million

shovels, rakes, clean up kits etcs have been distributed In other business the commission: • approved the minutes of commission meeting on March 11 • voted to ratify and approve claims for reimbursement • approved a resolution for the county’s participation in the High Risk Rural Road program The county’s application to install guardrail end anchors at seven bridge locations throughout the county was approved and funds were awarded at a 90/10 split between the Ala-

Judge Advocate General (JAG) school expansion and an $18 million air traffic control tower.

In a letter to Patrick Shanahan, Acting Secretary of the Department of Defense, Senator Jones said that he will oppose any delay or cut to Alabama military projects in order to pay for the wall.

“I will be perfectly clear here: there are no circumstances under which it would be acceptable or appropriate,” Senator Jones wrote. “These projects are critical to the national security and to the state of Alabama, and I will oppose every attempt to delay or otherwise negatively impact them in any way.”

Full text of the letter can be found at www.jones. senate.gov/imo/media/doc/ Sen%20Jones%20RE%20 MilCon%20Funds%20(2). pdf.

bama Department of Transportation and the county • approved a request from the highway department to adjust the previously approved debris monitoring contract from the current 15 percent cap of the debris removal services cost to 25 percent of the costs.

• approved the request to install a driveway pipe for the Beauregard Volunteer Fire Department on Lee Road 400 • approved a request to waive the building permit fees as presented by Joel Hubbard, Lee County Chief

Building Official for those affected by the March 3 tornadoes • approved two vendors for bids for the purchase of motor grader cutting edges/ blades • approved a retail beer/retail table wine license application for Express Food Mart D4 • voted to carry over the restaurant retail liquor license application for Backyard Bar N Grill until the next scheduled meeting in April.

County commission meetings are held the 2nd and last Monday nights of every month at 5 p.m.

pelika Observer O

D4 March 27, 2019

ALASCAN CLASSIFIEDS AUCTIONS AUCTION OF Surplus Vehicles/Equipment! 75+ Vehicles, Heavy Equipment, more! Auction: Saturday April 13. Registration: 8AM. Start: 10:00 a.m..Preview: Friday, April 12; 9:00 a.m.. 115 McDonough Rd. Fayetteville, Georgia 30215.

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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE Precious Goldendoodle pups for sale. Male and female. 1,000.00. Ready for new homes March 19. Accepting 300.00 deposits. For pictures, checkout www.blueberryhillsfarm.net. Call 334-707-8623 or 344-701-2332

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YARD SALE Multi-family Mostly INDOOR Garage Sale!

Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST - Rain or Shine 3605 Maple Creek Court, Opelika, AL 36801

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Under approval of the Elected Board of Officials, determines overall priorities and objectives for Lee-Russell Council of Governments (LRCOG), including Area Agency on Aging, Planning and Economic Development, Lee-Russell Cooperative Purchasing Association, Transportation Planning, and Transit Administration; assumes direction of 36 full time and 59 part time staff, including the Director of Area Agency on Aging and Director of Planning and Economic Development and Director of Transit and Director of Finance; collaborates with staff in identifying overall agency goals and strategy, operating budgets, and human resource management. Maintains Golden State Foods is one of the largest diversified suppliers to the Quick Service Restaurant industry segment and retailers.

Opelika Observer Would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring one or more of our newspaper boxes or racks around Lee County

• Better Bodies Massage Institute • Letts Investment Services • Opelika Theatre Company • Point-Broadband • Three Keys Properties, LLC Call us today to sponsor a box with company logo

relations with Alabama State Legislature, state and federal agencies, and local government officials to secure support for all LRCOG programs and services; coordinates with staff in seeking local, state, federal, and private grants; assists staff in communication with government agencies, public officials, businesses, citizens, and clients. Monitors financial transactions, expenditures, and receipts; monitors program activities for quality, legal compliance, and budgetary compliance; provides staff direction for accurate documentation, records keeping, and reporting. Establishes effective human resource policies related to selection, training, appraisal, compensation, and discipline; works to ensure effective communication and motivation of staff.

• Master’s degree with strong foundation in urban/ regional planning, economic development or rural sociology. Demonstrated experience of 5 years in management of planning or economic development programs in governmental or university setting. Demonstrated ability to work with elected officials and public at large. Must possess effective oral and written communication skills. Salary range: $90,000 - $120,000.

Salary commensurate with experience. Send cover letter, resume and three (3) references no later than April 5, 2019 to: Mayor Ron Anders, Jr. City of Auburn, 144 Tichenor Ave., Auburn, AL 36830.

LRCOG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The company is seeking qualified applicants for hourly positions at its new state-of-the-art meat processing facility in Opelika, Alabama.

Pay range: $13-14.50 per hour, depending upon position.

