Opelika Observer 05-20-2021 E-edition

Vol. 13, No. 32

Thursday, May 20, 2021

pelika Observer O

OGROW FARMERS MARKET EVERY TUESDAY FROM 3 TO 6 P.M.

Opelika, Alabama Noon Tunes every Wednesday in May at Courthouse Square

“An award-winning publication for local people, by local people.”

Beat 13 says YES to zoning PHOTO BY MICHELLE KEY / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Bright yellow and red signs dotted the Beulah community urging residents to vote "YES" in Tuesday night's special-election.

By Michelle Key Publisher The residents of Lee County’s Beat 13 voted to allow zoning regulations to be developed by a newly appointed planning commission, during a special-called election Tuesday night.

Petitions for the rezoning of Beat 13 were gathered and delivered to the Lee County Commission in February of this year.

The effort, spearheaded

by Tara Brumfield and Danielle Ritch, was based on the community’s response to a proposed granite quarry that is being planned for land in Beat 13.

"We saw an unprecedented number of voters turn out today," Brumfield said. "A total of 650 people or 23.5 % of the precinct showed up today."

With 431 yes votes

to 219 nays, the Beat 13 community has expressed its opinion on the matter. These results are unofficial until they are certified by the Secretary of State.

"Protect Beulah would like to thank everyone that came out to vote today and to all that continue to show their support," Brumfield said.

While allowing the area to be subjected to zoning regulations

will not automatically prevent the quarry from being developed, residents opposed to the project are hopeful that it will help stop the quarry from becoming a reality.

The election was held Tuesday night despite efforts by a group called Highway 29, LLC, which filed two lawsuits against the Lee County Commissioners and See BEAT 13, page A3

Opelika, Auburn to hold Memorial Day services on May 31

Gary Fuller  Prayer by Bishop Kenneth R. Carter, Sr. of Christ Temple Holiness Church  Special Music by Opelika High School

Choir Members – Maddox Wynham and Alexandria Torbert  Poem by Opelika police officer Alejandro Reyna See MEMORIAL, page A3

Contributed by Madeline Oliff Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Two startup companies won a combined $75,000 in non-dilutive funding in Alabama Launchpad’s Cycle 1 virtual finale this week.

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) held its Alabama Launchpad Cycle 1 Finale online, streaming on alabamalaunchpad.com.

Auburn-based Vulcan

Line Tools, the winner of the concept stage competition with a $25,000 prize, offers the Wave Timer, a method for measuring sag, tension and temperature in power lines to reduce costs for electric utilities, improve efficiency and ensure power lines are built properly.

“Alabama is going to be a great home for Vulcan Line Tools. I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else with the company,” said Zac Young, founder of Vulcan Line Tools. “To See VULCAN page A3

Opelika welcomes new fire chief, Shane Boyd

By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com Fire and rescue wasn’t always the plan for Opelika’s newest fire chief, Shane Boyd.

In fact, when he was young, he wanted to be a police officer.

“At that time, when you got out of school, you couldn’t be a police officer until you were 21,” Boyd said. “When I graduated, I was 17, so, years of waiting.

I had time to fill. I

PHOTO BY BOB PARSONS

Opelika The city of Opelika will host Memorial Day Services in person on May 31, 2021. The event will remember our military heroes who fought for the freedom of our country and the families who lost loved ones in the line of service. Services will be held at Courthouse Square at 10 a.m.

We have a special lineup this year:  Welcome by Mayor

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

Contributed by the city of Opelika, city of Auburn

Vulcan Line Tools and Vendrix win prestigious award

started working various jobs with roads and transportation, or at a steel mill, and eventually the police officers I

talked to, said, ‘you need to go talk to some people at the fire department.’”

Boyd started in the fire See BOYD, page A3

Contents OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4

SPORTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

POLITICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9

RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A13

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . B12

COMICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A16

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B13

May 25 at 7 p.m.

Bill J. Brooks – ELVIS Lives Concert Elvis and friends is sure to please all music fans as it is entertaining, fun, moving and family friendly.

A2 May 20, 2021

Opelika cranks up the fun at Covington Car Show, Carnival

PHOTOS BY JOHN HILLSMAN / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

Opelika Parks and Rec hosted the Covington Car Festival and Carnival at the Covington Rec Center this Saturday. Visitors at this family friendly event arrived to see classic cars, games, food, live music, hot air balloon rides and more.

pelika Observer

O

Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

Publisher: Michelle Key Associate Sports Editor: Wil Crews Associate Editor: Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Rick Lanier, D. Mark Mitchell

www.opelikaobserver.com

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

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A3 May 20, 2021

Opelika Hotel & Restaurant Job Fair set for May 25 Contributed by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Working in the hospitality industry can be an exciting and fulfilling career filled with numerous opportunities and potential for growth. If you want to meet employers that are ready to hire, then come to the Hospitality Industry Fair on May 25 at the Southern Room,

BEAT 13 >>

FROM A1

Commission Chairman Judge Bill English in an effort to halt or postpone the special election in Beat 13.

The first suit was filed on April 22 in the US District Court for the Middle District of Alabama and the second suit was filed in Lee County’s circuit court, asking the court to issue a temporary restraining order which would have prevented the election from taking place this week.

Circuit Court Judge Jacob Walker III ruled against Highway 29, LLC, ending its legal efforts to delay the vote.

Elizabeth Revell, a spokesperson for Creekwood Resources, LLC, said in a message to the Observer that the quarry was not a party [to the lawsuit], and that zoning is a local matter. “Creekwood

VULCAN >>

FROM A1

all future applicants: be ready to work hard, take some constructive criticism for your company and be ready to learn a whole lot, because I sure have.”

Vendrix claimed the seed stage prize of $50,000. The Birmingham-based company offers cards and software, customized for the construction industry, to help companies manage spending among employees and keep track of budgets in real-time.

“Alabama Launchpad is exposure galore for a startup company in Alabama and that can be

MEMORIAL >>

FROM A1

 Presentation of Colors and Laying of the Wreath by Opelika Fire Dept.  Guest speaker is retired Navy Capt. Michael Horsefield  TAPS by Neil Sasser, Opelika High School.

Horsefield served in the Navy for 27 years flying jets off of aircraft carriers all over the world. Before flying for the Navy,

located on Southern Union’s Opelika campus. For convenience, there are two times of the event: 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Auburn-Opelika Tourism, Goodwill Career Center and both Auburn and Opelika Chambers of Commerce, the Hospitality Fair is open to the public. Area hotels and restaurants are is looking forward to the public hearing and looks forward to being awarded the remaining required permits,” Revell said.

The ADEM public hearing will be held tonight, May 20, at 6 p.m. at the Opelika Municipal Court which is located at 300 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Opelika.

In order to follow COVID guidelines, only one person will be allowed in the hearing room at a time to address the panel from ADEM. Residents wishing to address the group were encouraged to pre-register, however, registration will be allowed onsite today as well.

The Lee County Commission will be broadcasting the public hearing at the C.S.M. Bennie Adkins Meeting Center and will allow up to 100 citizens to watch the proceedings.

accepting applications for full and part-time positions. Opelika Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ali Rauch said, “We understand the challenges our members are having with trying to re-open their businesses without sufficient team members. We hope this event will draw a large crowd of job hunters, See JOB FAIR, page A5

BOYD >>

RAD is Back!

By Kinley Beshers For the Opelika Observer Lt. Jessia Daley will be hosting another self-defense class, The Rape Aggression Defense System (R.A.D), on the nights on June 1, 3, 8 and 10 at the Lee County Meeting Center on 205 S. 10th St., in Opelika.

These classes add to many others that the Lee County Sheriff's Department has hosted in the years prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

R.A.D. classes provide self-defense mechanisms and

tactics for women 13 years or older.

Daley said the women are taught how to defend themselves in practical situations that could happen at any point in time. After considering these techniques, the women are given “scenarios,” which allow them to physically execute what they have learned.

Daley explained the first night is a discussion on risk awareness and reduction strategies. She said the class informs women on situations to be aware of and how to act on

it, to avoid becoming a victim.

“We have a Victimization Triangle — you have a victim and you have an assailant,” Daley said. “What we’re trying to remove is the third leg, which is the foundation of opportunity — we don’t want to give that assailant the opportunity to make us a victim.”

Daley teaches mental strategies and physical techniques, educating the women on internet safety, taser training, using a keychain for defense, releasing See RAD, page A5

department as a volunteer, but didn’t take long before he was looking for something more.

“I’m kind of full bore when I get into something,” he said. “I never anticipated sitting in a chief’s office, I don’t even know if I desired to for the first twenty years.”

But, he did want to be a full-time fire fighter.

“I worked in every promotable position in the department,” he said. Boyd started as a firefighter, then once he had his paramedic license, he started work on the rescue truck, then apparatus operator, sergeant.

From there, the ranks proceed to lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, deputy chief and fire chief.

“Obviously the competition gets a lot harder at every level,” Boyd said.

Although Boyd didn’t

see himself as fire chief when he began his career — that is nonetheless the seat he finds himself in now.

Boyd left home, and a bigger city behind, when he accepted the role as Opelika Fire Chief and started April 1.

“I look at this role as a facilitator more than anything else,” he said. “Like I told them, I studied leadership a lot when I was coming through the ranks and I’m a big proponent of servant leadership.”

The chief also wants his team to know he trusts them to do their job.

“The job in the fire service, a lot of times, is as simple as, be there fast, be nice and fix the problem,” Boyd said.

But — the job has changed. Over the years, the amount of fires has gone down, Boyd said.

So the fire department, and not just Opelika’s, has adapted.

“Anything you don’t

know who to call for, typically falls on the fire department,” Boyd said. “Be it, a guy off a cliff, that’s not fire, that’s technical rescue.

Guy hanging off the side of a building, who do you call? … I think it’s like 92% of the time, nothing’s on fire.”

The role Boyd fills allows him to help train, and mentor, the men and women of the Opelika Fire Department.

“Being able to empower your guys and watching a guy grow in his career … that’s the most rewarding thing you can see,” he said.

Boyd did not grow up in Opelika like many of the fire fighters in the department. He was an outside hire. And not only that — but Boyd wasn’t looking for a new job.

“I talked to [the recruiter who contacted Boyd] for a little bit and said, ‘I really don’t know.'

And she said, ‘Well I really think you should

look at it. This is a very well-ran city.’ And that kind of resonated with me.”

Boyd had been in the Bessemer Fire Department and decided to interview with Opelika.

“With the amount of growing Opelika and Auburn areas are doing, we know the fire department's got to grow,” he said. “And to do that, you have to kind of have the vision to know how we’re going to expand and be able to encapsulate what this fire department’s going to manage 20 years from now.”

One way Boyd said he sees the fire department could improve is through social media.

“We’ve got really good people, we should want them to be seen,” he said.

While Opelika may have been a transition from the Birmingham area, “they’re the most friendly people I’ve ever seen in my life,” Boyd said.

one of the biggest challenges you face as a new company: people don’t know you exist,” said Joe Turner, co-founder of Vendrix. “Launchpad helps you with marketing and networking opportunities with other people out in the industry to get your name out there.”

“We were thrilled with the level of competition at both the concept and seed stage this cycle, kicking off the first cycle of Alabama Launchpad on a high note,” said Miller Girvin, vice president of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at EDPA. “Both Vulcan Line Tools and Vendrix represent the strength

of innovation here in Alabama, particularly in industries that have set the state apart over the years. We are excited to watch both companies grow, thanks in part to the funding and mentorship from the Launchpad program.”

