Opelika Observer E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Vol. 10, No. 26

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

April is Autism Awareness Month

Opelika’s ‘Boody’ Brown receives gold medal for WWII service

Special to the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Michelle Key and Morgan Murphy The 11th annual World Autism Awareness Day was held April 2. This day was founded by the United Nations in order to shine a light on the global health crisis that is autism and to urge action from those around the globe to combat judgment, abuse and isolation those with this disorder face. This

day of awareness is also meant to prompt people to realize the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention.

The city of Opelika colored the courthouse square fountain blue in honor of the day. More than 100 members of the local autism community, their families and the Opelika High School football team met in front of the fountain in Courthouse Square for the 7th

Local Vietnam vets recognized last week at Auburn High

annual Autism Society of Alabama Lee County chapter event, “Going Blue for Autism,” presented by organizer Luanne Helms.

Helms started the event in 2012 in an effort to bring the community together with those living with autism.

Councilwoman Patsy Jones, presented Helms with a proclammation from the City of Opelika in honor of the day.

Opelika native and World War II veteran Orrin “Boody” Brown IV was honored at a gold medal ceremony for members of the Office of Strategic Services March 21 in Washington, D.C. Formed June 13, 1942 by then-U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and William J. Donovan, the agency’s primary purpose was to serve all members of the United States Armed Forces through acts of espionage behind enemy lines.

Brown, along with other living OSS memSee Brown, page A2

OMS receives prestigious school safety award

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Shawn Kirkpatrick/Opelika Observer

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer

By Lisa Salsman For the Opelika Observer A rainy evening did not dampen attendance at the East Alabama Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony. More than 300 veterans and their families quickly filled Auburn High School’s auditorium to capacity as Dr. Blake Busbin, the event organizer, welcomed the crowd.

Medal of Honor recipients, U.S. Army CSM Bennie Adkins and USMC Maj. Gen. James See Vets, page A10

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall presented the 2017 Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Award of Excellence to Opelika Middle School (OMS) at a ceremony yesterday. A panel of independent judges reviewed submissions from 47 Alabama schools.

Winners were selected from each of the eight state school board districts, as well as

private schools for each state region. OMS was the only school chosen in Lee County.

During the presentation, Marshall said he looked at other school’s proposals, but OMS shined above the rest.

“Embracing safety is what is important at Opelika Middle School. Principal Keith York has made safety a priority at OMS,” Marshall said. “The teachers are well trained and there is a plan in place. You

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

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

See Award, page B10

City to begin construction on new bridge for Cunningham Drive

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Demolition of the Cunningham Drive Bridge is slated for next week, according to Opelika City Engineer Scott Parker.

After months of being closed off to the public, Parker said the old bridge will be replaced by a newer, larger See Bridge, page B6

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A2 April 4, 2018

Special to the Opelika Observer

Brown, from A1

Laura Leigh Cheeser/For the Opelika Observer

bers, were recognized for their displays of courage and sacrifice by dignitaries including House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Brown said the experience was one he will never forget.

“It was a little bit overwhelming,” Brown said.

Brown’s path to the military Born and raised in Opelika, Brown attended the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now referred to as Auburn University), where he pursued a degree in aeronautical administration.

Following his graduation in summer 1941, Brown applied and was accepted into the U.S. Army’s Aviation Cadet Program.

“I went into the military almost immediately after graduating college. I was as green as grass,” Brown recalled.

After finishing the courses, Brown was later commissioned as an officer and tasked with bombardier duty, responsible for

dropping bombs and other shipments from bombers.

The “Carpetbaggers” Brown was first headquartered at the Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station in North Carolina, patrolling the coasts for enemy submarines and escorting allied ships safely to port.

He also served briefly in France, dropping not bombs but leaflets advocating French citizens to join the resistance movement against German Nazi forces.

In 1943, Brown and other members of the 801st/492nd Bombardment Group (where they received their nickname as “The Carpetbaggers”), were assigned to England.

Training with members of the Royal Air Force, Brown’s group provided support for the defense of England while the Allied Forces plotted a counterattack against the Germans.

One of Brown’s most distinguished missions came on the eve of D-Day, June 5, 1944, an Allies push into Nazi-occupied France. Following a briefing to discuss D-Day plans, Brown’s group embarked on their mission.

“I made a drop in the south of France, and we

came back out hitting the French coast just as day was breaking on D-Day. I saw a fleet in the channel, and I was glad to be in the air instead of down there with them,” Brown said. “It’s something I’ll never forget, awesome in a sense.”

The award On Dec. 14, 2016, Congress passed the Office of Strategic Services Congressional Gold Medal Act to recognize OSS members for their service.

Historians recognize the OSS as a precursor to modern intelligence agencies like the CIA and Special Operations Forces.

Looking back Brown, who turns 98 today, reflected on his military experience and shared his thoughts on how it helped him not only become a better soldier, but a better person.

“I think I matured considerably and learned so many necessary lessons about life in general, things that would help me down the road,” Brown said. “I also think my squadron played a role in that. I was with them from day one, the day I got my commission, and they were just a great group of guys.”

Opelika Parks and Recreation presents the

“A Rocket in a RailRoad Town”

documentary premiere.

Saturday, April 14 7:00 p.m.

Monkey Park

free train rides from 5:00-6:45 p.m.

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Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com

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

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

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

pelika O Observer

Emma Jane Designs:

Jewelry with a Purpose

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer She started making jewelry when she was 10. At 16, she started her own company.

Now, Emma Jane Hunt is the successful founder and creative director of Emma Jane Designs (ejd). Her jewelry can be seen in 50 boutiques across the country and has been showcased on “Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda.”

Hunt is using her passion for designing jewelry to help women in Rwanda have a better life.

“I have a good family friend, Scott Moody (Chirpwood owner), who goes to Rwanda twice a year (with Bridge2Riwanda, a nonprofit) who came back two or three years ago with a bag of paper bead neck-

Shawn Kirkpatrick/Opelika Observer

See Jewelry, page A5

Smiths Station City Council, mayor explore idea of implementing property tax

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Implementing the city’s first-ever property tax was the focal point of discussion during the Smiths Station City Council’s meeting last Tuesday.

During the group’s work session, Mayor Bubba Copeland presented members of the city council, planning commission and zoning board with the idea of passing a 5-mil tax plan to address a number of issues, ranging from a lack of sewage to repaving worn roads throughout the city.

Equal to 1/1,000 of

a dollar, Copeland said estimates from the Lee County Revenue Office suggest that the city could add nearly $175,000 - $200,000 per year, a huge boost to his plans for improving the city’s overall infrastructure.

“Our number-one priority is sewage. We don’t have a good city sewage system in place right now,” Copeland said. “My number-two priority would be to hire a city building inspector, and number three right now, improve downtown.

We need streetscapes, streetlights, a uniformity … stick with a common theme. We are a train

town, just like Opelika, and I believe we can be more of a thoroughfare for trains and make it into a beautiful downtown area.”

Copeland added that there will be no public vote for this new tax plan, but city officials will field questions and concerns from residents at a public forum scheduled for April 16, beginning at 6 p.m. The location will be announced at a later date.

The council also approved a resolution allowing Copeland to enter into an agreement with Decision Inc. to completely rehaul the city’s employee handbook,

which entails full job responsibilities, behavior, work ethic and pay raises when appropriate.

“The system that we have now is antiquated.

It’s almost juvenile,” Copeland said.

In other business, the council: - approved a resolution authorizing Copeland to purchase playground equipment for the Smiths Station Sportsplex at a total cost of $17,970.64 - approved a financial statement of February’s general fund budget, which saw the city net $34,732.91 in income.

A3 April 4, 2018

LCC tackles right-of-way issues, board vacancies at the March 26 meeting

By Fred Woods Opelika Observer The owners of all the property surrounding Lee Road 670, just south of Loachapoka, have submitted a written petition asking the county commission to vacate the right-of-way along the road. The Lee County Highway Department currently maintains LR 670 from Lee Road 137 (Wire Road) to a dead end, a distance of 0.131 miles.

The landowners’ request meets the requirements of Alabama law, and the commission scheduled the required public hearing on the vacation request for May 14, 2018, just prior to the 5 p.m. regular commission meeting.

Pastor Kathreen Vaughn, of the Universal Mission Church, located on Lee Road 665 near Loachapoka High School, had appeared earlier asking the county to address her concerns about conditions on LR 665.

Those concerns were satisfactorily addressed by the Highway Department, but the root problem appears to be that the road is so narrow in some places, particularly on the eastern portion, that two-way traffic is virtually impossible.

Pastor Vaughn, assisted by District 5 Commissioner John Harris, will attempt to get adjacent property owners to donate rightof-way so that consideration may given to widening the road.

At least 90 percent of the right-of-way must be donated.

The commission also announced a vacancy on the East Alabama Health Care Authority Board due to the recent resignation of Cooper James.

James’ term would have expired on September 30, 2020.

Arthur Dowdell also appeared to announce his candidacy for the Commission District 5 seat being vacated by Harris.

Litter: An ever-growing problem

By Case O’Dell For the Opelika Observer A roadside or parking lot littered with bags, wrappers, cans, food and other articles of trash is, unfortunately, a routine sight in Opelika.

The effects of throwing out a candy wrapper or drink bottle may seem insignificant, but these individual efforts compounded together can develop into real problems.

Excessive trash is not just unsightly but can also lead to a variety of issues. Litter can negatively impact the quality of our water resources and discuss some other harmful effects it has on a community.

Last week we discussed stormwater and previewed how litter was one of its main pollutants.

Consider every time it rains. Stormwater from impervious surfaces flows across the ground and picks up improperly discarded trash. This litter then makes its way to drains, inlets and other stormwater conveyance structures, often becoming trapped.

This accumulation can lead to decreased functionality of infrastructure that often results in flooded roadways and other dangerous conditions.

These clogged drainage structures need more frequent and extensive repairs and maintenance, a cost to the city and taxpayers.

However, it is important to note that not all trash becomes trapped in stormwater conveyance structures.

A large portion eventually floats through the system to the same destination as all stormwater: local creeks, streams and lakes.

Once litter is deposited here, it has the potential to affect both wildlife and humans in negative ways. Plastic, glass, metal or other rigid materials may become buried in sediment and result in infectious cuts or scrapes if stepped on.

Wildlife may also attempt to ingest articles of litter or become entangled in it, leading to premature death. Other harmful effects

of litter include increased fire risk where buildup is significant and unpleasant or toxic fumes or conditions where chemically harmful litter has accumulated.

Additionally, litter can negatively affect a community’s economy. Areas of commerce may see a decrease in spending where excess trash has steered customers away.

Neighborhoods characterized by litter may also indicate a lack of clean living, a deterrent for potential buyers.

Prospective industries and businesses may also pass on developing in certain

areas where trash or garbage is routinely noted.

