Opelika Observer 4-18-18 E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Vol. 10, No. 28

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

EAMC honors organ donors, recipients during Donate Life ceremony Two local families share how Facebook post brought hope, health and happiness

Wright’s Market receives $60,000 grant from state

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey recently awarded Opelika’s Wright’s Market with a $60,000 grant to help extend its online shopping and delivery program for Lee and Russell counties.

Through funding provided by the “Alabama Health Food Financing Act,” Governor Ivey presented Wright’s and six other Alabama businesses/non-

profits with $300,000 in grants to meet the nutritional needs of communities statewide that have limited access to grocery stores.

“Better access to healthy foods in underserved communities will help children develop properly, help senior citizens stay healthy and help reduce long-term healthcare costs for those that opt for this type of diet over eating unhealthy foods,” Governor Ivey said

Mayor Fuller declares April 15 “Mrs. Sallie Mae Haynes Day”

See Wright, page A3

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer In honor of April being Organ Donation Month, East Alabama Medical Center held a ceremony last Friday acknowledging the impact that organ donation has on donors and recipients alike.

“Organ donation is such a critical part of touching the lives of others, making a difference in people’s lives, and it really is the ultimate gift,” said EAMC CEO Laura Grill.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and Auburn Mayor Bill Ham followed with a proclamation stating April 2018 See Life, page A6

Rocky Brook Rocket documentary brings community together in spite of threat of severe weather on Saturday

By Michelle Key Editor Despite windy conditions and the threat of

severe weather, a large crowd turned out for Saturday’s Opelika Fun Day and to view the premiere of the Rocky

Brook Rocket film documentary, “A Rocket in a Railroad Town.”

Children and adults alike enjoyed rides on

the train before the film, and parkgoers had the opportunity to See Rocket, page A3

Opelika’s first dog park holds ribbon cutting Saturday - turn to A2 for more photos.

Special to the Opelika Observer City Council President Pro-Tem and Ward 1 Councilwoman Patsy Jones presented a proclamation from Mayor Gary Fuller to Sallie Mae Haynes in commemoraton of her 100th birthday April 15. A special birthday celebration was held in her honor April 7.

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

RELIGION...................................B3 LEGALS.....................................B11 ENTERTAINMENT.......................B14 CALENDAR.............................B16

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A2 April 18, 2018

Roads, bridges focus of LCC meeting

By Fred Woods Opelika Observer

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Top: Mayor Gary Fuller and members of the community cut the red ribbon, officially opening the dog park. Left and above, new friends get to know each other inside the play area for the dogs.

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

Lee County roads and bridges dominated discussions at last week’s regular meeting of the Lee County Commission. County Engineer Justin Hardee discussed vacation of right of way on old Lee Road 86, two bridge replacements, reimbursement for road repairs of LR 29 and the observance of Work Zone Awareness Week last week.

Rather than close roads completely for repairs, authorities frequently make repairs while keeping roads open to traffic. The areas where road maintenance and repairs are going on, or “work zones,” require drivers to slow down and be especially vigilant to avoid endangering workers, work equipment and themselves and their automobiles.

The work zones with their decreased speed limits may be inconvenient, but they are in place to provide safe navigation around workers and their equipment while leaving the road open for traffic.

Unfortunately, many drivers view the work as an inconvenience and don’t follow instructions for reduced speed and increased awareness, to the detriment of both themselves and highway workers.

There was a 7-percent increase in work zone fatalities from 2015 to 2016, from 712 deaths of drivers as well as workers in 2015 to 755 deaths in 2016.

After the required public hearing, commissioners voted to vacate public right of way on old LR 86 at its intersection with US Highway 280 (south side), returning the property to abutting property owners. The vacation was made necessary by the realignment by ALDOT of the road access to Highway 280. LR 86 is also known as the Gold Hill Road.

Replacement of the bridge on LR 417 just east of Parker Grassing in Beauregard is approved as an ATRIP project, but the Lee County Highway Department believes that they can make necessary changes to strengthen the bridge at a cost less than the county’s required 20 percent ATRIP match.

The bridge project will be removed from the list of ATRIP projects, and the county will add stronger beams to the ones already in place on the bridge.

The bridge, built in 1981, was not originally designed to carry today’s heavier vehicles. The commission unanimously approved this proposal.

Hardee also reported to the commission that the previously ap-

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proved bridge replacement over a tributary to Hodnett Creek on LR 137 (Wire Road) will commence this week.

The project contractor will close the affected portion of Wire Road on Monday, April 16.

Construction is expected to take three to four months, depending on the weather. The detour will involve using LR 10 to Interstate 85 at exit 50 and then south to the Wire Road exit.

The commission also authorized a settlement agreement with Gaston Construction, Inc., for reimbursement for the cost of repairing damage to LR 029 during construction of a new power station in southern Lee County near US Highway 80.

District 4 Commissioner Robert Ham expressed his concerns about illegal dumping at county solid waste collection sites and the need for strengthening and simplifying solid waste regulations to make it easier for law enforcement officials to ticket violators. Solid waste collection costs have risen 15 percent in recent years, and several commissioners mentioned seeing business vehicles from inside Auburn and Opelika city limits dumping wastes at county collection sites.

Ham asked for, and received, commission See LCC, page A3

Editor: Michelle Key

Associate Editor: Morgan Bryce Journalist: Shawn Kirkpatrick Marketing: Woody Ross, Doug Phone: 334.749.8003 Horn and Emily Key Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com Photographer: Robert Noles

w w w. o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r . c o m 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly

by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

CORRECTIONS The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the Editor at (334) 749-8003.

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A3 April 18, 2018

Garden in the Park slated for May 5 Brenda Ortiz to speak at

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Keep Opelika Beautiful’s 13th annual “Garden in the Park” event is slated for May 5 at Municipal Park.

Known locally as “Opelika’s premiere arts and crafts festival,” this year’s version of Garden in the Park will feature even more attractions and vendors offering homegrown/handmade goods for visitors, according to KOB Director Tipi Miller.

During the familyfriendly event, there will be activities for children including Farmer Brown’s Pet-

Rocket, from A1

purchase barbecue from the Butcher Paper BBQ food truck that was set up in the Denson Rec Center parking lot.

LCC, from A2

approval to draft a new policy for commission consideration over the next several months.

Lee County currently has 143 authorized commercial users and 13,673 residential users.

ting Zoo, rides on the Rocky Brook Rocket, moonwalks, demonstrations on how to make bird feeders and homemade water cycles, as well as performances by students from Make Your Move Dance Studio and Opelika City Schools at the park’s main stage area.

More than 4,000 people attended last year’s event, statistics that Miller attributes to its free admission, wide array of entertainment and location.

“It seems like every town has their own arts and crafts show, but Opelika has several advantages, including

no charge to get in and our park where we hold the event. People love to come because it’s shady and cool enough where the kids can play in the creek, (and there’s) so many different play structures at the park ... it’s just a really neat place and the perfect setup for any event,” Miller said. “I also think a lot of people just enjoy coming to Opelika ... we’ve had a lot of people say they come and stay for the weekend, and go downtown and eat at some of the restaurants down there on Friday night, and Saturday morning, go shop at Tiger Town

and then come to the event.”

Food donations for the Food Bank of East Alabama will be accepted during the event. Miller asks that visitors refrain from bringing pets to the park to prevent additional noise and disturbance of animals in the petting zoo.

In case of rain, Garden in the Park will still be held from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.keepopelikabeautiful.com.

Municipal Park is located across from the Denson Drive Recreation Center on Denson Drive.

Opelika resident Luanne Helms said the train was a prominent part of her childhood.

“Growing up on Rocky Brook Road, the Rocket was a daily treasure of my childhood. I remember

many summers heading down on my bike to the Monkey Park to wade the creeks, ride the train, and it’s just something you can’t express,” Helms said.

“I’ve began to instill the love I had for the (train) to my son, spending our Satur-

days riding round and round. What an honor to be able to view and fill in some of the history I didn’t know on the Rocket before I was born in the 70s.

The documentary was thrilling and educational for young and old.”

In other action, the commission: • voted to hold the May 29 commission meeting at the new Beulah Senior Center.

The meeting will be combined with an official dedication of the center; • approved replacing the current BellSouth lease of a 50’ x 50’ plot of land off

Frederick Road near the Justice Center with an easement for a one-time lump-sum payment of $5,000; • a pproved a deductive change order for re-roofing of the jail project enabling closing out the contract with a net savings to the county of $23,750; • approved changes to the Personnel Poli-

cy handbook concerning re-employment of retired members of the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA); and • heard Ms. Judy Lockhart announce a political candidate forum to be held at the Loachapoka Community Center on Alabama Highway 14 in Loachapoka on April 26 beginning at 6 p.m.

How do spills affect our water?

By Case O’Dell For the Opelika Observer Some of the most harmful pollutants to our waters in Opelika are chemicals that have been spilled or illegally dumped.

Being a railroad community, Opelika has a very high potential for major spills with both the CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads running through town.

Additionally, Interstate 85 N brings many large tanker trucks and other heavy transports with a high degree of potential to pollute through the heart of Lee County.

But these major spills aren’t the only ones that are cause for concern. Every day traffic accidents, spills during fueling, and other activities can lead to what are called illicit discharges.

To handle these spills, the City of Opelika must implement control measures that make up an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program. IDDE is a way to identify, remediate, and prevent harmful discharges and is a

crucial component of protecting our water resources.

Perhaps you think these spills don’t happen too often, but you might be surprised.

Just picture how many times you leave the grocery store and see a pool of water in the parking lot with a colorful sheen. Or think about when you are filling your car at the gas station and notice how the asphalt in front of the pump is stained. Also pay attention next time you pass a traffic accident. It is likely that where a wreck has happened there is liquid or staining on the pavement. These are all indications that a chemical has illicitly discharged.

As previously discussed, this introduction of chemicals into the environment allows stormwater runoff to contact these pollutants and carry them to inlets and drains that flow directly to our local water resources. Here these compounds can alter water chemistry and lead to many adverse effects on fish and wildlife. Remember too that drinking water is drawn and treated from local

streams and lakes where stormwater carrying these pollutants often discharges.

The good news is there are certain practices that can be implemented at home and at work to better prevent illicit discharges. Periodically checking containers of chemicals and fuels around the house is an easy and preventative measure to take. Ensuring that driveways are free of oil stains will help in identifying potential leaks from automobiles. At work, make sure that storage tanks are accessible and have the appropriate spill cleanup materials nearby, such as shovels, absorbents and inlet protection

devices.

Finally, knowing who to call in the event of a spill is a very important step in identifying and eliminating illicit discharges. The Opelika Engineering office’s stormwater coordinator can be contacted at 334-705-5450. For major emergency spills make sure to contact the Opelika Fire Department at 334-705-5339. For more information on how to prevent and better prepare for illicit discharges, visit the City of Opelika’s webpage at www. opelika-al.gov and search Stormwater Management under the Engineering Department tab.

Citizens Climate Lobby meeting April 25 Special to the Opelika Observer This month’s Citizens’ Climate Lobby will meet April 25 and will include a lecture from Dr. Brenda Ortiz, Associate Professor with Extension and Research Responsibilities in the Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Department of Auburn University.

The diversity and differences that make the agricultural production in the Southeast unique also challenge farmers to produce crops with limited resources.

Farmers must cope with frequent droughts, uncertainty of irrigation water availability, crop pests and diseases and degraded soils.

These risks are exacerbated by the impact of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation on climate of the Southeast and extreme weather events associated with climate change.

For the last 10 years, Dr. Ortiz has led ef-

Wright, from A1

in a press release. “I am pleased to support these projects and encouraged that these grants will expand access to fresh, healthy foods in several communities.”

Wright’s Market Owner Jimmy Wright said the money will help launch a pilot version of an online SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and expand the route and services offered through the store’s Wright2U delivery service, which already delivers throughout the Opelika-

forts to engage farmers in a climate adaptation conversation. She has also conducted research to evaluate the impact of climate variability and climate change on agriculture.

Two years ago, she published research results in Nature, one of the most well-known journals in science.

Those research results have been very useful to climate science education in the farming community.

Dr. Ortiz’s presentation will be focused on efforts in the Southeast to educate the farming community on climaterelated topics and the challenges and opportunities faced during that process.

The meeting will be held from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Hubert and Grace Harris Meeting Center, located at 425 Perry Street, in Auburn.

To learn more about CCL, go to their website: citizensclimatelobby.org/.

Auburn area.

“It was an honor for us to be chosen. This is the initial time that the state has done this, and there’s been a lot of work behindthe-scenes the last few years to make this possible,” Wright said. “This will now allow us to take our delivery service farther into rural parts of the counties, and through our partnerships with East Alabama Medical Center and the Lee-Russell Council of Governments’ Area Agency on Aging, add (healthcare services provided through the delivery program).”

For more information, call 334-749-1333.

Wright’s Market is located at 603 Pleasant Drive.

A4 April 18, 2018

pelika O Opinion

Family reunions The F T

Dixie. amily reunions. Why? During the first half of the 20th Alice Walker’s characCentury black Southerners left ters in “The Color Purple” the South in what has been called summed it up -- “we all need a the Great Migration. They settled time when we can spend the day in Northern cities but never lost celebrating each other.” their Southerness and never broke That’s why. Each-otherness. their ties with home. Some died I can’t say for sure that the South

By Hardy Jackson before they could come back, has more of them, but we sure do but what they felt they passed on have a lot and because we do, we to their children and their children’s children. have elevated “putting them on” to what one (No small number of white Southerners made commentator called “an art form.” the same trek and felt the same longing for Sure, families gather at other times. Christwhat they left behind. If you don’t believe me, mas comes with seasonal regularity but for listen to Bobby Bare sing “Detroit City.”) a variety of reasons Christmas no longer inNow those displaced Southerners, white and volved extended families (too much trouble to move “Santa” for the kids tops the list of why). black, want to come home and connect with what once was theirs. Which is where the Families gather at weddings. Like Christfood comes in. mas, they are usually predictable (unless a Of all the things on display and enjoyed at shotgun is involved). However, weddings create families for future reunions. Their purpose a reunion – the photographs, the scrapbooks, the family Bible, and such – the most proudly is to celebrate the new, not reunite the old. displayed and thoroughly enjoyed is the food.