Cycle 1 2021 welcomed programmatic changes to Alabama Launchpad, including a greater focus on intensive and personalized support for participating entrepreneurs to help all companies make progress regardless of the competition’s outcome. Launch Advisors, who are carefully selected business subject matter experts, worked

individually with all Launchpad finalists, preparing them for the final pitch competition to the panel of volunteer judges from around the Southeast. The virtual event was co-hosted by Girvin and Karim Budhwani, founder and CEO of CerFlux, a former concept and seed stage winner of the Alabama Launchpad pitch competition.

The concept stage companies were evaluated by three judges: Caroline Crumley, director at Benson Capital Partners in New Orleans, Mike Darrow, president of VORZA in Birmingham and Dr. Valerie James, founder

of VisionSpot Consulting Group in Mobile.

For the seed stage competition, the three judges were Heather Mitchell, vice president of Financial Planning and Analysis at Shipt in Birmingham, Anthony Oni, managing partner & CEO at Elevate Future Initiative in Atlanta and Bannon Thorpe, CEO of Urgent Care for Children in Birmingham.

Cycle 1 2021 brings Alabama Launchpad to new milestones – it has now funded 102 Alabama startups since its inception. Over the past 15 years, Alabama Launchpad has awarded $5.6 million in non-dilutive funding to the win-

ning companies, which today have an estimated combined post-money valuation of more than $400 million and employ more than 700 people.

The Alabama Launchpad program has funded growing companies like BLOX, Immediate, Acclinate Genetics and more by offering nondilutive prize money for its pitch competition.

The EDPA is a private, nonprofit organization that supports business recruitment and expansion efforts in Alabama and promotes innovative and emerging startup companies through its Alabama Launchpad program.

he earned a degree in Computer Engineering from Auburn in 1985 and ultimately retired here in 2012.

Horsefield completed 13 assignments serving 10 years overseas during his service, is a graduate of Navy Test Pilot School, commanded a squadron flying the T-45C and has flown 73 combat missions.

Additionally, Horsefield has completed two tours with NATO and has detached to

Afghanistan six times for work to improve coalition communication.

Horsefield currently works in testing and developing virtual reality flight training for the US military.

Following the Memorial Day services, the Museum of East Alabama will host a reception for the public to share the extraordinary memorabilia of Opelika’s history. We hope you will join us.

In case of rain, the

10 a.m. services will be moved the Municipal Court Building at 300 Martin Luther King Blvd.

Memorial Day Week Garbage Schedules: Garbage and recycling routes will run one day later than normal.

sacrifice on Memorial Day, May 31. The event will be held at the Auburn Veterans Memorial Monument at the corner of Ross Street and Glenn Avenue at 9 a.m. The program will feature remarks from Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Lt. Col. James Witte.

There will also be musical performances and the Auburn University Naval ROTC. Attendees are encouraged to park at the

Douglas J. Watson Municipal Complex and Felton Little Park. Ross Street and Glenn Avenue will be closed near the intersection to provide room for on-street, accessible parking.

Please note, attendees will be required to adhere to all COVID-19 regulations in place at the time of the event.

Learn more about the City’s efforts to honor Auburn’s veterans at auburnalabama.org/ veterans.

FROM A1

Auburn Join the City of Auburn and the Auburn Veterans Committee for an outdoor ceremony remembering those who made the ultimate

A4 May 20, 2021

O

ut of the seven billion people in this world, I saw

you.

It was yesterday. You let a lady cut in line at the supermarket. An elderly lady. She was wearing a plastic COVID face shield, toting a fanny-pack oxygen cylinder.

I watched you follow this woman to her Nissan Altima and load her groceries.

And last week I saw you. You were mowing a lawn. You, your teenage son and your friends had all organized a weekly lawn maintenance schedule for a man whose legs were amputated due to diabetes.

You work free of charge.

It was also you who returned my neighbor’s dog when the animal went missing. You hiked through four miles of backwoods with a pocketful of dog treats, calling its name. You aren’t even from our town. Someone told me you were vacationing here from Oregon.

YOU Oregon, of all places.

The Beaver State.

You sent money to 16-year-old Sara, a terminal cancer patient, as part of an online fundraiser. Altogether Sara raised nearly one hundred thousand bucks before she died. And while you couldn’t save her life, you certainly showed the world how beautiful her life was.

You adopted a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome even though you are 56 years old and have already raised three children.

You donated blood.

You donated a stack of Louis L’Amour books to our local library. For which I can’t thank you enough.

And those are just the apparent things you did.

What about the itty-bitty everyday things you do?

Things nobody sees?

Like when you held the door for the gal walking into the Dollar General.

Or when you handed a few bucks to the guy out-

SEAN DIETRICH side Walmart who held a handwritten sign reading: “Hungry.”

Or how about each time you put on your scrubs to work a double shift in the emergency department? You administer IV fluids, take patient samples, and supervise a junior staff of medical workers who all draw confidence from you.

You don a forest green polyester uniform, duty belt and badge, and patrol my county. You take huge risks in the name of law enforcement.

Helping Others On Their Journey Through Grief

I

n the days following my wife’s death, I was engulfed with sorrow. The loss of Dean was my total focus. We had become one. Part of me was torn away when she died.

The pain was so great I could hardly imagine life without Dean. Then, as days turned into weeks, I began slowly to crawl out of my grieving cocoon.

As I reflected on the early days of my journey through grief, I realized that I had not been alone. My family had been with me. My four sons surprised me by taking turns staying with me at night for the first two weeks. Without speaking to me about it, they decided I need not sleep alone in my big house for a while. That was a blessing I had not anticipated. Their wives brought meals and assisted me in dozens of small ways. Other

M

y son hugged me yesterday. There aren’t words to tell you how monumental that was. There has been a distance between us that I was powerless to bridge. Only time could do that. And, finally, there he was standing over me at 6 feet 4 inches, legs more muscular than I had ever seen them, and that same sweet smile that I’ve missed so very much. I was the first person to ever see that smile, more than 26 years ago, and it’s one of the things I treasure

WALTER ALBRITTON family members offered comfort. I began praising God for the difference a family makes in our lives.

My friends were with me. Several men who have become like brothers to me stayed in touch with me, offering their help — and encouragement. Jennifer texted me daily with words of hope that buoyed my spirit.

Pam, Leah, Frances, Coralie, Polly, Carolyn — and many others — brought food. Dozens sent beautiful cards

with sweet notes written inside. My friends made a difference.

It dawned on me that these friends cared for me because we were brothers and sisters in the fellowship of believers, the church for which Jesus died. My pastor, Lester Spencer, was with me. His presence and comforting prayers made a huge difference, as did the prayers of fellow pastor Mike McKnight.

Friends and fellow pastors, Earl Ballard and Jimmy Allen, were with me, holding my hand in the darkest hours.

Fellow pastor Vaughn Stafford came alongside me, as did my friend, Pastor Mike McElroy.

Best of all, I was not alone because my Lord was with me. He kept his promise to be with me — especially in times when I could not have made it without His strengthening presence.

See ALBRITTON, page A5

You collect my garbage on Tuesdays and Fridays, and you always wave at me from your perch on the Waste Management truck bumper.

You deliver my newspaper. And I know from real-life experience what kind of private, sleep-deprived hell this occupation entails.

You. You are always there, making my life immensely better just by being you. And the greatest thing about you is, you don’t know how great you are. In fact, that’s part of your charm.

Don’t ever lose it.

I wonder sometimes why you aren’t famous, considering all you do.

But then, maybe the better question is: why do we applaud the wrong people?

Why do we pay so much attention to the popular, what makes celebrities so special?

Why are we, the ordinary Joes and Josephines, so transfixed on celebs with flawless body parts and the emotional depth of coleslaw?

I ask you, who spent the night in the ICU with a 48-year-old woman dying of pancreatic cancer, holding her hand, simply because “chaplain” was printed on your nametag?

That was you. You did that.

Who rescued a second-grade child named Gracie from a sexually abusive home; then taught her to overcome a speech impediment; then helped her graduate college; then attended the birth of her firstborn

daughter last month? You did.

Who brought home an elderly basset hound named Al from a local shelter since nobody else in the county wanted him? You. Who prepared hot food for my family after my father’s suicide?

Who wakes up each morning, makes coffee, cooks breakfast and attempts to teach teenagers the art of conversation without playing on phones?

Who deals with laundry piles so big that, based on their size and weight, one might assume that there are people living in your house who you haven’t even met yet?

Who works hard to maintain a happy disposition even though life kicks the beef stew out of you sometimes?

You, yourself, and thou.

So please read the next See DIETRICH, page A5

Yoga: Moving from Fast to Still

I

am by nature a fast-paced woman.

I think fast, I write fast, I walk fast and if I’m not in motion, I’m either completely out of it on a beach somewhere, or asleep.

It is hard for me to be still. The humor here is I’m a writer and one must sit in order to write. On the flip side, it is often the active motion in my life where new ideas and creative juices begin to flow. I have learned that I need both, but to intentionally choose stillness, that will always be hard.

However, it is the hardest things in life that are often the most important. So we take on the hard anyways, so we don’t miss out on creating the absolute best of life, this side of heaven.

Here enters Yoga.

An ancient practice of being still and mindful.

My girlfriend Meaghan has been teaching at The Yoga Room in

BRADLEY ROBERTSON Auburn for a while and sent me a quickie text on a Thursday, “I know this is late notice, but want to come to my 9 a.m. yoga class??”

And since Meaghan is such a fabulous friend and I love spontaneous and new things, I said yes.

“What kind of class,” I asked.

“Heated vinyasa,” said Meaghan.

"Even better," I thought! I get to catch up with my gal and get a little heated yoga for the win.

And in the back of

my mind, the invitation came at the best possible time. I have been struggling with a shoulder issue and had it on my radar to begin some sort of strength building routine. As good as running is for my mental and physical health, there is no strength involved. Running is more endurance and will power over anything else.

So there I was, entering into a yoga class at 9 a.m. I was more nervous than any runners race I had ever been to and my heart was all the flutter just thinking of staying on the yoga mat for a solid 60 minutes. I wasn’t the least bit concerned about the poses and basic ability, it was the slow and still that gave me the willies. But I have never been one to back down from a challenge, so I accepted all things to come and began with closed eyes and slow deep breaths…

See ROBERTSON, page A5

Fix You most in this world.

I had forgotten how short I feel standing next to him and how sweet it is when he bends down and hugs me, making me feel like both the protector and the protected. I just stood and breathed him in, my grown-up baby.

Our reunion was not under the best of circumstances, but the fact that it happened at all is a miracle I’m grateful for. We talked of easy and familiar things, like the Walking Dead and Stephen King novels and our love of movies and our dogs.

We laughed together, and it was music I had been craving to hear.

And then we talked of things that aren’t easy, like regret and addiction and pain.

Today the sun is setting and I am in the garden that my best friend and I have toiled over and delighted in.

You can find me there often, ear buds piping my favorite playlist into my ears and work gloves on my hands. It is my favorite time of day, when afternoon is on the edge of evening.

The light is muted, and the world is softer

WENDY HODGE somehow.

The next song begins, and it is Sam Smith singing quietly, just for me: When you try your best, but you don’t succeed When you get what you

want but not what you need When you feel so tired, but you can’t sleep Stuck in reverse And the tears come streaming down your face When you lose something, you can’t replace When you love someone, but it goes to waste Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home And ignite your bones And I will try to fix you No one can truly fix another person. It just can’t be done. But we

can love them with a fierceness that defies the odds. We can hold them when they allow it and let them go when they demand it. We can hope when the deck is stacked so high against us that hope seems foolish. We can cry oceans when our heart won’t contain it any longer, and we can dry our tears and remember that crooked smile and a hug that heals.