Thus, litter and its negative effects extend to many aspects of everyday life wherever you live, but doing your part to prevent litter and minimizing its impacts is relatively simple and safe.

One of the easiest measures is ensuring that all materials are properly disposed of.

Trash should always be bagged and then placed in an appropriate container for weekly pickup.

Recycling of materials, especially those that contain toxic or other harmful chemicals, can help preserve our city’s water

resources. Opelika has implemented several recycling centers throughout the city that can be utilized.

Lastly, just getting out and removing litter is a good practice.

You can reach out to local government or

Keep Opelika Beautiful to find out more about recycling and volunteer opportunities.

Do your part to combat litter and ensure garbage ends up where it should and not in our waters.

A4 April 4, 2018

pelika O Opinion

Easter, resurrection and reconciliation Alabama Talk

T

change was difficult, it was his is a story about a easier to accept it in familiar surlittle Alabama town roundings, so she went back to where, for years, people the Methodist church. didn’t seem to care if you were Meanwhile, longtime Baptists Methodist or Baptist or Cathowere beginning to find that the lic or something else. No one minister they had called had was going to put you down brought with him new notions as for being what you were. Sure

By Hardy Jackson well as facial hair. His sermons folks had their differences. were increasingly Calvinist, And sure some of those differwhich did not go down well among the freeences struck other folks as odd. But no one will believers in his pews. His attitude tocan recall anyone suggesting that whoever ward other faiths was more competitive than had the oddity was any less Godly for their cooperative. And finally, with the gender of oddness or that those who did not share the the Methodist minister as an excuse (or at oddity should avoid those who did. least so Methodist believed), he cancelled As visual proof of the conviction that the 5th Sunday swap and pulled the Baptists they were all God’s children, whenever a month had a 5th Sunday, Methodists visited out of the Easter Sunrise Service.

The Methodists, Catholics and Pentethe Baptists or Baptists visited the Methcostals continued the tradition, though the odists – depending on whose time it was. smaller gathering served as a reminder, as if And though some Baptists found it odd that they needed one, of what once had been and Methodists said that they “believed in the what had come of it. holy catholic church” when they recited At first the Baptists went along with the their creed, when Methodists explained that pastor, but as the years passed grumblings “catholic” (little “c”) was just another word grew. Some of the faithful, those uncomfortfor “universal,” that was that. able with being isolated from other congreIn time the Baptist congregation got biggations and not quite sure that salvation by ger, as Baptist congregations are wont to election was the way to go, began attending do, and so the intermingling was moved to other Baptist churches. Some got so upset Sunday night for singing, a short service, that they became Methodists. and supper. Still, the bridge between them Now my buddy Wayne Flynt says that remained open, wide and frequently crossed.

The crowning glory of this ecumenicalism the Baptist church is the most liberal church around, because there are so many of them was the Easter Sunrise Service, when the Methodists and Baptists were joined by local and they are so diverse that with a little Catholics and the congregation from a near- shopping you can find a congregation that believes what you believe.

by Assembly of God – had there been an But the old guard of this Baptist church Episcopal or Presbyterian church in town I was not into shopping and pretty soon the am sure they would have been right in there with them, but there wasn’t so they weren’t. preacher had a full-blown rebellion on his hands. And as the controversy bubbled Just before dawn on the appointed day out of the church and into the community, the Faiths gathered at the town cemetery, to praise the risen Lord that they all worshiped. Methodists, Catholics, and Pentecostals watched in wonder and waited to see what Or at least they did until about 20 years would come of it. What came of it was this. ago. That was when a series of events occurred that together turned the tolerant town The Baptists, one of the most democratic of denominations, held a closed congregation upside down. meeting to consider the matter and when the The Baptists got a new minister. So did doors opened again the church was looking the Methodists. for a new minister. Then they invited the The Baptist minister was not cut from the same community-of-Christ-cloth as past pas- Methodist back for 5th Sunday.

And on the next Easter the sun rose on a tors. The Methodist minister was a woman.

The new pastors created problems for both chilly congregation of Catholics, Methodists, Pentecostals, and Baptists – together again. congregations, problems that crystallized And together they celebrated the Resurrecin the dilemma in which a local lady found tion. herself.

Then afterward, over pancakes at the Though a Methodist, she was not sure she Baptist church, they celebrated the reconcilicould handle a woman in the pulpit, much ation. less follow the spiritual lead of a female. So Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professhe decided to try the Baptist church. She sor Emeritus of history at Jacksonville State did. But there too, something was not right.

University. He can be reached a hjackson@ The new Baptist preacher had a beard. cableone.net.

At this point she decided that though

H

She only smiled and e had a stutlistened. ter. Whenever One night after work, he opened his they went for a long mouth, it took effort to walk. She took his get words out. Just one arm—a girl had never sentence would exhaust done that to him before. him.

She looked him in the As a boy, his sisters

By Sean Dietrich eyes. spoke for him. They’d They strolled from one been doing it since he was old enough to make noise. They end of town to the other. When they reached the city limit, they turned were his guardians. They used fists around and walked back. They did when necessary. this four or five times. They must’ve On more than one occasion, walked nearly five thousand miles. they’d beat the stuffing out of local He got home at five in the mornboys who called him names. ing. His feet hurt. His heart felt His oldest sister bought a maillight. order book about curing speech His sisters were curious. “Where impediments. For hours, she’d help WERE you?” they asked. him recite sentences, enunciating “I-I-I met a g-g-g…” he said. consonants, repeating exercises.

A girl.

He tried. In fact, he concentrated He and the girl took more walks. so hard it made his brain ache. It She was just as good at listening didn’t work. to his choppy words as she was at When he was nineteen, he attalking. tended a speech therapy class in And over the following years, Birmingham. It cost a small fortune. they say his speech started coming He’d saved his pennies and dimes easier. Sometimes, it didn’t even for three years to pay tuition. sound like he had a stutter.

The school term lasted a few They made a happy couple. Beweeks, but did him no good. He fore she passed from breast cancer, returned home with a stutter even she gave him five children, and her worse than before.

One of his sisters recalls: “It used heart. He gave her forty-six years of his life. to hurt us to watch him talk. He’d He passed last year. You might try so hard, but his mouth wouldn’t not have known him, but you knew work with him.” men like him.

Until.

His sisters were at the service.

A July night, he was washing They cried hard. One of his sons dishes in the service station in gave the eulogy. He said: town—the kind that served ham“My aunts say Dad stuttered as a burgers and Cokes.

He was standing over a sink when boy. That’s so weird to me, ‘cause all my life my dad was the most he met her.

She introduced herself as the new well-spoken man I’d ever known.

“It’s funny, I never heard him waitress. stutter, not even once.”

He couldn’t even get his name Several others had never heard past his lips. him stutter during his adult years, So, he shook her hand instead. either. It was a miracle of the truShe rolled her sleeves and washed est kind. His sisters say they don’t dishes alongside him. She talked know exactly how it happened. extra so he wouldn’t have to. Her I think I do. accent was country, her eyes were And I think he’s with her right blue. now.

He was smitten.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and She was pretty, funny, talkative. novelist, known for his commentary She could jaw for eight minutes on end without even coming up for air. on life in the American South. His Over the next days, he tried to talk work has appeared in Southern Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, to her, but his words kept coming Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer out like bricks. But she didn’t seem News, the Bitter Southerner, the put off by it. She didn’t even try to Mobile Press Register and he has finish his sentences, like most folks authored seven books. did.

Inside the Statehouse

R

epublicans took control of federal offices and presidential races in 1964 in Alabama. It was referred to as the Goldwater Landslide. The Baxley-Graddick fiasco in 1986 was the game changer for governor.

In the last 32 years there have been eight governor’s races. Republicans have won all of them, with one exception. Don Siegelman was an interloper in 1998.

During that same period, Alabamians have elected all Republicans to every secondary, statewide office. There are six secondary constitutional offices. All six are held

by Republicans. There are nine justices on the State Supreme Court. There are also 10 judges on the Civil and Criminal Courts of Appeals. These 19 judges are all Republicans. If you add the three seats on the PSC to this list and include the Governor, that is 29 state offices. All 29 are held by Republicans. In addition, we have seven seats in Congress. Six-out-ofseven of our Congressional members are Republicans.

these voters Folks, that and their makes us a grandparents pretty Republihad to their can state. longstanding However, Democratic inexplicably it affinity for was only eight local and years ago in

By Steve Flowers legislative 2010 that our candidates. state legislature The Republican legchanged from Democratic controlled to islative leadership, led majority Republican. When by former Speaker Mike it changed it really changed Hubbard, claimed credit for this Republican tidal wave drastically. engulfing and changing the The final coup de gras was probably caused by the Legislature. They did field good candidates; however, National Democrats electit was Barack Obama that ing Barack Obama presiput the final nail in the dent. As I sat on television Democratic coffin in Alaanalyzing the dramatic bama. Race and religion results in 2010, it became obvious to me that the have always driven the seismic avalanche of voting vote in the Heart of Dixie.

Republican for legislative The southern two-thirds seats was erupting in North of the state had incremenAlabama and especially tally begun voting for the Tennessee Valley. This GOP legislative candiarea of the state had condates, especially in suburtinued to elect Democrats ban districts. However, the to state legislative seats. northern tier of the state It was the last bastion of voted Republican with a white Democratic voters. vengeance, and it looks This allegiance and loyalty like they are not turning was dating back to FDR back. and the New Deal. HowRegardless of the ever, the election of Obama reason, our legislature is changed all that loyalty that not only majority Repub-

lican, it is super majority Republican. That means that over two-thirds of the members of the State Senate and State House are Republican.

The Democrats are buoyed by Doug Jones’ historic victory in a Special U.S. Senate election in December. They have enthusiastically fielded a large slate of candidates for the Legislature.

Democrats believe that Jones’ win in suburban areas, especially Jefferson and Mobile, can be duplicated this year.

That is doubtful. The Jones victory was an anomaly and an isolated dislike for Roy Moore.

The Republicans will return with their majorities and more than likely their lock on a super majority.

Incumbency is a powerful advantage and most of the incumbents are Republicans.

A good many of the State Senate’s most powerful members are unopposed for reelection.

Included in this list of incumbent State Senators who have been reelected

by acclamation are veteran Senate Leader and Rules Chairman, Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia; Senate Majority Leader, Greg Reed, R-Jasper; respected veteran Jimmy Holley, R-Coffee; Senator Arthur Orr, R-Decatur; Senator Clay Scofield, R-Marshall; Senator Shay Shelnutt, RGardendale; and Senator Clyde Chambliss, RAutauga.

Republican Senate leaders Del Marsh, RCalhoun, Jim McClendon, R-St. Clair; and Steve Livingston, R-Scottsboro, only have taken opposition in the Republican primary and no Democratic opponent.

