Opelika Observer 09-26-18 E-edition

Vol. 10, No. 51

pelika O Observer Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

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the newspaper and email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com with your name and the location of the mask for a chance to win tickets from 21 Acres.

Southern Crossing to open 8th annual ‘Ride to Remember’ pop-up toy store next month for James Anderson held Sunday

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor A new pop-up toy store will open next week in downtown Opelika in the former home of O Town Ice Cream at 815 S. Railroad Ave. “All Aboard,” an extension of Michael and Valerie Smith’s retail gift shop Southern Crossing, will have a soft opening party Oct. 1 and grand opening celebration Oct. 6.

Following the closure of O Town’s downtown location in June, Valerie said the noticeable absence of families and children in downtown sparked conversations with Michael of providing them a reason to come back.

“Looking around the downtown area, we asked ourselves, ‘what do we have for kids and children since O Town moved? Nothing,’” Valerie said. “We want this store to not just be a place where you run in and grab a gift, but a place where parents can bring their kids and let them play and have a good time.”

All Aboard will cater to children ranging in age from infant to 12 years old. Through a partnership with the Connecticut-based toy company Melissa and

Doug, Valerie said their store’s selection will feature items of interest for boys and girls at an affordable price for parents.

“Melissa and Doug has been and is an excellent company to work with.

They work with the big box stores, but they still really care about small businesses like ours,” Valerie said. “We’re going to use the same price guidelines that Melissa and Doug use, plus you’ll get the same free gift wrapping that we offer here at Southern Crossing. In this area, people seem to really understand the importance of shopping local and supporting businesses like ours and others here in downtown, and this shop will give them something unique and different from anything else around here.”

The pop-up will stay open through Christmas, and Valerie said there is a possibility that it will become a permanent storefront if it garners enough community support.

For more information or updates on the shop and its soft and grand openings, like and follow the pop-up’s or Southern Crossing’s social media pages or visit www. southerncrossingopelika. com.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer More than 100 riders gathered to commemorate the life and sacrifice of the late Deputy James Anderson through an organized ride Sunday. Each year, comrades Javier Bermudez and Adalberto Rosa help coordinate the ride, which begins at Smiths Station Junior High and concludes at Opelika’s Garden Hill Cemetery. The service featured music and talks from Anderson’s friends and family who shared their favorite memories and stories.

‘Auburn-Opelika Gun and Hunting Show’ slated for Oct. 6 and 7

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

The fall version of the “Auburn-Opelika Gun and Hunting Show” will be held at Opelika’s Village Event Center Oct. 6

and 7.

Coordinated by the East Alabama Gun and Hunting Show group, the show will feature a wide array of accessories, equipment and gear for area gun enthusiasts and

The inaugural twoday event in April featured 185 tables in the 25,000 sq. ft. venue and drew more than 3,000 visitors.

Jones said he hopes See Show, page A3

Mayor, city council honor Dixie Youth Ozone team, KOB Yard of theYear recipients

By Michelle Key Editor Mayor Gary Fuller and the Opelika City Council honored the 2018 Keep Opelika Beautiful Yard of the Year recipients and the

Dixie Youth Ozone team at last week’s council meeting.

The Yard of the Year winners for each ward are as follows: Ward 1 - Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Jones; Ward 2 - Byron Harris; See Council, page A3

Index OPINION.....................................A4 COUNTY NEWS............................A5 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 CALENDAR................................A10

hunters alike, according to event organizer Sawyer Jones.

“I’ve always loved guns and gun shows, and it is very fulfilling to bring this to the community,” Jones said.

SPORTS.......................................B1 LEGALS ......................................B5 RELIGION..............................B13 ENTERTAINMENT......................B14

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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Harris, Miller visited Opelika Lion’s Club during recent meetings Miller honors Lion Club “Life Member” Jerome Couch for his service to Keep Opelika Beautiful

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Current Lee County Coroner Bill Harris, right, was a recent guest of the Opelika Lions Club. Harris has served in the county coroner’s office for over 30 years, including the last 19 years as coroner. The Lee County Coroner’s office investigates more than 500 cases per year with its staff of one coroner and two deputy coroners. He was introduced by Lion James Nelms, left.

Retraction pertaining to the article ‘PSC to hold meeting Sept. 26’published in Sept. 19 edition of the Observer Special to the Opelika Observer Keep Opelika Beautiful Director Tipi Miller was a recent guest of the Opelika Lions Club to recognize Lion Jerome Couch for his past several years of dedicated work with Keep Opelika Beautiful. She presented him several gifts representing the City of Opelika, including the city’s new challenge coin, courtesy of Mayor Fuller. Couch has been a member of the Opelika Lions Club since 1998, and is a designated “Life Member.”

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Phone: 334.749.8003 Fax: 334.749.8009 editor@opelikaobserver.com

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

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

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

By Michelle Key Editor The Observer published a press release in the Sept. 19 edition titled “PSC to hold public meeting Sept.

26” and this headline was incorrect. The press release was from the Citizen’s Climate

Lobby (CCL) and it was the CCL that was hosting the meeting, not the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) as was erroneously stated in the headline.

We would like to offer the CCL and the PSC a public apology for this error and

the confusion that it caused.

Furthermore, we have been asked to announce that due to unforeseen circumstances the CCL’s public meeting scheduled for Sept. 26 at the Harris Meeting Center in Auburn has been canceled.

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from A1

Ward 3 - Ian & Emily Baas (and baby Waverly); Ward 4 - Bessie Jordan (Jordan was not in attendance) and Ward 5 - Joyce Delamar.

“We do love to honor those that work very hard in their yards. We believe it’s the domino effect; if one yard looks great, the yard next door wants to look good too,” said Tipi Miller, executive director of Keep Opelika Beautiful.

“We would love to hear your nominations. We have so many worthy yards. That is a great thing.”

In other business, City Administrator Joey Motley informed the council that the city collected $25,751,121 in building permit fees during the month of August.

There were 24 additional single family homes permitted during August, bringing the total for the year to 245. According to Motley, that is a record number of new single family homes for one year, and there is still one month left in the 2018 fiscal year.

In other business, the council: • approved the request for Think Pink Walk Oct. 6 • approved the request for Life Chain 2018 Oct. 7 • approved the request for Prayer Force Walk Oct. 20 • approved K Food Mart Request Beer and Wine Off-

Show,

from A1 to build on that number in October, which will feature even more vendors and local businesses including Opelika’s Firing Pin LLC and Southern Survival as well as Flat Iron Arms of Smiths Station.

“There’s a lot of diversity in what will be for sale at the show ... you can get hunting-related or surplus clothing, hunting supplies like duck calls and more. We’re all about providing access and opportuni-

Premise License • approved a resolution to designate city personal property surplus and authorize disposal • approved expense reports from various departments.

• approved a resolution to fund Emergency Repairs-Pipe Supports for the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant in the amount of $36,712.32 • approved several resolutions for weed abatement assessments • approved a resolution for the annual renewal general liability insurance in the amount of $399,998 • approved a resolution for an engagement letter for auditing services to be provided

by Barfield Murphy, Shank & Smith LLC for a fee of $85,000 • approved a resolution to adjust the scope of I-85 connector project. This resolution will remove the Oak Bowery and Morris Avenue corridors from the project and authorizes and directs the mayor and city staff to explore alternate routes to create a transportation loop from U.S. Highway 431 to U.S. Highway 280 North of Opelika • approved a resolution for the renewal for broadband services with Charter Communications and OPS for the monthly amount of $1,799 • approved a resolution for the project agreement for Southside Opelika, LLC. According to this agreement, the city agrees to assist Southside Opelika LLC by providing a cash reimbursement in the amount of $92,287.50

ties for events like this to people in the Auburn-Opelika area,” Jones said.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. The cost is $10 for children 10 years or older and $5 for children nine years and under as well as active military and law enforcement personnel. For more information, visit the East Alabama Gun and Show Facebook page.

Show hours for Saturday are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The VEC is located at 804 Columbus Parkway.

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• approved a resolution for a special appropriation for Sportsplex Health Fair in the amount of $3,000 • approved a resolution to move reserve current year discretionary balance for each council member • approved a resolution for an agreement with ALDOT for 1st Ave. TAP Grant. The city’s portion of this project will cost $82,845.20 • approved a resolution for a project time extension for Hanwha for its tax exemption certificate until Aug. 31, 2019 • approved an ordinance for the Annexation of property at 465 Lee Road 174 • held the 1st reading of an ordinance to amend zoning ordinance and map, 1500 Block West Point Parkway, R-3 to PUD • held the 1st reading of an ordinance to Amend City Code, Chapter 16, Add Article XVI, Truck Routes • held the 1st reading of an ordinance to Amend City Code, Section 19-1, Offenses Under State Law; Penalties.

• approved several reappointments to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals, the Lee County Youth Development Board and the Library Board.

The minutes and agenda from the city council meetings can accessed by the public at www. opelika-al.gov/129/AgendasMinutes.

Adjacent photos were taken by Robert Noles.

Second annual ‘Colonel Jenrette Memorial Golf Tournament’ Oct. 26 will benefit LWMA

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

The second annual “Colonel Jenrette Memorial Golf Tournament” to benefit Lyman Ward Military Academy will be held Oct. 26 at Opelika’s RTJ Grand National Golf Course.

According to Development Director Cole Leonard, the tournament is named in memory of the school’s longtime former president Bill Jenrette.

“Mr. Jenrette was an Auburn native, so a lot of people in the AuburnOpelika area know the

family very well. Essentially, this tournament is a way for us to raise money scholarship money for cadets attending the academy and to honor his memory,” Leonard said.

Registration forms for the tournament are available through www.lwma. org. The cost is $125 per player and $400 for a team of four players, with covers lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart rental and tax-deductible donation to the Kevin M. Jenrette Memorial Fund for the academy.

From 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

on the day of the event, players will sign in, eat lunch and practice at the course’s driving range before the tournament.

Beginning at 1 p.m., the tournament is expected to be finished by 5 p.m., with a reception to follow at its conclusion.

Following are business sponsorship options for the event: - $250 covers a hole sponsorship, which includes signage with the company logo on the course - $1,000 covers a corporate sponsorship, which includes the

printing of the company logo on all materials and website, verbal recognition at the reception and four-member team - $5,000 cover a presenting sponsorship, which includes the printing of the company logo on all materials and website, verbal recognition at the reception and four-member team.

Full 18-hole sponsorships are also available.

For more information, call 256-675-6281 or email cole.leonard@ lwma.org. The course is located at 3000 Robert Trent Jones Trail.

OPS workers lend helping hands to those affected by Hurricane Florence

Special to the Opelika Observer Six representatives from Opelika Power Services are restoring power to various areas in North Carolina that were affected by Hurricane Florence.

According to reports, the storm was responsible for nearly $17 billion in damages and an estimated 37 deaths. Following is a roster for the OPS team sent to North Carolina: Justin Adams – apprentice lineman; Shane Childs - journeyman lineman; Kyle Gray – apprentice lineman; Zack Hester – crew foreman; Nick Price – journeyman lineman and Taylor Simmons, journeyman lineman. For more information or updates, like and follow the OPS Facebook page.

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Signs of the end times

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drive I was he other day, I got behind the wheel a notice from the of the farm truck Florida Farm Bureau and even the that the U.S. Department tractor, though it of Labor was about to issue would be a while a new bunch of rules and before Daddy regulations that would tell would trust me farmers what young folks

By Hardy Jackson to plow anything under the age of 16 can planted in a row. and cannot do on the farm.

Over time I cut and baled hay, Checking these out I found that most of the things my Daddy had rounded up and penned cows, me doing on our farm when I was roped, inoculated, and emasculated to the point that I felt like a that age are now considered by farmer, even if I knew I wasn’t. your government and mine to be I also came to understand, that dangerous to kids.

I was part of a larger enterprise, Where, I thought, was the Labor Department when I needed it? one as ancient as farming itself.

I was there, helping, when calves I did not grow up on a farm, I were born, brought to weight, grew up with one. loaded up, taken to the stock I came from a long line of yard, and sold. Or loaded up, people who farmed on the side.

We never made our living farm- taken to the “cold storage plant,” where they were transformed into ing; however farming allowed beef and packed away neatly into us to do things like eat beef and the locker we rented. send kids to college.

I knew that my reward would Farming also put me to work. come Sunday when there would Back from the war and debe steak or roast on the table. feating Hitler, Daddy bought Later I learned that when my 100 acres about 12 miles from tuition was due, the money those town. Most of it was cut-over calves brought would be taken timberland and swamp, but there out of savings and turned into were three sizable plots that education. would pass for pasture and one It was work, hard work, but field where corn or hay could be there was also an element of fun grown if Daddy got a mind to.

– like the time Daddy let some So, we set to work repairing calves get a bit big for regular fences and getting ready for the rounding up so he suggested that cows, which soon arrived. That I get some of the football playwas when I became a part-time ers (I was about 16 then and an farm boy. aspiring linebacker) to come out And manual laborer. for a calf-roping. When the day I am certain that if you had was done the calves had the betasked my father he would have ter of the boys, not that it did the eloquently gone on about the nobility of hard work and how he calves any good, in the long run.