Funerals are reunions of a sort, but the very Although the distance some folks travel to get reason for gathering takes the fun out of the there, and the location selected for the gatheroccasion.

But a family reunion, a get-together planned ing often requires organizers to have a reunion well in advance, held at a place that has mean- catered, somehow it just isn’t the same unless someone brings “Aunt Jessie’s yeast rolls” or ing for those who attend, publicized so that “Meme’s red velvet cake.” it draws folks from far away who want to Of all the senses that stir memory, taste is re-knot the tie that binds, these have Southern up there at the top, and since reunions are all written all over them. about memory, it is understandable that food However, properly done reunions are more would rank among the expectations and, often, than a simple “get-together.” the disappointments – “it’s good, but not like They are confirmation of the links that deMama made.” fined each member –the bloodlines. Once it Old receipts are hauled out, tried out, and was the duty of the matriarch, the Grandmoththe results put out for all to enjoy. er or the Aunt (even better the Maiden Aunt) The table spread becomes symbolic of what to preserve the connections. Often, they would put them on a chart that reminded author Flor- the family was, and what it has become – a big ence King’s non-Southern father of “kennel mound of “Uncle Claude’s barbeque” just like papers,” “the stud register,” or “the book of the he would have made it if he was here, next to a Dead.” pile of Kentucky Fried Chicken, taken out of the Then, with Alex Haley’s 1976 novel box and put on a platter to fool folks who can’t “Roots,” family history moved out of the mabe fooled. The old and the new, the sacred and tronly shadows and into the light of day. the profane.

In the aftermath of “Roots” genealogy beAnd so the family gathers, greets, hugs, talks, came cool and family gatherings became swap eats, shares, and when the day is done, they remeets where enthusiasts could exchange infor- turn to the world where each lives. mation on multi-great grandfathers who served Some reunions are reconciliations, times when with Washington, or was it Lee, or somebody. old family feuds are settled and past differences Not surprisingly, the reunions that gained put aside. the most from the stir created by Haley’s book Some reunions are confirmations, a time when and the subsequent TV series were those held you discover that the cousin who was obnoxious

by African-American families. when you were young is obnoxious still.

And most of those were held in the South.

But most important, these reunions are a reaToday, African-American family reunions son, an excuse, to celebrate the institution that are big business. Check the internet under has always been at the center of Southern life – Family Reunions, Southern and more than half the family. To thank the Lord that you have one. of the sites are maintained by companies that And, maybe, to feel a little sad for those who cater to black families that want to get together don’t. and enjoy it.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is ProfesBut in a way, an important way, what Afrisor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State can American Southerners are doing reflects University. He can be reached at hjackson@ the whole family reunion phenomena down in cableone.net.

Seer

“My dreams have he television always been just in the doctor’s sounds,” he says. office is blar“But not this one. I ing news headlines. saw a color or someIt plays disturbing thing. It was big. And footage, followed by I think it was blue.” politicians who exBut he’s not cerplain that the world

By Sean Dietrich tain. itself is crumbling.

“I could’ve stared The people in this at it all day,” he says. “I think waiting room watch the TV. maybe I was seeing the ocean.”

Most are sick. If you close your “Or the sky,” his wife sugeyes, you’ll hear hacking and gests. Dan makes a big smile. coughing.

Welcome to the Fifth Circle of “Whatever it was, God, it was beautiful.” Beautiful.

Waiting-Room Hell.

Before we finish talking, the The woman beside me is nurse calls his name. He stands dog sick. On my other side is a and shakes my hand. “I’ll be boy with a snotty upper lip. His seeing you,” he says, then he cough sounds like a ‘67 Buick laughs at his own joke.

Roadmaster on a cold morning.

His wife rolls her eyes. Dan I move to the other side of the places both hands on her shoulroom, away from people who ders. She leads him to the back look like they’re about to write their own obituaries. I sit next to room. He shuffles behind her.

That was a few hours ago. a man whose eyes are closed.

While I write this, I’m sitting He hears me. on sand, overlooking the Gulf of “Hello,” he says, without Mexico. I have a head cold, my opening his eyes. sinuses are packed, but the docHis name is Dan. He’s blind. tor said I’ll survive.

Dan wears a smile on his unThere’s a seagull beside me, shaven face. He shoves his hand hopping back and forth. Two in my general direction and we kids throw a football. The sun is shake. We start talking. shining.

The television overhead is And I just did an experiment, loud enough to drown us out, right here on the beach. but we manage.

I kept my eyes closed for thir“I play guitar,” Dan says. “I’m not very good, but I play. Think- teen minutes straight, just to see what it was like. ing of learning piano, too. My Thirteen minutes. I listened. wife bought me a keyboard for There were no horror-stricken my birthday.” headlines. No talk of evil. No His wife is beside him, reading. Silver hair. Lines around her sadness. I only heard birds, the eyes. “He can do anything,” she loud surf, the sound of couples laughing. I tasted the salt air. says. “He even drew a portrait And when I opened my eyes, of me.”

I saw it. So help me, I really saw Dan tells me that he printed a it. It was everywhere, stretching photo of her. She pricked holes toward the edge of the world. It into the paper with a needle, was big. It was blue. outlining the facial features.

My friend was right.

Then he traced. His wife shows This world is beautiful. me the portrait on her cellphone.

Sean Dietrich is a columThe word impressive comes to mind. Dan also tells me he had a nist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the dream a few nights ago.

“It wasn’t just any dream,” he American South. His work has appeared in Southern says.

Living, the Tallahassee DemIt was a visual dream. The ocrat, Southern Magazine, first time he’s seen anything since age two. At least he thinks Yellowhammer News, the Bitter Southerner, the Mobile he saw something. Truth told, Press Register and he has auDan doesn’t even remember thored seven books. what it’s like to see.

Inside the Statehouse

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ur antiquated 1901 Constitution was designed to give inordinate power to the Legislature.

During the Wallace years, the King of Alabama politics, George Wallace, usurped this power and controlled the Legislature from the Executive Branch of Government. Over the last couple of decades the Legislature has wrestled this power back and pretty much excluded the Governor from their bailiwick.

Governors Bob Riley and Robert Bentley were ostracized and pretty much ignored. Their proposed budgets were instantaneously tossed into the nearest trashcan.

Legislative power is derived from controlling the state’s purse strings.

Thus the old adage, “Those who have the gold set the rules.” The Legislature has gotten like Congress in that incumbents are difficult to defeat. Therefore, the interest will be on the open Senate and House seats.

Most of the Montgom-

the qualifyery Special ing deadline Interest two relatively money will unknown canbe focused on didates were these Legislathe only ones tive races. to qualify.

Speaking Will Barfoot of Montgomery, two open By Steve Flowers and Ronda Walker are and most interesting Senate seats in the pitted against each other in a race that is considered a state will be in the Montgomery/River Region. One tossup.

The Etowah County/ is currently in progress.

Gadsden area was considMontgomery City Counered one of the most Demcilman, David Burkette, ocratic areas of the state for Representative John generations. However, in Knight and Councilman recent years it has become Fred Bell are pursuing the one of the most RepubliDemocratic seat vacated can. State Representative

by Senator Quinton Ross Mack Butler should be when he left to become President of Alabama State favored as a Republican.

Although, polling indicates University. Burkette has that veteran Democratic already bested Knight and Representative Craig Ford Bell in a Special Election last month. A rebound race could make this a competitive race in the fall. He is is set for June 5. running as an Independent.

The Republican Senate Veteran State Senaseat in the River Region tor Harri Ann Smith has held by Senator Dick Brewbaker is up for grabs. represented the Wiregrass/ Dothan area admirably This seat was expected to for over two decades. She attract numerous wellknown aspirants. However, has been elected several times as an Independent. when the dust settled at

However, she has decided not to seek reelection. Her exit leaves State Representative Donnie Chesteen in the catbird seat to capture the seat. Republican State Senator Paul Bussman, who represents Cullman and northwest Alabama, is a maverick and very independent. This independence makes him powerful. He will be reelected easily.

State Representative David Sessions is predicted to win the seat of Senator Bill Hightower who is running for Governor.

Most of the state Senate’s most powerful members are unopposed or have token opposition.

Included in this list of incumbent State Senators are veteran Senate leader and Rules Chairman, Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia, Senate President Del Marsh, R-Calhoun, Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed, R-Jasper, veteran Senator Jimmy Holley, R-Coffee, as well as Senate leaders Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, Cam Ward,

R-Alabaster, Clay Scofield, R-Marshall, Clyde Chambliss, R- Autauga, Steve Livingston, RScottsboro, Tom Whatley, R-Lee, and Shay Shelnutt, R-Gardendale. The Senate leadership will remain intact, as will the House leadership. Almost all of the House leaders are unopposed or have token opposition. This prominent list includes: Speaker Mac McCutcheon, R-Madison, Budget Chairmen and Steve Clouse, R-Ozark, Bill Poole, R-Tuscaloosa, Speaker Pro-tem Victor Gaston, R- Mobile, Rules Chairman Mike Jones, R-Covington.

In addition, there are numerous veteran lawmakers who will be reelected, including Lynn Greer, Mike Ball, Jim Carnes, Howard Sanderford, Kerry Rich, and Jimmy Martin; as well as rising leaders: Nathaniel Ledbetter, Kyle South, Connie Rowe, Tim Wadsworth, April Weaver, Paul Lee, Terri Collins, Danny Garrett, Dickie Drake, Chris

Pringle, Randall Shedd, Allen Farley, Becky Nordgren, Mike Holmes, David Standridge, Dimitri Polizos, Reed Ingram and Chris Sells.

Even though there are 22 open House seats and 10 open Senate seats, the leadership of both Chambers will remain the same.

There are some competitive House seats that will be interesting. In the Pike/ Dale County Seat 89, Pike Probate Judge Wes Allen is pitted against Troy City Council President Marcus Paramore. Tracy Estes is favored to replace retiring Mike Millican in Marion County. Alfa is going all out for Estes. David Wheeler is expected to capture the open House seat in Vestavia.

See you next week.

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

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

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Around Lee County

A5 April 18, 2018

Crossroads Pharmacy Coffee and Gifts to hold grand opening April 19

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Smiths Station’s newest pharmacy, Crossroads Pharmacy Coffee and Gifts, is set to hold its grand opening ceremony Thursday.

Owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Dickey and Ann Redding, Crossroads possesses a full-service pharmacy, over-the-counter medication, coffee bar, gifts, pet and sports medicine supplies, and more.

“Here at Crossroads, it’s all about the experience. As I always say, ‘you can buy your medications or your coffees

anywhere,’” Ann said.

“But it all comes back again to the experience.

How do you feel when you purchase it? Do you feel like you’re just a number and a date-ofbirth? That’s the one thing I want people who come here to get: that we care about them and want to help do what’s best for them to have a better experience and journey in life.”

The couple both have ties to the area. Dickey, originally from Notasulga, worked for a number of years in his family’s refrigeration business.

Ann, a graduate of Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy, has nearly 30

years experience in the field, working mostly for large pharmaceutical corporations and retail stores.

Crossroads is the fruition of a four-year-long dream the couple have had of owning their own business.

“We are located at a major crossroads, (U.S.) Highway 280 and Summerville, but the name ‘Crossroads’ also reflects where Dickey and I are in our lives and professional careers. Most people our age (50s), you stop and reassess where you are in your career, what you’ve done in life,” Ann said. “I was very happy with the life path I had chosen, but

after doing it for 20-plus years, you start thinking, ‘what can I do different?’

We feel like God just opened this opportunity for us at the exact time that we needed it, and we took it and ran with it.”

Since opening a month ago, the couple agreed that the overall community response that they have received has been stronger than expected.

Looking to the future of their business, Ann shared her vision for the impact she believes Crossroads can make on Smiths Station and the surrounding areas.

“We thought that this area needed something that we could add to the

fabric of the community, where people can come and feel comfortable just hanging out, grab a cup of coffee, feel comfortable with us as if we were a part of their family,” Ann said. “We just want to serve and be an asset to the community we serve and the people (that live in it).”

Monday - Friday, the coffee bar opens at 7

a.m. EST. The pharmacy opens later at 8 a.m., and both close at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, both remain open from 9 a.m.

- 2 p.m., and Crossroads is closed each Sunday.

Fore more information, visit their Facebook page or call 334291-5328. Crossroads is located at 867 Lee Road 248 in Smiths Station.

School safety forum held at East Smiths Station Elementary last Thursday

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Representatives from the Lee County Board of Education and Sheriff’s Office held a school safety forum last Thursday at East Smiths Station Elementary to discuss protocol and future security measures with parents and school administrators.

Following the recent rash of school-based violence across the country, ESSE Principal Paul Kohler opened the meeting by stating that he saw the event as a way to

learn more about existing security measures and how to prevent instances like the Parkland, Florida, shooting from happening. “... after a conversation with our PTA president, I realized right away that I didn’t have an awful lot of the answers because there are many different areas that are involved.

(Through this forum) we appreciate the opportunity to get information out across the board,” Kohler said. “There are 15 schools (in Lee County) that are all very different.

With this, there’s not real-

ly much of an opportunity to discuss the individual schools, but I think this is a chance for us to hear what Lee County and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office can give us as a broad spectrum.”

During the meeting, Lee County Schools Superintendent Dr. James McCoy, Director of Student Services Dr. Jason Wright and ESSE School Resource Officer Sgt. Dennis Harrell all addressed existing security measures, discussed generic protocols and spoke of their continued efforts

to improve daily.