Republican Senators Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, and Tom Whatley, R-Lee, only have token Democratic opponents in very Republican districts.

On the Democratic side, veteran State Senators Rodger Smitherman, Priscilla Dunn, Bobby Singleton, and Billy Beasley are running unopposed.

Senator Hank Sanders of Selma, the longest serving member of the Alabama

Senate, decided to not seek a 10th term. Senator Sanders has become an icon in Alabama political history.

He will be replaced by another Democrat, probably his daughter.

Longtime Democratic House members Marcel Black, D-Tuscumbia, and Richard Lindsey, D- Centre, are retiring and Johnny Mack Morrow, D-Red Bay, and Craig Ford, DGadsden, are leaving the House to run for the Senate. They are the last four white male Democrats in the House of Representatives. That leaves one white Democrat in the House, Elaine Beech, D- Chatom, and there will be one white Democrat in the Senate, Billy Beasley, D-Clayton. These two white Democrats will be dinosaurs in the legislature. See you next week.

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

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

pelika O Observer Jewelry, from A3

laces, very chunky necklaces, very traditional, crafted style,” Hunt explained. “I said they’re really cool, but they’re not very wearable, so we thought on it for a year. ‘Can we make my style of jewelry with paper beads instead of my precious stones?’”

And they did.

“Emma taught a student from Rwanda how to make her prototypes,” Moody said. “Then she went back to Rwanda and took the tools with her. I took 5,000 gold chains with me. She found the women to make the jewelry.”

When Moody returned to Rwanda last September, there were three suitcases full of jewelry waiting for him. The once clunky paper beads were now crafted into delicate jew-

elry by the women of Rwanda.

Last November, Hunt started selling the necklaces and bracelets in her store in Auburn. Moody began selling the items in his store, Chirpwood, in Opelika.

“The women in Rwanda have already been paid for their time. The proceeds from the sales will go toward funding the project,” Hunt said.

“Our goal is to keep doing the project and

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A5 April 4, 2018 turns into a training center, then that would be marvelous.”

Hunt hopes the jewelry sparks a larger conversation about feel-good fashion and jewelry with a purpose. “I’m really thankful for our community because this company has been built one sale at a time. I still get excited when every order comes through because without our customers, we don’t have a business. I’m just really grateful

to employee (some women) year after year, and then long term, open a training center.”

The project is in its infant stages, but the two are in it for the long haul. “The goal is to help women in Africa,” Moody said. “Our goal, if this jewelry sells, is to hire one to three women full time with a wage, give them a safe working environment, healthcare and a bank account.

If that eventually

and thankful that I get to do this.”

To check out all the jewelry, visit Hunt’s ejd store at 337 E. Magnolia Ave. in Auburn or online at shopejd.com. You can also see the Rwanda jewelry at Moody’s Chirpwood store at 305 S. 10th St. in Opelika. Half of all Chirpwood profits go to Bridge2Rwanda.

To learn more about the nonprofit Bridge2Rwanda, visit bridge2rwanda.org.

Photo by Scott Moody

Special to the Opelika Observer EJD Mercantile jewelry is handcrafted and assembled by women in Rwanda. Each piece combines Emma Jane’s minimalist design with traditional handcrafted African beads. The project’s goal is to employ and empower poor Rwandan women, providing them with independence and autonomy.

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pelika O Observer

A6 April 4, 2018

Jersey Mike’s gives back during ‘Giving Day’

By Michelle Key Editor Opelika's Jersey Mike's location recently participated in a "Month of Giving," with the finale event being held March 28.

During the month, customers had the opportunity to make donations to charitable causes. Last Wednesday, the restaurant donated 100% of the day's receipts to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alabama.

Turn to A10 for more information on the city’s recent rebranding

The Opelika location is owned by Patrick Decker, who owns three other Jersey Mike's franchises in the Birmingham area.

The Month of Giving is an annual event in which all Jersey Mike's locations nationwide participate by donating to local charities throughout the country.

This is the eighth year of the event, which raised more than $5.5 million in 2017 and $28 million since it started in 2010.

CITY OF

OPELIKA

alabama

MORE THAN EXPECTED. NOTHING LESS THAN GENUINE.

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Special to the Opelika Observer

Laura Leigh Cheeser/For the Opelika Observer

Left is a photo of children who found golden eggs at the Flashlight Egg Hunt Friday night. All of the children who found golden eggs were able to trade them in for $10 cash.

Front Row: RJ Hunt, Nevaeh Maddox, Deja Mitchell, Alanna Miller, Memshalyah

Weaver, Emunah Weaver, Zaniiya Samuel Middle: Ethan Phipps, Cassidy Pagan, Natalie Stockwell, Liam Sport, Zariah Heard, Piper Partika Back Row: John Conner Cummings, Braden Gooden, Cooper Harris, Madalyn Taunton, Lee Payton, Raeleigh Dabbs, Yuna Oh.

pelika O Observer

A7 April 4, 2018

Judge Bill English receives statewide recognition

Opelika Kiwanis Club welcomes new members, hosts Troy King

Special to the Opelika Observer

Opelika Kiwanis Club is pleased to welcome our newest members, Barry Mask, Mathew Lewis, Drake Martin and Christi Gibson. Pictured above: Russell Bush, Barry Mask, Mathew Lewis, Drake Martin, Christi Gibson, Boles Pegues.

Special to the Opelika Observer Dr. Don Canerday and Mary Nell Parsons (children of Sam Canerday) with Judge Bill English (nephew of Nell English) and the Sam Canerday Vision and Leadership Award.

Special to the Opelika Observer

Pensions and Security (now Dept. of Human Resources) finishing her career as the supervisor of Adoptions. She was known for her knowledge of adoption practice and law.

Agape awarded the inaugural Canerday Vision & Leadership Award at Agape’s annual Connecting Hearts event in Montgomery on Feb. 24. The children of Sam Canerday, Dr. Don Canerday of Watkinsville, Goergia, and Mary Nell Parsons of Auburn were present for the presentation

to the family of Nell English. Her nephew, Judge Bill English of Opelika, accepted on behalf of the family.

As a ministry of Jesus Christ, Agape helps hurting children find permanent homes with nurturing families. This mission has led Christians through Agape to serve more than 2,500 children through foster care and more than 300 children through the permanency of a Christian adoptive family. Agape is a nonprofit agency with locations in Montgomery, Birming-

For four decades, Agape of Central Alabama has served children and families. The ministry was the vision of local Christians who wanted to answer God’s call to take care of orphans and vulnerable children. Sam Canerday was one of the original visionaries who sought out Christians to work together in order to meet the needs of the community. Mr. Sam, as he was often called, provided essential leadership by being the initial president of the Agape board and then acting director as the agency was in its infancy. To honor this legacy, Agape created the Sam Canerday Vision and Leadership Award.

The first recipient of this distinguished award is also synonymous with the early days of Agape. Nell English was a part of Agape from its first meeting.

She encouraged others to become involved. includes a drink English brought vast 917 So. Railroad Ave. 1151 Opelika Road experience in adopOpelika, AL 36801 Auburn, AL 36830 tion and foster care 334-787-5989 334-821-3118 to Agape. She had worked 33 years for www.niffersplace.com the State of Alabama dine in only, Mon-Fri 11-2 in the Department of

ham and Enterprise.

To learn more about Agape, visit www. agapeforchildren.org.

Special to the Opelika Observer

This week’s speaker was Troy King, attorney general candidate for the state of Alabama. Mr. King talked to the club about corruption in Alabama. Pictured above: Troy King and club member John Rice.

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pelika O Observer

A9 April 4, 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 Pep-

perell Parkway, Opelika.

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

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

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

• Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 2975581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org.

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

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

For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-5284197 or deboarhowen@

eamc.org.

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

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

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

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest.

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

stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website.

Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more To view the full schedule please visit http://www. aces.edu/anr/beginningfarms/webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn. edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@ auburn.edu.

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 PM. To learn more about CCL go to our website: https:// citizensclimatelobby.org/ • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

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

Thursdays: • The Teal Magnolias

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

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

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

Please call 770-845-2277 for more information or luncheon location of the month.

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

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center.

This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334-5281076 for more information.

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

• 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 St. at the corner of 1st Ave. in downtown Opelika. All proceeds benefit Relay for Life of Lee Co. for the fight against cancer.

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

BigHouse Foundation holding swimsuit/towel drive

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer The BigHouse Foundation is holding a “Statewide Swimsuit and Towel Drive” for children who have been part of the state’s foster care system for a year or less.

The group is asking for donations of new beach or bath towels, as well as swimsuits ranging in size from infant to children’s extra large. Each towel donated will be embroi-

dered with the child’s name to uniquely make it their own.

This drive was established 10 years ago, and it was one of BigHouse’s first initiatives. Their goal was to provide the children with summer necessities while also adding a personal touch and giving them a gift they can call their own. BigHouse Director Micah Melnick said she believes that items donated through this fundraiser help show area foster children that

their community loves and supports them.

The fundraiser runs now through the end of April, but donations can be made throughout the year.

Following is a list of area donation box locations: - The BigHouse Foundation Center, located at 211 Samford Ave. - Little Caesar’s, located at 1515 Second Ave. - Charter Bank, located at 701 Second Ave.

- Compass Chiropractic, located at 803 Ave. C - Flowers Bakery, located at 101 Simmons St. - Alabama Power Office, located at 1699 S. College St. in Auburn Monetary donations can be made through the BigHouse Foundation Facebook page or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 230, Opelika, Alabama, 36803.

Area businesses, churches or schools interested in promoting can make inquiries through the Facebook page.

Dr. Bob’s Traveling Snake Show April 14 Special to the Opelika Observer Dr. Bob’s Traveling Snake Show will present “Snakes of Alabama” at the Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Sid-

dique Nature Park pavilion April 14, beginning at 10 a.m.

By showing slides of the snakes of the southeast and exhibiting live specimens of several common species, Dr. Robert W. Hastings will describe identifi-

cation methods and biological characteristics, correct myths and answer questions. The OWDHP & SNP pavilion is located at 3601 Waverly Parkway in Opelika, 1/2 mile from the Birmingham Highway/US 280 West.

pelika O Observer

A10 April 4, 2018

City unveils new logo, website to Opelika citizens Special to the Opelika Observer The City of Opelika announced Monday that it is releasing a new brand identity, which includes a new logo, clearly defined colors and new fonts.

Additionally, the city has launched a redesigned website this week.

The new look and brand will be on signage, business packages, fleet graphics and buildings.

“For the last 10 years, we have primarily used the city seal. We will continue to use that for official business, like council minutes, proclamations and resolutions,” Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said.

“But, we felt it was time to create a brand that can carry us forward.

The new look better suits the Opelika we know and love today. The evolution and history of our great city is reflected in this new brand.