We cannot fix others; we can only fix ourselves. I was able to help my son yesterday, and that saved me.

Truly.

A5 May 20, 2021

United Way recruiting volunteers for 2022 Campaign Contributed by United Way of Lee County Each year, the United Way of Lee County relies on valued employees of local businesses to serve as Loaned Executives for its annual campaign, and this year is no different.

The United Way is currently recruiting new Loaned Executives for its 2022 Campaign and is asking local business owners and managers who wish to give back to the community to consider selecting an employee to become involved with the campaign as a volunteer.

Loaned Executives will not only gain valuable experience with a local nonprofit that supports more than 25 local agencies, but they will also receive free access to in-person Dale Carnegie training this summer and be able to network and represent their place of work at

DIETRICH >>

FROM A4

paragraph slowly because I truly mean every corny, clichéd, EZ-cheesy word.

ALBRITTON >>

FROM A4

After emerging from the cave of sorrow, I realized how helpful it has been to receive comfort from friends who had already walked through the valley of sorrow. My friend Doug Newton, who had earlier lost his dear wife Gaynelle, called to assure me I could make it. It was enormously comforting to receive words of hope from a friend who understood my agony — because he had been through that lonesome valley himself. My friend Billy Gaither had lost his precious Carolyn so, like Doug, he too could identify with my grief. Billy made me aware of the difference a good book can make in times of grief; he sent me a helpful one titled Good Grief

by Granger E. Westberg.

My own church sent me

ROBERTSON >>

FROM A4

That first day, yoga was like having an internal, kind and considerate conversation with my body.

It’s as if my mind said, “Oh hi there. Glad we could join up together, maybe want to get to know each other a little better?”

And my body breathed a slow, deep sigh of relief, “yeeesss.”

And the two became one, listening and paying attention to each other in some kind of unknown space in time, like a transit space, somewhere in between here and there. Nothing else was present.

“Close eyes and settle

fundraising events and within the community.

“Our Loaned Executives are the backbone of our campaign, and we love the partnerships that are born out of this program,” said Kimberly Myers, United Way campaign manager.

“Many of our Loaned Executives start not knowing much about United Way and what we do, but once they

get involved they stay involved for years, with some becoming a part of our board or serving as future campaign chairs.

It is a special program that lights a passion for service in many of our community members.”

Each Loaned Executive will be given about three to five business accounts to manage during the 2022 Campaign — the annual fundraising initiative for United Way. Management of an account includes the distribution of campaign materials to businesses and the collection of donations from those accounts as well as any support the business needs during the campaign. Loaned Executives will be required to participate in a half-day training course and a Dale Carnegie course on professional presentation training.

This course will be beneficial to the Loaned

Thank you. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for not only being who you are, but for being so incredibly human. I appreciate you. You are,

hands down, the best part about living in this great big, often frightening, ever confusing, but stunning world.

And although the fol-

lowing statement is said often, it cannot be said often enough: God bless you.

All 7.674 billion of you.

a fine book titled A Time to Grieve by Kenneth C. Haugk. It is one in a series called Journeying Through Grief.

Martha Hill is another friend whose comfort has blessed me because she too has made her way through the valley of sorrow. She reached out to me with solid comfort, doing what Saint Paul said we should do for one another. In Second Corinthians 1:3-4 Paul wrote: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” After the death of her husband, Hoyt, Martha began comforting others with the comfort she had received from God. Like me, Martha found

her church a source of comfort. The fellowship of believers was so important to Martha that on the next Sunday after Hoyt’s death, she was in church, worshiping with her church family.

“It helped me so much; I looked forward to being in church every Sunday,” Martha said.

Her church provides a significant ministry for grieving persons — a 13week GriefShare group fellowship called “Your Journey from Mourning to Joy.” As she slowly recovered from her sorrow, Martha felt the Lord leading her to offer comfort to others who were grieving. Patiently, Martha waited for God to show her what to do. The answer came when her friend Cordelia’s husband died. As she offered support to her friend, the two of them decided to begin a ministry togeth-

er — offering comfort to recent widows. Their reward was great joy, Martha said.

Martha’s greatest surprise during her grief was that she was able to survive the loss of her husband and, despite living alone, find joy in a life of service to others. She realized this was not something she achieved, but something the Lord accomplished, providing her the strength to move forward. “The more I tried to comfort others, the more the Lord blessed me,” Martha said. “Instead of falling apart, I fell into the privilege of serving others in the name of Jesus.”

Martha found a great secret for recovering from grief — find ways to help others who are struggling with sorrow.

With the Lord’s help, I am going to follow Martha’s example.

into your space as you find the present moment…” said my instructor, in a low, soft voice.

“Gratitude is all around and always available.”

It literally took no more than a couple minutes for my racing mind to begin to settle. Something I seem incapable of doing at any point in my awake day, and yet there I was, settling my brain.

And when my busy brain began to rest, my body began to move and flow with ease and patience. Not quick, abrupt movements like I’m used to, but calm and cautious, without even realizing it.

It was a stream of quiet moving and slow thinking for the entire class.

And it was grand. My body thanked my mind

for the connection and together, we felt united.

It was as if time stood still and all the parts of me were able to catch up.

I wondered, had my body never really been still long enough, nor my mind clear enough for the two to meet up?

I don’t think they had.

In a world where we are pulled and tugged in every direction, we don’t even make space to connect body and soul.

We almost avoid it. If we find ourselves still, we pick up the iPhone.

If our mind wanders into spaces we aim to avoid, we quickly fill it with music or a podcast, or we call a friend or we just find something to do. We struggle to rest in ourselves and we don’t

even do anything about it.

Yoga allowed my body and mind to meet each other face to face, like two old friends joining together at a local café.

And right in the middle of them was me, Bradley.

There will always be a fast lane, yoga showed me to take the slow one.

If we can’t slow down long enough for our mind and body to meet, then where in the world will we find ourselves?

I’m leaving you with these words from my dear friend and new yoga teacher, Meaghan Haack.

“May all beings everywhere be happy, free and at peace within their own true self. May we help each other along the way.”

Executive in their volunteer work but also professionally.

Those interested in volunteering as a Loaned Executive may apply by emailing kimberly@unitedwayofleecounty.com. Applications are due by June 14.

The United Way is a nonprofit organization working to generate and apply the necessary resources to meet the needs of the community.

The United Way supports 25 local agencies providing critical

JOB FAIR >>

FROM A3

especially in light of the additional unemployment cancellation announced by Governor Ivey.”

Since more people are getting vaccinated, businesses are re-opening and people are dining out and vacationing. Hundreds of jobs have returned to restaurants and hotels, but across the country, the same sign keeps popping up: “We are short staffed, please be patient with the staff that did show up.”

According to the National Restaurant

RAD >>

FROM A3

from chokeholds or wrist-grabs and more.

These classes are free of charge and as easy or difficult as the participants prefer to make it. Women have the option of participating in or watching the physical activities.

resources to families in our area, like the Lee County Youth Development Center, Domestic Violence Intervention Center and the Food Bank of East Alabama, among many others. United Way also manages the 2-1-1 Information and Referral service, Stuff the Bus annual school supply drive and Fan Distribution programs alongside other community initiatives.

Learn more at unitedwayofleecounty.com.

Association, the number of restaurant jobs has gone up every month this year.

Staffing, however, is 20% lower than it was a year ago. Problems are occurring nationwide, where owners and operators of restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues are competing for a shortage of workers.

A survey conducted

by The National Federation of Independent Business reported that 40% of small businesses had jobs they could not fill. So many businesses made it through the pandemic, but will they survive the re-opening?

All thanks and appreciation to Sheriff Jay Jones for coordinating and funding these classes.

If you would like to register, contact Lt. Daley at jdaley@ leecountysheriff. org, visit Facebook at LeeCountySheriffsOfficeAlabama or call 334-749-5651.

A6 May 20, 2021

Auburn, Opelika hold ribbon cuttings last week CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting last Friday with Boonie Hat Coffee and Market Street Paint Shop. A grand opening for the two business, plus a third business, Just the Right Touch Interior Design with Aspen, was held the following day. The coffee shop is located at 116. S. 8th St. in Opelika and offers a variety of coffee drinks and also roasts all their coffee in house.

Last Wednesday, May 12, the city of Auburn celebrated the grand opening of Stone Martin’s model home in Camden West with At Home with Prestige Realty.

Situated in the quaint woodlands of North Auburn, Camden Ridge offers a perfect lifestyle for everyone. It is located off North Donahue Drive, close to Highway 280 and Highway 72, making commuting or traveling a breeze.

The model home is located at 1900

Trail Ridge Road.

On Thursday, May 13, the city of Auburn celebrated Rob’s Ribs. A sister company of Butcher Paper BBQ, Rob’s Ribs is a locally owned BBQ restaurant that focuses on BBQ cooked on a brick pit – the traditional way to cook BBQ in our area. Everyone on the management team has deep ties to Auburn and worked hard to create a space where every member of the community feels welcome, and all Auburn natives can be proud.

With photos and memorabilia that harken back to old Auburn, traditional pit-cooked BBQ and its own modern twists, Rob’s Ribs has something to offer everyone.

Enjoy their large outdoor patio, comfortable indoor dining and spirits from John Emerald Distilling Company, along with several rotating craft beers. Rob’s Ribs is located at 307 N. College.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Sweet Homemade Alabama returns to the Opelika Art Haus

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Rick Atkins - handforged knives, Tallassee.

Turner Porter - handturned wood, Eclectic.

Robin Reed - handpoured candles.

Mary Finley - "The Cake Lady" desserts and fruits, Camp Hill.

Bill Whetstone ceramic statuary, acrylics and oils, Opelika.

Kathryn Whetstone hand sculpted and fired silver and repurposed jewelry, Opelika.

Jill Holt - oils, Auburn.

Jennifer Melton repurposed art pieces, Alexander City.

DeDe Wilson - mixed media of acrylic, glass and resin, Jackson's Gap. The Community Market, an extension of the Food Bank of East Alabama, will have a booth set up at the Art Haus and will also be receiving a portion of the art sales. Whetstone emphasized the importance of marrying art and charitable foundations.

“People are more prone to give or support an artist or event if they know it also benefits the community, it’s a win-win for everybody,” she said.

Whetstone is excited to host another Sweet Homemade Alabama event after the first show was held in December.

Despite being scheduled during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the show was extremely successful. In fact, she believes that the art community could find some light in the darkness that the pandemic created.

“I think there’s an appreciation for hand-made and small businesses that maybe didn’t exist to a very great degree before we went through what we did as a country. So, there’s a new appreciation for the artists and that’s really a nice thing to see,” Whetstone said.

Whetstone emphasized

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the role the Art Haus plays in bringing art to the Opelika community.

“Their gift to our town is beyond words that I can express,” she said.

The Opelika Art Haus is “committed to recognizing, educating, supporting and enriching our community,” according to its website. Art Haus works in conjunction with local and regional artists to create a space to display their work while simultaneously supporting them and bettering the community as well. Not only does the establishment have spaces to display artists’ work, but it also has working studio space so artists can create their work in-house. The ultimate

goal of the Art Haus is to create a “creative space for creative people,” owner Ginger Stern told Auburn Opelika Tourism. This, in return, will enrich the Opelika community.

The Art Haus has already had remarkable success but has even more plans in the works for expanding and growing. With hopes of eight full studios available for artists to rent and including space for an Artist-inResidence, the Art Haus might go from “haus” to home!