“I see this not as a oneand-done meeting, but a way to get a (continuous) conversation started.

We’ve already made a commitment (as a school board) that we’re going to be available anywhere anytime for anybody, and I know that’s the way the sheriff’s office works as well,” McCoy said.

Wright, responsible for coordinating and implementing school safety procedures, said he has seen progress since coming back to Lee County Schools in 2010.

“One of the things that I take the most pride in is that our safety plans have evolved from being a book on a shelf or word document on a computer to truly fluid documents and a part of our daily curriculum and operations. We look to enhance and improve constantly,” Wright said.

Harrell said he cherishes the opportunity to build lasting relationships and a strong respect for law enforcement with the students at his school.

“To become a school resource officer, we’d

prefer them to have three or four years experience before they come into the school system. Most folks that sign up to be a police officer or a deputy want to be out on the street chasing bad guys,” Harrell said. “I’ve been doing (law enforcement) for 35 years, and this is by far the favorite thing I’ve done. I really love working with these kids ... and looking out for them.”

Check www.lee.k12. al.us/Page/5211 for updates on future forums and dates for their regularly scheduled meetings.

Smiths Station City Council recognizes high school track team

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Mayor Bubba Copeland and other members of the Smiths Station City Council recognized the accomplishments of four Smiths Station High School track and field athletes during its meeting last week.

Last month, Charles

Hughes, Dawson Jeffcoat, Tyron Jones and Kentray Mercer each turned in top showings during the Smiths Station Panther Relays to help their team clinch the meet victory.

After reading a proclamation from himself and the city council, Copeland thanked the athletes and their families for

their efforts and contributions.

“The work ethic that you (all) have will help you be successful in life. I also want to thank some special people that made you who you are, and that’s your parents,” Copeland said. “Thank you all so much for being dedicated to these young men.”

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The council also approved an ordinance forbidding the illegal dumping of trash within city limits. Copeland praised the efforts of Council Place 2 Representative Morris Jackson for his efforts to help enact the measure.

“We have a serious, serious problem with trash in Smiths Station

... people throwing stuff out of their windows. We have tackled that with a full force with a (roadside pickup service), but this will give us the ability to enforce with financial fines if people are caught dumping,” Copeland said.

Fines will be $100 for first offense, $250 for second offense and $500

for a third offense.

In other business, the council: • approved an ordinance allowing the city to sign a franchise agreement with Spire (formerly known as Alagasco) to run gas and pipelines through the city • performed a first reading of a proposed 5-mill property tax.

pelika O Observer

A6 April 18, 2018

Life, from A1

qualified for a surgery where she would have to receive tissue from a donor in order to prevent the loss of her legs.

“The process of waiting to be matched with a donor can only be described as an allconsuming, intense,

as “Organ Donation Month.”

The ceremony continued with three different stories.

gripping, restless, sensitive experience,” Blanton said.

On December 20, 2017, a match was found, with surgery scheduled for two days later. She said the recovery process proved to be difficult.

“I will never forget how I felt on February 20, 2018 - 187 days, 6 months of being nonweight bearing, I walked for the first time without crutches. It was at that moment I knew how much my donor had forever changed me,” Blanton said.

Rachel Kring and Jill Hicks’ stories overlap with one another.

Kring saw a Facebook post where Hicks was asking for a live donor to give a kidney to her husband Neil.

His kidney function had dropped to 9 percent in

Lydia Blanton shared her personal story where she underwent an open osteochondral allograft implantation on her right knee.

In August 2017, her 75-pound dog ran into the back of her legs and knocked her down.

A pre-op MRI exam showed that the injury had caused a potential torn ACL and meniscus.

The initial surgery revealed that cartilage had been torn from the bone, and tissue was removed from the meniscus tear and repaired. Post-op MRIs on both knees showed massive bone infarcts in both upper and lower legs due to an autoimmune component.

Blanton was referred to Birmingham where she found out she

March, and dialysis was probable.

After testing, Kring found out she was a match.

After a successful operation last July, Kring said donating one of her kidneys was a decision she would definitely make again, if able.

“I would do it again in a heart beat if God gave us three kidneys,” Kring said.

Jill said she appreciates Krings’ sacrifice, which has given her husband a second chance at life.

“Without the organ there is no story, no hope, no transplant, but when there is an organ donor life springs from death, sorrow turns to hope and a terrible death becomes a gift,” Jill said.

For more information or to learn more about becoming a donor, visit www.donatelife.net

Opelika-area trucking company honors associate for 30 years of service Special to the Opelika Observer Averitt Express recently honored associate Nathaniel Dowdell of Auburn for 30 years of service.

He is one of more than 1,000 active

a leading provider of freight transportation and supply chain management with international reach to more than 100 countries. The company is a founding SmartWay partner and specializes in delivering customized trans-

and warehousing services. Averitt's technology offerings include a full suite of web-based shipping tools, electronic data interchange (EDI), warehouse management systems (WMS), and transportation and operations

Special to the Opelika Observer Nathaniel Dowdell (right) is presented his 30-year Service Award by Opelika Service Center director Greg Clark.

Editor’s Note: Organ donation is personal to my family. On May 22, my oldest son, at age 27, became one of the 495 lives saved by organ and tissue donation during 2017. We will be forever grateful for the gift that was given to him and our heartfelt prayers continue for the family of his donor.

Averitt associates who are members of the company’s “Over 20 Team,” an exclusive group of associates who have served 20 or more years with Averitt.

Averitt’s Opelikaarea facility is located at 701 Westpoint Pkwy.

About Averitt Express Averitt Express is

portation solutions that include cross-border, dedicated, expedited ground/air, intermodal COFC/TOFC, international ocean/air, local customization, lessthan-truckload, PortSide®, retail solutions, temperature-controlled, transportation management, truckload (dry van, flatbed, brokerage)

management systems.

Together, these services and technology solutions provide "The Power of One" to shippers, allowing them access to multiple transportation solutions from a single provider.

For more information, call 1-800-AVERITT (283-7488) or visit AverittExpress.com.

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Opelika E vents, Society, & Food SH

Ann Cipperly’s Southern Hospitality

Native Opelikan Chef Eron Bass serves innovative fare

up c o m i ng e v e nt s :

• COMMUNITY GARDEN GRAND OPENING • ROYALTY 5K-FUN RUN • OTC Murder Mystery Dinner • EARTH DAY • TASTE OF THE TOWN • A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER • RELAY FOR LIFE

Storybook Farm hosts Business after Hours

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer Both the Opelika and Auburn chambers of commerce teamed up with Storybook Farm to host “Business after Hours” at the farm Thursday night.

La Cantina served up quesadillas as well as chips and queso. John Emerald Distillery poured gin and vodka for guests, made from

their special recipes.

Red Clay Brewery served glasses of their

home-brewed beer.

See Farm, page A9

“Fill the Gap” to fill children’s stomachs this summer Special to the Opelika Observer

W

ith our area having so many good restaurants, Opelikans can be proud of our homegrown culinary star, Eron Bass, the executive chef of Café 123, who has lived in Opelika his entire life. Chef Bass trained under other local chefs and is also self-taught in creating innovative dishes that have made Café 123 a highly ranked restaurant in east Alabama.

Chef Bass will be one of 17 chefs featured at the 6th annual Taste of the Town with two wineries and specialty coffees Tuesday, April 24, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Museum of East Alabama in downtown Opelika.

Growing up, Chef Bass enjoyed wonderful meals at his grandmothers’ homes. His grandmother, Marie Bass, cooked southern dishes, while his other grandmother, Ria Higginbotham, prepared German and gourmet fare. She cooked with wine, which he appreciates more now than as a child.

Along with learning about cooking from grandmothers and his parents, Linda and Leh Bass, he also enjoyed watching Great Chefs in America and other cooking shows.

After Eron graduated from Opelika High School, he attended college for a while and then decided he wanted to enroll in culinary school. While he had enjoyed being creative with painting, he saw cooking as a creative outlet as well.

His father advised him to work at a restaurant first to be sure that was what he wanted to do before beginning a culinary program.

Eron worked at the Marriott Hotel at Grand National for three years and learned a great deal from a chef from New York and others who worked there. He discovered that he could learn just as much doing hands-on work at a restaurant as he could in school.

With a natural ability, Chef Bass quickly learned and began adding his creative influences to dishes.

When John Robert Wood purchased Café 123, he asked Eron to join the culinary team, as sous chef, and shortly afterwards he became executive chef.

At the restaurant, he retains longtime favorites on the menu; however, he See Recipes, page B13

When the school bells ring it signals the start of summer vacation. Millions of children across the U.S. who receive free lunch at school no longer have access to those meals. For food banks and their agencies, summer is ground zero in the battle to keep kids fed.

The Food Bank of

East Alabama (FBEA) has several programs that address child food insecurity, most notably the Backpack Program that provides food assistance to young children at 12 elementary schools. The Food Bank also supports many food pantries in Lee County and throughout a sevencounty area. Those food pantries play a critical role in providing food support to families dur-

ing the summer.

This month, FBEA is teaming up with Kroger for a two-week campaign, “Fill the Gap,” to support the Backpack and other programs that help fight child food insecurity. Kroger officials say many students experience food insecurities over the weekends, breaks and during the summer. They are work See Gap, page A9

BurgerFi to celebrate East Alabama Civic Chorale Earth Day April 22 Special to the Observer In honor of Earth Day on April 22, participating BurgerFi locations nationwide are encouraging guests to eat their greens by offering $5 VegeFi Burgers.

The selection includes the Crispy Quinoa and Pure-

Cut Veggie Burger, which has white cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, BurgerFi sauce on a multigrain bun or green style, as well as $5 Beyond Burgers­, a plantbased burger with 20 grams of protein that looks, cooks and satisfies like traditional beef.

With any burger See BurgerFi, page B16

seeking new members

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer

The East Alabama Civic Chorale, an outreach of the Arts Association of East Alabama, is back together and looking for new members.

Current members are made up of mostly Auburn and Opelika residents, with a few See Chorale, page A9

pelika O Observer 6th annual Relay for Life of Lee County slated for April 27

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor The 6th annual Relay for Life of Lee County’s event at Courthouse Square to benefit the research and work of the American Cancer Society will be held April 27.

Event co-organizer Valeri White said this year’s theme involves pajamas and “Putting Cancer to Sleep,” which is the goal of the funds raised from this event.

Nearly 2,000 people attended last year’s relay, and White said she expects even bigger numbers in 2018.

Preceding the walk at 5 p.m. will be a reception to recognize both Opelika and Lee County residents who have survived their bouts with cancer.

The event, which

Chorale, from A7 coming from neighboring communities.

The group is currently rehearsing at the Southside Center for the Arts, located at 1103 Glenn St. Chorale Director Jim Sikes said that they are looking for new members in August to join in preparation for their Christmas perfor-

includes an evening full of fun, food and games, will officially kick off at 6 p.m. and last until midnight.

Later in the evening, luminaries will be lit to honor family and friends of event participants who have died from or are currently battling cancer.

“First, we want this event to celebrate survivors, and we want to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer,” White said. “Every penny that’s raised goes toward life-saving research and services to help all survivors in our community.”

Registration for the event is free. To donate, register or find out more information about the event, visit www.relayforlife.org/ leeal.

mances.

“As long as you have a mouth and two feet, and can hold your music up right, come on,” Sikes said for people interested in joining the group.

One day each week, the ensemble comes together for a 75-minute practice, which Sikes describes as fun but productive.

For more information or to learn more about becoming a member, email Sikes at jimsikes1@gmail.com.

A9 April 18, 2018

3 Days, 3 States, 245 Miles-Cyclists Cross Alabama to Raise Funds for Poverty Housing Alleviation Special to the Opelika Observer The Ninth Annual Cycle of Service will be held this Friday through Sunday.

Ten cyclists will be crossing Alabama to raise awareness about housing needs in some of the poorest areas of the United States while raising money for home repairs in Lee, Macon and Sumter counties.

Their ride will cover 85, 96, and 56 miles respectively for three days.

Proceeds from the

Farm, from A7

ride will benefit the Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM), a home-repair and housing ministry based in Opelika.

Most of the households ARM serves are the elderly, military veterans, disabled or single parents who live on limited or fixed incomes. ARM also hosts two free summer day camps for underserved children in Livingston and Tuskegee.

This year’s goal is to raise $25,000, which will be applied to the cost of purchasing the

construction materials the organization uses in repairing homes, said ARM Director Lisa Pierce.

Cyclists participating in the Cycle of Service will ride for five to eight hours each day.

Profiles of the riders can be found at http:// cycleofservice.arm-al. org. The ride begins at 8 a.m. at the fire station in Cuba, Alabama, and will end Sunday afternoon at the 14th Street Bridge in Phenix City, near the Chattahoochee River.

There was a table where patrons could sign up for the 10th annual Kentucky Derby Dinner and Auction at Storybook Farm May 5.

Tickets are $85, a table of 10 is $1,000 and a commemorative table

Some riders will participate all three days, while others will join various legs of the ride, mostly along U.S. 80.

Below is the route the cyclists will take: Day 1: Livingston to Selma Day 2: Selma to Tuskegee Day 3: Tuskegee to GA state line For more information about the ride event, go to http://cycleofservice. arm-al.org or www. facebook.com/Bikebama.

is $1,300. All the proceeds go to the farm’s programs that help children who are dealing with grief, sickness or have special needs. The goal this year is $150,000. Last year the derby raised $110,000.

Aerocosta Global Systems holds ribbon cutting April 10

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Aerocosta Global Systems Inc., located at 685 Fox Trail, held its grand opening last Tuesday. The company, established in 2002, provides worldwide logistics services.

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

We have a tradition of including others.

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

Strong communities can help build a better life for all.