We’re excited to finally share the new brand and our new website

Vets, from A1

Livingston, reflected on their service in Vietnam. Themes of innocence, bravery and friendship were interwoven through their

with the community.”

With the new ADA-compliant website, www.opelika-al.gov, the city is introducing what they deem a more convenient, seamless platform that includes a “Community Voice” module where citizens can post ideas and comments about specific topics.

This will also enable the city to provide accurate and timely information about various projects and things going on in the city.

The new website will allow the city to quickly communicate news and information to citizens in an effective manner with the “Notify Me” and “Citizen Request Tracker” modules. Citizens can sign up for news and information delivered by email or text, and they can submit requests online for general concerns or issues.

“We want to exceed citizen expectations in all the ways we communicate. We are offering more ways for citizens to talk to us and to get a

stories. They also shared remembrances of tough choices as they left Vietnam and the painful sadness over those who never returned.

Joseph Galloway, co-author of “We Were Soldiers Once … and Young,” gave the keynote address. As a

journalist in Vietnam, he quickly learned to be more assertive to get through the right channels of communication. He witnessed the bravery and sacrifice of American soldiers firsthand. When he and Lt. Gen. Hal Moore spoke with a publisher about

complete story,” said City of Opelika Community Relations Officer Leigh Krehling. “We’ll continue our social presence, but we hope that our new website will be the first place people seek information from the city.”

Krehling added that the changes indicate a positive direction for the city moving forward.

“Opelika is full of surprises. It’s a wonderful place to call home,” Krehling said. “We have a story to tell and it’s time to shout it from the rooftops. We are as good, actually better, than any other city in Alabama. We live and work beside passionate residents who make this community what it is. We also have a school system and the kind of jobs that draw the best workers and families here.”

Since last year, many people, including city staff, public relations professionals, consultants and business leaders, have worked together with Krehling to develop the new their book, the publisher was astonished that they did not have contracts protecting their individual interests.

They explained that the bonds of war were stronger than any other type of contract. Galloway concluded by offering the veterans

brand and website, which she said was done with care and attention to detail.

“It took hours of hard work and research. We interviewed citizens and staff to determine the thoughts and feelings about a new brand,” Krehling said. “There is nothing I love more than learning how people love Opelika. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in the process. The number one goal has always been to do things to help our citizens and find solid ways to communicate in a timely manner. I think that citizens will find that the new website does just that. There may be a few hiccups along the way, but my department will continue to improve processes and avenues to connect with the public.”

The website address will not change.

For more information, contact Krehling by email at lkrehling@ opelika-al.gov or 334-705-5136.

a long-overdue “welcome home.”

The ceremony concluded with a recognition of all veterans.

Each branch was acknowledged as they came to the stage to receive a certificate and a lapel pin. A special coin was also handed

out, compliments of the Auburn Alumni Association. During the reception that followed, veterans and their families shared memories and browsed displays of Vietnam memorabilia, before heading back out into the rain.

OLLI at Auburn Hosts Wisdom Wednesday’s Lecture Series Guest Lisa Pierce April 11 Special to the Opelika Observer

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JOBLINK.ALABAMA.GOV Funding provided by the USDOL, ETA, Federal WIOA. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

The mission of Alabama Rural Ministry is to express the love of Christ to The Osher Lifelong people in need. Alabama Learning Institute at AuRural Ministry coordinates burn University (OLLI at home repair efforts and Auburn) will host its lecchildren’s day camps in ture series titled “Wisdom rural parts of Alabama.

Wednesday’s” on April 11, Volunteers assist with from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the these efforts.

Jule Collins Smith MuThe organization’s volseum of Fine Art located unteer base is composed at 901 South College St. in primarily of teams from loAuburn. cal universities, churches, OLLI members, guests schools and other nonprofit and the public are all inorganizations. vited to enjoy this lecture Funding for the organizaseries and to learn more tion is provided through about OLLI at Auburn partnerships, monthly moncourse offerings, social enetary commitments and gagements and initiatives. sponsorships of individual Featured lecture guest families and children. will be Alabama Rural OLLI at Auburn offers Ministry Executive Direcacademic not-for-credit tor Lisa Pierce, who will programs for adults aged provide a presentation 50 years or older through about the program sites at Auburn organiUniversity, AUM in Montzation’s gomery and the Chambers purpose, County Public Library in activiValley.

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 Know that the people protecting your located at the historic Sunny Slope home are licensed by the State of Alabama. property, 1031 Licensedsecurity.org South College St. in Auburn.

For more inforDo have a home security system? mation regarding this event, contact Are you licensed in Alabama?

Ileeia A. Cobb, Ph.D., OLLI Director, at 334844-3105, olli@ auburn.edu, or visit the website at www.olliatauburn. org. ties, and upcoming events.

Pierce founded Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM) in 1998. She now serves as executive director and is responsible for overseeing all organizational activities, managing the organization’s three work sites and serving as ARM’s official spokesperson.

Originally from Daytona Beach, Florida, Pierce graduated from Auburn University in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science.

She served as the director of the Wesley Foundation at the University of West Alabama in 1996 before founding ARM. Pierce is also a member of the National Guard and has spent a year serving in Iraq.

Alabama Rural Ministry was launched in May 1998 in Livingston, Alabama, in response to the need for home repair in rural areas of Alabama.

outhern S Hospitality

A10 April 4, 2018

Caterer Martha Hicks provides recipes for spring entertaining

SH Ann Cipperly’s

Southern Hospitality

As I arrived at the home of caterer Martha Hicks, azaleas and dogwoods were beginning to bloom, as well as her collection of herbs in pots. Oldfashioned mint is one of her special herbs, as she planted it with cuttings passed down in her family for a hundred years. Martha has been using herbs and other seasonings to create fabulous dishes for parties since the early 1980s, as one of Opelika’s most popular caterers.

Martha grew up in a rural area in Forest Home at The Oaks, located south of Montgomery. The Oaks, an 1850 home, was given to her great-grandfather, who was a doctor, so he could practice medicine in the small town.

The Oaks was passed down to her grandmother, who always had a bountiful garden.

Martha spent a great deal of time with her grandmother and great aunts, who were wonderful cooks. The house had two kitchens, a wood burning stove and an electric

stove.

Growing up, her parents had a kitchen in a wing of the house. Martha was involved in 4-H and received many ribbons for her yeast rolls and cookies.

After she graduated from Auburn University and married Lev, she continued her love of cooking. She began selling yeast rolls, and friends asked her to cook for their parties.

Martha knew to become a professional caterer, she would need a commercial kitchen, which she and Lev built in 1984 onto the back of their house. “Lev and my Daddy rescued the heart pine for the floor from a house in Butler County,” says Martha.

“They installed the floor with square nails. After many moppings, it has a warm patina and is a treasured memory.”

When Lev went to work with her full time in 1985 to handle bookkeeping and organization, the business expanded. “He was also an excellent cook,” says Martha.

“We would cook and entertain together, long before we catered.”

Her Southern Hospitality catering business bloomed when she prepared a brunch for 200 for Carolyn and Red Blount in Montgomery. “That probably changed my life,” says Martha. She catered not only Carolyn’s dinner parties, but also corporate events for Blount.

Eventually they operated the

Recipes Nashville's Food Company's Hot Chicken Dip with Pita Chips 1 whole cooked chicken breast [I like to buy a roasted chicken and use the breast.]

1 lb. (two 8 oz. pkg.) softened cream cheese [It may require a bit more cream cheese to make it easier to dip.]

1/2 cup mayon-

naise Curry powder to taste 1 to 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans 1/2 cup chopped green onions Combine above ingredients.

Make sure that it is easy to dip.

Bake at 350 degrees until mixture bubbles around the edges.

Serve with pita chips.

Fried Wontons with Salmon Mousse and Capers Wontons: Cut wontons into fourths.

Heat about one-inch of oil to 350. Fry on each side for 15-20 seconds. Drain and sprinkle with sea salt.

Smoked Salmon Mousse: 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 4 oz. smoked salmon, pureed 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. minced dill 1 tsp. horseradish Capers

Combine above ingredients except capers in a food processor.

Assemble: The mousse and wontons can be prepared several days in advance.

Store the mousse in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature or it will be too firm to press through a bag with a decorator tip.

When ready to serve, pipe the mousse in a decorative rosette on the wonton and garnish with a caper or two.

Prissy Pecans 2 cups pecan halves 5 Tbsp. butter 3 Tbsp. sugar 3 tsp. sherry 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 2 cups pecan halves Salt Melt butter and combine with other

ingredients.

Combine with pecans.

Salt to taste. Roast at 275 until most of butter is absorbed and the pecans are fragrant.

Let pecans sit on a brown paper sack to soak up excess butter.

Montgomery Museum Café and had an exclusive on museum events for several years.

In 1999, Lev passed away with AML. Martha had to shift gears and acquire skills not needed before.

Martha and her staff continued to cater parties and weddings. Going to work is always different for her. She enjoys the challenge of hearing what a customer wants.

“Some of the best ideas I ever had came from my customers,” she says.

When Martha is entertaining at home, she enjoys dining outdoors. She is sharing several of her most popular recipes for spring entertaining.

While she enjoys entertaining in an informal style, she sets the table with pretty dishes and cloth napkins, both vintage and new.

She believes glasses and dishes do not have to match.

She uses a variety of wine glasses.

While they need to complement each other, each course may be served on different china patterns for an interesting blend.

For entertaining, Martha suggests planning your menu a week ahead and then grocery shopping a few days before the party. She prefers to serve a dessert that can be prepared ahead and frozen until needed. Most of the recipes are prepared ahead, leaving just a few details for last minute.

The Molten Chocolate

Photo by Ann Cipperly Caterer Martha Hicks is sharing some of her most popular recipes for spring entertaining. She is pictured at last year’s Taste of the Town event at the Museum of East Alabama. Martha’s Southern Hospitality Catering will be among the 17 restaurants and catering businesses featured at this year’s event, April 24 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the museum in downtown Opelika.

Cakes can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Martha places them in the oven as guests are finishing dinner.

They can be served plain or with fresh raspberries and whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

For a cocktail party, Martha will serve 6-7 hors d’oeuvres plus desserts. The Prissy Pecans and Rosemary Walnuts can be prepared a couple of weeks ahead and stored in tightly covered containers.

The toast cups will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature. These can be used for making the Mushroom Croustades or to fill with chicken salad or pimento cheese.

Look over Martha’s recipes and assemble a menu for a spring party. Whether it is a casual or elegant gathering, the food will be a hit.

Martha’s Southern Hospitality Catering will be one of the 17 catering businesses and restaurants featured at the 6th annual Taste of the Town Tuesday, April 24 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Museum of East Alabama in downtown Opelika. Two wineries, Mama Mocha’s and Toomer’s lemonade will be providing beverages. Tickets are $25 and available at the museum or their website.