The Sweet Homemade Alabama art show will take place on June 5, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Opelika Art Haus located at 500 N. Railroad Ave. KNIVES BY RICK ATKINS

Spring has officially sprung and it is time for the Sweet Homemade Alabama art show. This year, Sophie's Muse Handmade Jewelry is presenting the second Sweet Homemade Alabama event. The event will take place on June 5, 2021, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Opelika Art Haus located at 500 N. Railroad Ave. The Sweet Homemade Alabama Spring Show invites individuals to visit the charming Art Haus for “great art, good food and a worthy cause.”

There, you can enjoy art and find various gifts from local artists, all while supporting a worthy cause.

Proceeds will benefit the Community Market, an extension of the Food Bank of East Alabama.

Sophie’s Muse is a business born from artist Kathryn Whetstone’s desire to keep busy during hard times.

“Fourteen years ago when my mother died, I needed something to stay sane ... when I lost her, I had to find a focus,” Whetstone said.

That was when she turned to art, specifically handmade jewelry.

Whetstone’s signature pieces are hand-molded and crafted from PNC silver. Additionally, some of Whetstone’s bestselling

items are made by using impressions of her greatgrandmother’s buttons.

Named Sophie, and an artist herself, Whetstone’s great grandmother inspired the name for her company and influenced her art style.

Sweet Homemade Alabama features about 18 hand-picked artists from across the state of Alabama and their authentic, homemade art forms. These range from birdhouses, music boxes and pet portraits to apparel, leatherwear and jewelry and so much more.

Featured Artists Pamela Pattillo - woven scarves, jewelry and leather goods, Opelika.

Sam Cheek - folk art, birdhouses and music boxes, Notasulga.

Annie Bartol - acrylics, jewelry and leather, Alex City.

Elizabeth Nist calligraphy, watercolors and acrylics, Auburn.

Leslie Brasher watercolors, prints and notecards, Auburn.

Jeffrey Bern - acrylic on canvas; animal subjects, Montgomery.

Talia Lumpkin handmade plant-based soaps and skin care products, Fairhope.

Bryan Ross - stained glass, Loachapoka.

Loretta Brown watercolor tie-dyed clothing, Fairhope.

Mary William spottery, Auburn.

ART BY LESLIE BRASHER

By Maggie Caraway For the Opelika Observer

Protect with 3! ✔ Tdap ✔ HPV ✔ MCV4 Protect your patients against vaccine preventable diseases.

As healthcare professionals, it is up to you to ensure your patients remain up to date with their vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommend the following vaccines for adolescents: • • • •

Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis Human papillomavirus Meningococcal disease Influenza

For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

Upcoming Events: June 5 - Touch-A-Truck June 5 - Burger Wars June 7 - 11 - Opelika Theatre Co & O Grows Summer Camp

Winners announced in 46th annual Heritage Cooking Contest CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

O

n a recent perfect spring afternoon, the Lee County Farmer’s Federation Women’s Leadership Committee met for its annual Heritage Cooking Contest and sewing competition at the Mount Olive Primitive Baptist Church. The annual contest spotlights Alabama commodities and agricultural products.

Each year the Women’s division selects a different category for the contest.

Homemade candy was the featured theme this year.

Jackie Henderson won first place; Mary Richburg received second place and Jamie Lazenby placed third. Henderson will compete in the state contest this fall.

Henderson has been making the winning Peanut Butter Easter Eggs for 20 years for her family.

She has three children, four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

The Peanut Butter Easter Eggs recipe makes a delicious and attractive treat. A creamy filling is embellished with peanut butter and then coated with melted chocolate bark. The eggs can be made in different sizes and decorated as desired.

A member of the Women’s Leadership Committee for 18 years, Henderson also placed first in the quilt, pillow and patriotic lap blanket competition.

She has been sewing for 65 years.

Mary Richburg, who is chairman of the Women’s group, prepared Salted Nut Butter Cups for the second-place winning entry. Mary selected this recipe since she is trying to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into

the foods she prepares.

“The use of bananas in a candy recipe intrigued me,” said Mary. “I like the flavor combination of peanut butter, chocolate and banana. The filling texture was not as firm as I expected. The candy is best served the day it is prepared.”

Mary has been a member for over 16 years. She and her husband, Mahlon, have a hay production and registered Angus and SimAngus cattle operation.

Mary enjoys canning and freezing vegetables in the summer months.

The Richburgs both taught in Auburn City Schools for 40 years.

Mahlon taught agriscience at Auburn Junior High and Auburn High School, while Mary was an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor.

They have two children,

Overcoming Allergens and Anaphylaxis, Together

By Kinley Beshers For the Opelika Observer National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month has circled back around, and this time, let’s take initiative to better acknowledge, understand and overcome food allergies.

See ALLERGENS, page A14

SULLY

Winners in the 46th annual Heritage Cooking Contest are, from left, Jackie Henderson, first place; Mary Richburg, second place; and Jamie Lazenby, third place. Homemade candy was the category for this year’s contest. Henderson will compete in the state contest this fall.

George and Katie.

Lazenby’s Simply Almond Chocolate received third place honors. This recipe is easy and goes together quickly. The chocolate is best placed in clear plastic bags or tins to give for gifts.

Lazenby has been involved in the Women’s Leadership Committee for many years and has placed numerous times in the cooking contest.

Lazenby and her husband Harry operated the La-ZBee for many years. They have three children and 10 grandchildren.

A different category is given each year for the

annual Heritage Cooking Contest. Categories in past years have included pound cakes, soups, appetizers, pies, cookies and many others.

The Women’s Leadership Group donates to various charities. They have collected towels for Big House, donate to the Battered Women Shelter and the Veterans’ Association. They generally keep a project going all the time.

The Women’s Division was organized to promote agricultural products and commodities, as well as to provide an opportunity for women to participate ac-

tively in policy making.

Ann Whatley is secretary for the Lee County group and is on the board as a member at large for the Alabama Farmers Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee.

After winners were announced in the cooking and sewing competition, a light supper was served.

Following are the winning recipes along with a few others from the first-place winner and an assortment of other recipes from around the state.

See CIPPERLY, page A11

The Sound Wall is back with live music!

By Maggie Caraway For the Opelika Observer Hosted and presented by The Sound Wall, four musical events will be held during the month of June. These events feature a number of talented artists, garden party, a silent auction, food, drinks and more. Enjoy the inspiring yet cozy atmosphere The Sound Wall creates while listening to euphonious music, eating top-

notch food and appreciating the company of others during the month of June.

The Sound Wall is located at 605 Ave. B in Opelika, Alabama.

The Sound Wall

was born from a rock/ folk couple’s dream of having the ultimate space for working and living. Rob and Jen Slocumb, otherwise known as Martha’s See SOUND, page A12

A8 May 20, 2021

s I’ve said before, I’m an Alabama girl, born and raised in Alexander City (“Eleck” City to the natives).

Therefore, I dearly love fried foods. I’ve always said that a Southerner could eat ANYTHING that’s fried; even a shoe could be palatable with the right amount of Wesson Oil. However, I have to admit that when I heard from my friend Lynda, who is my piano teacher, that Jim Bob’s on Frederick Road in Tigertown was serving breakfast, including fried biscuits, I was a little skeptical. After all, my Grandma Patton, daddy’s mama, cooked light, fluffy biscuits that almost floated right off the plate. Her biscuits were perfection, and you don’t mess with perfection.

To be honest, I was WRONG. Mike and I recently ate breakfast at Jim Bob’s in Tigertown.

Owner Steve Ferrell coined the phrase, “The best biscuit you’ll ever have.” In the words of my much older brother Jim, “He ain’t wuffin’.” Forgive me, Grandma Patton, but Mr. Ferrell spoke the truth. These amazingly delicious fried biscuits

were made for us by Chef Jim Spain; Jim and his wife Amy both work at Jim Bob’s.

Amy is also the daughter of my sweet friend Lynda, who plays the piano beautifully at our church, Central Baptist of Opelika.

When Mike and I arrived at Jim Bob’s a little after 9 a.m., Lisa, one of the restaurant’s employees, warmly greeted us and described all of the full

breakfast items. All of Jim Bob’s employees were so sweet and helpful. I chose the biscuit combo, which included an indescribably delicious sausage and cheese fried biscuit, hash browns and a drink. I also chose a second side, cheese grits. Mike picked the

WD Ramble Scramble breakfast bowl, which had eggs, cheese, bacon and Conecuh sausage, made in the great state of Alabama.

We also split a half dozen “doughbillies,” which are fried biscuits cut in quarters and dipped in your choice of six toppings: powdered sugar, cinnamon and sugar, maple syrup, honey or chocolate.

Mike chose cinnamon and sugar, and I picked

chocolate. Oh, my.

Trust me: Run, do not walk, to Jim Bob’s on Frederick Road in Tigertown. Chef Jim and the rest of the cooking staff at Jim Bob’s really know how to serve up a delicious, down home breakfast.

Another great thing about Jim Bob’s is that

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PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE

A

Making the Grade: Jim Bob’s in Tigertown

you can actually come in, sit down and have breakfast with your family or friends. It was so homey, comfortable and NORMAL after the last 15 months of this terrible pandemic. Mike and I met some really sweet Opelika natives and enjoyed chatting with them, particularly with Shell, a funny, brave school bus driver.

(All bus drivers are brave and are my heroes.) Also, three couples came in as Mike and I were finishing our meal. When they heard that I worked for the Opelika Observer, one of the delightful ladies asked Mike if he would mind taking a picture

of her and her friends.

Of course, my sweet husband obliged.

Jim Bob’s at Tigertown serves breakfast from 6-11 a.m. I’m particularly happy that breakfast is served until 11 a.m. because this retired person doesn’t like to get up early; I never did.

Come out and enjoy a fabulous breakfast at Jim Bob’s. As the old saying goes, “It’s so good, it’ll make you slap your Grandma.”

Please, before you email my boss, let me explain that I would NEVER have slapped my grandmothers; I loved them dearly. The saying just means that it

would take something terrific to make anyone do such an unthinkable act. In this day and age, I thought it best to explain.

Jim Bob’s in Tigertown makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher.

Remember, “Poohsized” people never lie about food. Enjoy!

Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner.

Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in the Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@ gmail.com

A9 May 20, 2021

A10 May 20, 2021

O'Grows Farmers Market returns to Opelika

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Buy fresh, local fruits and vegetables at The OGrows Farmers Market (1103 Glenn Street), happening every Tuesday, May through September from 3 to 6 p.m.

A11 May 20, 2021

RECIPES

>>

PEANUT BUTTER EASTER EGGS First Place Winner Jackie Henderson 1½ cups butter or margarine, softened ¾ cup crunchy peanut butter 1 ½ Tbsp. light corn syrup ½ tsp. vanilla extract 1 ½ to two 16-oz. pkg. powdered sugar, sifted Half of a 24 oz. pkg. chocolate flavored candy coating Decorator’s Frosting (recipe follows) Combine butter, peanut butter, corn syrup and vanilla; mix at low speed of an electric mixer until mixture is smooth and well blended.

Gradually add powdered sugar until mixture is no longer sticky and can be handled with hands.

Divide mixture into six portions. Shape each portion into an oval shape with a flat bottom.

Place portions on paper towels. Cover loosely and let sit at room temperature for 12 hours.

Place candy coating in top of a double boiler.

Bring water to a boil; reduce heat to low. Let simmer until chocolate coating is melted.

Carefully dip bottom of each egg into coating.

Place on wax paper. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Place eggs on a wire rack over wax paper.

Spoon coating over eggs, letting excess drip on wax paper. (Excess candy coating can be reused by melting over simmering water.) Place coated eggs in refrigerator for 15 minutes or until firm.

Prepare Decorator Frosting and fill decorating bags. Decorate as desired. Makes six half pound eggs. Mixture can be shaped into smaller eggs.