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Gap, from A7

ing to fill these gaps.

In Lee County, there are more than 7,000 children who are food insecure, and the overall food-insecurity rate is 18.4 percent, that according to Feeding America’s Map the Gap study.

The campaign runs through April 28. Look for the “Fill the Gap” scannable icon on products in Kroger stores. For more information on how to donate visit foodbankofeastalabama.com.

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A CAST TO DIE FOR

CAN YOU BLAME A YOUNG MAN, BORN WITH AMBITION BUT NO STATION, FOR WANTING A BETTER LIFE? A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER TELLS THE UPROARIOUS STORY OF MONTY NAVARRO, AN HEIR TO A FAMILY FORTUNE WHO SETS OUT TO JUMP THE LINE OF SUCCESSION BY — YOU GUESSED IT — ELIMINATING THE EIGHT PESKY RELATIVES WHO STAND IN HIS WAY. OF COURSE, IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT IF HE CAN SLAY HIS WAY TO HIS INHERITANCE...AND BE DONE IN TIME FOR TEA.

APRIL 26, 2018 7:30 PM OPELIKA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

2018-2019 PERFORMANCE SERIES SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW. GET THE BEST SEATS FOR EVERY SHOW! All performances at Opelika Center for The Performing Arts To purchase tickets, call 334.749.8105 or visit eastalabamaarts.org

pelika O Observer

A11 April 18, 2018

Annual Royalty Run to be held April 21 OGrows Community Garden’s 2018 Grand Opening coming Saturday

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer

Make Your Move Performing Arts will be holding their fourth annual MYM Royalty Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run April 21.

Registration for the event will begin at 6:15 a.m. and will be $30 for the 5K and

$20 for the Fun Run. The 5K will start at 7:30 a.m and the Fun Run at 9 a.m.

There will be multiple award categories as well as a best dressed award. All proceeds will benefit the MYM Competition Dance Teams as well as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“Come support these kids because

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they work so hard, and it would really show them how their community supports what they are doing,” said MYM Owner Mandy Moore.

This event will take place at MYM, which is located at 1220 Fox Run Ave. in the USA Town Center.

For more information, email mymroyaltyrun@gmail.com.

By Clay Williford For the Opelika Observer The OGrows Community Garden will hold its grand opening this Saturday from 9 a.m. - noon.

The garden is

located behind the Southside Center for the Arts at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika. Visitors can lease a plot for the season and get started planting with some plants and vegetables available onsite. A couple of new sponsors will be joining this year’s team.

The OLC will also be holding another student market as part of the day’s activities.

Plots lease for as low as $30, and is open to anyone that wants to grow their own food. Check the OGrows(@OpelikaGrows) Facebook page for a pricing menu.

Those unable to attend Saturday need to claim their plot in advance, which can

be done by emailing OGrowsAlabama@ gmail.com.

Raised bed plots can be donated for $20. OGrows will plant, maintain and harvest the plots then donate the produce in the patron’s name to the Community Market for the Food Bank of East Alabama.

Donations are tax-deductible and can be mailed to OGrows at 1103 Glenn St., Opelika, Alabama, 36801.

The OGrows Community garden will also be featured on the 2018 Lee County Master Gardener’s Garden Tour May 19 and 20.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2018 tour, please visit www.leemg.org.

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

Turn to B7 for photos of the winners of this years Dancing Stars of East Alabama

Opelika senior places second in state art contest

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika baseball splits games against Prattville The Opelika High School baseball team split a pair of games with Prattville last Saturday at Bulldog Park to improve to 20-13 overall.

Prior to the doubleheader, Coach Nick Richardson honored his seniors in their last regular season game.

The Bulldogs lost the first game 8-0, after Prattville scored four runs in the 6th inning and three runs in the 7th.

Senior Jackson Reynolds held the Lions scoreless through five innings, but yielded four runs in the 6th prior to being relieved by Hoony Oh. The Bulldogs scattered four hits, one each by T.J. Jones, Jared Bartlett, Jackson Craft and Micah Christian.

Opelika won the second game 12-3 behind 11 hits. Bartlett led at the plate with three hits, three RBIs and scored three runs. Jones and Christian added two hits apiece and two RBIs. TeKeil DeMunn, Cory McCoy, Craft and Brooks Bryan each added singles. Andrew Parr earned the win on the mound, pitching four innings and allowing two earned runs. Christian pitched three scoreless innings to finish the game.

STATE PLAYOFFS The Opelika baseball team won the area championship and will host Northridge this Friday in the first round of the 6A AHSAA playoffs. The

two teams will play a best-of-three series, with a doubleheader Friday night and a third game if necessary Saturday at 1 p.m.

The Jaguars finished with a 21-11 regular season record, finishing second in the area behind Hillcrest. They are coached by Hunter Gregory and former University of Alabama Coach Jim Wells. Richardson once played for Wells at Alabama.

Game one will start at 5 p.m. at Bulldog Park.

Game two will start 30 minutes after the first game is completed. Fans are asked to park in the front parking lot, and handicapped parking is available inside the blocked off area.

LISTEN TO OHS BASEBALL ON RADIO Fans can listen to the Opelika/Hillcrest series on WZMG 910 AM, online at hallelujah910am. com or the WZMG station on the iHeartRadio app. Jeff Sasser will provide commentary, and I will handle the play-byplay. All games will air on the iHeartRadio app.

GIRLS SOCCER The Opelika girls soccer team won two matches last week, 4-1 over Stanhope and 3-0 over Sylacauga.

Amiya Brown and Kayla Phatsadavong scored two goals each See Sports, page B2

Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika High School senior Tiffany Boutdy won second place in the 2018 State Superintendent's Visual Arts Exhibit. Boutdy and other state winners were honored at an awards luncheon in Montgomery sponsored by the Alabama State Department of Education and the Alabama Arts License Tag Committee. Pictured left to right: Betty Peters, Alabama State Board of Education member; Jeff Conway, OHS Art Instructor; Boutdy, and Dr. Ed Richardson. Interim Alabama State Superintendent of Education.

Beauregard choir, Sanford Singers receive superior ratings in competition Special to the Opelika Observer On April 5, the Beauregard High Concert Choir and Sanford Singers went to State Performance Assessment in Tallassee, Alabama.

Sponsored by the Alabama Vocal Association, more than 30 choirs from different schools across this district performed before three judges on two prepared pieces. After the stage performance, the choirs are escorted into a separate area where See Choir, page B5

Opelika crushes Prattville 12-3 in second game of series

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Pictured are highlights from Opelika’s 12-3 win in the second game of their series Saturday.

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pelika O Observer

B2 April 18, 2018

Sports, from B1

against the Mustangs. Breonna Bartlett scored one goal, and Estafany Alba added two goals against Sylacauga. Eleanor Wilson and Abby Noon each provided assists.

The Lady Bulldogs improved to 9-5-2 overall and 3-0 in the area.

BOYS SOCCER The Opelika boys soccer team lost 4-1 to Stanhope Elmore and tied with Sylacauga 1-1. Anthony Alba scored the lone goal against the Mustangs, and Mario Martinez scored the lone goal against Sylacauga.

Both the boys and girls teams played area foe Benjamin Russell last night, but the results were not available at press time.

TENNIS The Opelika girls and

boys tennis teams participated in sectional matches Tuesday, but results were not available at press time.

TRACK Opelika track and field Coach Jimmy Johnson and his team will host their first track meet in several years next Saturday. The meet will keep the name, “Mike Spain Invitational,” but no other details are currently available.

Opelika City Schools spent $1 million to renovate the high school track two years ago.

The Mike Spain Invitational is the first of many meets that Johnson expects to host. Opelika Middle School and Opelika Recreational Department Track programs also use the track.

AHSAA NEWS The AHSAA officially approved instant replay for the 2018 season at the central board meeting last week in Montgom-

ery. Instant replay will be used in all Super 7 Championship games but is optional for the regular season. The schools must purchase the equipment from DVSports. The NFHS granted Alabama permission to use replay in the coming season and future. Coaches will have two challenges per game to use for non-judgement calls.

The AHSAA will provide each set of officials with an iPad to review challenges. AHSAA Director of Officials Mark Jones will also be able to look at the replay, no matter if he is at the game or not. For more details, go to AHSAA. com.

D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys state director and vice-president of the A-O Sports Council. He can be followed on Twitter at VOICEOFTHEDAWGS.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika junior varsity baseball team escaped with a 4-3 win last week against rival Auburn High School.

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B3

Family & Religion

April 18, 2018

When God owns your history A

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lthough lupus took her life at the age of 39, Flannery O’Connor wrote two novels and 32 short stories that garnered several awards and honors. She was a Roman Catholic and made no secret about it or apologies for it (“I write the way I do because I am a Catholic”). Due to her illness (and perhaps her personality), she lived an isolated life with her mother on the family farm in Milledgeville, Georgia. She was something of a literary John the Baptist.

She was also a prolific letter writer.

Many of those letters were preserved and later published. One of her more notable correspondences was with a woman who lived in Atlanta and worked as

back ima clerk in a mediately loan comand said pany. They this: If in exchanged any sense almost three my knowhundred ing your letters from

by Bruce Green burden can 1955 until Teaching Minister at make your O’Connor’s 10th Street Church of burden death in Christ in Opelika light1964. er, then I The am double glad I know woman (who wanted it. You were right to to remain anonytell me . . . Where you mous when the letters are wrong is in saying were published after O’Connor’s death) was you are the history of horror. The meaning of known as “A.” She the Redemption is prehad a difficult childcisely that we do not hood—her father had have to be our history, deserted the family and she later witnessed and nothing is plainer to me than that you are her mother’s suicide. not your history.

There were other In Nehemiah 9 the things that happened Israelites gathered toin her adult life. In gether and “confessed one of her letters to their sins and the sins O’Connor she shared of their ancestors” (v. what she described as her “history of horror.” 3). They didn’t confess their forefathers’ O’Connor wrote her

sins because they were responsible for them. They did it to acknowledge to God that through their own unfaithfulness they had taken on the same status as their ancestors.

More to our point is they owned their history. They didn’t make any attempt to excuse themselves, point to extenuating circumstances or anything else to minimize their culpability. They owned it. That’s a powerful thing to do because when you own your history, it can no longer own you.

In the end those are our only two choices: we can own our history or our history can own us. As long as we live in some form of denial through acknowledging only certain things about ourselves, our

history owns us. But once we own up to our history (the good, bad and the ugly), then we are no longer owned by it and can be owned

by God. This is what it means to be redeemed and this is all wonderfully illustrated in the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10).

The good news in Jesus is that “we do not have to be our history.” A man from Tarsus experienced this glorious truth in his day, as did the Israelites in Nehemiah’s time and three thousand people on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:22-41).

This can be your story as well.

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

Church Calendar 67th National Day of Prayer is May 3

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

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

• The Auburn Music Club Singers practice on Tuesdays during the academic year from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the music ministry room at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Church Drive off South Gay Street. New members are welcomed. For more information, contact director Phyllis Gauker at 334-887-7261 or at pgauk-

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

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

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

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

er@bellsouth.net.

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

• April 20 - The Church of Christ at Cunningham Drive will be hosting an area-wide gospel singing that will begin at 7 p.m. The community is invited to attend.

Events can be emailed to the Observer at editor@opelikaobserver.com.

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

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Prayers for unity in Opelika, the United States and the world will be lifted up during the 67th “National Day of Prayer” event May 5 from noon - 1 p.m. at Courthouse Square in downtown Opelika.

The basis for this year’s theme of “Unity” is excerpted from Ephesians 4:3, which reads, "Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Laura Fuller, one of Lee County’s “National Day of Prayer” organizers, said it is imperative that people turn to God in a world filled with violence and animosity.

“With all the recent mass shootings and hatred toward each other, just in our own nation, we really need to pray for a spirit of unity and the peace that only Jesus Christ can give us,” Fuller said.

“We just urge people to come out and show support for our God.”

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

During the service, there will be messages from area ministers and music from gospel singer Nigel Andrews and the Power of Praise Church of Deliverance’s choir. Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and a representative from the City of Auburn will also read proclamations declaring May 3 as a “National Day of Prayer” in both cities.

The “National Day of Prayer” stems from a joint resolution passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by then-U.S. President Harry S. Truman.

The City of Opelika and ESG Operations Inc. will provide chairs and tents for the event. In case of rain, Fuller said it will be moved to First Baptist Church of Opelika, which is located at 301 S. 8th St. Those unable to attend can listen to a live broadcast of the event on Hallelujah 910 AM.

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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pelika O Observer

B4 April 18, 2018

OBITUARIES David Whitt Dorsey On April 7, 2018, David Whitt Dorsey, Sr., a lifelong resident of Opelika, Alabama, passed away at Bethany House in Auburn, Alabama. David is survived by his wife of 66 years, Miriam Ann Faulk Dorsey of Ozark, Alabama; brother Evans Sikes Dorsey (Joan); sons, David W. Dorsey Jr. (Leann), Dallas C.

Tara Ingram Mrs. Tara Ingram, 45, of Valley, AL, passed away Saturday, April 7, 2018 at her home. Mrs. Ingram was born in Opp, AL on October 30, 1972.

Mrs. Ingram is preceded in death by her fatherin-law, Milton Hutchins.

She is survived by her spouse, Debra Ingram; her children: Kristy (Brian) Davis, Danny (Haylee) Jerry Wayne Vinson Mr. Jerry Wayne Vinson, 78, of Columbia, SC, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2018. Mr. Vinson was born in Lee County, AL, on November 6, 1939.

Mr. Vinson was a graduate of Opelika High School in 1958.

Eddie Ruth Moore Eddie Ruth Moore of Opelika was born to the late Olen and Lois Welch Rainey on September 28, 1935 and died on April 14, 2018 at EAMC in Opelika, Alabama.

She was a faithful member of Chewacla Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Ray Moore.