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

Mushroom Croustades From the Junior League of Palo Alto, Calif. The toast cups will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a month.

Toast Cups: Slices of white loaf bread (such as Pepperidge Farm) Butter, melted Lightly flatten slices of loaf bread; cut in 3-inch rounds.

Mash the rounds, gently, into small muffin tins. Brush with melted butter.

Bake at 275 until lightly browned and crisp.

Note: These are also good to fill with chicken salad or pimento cheese, as well as to serve with dips.

Mushroom Filling: The filling can be made two days in

advance or frozen for up to a month.

1/2 lb. mushrooms, finely chopped 4 Tbsp. chopped green onions 3 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. flour 1 cup heavy cream ½ tsp. lemon juice Salt to taste Tiny dash of cayenne pepper, optional Sauté mushrooms and green onions in butter. Sprinkle flour over them and add cream. Stir and cook until thickened.

Remove from heat, add lemon juice, salt and a tiny amount of cayenne pepper to taste, if desired.

Fill the toast cups with mushroom mixture and sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh chives on top.

Bake at 350 approximately 10 minutes.

Makes 24.

Ghirardelli Sinful Chocolate Truffles 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream 16 oz. chocolate [I have used half bittersweet and half semisweet. The recipe calls for all bittersweet, which I like, but some people prefer a bit sweeter.]

6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1/3 cup Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa In a small saucepan, bring cream to a simmer. Remove from the heat and stir in chocolate and butter.

In a medium-sized skillet, bring 1/2 inch of water to a slow simmer.

Set the saucepan in the skillet over low heat.

[I usually use a microwave for the melting. It can be tricky.] Stir mixture just until chocolate has completely melted.

Remove from heat.

Pour chocolate mixture into a shallow bowl.

Cool, cover, and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours. [Can be refrigerated longer, but usually must sit on counter to soften enough to roll into balls. I often do this.]

Pour cocoa into a pie pan. Dip melon ball utensil into a glass of warm water and quickly scrape across the surface of the chilled truffle mixture to form a rough 1-inch ball. [I roll briefly between my palms, which have been dusted with cocoa.]

Roll into cocoa.

Store in a container with wax paper in the bottom and wax paper separating each layer.

Use a container with a tight top.

Refrigerate up to 2 weeks, or freeze up to 3 months.

Molten Chocolate Cakes These can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. Remove from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature. Bake shortly before serving.

1 stick butter 3 oz. bittersweet chocolate 3 oz. semisweet chocolate 2 eggs, plus 2 egg yolks 3/4 cup sugar Pinch of salt 1 tsp. vanilla 2 tsp. flour Preheat oven to 425.

Butter and lightly flour 4 six oz. ramekins. Tap out excess flour.

Melt butter and chocolate slowly in a microwave. Let cool a little.

Beat eggs, yolks, sugar, salt and vanilla until thickened and pale yellow.

Whisk part of the chocolate into egg mixture. Combine chocolate, egg mixture, and flour. Spoon batter into prepared ramekins.

Bake for 12-13 minutes. Let cool in ramekins for 1 minute. Invert on individual dessert plates; serve immediately. Note: A raspberry puree, fresh raspberries and whipped cream or vanilla ice cream complement the molten cakes perfectly.

Orzo Salad with Lemon and Lime Vinaigrette Vinaigrette: 2 Tbsp. lemon juice Grate some lemon zest before you juice the lemon.

2 Tbsp. lime juice 1 tsp. minced onion or you may use green onions or minced purple onion in the salad 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley 1 Tbsp. chopped mint Salt and pepper to taste Combine first 5 ingredients and blend in a food processor. Add oil, slowly. Stir in parsley and mint.

Orzo Salad: 1 box orzo, cooked about 7-8 minutes, al dente.

2 carrots, small cube 1 cup red and orange pepper cubes Green onions or 1/4 cup diced red onion Sliced black olives 1 pkg. petite frozen English peas Feta cheese, optional Fresh mint, optional I like to add some halved grape tomatoes, that have been salted and peppered, right before serving. Combine salad ingredients. Add vinaigrette to taste.

See Recipes, B7

Opelika Schools, ports ociety S &S

Turn to B5 for photos from Miracle League Opening Day

OHTS to perform Broadway classic “Kiss Me Kate” April 12-15 at OPAC

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

OHS baseball team riding 9-game winning streak The Opelika High School baseball team extended their winning streak to nine in a row after winning four games last week, improving to 18-9 overall and 2-0 in area play. The Bulldogs started the week with a 5-0 road win over Wetumpka Tuesday. Jackson Reynolds continues to dominate opponents on the mound. The Texas A&M commit pitched seven innings, allowing one hit and striking out nine Indian batters to earn the win.

Micah Christian and Jackson Craft led the offense with two hits apiece. T.J. Jones, Jacob Bartlett, Takeal Demunn and Kory McCoy each added singles.

The Bulldogs and Indians played a doubleheader the following day in Opelika. Opelika swept the two games, winning 6-2 and 10-6.

Andrew Parr pitched a complete game to earn the win. Parr allowed eight hits and two earned runs over seven innings. Offensively, Christian belted three hits and scored a run, Jackson scored two runs on two hits and Jared Willis and Jones both added singles.

In the third game against Wetumpka, a 10-6 Opelika victory, Jones and Bartlett led

the Bulldogs offense with two hits each.

Willis, Christian, Dunson and Brody Davis all added hits. Christian pitched the first four innings and Hoony Oh pitched the final three innings to combine for the win.

Coach Richardson's team ended the week by beating Sylacauga 11-4 Saturday at Bulldog Park. Jones slugged four hits to lead the Bulldogs at the plate. Demunn added two hits, Willis, Bratlett and McCoy both added singles.

Three pitchers combined for the win: Jace Rhodes, Oh and Demunn.

Opelika hosted Benjamin Russell in an area game last night.

The results were not available at press time.

The Bulldogs travel to Alexander City Thursday for a double-header against Benjamin Russell at the Charles Bailey Sportsplex, which is located at 225 Heard Blvd. Opelika can win the area Championship by winning two of the three games.

TENNIS Girls The Opelika girls tennis team beat Montgomery Catholic School 5-4 last week.

The Lady Bulldog netters won four singles See Sports, page B8

The Opelika High Theatre Society will bring a touch of Broadway to Alabama with its spring production of “Kiss Me Kate.”

Written by the husband-and-wife playwright team of Samuel and Bella Spewack, the play is a longtime Broadway hit, winning the 1948 Tony Award for Best Musical. However, “Kiss Me Kate” is best known for its soundtrack, which features compositions by one of America’s most enduring musical figures, Cole Porter.

The storyline focuses on a theatre ensemble preparing for a musical rendition of the William Shakespeare classic, “The Taming of the Shrew.” During See Kiss Me, page B9

Opelika girls soccer falls 5-2 to ACA, move to 4-4-1 overall

Turn to B6 for more photos from the Opelika girl’s 5-2 loss to Alabama Christian Academy last Tuesday. Photos by Robert Noles.

East Alabama Predators gearing up for 2018 season

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Coming off a season plagued by inconsistency and poor quarterback play, East Alabama Predators Coach Michael Martin said he is expecting big things for his squad in 2018.

“Our goal as a team for this season is to win

the division and the conference … make a decent little playoff run for ourselves,” Martin said.

The Predators finished 3-5 last season and tied for second in the Gridiron Developmental Football League’s Xtreme South division.

“All season,

www.theorthoclinic.com

A division of

SPORTSMED

742-6408 OPELIKA

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

749-8303 OPELIKA

we had no decent play from the quarterback posi-

tion. The running game was there,

the offensive line was good and the defensive secondary was our strength, but with bad quarterback play … we couldn’t get our offense going, which led to a rocky start last season,” Martin said.

The Predators welcome two new players vying for starting time at quar-

terback: former Lanett star Andre Johnson Sr. and Willie Brown from Auburn High School.

Despite the offense’s expected turnaround from last season, Martin said he is most excited to see the play of his defensive line, which is deep and talented.

See Predators, page B9

B2 April 4, 2018

pelika O Observer

Opelika sweeps series against Wetumpka, moves to 18-9

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Opelika

B3

Family & Religion

April 4, 2018

We are not the answer H Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706

ave you ever wondered what would happen if all of the geniuses, the artists, the scientists, the smartest, most creative people in the world decided to actually change it?

Where, where could they even do such a thing? They’d need a place free from politics and bureaucracy, distractions, greed— a secret place where they could build whatever they were crazy enough to imagine Hugo in Tomorrowland.

Tomorrowland is a PG-rated, Disney science fiction/adventure movie that stars two teenagers and George Clooney.

It’s the story of a former child prodigy (Clooney) who teams up with a teenage genius to travel to another dimension (Tomorrowland) where they save earth by destroying a machine there.

choose to It’s a highly feed. It’s a entertainmore curing movie. rent take of There are the glass plenty of half-empty/ humorous half-full interactions

by Bruce Green analogy and between the Teaching Minister at it makes an characters, 10th Street Church of important and what’s Christ in Opelika point connot to like cerning the about a importance of our atspaceship launching titude and outlook. from the Eiffel Tower But that can be taken or a house with all of the gadgetry that Frank too far.

When it’s extrapoWalker’s (George lated to the degree that Clooney’s character) the ultimate solution has? to man’s problems is That said, the premise of the movie is fun- man (i.e., our technoldamentally flawed. I’m ogy, our optimism, and our refusal to give up) not talking about the science or plot holes— apart from God, then it becomes just another I’m speaking from a spiritual point of view. Babel.

It is the kind of Early on in the film, we’re introduced to the thinking that hardly bears critiquing for idea that inside every anyone with a sense of person there are two history. wolves fighting—one In the years leading wolf is darkness and up to the twentieth despair, while the other is hope and light. century (the time in the movie when EdiThe wolf that wins son, Telsa, Verne and is whichever one we

Church Calendar

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

Liberty Baptist is located at 2701 West Point Parkway.

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

• The Auburn Music Club Singers practice on Tuesdays during the academic year from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the music ministry room at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Church Drive off South Gay Street.

New members are welcomed.

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

ANIMAL HEALTH CENTER

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

1520 Second Ave. Opelika, AL 36801

745.0060

24-Hour Service

For more information, contact director Phyllis Gauker at 334887-7261 or at pgauker@bellsouth.net.

• A community-wide program for people with memory loss will be held at Auburn United Methodist Church every Tuesday and Thursday.

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.

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

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

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

Eiffel began their secret society to accomplish the saving of the world), there existed a tremendous optimism as a result of significant medical, technological and industrial advances.

Many believed man was on the brink of utopia. What happened to dash this optimism?

Something the movie doesn’t mention: World War I. Therefore, Hugo’s suggestion of isolating “the geniuses, the artists, the scientists, the smartest, most creative people in the world” from governments and other restricting influences was already asked and answered in the years following the four men they celebrate as paving the way to a better world.