The following positions are currently available.

• Patty Packing • Block Person To Apply: For more information and to apply for these positions, visit:www. goldenstatefoods.com/ careers/

Benefits: Golden State Foods offers a competitive benefits package including: • Medical & Prescription Coverage • Medical Plan Opt Out Option • Dental/Vision Plans • Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage • Disability Coverage • Flexible Spending Accounts • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • 401(k) Plan and • Health Promotion Resources.

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pelika Observer O

D5 March 27, 2019

LEGALS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA FAMILY COURT DIVISION: DOMESTIC RELATIONS IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: KENYETTA LASHAE FOREMAN,Plaintiff, VS. CASE NO. DR-19-900061 EDDIE LEWIS FOREMAN, Defendant.

NOTICE OF ACTION Notice is hereby given that Eddie Lewis Foreman, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer the Complaint for Divorce of Kenyetta Lashae Foreman within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication of this notice, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against his in Case No. DR-19-900061, Circuit Court of LEE County.

This notice shall run once per week for four (4) consecutive weeks.

Done the 26th day of February, 2019. /s/Mary Roberson Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County Benjamin H. Parr Rice, & Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 Legal Run 03/06/19, 3/13/19, 3/20/19, 3/27/19

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: CV-2018900331.00 MIKEL THOMPSON and JENNIFER THOMPSON, Plaintiffs, v.

WILLIE JAMES WATSON, and SHARON D. McFARLEY, and DERRICK BRISKEY, and ENGLAND BRISKEY, and JAMES BRISKEY, and WILBUR WATSON, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 4th day of June, 2018, a Complaint for Easement by Necessity was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Mikel Thompson and Jennifer Thompson as Plaintiffs; Willie James Watson; and, Sharon D. McFarley; and Derrick Briskey; and England Briskey; and James Briskey; and Wilbur Watson, all as Defendants, whose heirs, executors and/or administrators, registered agents, successors, and assigns are unknown and cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence All persons having an interest in said case or any portion thereof, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this 28th day of February, 2019.

Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Attorney for Plaintiff 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika AL 36801 Legal Run 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 & 3/27/2019

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA E.L. a minor child (DOB: 4.30.2015), Case No. 2019-A-83 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any alleged or unknown father of E.L. born at East Alabama Medical Center on 4.30.2015 to Xiaojuan Laura Liao.

Any alleged or unknown father must answer the Petition for Adoption of the alleged or unknown father filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Law office of Alsobrook Law Group or thereafter, a final judgment may

be entered in Case No. 2019A-83 terminating his parental rights and allowing the adoption to proceed.

Alsobrook Law Group Hon. Zachary D. Alsobrook 126 South 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 737.7318 Legal Run 3/13/19, 3/20/19 and 3/27/19

having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from the above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited.

Kelly Traylor, Personal Representative.

Legal Run 3/20, 3/27, & 4/03/19

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1412 Opelika Road. Auburn AL, 36830 on 04/08/2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Adrieene Barnett Unit# 229 1807 York Ave Opelika, AL, 36801 3 bedroom home Refrigerator, dryer, desk, mattresses, boxes and household items Mary Ann Brown Unit# 208 2503 Airport Rd Opelika, AL, 36801 Household furniture and boxes 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.

Legal Run 3/20 & 3/27/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF ROBERT R. SHAFFER COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of March 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having cliams against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 20th day of March, 2019.

JOAN T. SHAFFER Legal Run 3/27, 4/3, & 4/10/19

STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF LEE CASE NO. 2019-A-111 RE: RITA WHITE, DECEASED NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters of Administration said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 5th day of March, 2019, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Tracy J. Hamby, Administrator Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr. Attorney for Adminstrator Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 3/20/19, 3/27/19 & 04/3/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GENEVIEVE MARIE STEBBINS, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Micki J. Baker, as Executrix of the Estate of Genevieve Marie Stebbins, deceased, on the 19th day of March, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

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

PREPARED BY: Blake L. Oliver Adams White & Oliver, LLP 205 S. 9th Street P. O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 3/27, 4/3, & 4/10/19

Case No. 2019-A-114 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The State of Alabama, Lee County Probate Court Estate of John Henry Kovac, deceased.

Letters Testamentary upon the Last Will and Testament of said decedent, having been granted to the undersigned on the 13 th day of March, 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons

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IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF EVAN FRAZIER CASE NO.: 2019-A-133 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: BROCK WALKER, address unknown. Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Evan Frazier on March 18, 2019, for the adoption of A.E.S. born on March 9, 2017 in Opelika, Alabama to Carleigh Cileste Simpson.

A hearing has been set for the 25th day of June, 2019 at 10 o’clock am Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801.

Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Brett A. Smith, of Huff Smith Law, LLC, 369 S College Street, Auburn, AL 36830 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition, Dated on this the 19th day of March, 2019.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, 4/17/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY R. SUMMERS, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of March, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

EVELYN SUMMERS GRACE Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 3/27, 4/3, & 4/10/19

RESOLUTION NO. 051-19 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE VACATION OF A PORTION OF THE EASTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY OF ANDERSON ROAD AND A POR-

TION OF THE NORTHERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY OF U.S. HIGHWAY 29 WHEREAS, Exit 64 LLC, an Alabama limited liability company, is the owner of the property described in that certain statutory warranty deed dated June 12, 2017, a copy of which is recorded in Deed Book 2515 at Page 370 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama; and WHEREAS, Exit 64 LLC is the owner of all of the property abutting along a portion of the easterly right-of-way of Anderson Road and a portion of the northerly right-of-way of U.S. Highway 29 (West Point Parkway); and WHEREAS, a Petition to vacate a portion of the easterly rightof-way of Anderson Road and a portion of the northerly right-ofway of U.S. Highway 29 (West Point Parkway), duly executed

by Exit 64 LLC, as the abutting property owner, has been presented to the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”), a municipal corporation, for the assent and approval of the governing body, said Petition with map attached being hereto affixed, marked Exhibit “A” and made a part hereof; and WHEREAS, the Petition is filed in accordance with the provisions of §23-4-20, Code of Alabama, 1975, which provides that any street or alley may be vacated, in whole or in part, by the owner or owners of the land abutting the street or alley or abutting that portion of the street or alley desired to be vacated; and WHEREAS, the portions of the rights-of-way of Anderson Road and U.S. Highway 29 (West Point Parkway) to be vacated are more particularly described as follows: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T-20-N, R27-E, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE RUN N 00º00’00” W, 754.92 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN S 90º00’00” E, 938.10 FEET TO A FOUND CONCRETE MONUMENT LYING AT THE BEGINNING OF A RIGHT OF WAY FLARE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE EASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF ANDERSON ROAD (ROW VARIES) AND THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 29 (300’ ROW); THENCE RUN ALONG SAID FLARE S 11º17’08” E, 140.79 FEET TO A FOUND CONCRETE MONUMENT LYING AT THE END OF SAID RIGHT OF WAY FLARE; THENCE CONTINUE ALONG SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 29 S 57º07’29” E, 224.90 FEET TO A FOUND CONCRETE MONUMENT LYING AT THE BEGINNING OF A RIGHT OF WAY FLARE AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF U.S. HIGHWAY NO. 29 (300’ ROW) AND THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF INTERSTATE NO. 85 (ROW VARIES); THENCE LEAVING SAID NORTHERLY RIGHT OF WAY, RUN S 32º52’31” W, 75.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN N 57º07’29” W, 256.61 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN N 11º17’08” W, 95.71 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE RUN N 33º02’19” E, 107.34 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID DESCRIBED PARCEL LYING AND BEING SITUATED IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 34, T-20-N, R-27-E, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA AND CONTAINS 0.618 ACRES (26,925 SF.) MORE OR LESS Being further described according to and as shown by that certain survey or drawing prepared by Goodwyn Mills and

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Cawood attached hereto and marked Exhibit “A”.

WHEREAS, the Petition states that no property owners will be deprived of any right they may have to convenient and reasonable means of ingress and egress to and from their property as a result of the requested vacation; and WHEREAS, the remaining portions of the rights-of-way of Anderson Road and U.S. Highway 29 (West Point Parkway) will remain public rights-of-way; and WHEREAS, the City desires to reserve to Alabama Power Company, The Utilities Board of the City of Opelika and Bellsouth Telecommunications, LLC, d/b/a AT&T Alabama, utility easements for existing electric power lines, water mains and cable television and telecommunications fiber conduit as depicted on the attached survey; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was conducted by the City Council on the 5th day of March, 2019, at which all persons were given the opportunity to be heard in favor of or in opposition to the proposed rightof-way vacation; and WHEREAS, public notice of the public hearing was provided in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to vacate the portions of the rightsof-way of Anderson Road and U.S. Highway 29 (West Point Parkway) as described in the attached Petition and the rightsof-way of said streets should be conveyed to Exit 64 LLC as requested by the Petitioner, subject to existing easements for electric power lines, water mains and cable television and telecommunications fiber conduit.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Opelika that the vacation of the above-described portions of the rights-of-way of Anderson Road and U.S. Highway 29 is assented to and approved and the same is hereby vacated pursuant to the provisions of Section 23-4-20, et.seq. of the Code of Alabama, and also pursuant to said Code in §35-2-54.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, remise, release and quitclaim unto Exit 64 LLC, whatever right, title and interest the said City of Opelika, Alabama, may have acquired in and to the above described portions of the rights-of-way of Anderson Road and U.S. Highway 29 (West Point Parkway) by virtue of the dedication or vacation of said roadways or otherwise, subject to the reservation of the abovedescribed utility easements.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Gary Fuller, the Mayor of the City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation, be and he is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Opelika, Alabama, to execute a quitclaim deed to Exit 64 LLC, subject to the reservation of the above-described utility easements, for the purpose of carrying out the intent and intention of this Resolution and that Robert G. Shuman, City Clerk, be and he is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the City of Opelika, Alabama, to attest the same.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk will cause a copy of this Resolution to be filed in the Probate Office of Lee County, Alabama, and shall further cause a copy of this Resolution to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in Lee County, Alabama, no less than fourteen (14) days