Dorsey; grandchildren, Dallas C. Dorsey Jr. (Anna), Whitney Starr Dorsey (Dana), David W. Dorsey III (Chané), Anna Laura Dorsey, Kate Dorsey; and great grandchildren Dallas C. Dorsey III and Isaac Terrell Dorsey. He is preceded in death by his parents, Isham Jenkins Dorsey, Jr. and Nell Whitt Dorsey; and brother Isham Jenkins Dorsey

Allen, Kara Ingram, Mariska WallisIngram, and Hayley (Kane) Jones; 10 grandchildren and her mother-in-law, Faye Hutchins.

A memorial service for Mrs. Tara Ingram was held Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in Pitts Chapel, United Methodist Church of Opelika.

Reverend Sheila Crowe officiated.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directed.

He attended Auburn University. Mr. Vinson worked at Uniroyal-Goodrich/Michelin from February 24, 1964 to November 30, 1999 as a Planning Production Manager.

His parents, Jerry Lee Vinson and Jessie Wilson Vinson, precede him in death.

Mr. Vinson is She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Cannon (Mike), Sheila Caffey (Todd), Shirley Thomas (Bobby), and Sheryl “Sam” Asbury (Kevin); 11 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; sisters, Gay Trimble (Donald), Clarice Rainey, and brother, Ted Rainey (Anne), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

III (Grace). Upon graduation from Clift High School, David enlisted with the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific theater during World War II. After his return home, he met the love of his life Miriam Ann Faulk, a student at API, and in August of 1951, they began a wonderful journey lasting 66 years. David's career in accounting spanned

Haward James Jackson USAF Retired Master Sergeant, Haward James Jackson, 83, was called to his final deployment on Monday, April 9, 2018. Haward served our country for twenty years in the United States Air Force.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Flora and Quillie Jackson, brothers, Hollis and Hillary Jackson, and sister, Florene survived by his wife of 54 years, Patricia Posse Vinson of Columbia, SC; daughter, Amy Vinson Cofield of Columbia, SC; grandchildren: Carissa Cofield and Jacob Walburn; brother, Mark (June) Vinson of Columbia, SC; sister, Brenda (Harold) Cummings of Opelika, AL; Visitation was held Monday, April 16, at 2 p.m. in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home.

Funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Monday at 3:00 p.m. with Elder Timothy Neal Cannon officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

44 years, and included employment at West Point Pepperell, Opelika Manufacturing, and Farmers National Bank.

After his retirement, David enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in all their endeavors as well as studying the history of his family and his home town. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he was also

Parker.

Haward was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nora Faye Jackson, brother, Horris Jackson, children: Neal (Pati) Jackson, Debra (Jerry) Weldon, Dale (Cathy) Jackson, Eric (Robbie) Jackson, Kimberly (Derek) Adams, and daughter-in-law, Tammy Jackson, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was loved deeply

A host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Monday, April 16, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial followed at Garden Hills Cemetery. Visitation was held on Sunday, April 15, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at

an accomplished artist, cartoonist, photographer, and electrician.

Visitation was held in the parlor at FredrickDean Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 12:00 PM until 1:45 PM, with a memorial service following at 2:00 PM in the chapel. The family would like to thank Dr. Eric Hemberg and his staff; Dr. Brandon

and will be sorely missed.

A funeral service was held at 11:00a.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, with burial following in Garden Hills Cemetery. Dr. Rusty Sowell officiated the funeral service. Visitation was Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home beginning at 5:00p.m. until 7:00p.m.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Reverend Harold Cummings officiated the service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alzheimer’s Association and St. Jude’s Hospital for Cancer Research.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directed.

To place an obituary in the Opelika Observer, please email editor@opelikaobserver.com For pricing call 749-8003

“Papa”

By Dallas Dorsey As Robert E. Lee once wrote, “A true man of honor feels humbled when he cannot help humbling others”. David Whitt Dorsey Sr., our true man of honor affectionately called “Papa,” still humbles me on a daily basis, even after his spirit has flown home. He loved me, comforted me, and led me by example for 34 years.

All of his “chillun and grandchillun” have a similar story to mine. Papa is our hero, and we don’t know what to do without him because he was

a man of exceptional character, honor, and integrity.

Compassion, devotion, selflessness, courage, honor, and love are some of the words I use while attempting to describe Papa’s character to people, but they do not do full justice. The adjectives are simply inadequate.

For example, simply standing in a room next to Papa always filled me with comfort, joy, peace, and a desire to be at my best. Papa was electric, even after having suffered: stroke, heart attack, and cancer, he always shined on. He was also like a warrior, picking

himself up off the canvas more times than we could count, as my father recently noted.

Papa was the finest gentleman I ever knew, and he always treated people with honor and dignity.

He always tipped his Stetson or Navy cap to the ladies, and held the door for them as they exited or entered a building. He taught us to say our “sirs and mams”, and to treat everyone with respect.

Additionally, Papa was perpetually more concerned with the welfare of his loved ones, than of his own situation, comfort, or interests. His beautiful

bride, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren always took priority in his life, and he served us all diligently. He loved us all very dearly, and made us know it through his selfless actions. Every family event, game, extra curricular event, graduation, and holiday is well documented by his skillful camera work, available on both Beta and VHS tape.

David W. Dorsey was a (an): United States World War II Navy Veteran, artist, electrician, accountant, cartoonist, drummer, photographer, genealo-

gist, historian, proud Southron, counselor, storyteller, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He was a true Renaissance man, but his finest accomplishments were his lasting legacy, and the shining example of love he set for our family. I believe his spirit still shines, through the power of the resurrected, Jesus Christ, and I yearn to be with him again one day. Papa will light our paths eternally, through the Christ-like love he gave. “Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”

Psalm 119:105.

Johnson and the EAMC Cancer Center staff; Dr. John Thomas and his staff; and all the staff at Bethany House for their care, love, and support. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to First United Methodist Church of Opelika, EAMC Cancer Center, or Bethany House of Auburn, Alabama.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Edwin Joseph Bengtson Edwin Joseph Bengtson died April 9, 2018 at Bethany House after a brief but courageous battle with lung cancer. Ed was born on Dec. 24, 1927 in Waltham, Massachusetts to the late John Arthur Bengtson and Louise Conniff Bengtson.

After completing high school in Waltham, Ed enlisted in the US Navy, serving his country aboard the USS Sicily during the last two years of World War II. After the War, Ed used his GI bill benefits to complete his education, earning an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in physical education from Springfield College and a second master’s degree from Yale University. He taught physical education and coached at both the high school and college levels at schools in Michigan and Nova Scotia, Canada while playing semi pro baseball and football for teams in the US and Canada.

While coaching men’s gymnastics at St. Clair High School in Michigan, Ed led his team to multiple state championships before moving to Auburn, Alabama in 1970 to teach in the Physical Education Department at Auburn University and to coach baseball and women’s gymnastics.

After retiring from Auburn University in 1990, Ed became a highly successful competitive weight lifter, and in 2007 he won a gold medal in the World Championship Games in Hungary.

Ed loved watching and participating in sports of all kinds and reading cozy English mysteries as well as books on American, European, and Scandinavian history and culture, but it was his service to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Opelika that became a major focus of his life both during his tenure at Auburn University and throughout his retirement. Ed loved his Church, and for nearly fifty years he served it faithfully as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and Vestry member, faithfully giving his time and service whenever and wherever needed.

Of all the many qualities of heart and mind that defined Ed, it is his wry and quiet humor, his gentle demeanor, his intelligence, his wisdom, and his abiding and unfailing compassion that will remain in the memories of all who knew and loved him, especially the many students whom he influenced and guided.

Ed is survived by his two adult children, Ellen Strickland and Edwin Bengtson, Jr, both of Auburn; his two sisters, Norma Fay of Arlington, MA and Evelyn Gazzola of Plymouth, MA; his devoted partner Linda; his canine companion Mungo; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

He was a rare and wonderful man and will be missed with deep sorrow but remembered with abiding joy. There will be a celebration of Ed’s life at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Opelika on April 21 at 11:00.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family ask that contributions be made to Emmanuel Episcopal Church in memory of Ed.

pelika O Observer

OLLI at Auburn Hosts Wisdom Wednesday’s Lecture Series Guest, Civil Rights Attorney Julian McPhillips Special to the Opelika Observer The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will host its lecture series titled “Wisdom Wednesday’s” April 25 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art located at 901 South College St. in Auburn.

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

Featured lecture guest will be Civil Rights Attorney Julian McPhillips, who will provide a presentation regarding his book, “Civil Rights in My Bones”. McPhillips will discuss his work as an attorney for the last 42 ½ years in Alabama (and 4 earlier years on Wall Street) since graduating from Columbia Law School in 1971. More specifically, he will provide the audience with details on his past and present works within

Choir, from B1

they are given a short musical piece they have never seen before to sight read.

The directors are given five minutes to go over the piece with the choir ver-

civil rights. McPhillips will additionally discuss his co-authored book, “The People’s Lawyer” (2000) as well as his latest authored book, “Civil Rights in My Bones” (2016), both published

by NewSouth Books.

McPhillips has represented more than 300 Auburn University faculty and/or other employees in the last 35 years. Stories about many cases are in both of his books. He is the senior partner, founder and president of McPhillips Shinbaum, L.L.P. since 1978 and a graduate of Sewanee Military Academy, 1959-1964; Princeton University, 1964-1968, A.B. cum laude in history; and Columbia University Law School, 19681971, J.D. (Juris Doctor), along with an Honorary Doctor of Religious Humanities degree in 2002 from the Global Evangelical Christian College and Seminary and received Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in 2002 from the Tennessee School of Religion. McPhillips’ achievements also include his service to

the State of Alabama as Assistant Attorney General from 19751977. In an Associated Press feature story in 1983, McPhillips is referred to as the Public Watchdog of Alabama, and a 1984 Montgomery Advertiser column named McPhillips the Private Attorney General of Alabama.

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

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University. OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property, 1031 South College Street, in Auburn.

For more information regarding this event, contact Ileeia A. Cobb, Ph.D., OLLI Director, at 334-844-3105, olli@auburn.edu, or visit the website at www.olliatauburn.org.

bally. No notes can be sung during that time. After this, the choir must sing the piece for the judge without any assistance from the director. This is to test the choir’s ability to read music.

Choirs are graded on a rubric. They may be rated Supe-

rior (1), Excellent (2), Good (3), or Fair (4). The Beauregard Choir was rated three superiors on stage performance and a superior in sight reading. The Sanford Singers were rated three superiors on stage performance and an excellent in sight reading.

Opelika library accepting applications for internship Special to the Opelika Observer The Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library in Opelika was selected to be one of 50 libraries across the U.S. to participate in the 2018 Public Libraries Association (PLA) Inclusive Internship Initiative.

"We are so excited to receive this grant from PLA, ALA and IMLS to fund a paid internship for a local student. Cooper Library and our community will benefit from the project the intern develops and completes,” said Cooper Library Director Rosanna McGinnis. “We hope to encourage more young

people to consider a career in librarianship and to become more civically engaged.”

McGinnis added that to attract excellent candidates to librarianship, public libraries must be viewed as viable, rewarding and meaningful career paths. The grant will allow Cooper Library to expose local high school students to the opportunities available in this field and to engage them with multiple facets of library life.

Applicants must be from local high schools and be juniors or seniors, or have graduated but not yet started college. The internship is paid and includes a kick-off event

in Washington, D.C., as well as a wrap-up event in Chicago that is fully funded through the grant.

Interns will spend most of their time developing and executing a connected learning project. Library mentors and interns will work together to develop the project that meets the library’s needs while also developing the intern’s existing skills, knowledge and interests.

For more information on how to apply for the PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative, please contact Rosanna McGinnis at Cooper Library at 334-705-5380 or rmcginnis@opelika-al. gov.

B5 April 18, 2018

UNITY! “Making every effort to keep the UNITY of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Ephesians 4:3

67TH NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER Thursday, May 3, 2018 12 noon Lee County Courthouse Square Rain site- 1st Baptist Church- 8th St. Opelika Broadcast live on Halleluiah 910 am

NON DENOMINATIONAL PRAYER & PRAISE GATHERING

ALL INVITED

Lighting homes for more than 100 years.

Lighting the way forward all along.

When Alabama Power Company was founded on December 4, 1906, it was the beginning of more than a mere electric utility company. It marked the beginning of our mission to help transform Alabama’s economy and vastly improve the quality of life for its citizens. Our continuing commitment to progress, innovation and economic development is one more way we’re helping elevate Alabama.

Learn more at AlabamaPower.com.

© 2018 Alabama Power Company

pelika O Observer

B6 April 18, 2018

Earth Day 2018 is April 22 Unity Stampede set for April 28

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

The 48th “Earth Day” will occur April 22 - a day designed for people to cherish and recognize the importance of protecting the world which they inhabit.

Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D-Wis.) is attributed as the founder/creator of the holiday, which is now deemed by many historians as the birth of the modern environmental movement.

Nelson’s inspiration to create Earth Day started after witnessing a significant oil spill in 1969 that affected Santa Barbara, California.

In the midst of a tumultuous period in American history, the results of student anti-war protests in response to the ongoing Vietnam War and a growing public knowledge about air and water pollution served as the perfect catalysts to spur Nelson’s idea.

To make it a bipartisan effort, Nelson reached across the political aisle to tag Republican Rep. Pete McCloskey (RCalif.) as his Earth Day co-chair. Denis Hayes, a Harvard University professor, was Nelson’s choice to coordinate and promote the event

nationally.

April 22 was officially designated by Nelson as “Earth Day” because it fell between spring break and final exams for college students, who were expected to be major contributors to the movement.

According to media estimates, nearly 20 million Americans participated in coast-to-coast gatherings that day to peacefully protest and petition for changes to environmental policy and prevention of humancaused catastrophes like oil spills, dumping of raw sewage, toxic dumps and more.