But it’s also answered in every generation.

The same science that delivers to us the wonder of space ex-

ploration, medical advancement, and communication technology is also employed to abort the unborn, produce illegal drugs and pollute the planet. Of course, it is not science that is the problem— it’s people misusing science. Specifically it’s the problem of sin.

All of this is made clear in Genesis 1-11: the answer to our problems is not in us!

Human beings are responsible for child pornography, human trafficking, terrorism and everything else that crushes and enslaves the human spirit.

There is a solution but it demands that we first deny ourselves before we can be free to embrace it.

That really shouldn’t be too difficult to do.

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

Verse of the Week “Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.”

Zechariah 10:1 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922

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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

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

pelika O Observer

B4 April 4, 2018

LEGALS NOTICE OF ABADONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

1FTBR10A2DUA78596 1983 FORD RANGER Legal Run4/4/18 & 4/11/18

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1412 Opelika Rd. Auburn Al, 36830 on 04/18/2018 at 2:00 p.m.

Deanne Becker Unit# C42 1317 1st Ave

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO. 2018-A-174 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of LESLIE O'LITA BROWN, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Huge Martin Brown on April 4, 2018, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE LEGAL RUN 4/4/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RALPH HADEN POWELL, Deceased.

CASE NO. 2018-A-070 NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary, having been granted to Haden Travis Bunn, as Executor of the Estate of Ralph Haden Powell, deceased, on the 8th day of March, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of

Lee County, Alabama.

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

HADEN TRAVIS BUNN - Executor of the Estate of Ralph Haden Powell, deceased.

Legal Run 3/21, 3/28 & 4/04/2018.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF MIRIAM C. COX DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO: 2017-C-053 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of MIRIAM COX, deceased having been granted to Walter Cox on the 11th day of Jan, 2018 by Honorable

William English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 3/21, 3/28, & 4/04/2018

City of Opelika ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT April 10, 2018 9:00 A.M. PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY 700 FOX TRAIL A. VARIANCE 1. James L. McCrory, c/o Diane Brasher, 3401 Pepperell Parkway, C-3, GC-P zoning district, Requesting two side yard setback variances: a 15-foot side yard setback variance from the 20foot minimum side yard setback requirement on the east side of Lot 1 and a 15-foot side yard

CITY OF OPELIKA ADA TRANSITION PLAN PUBLIC OUTREACH AND PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Please take notice that the City of Opelika, Alabama is in the process of updating its current ADA (Americans with Disabilities) SelfEvaluation and Transition Plan. This update was led

by City staff, City department heads, and field staff assigned to assist with the project.

Staff was responsible for assessing, documenting, collecting, and organizing the self-evaluation from facility accessibility assessments, identifying existing deficiencies, creating a comprehensive barrier database and planning correc-

Opelika, AL, 36832 Bags of clothes Demetrius Winfield Unit# Z414 1301 York Ave Lot4 Opelika, AL, 36801 Clothes, shoes, bed, household items Johnny Gary Unit# W381 623 Meadow Ave Opelika, AL, 36801 Love seat, chair, curio cabinet, TV, Bed.

setback variance from the 20-foot minimum side yard setback requirement for the west side of Lot 2; a proposed two lot subdivision is proposed that locates an existing 3,787 square foot building on Lot 1 and a 5,432 square foot building on Lot 2.

2. Elrod Engineering, c/o Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, 1051 Fox Run Avenue, C-3, GC-P zoning district, Sign Variance: Requesting a 60-foot height variance from the 20-foot maximum height allowed and requesting a 140 square foot sign area variance from the 100

tive actions. The City also self-evaluated its policies, programs and procedures to determine current levels of service and the extent to which its policies and programs created barriers to accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Title II of the ADA prohibits local governments from discriminating against people with disabilities by excluding participation or denying benefits of programs, services or activities to persons with disabilities.

The Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan are part of the City of Opelika’s overall efforts to address accessibility throughout the City of Opelika.

COMMENTS AND PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS

square foot maximum sign area allowed in order to maintain the 80 foot height and 240 square foot sign area of a legal nonconforming freestanding sign that has deteriorated and requires replacement.

NOTE: 1. The City of Opelika complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts.

2. The City of Opelika meeting facilities are accessible.

3. If you need special assistance please call Ms. Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at (334) 705-5132.

Legal Run 4/42018

The City of Opelika invites the public to become involved in this process through written comments.

Those interested persons, including individuals with disabilities or organizations representing individuals with disabilities, are requested to participate in the development of the ADA Transition Plan. Please submit comments or specific recommendations for modification to City facilities, programs, services and activities to Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator.

She can be reached at 334-705- 5130 or writing to Human Resources Department, City of Opelika, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803, or by email at hr@ opelika-al.gov. The ADA Coordinator will respond

SUSCC dual enrollment program gives students a chance to get ahead in their careers Special to the Opelika Observer Parents are invited to attend an information session on the dual enrollment program at Southern Union State Community College.

The program allows students to take college courses while still enrolled in high school. The students earn credit for a college class on both their high school and college transcripts.

Dual enrollment programs differ from Advanced Placement programs in that students take college courses rather than

high school courses with college-level content.

To enroll in a dual enrollment course, students must be in the 10-12th grades and have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 2.5.

There is opportunity for financial assistance for students who dual enroll in technical education and health sciences courses.

The Alabama Legislature has approved funds for the Alabama Future Workforce Initiative (AFWI) which are allocated to assist secondary career and technical education stu-

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

Legal Run 3/28/18 & 4/04/18

dents earn post-secondary credits while still in high school.

There will be information sessions for parents at Valley’s SUSCC campus April 16 in room 101 of the Carmichael Building at 6:30 p.m. ET and in Opelika April 17 in the Southern Room, also at 6:30 p.m.

A scholarship valued at $500 will be given away at each meeting. Parent’s attendance at the meeting qualifies their student to enter the drawing. For more information, email Eddie Pigg at epigg@ suscc.edu.

to any complaint or request.

The public comment period will be held from April 12, 2018 to April 26, 2018.

PUBLIC MEETING The City of Opelika will host a public meeting and public hearing to receive input regarding the ADA Transition Plan. This meeting is scheduled for April 26, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers of City Hall located at 204 South 7 th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

For requests for reasonable accommodations or to learn more about the City’s Transition Plan to create equal access for all, contact Lisa McLeod, ADA Coordinator, at the above address and/or telephone number.

Legal Run 4/4/2018

STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY DOCKET NO. 2018A- 133 RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT EDWARD JAMES, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 9th day of March, 2018, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to pres-

ent the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/ Sidney Porter James Nakhjavan, Executor Attorneys for Executor: Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr., Esq. Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Anna F. Buckner, Esq. Anna F. Buckner, LLC 1859 Ogletree Road Auburn, Alabama 36830 (334) 246-5855 Legal Run 3/21, 3/28 & 4/04/2018

NOTICE TO CREDITORS - ESTATE OF ALBERT LEVERE BECKUM, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO: 2018-A-154 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of ALBERT LEVERE BECKUM deceased having been granted to Joel Beckum, on the 22th day of March, 2018,

by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Joel Beckum Bill English, Probate Judge Legal Run 3/28/18, 04/04/18 & 4/11/2018

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROSA BERNICE HORNE, Deceased. CASE NO. 2018A- 124 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED

BY EXECUTOR Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to RUSSELL DARREN

HORNE, on the 14 th day of March, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Executor.

Legal Run 3/21/18, 3/28/18 & 4/4/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DONATE TORREZ FLOYD, NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT Letters of Administration on the Estate of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 16th day of February, 2018, by Judge of the Probate

Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BILL ENGLISH Legal Run 3/21, 3/28 & 4/4/18

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROSCOE THOMAS, JR., (DECEASED), IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 26 th day of March, 2018, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons

having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BERNICE STENSON THOMAS Administrator Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 3/28, 4/4 & 4/11/2018

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 Administra-

tion 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

NOTICE OF PROPOSED VACATION OF LEE ROAD 670 Pursuant to the provisions of Code of Alabama, §§ 23-4- 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, 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

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 & 4/18/18

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-of- way 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 rightof- way limit of said Lee Road 137; thence along said right-of- way 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, & 4/25/18

pelika O Observer

B5 April 4, 2018

Michelle Key/Opelika Observer

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

AUXILIARY

334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org

Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

pelika O Observer

B6 April 4, 2018

& FLEA MALL

Vinatge Signs Look for a new find each week!

334-745-3221 • angelsantiqueandfleamall.com 900 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika 36801 Open Everyday 10-7 • Sun 1-5

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Bridge, from A1 bridge to accommodate for the area’s

growing traffic needs.

“It’s going to be a 40-foot-wide bridge, so it’s going to be wide and spacious with two lanes. It should be able to completely handle any traffic or situation out

there,” Parker said.

“We’re looking at 4-6 months of construction time to have it completed.”

Parker added that the bridge will have no painted bike lane, but cyclists will have

adequate space needed to safely pass by motor vehicles. Cunningham Drive currently has no designated bike lanes.

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

OTC to hold murder mystery dinners April 6, 22

By Morgan Murphy For the Opelika Observer The Opelika Theatre Company will be presenting “I Buried an Idol,” a murder mystery based off of FOX’s longtime running musical talent show “American Idol.”

Competition judges will include Randy Hackson, Smalla I’mCool and Cryin’ Towell, as well as host Brian Beeznest.

During the show, the judges will be holding a competition to find the next big thing in music, but sometimes these contests can get heated,

resulting in “murder.”

Niffer’s at the Tracks, Irish Bred Pub and Southside Center for the Arts are the troupe’s contributing partners.

Following is a list of event sponsors: Auburn Audio Visual Auburn Bank Chick-fil-A Tiger Town Colonial Life Community Foundation of East Alabama Countryside Veterinarian Clinic East Alabama Arts Elliott & Associates Friends of Gary Fuller Groomingdales

Heritage Gifts Opelika High Theatre Society Opelika Observer Tiger Town Embroidery.

Dates for the shows are April 6 at Niffer’s in Opelika and April 22 at Irish Bread Pub in downtown Opelika. Both shows begin at 7 p.m.

This show is a fundraiser for OTC in order to fund future main stage productions. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by calling 334-663-2593 or online at squareup. com/store/OpelikaTheatreCo.

pelika O Observer

Recipes, from A12 Avocado and Roasted Corn Salsa 1 medium can corn kernels Olive oil to roast corn 2-3 large avocados [medium dice]

Old-Fashioned Toasted Pecans Heat oven to 250.

Toast pecans with a small amount of butter and salt, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned.