Decorator Frosting ¼ cup shortening 2 cups sifted powdered sugar 3 Tbsp. milk Paste food coloring, optional Cream shortening in a mixing bowl; gradually add powdered sugar alternately with milk until desired consistency. Color portions of frosting with paste food coloring, if desired.

SALTED NUT BUTTER CUPS Second Place Winner Mary Richburg 1 ripe medium banana ¼ cup peanut butter 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate 2-3 Tbsp. kosher or sea salt Two mini muffin pans 24 mini muffin pan liners Line 2 mini muffin pans with paper or foil liners.

Mash 1 ripe banana with ¼ cup peanut butter. Other nut butters may be substituted.

Melt 12 ounces of

semi-sweet chocolate.

Drop scant teaspoon of chocolate into each liner, spreading if needed.

Spoon one teaspoon of peanut butter/banana mixture on top of chocolate.

Top with about 1 teaspoon chocolate, spreading to cover the peanut butter/banana mixture.

Sprinkle each cup with kosher or sea salt to taste.

Freeze until firm.

Makes 24 pieces.

SIMPLY ALMOND CHOCOLATE Third Place Winner Jamie Lazenby 1 cup almonds, toasted 20 oz. pkg. chocolate almond bark 1 ½ Tbsp. shortening Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper; set aside.

Melt chocolate and shortening until smooth.

Add toasted almonds; stir until mixed.

Spread on parchment paper; chill.

Break onto serving pieces.

Other Recipe Favorites From FirstPlace Winner Jackie Henderson BERRY DELICIOUS BREAD Jackie Henderson 10 oz. pkg. frozen strawberries, thawed 3/4 cup sugar 2/3 cup oil 2 eggs 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. soda ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. cinnamon 3/4 cup chopped nuts Glaze: 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 to 2 drops red food coloring, optional 1 Tbsp. milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour bottom only of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine strawberries, sugar, oil and eggs; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.

Add remaining ingredients; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool upright in pan for 15 minutes; loosen edges. Remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.

Glaze: In a small bowl, combine all glaze ingredients; mix until smooth. Drizzle glaze over cooled loaf.

Store tightly covered in refrigerator.

THE CHEESY BOWL Jackie Henderson 8 oz. block Col-

by-Jack cheese, shredded 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 2 (8 oz.) pkgs. bacon bits 1 ½ cups light mayonnaise ½ cup onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 26 oz. round loaf bread Stir together all ingredients except bread; set aside. Hollow cut bread, reserving torn pieces. Spoon dip into bread; place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

Serve with torn bread or sliced apples or chips. Makes 3½ cups.

Light mayonnaise produces a creamier dip. Do not substitute regular mayonnaise.

CHEESY SPINACH AND BACON DIP Jackie Henderson 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained 1 lb. (16 oz.)

Velveeta pasteurized cheese product, cut into ½-inch cubes 4 oz. (1/2 of 8 oz. pkg.) cream cheese, cut up 1 can (10 oz.) Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, not drained 8 slices bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled Combine ingredients in microwave bowl.

Microwave on high 5 minutes or until Velveeta is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 3 minutes.

Here is a sampling of former winning recipes from around the state.

FIRST PLACE STATE 2009 CHICKEN SALAD ROLL-UPS Helen Summers, Marshall County 3 ½ cups cooked, chopped white chicken ½ cup mayonnaise 3 Tbsp. honey mustard 1 cup sweet pepper and apple relish 1 cup chopped seedless grapes Salt and pepper to taste Flour tortillas Mix first four ingredients, salt and pepper; add grapes.

Spoon onto tortillas, roll and slice. Garnish as desired.

SECOND PLACE STATE 2009 GAME DAY APPETIZER TRIO Carol Knight, Randolph County Easy Chicken Dip 2 (10 oz.) cans chunk chicken, drained 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese ¾ cup mayonnaise

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies 2 Tbsp. diced jalapeno peppers 1 cup Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine all ingredients except Parmesan cheese. Bake in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick spray for about 20 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and return to oven until cheese is bubbly. Serve with assorted crackers and focaccia bread.

Hot Chicken Dip 2 (10 oz.) cans chunk chicken, drained 8 oz. cream cheese ¾ cup hot wing sauce 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup ranch salad dressing Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a 9x13inch pan that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Cook about 20 minutes or until heated thoroughly. Served with assorted crackers and focaccia bread.

Easy Chicken Biscuits 1 pkg. frozen tea biscuits (baked according to pkg. directions) 4 large boneless chicken breasts 8 oz. cream cheese 1/3 cup mayonnaise 2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish Poppy seeds for garnish, optional Cook and shred chicken breasts. Add cream cheese, mayonnaise and relish. Split biscuits and spoon chicken salad inside.

Sprinkle with poppy seeds, if desired.

MARINATED CHEESE SQUARES Tracy Bentley, Shelby County ½ cup canola oil ½ cup white wine vinegar 4 oz. pimentos 2 green onions, chopped 1 Tbsp. garlic, minced 1 Tbsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. dried oregano 1 Tbsp. dried dill weed ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 1 Tbsp. Vidalia onions, chopped 1 Tbsp. bell peppers, chopped ½ cup parsley, chopped 8 oz. cream cheese 16 oz. cheddar cheese In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine oil, wine vinegar, pimentos, onions, garlic, sugar, oregano, dill weed, green onions, bell pepper, parsley, salt and pepper. Shake vigorously to blend. Set aside.

Slice the cheddar cheese into half lengthwise. Cut crosswise into ¼-inch to form squares.

Repeat with cream cheese.

Arrange squares alternately in a shallow baking dish with slices standing on edge.

You can arrange them in one or two rows, depending on the dish.

Pour marinade over cheese slices; cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours overnight.

Serve with crackers.

CHICKEN DRUMETTES Nancy Reid, Russell County 1 lb. drumettes ¾ cup hot sauce (Frank’s Louisiana or sauce of your choice) 1 ½ tsp. cornstarch ½ cup butter Whisk hot sauce, cornstarch and butter together in small saucepan. Cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes until sauce thickens.

Toss drumettes in half of sauce; spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes, then toss in remaining sauce and serve. Let cool slightly before eating.

STUFFED MUSHROOMS Lillian Slay, Chambers County 1 lb. mushrooms, rinsed and dried 1 Tbsp. canola oil 1 ½ oz. bacon bits ¼ lb. fully cooked ham, ground 1 medium tomato, finely chopped 1 cup onion and garlic croutons, crushed 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 Tbsp. minced parsley ½ tsp. dried oregano ½ tsp. Creole seasonings Pimento, if desired Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Remove stems from mushrooms; chop and sauté in canola oil over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Place caps aside. Mix cooked stems with remaining ingredients. Stuff caps. Garnish with pimento if desired.

Place stuffing side up in lightly greased jelly roll baking pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Cool on rack or paper towels.

FIESTA TATER SKINS Connie Sewell, Etowah County 8-10 baking potatoes 1 lb. ground beef 1 pkg. taco seasonings 1 tomato, peeled and chopped 1 pkg. shredded taco (Mexican) cheese blend Scrub potatoes, bake and let cool. Brown meat; drain fat and add taco seasoning. Cut potatoes in half and scoop out pulp to within ¼ -inch of skins. Set

aside additional potato pulp for another recipe.

Top potato skins with meat mixture, chopped tomatoes, ripe olives and grated cheese. Place in 350-degree oven until cheese melts, about 10 minutes.

Dip 8 oz. carton sour cream ½ cup chunky salsa 1 Tbsp. taco seasoning Mix sour cream, salsa and 1 Tbsp. taco seasonings to make a dipping sauce for potato skins.

PICANTE-GOAT CHEESE APPETIZER Sharon Bridges, Limestone County 4 Tbsp. butter 1 cup crushed Ritz or Townhouse crackers 6 oz. goat cheese 2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese 3 eggs ¼ cup self-rising flour ½ tsp. salt 1 cup sour cream ¼ cup picante sauce ½ cup chopped green onions ¼ cup chopped tamed jalapeno peppers ¾ cup chopped pecans, toasted Hot sauce to taste Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter bottom and sides of 10-inch spring form pan. Mix melted butter and crumbled crackers together; press in bottom of pan.

In a bowl, blend together cream cheese, goat cheese, eggs, flour, salt, sour cream, picante sauce and hot sauce.

Fold in ½ cup pecans, jalapenos and onions.

Pour into pan and bake for 30 minutes.

Add remaining ¼ cup pecans on top and cook 30 additional minutes. Place on a dish and surround cheesecake appetizer with crackers.

DELICIOUS VEGETABLE APPETIZER Delores Mount, Crenshaw County 1 pkg. Pillsbury crescent rolls ½ cup mayonnaise 8 oz. cheese, softened 1 pkg. dry ranch dressing mix ¼ cup bell pepper, finely chopped 1 cup cauliflower, finely chopped 1 cup broccoli, finely chopped 1 cup tomatoes, finely chopped ½ cup carrots, finely chopped Unroll crescent rolls.

Spread on a 11 x 16inch baking pan sealing the perforations. Bake 12 to 15 minutes in 300-degree oven. While this cools, use a quart bowl to mix mayonnaise, cream cheese and ranch dressing until smooth. Spread mixture over baked pastry. In a quart bowl, mix vegetables, except tomatoes, and spread on top of cream cheese mixture.

Press down lightly.

Place tomatoes on top. Chill and cut into squares.

A12 May 20, 2021

Travis Tritt, Emmylou Harris to perform at Sweetland Gates open at 5:30 p.m; concert starts at 7 p.m.

Box office opens at noon.

Get ready, concert TICKET PRICES fans, as live music Sky Box $126.50 returns to Sweetland

Amphitheatre in 2021.

Pit Orchestra $86.50 Located in the heart

of historic downtown Terrace Box $76.50 LaGrange in Boyd

Park, the popular Reserved $56.50 open-air concert venue - $66.50 will host a full concert

schedule in 2021. The Lawn $30.00 season kicks off Friday,

July 16, with Travis Three decades after Tritt and continues on Travis Tritt launched Saturday, July 24, as his music career, the Emmylou Harris takes Southern rock-influthe stage. Both of these enced artist continues concerts are reschedto sell out shows and uled dates from the stays true and relevant 2020 concert season, to country music fans which were postponed across the globe. The due to the COVID-19 highly abbreviated Tritt global health pandemic. timeline started when Tickets for both conthe young Marietta, certs go on sale Friday, Georgia, native incorMay 14 at 10 a.m. porated his lifelong Additional shows for influences of Southern the 2021 season will be rock, blues and gospel announced. into his country during a honky-tonk apprenFRIDAY, JULY 16 ticeship that led him to TRAVIS TRITT Warner Bros. in 1989.

Tritt’s albums, seven of

Contributed

by Sweetland Amphitheatre

SOUND >>

FROM A7

Trouble, spent many hours on the road touring and performing and often found themselves in need of a rehearsal space. After realizing rehearsing from their house and renting out storage spaces was less than ideal – and dreaming of a place where their creativity could blossom, they purchased a historical Victorian-style home in downtown Opelika, Alabama. The building needed many hours of labor to make the space even livable including new plumbing, new electrical, heating and air conditioning in conjunction with other things. After a year,

Martha’s Trouble had turned their dream into a reality and was ready to welcome artists searching for the same thing they were – a space to be creative.

In a convenient spot, located one and a half hours from Atlanta and two hours from Birmingham, artists have found solace within the bones of the Sound Wall. The building creates a homey environment for artists to record, rehearse, create or simply be inspired.