Nelson said he believed conservation is the key to saving the very fabrics that hold the world together.

“The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity... that's all there is. That's the whole economy,” Nelson said. “That's where all the economic activity and jobs come from.

These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world.”

Initiatives by Nelson and other similarly minded environmental activists led the U.S. govern-

ment to adopt laws that embraced conservation, like the Clear Air and Water acts of 1970 and 1972, respectively.

According to EarthDay.org, the event went global in 1990, “mobilizing 200 million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage.”

On Earth Day 2016, then-U.S. President Barack Obama, along with leaders from 120 other countries, signed the Paris Agreement, a document aimed at combating the effects of global climate change and temperature increases.

The causes and movements of Earth Day have changed slightly since its inception, but the cause still remains near and dear to people worldwide, as estimates indicate that more than 1 billion people participated in last year’s holiday.

Locally, Auburn University students will have a chance to participate in a weeklong celebration of Earth Day, culminating in an “Earth Day Celebration” April 25 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the Cater Hill Lawn on campus.

For more information, visit www.earthday.org.

Special to the Opelika Observer Registration is now open for the fourth annual “Unity Stampede,” a unique community event sponsored by Envision Opelika and Southern Union State Community College with a mission of strengthening relationships among citizens of all cultures in our community.

The Unity Stampede is scheduled for April 28 at Opelika Sportsplex. This 5k/1-mile fun walk or wheel event benefits Envision Opelika, provides scholarships for students to SUSCC and promotes wellness and healthy lifestyles in the community through the SU Health and Wellness Depart-

ment.

Registration fees are $25 for the 5k and $16 for the one-mile walk.

There is no charge to enter the one mile fun wheel, thanks to the generosity of event sponsors.

“The event will feature a variety of activities that people of all ages can enjoy.

Martha’s Trouble will be performing, and we will have vendors and other activities throughout the evening. People are encouraged to bring chairs and enjoy the festivities,” said Amy Rogers, Southern Union’s Health and Wellness coordinator and race organizer.

Event festivities begin at 4:30 p.m., and the races begin at 5:30 p.m. Registra-

tion is open for the event on Runsignup. com; simply search for Unity Stampede 5k. Registration forms are also available by contacting Rogers at 334-745-6437, Ext. 5530. Special thanks to the main race sponsor, Rehab Works, as well as Lee Co. Youth Development, AuburnBank, Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, Carol and Dale Knight, Herring Spine and Rehab and FrederickDean Funeral Home, who are gold sponsors for the event. Silver sponsors are: Associated Realty, Winston Smith T, Rusty Sheehan Insurance, Spring Green Lawn Care, and Southern States Bank.

For more information, contact Rogers at the number above.

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pelika O Observer

B7 April 18, 2018

Opelika High Theatre Society ‘brushes up’ audiences on their Shakespeare with five performances of ‘Kiss Me Kate’

White, Canada win the Opelika Trampoline and coveted Mirror Ball at the Tumbling team “Flip for a final Dancing Stars of East Cure” to end cancer April 14 Alabama Competition

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Lindy White and Eric Canada won the Dancing Stars of East Alabama dance competition last Saturday. A total of $74,000 was raised during the event. Pictured above are: Jen Slocomb, White, Canada and Chris George.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer The Opelika Trampoline and Tumbling team held a “Flip for a Cure” event Saturday at the Denson Drive Recreation Center. Proceeds from the event will be used to benefit the work and research of the American Cancer Society. OTT Director Beth Mowery said the cause is near and dear to her heart. “We want the money raised from this to go to research that will put an end to cancer,” Mowery said.

pelika O Observer

B8 April 18, 2018

Lee County Board of Education votes for digital foreign language books

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer Education across the county just took a big step into the future for students learning a foreign language.

Last Tuesday, the Lee County Board of Education (LCBE) members approved using money from the local adoption of textbooks from a state-adopted list on foreign language textbooks toward digital books instead of hard copies.

“We are moving toward digital textbooks, moving in that direction. The state allows us

to use textbook money for that purpose,” said LCBE Superintendent Dr. James “Mac” McCoy. “This was a big leap for Lee County. I’m excited about that.”

McCoy explained there will be some hard copy books, but the majority will be digital.

“Every child will have access to it. The students don’t have to have the internet at home.

Everything can be downloaded into their Chromebook.”

In other business, the board: -heard the results of a

recent evaluation survey of the superintendent -approved to award the paint bid to the

Trinity Christian School students try out slide at new Opelika Fire Department station

lowest bidder, Sherwin Williams, for the amount of $10,534.95 -approved Amend-

Annual ‘Cops on Top’ event raises money for LCSO

ment 1 of the 20172018 Annual Budget -approved 23 outof-state/overnight field

trips for several elementary and high schools across the county.

Northside Intermediate School holds art show

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer More than $6,600 was raised for the Lee County Special Olympics during the “Cops on Top” event last Friday.

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By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer Northside Intermediate School held an art contest where students submitted dress designs for their art teacher, Abby Kuhn, to wear for an art show April 16.

Kuhn said the idea for the contest was inspired by Picture This Clothing, a company that takes children’s artwork and turns it into apparel. “I thought this was perfect because it turned the design process over to my students,” Kuhn said.

Out of nearly 150 submissions, Avery Massey was selected as the winner.

pelika O Observer

OHS Coach Erik Speakman discusses ‘Dominant Dawg’ program with the Opelika Rotary Club

B9 April 18, 2018

OHS Seniors collect donations for tornado victims

Special to the Opelika Observer Senior students in Mrs. Mandi Edwards' marketing class at Opelika High School recently held a donation drive for the tornado victims in Jacksonville, Alabama. Students collected items such as plastic bins, cleaning supplies and gift cards. Pictured (l-r): Wilson Hudson, Brandii Harrison, Kayla Reece and Jamias Presley. Not pictured: Deandre Butler.

Students learn how to prepare for severe weather and program a weather radio

Special to the Opelika Observer Erik Speakman, the new head coach of the Opelika High football team, gave an interesting talk to members of the Opelika Rotary at a recent meeting. The team just completed its “Dominant Dawg” program; spring practice is upcoming. The Dawgs will kick off the 2018 season on August 24 against the Callaway High School Cavaliers. Jonathan Taylor, offensive coordinator for the Dawgs, spoke about the team’s offense. He’s optimistic about their prospects for the year. Pictured (from left) are: Taylor; Speakman; and Harry Cullinan, club president.

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer This time of year, severe weather can strike at any time.

Being prepared and having a plan is what third graders at Beauregard Elementary School learned from the Lee County Emergency Management (LCEMA) group.

Agency officials during a weather training class at their school last week.

More than 25 students saw firsthand how a tornado looks during the day and at night inside a tornado machine. Each student was able to stick their hands inside and feel the moist, swirling air.

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They also looked on as a Midland Weather Radio was programmed by LCEMA Communications Officer James Sanders. Teacher Amy Hess won the radio in an Opelika Observer weather plan contest earlier this year.

“It was very interesting to see them program the radio. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to set up, and the children really enjoyed it,” Hess said.

LCEMA officials want all citizens to be aware of the different types of severe weather they face, how to get watch and warning information and how to keep their families safe. “The biggest thing is to make sure you have fresh batteries for your radio,” Sanders said. “We recommend that you change your radio batteries when you change your smoke detector batteries and set your clocks back, around every six months.”

LCEMA Training Officer Jeremy Jones said there is one

misconception about weather radios and warnings.

“Everyone thinks sirens will warn them while they are in their homes, which nowadays are pretty much soundproof. Those sirens normally will not warn you inside your home, but a weather radio will.”

Officials also stress putting a weather survival kit together with water, food, weather radio with batteries, flashlights, first aid kit, whistle to signal for help, charged cell phone and cordless, portable charger.

LCEMA officials offer help programming weather radios. Bring it by the LCEMA office at 908 Ave. B in Opelika, and they will program it for free, but bring batteries. There is also a special NOAA radio available for people who are hard of hearing.

For more information on being prepared during severe weather, go to leecoema.com or download the agency’s app for free.

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B10 April 18, 2018

pelika O Observer

Opelika baseball recognizes seniors Saturday

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Coach Nick Richardson recognized his seniors prior to their last regular season home game Saturday at Bulldog Park. Following is a list of this season’s seniors: Jared Bartlett, Tyler Gaither, Taylor Jones, Claude Lampley and Jackson Reynolds.

Citizens Police Academy holds SWAT team training

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Members of the 2018 Citizen’s Police Academy trained with the Opelika Police Department SWAT team during a session April 5. CPA is an eight-week, hands-on course to familiarize Opelika citizens with the dayto-day functions of the police department and divisions to learn more about law enforcement and the dangers they face.

pelika O Observer

B11 April 18, 2018

LEGALS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA - CASE NO.: DR2018-900031.00 IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF MICHAEL GEORGE LANCE, PlantiffW, vs. JANINE K. LANCE, Defendant NOITCE OF DIVORCE ACTION Janine Lance, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Michael George Lance’s Petition for Divorce and other relief by the 3rd

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

Done this the 3rd day of April, 2018.

CIRCUIT CLERK, LEE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT LAST DAY TO ANSWER JUNE 3RD, 2018 Legal Run 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2/2018

SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City

CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: C.L.G. A minor child JU-2016-483.02 NOTICE TO: The Unknown father of C.L.G. born 08/29/2008 to M.E.G. at Piedmont Newnan Hospital in Newnan, GA. Custody of the minor child was vested with the Lee County DHR on

10/27/2016. The unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Family Court of Lee County, AL by Lee County DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a final judgment may be rendered in Juvenile Case Number JU-2016-483.02 in the Family Court of Lee County, AL terminating all parental rights to the minor child.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Lee County Justice Center 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O. Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 4/11, 4/18, 4/25 & 5/2/2018

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: CV-2016- 900450 MARY LEE CALLAWAY, Plaintiff, v. 36 ACRES OF LAND being all of the NW 3/4 of the NW 1/4 except four acres across the East side of said 1/4, of section 11, township 18 and range 24. Said four acres belonging to Lizzie Borders. The intention being to convey to grantees herein that certain tract of land conveyed to grantor herein by the Bank of Tuskegee as liquidating agent for the Merchants & Farmers Bank on March 31, 1932, as referred to in said conveyance as being the land formerly mortgaged by Ida Joiner to the Merchants & Farmers Bank and being designated in said conveyance as parcels Numbers one and two, whether correctly described in this conveyance or not.

As recorded in the Official Records of Lee County, Alabama in Book 246 Page 201; CYNTHIA CALLAWAY, JONATHAN L. CALLAWAY; MARY LOIS HARDNETT; MELVIN CALLAWAY; ELIZABETH CALLAWAY; JOHN OTTIS CALLAWAY; VIOLET CALLAWAY; IKE CALLAWAY; YOLANDA CALLAWAY; ZANNIE KIRT; JOSIE LEE BROOKINS; ETHEL MAE POPE; LEGINIA CHANDLER; AMETRICE CLARK; TYWANNA WAGNOR; SADIE SWANSON; GWENDOLYN WAGNOR; CYNTHIA CALLAWAY; WILLIAM CALLAWAY; TENISHA CALLAWAY; LASHARLA CALLAWAY; CLARENCE CALLAWAY; PRISCILLA STRICKLAND; THEODUS CALLAWAY; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS OF: MACK CALLAWAY; WILLIE MAE CALLAWAY; WILLIE MACK CALLAWAY;

OTTIS CALLAWAY; ARTIS CALLAWAY; ROSELEE WAGNOR; HENRY CALLAWAY; MELVIN CALLAWAY; ELIZABETH CALLAWAY; AND/OR JOHN OTTIS CALLAWAY; and, ANY UNKNOWN PERSONS OR ENTITIES CLAIMING ANY INTEREST IN THE LAND AS DESCRIBED ABOVE; 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 1st day of March, 2018, an Amended Complaint was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: MARY LEE CALLAWAY, plaintiff, and as defendants, CYNTHIA CALLAWAY, JONATHAN L. CALLAWAY; MARY LOIS HARDNETT; MELVIN CALLAWAY; ELIZABETH CALLAWAY; JOHN OTTIS CALLAWAY; VIOLET CALLAWAY; IKE CALLAWAY; YOLANDA CALLAWAY; ZANNIE KIRT; JOSIE LEE BROOKINS; ETHEL MAE POPE; LEGINIA CHANDLER; AMETRICE CLARK; TYWANNA WAGNOR; SADIE SWANSON; GWENDOLYN WAGNOR; CYNTHIA CALLAWAY; WILLIAM CALLAWAY; TENISHA CALLAWAY; LASHARLA CALLAWAY; CLARENCE CALLAWAY; PRISCILLA STRICKLAND; THEODUS CALLAWAY; MACK CALLAWAY; WILLIE MAE CALLAWAY; WILLIE MACK CALLAWAY; OTTIS CALLAWAY; ARTIS CALLAWAY; ROSELEE WAGNOR; HENRY CALLAWAY; MELVIN CALLAWAY; ELIZABETH CALLAWAY; AND, JOHN OTTIS CALLAWAY and their

heirs or devisees, if deceased, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and who may have claim of some right, title, or interest in and to the property described as follows: 36 acres of land being all of the NW 3/4 of the NW 1/4 except four acres across the East side of said 1/4, of section 11, township 18 and range 24. Said four acres belonging to Lizzie Borders. The intention being to convey to grantees herein that certain tract of land conveyed to grantor herein by the Bank of Tuskegee as liquidating agent for the Merchants & Farmers Bank on March 31, 1932, as referred to in said conveyance as being the land formerly mortgaged by Ida Joiner to the Merchants & Farmers Bank and being designated in said conveyance as parcels Numbers one and two, whether correctly described in this conveyance or not.