FOOD RATINGS Cook Out 1601 Opelika Road, Auburn Score: 99 Starbuck’s Coffee 1121 S. College St., Auburn Score: 99 Dairy Queen 2019 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika Score: 99 O’Wingz 3810 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika Score: 98 La Palma Seafood 203 Opelika Road, Auburn Score: 98 Newk’s Eatery 2664 Enterprise Drive, Opelika Score: 97

1 large tomato 3 cups good quality commercial salsa 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2-3 Tbsp. diced red onion 1 tsp. or more fresh jalapeno to taste 1 tsp. minced garlic 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice Salt to taste Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On a bak-

ing sheet, toss corn with enough olive oil to cover. Roast, stirring often, for about 8 minutes or until golden. Let cool. Combine with the other ingredients, except for the avocado.

This keeps well in the refrigerator. I do not dice or add the avocado until I am ready to serve the salsa.

Rosemary Walnuts 6 Tbsp. butter 1 Tbsp. fresh or dried rosemary, chopped 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper 4 cups walnut halves Melt butter and seasoning together.

Toss with walnuts. Bake at 275 degrees until brown.

Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Yeast Rolls and Horseradish Mustard Sauce 1 cup red wine ¼ cup soy sauce ¼ cup canola oil

B7 April 4, 2018

Sara Russell's Cottage Cheese Yeast Rolls One of Tuskegee’s finest cooks 2 pkgs. active dry yeast 1/2 cup lukewarm water 2 cups cottage cheese 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking soda 2 eggs, slightly beaten 4 1/2 cups sifted, all-

purpose flour Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water. Heat cottage cheese until lukewarm.

Stir cottage cheese and remaining ingredients, except flour, into the yeast mixture.

Gradually add enough flour to make a soft dough.

Place into a greased bowl and let rise until doubled

Marinated Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Yeast Rolls and Horseradish Mustard Sauce 1 cup red wine ¼ cup soy sauce ¼ cup canola oil Chopped garlic Chopped fresh rosemary Black pepper Combine ingredients.

Marinate pork tenderloin for three or four hours. Grill pork

on medium heat, turning for about 20 to 30 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Can grill ahead and reheat.

Serve with Horseradish Mustard Sauce and yeast rolls.

Horseradish Mustard Sauce Mayonnaise Horseradish Grainy Mustard Combine ingredients to taste.

Chopped garlic Chopped fresh rosemary Black pepper Combine ingredients.

Marinate pork tenderloin for three or four hours. Grill pork on

medium heat, turning for about 20 to 30 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Can grill ahead and reheat.

Serve with Horseradish Mustard Sauce and

yeast rolls.

Horseradish Mustard Sauce Mayonnaise Horseradish Grainy Mustard Combine ingredients to taste.

in size, about 1 1/2 hours.

Punch down and then turn dough onto a floured surface.

Roll about 1/4 inch thick and cut and fold into Parker house rolls.

Let rise again.

Bake at 350 for approximately 20 minutes.

Brush the golden brown rolls with butter and serve.

Black Skillet Olives You can serve these from your kitchen island, with toothpicks, as a snack for your guests while you finish preparing dinner. The aroma of rosemary is heavenly!

Drain an assortment of olives that have pits.

Heat extra virgin olive oil, about 1/4 inch, in a black skillet. Add fresh, chopped rosemary and sauté. Add olives and heat through.

Making Alabama: A Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit opens at Opelika’s Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer It’s a first, and an honor. The Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library has been chosen as the first host for the Alabama Bicentennial Exhibition.

“I’m part of the Lee County Bicentennial Committee, and we got an email that said, ‘there is this exhibit that will be happening are you interested in hosting it?’” said Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library Director Rosanna McGinnis. “They said the exhibit will be traveling, it will be large and interactive. They said, ‘Do you have 1,000 square feet?’ I said, ‘yes

I do,’ and that’s what happened. The rest is history.”

The Alabama Humanities Foundation selected Opelika as one of 67 counties across the state to be a host community for the “Making Alabama, a Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit,” in celebration of Alabama becoming a state 200 years ago. This traveling exhibit will crisscross the state for 18 months beginning this month and ending in December 2019.

“This is a great way for people to learn about Alabama

history,” McGinnis said. “It’s a great overview about (what) the state is and what it means to celebrate 200 years, as well

as the struggles we’ve had to overcome. Hopefully we can build a great future together.”

“Making Alabama” will be at the library until April 27, and it is free. Exhibit days and hours will be during the library’s regular business hours which are available at cooperlibrary. com.

“What an exciting opportunity for our city and county,” said Mayor Gary Fuller. “This is not only a chance for us to learn more about the history of Alabama and its story of becoming a state, it also gives us an opportunity to showcase our community’s own history and story.”

Sonic Drive-In 2100 Frederick Road, Opelika Score: 97 Backwater BBQ 5330 Lee Road 379, Salem Score: 96 We are looking for highly motivated individuals who want to be part of a winning team. Sales Consultants daily responsibilities include prospecting (self generate), follow-up on company sales leads, presenting security products and services to businesses and homeowners, ensure proper contracts and continuous communication with sales management. We offer defined and established territories. Base salary plus an aggressive commission structure. Car allowance, company smart phone and IPad provided. Professional weekly training with dedicated sales trainer with one-on-one sales support. Excellent benefits including 401k, health/dental/vision/life insurance. Opportunity to qualify for 3 all expense paid trips a year.

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

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

pelika O Observer

B8 April 4, 2018

Opelika School Board welcomes new board member Tipi Miller

By Shawn Kirkpatrick Opelika Observer Tipi Miller began her term as a member of the Opelika City Schools Board of Education last Thursday.

Miller was appointed to the BOE by the Opelika City Council. Miller currently serves as the executive director of Keep Opelika Beautiful. Her community involvement includes being a member of the Opelika Rotary Club, a graduate of Leadership Lee County and a member of the inaugural class of Opelika’s 20-Under-40 program.

Miller is also the recipient of the 2017 Opelika Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award.

“We are excited to have Mrs. Miller as our newest board member. She has been involved in our schools most importantly as a parent, and also for many years

Sports, from B1 matches and one doubles match. Singles winners included: Martlynn Grouby, who won 10-5, Mary Bentley Barfield 10-7, Blake Bell 10-0 and Laney McTier 10-4.

through her position with Keep Opelika Beautiful,” said Dr. Mark Neighbors, OCS Superintendent. “We look forward to her perspective and continued involvement as a board member.”

A large group from Leadership Lee County also attended the meeting. As part of their program, they learn more about the workings of different departments across Lee County.

Also on the agenda, members approved: -a field trip for Opelika High School 11th and 12th grade students to Atlanta on April 20 for “The Bodies Exhibition” -monthly financial report for February -all reconciled bank statements for the month of February -a monthly child nutrition report for February.

The doubles team of Sara Hollis Smith T and Barfield won 10-8.

Boys Montgomery Academy beat Opelika 8-1 last week. Number three seed Austen Crowley won the lone match for the Bulldogs 10-6.

SOCCER Alabama Christian Academy beat the Lady Bulldogs soccer team

5-2 last week. Amiya Brown scored both goals for Opelika, with assists coming from teammates Kaitlyn Goodman and Abby Noon. The girls are currently 4-4-1 overall.

ACA beat the Opelika boys soccer team 2-0 last week. The Bulldogs are currently 6-5-2 overall and 2-1 in area play.

SOCCER FOR CURE - AUBURN AT OPELIKA The annual Opelika v.

Auburn "Soccer for a Cure" game will be held at the W. James Sam-

ford Soccer Complex at the Opelika Sportsplex April 5. Girls and boys junior varsity teams start at 5 p.m., with varsity games following at 7 p.m.

The Auburn High soccer team started "Soccer for a Cure" to raise money to help local cancer patients with expenses. The series began with Auburn v. Prattville. Auburn High later approached Opelika about playing the series on an annual basis.

Opelika boys coach Derek Hovell and girls

coach Jaqulin Waites know the importance of hosting the game for the first time. Instead of admission, fans can donate as much as they wish to contribute to the cause.

The money stays in Lee County and will help local people with cancer cover medical expenses.

I applaud Auburn City Schools System and Opelika City Schools System for teaming to raise money for local citizens with cancer.

This is another example of cross-town rivals battling on the field to help

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for a common cause off the field.

Please try to attend the games and donate to "Soccer for a Cure.”

SPRING FOOTBALL UPDATE Opelika High Coach Erik Speakman announced spring football practice will start May 7 instead of May 1 because of other spring sports schedules.

Opelika will practice for two weeks and travel to Troy to play a spring game against Niceville High School of Florida May 19. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

ON THE MARK Listen weekdays from 7-9 a.m. to the "On the Mark" radio show on 1520 AM WTLM, online at wtlmam.com/ onair or type On the Mark on the iHeart Radio app.

Jeff Sasser and I host the two-hour show to keep fans updated on local sports and Opelika athletics. There are a wide array of guests who appear on the show, ranging from area high school coaches to former college greats like Pat Dye and Gene Stallings.

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.

B9 April 4, 2018

Opelika’s Ben Garner named Samford University Ambassador

Dancing Stars of East Alabama event to be held April 14, tickets on sale now

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Special to the Opelika Observer

Special to the Opelika Observer Benjamin Garner of Opelika, Alabama, has been named a new Samford University Ambassador.

Garner is a sports administration major who will graduate in the class of 2021.

The purpose of Samford Ambassadors is to serve the university community through leadership by building internal and external relationships for its advancement. Ambassadors act as liaisons between Samford University and its many constituencies,

serve as hosts at special events and represent the Offices of the President and University Advancement.

New ambassadors are chosen each spring through a rigorous nomination, application and interview process.

The process assesses leadership skills, public speaking ability, servitude, ability to represent Samford and its Christian mission, enthusiasm for the university and other qualities.

Good standing with the university, reputation among peers and grade point average are also factors.

Benefitting the health and education of Lee County children is the goal of the 8th annual “Dancing Stars of East Alabama Fundraising Event” April 14 at the Bottling Plant Event Center in downtown Opelika.

Proceeds raised from the fun-filled night will be given to the Junior League of Lee County, who have initiatives that “impact children's lives in Lee County through improvement to programs which enhance or provide access to health, wellness, education and nutrition.”

The night kicks off with a dance competition, which will feature local celebrities and

Predators, from B1 “A lot of these guys are 6-foot and 290-300 (pounds), and they can move. Behind them (the starters), we got a lot of quality guys too that can make a difference,” Martin said.

Division rival Georgia Crush will host the Predators April 28 to kick off the GDFL season. The schedule has yet to be finalized, but

some of the area’s best dancers vying to become the next “dancing star.”

Event promoter Jen Slocumb said that there will be a new wrinkle to this year’s event.

“Doing the lip-sync battle brings excitement and (I believe) a fresh perspective to the fundraising portion of things by doing something fun and a little different,” Slocumb said.

An after-party will follow the announcement of the two competition winners.