And there was the afternoon wanted to make sure that I got a when cleaning out a corn crib ungood dose before I went out into the world. However, I am equally covered a warren of rodent nests, certain that the cagy old capitalist so we armed ourselves with sturdy sticks and embarked on a saw the economic benefit from rat killing that filled a wash-tub labor that was “free” and trainwith the slain. able, which was what I was.

Ah, the good times.

So it followed that early on, he And now they are threatened. involved me in just about every Now, thanks to your governaspect of his agricultural operament and mine, boys like I once tion that my age and size would was will be free to play with allow. their friends instead of being I was not entirely happy about forced into the farm labor marthis. I would have much rather ket. spent my after-school afternoons Better late than never I supand Saturdays in town with my pose. friends, but the farm came first.

Then I read the fine print and I got into farming bit by bit. there it was – “parental exempI began shucking and shelling corn, feeding calves, and helping tions.”

Yessir, on farms like ours a round up what we called, with parent can get a child exempted no sense of irony, our “herd” – a from these child liberating rules. collection of no more than 30 And my Daddy would have. range cows and “Shorty,” the You can bet the farm on that. bull we shared with our neighbor Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson whose “herd” was of similar size. is Eminent Scholar in History “Shorty,” as I recall, seemed at Jacksonville State University. the most contented of animals.

He can be reached at hjackson@ As I grew, so did my responcableone.net. sibilities. Before I could legally

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Chatty Cathy T

“And maybe I can even he filling station encourage them, you sits on a rural highknow? way, across from a “I mean, if I can come kajillion acres of peanuts. as far as I have, then A kajillion, you will note, anyone can do it. You is more than a bazillion, wouldn’t believe how far less than a zillion.

I’ve come.”

He is outside the filling I can see scars on the station, sitting in a wheel- By Sean Dietrich side of his face. They stretch upchair. He wears a camouflage cap, hunting T-shirt, tattoos everywhere. ward along his temples and beneath his cap.

He is drinking coffee from a Styro“Know what?” he goes on. “At foam cup. He is young. physical therapy, I walked. For 10 “Nice weather,” he says when he whole minutes. My doctor said he sees me pumping gas. ain’t never seen nothing like me.

And no matter how old I get, I And they told me they were all love to cuss the weather. I come from a long line of men who cussed shocked, man. I’m walking. End the weather. It’s something humans of this year, I ain’t gonna need this chair.” have in common. We can all talk And it gets better. about the weather with complete auThis year, he has enrolled in comthority even though we don’t know munity college. It was his mother’s much about what it will do. idea. He has new friends, and he “Yeah,” I say. “Great weather. gets to talk about the weather as But a little hot.” often as he wants to. He’s already “I know,” he says. “But I like the heat. It’s better than being stuck in a been to a few classes.

“Oh, it’s awesome,” he says. “I’m dark house.”

He seems to know what he’s talk- taking a music class, a drawing class, and a pottery class. But my ing about. pottery looks like crap.”

He parks his motorized wheelHe laughs. chair here at this station almost It’s a nice laugh. every day except Sundays. He After our conversation, I go does it because he is Chatty Cathy.

Here, he meets people. And he likes into the filling station to buy some snacks for the road. Namely: Chili people.

“I get all cooped up in my house,” Cheese Fritos, sunflower seeds, and black coffee. he says. “I need to be around peoThe cashier is an older woman ple, and feel like I’m really here.”

After his accident—which he tells with gray hair. She hands me change and says: me nothing about—he’s been iso“That child is the sweetest… He lated from life. His friends have all tell you about his girlfriend?” have jobs, and girlfriends, and he’s No. been fighting to recover.

“Oh yeah, he’s got him a little “Man,” he says. “I used to do so much cool stuff, four-wheeling, and girlfriend. She drives him on dates hunting, and fishing, and you know, and stuff. It’s precious.”

I’ll just bet it is. everything. It’s tough not being able I leave the store and walk to my to do that no more.” truck. I say goodbye to my new pal.

He doesn’t say it, but I can see it.

He’s lonely. He just wants someone Before I roll away, he smiles at me and God-blesses me. He turns his to talk to. Someone to do things wheelchair toward home. And he’s with. His friends used to go fishing gone. with him, and go riding.

Admittedly, I don’t know much Even so, this isn’t getting him about life. But I don’t need to. Not down. Not when the weather is after meeting this talkative boy. A pretty like this. young man who surprised a room of I ask about his daily life. medical professionals when he grit “Dude,” he says, “I come up his teeth, gripped the rails, strained here and meet all kinda people, I his muscles, hollered, shouted, and even met a guy from Alaska last week. And you know what I tell the maybe even cried. And by unseen forces, he got out of his chair. people I meet?”

And walked again.

“What?”

Yes. It sure is nice weather we’re “I tell’em: ‘have a good day,’ and ‘God bless you, bro,’ and stuff. having.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and That’s my main thing.” novelist, known for his commentary He doesn’t push himself on gas station visitors. But he likes to talk, on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern and he hopes they do. A small conLiving, the Tallahassee Democrat, versation is better than none. And Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer just a few minutes with a friendly News, the Bitter Southerner, the face is enough to last him for a few Mobile Press Register and he has weeks. authored seven books.

“I learn from people,” he tells.

Nature Always Wins

mily is my oldest daughter. She has been the love of my life for the past 11 years. Eleven. How did she get there so fast?

All of a sudden I have a pre-teen who would rather talk to her friends and play on her iPhone all day. It’s frustrating to say the least, and we bump heads about it a lot.

It’s hard raising a young adult these days.

Its especially hard when you throw co-parenting into the mix. Emily comes to visit every other weekend. We try to pack in as much as we can for the three days

Last week that she’s here. was espeGetting her off cially hard of her phone for us both. has been quite I wanted the challenge, to get her and it’s come outside but to the point that she wanted I have had to

By Lucy Fuller the comfort simply take it of her bed from her. and the excitement of I spent my entire her internet. I seriously childhood and most thought about taking that of my young adult life phone and throwing it outside. Most of my as far as I could into the fondest memories come cold waters of the Talfrom days exploring lapoosa. But I didn’t. I the woods or splashplaced it on the top shelf ing through the creek. of the bookcase and told I learned a lot from her, “put on your sandals spending so much time outside. I want that same and meet me on the front porch.” In shock of me thing for my daughters, taking her phone, she especially Emily.

timidly did what I asked.

I had the dogs beside me, and Jody had Abigail in the stroller ready to roll when Emily walked out of the house. We quietly started our trek down our little red dirt road next to the house.

The walk down to the creek was filled with silence, and I could feel some slight resentment radiating off of my beautiful yet stubborn child.

I looked at her several times while placing my arm around her shoulders as I urged her to “trust me.” I couldn’t wait to share my joy and love of the outdoors with her. I knew she would abso-

lutely love it, but I never realized how much.

The moment she took her first step into the cold waters of Eagle Creek was when I saw it happen. I saw the twinkle in her eye. I saw the corners of her mouth bend into that beautiful smile that God has given her. She giggled as she turned to let me know how cool the water felt. I grabbed her hand and we walked through the waters of that creek together. Just the two of us and our dogs, Jude and Ruby.

The dogs ran through the water and splashed with pure joy as Emily and I followed (more

like stumbled) behind.

We threw sticks for Ruby to chase. We laughed at Jude and his antics. We marveled at the size of the rocks on the moss covered banks.

We were skeptical of the depth of the waters in various places but we kept on. Before I knew it, my iPhone obsessed pre-teen was leading the way.

I was trying my best to keep up with her as she danced through the waters. At one point, I looked up and she was upside down swinging from a low hanging tree branch. For a moment, I See Fuller, page A10

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Around Lee County

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Alabama Black Belt Adventures celebrates Meeting held last week to discuss 10-year partnership with Raycom Media Pepperell Branch Watershed Plan

By Robert Noles Photojournalist

An organizational and information meeting for the Pepperell Branch Watershed Management Plan was held Sept. 18 at the Opelika City Hall Council Chambers.

The 2009 study placed Pepperell Branch on Alabama Department of Environmental Management, ADEM, on a list of small watersheds in Alabama which Pepperell Branch is part of instead of the larger watershed in this area. The 1987 amendments to the Clear Water Act 319 (h) established the funding for watershed management plans like the grant that will be used for this project.

This project runs from September 2018 - August 2019. A big part of attaining this grant came from City Engineer Scott Parker and those in the Opelika City Engineering Department.

Eve Brantley and Nikki Dictson of Photo special to the Opelika Observer

By Pam Swanner Special to the Opelika Observer For nearly a decade, the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) has worked to share the good news about outdoor tourism, the most profitable and attractive industry in a historically economically challenged region of the state.

ALBBAA was formed in 2009 to promote outdoor recreation like hunting and fishing, as well as its rich history and many culinary experiences.

The mission: to bring tourists in to the Black Belt from all over the country and world to visit, spend money and enjoy the many opportunities this region has to offer.

Their constant partner in this effort has been Raycom Media under the leadership of Dr. David Bronner.

Raycom has provided more than $8 million in advertising through its network of television stations in 65 markets and more than 100 CNHI newspapers across the nation.

Because of television advertisements aired on stations in 20 states, plus display ads

in many local newspapers, Alabama’s Black Belt businesses have received thousands of inquiries about hunting, fishing and other outdoor adventure services.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association’s 2017 report, outdoor recreation accounted for $14 billion of consumer spending in Alabama. Of that, at least $4.87 billion was spent in Black Belt counties.

The state has reaped the benefits of outdoor recreation spending with the collection of $857 million in local and state tax revenue.

Outdoor recreation generates 135,000 direct jobs in Alabama and $3.9 billion in wages and salaries.

Alabama’s Black Belt region, as defined

by ALBBAA, is made up of 23 counties that span the south-central section of the state from Mississippi to Georgia. The region makes up parts of four of Alabama’s seven congressional districts.

As of the 2010 census, slightly more than 500,000 residents of Alabama's total population of 4.78 million, live in the Black Belt.

The Alabama Black Belt Adventures As-

sociation promotes these counties as part of the Black Belt: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox.

For decades, Alabama’s Black Belt has lagged economically because of many factors, including a small population base and often struggling public school systems. For the most part, Black Belt counties have not attracted many large industries or they have abandoned the region during times of national economic distress.

The partnership between ALBBAA and Raycom has been successful, in part, because the leaders of both organizations recognized the promise of outdoors tourism for boosting the economy of the Black Belt.

Chilly winter mornings with bird dogs flushing quail and warm spring days on a riverbank in the Black Belt inspired Thomas A. Harris to start the Alabama Black Belt Adventures See Partnership, page A6

the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service Water Program are working to organize the program, which will consist of identifying and pinpointing problems within the watershed this are harmful and the education of the public about this element. Dictson introduced the watershed partnership, steering committee and covered the basics of watersheds and water quality.

Important meetings and events in the future will be: - first watershed partnership meeting, Oct. 18 from 3-5 p.m.

- storm drain marking volunteer event, Oct. 27 at 8 a.m.

- creek cleanup and cleanup and environmental fair March 2, 2019, beginning at 8 a.m.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Nikki Dictson with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at 979-575-4424 or City of Opelika Storm Water Coordinator John Harris, at 334-705-5450.

‘Fall Boogie no.7’ slated for Oct. 27 at Standard Deluxe

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

By Vanessa Poulson For the Opelika Observer "Fall Boogie no.7," the offspring of the classic springtime "Old 280 Boogie," returns to the Standard Deluxe in Waverly Oct. 27.

This event will feature some of the best upand-coming musical acts from across the Southeast and country, including: * Revel in Dimes * Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires * John Moreland * Lilly Hiatt * Drew Beskin * Christopher Paul Stelling * Lonnie Holley * The Brook and the Bluff * Ansley Oakley The event, also called the Waverly Boogie, started in part due to the local idea that one

boogie a year was not enough according to customer demand. This marks the seventh year of the one-day event.

Hosted on the creative grounds of Standard Deluxe, a space renowned for its cool, hospitable Southern ambiance, serves as a backdrop for the performing artists.

The Old 280 Boogie started in 2000 after the state of Alabama decided to reroute U.S. Highway 280 away from the small town of Waverly, which boasts 150 residents. Through the event's rapid growth, Waverly was essentially saved from destruction, providing residents with the motivation to throw a music event like no other.

Since the first Old 280 Boogie in 2001, the festival has hosted quite a few notable acts, including Jason Isbell,

Hurray for the Riff Raff and John Moreland.

Most artists or bands who play the festival have never even heard of Waverly, however, performances in the three-mile wide town have served a launch pad to future success in the music industry.

Gates and the will-call booth open at 10 a.m.

Oct. 27. The party starts at 11 a.m. when the music starts at the two event stages. There are a limited amount of earlybird tickets for $30, and then the tickets will cost $40 online or at the gate.

Children 14-and-under have free admission.

Small coolers and chairs are welcome, but dogs are not.

For more information and tickets visit http:// standarddeluxe.com/ shop/fallboogie7. The venue is located at 1015 Mayberry Ave.

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

Let Tucker Simmons and the staff at Beauregard Drugs help you manage your seasonal allergies.

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A6 September 26, 2018

Partnership, from A5

Association.