With two studio rooms on the first floor, a one-bedroom apartment on the second floor and a gourmet kitchen there is more than enough space to house people looking for the perfect music-infused escape.

About the Events

which are certified platinum or higher, led him to amass more than 30 million in career album sales, two GRAMMY® Awards, four CMA Awards, an invitation to become a member of the world’s famous Grand Ole Opry and a devoted fan base that has filled venues coast-to-coast. Travis Tritt is dubbed one of “The Class of ‘89,” which included Country music superstars Garth Brooks, Clint Black and Alan Jackson, all of whom dominated the charts in the early ‘90s.

Among his eleven studio albums and numerous charted singles are nineteen Top 10 hits, including “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde,” “Here’s A Quarter,” and “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.” Tritt’s talents, however, are not limited to music, as he has also appeared in numerous feature films and TV shows throughout his extraordinary career.

Award-winning singer-songwriter Korby Lenker takes the stage on June 4 at 7 p.m.

Aside from recently creating and starring in the scripted series called “Morse Code,” Lenker has graced the stage for years. He has worked hard for his success by winning the Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Contest, MerleFest, Kerrville and becoming a New Song Contest Finalist. Additionally, Lenker has shared the stage with music legends Willie Nelson, Ray Lamontagne, Nickel Creek and others. Tickets are $10 and available at eventbrite.com.

Accomplished artist Bryan Elijah Smith takes the stage two days later on June 6 at 6 p.m.

Smith’s unique sound

SATURDAY, JULY 24 - EMMYLOU HARRIS Gates open at 6:30 p.m; concert starts at 8 p.m. Box office opens at noon.

TICKET PRICES Sky Box $126.50

Pit Orchestra $79.50

Terrace Box $69.50

Reserved $64.50 - $ 69.50

Lawn $32.50 A 14-time Grammy winner and Billboard Century Award recipient, Emmylou Harris’ contribution as a singer and songwriter spans 40 years. She has recorded more than 25 albums and has lent her talents to countless fellow artists’ recordings. In recognition of her remarkable career, Harris was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008 and earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 2018.

Known for her eloquently straightforward songwriting and her incomparably expressive singing, Harris shook up country radio in the 1970s, and established

herself as the premiere songwriter of a generation selling more than 15 million records and garnering 14 Grammy Awards, three CMA Awards and four Americana Awards.

As one of the most admired and influential women in music she has recorded with such diverse artists as Linda Ronstadt, Daniel Lanois, Bob Dylan, Mark Knopfler, Neil Young, Gram Parsons, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Ryan Adams, Beck, Elvis Costello, Johnny Cash, Lucinda Williams, Lyle Lovett and Rodney Crowell.

Tickets for both concerts go on sale Friday, May 14, at 10 a.m.

Tickets may be purchased online through Sweetland Amphitheatre’s website at www. sweetlandamp.com.

Sweetland Amphitheatre’s 2021 concert season would not be possible without our amazing sponsors, including Kia, LaGrange Grocery Company, Callaway Foundation, Inc., Mallory Agency, Jackson Services, Houze Employee Benefits, Wingate by Wyndham, Thornton & Graham,

P.C., Southern Cart and Wellroot.

Sweetland Amphitheatre will announce additional concerts for the 2021 season in the weeks ahead. For more details on upcoming shows, please visit www.sweetlandamp. com or call 706-2985434.

About Sweetland Amphitheatre As the tall pines sway to the rhythm of a southern breeze, the South’s sweetest stage, Sweetland Amphitheatre, welcomes music fans to experience award-winning and internationally known performers. The venue, which opened in Spring 2016 and is owned and operated by the Downtown Development Authority of the city of LaGrange, Sweetland Amphitheatre is centrally located in the heart of historic downtown LaGrange, Georgia, in Boyd Park. The 2,500 seat amphitheatre provides an intimate openair concert setting for star-studded performances and community events within walking distance of restaurants, shops, hotels and attractions.

has been compared to Bruce Springsteen, Kings of Leon and even Gregory Alan Isakov.

Smith’s newest work, 12-track album “In Through the Dark,” won second place in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest 2019 as well as first place in the Unsigned Only 2019 international songwriting contest and is featured in the Netflix hit series “Virgin River.” Tickets are $10 and available at eventbrite. com.

June 19 is an exciting day at the Sound Wall because the Inaugural Garden Party benefiting the Sound Wall Music Initiative takes place at 7 p.m. Enjoy a night in the garden under lantern-light. The night’s events include catering

by Chef Chris Wilton, a cash bar, silent auction, concert by Dan Navarro and Ben Danaher and a whisky tasting supplied by John Emerald Distilling Company.

Becoming a party host and filling a table for eight would lead to several benefits including a VIP pre-party meet and greet with the night’s artists, the ability to name and decorate your table and the potential to win a prize for the best tablescape.

Rounding out the month of June is Texas native, Ally Venable, taking the stage on June 24 at 7 p.m. Venable’s goal is to bring the light back into the music industry that was plagued with darkness during the pandemic that hit last year. Her

recent release “Heart Of Fire” ignites a sense of hope that we all could use during these times.

Influenced by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Miranda Lambert, Venable landed a spot on the Top 10 charts and ETX Awards, but the biggest moment of her career was earning the No. 2 spot on Billboard's Blues chart for her album “Texas Honey.”

Still in her early twenties, Venable’s musical career looks bright.

Tickets are $20 and available at eventbrite. com.

The Sound Wall is located at 605 Ave. B in Opelika, Alabama.

For more information or questions, contact Krista Mettler at kristamettler@skyemediaonline.com.

A13 May 20, 2021

P

art of Paul’s prayer for the disciples at Thessalonica is that “our God may make you worthy of His calling” (2 Thessalonians 1:11).

He prays the same sort of thing for disciples elsewhere (Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:10). Interestingly, this passage is singular in the sense that it is the only place where God’s role in the process is specifically addressed (rather than assumed).

What exactly is Paul asking for with this request?

Some of us flinch at the idea of being “worthy.”

Maybe we think about Jesus’ words, “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We

CHURCH CALENDAR CHURCH OF CHRIST The church at Cunningham Drive are meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

ST. MARYS CATHOLIC CHURCH/ ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH SMCC is having Daily Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. and on weekends they are distributing holy Communion on Sundays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Mass is also held on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Church over in Auburn. For more information people can call the office at 334-749-8359 or go to the parish website: stmarysopelika.org.

UNION GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH In-person gathering with social distancing.

Masks are available.

Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m.

Services are streamed live on Facebook — the page is UGBChurch FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OPELIKA The following are held in-person and online on Sundays: - 8:30 & 11 a.m. Traditional Service in The Worship Center - 9:45 a.m. Contemporary Service in The 3:16 Center - 6 p.m. Evening Service in The Worship Center Watch services online at fbcopelika.com.

Worthy of the Lord are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty” (Luke 17:10). When disciples celebrate the Lord’s Supper every week it reminds us of how God did through Jesus what we couldn’t do for ourselves. We were rescued from sin, death, and hell.

We’ve been saved by grace—we’re not worthy! With God’s help, we won’t get caught up in the chest-thumping, strutting spirit of the Pharisees “who were confident of their own righteousness” (Luke 18:9). In this sense, we will always be unworthy and look to Jesus for our righteousness.

And yet, Paul tells the Corinthians to observe the supper in a worthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:26).

By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

What does that mean? As the language suggests, it has to do with the way they took the meal rather than their status. They were to take it in a way that was consistent with Jesus’ sacrifice. For the Corinthians, that meant their failure to share the food they ate in a common meal before the supper (v.

21-22) disqualified them from participating in a

Supper that proclaimed Christ’s selflessness in the giving of His body and blood for all! Paul said whatever they were doing when they took the emblems—they were not taking the Supper! (v. 20.

“Discerning the body of Christ” (v. 29) had more to do than appreciating Christ’s sacrifice—it meant recognizing the brother or sister they were thumbing their noses at was part of Christ’s body.

To eat worthily then, was to do it in a manner consistent with Christ’s loving sacrifice.

In the same way, being “worthy of His calling” means we live in a way or manner that is consistent with our salvation. We’ve been saved by grace—we

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN

live graciously. We were rescued by love—we live compassionately. We’ve been called by our Holy Father—we live as wholly His. When we live consistently on a consistent basis—that is maturity. This is what Paul is praying we will allow God to move us toward in our lives.

We pray for lots of things and that’s good.

But to pray for the things the Scripture points us to—that’s even better.

Someone said, “Powerful prayers are woven with God’s word.”

Discerning prayer produces deeper disciples.

Bruce has written a book on the model prayer called Praying in the Reign. It is available through 21st Century Christian.

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

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

The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil. — Proverbs 10:29 Church Directory APOSTOLIC HOLINESS Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc 28 Sanford AvE., Opelika 334-745-0210 God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528 Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D 334-758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta 334-742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy 334-749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. 334-749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. 334-745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy 334-7498676 BAPTIST Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Road, Valley 334-710-2177 Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B 706-4421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. 334-444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave 334-742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. 334-745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd 334-745-4865 Central Baptist Church

Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

1611 2nd Ave. 334-745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. 334-745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. 334-7422008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr 334-749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. 334-887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika 314 S. 9th St. 334-745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-7452905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-7453600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-7455340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224

Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church

CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-7499112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. 334-749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. 334-745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. 334-826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. 334-742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A 334-745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 334-745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 334-749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist

5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.d.a. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151 200 26th St. 334-745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. 334-745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-7418675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-7495386 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488

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Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003

A14 May 20, 2021

ALLERGENS>>

FROM A7

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America dedicated May 9 - 15 as Food Allergy Awareness Week.

Food allergies affect many more people than commonly believed. In fact, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) gathered results that conclude food allergies can affect as many as 32 million Americans, including six million children.

When a body consumes food that it mistakenly believes is harmful, it will release massive amounts of chemicals and produce an immune system response to that food, which is then referred to as an allergen.

These allergens can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin and the cardiovascular system, according to the FAACT. Most of these responses involve physical reactions from skin, eyes, mouth, throat, brain, heart and lungs, however the most common reaction to food allergies is throat twinges or swelling.

Opelika resident and mother, Leigh Ann Parker has been through the ups and downs, the growth and learning and some of the most treacherous and traumatic experiences regarding food allergies.

Parker discovered

her son, Sully, had food allergies at the early age of nine months.

One year, for a big Father’s Day breakfast, Parker fed Sully scrambled eggs, without thinking twice about it.

Parker said Sully ate them quickly, and was fine for the few moments after. But as time passed, he began itching and his eyes started swelling shut.

After rushing him to the ER, Sully was given epinephrine to keep his throat from closing.

Reactions like the one Sully was having occur like a domino effect. After consuming these allergens, the tongue tingles and the throat swells, causing the lungs to have a shortage of oxygen. As this is happening, the brain can get anxious and begin to panic.

“That same year, the day after Christmas, we were out of town at my mom’s, and I gave him a bite of my Larabar,” Parker said. “This time, his reaction was worse with him itching, vomiting and wheezing.”

Reactions can occur within a few minutes of allergen consumption or up to two hours after – similar to Sully’s first experience.

These allergic episodes can be short and easily manageable or longer in duration and life-threatening.

For anyone with food allergies, including children, this is-

sue can be especially tough to cope with.

For parents of children, however, the difficulties are incredibly comparable.

Parker said it tends to be harder when Sully is around other children or in events and settings that revolve around food.

“I follow him around as he plays making sure that he’s not picking up food that was dropped by others, as it could lead to an emergency room visit or worse if he ate some of the foods kids often eat,” Parker said.

Heather S., from AllergyEats.com, expresses similar issues that her parents experienced.