Slocumb added that this will be the last year for the dancing portion, as organizers plan to make lip-sync battles the main focus of the event in the future.

“The point we are trying to get across with the finale event is that this will be the last year

Martin said it will either be May 5 or June 2.

The Predators play all their home games at Notasulga High School’s Knapp-Sanderson Stadium, which is located at 500 E. Main Street in Notasulga.

Visit www.gdfl.org for schedules and more information.

Following is a current Predators spring training roster: #0 DeVonta Jackson #1 Jaquavious Darden #2 Marquel Franklin #3 Cedric Moore #4 Tay Buggs

they do the dancing stars part of the event, so we are encouraging past dancing stars to come out and be there for the last event. In eight years there have been a lot of great local celebrities that have danced in the past, so the finale part is a celebration of the last eight years of the great fundraising that has happened through this event,” Slocumb said.

General admission tickets are $125 per person, and there are tables available for groups.

For more information on ticketing options, email Courtney Thompson at DSOEAinfo@gmail.com. To view a full list of dance contestants, visit www.dsoea.com. The BPEC is located at 614 N. Railroad Ave.

#5 Keon Brown #6 Willie Brown #7 Andre Johnson #9 Dwight Harper #10 Van Jackson #11 Quay Tolbert #12 Marc Delince #13 Cordarious Joiner #14 Jacob Daniels #16 Dontavis Holloway #17 Yae Williams #18 Jak Dinero #19 Isaiah Ellis #20 Isaiah Thomas #24 Terrel Jones #25 Mon'trez Dardy #26 William Mahone #28 Jarquavious Crawford

#30 Isaiah Bingham #33 Marc Dowdell #35 Montrelle Johnson #36 Tommie Benson III #44 Christian Tyler #47 Derrell Favors #55 Torri Harris #60 Tavoris Culpepper #72 Cody Highnote #73 Calvin Clark #88 Jamar Darden #89 Rykell Watts #90 Cedric Weathington #93 Travis Spurlock #95 Malcolm Jelks #96 Greg Peters Jr.

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

Ephesians 4:3

67 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER TH

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

Kiss Me, from B1 the play, audiences witness the drama that unfolds on and off-stage between show director, producer and star Fred Graham and the show’s female lead and his exwife, Lilli Vanessi.

Graham has a crush on Lois Lane, an attractive young actress who is slated to play Bianca in their production.

Lois’s boyfriend, Bill, who is also supposed to perform in the play, loses a gambling game and places a $10,000 IOU on Graham. Through the course of the production, love proves that it conquers all, including angry, money-seeking mobsters.

OHTS Director Revel Gholston said he believes the play’s charm, aesthetics and storyline will take audiences back to a simpler place and time.

Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

“Essentially, ‘Kiss Me Kate’ is a play within a play. Half the time, the audience is watching backstage drama between members of the production, and the other half is the musical,” Gholston said. “... it definitely features the stereotypical characters of a loud, arrogant director to an older female lead who’s getting on toward the end of her career, and it is definitely a traditional throwback musical in its form.”

Featuring a cast of more than 30 players, Gholston said portions of the music will be contributed by the OHS Jazz Band, under the direction of the school’s band director, Neil Sasser.

Gholston said Kiss Me Kate’s production is the realization of a 17-year-long personal dream, and he said he expects audiences to be wowed by his students’ performances.

“This show was one of my favorites that I’ve

never done. It’s always been 1 or 1A on my list of things to do ... so this is something that’s been a long time coming,” Gholston said. “I want people to laugh a lot.

The cleverness and wit of the show is something, I hope, that leaves a little smirk on their face... but more than anything, I want them to enjoy the evening, which should be a very enjoyable experience.”

There will be five shows held at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts April 12-15: Thursday and Friday, shows begin at 7 p.m., a double-header Saturday, with shows at 3 and 7 p.m. and Sunday’s show at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at Victory Designs, the OHS and OPAC offices or from participating students.

For more information, email ohts@opelikaschools.org or call 334745-9715. The OPAC is located at 1700 Lafayette Parkway.

pelika O Observer

B10 April 4, 2018

Mary Jane Perry Guy

OBITUARIES Frederick W. Fox Frederick W. Fox of Opelika passed away on March 29, 2018 at his home. He was 84 years old. A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. April 4, 2018, at the Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel in Opelika. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the memorial service.

Fred was born on June 12, 1933 in Glen Dale, WV to the late William C. Fox and Josephine Moore Fox. He was predeceased by his daughter Linda Eileen Fox; his first wife Mary McPherson Fox; his sister Nancy Trussell of Glen Dale, WV; and his sister Patricia Mills of Phoenix, AZ. Survivors include Mary Frances Buffington Latimer Mary Frances Buffington Latimer, 78 passed away on Friday, March 30, 2018. Mrs. Latimer was born on October 27, 1939 to Willard and Nancy (Landers) Buffington in Gainesville, Georgia.

She is preceded in death by her parents;

Mckenzie Anne Kirkland Mckenzie Anne Kirkland, daughter of Josh and Melissa Kirkland, was born into the arms of Jesus on March 26, 2018.

In addition to her parents and big brother Henry she is survived by maternal grandparents - Ronnie and Phyllis Creel; paternal grandparents - Phil Kirkland and

his beloved wife Jane T. Fox; his children: William T. Fox (Janice) of Walland, TN; Leigh A. Bertolino (Dave) of Dunwoody, GA; Lesley K. Gabel (Steve) of Qingdao, China; and his step-son Andrew Tisdale of Opelika. He was also survived by his two grandsons: Max Bertolino and Cole Bertolino of Dunwoody, GA; his sisters: Jane Rogan (Joe) of Fishers Island, NY; and Linda Workman (Dexter) of Moundsville, WV. Fred graduated from the University of Florida in 1954 and was commissioned in the Army. He served multiple tours in Europe and two tours in Vietnam. He earned an MBA from Babson College in Boston in

1965. He retired from the Army in 1977 as a Colonel.

Following his retirement from the Army, Fred came to live in the Auburn-Opelika area.

For several years he worked as an armament consultant for the U.S. Army and, along with others, started and operated the last commuter airline operating from the twin cities area.

In the mid-eighties, Fred left Alabama and went to Indiana where he served as Vice President of the Tenth Pan American Games held in Indianapolis in 1987.

Following the Games, Fred worked as Director of Emergency Communications for Marion County, Indiana. Returning to Alabama in 1989,

Fred began the development and operation of assisted living communities in Alabama, a labor which occupied him for the rest of his life.

Fred was a past active member of the BBVA Compass Board of Directors and remained as an Emeritus Director.

Fred was an avid hunter and enjoyed time hunting with his son, son-in-law, grandsons, and his many hunting friends. He was an avid golfer and loved to travel, especially in Europe. He also played a mean hand of poker.

The family respectfully declines floral offerings and encourages donations to charities of choice.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematorium will be directing.

Willard and Nancy Buffington and husband of 51 years, William Sid Latimer.

She is survived by her two children, son, Michael Latimer (Jessica) and daughter, Marla Kickliter and three grandchildren, Chance Roberts (Megan), Chandler Roberts and Trey Kickliter.

Mrs. Latimer was a

loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed serving others by doing volunteer work in hospitals, schools, and churches in the communities she lived.

Her hobbies included sewing, arts and crafts and antique shopping.

In her final years, she warmed the hearts of her caregivers.

Visitation was held

Monday, April 2, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 2, 2018 in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with a private interment.

Frederick-Dean Funeral home directed.

Kim Kirkland; great grandparents – Ed and Mary Kirkland, Donald and Helen Vaughn, John G. Little Jr.; and the many aunts, uncles and cousins of Josh and Melissa.

A private family graveside service was held Friday, March 30, 2018.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations for GM1 research that will support curing

GM1, which has affected a dear friend of the family – Porter Heatherly. Donations in Mckenzie’s memory can be made to: Auburn University Foundation, 317 South College Street, Auburn, AL 368495153 or auburn.edu/ give with the notation: in memory of Mckenzie Anne Kirkland, designated to Martin Research.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

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Award, from A1

[the school] also effectively use social media to inform the community of events that are going on, so parents know what is happening within the school.”

Marshall also gave praise to the three school safety resource officers who protect the students and teachers. He thanked the students for embrac-

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Mary Jane Perry Guy peacefully entered the presence of the Lord on the twenty-seventh of March, 2018. She was born on October 28, 1928, in Shorter, Alabama, to the late Rev. William Henry Perry and Mary Jimmerson Perry.

After graduating from Cliff High School, she married the late Robert Murry Guy. They celebrated 54 years of marriage.

She was employed by a local shoe store, A&P Grocery and retired from AmSouth Bank.

Jane loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and lived for Him from childhood.

She enjoyed reading her daily devotions and was especially happy to share them with others. Through the years, Jane was faithful to serve God in the church and the community. She treasured the time she spent with her family and friends. She also enjoyed making and sending inspirational cards, cooking, baking pies and working with plants and flowers.

She is survived by her two sons: Robert “Sonny” Guy, Jr. (Linda); Michael Perry ing the idea that they are going to be safe and for sharing their concerns with teachers and administrators on any school day.

After receiving the award OMS Principal Keith York said it was an honor to receive the recognition. “On a day to day basis we practice drills and other proactive procedures,” York said.

“School safety isn’t just about an attack, but [also] severe weather or a fire drill. We take all of that

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Guy (Belva); Grandchildren: Robert Murry Guy, III,(Tiffany); Perry Guy Wright (Gabriel); Wendy Guy Hickey (Jesse); Jonathan Nelson Guy (Anna); and Chandler Michael Guy; Nine great-grandchildren; Brother: Jim Joe Perry (Eleanor); Sister: Judi Perkins Sellers (Bob); and Brotherin-law: Roy Johnson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Visitation was held Friday, March 30, at 1:00 p.m. at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Mike Wright officiating and Rick Lane providing special music.

Dave Fisher, Chuck Hawkins, Sammy Laro, David Lilly, Russell Smith and Randall Willis served as pall bearers. Interment was at Shady Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be given to your church or New Birth Outreach Center, P.O. Box 1184, Valley, AL 36854.

“Her children rise up and bless her...”(Proverbs 31:28) Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed. into account. Many things play into safety.”

York also thanked the staff and faculty for their diligence every day to create a safe environment at the school. In closing he spoke of the school’s positive culture playing a role in the overall safety of students at school. “Our middle school mantra is, ‘be nice.’ That is pretty simple and we work hard at that every day.”

This is the second time Opelika Middle School has received the award.

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pelika O Observer

B11 April 4, 2018

COMICS

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

-Erma Bombeck

B12 April 4, 2018

pelika O E ntertainment

Last week’s answers:

3-28 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Naive 2), Patrol 3), Smear 4), Synergy Solution: Money