With few traditional industries in the area, Harris decided promoting outdoor adventures in his home region could “be” an industry. Discussions Dr. Bronner, whose expertise with recreational tourism was already well known because of the wildly successful Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail spanning the state, resulted in support from Raycom and CNHI. The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association uses a multifaceted approach to draw tourists to the area. The organization’s website (alabamablackbeltadventures.org) offers a one-stop source for hunters, anglers and other outdoor adventure-seekers looking for places to fulfill their dreams of a weekend in a deer stand with big bucks on the prowl or a week working to draw a big gobbler into range.

Organization representatives also visit outdoors trade shows throughout the country promoting the region and making friends from Houston to the Carolinas and

Swanner all points in between, including the recent Buckmasters Expo in Montgomery.

ALBAA's website currently promotes 54 lodges and outfitters in the Black Belt.

The site also provides information and links to public land available for hunting and fishing.

Golfers can find information on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail courses in the Black Belt. Civicminded vacationers can plan their tour of historic Civil Rights sites and find fun activities to do outdoors all across the state.

They share the Black Belt’s stories with professional outdoors writers, travel bloggers and television producers on a national level who visit to experience the great hunting, fishing and heritage

sites for themselves.

Alabama writers and producers are also involved in telling the story. ALBAA has worked with journalists from outlets all over the state and country publishing items that are sure to spark interest in visiting the Black Belt.

In 2019, the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association will celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Thanks to the advice and cooperation of many friends, such as Bronner, their association has made sure that this region of the state is not an unknown secret to the thousands of outdoorsmen and women who now enjoy spending their time and money in the Black Belt.

Pam Swanner is the director of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association, a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and enhancing outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in the 23 counties that make up the Black Belt in a manner that provides economic and ecological benefits to the region and its citizens.

Visit www.alabamablackbeltadventures.org for more information.

Opelika Main Street’s ‘5th Saturday Sale’ slated for Sept. 29 in downtown

By Arnecia Walker For the Opelika Observer Opelika Main Street merchants will be participating in the second and final "5th Saturday Sale" of 2018 Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This event is a fun way for vendors in the downtown area to offer major discounts and specials to patrons as a gesture of their gratitude. “... (The event) is a fun way to get an entire downtown experience on a Saturday, especially since it’s not a day where a lot of events are held downtown,” said Taylor Sumrall, managing director of Taylor Made Designs.

Each participating store will have its own specials, but Taylor Made Designs will have a $1 and $5 basket of items that are typically higher in

La Cantina Mama Mochas Railroad Junktion Red Clay Brewing Co. Southern Crossing Studio 3:19 Taylor Made Designs.

For more information, updates and a finalized list of merchants, like and follow the Opelika Main Street Facebook page.

pricing and will give an extra 10 percent off on sale items.

Following is a list of participating merchants: Almost Anything Coveted Closet CyberZone Four Corners Fringe Heritage Gifts & Gourmet Irish Bred Pub James Bros. Bikes Jefferson’s

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

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

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

Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic

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

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Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

U PC OM I NG EVENT S: • Comedy Competition • 21 acres murder mystery • think pink walk •Gun Show •Alzheimer’s walk •nonprofit summit

Celebrate Performance Series opening night with make-ahead supper Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

W

ith the Performance Series opening night Oct. 3 featuring pianist Yekwon Sunwoo, invite friends to join the celebration for a new season. Before the curtain rises on a stellar performance season by the Arts Association of East Alabama, enhance the evening’s enjoyment by inviting friends to a light supper. Plan a menu that can be completely prepared ahead.

Great food and outstanding entertainment create a hit combina-

tion. Sparkling conversation over dinner about an exciting production can embellish the theatre experience.

Keep the menu simple with appetizers, waiting as guests arrive and a supper featuring a hearty entrée, salad and bread. Serve a simple, light dessert with a special coffee to cap the meal.

Years ago, when Cletis Brown was president of the arts association, she asked the board members to open their homes for a pre-theater din-

Photo by Ann Cipperly ner before a Saturday Fresh Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Rolls with Bechemel Sauce and Signature night performance by House Salad can be prepared ahead for a pre-theater supper before opening Mary Cleere Haran as night of the Performance Series on Oct. 3. The new season offers a variety of a fundraiser.

Don and I were hosts outstanding entertainment presented by the Arts Association of East Alabama. for a southern gourone guest could not the performance.

by Kitty and Michael met themed dinner. enjoy because of an As participants arGreene, and haute Others included an allergy. rived at our home, I cuisine dinner hosted Italian dinner by Chef Pork tenderloin was served mushroom pate

by Judy and Dr. Bob John Lee and his wife, the entrée accompatoasties while Don Mardre and Roslyn Tamera, at the home of nied with potatoes, acted as sommelier, and Henry Stern.

Dora and Cal James; a asparagus, salad and pouring the wine.

While I was worknouveau cuisine dinner bread.

Since I would be ing full-time then as at the home of Cletis As the clock was in the kitchen asseman editor, I planned and Dr. Robert Brown; ticking, we rushed to bling plates, I asked a a menu that could Mardi Gras favorites at friend to be the server, get the dessert and be completely made Aimee and Jim Sikes’ coffee served. I made delivering and removahead. Looking back, home; continental fare my special cream puffs ing dishes from each it seems to have been dinner prepared by with almond filling course. on the heavy side and Sara and Phil Raley; The first course was hopefully didn’t put a contemporary meal See Recipes, page A9 anyone to sleep during a crab bisque, which

Fourth annual ‘East Alabama Walk ‘East Alabama Nonprofit to End Alzheimers’ to be held Oct. 28 Summit’ coming Oct. 22

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Raising awareness and money to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease is the goal of the fourth annual “East Alabama Walk to End Alzheimer’s” event Oct. 28 on Auburn University’s campus.

According to Kourtni Hooks, special events coordinator for the East Alabama branch of the Alzheimer’s Association of Alabama, the event has seen exponential growth and its biggest turnout last year of 391 walkers who helped raise more than $43,000 to benefit her organization’s mission.

“This event is for a great cause, and the community of

East Alabama have been really great to us since (the event started). We are very grateful for them,” Hooks said.

The organization holds walks across Alabama, and serve as its largest fundraisers.

Hooks said her goals for this year’s walk include topping more than 400 walkers and raising $50,000.

Registration is free, but walkers are encouraged to donate and launch fundraisers for the cause.

Following is a list of suggested donation/fundraiser contributions: - $100 for event T-shirt - $500 for “Champion Level” status - $1,000 or more for “Grand

Champion” status.

Other smaller donations will also be accepted. As of Friday, $6,620 had been raised.

Those interested can register in advance by visiting act.alz. org/eastalabama, but walkers can also register the day of the event at 1 p.m. at the campus green space by Jordan Hare Stadium. The two-mile walk will begin at 2 p.m., with a route running through the green space area, which weaves in around parts of the stadium and student center.

Event festivities will conclude at 5 p.m.

For more information or updates, visit act.alz.org/eastalabama or like and follow their Facebook page.

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Providing education and professional development for members of area nonprofits are some of the main objectives of the second annual “East Alabama Nonprofit Summit” that will be held Oct. 22 at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

The event is being organized by the Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies and the Alabama Association of Nonprofits.

This year’s theme is “Fund Development,” one of the many key topics that will be

discussed during the event according CCAPNS Executive Director Sidney James Nakhjavan.

“This conference is geared those members of our community who are seeking to make a difference through nonprofit work in the third sector,” Nakhjavan said. “It will also provide networking opportunities and chances for Auburn University students to learn from the featured speakers. Our organization’s goal is to be a hub for nonprofits.”

Early registration forms are available through www. trailblz.info, and costs $75 per person.

See Summit, page A8

Celebrating Breast Cancer Survivors and Raising Awareness of the Ongoing Fight Against This Disease

14TH ANNUAL

1 - M I L E WA L K

October 6, 2018 / 10:00 a.m.

Courthouse Square, Historic Downtown Opelika Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. (day of event only) Walk begins at 10:30 a.m. / T-shirt for each participant / Registration Fee: $15

For more information, visit eamcfoundation.org or call Karen Calton with questions | 334.528.4370

pelika O Observer

A8 September 26, 2018

25th biannual ‘On the Tracks’ to return Oct. 19

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Opelika Main Street’s beloved “On the Tracks” biannual event is returning to downtown Opelika for the 25th time Oct. 19 from 6-10 p.m.

This will mark a year since the last On the Tracks, following the cancelation of the event this spring by organizers.

According to Interim Opelika Main Street Executive Director Dana Gafford, the premise of this fall’s edition of On the Tracks is to “take it back to its roots.”

Eighteen of the event’s 20 stops at various downtown shops will

Summit,

from A7

feature paired wines and cheeses provided

by Ampersand Wine Bar, Cheese Please and Kroger’s cheese department.

Area food vendors sellings items ranging from $5-10 in cost will be present, as well as acoustic and ambient musicians scattered throughout downtown.

VIP guests can expect comfortable accommodations as well as close proximity to drinks, food and live music.

John Emerald Distillery, Red Clay Brewing Company and the soon-to-be-opened Resting Pulse Brewery will also be offering drink samples during the

night, and wine enthusiasts will be able to visit Ampersand later to purchase samples that they may have liked from the wine trail.

Gafford reminds patrons that On the Tracks is an entertainment district event, which means that they will be able to carry their non-wine beverages with them throughout the trail.

“Being a part of this event is special, and I know it’s something that the community really enjoys. When I talk with people and tell them that I work with (Opelika) Main Street, people always tell me how much they enjoy this event, and in particular,

the wine trail,” Gafford said. “It’s wonderful for the merchants because they get a chance to open up their doors and invite people in who may never have been to their store. This is just a really great community event.”

Advance tickets can be purchased through www.onthetracks.org or the event’s Facebook page. Following is a list of ticketing options for the event: - $25 for advance tickets - $30 for night-of tickets - $40 for VIP tickets, which includes a food token, drink token for a full pour of wine and

Day-of registration will begin at 8 a.m. and last until 8:55 a.m.

Following the introduction at 9 a.m., training sessions for mem-

bers participating in the Tracks A and B courses will be held from 9:15 11:50 a.m.

The luncheon will begin at noon. Kris-

tin Scroggins, owner and lead trainer of the Huntsville-based genWHY Communication Strategies, will serve as the keynote speaker. Her presentation is titled “Show Me the Money! Reaching Donors of Every Generation.”

Following is a list of

How to Feel Great at EAMC.

Volunteer!

AUXILIARY

334-528-5923 • www.eamc.org

Contact: Victoria Beasley

Volunteer Coordinator Victoria.Beasley@eamc.org

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer automatically entered into a gift basket giveaway with prizes from participating downtown merchants.

For more information or updates, like and follow On the Tracks and Opelika Main Street’s Facebook pages.

Editor’s Note: An earlier published article on this event contained information that was not accurate. We sincerely regret any confusion that this may have caused for our readers and the Opelika Main Street organization.

other speakers and their planned presentations for the event: - Brooke Battle, founder of Swell Fundraising “Friends Ask Friends!

A 5-Step Plan for Successful Peer to Peer Campaigns That Anyone Can Implement" Susann Montgomery-

Clark, president of Clark Consulting “Is the Sky Falling?

(How to Prevent the New Tax Law from Decreasing Your Revenue)” - Rachel Ramjattan, senior program director for Network for Good “Helping Small to Mid-Size Nonprofits Create a Development Plan” - Charlie Ray, president of Broad Street Co. “Marketing and Advertising for Nonprofits in the Digital Age: How to Secure Google Grants and Leveraging Social Media for an Engaged Audience” - Jamie Johnson, senior executive director of the Arthritis Foundation “Engaging Volunteer Leaders” - Anthony LaRocca, CPA Senior Partner of DiPiazza LaRocca Heeter & Co., LLC. For more information, call Alyse Scott at 334-844-3557 or email alyse.scott@auburn. edu. The venue is located at 241 S. College St.

pelika O Observer Recipes,

from A7 topped with chocolate glaze and garnished with a coffee butter cream rosette and a coffee bean.

To be sure no one left hungry, I had wrapped small boxes of truffles as a favor they could take with them. We did manage to get everyone fed and out the door in time before the curtain rose.

While the menu was on the heavy side for the art patrons, these days a pre-theater supper is going to be much simpler.

One of my favorite appetizers now is bruschetta, since it can be prepared ahead. The crostini can be toasted a few days ahead and kept in a tightly sealed container. The toppings are easy to prepare a day ahead.

The bruschetta presentation can be arranged an hour ahead to allow the toppings to come to room temperature. Wait about 20 minutes ahead to set out the crostini. It is ready for guests to serve themselves as they arrive.

An easier option is a cheese tray that you can set out 30 to 45 minutes ahead for the cheeses to reach room temperature. Wait closer to the time to set out the water crackers or crostini, if you made them.

Humboldt Fog is a wonderful goat cheese to serve and can stand alone. Other good choices are Parrano Gouda and Manchego.

If you want to include a blue-veined cheese, select Blue Castello or Roaring 40s, if you can find it.

To enhance the cheese board, add a cluster or grapes, toasted nuts, slices of pears and/or good fig preserves. A cheese board can be an appetizer or

an elegant dessert.

For the entrée, select a recipe that can be prepared a day or two ahead or frozen weeks ahead. All of the following entrees can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or frozen.