“I thought it was easy, but my parents did not,” Heather S., said. “They were constantly protecting me, worrying what was in the packaged food and what was in the food another child brought into class.”

Food allergies most commonly stay prevalent throughout childhood years, but improve as the body ages.

However, though these allergies tend to improve, they can also worsen with time, sometimes developing into a new allergy.

“After high school, I developed allergies to wheat, dairy and a life threatening allergy to tomato,” Heather S. said. “My childhood food allergies were nothing compared to my new

ones.”

Parker said she was referred to the allergy specialist at Children’s Hospital of Alabama twice a year to test for any signs of improvement or outgrowth of Sully’s allergies.

Throughout her journey with Sully, Parker said she is grateful for the people who are knowledgeable and have helped her learn about food allergies in the process – her experience has made her want to learn and share more information about the issue.

Parker said she tries her best to ensure that her child always feels “special” when he is with his friends.

For birthday parties, Parker bakes special cupcakes specifically for Sully to ensure that he can still eat treats with the other children.

Although these instances are tough to cope with, many tips, medicines and treatments, recipes and sharing sites are available to help better ease people through their food allergies.

“We had our first appointment and were overloaded with information, nose sprays, Claritin, Epipens, creams and puffers,” said Kristin Lee-Campbell, mother of two children with food allergies, in her article on stuff. co.nz.

Campbell said she chooses to keep her home allergen free, not allowing any

consumption of nut or egg because of the chance of cross-contamination.

Parker usually spends extra time meal prepping for Sully, using ingredients such as almond milk, vegan cheese and coconut yogurt to achieve similar tastes in recipes.

“While this is not the childhood we would have hoped for our Sully, we are very thankful to live in an area where we can buy safe substitutes,” Parker said.

In the name of Food Allergy Awareness Week, Parker shared two fun, go-to recipes (listed below) that she and her family enjoy, without any fears of a reaction.

Vegan Waffles Ingredients: - 1.5 cup vegan milk - 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 0.5 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1/4 cup melted vegan butter - 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract Directions: - combine vinegar, milk and vanilla and set aside for 5 minutes to create vegan “buttermilk” - sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl - add in sugar, melted butter and “buttermilk” - gently combine (lumps are okay) - scoop into pre-

heated waffle maker - cook and enjoy Cinnamon Sugar Vegan Doughnuts Ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 0.5 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 0.5 cup vegan milk plus another 2 tablespoons if needed - 1 tablespoon applesauce - 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Topping Ingredients: - 0.5 cups granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup melted vegan butter Directions: - preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a donut pan with nonstick spray - whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in large bowl - add in milk, applesauce, melted vegan butter and vanilla and mix well - spoon batter into donut pan, being sure not to overfill - bake 9 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown For the topping: - stir together cinnamon and sugar in a bowl - in a separate bowl, melt vegan butter - dip cooked donuts into melted butter and dip into cinnamon sugar mixture.

never missed a chance to celebrate it. She will be missed and cherished by her brother William Johnson and her children Brent (Melanie) Truitt, Brian Truitt and Christy (Bo) Short. Along with five wonderful grandchildren, Brittany Truitt, Parker Short, Hunter Short, Lauren Short and Trent Truitt.

A memorial service was held Tuesday May 18, 2021 at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Lee County Humane Society, as she never met a stray animal she didn' t take in, or to a charity of your choosing.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

Salem, Alabama. Helen loved the Lord, enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, and spending time with her family that she adored.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Benny L. Gullatt, and a brother, Dolph Hillyer.

Helen is survived by her children, Belinda Gullatt, Brannon Gullatt, Barry Gullatt (Theresa) and Jeff Gullatt (Kimberly), grandchildren, Malik Brown, Grace Gullatt, Nathan Gullatt, Mary Gullatt, Silas Gullatt, great grandchildren, Alaysia Brown, sisters, Peggy Bryce (Harrison), Bobbie Watkins (Arlie), brother, Billy Hillyer (Linda), sister-in-law, Sandra Hillyer.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church from 10 until 10:45 a.m. The church is located at Lee Road 401 in Salem, Alabama.

Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Richie Ashburn officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

OBITUARIES Michael Don Shonesy Michael Don Shonesy passed away on May 10, 2021 in Opelika. Mike was born on Feb. 5, 1943 to Don and Martha Shonesy (Ward) in Anniston, Alabama. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Auburn University at Montgomery. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years and after retiring, he began a career with Civil Service in Huntsville, Alabama, from which he retired after 23 years.

Mike is survived by his wife of 40 years, Linda Bigger Shonesy, children: Amy Shonesy, Brian Shonesy (Alicia), Belinda Doeppe (Edward) and Michael Shonesy, Jr., a sister, Mona Whiteside (Christopher) and several grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Willodene Gilchrist Bailey Willodene Gilchrist Bailey, born Aug. 4, 1921, passed away May 10 at Opp Health and Rehab, Opp, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roy Bailey and brother James Gilchrist. Mrs. Bailey is survived by her siblings: Richard Gilchrist (Charlotte) of Opp, Alabama, Sydney Gilchrist (Tina) of Nashville, Tennessee, along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 15 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with burial following in Garden Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: First Baptist Opelika 301 S. 8th St. Opelika, Alabama 36801.

Horace Roland Hayes Horace Roland Hayes of Valley, Alabama and formerly of Prattville, Alabama was born in

Birmingham to the late Huey Mae Hayes and Roland Kirk Hayes on Feb. 14, 1937 and passed away at Bethany House on May 12, 2021. He was 84 years old.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 26 years, Alma Black Hayes, a step-son, Mike Black and daughter-in-law, Karen Hayes.

He is survived by his sons, Guy Hayes, Ray Hayes and Marty Hayes, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild, sisters, Brenda Hill Blair (Don) and Helen Frost (George), brother, Bobby Hayes (Cathy), devoted sister-in-law and caregiver, Debbie Hightower, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

Visitation was held on May 16, 2021 in the parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 2 until 2:45 p.m.

A graveside service was held at 3 p.m. on May 16, 2021 at Garden Hills Cemetery with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family would ask donations be made to Hospice Angels

665 Opelika Road, Ste. 200 Auburn, Alabama 36830.

Nancy Johnson Truitt It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Nancy Johnson Truitt. She passed away peacefully on May 15, 2021 after a tough fight with Congestive Heart Failure.

A longtime resident of Opelika, she devoted her life to her family and education. She was a teacher at Opelika High for 37 years. Many students knew her as "Momma T", but she was mostly known for teaching them a song that could help them recite the Presidents of the United States in order.

Her students were always very important to her.

Born Feb. 12, 1942 to Starling and Edna Johnson who precedes her in death. She was married to the late Lt. Brenton Truitt, of the Opelika Police Department, who lost his life while protecting the citizens of Opelika on June 3, 1970.

She loved life and

Helen Gullatt Helen Gullatt of Salem was born to the late Ruth and Stewart Hillyer in Opelika, Alabama on Jan. 9, 1937 and passed away at Bethany House on May 16, 2021. She was 84 years old.

She was a proud member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of

A15 May 20, 2021

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Proceeds To Support Backpack Meals at Food Bank of East Alabama *This event is being hosted by The Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation, a 501(C)3 Organization, operating under Chapter 3, Title 10A of the Alabama Code of 1975. For the safety of our guests and volunteers, we ask that all persons entering this event comply with CDC and State mandated guidelines, including but not limited to the use of masks, and maintaining of social distancing, when possible. All persons entering this event do so voluntarily, and at their own risk. Pursuant to Act 2021-4, signed into law by Governor Ivey on Feb 12, 2021, non-profit organizations are shielded from civil liability related to COVID exposure.

A16 May 20, 2021

COMICS

“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

S

S

School Board Meetings Auburn: June 8 at 6 p.m.

Lee County: June 8 at 6 p.m.

INSIDE • OPELIKA SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS

Opelika: June 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Road To State CONTRIBUTED BY ALLISON AIKENS

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

OHS football makes first impression

H

announced a month ago, they will offer girls flag football for all member schools. The Atlanta Falcons, The Blank Foundation and NFL are teaming up to help high schools get started by offering “grants” to high schools that apply.

Coach Button said the season will be in the fall and she is hoping for an eight game schedule – four games at home and four games on the road.

The team will consist of 23 players and two coaches. Games will be played at the field inside Sam Mason Track.

Tryouts were held Monday.

SCHOLARSHIPS Four OHS senior student-athletics signed scholarships last week.

Brandon Howard signed a basketball scholarship at Snead State. Trinity Love signed to run track at Auburn University.

Caleb Phillip and Dalen Torbert signed track scholarship’s at William Cary University.

CONGRATULATIONS! STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TRACK TEAM’S TO GET CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS The OHS indoor track team and the outdoor track team won State See SPORTS, page B4

Beulah’s Morris and Phillips lead championship push

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com Beulah softball is just getting started.

“I just feel like we are not done,” head coach Stan Pepper said. “We truly have not played our best game offensively and defensively at the

same time.”

The Bobcats have blistered their way through an area and regional tournament – finishing undefeated and first in

both – and now have their eyes set on a state title.

“Now it’s more of a See STATE, page B2

Opelika DawgPound performs on and off the field PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ANTHONY BRYANT

ead coach Erik Speakman decided to end spring practice by dividing the players into two teams, Red and Black.

Upcoming ninth graders practiced with the team during the spring and were apart of the game type scrimmage last Friday night. Speakman, appearing on “On the Mark” radio show, talked about replacing the many senior players that have been apart of the success of the last two years. Many positions, including quarterback, offensive lineman and running back are open due to graduation.

The controlled scrimmage ended in a lopsided score with team Red winning, 47-26. Speed seemed to be a positive during the scrimmage.

The Bulldogs will have a few weeks off before starting summer workouts. OHS will open the 2021 season, Aug. 20 against Callaway in LaGrange.

BUTTON NAMED FLAG FOOTBALL COACH OHS named Jaclyn Button as the NEW head Flag football coach last week. Coach Button is the head girls soccer coach and has helped with girls basketball in the past. The AHSAA

The Opelika DawgPound poses for a picture celebrating its performance in a seven on seven football competition in South Carolina on May 8.

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com The Opelika DawgPound begins its season in August, but

the work it does occurs year-round.

Continuing its work through the nonprofit, the Knee High Foundation, the DawgPound teams and

cheerleading squads are doing big things on the field and in the community.

Firstly, the 10U and 15U DawgPound teams competed in the G7

seven on seven Passing League and played in a tournament in South Carolina on May 8. The 15U finished in second See DAWGPOUND, page B4

Execellence. Innovation. Compassion.

Well Done Class of 2021!

East Alabama's "Go-To" Center For Orthopaedic Care Auburn 1800 Lakeside Circle, Auburn Opelika 18 Medical Arts Center 121 North 20th Street, Opelika

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B2 May 20, 2021

Breaking Records PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA PARKS AND REC The Opelika Parks and Rec track team competed in the ARPA State Track Meet on Sunday. The girls team came in second place while the boys placed fourth overall. Two of the girls broke state records. Caroline Couey won the 1600 meter for 11-12-year-old girls with a time of 6:16.73 (previous record was 6:20.72). Kaysee Dexter won in the shot put for 13-14-year-old girls with a distance of 22-08.00 (previous record 20-00.00).

Tigers tabbed two seed in Tallahassee Regional Contributed by AU Athletics Postseason bound for the 16th time in program history, the Auburn softball team

May 21. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m. CST on ESPN2. The host Seminoles (39-10-1) earned the overall 10th seed in the NCAA Tournament and will

just three hits.