As recorded in the Official Records of Lee County, Alabama in Book 246 Page 201.

All person having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of thirty (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 the _________ day of ___________, 2018.

Mary B. Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County Prepared by: BRETT A. SMITH, ESQ. HUFF SMITH LAW, LLC 369 South College Street Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 329-5596 Attorney for Plaintiff Legal Run 4/11, 4/18, 4/25 & 5/2/2018

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Opelika Bid No. 18028 Sealed bids, subject to the conditions contained herein, will be received by the City of Opelika, Alabama, May 21, 2018 until 2:00 p.m., Local Time and then publicly opened and read at Opelika City Hall, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

An inspection of the site is Mandatory.

Please contact Stephen Dawe at 334-705- 5140 to schedule a time for the site inspection No bid will be accepted from a bidder without a site inspection. The contractor will be furnishing all labor and materials and performing all work for the construction of: Data Center and UPS Building Power - Electrical System within the City of Opelika, Alabama. This project consists principally of the following the upgrades and replaces portions of the City Hall’s old 20KVA UPS electri-

cal redundancy system with an improved and redundant UPS system.

All bidders on construction projects in excess of $10,000.00 shall file with his bid either a certified check payable to the City of Opelika for an amount not less than five (5) percent of the estimated cost or of the contractor’s bid but in no event more than $10,000.00; or a bid bond payable to the City of Opelika in an amount of not less than five (5) percent of the estimated cost or of the contractor’s bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00.

All Bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the City official; the Bidder shall show

such evidence by clearly displaying the\ license number on the outside of the envelope in which the Proposal is delivered.

Bidder must possess a State of Alabama General Contractor License and a State of Alabama Electrical License. A copy of the license must be included in the bid.

No bidder may withdraw their bid within 90 days after the opening thereof.

All bids must be submitted in an envelope bearing on the outside the name of the Bidder, Bidder’s license number, and name of the project.

Envelopes containing bids must be addressed as follows, and delivered to: Ms. Lillie Finley, Purchasing Dept., City of Opelika, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or P. O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803: “Data Center and UPS Building Power” Legal Run 4/18, 4/25 & 5/2/2018

of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: From a R-1 District (Rural District) to a C-2 District (Office/Retail District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: LOT 1, DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIAL SUBDIVI-

SION, FIRST REVISION, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 17,at Page 18, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

The above-described property contains 16.67 acres, more or less, and is located in the 2700 block of Society Hill Road.

Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion

of the proposed ordinance was first published on April 11, 2018 in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Section 11-52- 78 Code of Alabama (1975).

THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 18 th day of April, 2018. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 4/18/2018

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: CV 2018-900145 MERRIE SHERIDAN, Plaintiff, v.

A PARCEL OF PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TAX PARCEL 43-18-02-04-0000-577.000 LOCATED IN LEE COUNTY, AL., MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 55 MORGAN HILLS S/D PHASE 2 PLAT BOOK 26 PAGE 78 SECTION 4 T18N R26E; and A PARCEL OF PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TAX PARCEL 43-18-02-04-0000-578.000 LOCATED IN LEE COUNTY, AL., MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 56 MORGAN HILLS S/D PHASE 2 PLAT BOOK 26 PAGE 78 SECTION 4 T18N R26E; AND INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO MORGAN HILLS, LLC, BDP VENTURES, LLC, A,B,C,D,E,F,G, PERSONS, INDIVIDUALS, FIRMS, ASSOCIATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, CORPORATIONS OR OTHER ENTITIES WHOSE NAMES ARE OTHERWISE UNKNOWN TO THE PLAINTIFF, BUT WHO ARE THE PERSONS, INDIVIDUALS, FIRMS, ASSOCIATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS, CORPORATIONS, OR OTHER ENTITIES CLAIMING ANY PRESENT INTEREST IN AND TO THE ABOVE

CAPTIONED PARCEL OF LAND, AND INCLUDING ANY PERSONS CLAIMING ANY FUTURE, CONTINGENT, REVERSIONARY, REMAINDER OR OTHER INTEREST THEREIN WHO MAY CLAIM ANY INTEREST IN THE ABOVE DESCRIBED REAL PROPERTY AND WHOSE wCORRECT NAMES AND LEGAL IDENTITIES WILL BE ADDED BY AMENDMENT WHEN ASCERTAINED, Defendants.

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION BDP Ventures, LLC, and including, but not limited to, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, persons, individuals, firms, associations, partnerships, corporations or other entities whose names are otherwise unknown to the plaintiff, but who are the persons, individuals, firms, associations, partnerships, corporations, or other entities claiming any present interest in and to the above captioned parcel of land, and including any persons claiming any future, contingent, reversionary, remainder or other interest therein who may claim any interest in the real property described as, A PARCEL OF PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TAX PARCEL 43-18-0204-0-000- 577.000 LOCATED IN LEE COUNTY, AL., MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOL-

LOWS: LOT 55 MORGAN HILLS S/D PHASE 2 PLAT BOOK 26 PAGE 78 SECTION 4 T18N R26E; and A PARCEL OF PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TAX PARCEL 43-18-02-04-0000- 578.000 LOCATED IN LEE COUNTY, AL., MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 56 MORGAN HILLS S/D PHASE 2 PLAT BOOK 26 PAGE 78 SECTION 4 T18N R26E, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by amendment when ascertained (Defendants), must answer the Verified Complaint, for quiet title of property, filed

by Merrie Sheridan (Plaintiff) within thirty (30) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a Judgment of Default may be rendered against them in Case No. CV2018-900145, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

This Notice is ordered by Lee County Circuit Judge Christopher J. Hughes on the 22nd day of March, 2018.

Done this 5th day of April, 2018.

MARY B. ROBERSON Clerk of the Circuit Court Lee County, Alabama Jason A. Forbus Adams White Oliver Short & Forbus LLP P. O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 Attorney for the Plaintif Legal 4/11, 4/18, 4/25 & 5/2/2018

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Opelika Bid No. 18026 Sealed bids, subject to the conditions contained herein, will be received by the City of Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time, May 21, 2018 and then publicly opened and read aloud at Opelika City Hall, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

A Mandatory Prebid meeting will be held May 2, 2018 @ 10:00 A.M. at 1001 Andrews Rd, Opelika, AL 36801.

The contractor will be furnishing all labor and materials and performing all work for the construction of: Pickleball Courts at the Opelika Sportsplex Facility within the City of Opelika, Alabama. This project consists principally of the following the construction of 12 pickleball courts. The overall asphalt area: 128’ X 203’

(2,887 sq. yds.)

All bidders on construction projects in excess of $10,000.00 shall file with his bid either a certified check payable to the City of Opelika for an amount not less than five (5) percent of the estimated cost or of the contractor’s bid but in no event more than $10,000.00; or a bid bond payable to the City of Opelika in an amount of not less than five (5) percent of the estimated cost or of the contractor’s bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00.

All Bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will

not be received or considered by the City official; the Bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying the license number on the outside of the envelope in which the Proposal is delivered.

No bidder may withdraw their bid within 90 days after the opening thereof.

All bids must be submitted in an envelope bearing on the outside the name of the Bidder, Bidder’s license number, and name of the project.

Envelopes containing bids must be addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing Dept., City of Opelika, 204 S. 7 th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or P. O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803: “Pickleball Courts Facility” Legal Run 4/18, 4/25 & 5/2/2018

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Marilyn Ann Parker Deceased NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO BE PUBLISHED

Letters of Administration on said deceased having been granted to MARVIN E. PARKER, Administrator on this the 21st day of March, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that

all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Administrator.

Legal 4/4/18, 4/11/18 & 4/18/2018

Alabama but outside the corporate limits of any municipality. Lee Road 670 is more particularly described as: LEE ROAD 670 A tract or parcel land know as Lee Road 670 located in Section 8, Township 18 North, Range 25 East, Lee County, Alabama, being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southwest corner of said Section 8; thence N63°45’08”E 995.53 feet to the north right-of- way limit of Lee Road 137 (aka Wire Road); thence along said right-of- way limit N72°10’38”E 449.65 feet; thence continue along said right-of- way limit N72°10’38”E 141.56 feet to the point of beginning; thence leaving said right-ofway limit N01°05’36”W 154.48 feet; thence N01°05’36”W 127.23 feet; thence N01°05’36”W 449.25 feet; thence N88°54’24”E 60.00 feet;

thence S01°05’36”E 712.93 to the north right-of- way limit of said Lee Road 137; thence along said right-ofway limit S72°10’38”W 62.65 feet to the point of beginning.

2. The date, time, and location of the meeting of the Lee County Commission at which time said proposed vacation is scheduled to be addressed is: May 14, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

C.S.T Lee County Courthouse Commission Chambers 215 South 9 th Street Opelika, Alabama 36801 3. Any citizen alleging to be affected by the proposed vacation may submit a written objection to the Lee County Commission or may attend and request an opportunity to be heard at said public hearing.

Legal Run 4/4/18, 4/11/18, 4/18/18, & 4/25/2018

NOTICE OF PROPOSED VACATION OF LEE ROAD 670 Pursuant to the provisions of Code of Alabama, §§ 234- 2; 23-4- 5; 23-4- 20; and 35-2- 54 of (1975), and other applicable law, all as last amended, notice is hereby given that: 1. On March 19, 2018, William T. Collier, individually, and Dorothy C. Kolander, Keith Kolander, Mary D. Collier, and William T. Collier, as the previous owners of the entity, GWC Properties, Ltd., which was dissolved on December 19, 2017 (collectively the “Owners”) executed and filed a written Petition for Approval of and Assent to Vacation of, and to Vacate, Lee Road 670 (the “Petition”) requesting that the Lee County Commission approve of and assent to the vacation of, and vacate, Lee Road 670, which is situated and lying and being within Lee County,

See Legals, page B12

pelika O Observer

B12 April 18, 2018

Letter to the Editor: Response to Steve Flowers’ column: “Where Have All the Democrats Gone?”

Steve Flowers: Rip van Winkle or What Rock Have You Been Sleeping Under?

Your recent column falls into the category of “fake” news. You should not be just phoning in your columns but should do some actual verification of your statements. Democrats are alive and well, thank

you very much. We are busy organizing campaigns for our candidates who are running against Republicans in statewide and local offices, house, senate, as well as U.S. Congressional campaigns.

If you are not able to check on the most current certified candidates, please let me

know and I’ll walk you through it.

Governor: 6 Democrats Lt. Governor: 1 Democrat Attny. General: 2 Democrats Sec. of State: 2 Democrats State Auditor: 1 Democrat AL Supreme Court: 2 Democrats

US House Democrats US House Democrats US House Democrats US House Democrats US House Democrat US House Democrat US House Democrat

(1): 2 (2): 2 (3): 2 (4): 2 (5): 1 (6): 1 (7): 1

AL Senate: Democrats are running in 24 of 35 Districts, including against Marsh and McClendon AL House: Democrats are running in 74 of 104 Districts We do not expect to win in all of these races but we are assured to win a good number of them.

The GOP have taken

Alabama for granted for too long. Democrats will VOTE them out and begin again to serve the people of Alabama rather than special interests. We’ve had ENOUGH!!

I’ll be looking for your “Correction” column.

Karen Barwick Pell City, Alabama

OPD, Gibson-Pitts address violence at recent town hall meeting

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer Opelika Police Department Chief John McEachern addressed Ward 2 residents about the recent uptick of violence within their district last Monday at Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library.

Organized by Ward 2 Councilwoman Tiffany Gibson-Pitts, the meeting served as a platform for McEachern to field questions

from concerned citizens and assure them that the necessary steps are being taken

by OPD to alleviate this problem.

“Trust me when I say we are doing everything we possibly can with respect to the murders in the Opelika area. Ever since I became police chief five years ago, my sole intention is to have the officers stop, get out of these cars, go in churches, go in schools, go into businesses, go

in all these different areas throughout Opelika and introduce themselves again,” McEachern said. “The officers we are hiring today are not just homegrown Opelika people, these guys are coming out of the military and all over the country.”

Since 2012, McEachern stated that there have been 26 murders in Ward 2, an average of nearly four per year.

“I will tell you that 99 percent of these

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murders have been committed by individuals where the guns were stolen.

These gun laws being put out there are making it harder for a law-abiding citizen to go out and purchase a weapon,” McEachern said. “These weapons are being stolen out of people’s cars and homes.”

Following meetings with his staff and Mayor Gary Fuller in 2017, McEachern said OPD has launched a Proactive Patrol Plan,

which allows the department to pay overtime to their off-duty officers to increase police presence within Wards 1 and 2.

“During the last 8-9 months this program has been running, we have spread it out and (have been) hitting all of the different wards.

It is paying dividends (for) us,” McEachern said. “This is an extra four officers on the street. They come from diverse backgrounds, and I think that gives us an ad-

GSEA to host Dr. Christopher Haveman April 21 Special to the Opelika Observer The Creek Nation was once one of the largest and most powerful Indian groups in the Southeast. At their peak, the Creeks controlled millions of acres of land in the present-day states of Georgia, Alabama and Florida. Much of this land, however, was lost or stolen as the federal government sought land for white settlement after the American

Legals, from B11

IN THE PROBATE

Revolution. By the mid-1830s, most Creeks were relocated west to Indian Territory. This month, Haveman will discuss the emigration, relocation and removal of more than 23,000 Creek Indians from Alabama and Georgia between 1825 and 1836. His presentation will focus on diplomatic efforts to stave off removal, as well as the experiences of the Creek people as they made the long and danCOURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF Arne N. Moi, Jr., DECEASED Notice of Appointment to be Published by CoExecutrix Letters Testamentary of the Estate of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of March, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English Judge of Probate of

gerous journey to present-day Oklahoma.

Dr. Christopher D. Haveman holds a Bachelor of Arts from Western Washington University, a Master of Arts from Marquette University, and a Master of Arts and PhD in History from Auburn University. He has focused extensively on the history of southeastern Native American tribes and is the author of "Rivers of Sand: Creek Indian Emigration, 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.