Salad can be easy to serve with an assortment of pre-washed choices. The Signature House Salad is simply selecting from the list to assemble a tasty salad. Homemade dressings can be prepared days ahead.

Plan on serving decaf and regular coffee for those who need a lift after a long day at work.

With time limitations and not wanting to overstuff guests, serve a simple dessert. A refreshing gelato (Talenti is great) or passing chocolates with rolled cookies or Pepperidge Farm Bordeaux cookies are easy options.

I try to keep a pound cake in the freezer to slice and top with whipped cream and fruit for something quick. A flourless chocolate cake and brownies are also great to have tucked in the freezer for an easy dessert.

We are fortunate to live in a small town and have wonderful entertainment available with the Performance Series featuring national and international touring productions. The Series provides splendid productions in music, theater and dance.

Make each performance even more special by sharing it with friends.

For ticket information, contact the East Alabama Arts office located at the Southside Culture Center or purchase online by visiting www.eastalabamaarts.org. For general information call 334.749.8105.

Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@ cipperly.com.

FOOD RATINGS Susie K’s Dairy Queen 1801 Second Ave. 2019 Pepperell Opelika Parkway Score: 99 Opelika Score: 99 Taco Mama 1717 S. College Cracker Barrel St., Auburn 1051 Fox Run Score: 99 Parkway Opelika Voodoo Wing Co. Score: 99 2059 S. College St. Wing Town Auburn 13 Samford Ave. Score: 99 Opelika Score: 98 Sweet Malisa’s Bakery Domino’s Pizza 108 S. 9th St. 1451 Gateway Opelika Drive Score: 99 Opelika Score: 98

Bruschetta Bar Prepare the crostini and toppings ahead of time.

Crostini 1 baguette, sliced Extra virgin olive oil Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Brush both sides of bread with olive oil and bake for 6-8 minutes or until lightly toasted.

Artichoke and Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts 1/2 cup jarred or fresh roasted red Peppers 2 cloves garlic 1 Tbsp. olive oil Dash of salt and pepper 1 tsp. lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Pulse to combine until artichoke hearts and red peppers have been minced and combined. Chill until ready to serve.

Tomato Topping 2 pints cherry, grape or artisan tomatoes 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 10 fresh basil leaves, sliced, optional Salt and pepper to taste Quarter or chop tomatoes. Combine all ingredients; toss gently. Store in refrigerator.

Signature House Salad Use this list of ingredients as a base for creating a signature salad to suit your taste and menu.

Assorted lettuces Sliced pears, apples, strawberries, avocado or mandarin oranges Dried cranberries, optional Thinly sliced red onion, optional Bleu cheese, feta,

goat cheese or Parmesan shavings Toasted walnuts, almonds or pecans Dressing of choice To make ahead, have lettuces and ingredients in plastic bags ready to assemble quickly or create a salad station for guests to add their own choices. Dip pear and apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.

Braised Beef Tips Connie Montgomery This is one of Connie’s favorite recipes for a dinner party. It is better made a day ahead to blend flavors. While Connie serves it with Noodles au Tim, the dish can be also served with buttered noodles or rice.

3 Tbsp. butter, divided 1 1/2 lbs. fresh mushrooms, sliced 1 Tbsp. oil 3 lbs. sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes 3/4 cup beef broth 3/4 cup Burgundy (or other red wine) 2 Tbsp. soy sauce 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 onion, grated 2 Tbsp. cornstarch 1/3 cup beef broth 1/2 can cream of mushroom soup, optional Heat 1 Tbsp. butter in a skillet. Add mushrooms and cook until they begin to brown. Put into a casserole. Add remaining 2 Tbsp. butter and oil to skillet and heat.

Add sirloin or tenderloin cubes and stir until brown on all sides. Remove and add to the casserole with mushrooms.

Stir into the skillet the 3/4 cup beef broth, wine, soy sauce, garlic and onion. Heat, scraping the bottom of the skillet to get all particles.

Blend cornstarch with the 1/3 cup beef broth and add to the skillet, stirring constantly until the mix-

ture thickens. Pour into the casserole with the beef and mushrooms, cover and cook at 275 degrees for 1 hour.

Stir in the mushroom soup until smooth, check for seasonings; it might need a little salt. Better made day ahead to blend flavors.

Serve with Noodles au Time, buttered noodles or rice.

Noodles au Tim 8 oz. ¼- inch noodles (fresh pasta is great) 2 cups cottage cheese 1 1/4 cups sour cream 1/4 melted butter 1/4 cup minced onion 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 can chopped green chilies 1 or 2 dashes Tabasco sauce 3 heaping Tbsp. minced fresh parsley Salt and pepper to taste Paprika Cook noodles in salted, boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes or until done.

Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Combine all other ingredients in a large bowl, except paprika.

Add cooked noodles and check for seasoning.

Turn into a 13 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish and sprinkle with paprika.

Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Serves 8 to 10.

A9 September 26, 2018 Fresh Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Rolls with Bechemel Sauce Can be prepared ahead and also frozen.

Lasagna noodles, cooked Fresh Spinach and Ricotta Filling: 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 small onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 5 oz. fresh baby spinach 15. oz. container ricotta 1 cup or more grated mozzarella ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 large egg, beaten Salt and pepper to taste 3 oz. prosciutto, finely chopped, optional Heat oil in a heavy pot until hot, then sauté onion and garlic until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Add spinach and sauté, stirring, until just wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.

Stir together remaining ingredients; stir into spinach mixture.

Bechemel Sauce: 1½ Tbsp. unsalted butter 1½ Tbsp. all-pur-

pose flour 2 ½ cups whole milk 1/4 tsp. salt Pinch of nutmeg 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over moderate heat.

Whisk in flour and cook, whisking, two minutes. Add milk in a stream, whisking, and bring to a boil over high heat, whisking constantly (sauce will thicken).

Reduce heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, two minutes, then whisk in salt, pepper and nutmeg. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese.

Lay out lasagna noodles and spread 1/3 cup or more spinach and ricotta filling over noodle.

Roll up.

Place enough Bechemel Sauce in baking pan to cover the bottom.

Place rolled lasagna noodles on sauce.

Drizzle with additional sauce.

Bake at 350 for 2530 minutes.

Can be prepared ahead and can be frozen.

Garnish with chopped cherry tomatoes and parsley, if desired.

Chicken and Wine Debbie Purves Can prepare ahead and freeze.

1/2 cup onion, chopped 1/2 cup celery, chopped 1/2 cup carrots, chopped 6-8 garlic cloves, chopped 1 pkg. deboned chicken thighs cut in quarters 1 lb. whole mushrooms 1 can diced tomatoes 2 cups chicken broth 3 cups red wine Olive oil or canola oil Bouquet garni Bay leaves Flour, salt and pepper for dredging Add salt and pepper to flour and coat chicken. Heat oil in

pan and add chicken and sauté until browned.

Remove chicken to a plate. Wipe pan and add new oil.

Sauté onion, carrots, garlic and celery until soft.

Add chicken back to pan with tomatoes, broth and wine (until it covers the chicken). Add bouquet garni and bay leaves; cook covered in 300-degree oven for 2 -2 ½ hours.

In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms until half way soft and add to chicken about half way through the cooking time.

(This keeps them from over cooking.)

Remove bouquet garni and bay leaves before serving.

Good served with mashed potatoes.

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Store in refrigerator until ready to bake.

8-10 flour tortillas 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese ¼ cup butter ¼ cup flour 1 tsp. salt or to taste 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup sour cream 4 oz. can green chilies Layer each tortilla with chicken and Monterey Jack cheese.

Fold sides over and place seam side down in greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.

Add flour, stirring constantly. Mix in chicken broth to make thick sauce.

Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and green chilies, stirring until smooth.

Pour over tortillas.

Store in refrigerator until ready to bake.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes or until hot.

A10 September 26, 2018

pelika O Observer

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 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

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

Pick up is provided.

Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256307-1449.

Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for parents whose children have autism will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 7

p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika.

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

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

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

• The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at 334-528-4197 or deborahowen@eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information call 8261899 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.,

The New Roadside Garden: Researching and Designing an Ecologically Performative and Aesthetically Valuable Right-of-Way Special to the Opelika Observer The monthly meeting of Lee County Master Gardeners will be Oct. 3 at the Lee County Extension Office located at 600 S. 7th St., Suite 4 in Opelika. The meeting is from 12:30 1:30pm and the public

is welcomed to attend.

This month’s meeting will be presented

by Jessica Nielsen, a graduate student at Auburn University studying landscape architecture and Alejandro Ramos, graduate student in the Auburn University Masters Program of Landscape Architecture.

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 questions via email.

The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website.

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

To view the full schedule, please visit www. aces.edu/anr/beginningfarms/webinars.php.

Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu.

For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoc-

Fuller,

from A4 got lost in the ripples in from her fingers slowly tracing the reflections in the water. I closed my eyes briefly and listened to the birds, the splashing of the dogs paws, and the giggles of my sweet daughter. My heart was full.

Before I knew it, the sun was starting to hang low in the sky and the trees were beginning

tor@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 706-5189122.

• The Auburn Comto cast shadows around us. It was time to turn bac, but Emily wasn’t anywhere to be seen. I heard the dogs off in the distance, a mixture of splashing and crunching leaves. Her name echoed through the silence of the forest as it left my lips and was followed by a quick reply, “I’m over here.”

As I turned around the bend, I saw her. She was carrying a piece of driftwood that she had dug out of the bank of the creek.

As much as I hated to

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

• East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m.

Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum.

They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights. This event is held the third Thursday of each month. Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

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

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

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

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

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

Call 334-528-1076 for more information.

• The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art holds evening and after-school studio art classes year-round.

Open to all skill levels, art supplies are included with the cost of registration. Call 334480-2008.

• Oct. 1 - Mark your calendars for Mayor Fuller’s Oct. 1 visit to the Lee County Voter’s League meeting. Mayor Fuller will speak on his commission to address crime in Opelika many members thought of interest. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. and will be held at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th St. in Opelika.

The general election is approaching and the group will conduct a special meeting Oct. 15 (at the usual 6 p.m. start time) to determine League endorsements, to send out announcements, press releases, etc. for voters who want to participate on November 6. League meetings are held at Bethesda Baptist Church; 201 South 4th Street, Opelika, AL 36801.

do it, I finally urged her to start making her way back to our little red dirt road. The sun was setting and shadows were now turning into darkness. The funny thing is this; it was harder trying to drag that child out of that creek than it was trying to drag her out of the house.

It was harder to reassure her that we would come back than it was to pry her beloved iPhone from her grasp.

What a beautiful adventure it turned out to be. Just me and my little

girl and the dogs while Jody strolled Abigail on the red dirt road.

Nature always wins. I’ll never forget that day.

For what it’s what it’s worth, I did have my iPhone to capture those sweet moments.

Lucy Fuller is a lover of nature, animals, gardening, and old houses.

She is a full-time mother and wife. She currently resides in Opelika with her husband, two daughters, 3 dogs, and cat. She may be reached at fullalove2017@ gmail.com.

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

A12 September 26, 2018

pelika O Observer

‘Johnny Ray Century’ bike race held Saturday in Opelika

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Riders participated in the second annual “Johnny Ray Century” bike race held last Saturday. The race featured a range of courses of varying lengths for riders. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Davis Phinney Foundation, which provides care for people with Parkinson’s disease and crucial research to find a cure for the disease.

Encore Rehabilitation-Opelika is proud to introduce you to Regional Director Trip Garner, PT, ATC

PHYSICAL THERAPY & SPORTS MEDICINE Encore Rehabilitation, Inc. is proud to welcome Trip Garner, PT, ATC, as our new Regional Director in the Opelika/Eufaula areas!

Trip has been a practicing Clinician for 27 years. He received his Physical Therapy degree from Georgia State University and his Master of Business Administration from Auburn University-Montgomery. In addition to being a licensed Physical Therapist, Trip is also a Certified Athletic Trainer with 19 years of experience.

Trip and his wife, Tamera, are the parents of three children and reside in Opelika, Alabama.

We are excited to have Trip join our Encore Rehabilitation Team!

Encore Rehabilitation-Opelika 3501 Frederick Road, Suite 4 Opelika, Alabama 36801 334-521-6644

Encore Rehabilitation-Eufaula 825 West Washington Street Eufaula, Alabama 36027 334-355-6009

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

Upcoming Football Games

Sept. 28 Opelika - No game this week Beauregard v. Mont. Catholic (H) Beulah - No game this week Smiths Station v. Stanhope (H)

Beauregard continues to rebound, defeats Charles Henderson 41-26

By Rick Lanier For the Opelika Observer

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika falls to Central 28-0, moves to 1-4 on the season

D

uring an appearance last week on my morming radio show “On the Mark,” Central High School’s Jamey Dubose seemed a bit concerned about playing Opelika at Bulldog Stadium last Friday night.

“Opelika is Opelika! Year in and year out, no high school in Alabama has better support, from the mayor to the police chief. The stadium will be packed and the jumbotron will be blaring Opelika hype videos.

If you’re not careful, your guts will forget about playing the game,” Dubose said.

The game started like Dubose had anticipated, with the Opelika defense stopping the Red Devils on the opening possession, which included two Central penalties.