after its adoption.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 19th day of March, 2019. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK Legal Run 3/27/2019

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF MICHAEL SHANE HOLDER COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 22nd day of March, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 22nd day of March, 2019.

SHARIE HOLDER Legal Run 3/27, 4/3, & 4/10/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF JAMES C. KNOX, JR., DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE Letters of Administration of said deceased having been gratned to the undersigned on the 8th day of March, 2019, by the hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice ishereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 8th day of March, 2019.

JOAN C. KNOX Legal Run 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/19

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF HAZEL B. CAPPS COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 13th day of March, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 13th day of March 2019.

WILLIAM E. CAPPS, JR. JAMES DANIEL CAPPS Legal Run 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Douglas Craig Kistler, Deceased Case Number: 2019-A-065 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Linga Kistler as Administrator of the Estate of Douglas Craig Kistler, deceased, on the 8th day of March 2019 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate.

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.

Linda Kistler Persoal representative of the Estate of Douglas Craig Kistler Legal Run 3/20, 3/27 & 4/3/19

D6 March 27, 2019

pelika Observer O

Last week’s answers:

3-20 Scramblers Answers: 1. Astute, 2. Shelve, 3. Retain, 4. Belong Solution: VOLUNTEER

pelika Observer O

D7 March 27, 2019

Local civic clubs hold meetings last week

Tulip Garden Club Rosanna McGinnis Storybook Farm addresses members founder Dena Little holds monthly speaks to Opelika of Opelika Kiwanis meeting March 1 Lion Club Club last week

Special to the Opelika Observer The Tulip Garden Club held its monthly meeting on March 1 at the home of hostess Debbie Stinson, with Laura Hill serving as co-hostess.

Lee County master gardener Jan Newton presented an informative program on native shrubs.

She explained that by cultivating native shrubs, we better support the existing wildlife of an area or habitat.

In past meetings with the club, Newtwon has stressed the importance of local shrubs to imported ones because of their benefit to wildlife.

Special to the Opelika Observer Library Directory, Rosanna McGinnis spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Opelika on Thursday. Pictured are Rosanna McGinnis and Joanne Camp.

Rosanna shared with the club about many of the services that the library offers. Books are what our minds go to, but the Cooper Library also offers online classes, computers, ebooks, coding classes for children, seeds and much more.

Under Rosanna's leadership, our library received the Gold Standard Award from the state. She also talked about how the library seeks to serve every demographic of our community. Her number one goal for the library is to create and nourish Community.

Special to the Opelika Observer Dena Little, founder and executive director of Storybook Farms of Opelika, was a recent guest of the Opelika Lions Club. Storybook Farm’s mission is to walk alongside children with uncertain futures and provide them with unyielding joy and hope. It is a place for healing, sharing, learning and growing; where children experience the exhilaration of riding; where families come together to support one another; where volunteers find a profound sense of purpose; and where a community finds its collective spirit. They are all essential to the life that has become Storybook.

For more information or to make donations to the project, visit https://hopeonhorseback.org.

Little was introduced by Lion John Jenkins.

tenTHING

BRASS APRIL 2, 2019 Following her war mly received appearance with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra during the Perfor mance Series 2017-18 season, T ine Thing Helseth retur ns to introduce her fun and exciting ten-piece, all-female brass ensemble tenThing . Having fir mly established itself on the inter national scene to great acclaim, tenThing celebrates its commitment to outreach and access to music through a diverse reper toire that spans from Mozar t to W iel, Grieg to Ber nstein, and Lully to Bar tok.

UPCOMING SHOWS aT The OPeLIKa CeNTeR FOR The PeRFORMING aRTs To purchase tickets, call 334.749.8105 or visit eastalabamaar ts.org

D8 March 27, 2019

pelika Observer O

COMICS

A good laugh heals a lot of hurts. — Madeleine L’Engle