Debra Jean Moi Obert and Christine Ann Moi Duke, as Co-Executrix of the Estate of Arne N. Moi, Jr., Deceased.

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vantage when they are out here meeting and talking with people.”

McEachern added that the program has led to the recovery of six stolen guns, responded to six shootings and made arrests in 29 drug cases.

Ultimately, McEachern reminded residents that they are the first line of defense against crime in their communities.

“If you see something suspicious, say something,” McEachern said.

Are you licensed in Alabama?

Relocation, and Ethnic Cleansing in the American South" (University of Nebraska Press, 2016) and "Bending Their Way Onward: The Creek Indians and the Long Journey West" (University of Nebraska Press, 2017). Haveman is an Assistant Professor of History at The University of West Alabama.

Admission to GSEA quarterly meetings is always open to the public.

Election signs should not be placed on right-of-way Special to the Opelika Observer As campaign season gears up, City of Opelika officials would like to remind citizens that is illegal to place political signs out of the right-ofway.

The right-of-way is generally between the street and utility pole or water meter. Signs should be placed on the house side, away from the street, sidewalk, utility pole and water meter. Signs will be removed if they are placed in yards or on the street illegally.

For more questions, please call the City of Opelika Code Compliance Office at 334-7055161.

pelika O Observer

Recipes, from A12 tions have included the Shrimp and Grits and the Brown Sugar Rub Ribeye, which is covered with his signature rub, caramelizing on the steak.

The restaurant also serves brunch on Sundays.

Popular items include pecan chicken and waffles, steak Oscar and an openfaced breakfast sandwich, among others.

Since dishes are prepared fresh, the menu stays small while offering a variety of choices. He considers the menu fine southern cuisine with a French influence. The chef wants everyone to feel comfortable when they visit the restaurant and free to ask questions.

Since he cooks with fresh ingredients, he can’t buy produce in bulk but shops the markets for the best of what is fresh for the day.

“We have a good staff in the kitchen,” says Chef Bass. “That is what keeps it consistent. You have to have the same quality all the time.”

The kitchen is small, and the chefs work together to maintain the quality.

“We have mastered what we do,” he says, “even if there are 100 people on the books, it is always the four of us in the kitchen.”

Along with cooking at the restaurant, Chef Bass has always enjoyed cooking at home. He married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer Lisenby, and they have a 4-year-old daughter.

Café 123 has casual elegance with white cloths on tables, candlelight and the bar gleaming with softly lit lamps reflecting in the long mirror.

The restaurant is housed in a historic building that was once Haynie’s Drugstore with the dark walnut cases remaining from when the drugstore occupied the space.

The history of Haynie’s goes back to the 1800s when the drug store was originally on the opposite side of the street. J.K. Haynie purchased the

store in 1907 from W.F. Chester. Before that it was owned by Mr. Glass in the 1800s.

In 1947, W. P. Pearson purchased the store and tore out the marble-topped soda fountain and replaced it with a modern unit and stools. Two boys were hired to work the counter and also hopped cars. In those days, Haynie’s offered curb service on both sides of the street.

The ice cream that Pearson dipped was packed in salt to keep it frozen since there was no mechanical refrigeration. At the soda fountain a variety of flavored Cokes were served.

Haynie’s was a popular hangout for students in the 50s and 60s.

After the drug store closed, Bill Carpenter opened a restaurant in the space for a few years.

Downtown Opelika has changed and grown in the past few years with more restaurants, the Brewery and Distillery.

When Chef Bass went to work at Café 123 in 2005, there wasn’t much nightlife and only a few restaurants. “At night time it was pretty much a ghost town,” he says. “It has been growing with more restaurants and much more traffic downtown at night.”

While he feels Café 123 is a destination restaurant, he is pleased with the lively nightlife downtown and believes more restaurants help everyone.

“It has been awesome to see how the downtown has rejuvenated over the past ten years,” says Chef Bass.

The space started with Haynie’s as a place for friends to gather for a good time, and that has continued. With Café 123 the ambiance is much more elegant, and, instead of an icy soda, it is an outstanding meal prepared by a talented chef.

Following is a selection of Chef Bass’s recipes he prepares for family and friends.

Look for Chef Bass at the Taste of the Town event. Tickets are $25 and available at the Museum of East Alabama on 9th Street in downtown Opelika or online at eastalabama.org.

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

Recipes Cornbread Salad Two 6 oz. packets cornbread mix 14 oz. can pinto beans rinsed and drained 14 oz. can corn, drained 3 Roma tomatoes, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 cucumber, chopped 1/2 red onion, finely diced 1 1/2 cups ranch dressing 1/2 cup barbecue sauce 1 romaine lettuce heart, roughly chopped 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled Sliced green onion

Prepare cornbread mixes according to package directions.

Let cool and cut into 1-inch cubes. Layer cornbread on bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.

Top with a layer of pinto beans, followed by the corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber and onion.

In a medium bowl, mix together ranch dressing and barbecue sauce. Pour evenly on top of salad.

Top with a layer of romaine lettuce.

Note: You may need to gently press down this layer. Then top with cheddar cheese, bacon and green onion.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Smoked Salmon Dip 1/2 lb. smoked salmon 1/4 cup Duke’s mayonnaise 1/4 cup sour cream 1 medium shallot, minced 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped dill 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and chopped 2 Tbsp. fresh lime

juice Paprika, for garnish Flake smoked salmon into a medium-size bowl. Stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, shallot, dill, capers and lime juice. Refrigerate until chilled and firm.

Stir well. Sprinkle with paprika and serve with crackers or toast points.

Pasta Carbonara 12 oz. pasta, your choice of variety 8 pieces thick cut bacon, diced small 1/2 whole medium onion, diced small 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 whole eggs 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan 3/4 cup heavy cream Salt, black pepper 1/2 cup green peas Cook pasta according to package directions.

While pasta is cooking, fry bacon until just barely crisp. Remove from pan; drain on paper towels. Pour off all of the bacon grease, but don't clean the pan. Return the pan to stove over medium-low heat and sauté onions and garlic until

FOOD RATINGS Mamee’s Kitchen Authentic Jamaica 16583 U.S. Hwy 280, Smiths Station Score: 98 Guthrie’s Tigertown 1700A Capps Landing, Opelika Score: 98

Waffle House 2064 Interstate Drive, Opelika Score: 97 Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar 1900 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika Score: 97

Kitchen 3810 3810 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika Score: 98

Golden Corral 2301 Birmingham Highway, Opelika Score: 96

Momma Goldberg’s 500 West Magnolia Ave., Auburn Score: 98

Huddle House 2020 Gateway Drive, Opelika Score: 95

golden brown. Set aside.

In a bowl, mix together eggs, Parmesan, cream, and salt and pepper until smooth.

When pasta is done, reserve a cup or two of pasta water. Drain pasta and place it in a bowl.

While pasta is still really hot, slowly drizzle in egg mixture, stirring pasta the entire time. The sauce will become thick and should coat the pasta.

Splash in a little hot pasta water if needed for consistency.

Halfway through, add peas, bacon, and onion and garlic. Finish adding sauce, stirring until it is combined.

Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.

B13 April 18, 2018 Fig, Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Bruschetta Two 11-oz. logs goat cheese 14 dried mission figs, halved lengthwise, then sliced crosswise 1/4 cup dry sherry 1/4 cup olive oil 2 large Spanish onions, halved and thinly sliced 10 garlic cloves, crushed 3 sprigs fresh rosemary (3-4 inches long) 2 tsp. coarse salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Baguette, thinly sliced or crackers Preheat oven to 350.

Crumble goat logs into a medium-sized oven-safe dish. Set aside.

Put sliced figs in a small saucepan. Add sherry and a little water to cover.

Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Set aside.

Dried figs will plump and absorb the flavor of

the sherry.

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add onions, garlic, rosemary sprigs, salt and pepper.

Sauté, stirring often, for 10-12 minutes, until onions are lightly browned.

Remove plumped figs from pot; add to the onion mixture. Stir to combine. Discard thick woody rosemary stems from mixture, and heap the caramelized onions and fig mixture on top of the goat cheese. (If making ahead, at this point you can cover and refrigerate the dish for a day or two. When you are ready to serve, let it sit at room temp for 1/2 hour before continuing.) Just before serving, bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, until cheese is hot and starting to bubble at the edges.

Serve hot, surrounded by baguette slices or crackers.

Strawberries Balsamic 1 carton fresh strawberries, washed 3 cups balsamic vinegar Fresh mint Powdered sugar Place balsamic vinegar in a saucepan; bring to a low simmer.

Reduce vinegar by twothirds and let rest. Sauce will thicken as it cools.

Place berries in a small bowl; drizzle balsamic syrup over berries.

Garnish with fresh mint and powdered sugar.

Pan Seared Scallops with Brown Butter Vinaigrette 8 large scallops ½ lb. butter ¼ cup balsamic vinegar 2 shallots, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme Olive oil Salt and pepper Mix greens To prepare vinaigrette, melt butter on low heat in saucepan stirring constantly until butter begins to brown.

Do not burn. Butter should be lightly brown with a nutty aroma.

Remove from heat.

Infuse balsamic vinegar with shallots, garlic and thyme by whisking

together while slowly adding brown butter until slightly thickened.

Set aside.

Heat saucepan on medium-high heat with enough oil to coat bottom of pan. Pat scallops dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper. Carefully place scallops in pan and sauté until caramelized, then flip. Cook about two minutes on each side. Once scallops are nicely browned on both sides, remove from pan.

Let rest.

Plate scallops over mixed greens. Pour some brown butter vinaigrette over scallops and greens. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Grilled Lamb Kabobs 1 ½ lb. lamb, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes 6-8 fresh rosemary sticks, leave tops and remove lower leaves 2 red onions, peeled and quartered 2 red peppers, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces Marinade 1 Tbsp. paprika ½ tsp. cumin 2 tsp. coriander Kosher salt Black pepper Olive oil Mix all marinade spices in mixing bowl or food processor while slowly adding oil until it makes a paste. Place lamb in a bowl; cover with marinade. Refrigerate for an hour or longer.

Use rosemary sticks as skewers. May need to use a knife to get meat started. Alternate meat with peppers and onions.

Grill for about 5 to 8 minutes, turning as needed. Once you get a nice char, remove and let rest.

Caramelized Onion and Bacon Jam 2 cups bacon, chopped 4 cups onion, chopped into chunks (about 5 onions) 3/4 cup brewed coffee 3 Tbsp. honey 1/2 tsp. cumin 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar Cut bacon into approximately 1-inch-wide pieces and fry on medium-high heat until they begin to brown (approximately 10-15 minutes).

Remove bacon from pan and transfer to a paper towel, set aside. Keep the fat from the bacon in the pot and add the onions.

Cook onions until they begin to soften (10 minutes or so). Reduce heat to low, add coffee, honey, cumin and bacon and allow to simmer for 35-40 minutes or until the mixture has begun to thicken and become jam-like in consistency.

Once it has reached the desired consistency, stir in balsamic vinegar.

Transfer mixture to a food processor and pulse 3-4 times so the bacon is broken down into smaller pieces.

Don't overdo it, as the jam should be chunky rather than a paste/puree.

Transfer to an airtight container and store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.

B14 April 18, 2018

pelika O E ntertainment

Last week’s answers:

4-11 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Ample 2), Scope 3), Retain 4), Falter Solution: Plastic

pelika O Observer

B15 April 18, 2018

COMICS

There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.

-Erma Bombeck

pelika O Observer

B16 April 18, 2018

Community Calendar: Events around town

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

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256-307-1449.

Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for autism parents will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health

Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika.

This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

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

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

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

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

• The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway.

For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychi-

Email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your events on our community calendar.

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atric Services at 334-5284197 or deborahowen@ eamc.org.

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

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

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

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

and ending in November.

During the presentation, participants can send question via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website.

Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more.

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

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

• A monthly educational program on topics for autism parents, caregivers and teachers will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika from 6-7:30 p.m. Childcare is provided, but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@ leecountyautism.com to make sure there are enough volunteers.

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

• The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30-6:45 p.m.

• Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public.

Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6–8 p.m.

8685 AL Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved.

The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-518-9122.

• The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap. org or find the organization on Facebook.

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

• Auburn-Opelika Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby (CCL) meets every fourth Wednesday. CCL is a non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. We consider a national carbon fee which would be distributed as a dividend to all U.S. households as the most important solution to climate change.

Meetings are held at the Hubert and Grace Harris Center Meeting Room (425 Perry St., Auburn, AL 36830 --- directly across from the Auburn, AL U.S. Post Office), 7:00-8:30 p.m.

To learn more about CCL go to our website: citizensclimatelobby.org.

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

• Every Wednesday is

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

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

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

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum. They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights. This event is held the third Thursday of each month. Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/ Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call 770845-2277 for more information or luncheon location of the month.

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

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

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

• April 21 A Relay for Life Yard Sale will be held April 21 from 8 a.m. - noon at First Freewill Baptist Church, located at 103 19th Ave. in downtown Opelika.

All proceeds benefit Relay for Life of Lee County for the fight against cancer.

BurgerFi, from A7 With any burger purchase made that day, guests will also receive a free “plantable burger” coaster that they can plant at home to grow their own lettuce and tomato.

BurgerFi also features various eco-friendly elements throughout their restaurant, including: • picnic and four-top tables made from more than 700,000 upcycled milk jugs, • industrial-style chairs with select red chairs made of 111 20-oz. upcycled Coca-Cola bottles • wood panel walls made from the most renewable timber available —No. 2 pine lumber • a 10-ft. fan that consumes 66 percent less energy (Their Big Fan is equivalent to nine fans, but uses the energy of three) and 100 percent energy efficient LED lighting.