The Bulldogs battled, holding Central to 14 first-half points.

A’Montae Spivey scored one of his three TDs, on a 41 yard run with 4:05 left in the first quarter. Joseph McKay scored the second Central touchdown on a one yard run with 2:10 in the first half. (Both PAT’s were good.)

The second half started badly for the Bulldogs.

Central drove 88 yards for a touchdown on the opening possession of the second half.

Spivey scored on a two yard run with 9:32 left in the third quarter to extend their lead to 21-0.

Opelika’s offense could not sustain drives against the Red Devil defense, gaining fewer than 100 total yards. Central kept Quarterback Cade Blackmon on the move, constantly forcing him out of the pocket.

Spivey scored his third TD of See OHS, page B3

Troy University’s Veteran’s Memorial Stadium provided an impressive venue.

The hometown faithful, the bright lights of the stadium’s jumbo-tron screen, music, and the glamour and pageantry surrounding Charles Henderson’s homecoming ceremonies created an electric atmosphere – kind of like a buzz in the air.

The buzz however, was a well-prepared and overlooked Hornets team who

has experience on big stages. They came to play and simply overmatched the Trojans in all phases of the game; soundly defeating the Trojans 41-26.

Just as they did last week, Beauregard marched the opening kickoff down the field on an eight-play, 60yard drive in under three minutes. When Q. Seroyer (18-of-27 passing for 281 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions passing with 17 carries for 54 yards and a rushing touchdown) connected with Isaiah

McKissic (10 catches for 167 yards and three TD receptions) for the 15-yard scoring pass to cap the drive, the buzz got louder.

After a Trojan touchdown briefly tied the game, Antavious Martin’s 85 yard kick return quickly set up Beauregard as Seroyer scampered seven yards for the score.

Another touchdown, this time on the ground, came by Ashton Moss (eight carries, 32 yards and a TD), and the Hornets were moving at will.

See Beauregard, page B3

Smiths Station drops road contest to Robert E. Lee 27-13

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

A slow start doomed Smiths Station on the road Saturday, dropping a 27-13 contest to Robert E. Lee of Montgomery.

Junior running back Clauderius Pickett had a monster game for the Generals, rushing for 168 yards and garnering two touchdowns in the first half alone.

Trailing 13-0 late in the second quarter, the Panthers cut the Generals’ lead to six, as sophomore quarterback Corey Minton orchestrated a late touchdown drive that was capped with a 22-yard scramble to paydirt.

Pickett’s backup Tedarrian Murray helped salt away the Panther’s chances in the third quarter, reeling off two TDs to extend their advantage to

27-7.

With 1:40 left in the third quarter, Minton added his second and Smiths Station’s final score of the afternoon on a three-yard quarterback sneak.

Except for one lone drive which ended in a red-zone interception, the Panthers never threatened the Generals’ two-TD lead the rest of the second half.

Offensively, the PanSee Panthers, page B3

Beulah remains undefeated, beats Southside-Selma 42-34

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor

Beulah’s potent rushing attack and opportunistic proved to be key in a 42-34 barnburner road win over Southside-Selma last Friday night at Memorial Stadium, moving the Bobcats’ record to 5-0 for the season.

Coming off a devastating 24-18 double overtime loss to the Panthers last season, the Bobcats entered the

game seeking revenge.

A wild first half ended with Beulah ahead 28-14. Stellar special teams play and a never-say-die attitude from SouthsideSelma kept the second half competitive, but Beulah’s ground game kept a firm check on a full comeback by the Panthers.

Dominant offensive line play paved the way for 457 rushing yards for the Bobcat offense. Still with-

out star running back Caden Dowdell, Chris Person put the team on his back, rushing 33 times for 238 yards and a touchdown.

Quarterback Lonzie Portis was a scoring machine, carrying the ball 10 times for 97 yards and three more TDs. Quay Moreland and Quin Page combined for 15 carries for 102 yards and two more scores.

Portis’s passing numbers were limited,

completing 2-of-6 passes for four yards and an interception.

Defensively, Beulah held Southside-Selma to 340 yards of total offense, with 228 of those yards coming through the air.

Dylan Coleman led all Bobcat defenders with six tackles, followed by defensive back Tykerious Williams’ three tackles and an interception.

Person’s heroics extended to the defensive

side of the ball too, finishing with three tackles and a blocked extra-point attempt.

Big defensive tackle Christopher Latham finished with three tackles and two pivotal fumble recoveries.

Beulah’s march to history this season continues, matching numbers that have not been seen by the program in decades. The Bobcats have a muchneeded bye week this Friday before another

region road matchup v.

Bullock County.

Kickoff v. the Hornets is set for 7 p.m.

C.S.T. Oct. 5.

The Bobcat’s next home game will be v. St. James Oct. 12.

Bobcat Stadium is located directly behind the high school at 4848 Lee Road 270 in Valley.

For more information on Beulah athletics, visit https:// www.lee.k12.al.us/ domain/3026.

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B2 September 26, 2018

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

We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the football field.

Beulah Player of the Week Junior linebacker and running back Chris Person was named the Beulah Player of the Week. In Friday's 42-34 road win over Southside-Selma, Person rushed 33 times for 238 yards and a touchdown and finished with three tackles and blocked an extra-point attempt.

Junior defensive back Jaylen Stinson was named the Opelika Player of the Week. In Friday’s 28-0 loss to Central, he helped lead the Opelika defense limit the Red Devils to their lowest offensive scoring and yardage output all season.

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

GO DAWGS! #myOpelika • #beOpelika www.opelika-al.gov 2018 observer

Player of the Week brought to you by

Zone 2 screens

1804 Thomason Dr. Opelika , AL. 36801

Beauregard Player of the Week Senior wide receiver Isaiah McKissic was named the Beauregard Player of the Week. In Friday's 41-26 road win over Charles Henderson, McKissic finished with 10 receptions for 167 yards and three touchdowns.

Sophomore quarterback Corey Minton was named the Smiths Station Player of the Week. In Saturday’s 27-13 road loss to Robert E. Lee of Montgomery, Minton threw for 100 yards and ran for another 100 yards and two touchdowns.

pelika O Observer

B3 September 26, 2018

Smiths Station native receives prestigious scholarship

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Smiths Station native Darrell Morgan Jr. was recently bestowed the Global Citizen Curtis Scholarship, a recognition given to youth who are seeking to make a difference in their communities and work to eliminate extreme poverty.

A junior at the University of Alabama majoring in Advertising and minoring in Computing Technology and Its Applications, Morgan said he was beyond excited when he learned that he was one of six students nationally who received the scholarship.

“I was interning this summer at TSYS

in Columbus, and received word that I had won the scholarship during my lunch break. I was overwhelmed and so happy about it, but I didn’t know even then how the great an experience this would turn out to be,” Morgan said.

According to information posted on the Global Citizen website, the scholarship was created by Pearl Jam manager Kelly Curtis through the Vitalogy Foundation with a goal of “creating, supporting, and equipping a network of youth advocates and community leaders committed to local and global response on issues surrounding extreme poverty.”

Morgan Morgan himself grew up in poverty without the presence of his father, who was incarcerated.

Instead of caving into the pressures around him, he said he chose to be involved in church, which was not only a place to worship for him but a safe haven from life’s troubles.

“I have to thank my father for a lot of things, especially

for motivating me to become better than he was. He wasn’t a perfect person, and did a lot of negative things, but I was able to look at him and say, ‘hey, I want to be something greater than that,’” Morgan said.

“A lot of people in my community think that if they grow up like this, or if this or that happens to him, that they have to follow suit. But that’s just not true … everyone has their own thoughts so everyone has the ability to be and do greater than their circumstance.”

Through Morgan’s involvement in Tuscaloosa and its surrounding communities, he more than matches the criterion of those qualifica-

tions. He is actively involved in Tuscaloosa and surrounding communities, helping teach courses in financial literacy and use of social media to senior citizens, mentoring disadvantaged children at local schools and working this summer at a youth camp designed to “build rapport between police and youth of color.”

Morgan, along with the fellow 11 scholarship winners, recently traveled to South Africa, where they were exposed to people in impoverished regions and given ideas of how to combat it where they live.

On Saturday, the group will be in New York for the 2018 Global Citizen Festi-

Panthers,

play.

This Friday, Smiths Station will host Stanhope Elmore in another crucial region matchup. The Mustangs also sport a 3-2 record, but 2-0 mark in region play.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. C.S.T. v Stanhope Elmore. Panther Stadium is located along Lee Road 298 in downtown Smiths Station.

from B1

thers were led by Minton’s 191 yards of total offense, with 92 coming through the air and the other 99 on the ground.

The loss drops Smiths Station’s record 3-2 overall, 1-2 in region

Photos provided by the Smiths Station Athletics Facebook page.

OHS,

from B1 the game on a 26-yard run with 2:49 left in the third quarter making the score 28-0.

Coach Jamey Dubose chose to run the football in the second half to keep the clock moving.

Opelika wide receiver Omar Holloway left the game and did not return after taking a hard lick on the game’s opening possession OPELIKA OPEN THIS WEEK Opelika enters a much needed off week following a 1-4 overall start and 1-1 mark in region play.

The Bulldogs will have a week off to prepare for the final four games of the regular season.

Despite being off to their

worst start since 1980, Opelika can finish second in the region and host a first-round playoff game by winning their next three games.

Opelika plays Benjamin Russell Oct. 5 in Alexander City, at Calera Oct. 12 and home October 19 v. Stanhope Elmore at Bulldog Stadium.

Vigor, a non-region opponent, is the last game of the season.

OHS FRESHMEN FOOTBALL The OHS freshman football team lost at Eufaula last week 26-21.

Trailing 7-0, Jarrell Stinson scored a touchdown on a 47yard run. The ensuing PAT was no good.

The Tigers scored the second TD on a long pass play, missing the PAT, leaving the score 13-6.

Opelika went back to Stinson, who ran 88 yards for the score.

Chuck Gagliano made the PAT to tie the game 13-13 at half-

time.

Eufaula took a 20-13 lead in the third after scoring a touchdown on a long pass. Just like in the first half, Jarrell Stinson capped off an 80-yard drive with a 10-yard TD run.

The Bulldogs decided to go for the two-point play, which would give then the lead.

Jackson Bates tossed a desperation pass to Stinson for the two-point conversation.

Opelika led 21/20 for the first time.

Trailing by one with under four minutes, Eufaula converted two fourth downs on the drive and scored the game winning TD on 4th and 10.

Turn to B8 for more photos of Opelika’s game v. Central Friday night.

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

Beauregard,

from B1

Key to much of Beauregard’s offensive success was the front five, which is anchored by center Bass Ninas. Their performance not only gave their quarterback time to operate, but they also allowed Kyle Hugley and Jared McDonald to rush for a combined 15 carries and 186 yards in the Trojan’s defensive backfield all night.

Not to be overshadowed during the evening’s festivities was the play of the Hornet’s stingy defensive unit who were busy making some noise of their own.

Locking down Trojan receivers and rushers for most of the night, Zip Whitlow,

val, a celebration of the organization’s efforts to end extreme poverty worldwide and commemoration of the life of former South African leader Nelson Mandela, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday.

Life after college is still uncertain for Morgan, but he said he will keep striving to inspire those around him with whatever career path he chooses.

“What drives me is my desire to be someone that other people and people in my community can look up to,” Morgan said.

For more information on Global Citizen and its initiatives, visit www.globalcitizen.org.

Tre Lipscomb, Jared McDonald, and the rest of the swarm applied relentless pressure on the Trojan’s offense forcing two interceptions and a fumble.

Head Coach Rob Carter praised the overall team effort and attitude for the week.

“No one complained about the heat during practice and everyone worked hard to keep our energy level where it needed to be,” Carter said. When asked if he thought his team had hit their stride, he said, “not quite yet, but we are getting there.”

With the win, Beauregard improves to 2-3 overall, and 2-1 in regional play.

The Hornets will play at home Sept. 28, take on Montgomery Catholic Preparatory. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CST.

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama seeking volunteers Special to the Opelika Observer

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) is now seeking volunteers to help build the go-getters, innovators, risktakers, and leaders of tomorrow.

Girl Scouts is a one-of-a-kind, proven leadership development program that pairs girls with strong, caring female role models and mentors who prepare them to take the lead from age five to 18 and into adulthood.

“To create more female leaders, we need to start young

and make sure today’s girls are acquiring the courage, confidence, character, and other skills they need to take the reins of leadership in the 21st century,” said Karlyn Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer of GSSA. “We cannot do this without the community stepping up to help us build the next generation of female leadership.”

At Girl Scouts there is volunteer opportunities for everyone, from troop roles to role models.

Whether you can give a day, a few

weeks, or the whole year, it all starts with the volunteers.

“As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to see girls take the lead in a range of activities−from kayaking, archery, and camping, to coding, robotics, and financial

literacy,” said GSSA volunteer Sue Williams. “The impact, memories, and excitement you’ll gain from becoming a volunteer is unimaginable.”

Adult volunteers are vital for the survival of continuing the best leadership

experience for girls in the world. For more information on how to volunteer or become a Girl Scout, visit girlscoutssa.org or call 800-239-6636.

About Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

serves more than 7,000 girls, ages 5-17 and 3,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) to change the world. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls for more than 100 years. With programming across 30 counties, GSSA offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success.

To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join call 800-2396636 or visit www. girlscoutssa.org.

B4 September 26, 2018

pelika Observer O

Auburn handles Arkansas 34-3, moves to 3-1

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Auburn defeated SEC West rival Arkansas 34-3 last Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

The Tigers improved to 3-1 with the win.

EAST ALABAMA

Signature Chefs A uction NOVEMBER 8, 2018 SIGNATURECHEFS.ORG/EASTALABAMA

pelika O Observer

B5 September 26, 2018

Opelika Police Department announces division reassignments Special to the Opelika Observer The City of Opelika Police Department announced several promotions and division reassignments last week.

The most notable change was the hiring of full-time Assistant Chief Kasey Brown to help assist with day-today operations, planning and supervision of all division activities and personnel.

“Kasey Brown is going to be a great asset as our new assistant chief. He has been with OPD for 24 years and loves this community,” said OPD Police Chief John McEachern. “All of our officers are dedicated to serving our great city.

Many of these officers have been with the

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2018-B-202 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF KATHRYN D. COOPER, Deceased NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED

BY EXECUTOR Letters Testamtary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 31st day of August, 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Elizabeth France Cooper Margaret Ann Walker CO-EXECUTRICES Legal Run 9/12, 9/19 & 9/26

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE # 2017-B-233 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF MICHAEL T. FRANDSEN, DECEASED NOTICE OF HEARING ON SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given to all persons who have an interest in the Estate of Michael T. Frandsen, deceased, that the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of the Probate Court of Lee County has set October 16, 2018 at 9:00 AM CDT as the proper time for a hearing on the settlement of the Estate of Michael T. Frandsen, deceased, by Angela Jana Rainey, Personal Representative of said estate.

Jeffery A. Hilyer, Attorney for the Estate Legal Run 9/12, 9/19 & 9/26

department for years and will have an easy transition into their new positions. I am very proud of each and every one of these employees and am honored to work alongside them.”

Following are other department changes: - Capt. Bobby Kilgore, previously assigned to the Special Services Division, was reassigned to Uniform/ Patrol Division - Capt. Shane Healey, previously assigned to the Uniform/Patrol Division, was reassigned to the Detective/Investigative Services Division. He will also be the new Public Information Officer for OPD - Lt. Rob Cook, previously assigned as the Administrative Lieutenant, was reassigned

NOTICE OF MODIFICATION ACTION Eric Scott Bail, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Brittany Ainley’s Verified Petition for Modification of Custody and Support within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication of this notice, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No. DR-2016900327.01, Circuit Court of Lee County.

MARY ROBERSON, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County.

KIMBERLY DEAN P.O. Box 231 Opelika, AL 36803 Attorney for Brittany Ainley Legal Run 9/12, 9/19, 9/26 & 10/3

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR LEE COUNTY ALABAMA[Domestic Relations Division] IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF JESSICA PIERCE RHINEHART, Plaintiff/ Wife v. PHILLIP EVERETT RHINEHART, Defendent/ Husband CASE NO. 43-DR-2018900260.00 NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION PHILLIP EVERETT RHINEHART, Defendent, whose whereabouts are unknown must answer JESSICA PIERCE RHINEHART, Plaintiff’s Compalint for Divorce and other relief by the 26th day of November 2018, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in the above-captioned case number 43-DR-2018-900260.00, now pending in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

DONE this 13th day of September, 2018.

MARY B. ROBERSON CIRCUIT COURT

to the Uniform/Patrol Division - Sgt. Ben Blackburn, previously assigned to the Training Section of the Special Services Division, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and will be the Administrative

Lieutenant over the Special Services Division - Officer Daniel Metivier, currently assigned to the Training Section of the Special Services Division, is promoted to the rank of Sergeant and will

LEGALS

LEE COUNTY ALABAMA Legal Run 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10/18

NOTICE OF ABANDONED MOTOR VEHICLE SALE To be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Best 4 Less at 2509 Lafayette Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801.

JTDDR32T3Y0015166 2000 TOYOTA CELICA LEGAL RUN 9/19 & 9/26

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RICHARD ALLEN WALKER, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 19 th day of September, 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.

JOHN G. WALKER Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 9/26, 10/3, & 10/10/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT

FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Charles Norman Witte Deceased NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO BE PUBLISHED Letters of Administration on said deceased having been granted to HON. SUSAN HUFFSTUTLER, Administrator on this the 17 th day of September, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Administrator.

Legal Run 9/26, 10/3 & 10/10/18

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 Road. Auburn AL, 36830 on 10/17/2018 at 2:00 p.m.

Mark Brumbeloe Unit# 255 194 Winterset Ln Notasulga, AL, 36866 Books and boxes Mark Brumbeloe Unit# 256 194 Winterset Ln Notasulga, AL, 36866 Books and boxes Madeline Meredith Unit# V380 7215 Breitenfield Vestavia, AL, 35242 Dorm items/small apartment

ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: BETTY A. JACKSON, Deceased Case No. 2018-B-163 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION WITH THE WILL ANNEXED of said deceased having been granted to Benjamin Parr on the 19th day of September, 2019 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/Benjamin Parr Legal Run -9/26/18, 10/03 & 10/10/18

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 1242 N. Dean Rd. Auburn AL, 36830 on 10/17/2018 at 1:30 PM. Derell Peoples, Unit# 711 333 Aspen Run Birmingham, AL, 35209 Bed, couch, dining set, dresser, entertainment center, mattress, table, bags, boxes, totes Antwameka Dowdell, Unit#501 618 Howard St. Auburn, Al, 36830 Chair, mattress, table, microwave, Tv, bags, boxes, clothes, totes, shelves, toolbox 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 9/26 & 10/3/18

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY,

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Henry Julius Mount, deceased Probate Court, Lee County Case No: 2018-B-168 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of Henry Julius Mount deceased having been granted to Rhonda Kay Mount Thorne and Ricky Darrell Mount on the 21st day of September 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Rhonda Kay Mount Thorne Ricky Darrell Mount Legal Run 9/26, 10/3, & 10/10

TEXTILE MILL Cotton mill Tire plant Paper mill Steel mill

or any other industrial setting before 1980:

Public notices from Alabama newspapers

public notice affects you

- furniture boxes etc.

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 9/26 & 10/3/18

If you began working in a

AlabamaWorks: Opportunity-Innovation-Accountability-Inclusion

AlabamaPublicNotices.com

All of the above listed promotions and reassignments are effective immediately.

For more information, call City of Opelika Community Relations Officer Leigh G. Krehling at 334-705-5136.

ASBESTOS LITIGATION

Alabama AlabamaPublicNotices.com

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continue his current assigned duties - Officer Joshua Smith, currently assigned to the Uniform/ Patrol Division, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and will continue to serve in that same division.

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B7 September 26, 2018

Opelika Observer discusses writing with SSSES last Friday Associate Editor Morgan Bryce shares experiences, fields questions

Photos special to the Opelika Observer Opelika Observer Associate Editor Morgan Bryce shared the basics of newspaper writing with fifth grade students last Friday at South Smiths Station Elementary. Attended by the school’s entire class of fifth graders, topics for the presentation included how a newspaper works, what criterion goes into article selection and the basics of writing. He also fielded funny and serious questions from students pertaining to the nature of his job and the field of journalism as a whole.

OLLI at Auburn to host Dr. Robert Strom, Dr. Paris Strom for ‘Wisdom Wednesdays’ Oct. 3 Special to the Opelika Observer The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) will hold its lecture series entitled “Wisdom Wednesdays” Oct. 3 from 2:30 - 4 p.m. at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, located at 901 S. College St. in Auburn.

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

Dr. Robert Strom and Dr. Paris Strom will provide OLLI at Auburn with a presentation entitled “Middle Age Caregivers and their Aging Parents.”

The goals for this presentation are to: • highlight how providing care for aging parents has become an obligation increasingly assumed by daughters

and sons • identify needs that older parents have in common, • recognize the contributions and limitations of caregivers • discuss issues that can be anticipated as topics of conflict • describe additional sources of support within the family and from the government • acknowledge employer efforts to support caregivers.

Robert is an emeritus professor of lifespan developmental psychology at Arizona State University. His research and writing center on the strengths and learning needs of parents and grandparents.

Robert was a Fulbright Scholar in Sweden, the Philippines, and Australia.

His career began as a teacher in St. Paul and Detroit.

Paris is a professor of educational psy-

chology at Auburn University in the College of Education. He teaches online courses in child, adolescent, and lifespan learning. His research and publications focus on building family relationships, improving student teamwork skills, and evaluating conditions of learning in school. His career began as a high school teacher in Phoenix, Arizona.

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

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University. OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic

Sunny Slope property, located at 1031 S. College St. in Auburn.

For more information regarding this

event or to assist the organization as a volunteer faculty member, volunteer service assistant, or sponsor,

11

contact Ileeia A. Cobb, Ph.D., OLLI Director, at 334-844-3105, olli@ auburn.edu or visit www.olliatauburn.org.

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B8

September 26, 2018

pelika O Observer

OHTS performs ‘A Midsummer’s Night Dream’ last week

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Members of the Opelika High School Theatre Society took on the Shakesperean classic “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” last week at the Opelika Performing Center for the Arts.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Opelika fell to Central of Phenix City 28-0 last Friday. With the loss, the Bulldogs fall to 1-4 overall. They will travel to Benjamin Russell this Friday for a crucial region game.

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

Nancy Bendinger looks to promote change in District 27

By Morgan Bryce Associate Editor Attracting large industries to invest in the area through increased training and vocational program, fighting for more accessible health and mental care as well as improving the standards of education in Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa counties are

some of the goals of Nancy Bendinger, the Democratic nominee for Alabama’s Senate District 27.

A lifelong resident in the district, this is Bendinger’s first-ever run for political office, but brings experience to the table through her career in real estate, service on the See Bendinger, page B11

Bendinger

Inside the Statehouse Johnny Lawrence named to

T

LCACCA Board for 2018-19

By Steve Flowers

he State of Alabama’s fiscal year begins next week on October 1. Our state’s finances are not the best in the world. However, they got a boost from the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year, The high tribunal ruled that states can collect sales tax on internet sales.

This was one of the most inequitable scenarios I have ever seen.

If you went to the corner hardware store or Lowe’s or Walmart to buy a hammer and paint, you paid sales tax. However, if you bought these same items online you did not. That is not fair to the store or the state. What is even more unfair is if your wife went down to the local dress shop and tried on an expensive dress she liked and then came home and bought it online.

How fair is that to the store, the clerk at the store or the state.

Finally, and thankfully, the Supreme Court clarified this inequality that had persisted for decades, since the inception of the internet.

Alabama had already gotten ahead of the curve in regards to collecting online sales tax.

Through the wise stewardship of House Ways and Means Chairman Steve Clouse (R-Ozark), we had joined 19 other states in passing legislation that companies were to voluntarily pay the online sales tax.

The legislation passed in 2015 was entitled the Simplified Sellers Use Tax. It allowed companies the permission to collect sales tax to be remitted to the state voluntarily in exchange for locking in a fixed rate of 8 percent no matter where in the state an online item was sold. As you know, the sales tax rate deviates throughout each city and locale. In Alabama’s case, the money collected under our SSUT

Act was divided 50/50 between the state and cities and counties.

The city’s and county’s half is disbursed based on population. The state’s half is divided 75 percent to the General Fund and 25 percent to the Education Fund.

Chairman Clouse estimates that the state will reap an additional $18-20 million from the Supreme Court decision. The Supreme Court’s 5-to-4 ruling overruled decades of old decisions that had cost the state billions of dollars over the years.

The cases the Court overturned said that if a business was shipping an online customer’s purchase to a state where the business did not have a physical presence like a store, warehouse, or office, the business did not have to collect sales tax and remit to the state. Over the decades this has been referred to as the Physical Presence Rule.

Retiring Justice, Anthony Kennedy, wrote the majority opinion.

He said, “Every year the Physical Presence Rule becomes further removed from economic reality and results in significant revenue losses to the state.” Retail trade groups praised the ruling saying that it levels the playing field for local and online businesses. President Trump praised the decision via Twitter. The President hailed the Supreme Court opinion as a “Big victory for fairness and for our country.”

Speaking of President Trump and the Supreme Court, it is said and it is very true that the greatest legacy a U.S. President can record is an appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump has had two in the first two years. Regardless of what transpires in the next See Flowers, page B10

Special to the Opelika Observer

Lee County Commissioner Johnny Lawrence has been elected to serve as a member of the 2018-2019 Legislative Committee of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama, a statewide association representing the state's 67 county governments.

The Association's Legislative Committee is composed of a chairman and a rep-

Lawrence resentative from each county. Lawrence will represent the interests of Lee County on the committee and work in concert with six steering committees to formulate the Association's legislative

agenda for the 2019 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature.

"Counties are a creation of the State, which means they can only do what the State authorizes them to do," said Sonny Brasfield, ACCA Executive Director.

"For this reason, counties must maintain an incredibly close working relationship with the Legislature, which is why serving on this committee is a tremendous honor and

See Lawrence, page B10

Merill announces initiative to help visually impaired voters Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill announced a new initiative by his office last week to help Alabama voters with visual impairments have better experiences participating in state elections.

Speaking in the auditorium at the Alabama School for the Blind, Merrill told ASB staff and students that Alabama voter guides would now be available in Braille.

Also, he said election officials have been

better trained in the use of the AutoMARK voting machine, which helps voters with visual impairments read and mark their ballot.

Merrill was joined onstage by the 17th president of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, Dr. John Mascia, as well as Clay Helms, the elections director in the Secretary of State’s office. ASB students, representatives of national advocacy groups for the blind, and local elected officials were also guests at the event.

“Our goal of mak-

ing it ‘easy to vote and hard to cheat’ applies to each and every Alabamian – including those who have physical challenges or disabilities,” Merrill said.

“To ensure we accomplished meeting the needs of these constituents in the most effective manner possible, I asked my team to host a meeting with the state’s many advocacy groups for the blind and visually impaired.

During this meeting, the representatives of these groups suggested several changes that See Rogers, page B10

Local human resource representatives travel to Washington D.C. for annual visit Special to the Opelika Observer Members of the Alabama Society for Human Resource Management were on Capitol Hill Sept. 13 to share views on several legislative issues being considered by Congress that impact the work-

place.

The group included Erica Norris, human resources director for the Lee County Commission and a member of the East Alabama SHRM chapter.

She was among nine human resource professionals from across the state of Alabama that

met with their representatives and congressional staffs in Washington for the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) annual Capitol Hill Visit.

They spoke about the ACA (Affordable Care Act) and health care; Tax Reform and See Norris, page B11

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

pelika O Observer

B10 September 26, 2018

Lawrence,

Norris,

from B9

from B9

responsibility."

The Association of County Commissions of Alabama is a statewide organization speaking for all 67 counties with one voice. It promotes improved county government services in Alabama, offers educational programs for county officials and their staff members, administers insurance programs for county governments and employees, offers legal advice, and represents the interests of county government before state and federal organizations and agencies.

Employer-Provided Benefits; Workplace Flexibility; Save American Workers Act; the Upward Mobility Enhancement Act; and the Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act. “We were able to provide a unique perspective on the impact of legislative issues in the workplace,” Norris said. “Alabama SHRM representatives are positioned as liaisons between the employee and the employer and we provide a tremen-

dous introspective to Congress regarding workplace issues.”

The event was part of the SHRM 2018 Employment Law & Legislative Conference, held March 1214 in Washington D.C. They discussed the following issues with lawmakers: • Tax Reform and Employer-Provided Benefits: Congressional Tax Reform 2.0 efforts will certainly affect both employers and employees. The tax preferred treatment of many employerprovided benefits is a potential target for Congress, as they look for a way to pay for the cost of reform. Many benefits, including health care and retirement plans, adoption assistance, and education assistance are tax deferred or excluded from tax, resulting in less immediate revenue to the federal government. Congressional efforts may involve changing the tax treatment of these benefits, which could dramatically affect an employee’s ability to offer a comprehensive

Flowers,

from B9

two years of Trump’s reign, from conserva-

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benefits package to their employees.

• Workplace Flexibility: Even though most employers are already offering some form of paid leave and flexible work options, federal, state and local policymakers continue to pursue mandated approaches to these benefits. Several proposals would expand the FMLA to require family and medical leave to be paid. Lawmakers also continue to pursue various forms of mandated paid sick leave.

Ten states plus the District of Columbia and more than 30 localities have adopted rigid paid-sick-leave laws.

Other policy initiatives include requiring employers to establish predictable work schedules, guaranteeing an employee’s right to request a flexible work schedule or placing restrictions on the use of compressed workweeks. As a result, employers must now navigate a fragmented system of state and local paid-leave mandates and flexible work requirements, causing numerous

tive Americans viewpoint, this presidency has been a success.

The nominations of Neil Gorsuch last year and Brett Kavanaugh this year were

challenges for employers and employees.

• Health Care: Although the ACA has expanded access to health insurance for an estimated 20 million Americans, new data suggests that the uninsured rate is on the rise. The U.S. uninsured rate rose from 12.7 percent at the end of 2016 to 15.5 percent in the first three months of 2018.

At the same time, increasing health care costs continue to place a growing burden on employers, individuals and the economy.

Moreover, employers are continuing to experience increased costs, expanded regulatory requirements and reduced flexibility in managing their employer-sponsored plans as a result of the ACA. • Save American Workers Act: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to change the definition of "full-time employee" for purposes of the employer mandate to provide minimum essential health care coverage under the Patient big. Both men are in their early 50s and will make a powerful impact on public policy and law in America for decades. Long after Trump is gone, his

Protection and Affordable Care Act from an employee who is employed on average at least 30 hours of service a week to an employee who is employed on average at least 40 hours of service a week.

• The Upward Mobility Enhancement Act: Proposes to expand Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to increase the yearly allowable amount employers can voluntarily provide toward education assistance as a tax-free benefit; the proposal sets the amount at $11,500 per year, per employee. The amount would then be indexed for inflation.

• The Employer Participation in Student Loan Assistance Act: Would expand Section 127 of the IRC to include student loan repayment as a tax-free, qualified education expense. Under this plan, employers would be able to voluntarily provide student loan repayment as a tax-free employee benefit, up to $5,250 per year, per employee. legacy as a stalwart, conservative president will live on through Kavanaugh and Gorsuch.

Both are also men of character with impeccable credentials. They are strict Constitutional constructionists and adherents. Their intellectual prowess will be indelibly inscribed into the law of the land for generations.

As former President Barack Obama said, the night that Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump, “Elections have consequences.”

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 Bendinger,

from B9

City of Auburn’s Parks and Recreation board and small business background.

Following is a brief background on Bendinger and outline of her plans if elected.

She will face two-term Republican incumbent Tom Whatley in the Nov. 6 midterm elections.

Background Originally from Alexander City, Bendinger chose to attend Auburn University after high school, majoring in political science with a minor in art history.

After graduating in 2001, she elected to stay in the area and worked as a health services coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Later, Bendinger, along with some of her friends, opened Fun and Fancy, a children’s clothing store in Auburn. She elected to leave the business to stay home with her daughter Dalton to enable her husband Douglas to fulfill the traveling duties of his consulting job.

In 2014, she received her real estate license,

and has worked ever since for the Auburnbased realty agency Three Sixty Real Estate.

Running for office Deciding to run for office was a matter of when, not if, for Bendinger. Seeing Doug Jones’ successful campaign against Republican Roy Moore in 2016, and the sizable movement of women across the country vying for public office in this fall’s midterm elections, she said she knew the time was right to pursue her dream.

“What’s been unique about with this election and the grassroots movements of Democrats here in Alabama and beyond is a desire to work together and share information we have and not stay stuck in our own little silos.

There’s only ever been eight women in the Alabama Senate in the 200 years that we’ve been a state,” Bendinger said.

“Several of us would like to tie for number nine this fall. For my daughter, I think it’s exciting and inspiring to see so many women like myself out there running like myself.”

Since qualifying in February, Bendinger said she has stayed busy with the campaign, which has cranked up

in recent weeks as the midterms loom fewer than six weeks away.

Platforms Through surveys and engagements with possible constituents in the district, Bendinger said she and her team have determined that education, healthcare and jobs are the three main issues that face the district.

Bendinger said she has plans to implement positive changes to all phases of education, including affordable daycare programs and larger public Pre-K4 programs, increased number of school counselors, psychologists and resource officers and expansion of “career academies” for students pursuing a vocational career immediately after high school.

If elected, Bendinger said she would also strive to work for a funding expansion for Medicaid, which she believes would increase the quality of healthcare available for Alabamians. Within the topic of healthcare is mental health, which according to state records, has been level funded in Alabama for the last 15 years.

“Our prison system is our largest mental healthcare provider,

Individual taxpayers can expect changes to filing tax returns in 2019 Special to the Opelika Observer Individual taxpayers have two options when they file their personal federal income tax returns- take a standard deduction or itemize deductions. Under the new tax law effective for 2018, the standard deduction nearly doubled compared to the amount under prior law.

This change makes it less likely that the sum of a taxpayer’s itemized deductions will exceed the larger standard deduction. The Tax Policy Center estimates that, under the new tax law, the number of taxpayers that itemize their deductions will fall from 46.5 million in 2017 to 19.3 million in 2018.

A potential side effect of fewer taxpayers itemizing their deductions is that these taxpayers may choose to reduce or eliminate charitable contributions to not-for-profit organizations because their contributions will no longer reduce their personal income taxes.

The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that individuals will reduce charitable giving

by $13 billion annually because their donations will no longer be tax deductible.

One strategy that allows individuals to continue to donate and potentially receive tax benefits is to “bunch” donations to charities in specific years, while limiting donations in other years. When individual taxpayers contribute by bunching donations, they combine multiple years of “normal” annual charitable contributions into a single year.

Suppose a married couple gives $20,000 of donations each year, and they have $5,000 in other itemized deductions. If these deductions are the same for 2018 and 2019, they will be able to deduct $50,000 over the two years. By “bunching” two years of donations into one, they would donate $40,000 in 2018 and $0 in 2019.

In 2018, they would itemize the deductions since their total itemized deductions would be $45,000. In 2019, they would use the standard deduction which would amount to $24,000. For the two-

year period using the “bunching” technique the total deduction would be $69,000. Just by “bunching” over the two-year period, they would be reducing their income by $19,000 (Bunching of $69,000 versus $50,000). Assume that you are in a 25% tax bracket, then your savings would be $4,750 over the twoyear period.

Even with the tax savings, many clients are hesitant to do this because they feel that the charity would have a surplus of funds one year and a shortfall the following year. This is where the Community Foundation of East Alabama can help bridge this gap. Individuals can make donations to the Community Foundation of East Alabama in one year, get the tax donation in the year they make the donation, then have the Community Foundation of East Alabama distribute the money over multiple periods. This would allow the individuals to “bunch” the donations and save on their tax without creating a surplus/shortfall for the charity.

which says to me that there is a disconnect.

We have to work to improve mental health care,” Bendinger said.

“Potentially, we’d be keeping a lot of people out of prison. A lot of people could’ve avoided that if they’d just had the right services available to them at some point in their past.”

With previously mentioned points including the creation of “career academies” or “posthigh school training or retraining programs,” Bendinger said she will also fight for increased investments in infrastructure like rural broadband access and against legislation that will hurt small businesses, which “serve as the backbone of our economy.”

“In this election, I really have tried to emphasize person over party, and I feel like that’s something been lost in at least the last decade. I hope that’s something that changes this time and I believe you’ll see a lot of crossover voting in this election,” Bendinger said.

For more information on Bendinger or her campaign, like and follow her Facebook page or visit www.votenancy27.net.

B11 September 26, 2018

Lee County Commission approves FY 2019 budget

By Michelle Key Editor

The Lee County Commission voted to approve the fiscal year 2018-19 budget during Monday night's regularly scheduled meeting. The budget as approved has a proposed total of $45,355,570 which is 4.53 percent more than last year. Important items included in the budget include single coverage portion of employee health insurance which will remain at 100 percent county cost, a cost of living adjustment of 2.74 percent to the pay classification plan as well as a 1.76 percent range adjustment bringing the total pay adjustment for employees to 4.5 percent. As part of the budget the commis-

sion authorized the chairman to execute funding agreements with the agencies and for the amounts on the service contracts and appropriation list for fiscal year 2019 and authorized granting additional annual leave hours based upon employee annual evaluations.

Also during the meeting, the commission continued the discussion on the status of Lee Road 79. Lee County resident Terri Lamb addressed the commission.

"The reason we keep coming back, is to ensure that it (Lee Road 79) is designated as a public road, even if it is not a county (maintained) road,” Lamb said.

After a lengthy discussion, Commissioner Eckman made See LCC, page B10

LEE COUNTY VOTERS LEAGUE INVITATION TO THE PUBLIC President John Andrew Harris cordially invites all the public to attend the next Lee County Voters League meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 1 at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 South 4th Street in Opelika. Guest speaker Mayor Gary Fuller will speak to us on his newly formed commission to address crime in Opelika, which is an issue of great concern among League members.

It is also time for the League to begin our 2018-19 membership drive. With the general election just a few weeks away, President Harris requests all League members to mark their calendars for our special October 15 meeting to determine League endorsements to send out our announcements, press releases and other materials for voters who want to participate on November 6.

Your kindred spirits of democracy, Lee County Voters League

pelika O Observer

B12 September 26, 2018

LCC, from B9 a motion to reaffirm that Lee Rd 79 is a non-county maintained public road. Commissioner Harris seconded the motion and the motion was approved.

Furthermore, Lee County resident Eddie L. Webb brought forth concerns regarding the north side of Lee Road 79. Webb stated that a gate has been installed across the north side of Lee Road 79, blocking assess to the back side of his property.

Weyerhaeuser

Merrill,

from B9 could be made to dramatically improve the

Company, a forestry company, owns the land where the gate has been installed and approximately four or five property owners are being blocked from accessing their property due to this gate. City Engineer Justin Hardee will attempt to make contact with the owners regarding the removal of the gate.

In other business the commission: - heard from Justus Armstrong, Vice President and Alabama representative of the Youth Infrastructure Coalition for Interstate 14. Armstrong presented the commission with information

regarding an innovative for the possible future implementation of interstate 14 running from west Texas to Augusta, Georgia.

- heard the first reading of a vacancy on the Lee County Recreation Board from District 5Earnest Griggs has submitted a citizens interest form for this position - heard the first reading of a vacancy on the Beulah Utilities Board Andrew Bryan has submitted a citizens interest form for this position - announced a vacancy on the Mid-South Resource Conservation and Development Board. This board covers 8 counties within

Alabama. Robert (Bob) Harris has submitted a citizens interest form for this position - received an update from Commissioner Shelia Eckman regarding the Hunstville Animal Control Website as a potential template for the Lee County Animal Control website that is currently being developed - approved travel to legislative meetings brought forth by Commissioner Johnny Lawerence - approved a request from Jennifer Lolley of the Forest Ecology Preserve Assistance Request for work on the parking area at the

preserve - approved the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to be able to receive the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $12,815 - approved bids for regular unleaded gasoline purchases to Petroleum Traders Corporation and low sulfur diesel fuel to W.H. Thomas Oil Company, Inc. - approved the 1-year extension of Bids #11, 12 and 13 for maintenance stone from Vulcan Materials Company, Plant Cold Mix from Chris Clark Grading & Paving Inc., and Ready Mix Con-

crete from Argos USA, LLC - approved the ACCA Worker’s Compensation SelfInsurers Fund Renewal Resolution. This would allow Lee County to participate in the fund for a three-year period concluding on Sept 30, 2021.

The Lee County Commission meets the 2nd and last Mondays of every month. The meetings are held in the Lee County Courthouse located at 215 S. 9th St. in Opelika.

The minutes of the meetings can be found at www.leeco.us/document/commission_ minutes/.

ability of voters with visual impairments to participate in the electoral process.”

The meeting with advocacy group representatives happened earlier this year, and

the idea for the new election material began as a result of that partnership.

“We appreciate these groups working with us to be part of a solution, especially for provid-

ing the materials to the state free of charge,” Merrill said. “They are uniquely positioned to understand this issue and help us solve it, and that’s why we wanted to sit down and

listen to their ideas.

This is a great example of how government agencies and private groups can work together, and we want to thank them for their help and support.”

Merrill urges anyone who has issues with voting because of physical impairments to call their local probate judge’s office or the Secretary of State’s office at 334-242-7200.

OBITUARIES James Elijah “Jimmy” Gunter James Elijah “Jimmy” Gunter, 92, of Jackson’s Gap, Alabama, passed away into the arms of Jesus on Friday, September 21, 2018, at Bethany House in Auburn. Jimmy was born on May 16, 1926 in Ashland, Alabama, to the late Ollie Ray Gunter and Corine Tomlinson Gunter. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Barbara Lockhart Gunter and two sisters, Kathryn Gunter Chappell and Faye Gunter Lisatinski.

Jimmy moved to Auburn with his family in 1940 where he lived most of his life. He served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps in WWII from 1944-1946. After returning home from WWII, he attended Auburn Polytechnic Institute. While pursuing his education at Auburn, Jimmy realized his love was a career in automobile sales and he pursued his dream. He was a successful new and used car salesman at Tiger Motor Company in Auburn where he received many awards from Ford Motor Company.

In 1956, he purchased Tiger Motor Company where he was the Ford dealer in Auburn and, Evelyn S. Johnson Evelyn S. Johnson of Opelika was born to the late Willie Bell and Homer Slaten in Marshall County, Alabama on August 6, 1929 and passed away at Bethany House on September 18, 2018.

She was 89 years old.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika, and was very involved in (CBS) Community Bible Study.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Wendell Johnson.

She is survived by her children, Tommy Johnson (Mary), Vicky Teal (Bob-

later, also the Mercury dealer in Lee County. He loved his customers and considered it a pleasure helping them find the perfect car for their family. He sold Tiger Motor Company in 1986. He and his wife, Barbara, moved to Jacksons Gap, AL in 1998 where they enjoyed living at Lake Martin.

He liked having a garden in the summer and, in his later years, he spent time riding his tractor on his farm land. He loved his Marine Corp League and he was also a Mason. He loved his family and was a devoted and loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He loved his Sunday School class at First Baptist Church of Dadeville where he had many wonderful friends.

Jimmy is survived by his three daughters who he loved with all his heart: Connie Gunter Sellers (Larry); Dorinda Gunter Miller (Gary); and Dixie Gunter Paschal (Noel).

He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Christy Sellers Duffey (Miles); April Miller Smith (Jake); Cory Gunter Sellers (Carrie); Tracy Miller Rush (Travis); Dustin Paschal; Garrett Paschal; and Baylor Paschal. He is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren:

by), Lisa Norquist (Tom); grandchildren, Missy Downey (Darren), John David Johnson (Jennifer), Allison Craft (Craig), Paige Outlaw (Perry), Blake Ashley (Sidney), Amy Smith (Jordan); 14 great grandchildren; brother, Doyle Slaten (Mary); special friend and caregiver, Betty Jordan as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 21, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m.

Funeral services were held in the Chapel at

Ansley Ayers, Tad Smith, Trent Reed, Trevor Rush, Miller Reed, Nathan Sellers, Tatum Rush, Evelyn Sellers, Turner Smith, Caleb Sellers, Tenley Rush; sisters: Eunetta Gunter Bondurant, Ollie Gunter Compton, Linda Gunter Dever and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service for Jimmy was held on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama with burial immediately following at Auburn Memorial Cemetery. Visitation was an hour before the service at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Ben Hayes of First Baptist Church Dadeville is officiating. The family would like to express their love, appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at Bethany House for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Compassus Hospice, 665 Opelika Road, Suite 200, Auburn, AL 36830; Bethany House, 1171 Gatewood Drive, Building 100, Auburn, AL 36830; First Baptist Church Dadeville, 178 Tallassee Street, Dadeville, AL 36853.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Friday, September 21, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.

Graveside services were held at Marshall Memorial Gardens (3368 Alabama Highway 205 North Albertville, Alabama) Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Opelika Building Fund (P.O. Box 329 Opelika, Alabama 36803) or Bible Broadcasting Network (P.O. Box 7300 Charlotte, North Carolina 28241) Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Viola Knight Mrs. Viola Knight, 93, of Opelika, AL passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at her home in Opelika. Mrs. Knight was born in Decatur Alabama on April 21, 1925.

She is survived by a brother Finely Beason Garnett and four sons: Robert Alonzo (Lonnie) Knight, Gerald Alan Knight, Kenneth Reid Knight and William Timothy Knight, and five grandchildren and three great grandchildren she will be laid to rest at Ola Jean Kornegay Ola Jean Kornegay of Opelika was born to the late B. V. and Dollie Ann Pell on July 3, 1929 in Albertville, Alabama and died on September 14, 2018 at home.

She was a faithful member of Northside Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Oliver Kornegay and her daughter Lurie Ann Kornegay.

She is survived by her sons, Pell Kornegay (Angela) and Mark Kornegay; grandson, Lucas Kornegay,

Melvin Thomas Blackmon Melvin Thomas Blackmon was born in Brewton, Alabama on December 29, 1949 and passed away at EAMC on September 14, 2018.

He was 68 years old.

He has been a resident of Opelika, Alabama since 2014.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. and Idell Watson Blackmon; sister, Shirley Godfrey and brother, Mickey Blackmon.

He was a proud member of the United States Air Force. Following

Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn Alabama.

Funeral services for Mrs. Knight were held on Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

A visitation was held one hour prior, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Reverend Cliff Knight officiated.

Family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers please make donations In Memory of Viola Knight to the Alabama Baptist Foundation.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed. and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Visitation was held on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home.

Funeral services were held in the Chapel at FrederickDean Funeral Home Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. which Pastor John Coker officiated. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

his military service, Mr. Blackmon worked for the Department of the Navy at Whiting Field, Milton, Florida for 30 years as a Electronics Technician.

He became an ordained minister in 1988 and served as pastor and in various capacities for several churches in Escambia County, Alabama.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rebecca Blackmon; sons, Benjamin Blackmon(Alicia), and Timothy Blackmon(Sandra); grandchildren, Kolby Williams, Killean

Blackmon , and Saori Blackmon; brother and sister-in-law, Douglas and Bonnie Blackmon and sister and brotherin-law, Barbara and Dennis Shipp.

Memorial services were held at Parkway Baptist Church, Auburn, Alabama on Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. which Reverend Jeff Redmond officiated.

Visitation was from 2:00 until 3:00 p. m.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Opelika

Family & R

B13 September 26, 2018

eligion

Do you wonder or wander?

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

onah is full of wonder—a prophet running away from God, a ship full of people caught in a violent storm who jettison all of their cargo and finally (at his urging) throw the only passenger we know of overboard. Amazingly, he is saved from drowning by a great fish swallowing him only to later be spit up on the shore.

And that’s just the first half of the book!

Yet, the danger we face with the book of Jonah is the same danger we face in life—we can become dull to its wonder (i.e., the beauty and uniqueness of the world around us). We can get caught up in a self-imposed fog of routine and responsibilities that blinds us to all of the wonder in life.

It’s not that we intend for this to happen, it’s more that we don’t do anything to prevent it from happening.

Like the glory that faded from Moses’ face

in the wilder(2 Corinthians ness, “They for3), wonder got God, their wears off. Its Savior, who impact upon had done us needs to great things in be renewed Egypt, wonif it is to be

By Bruce Green drous works retained. Otherwise, we’ll Teaching Minister at in the land of only experi- 10th Street Church of Ham, and aweChrist in Opelika some deeds by ence infatuthe Red Sea” ation rather (Psalm 106:21-22). than have a genuine relationship with wonder. It’s not without significance that this statement We’ll cycle through the comes on the heels of stages of being powerhim speaking of their fully overwhelmed, then foray into idolatry. They awed, and finally desenlost sight of the wonsitized to the point that it der of God and vainly becomes “normal” and attempted to replace it we’ve become dull to with their own creation. wonder.

The writer gives his terse It didn’t go anywhere, verdict, “They exchanged but we did. The wonder the glory of God for the of God, marriage, salvaimage of an ox that eats tion, the world around grass,” (v. 19-20). us, Scripture—it can all More to our point— evaporate like the mist of they couldn’t live without the early morning if we wonder so they tried to don’t take steps to prevent this from occurring. create their own. Just as people can’t live without The psalmist laments love and in the absence this very thing hapof a wholesome form of pening to Israel as he it they’ll pursue a highly recalls their early days

Church calendar • Pepperell Baptist is offering a Wednesday evening ministry program from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for preschool and elementary Children called “Wow-Worship on Wednesday.” The evening program of music, Bible messages for children, crafts, fun activities, and snack begins on Sept. 5. Registration forms are filled out on the first evening. Contact Ryno Jones Childrens, Youth Minister, or Beth Pinyerd at 334-745-3108.

• Pepperell Baptist Church will hold its 92nd homecoming service Oct. 7. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a message from Rev. Mike Newman. A covereddish meal will follow the service.

The church is located at 2702 Second Ave. • Christian comedian Tim

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

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

Hawkins will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Feb. 7.

Besides comedy, Hawkins is known for his songwriting and singing abilities. For more information or ticketing options, visit www.timhawkins.brushfire.com.

• The public is invited to join First Freewill Baptist Church’s “Get in the Game Month”. We encourage everyone to wear their favorite team jersey or t-shirt every Sunday in September. Each 11 a.m. service will feature a sports related message. First Freewill is located at 103 19th Street at the corner of 1st Ave. in Opelika. For more information, call 334-703-3333.

wonder.

When we live this way, life becomes less about “got to” and more about “get to.” It’s not a burden, it’s a privilege and we treat it that way.

A sunrise becomes more than something that tells us we’ve got to get up, grass and flowers are more than things to be maintenanced, and Monday through Friday are more than days that must be endured in order to get to the weekend.

Our world goes from greyscale to all the colors of the spectrum as we slow down to drink in the wonder that is all around us.

When Israel lost their wonder, they began to wander. We’re no different. Life with our Father means opening our eyes to “the wonders of God.” Bruce has written a new book on the prophets called Known Intimately Loved Ultimately. It is available through 21st Century Christian.

Verse of the Week Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

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

dysfunctional type, Israel needed wonder so they came up with their own corrupted version of it.

If you think about our need for constant entertainment, our infatuation with the latest technology, or our many other addictions—are we really any different? Don’t they point to the depletion of wonder in our lives and our feeble attempts to find substitutes for it?

On the day the church begins (Acts 2), people who had come from all over the world for the feast of Pentecost heard the apostles, “declaring the wonders of God” (v.

11).

It is out of the context of God’s wonder that His church is launched.

If this is the way it starts, doesn’t it stand to reason that this is the way it is sustained? We marvel at Christ, we rejoice in our Father’s love and mercy, we embrace His call to model this to the world around us. We live in

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

Deuteronomy 31:6 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!

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B14 September 26, 2018

pelika O Observer

Last week’s answers:

9-19 SCRAMBLER ANSWERS: 1), Anger 2) Agile 3), Adroit 4), Nearby Solution: Tonnage

pelika O Observer

B15 September 26, 2018

COMICS

When people are laughing, they’re generally not killing each other. ~Alan Alda

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