On offense, Beulah took the lead after a fourrun outburst in the first inning. The Bobcats then followed that up with one in the third, three in the five and two in the sixth to end the game.

Six of the nine Beulah batters registered hits.

Phillips and Morris were as formidable as ever on the mound, but at the plate, they greeted the Panthers’ pitches with ease. Phillips ended her day 2-for-3 with a double, triple, three runs scored, one stolen base and two RBI’s.

“When she gets on base it’s hard to get her out,” Pepper said of Phillips. “When we need a clutch hit or something, Brandy always comes through for us.”

Morris went 2-for-2 with two RBI’s, two runs scored and two stolen bases. Amaya Dunn, Abrianna Green, Savanna Clements and Kassidy Kirby finished with one hit apiece.

Beulah had to work a little harder for its 2-1,

round two regional victory over the Pleasant Valley High School Raiders. Phillips and Morris were again on the mound for Beulah. The two were commanding, allowing just four hits for the game, with the only Raider run coming unearned, due in part to the Bobcats’ three errors.

The game was tied after two innings. Pleasant Valley then struck first in the bottom of the third to take a 1-0 lead. Beulah responded immediately with two runs in the top of the fourth to regain the lead. The Bobcats were stymied for the remainder of the game, however, the staunch pitching from Phillips and Morris shut the Panthers’ out as well. Offensively, Morris was the only Bobcat to register more than one hit for the game; she and Phillips were responsible for the two runs Beulah scored. Green, Clements and Kirby added one hit apiece.

On Saturday, in what would prove to be their final game, the

PHOTO BY SHANNA LOCKWOOD / AU ATHLETICS

was selected as the two seed in the Tallahassee Regional hosted by No. 7 Florida State.

Auburn (27-22) will face three-seeded UCF (39-17-1) on Friday,

STATE, >> FROM B1 mental thing,” Pepper said. “We are ready from a technical standpoint.

We just have to get physically healthy … because you could play as many as seven games if you get in the losers’ bracket … so it’s about who handles the situation the best mentally and physically.”

Last Friday, Beulah entered the East Central 3A Softball Regionals after sweeping the AHSAA 3A Area 07 tournament. In their first round matchup against Wellborn High School of Anniston, Alabama, the Bobcats dispelled their opponents with ease, run-ruling the Panthers in six innings by a score of 10-0.

Like it has been so many times this season, Katie Morris and Brandy Phillips formed a daunting tag-team duo on the mound against Wellborn.

Combining to throw six shutout innings, the two pitchers struck out 10, walked three and allowed

face Kennesaw State (26-25) on Friday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN3.

“It really speaks to our schedule and the strength of the SEC that we’re a number two seed,” said head coach Mickey Dean.

“It’s going to be a tough regional. UCF is a tough team. I’ve played them in the past. They are well coached, and they have some great players. Florida State, Kennesaw State – we’ve split with both of them this year. We’re excited to be going and are looking forward to getting started.”

2021 marks the third time that Auburn has played in Tallahassee for a NCAA Regional.

The Tigers made appearances in the Tallahassee Regional in both 2002 and 2018, Dean’s first season on the Plains. The Tigers opened the 2018 Tallahassee Regional with a 5-2 win over Kennesaw State.

Auburn fell to host Florida State in eight innings, 2-1, before being eliminated by Jacksonville State, 3-2.

Florida State would go on to win the regional and the 2018 Women’s College World Series.

Auburn has faced both Florida State and Kennesaw State earlier this season as the Tigers hosted the squads for a nonconference tournament back in March. Auburn

split a pair of games against each team of the course of the tournament.

The Tigers are 1118-1 overall against Florida State and hold a 4-9 record in games played in Tallahassee.

Auburn is 5-2 all-time against Kennesaw State. The Tigers are facing UCF for the first time since 2016 and are undefeated against the Knights with a 2-0 overall record.

The winner of the Tallahassee Regional will face the winner of the Baton Rouge Regional, which features overall seventh seed LSU, McNeese State, George Washington and Louisiana Lafayette.

Bobcats defeated the Piedmont Bulldogs, 1-0, to claim the regional championship.

“Our defense, minus the two errors was solid, and we did just enough of what we had to do to score enough runs to win the ball game,” Pepper said.

Morris threw 6.2 innings on the mound as she no hit the Bulldogs, striking out 12 batters in the process.

“She did an outstanding job in the circle for us,” Pepper said of Morris. “I consider [her] the best pitcher in the state.”

The pitching was strong on both sides, however, as Beulah managed to scrape just four hits off of Piedmont pitcher Savannah Smith.

Clements led the way, going 3-for-3 at the plate.

“She really shined this past week over all three games,” Pepper said of Clements. “She’s just been a utility player for us all year and she played extremely well.”

The breakthrough

for the Bobcats came in the fourth inning when Morris hit in Phillips (who else?) to score the only run of the game.

“I wasn’t nervous at all once we got the first out in the top of the sixth inning, I knew the game was over,” Pepper said. “I had so much confidence in the girls, I knew we were going to win three games. I just felt it in my heart; I just felt like we were the better team down there ¬– and we showed it.”

Now, the Bobcats turn their attention to the AHSAA 3A State Softball Tournament where a date with the Houston Academy Raiders awaits them on Friday in Oxford, Alabama. On paper, the Raiders look formidable with a 42-5-1 record according to Max Preps.

The two teams met earlier this year and the Raiders narrowly won.

Regardless or record, Pepper believes his team has what it takes to win it all.

“I know that’s hard to

believe for some people, but I know these girls and I know what we are capable of doing, and we just still haven’t played our best game yet,” Pepper said. “This is going to be a business trip. We are going up there to win a state championship.”

No matter what, making it this far qualifies the season as a success for the Bobcats. Although they will be striving for more, the community has already embraced and rallied around them –something Pepper and his team is grateful for.

“We appreciate all the support we have received from our administration, the community and parents,” he said. “This is a big deal for Beulah high School. It’s not a softball deal. We wanted this for our school, for our community and we want them to be able to enjoy this as much we are. We want to go up there and make our community and our school proud of us.”

B3 May 20, 2021

Turn Around, Look at Me!

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

A

s we come to the end of the school year, there have been many graduation ceremonies as we celebrate what our children have learned. Well I want to share a different side of graduation and that is what this retired teacher who has been so blessed to teach at Trinity United Methodist Preschool as a Bible and Library teacher has learned this year. I grew up from infant through high school at Trinity United Methodist Church.

As I walk through the halls and different classrooms, Deja vu, I remember and cherish the many life lessons taught to me from

teachers, parents and volunteers who took time to love on we children and youth! What a privilege and blessing it is to now teach young lives. In helping in the toddler room, my heart overflows with awe and love for these children as they meet me with unconditional love and hugs. It humbles and amazes me just how much these young lives are so ready to learn and interact. Fresh from Heaven, toddlers are not too small or young to be taught!

The lead seasoned teacher in this class has taught these little guys and gals so much about manners, Bible, letters and how to interact and play.

Young children, from infants, toddlers and older preschoolers, observe everything as they take the whole world in! Too, they are observing and taking all in what we adults do. We are their first teachers and young children model and copy our actions in order to learn.

Recently my brother sent me a picture of his grandson wearing his daddy’s size 15 shoes!

This little toddler was standing tall and looked so proud to be wearing his daddy’s shoes. I am sure many of you have seen your toddler daughters love to adorn themselves with mama’s jewelry or makeup. What a JOY and a complimentary reflection of how young children want to be like mama and daddy.

In Early Childhood, play is a child’s work.

After teaching readiness lessons to young children, free play is part of developmental and social learning. A “happy memory” for me as a teacher was when I took my class of first graders out for play. I heard a group of my little first graders pretending “school.” I quietly overheard from them a familiar lesson in playing school.

They were modeling their first grade teacher, good and bad, as they conducted their pretend

first grade classroom.

Truly this was an eye opener for me to know just how much “little folks” observe. It was a very good teacher evaluation.

Children learn acceptable and unacceptable behavior by watching us adults. They are like little sponges!

We preschool teachers and parents have to be so careful in what we say and do because we have a little audience who is watching us.

How can we model life skills for our younger children?

Take time to truly listen. We have so many technology distractions such as televisions, cell phones, computers, videos, etc. Our children need our undivided attention during certain periods of time.

The holidays’ flexible schedules offer us more time to truly focus in on our young children.

Have a Good Work Ethic. My heart melts as a teacher when our toddler class bends down and helps we teachers sweep, pass out snack, pick up their toys with very little direction or instruction.

They are modeling what they have learned at home. Include your preschoolers in home chores.

Model Good Manners. Again, young children are looking to see how we adults

treat other people. This helps in developing good social skills.

When you show your preschoolers how to greet other people of all ages, help people, like opening the door for them or helping them carry packages that might be heavy.

One memory that this teacher still ponders in my heart is when I was bending over to grade spelling tests of my first grade class. Well, I fell over on the floor after tripping over a chair. I was so embarrassed to fall in front of my students. Before I could get up, one of my little boys offered his arm for me to lean on as I got back up.

My whole class then supported me back to my feet. I lessened the tension of the class by laughing and then we all laughed. These little people checked on me all day long!

Children too, observe we adults on how we manage our emotions when we are disappointed, frustrated or sad. Talk honestly with your preschoolers and they will model how you handle life’s joys and disappointments.

This summer volunteer in the community as a family. Bring the world to your doorstep by volunteering to truly help others. Right now our community needs this more than ever.

Donating food, supplies, toys and essentials to other families in need is a very good lesson of caring beyond the home front to help make the world a better place to live. Too, it is a life lesson that they will continue as they grow up.

Show respect as you teach understanding and empathy to our young children. We love the fresh luscious fruits of summer! Let your children practice the fruits of the spirit by modeling love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as we gather together as families and friends and celebrate together the good old summer time!

Cherish every single day of your young child’s life! Never take one for granted, savor each moment as you watch your promise from God to be a possibility! I would like to thank the sweet preschoolers I taught this year. You have taught this teacher so very much of the truth that “Every good and perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, nether shadow of turn.”

James 1:17 Happy Graduation!

Classroom Observer Beth Pinyerd

Opelika City Schools elementary teachers eligible for $1000 stipend

The Opelika City Schools Board met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday night inside the Opelika Center for Performing Arts and approved a $1,000 one-time stipend to pay Pre-K through 6th grade teachers upon completion of the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training.

The purpose of the stipend coincides with the importance of the LETRS training which aims to reinforce effective reading and spelling training practices for children at the elementary level.

Opelika City Schools Superintendent, Mark Neighbors, said the training process takes two years to completely finish.

“Of all the training that our folks have gone through for reading preparation and the science of reading this is by far … they say this is the best training,” he said. “Its voluntary.

Even our best reading teachers say it really

makes them even better.”

Other business: - The board recognized the individuals on the OHS Boys indoor and outdoor track AHSAA State Championship teams, and the teams as a whole.

- The board recognized individuals from the OHS Girls outdoor track and field team who placed top 3 at the state championships last month.

- The board recognized the OHS winners of the 2021 superintendent’s Art Show.

- The board recognized the 2021 State Superintendent’s Visusal Art award winners.

- The board recognized the 2021 All State Band members.

- The board recognized the 2021 Career Tech award winners.

- The board presented the Opelika High School Perspectives Magazine as an information item.

- The board approved the consideration of personnel recommendations that included the acknowledgement of employment, transfers

and retirements for Opelika City Schools.

- The board approved the renewal of contract for Principal of Northside Intermediate School, Cindy Poteet, effective July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2025.

- The board re-elected Kevin Royal as chairman and Antoine T. Harvis as vice-chairman.

- The board discussed a number of non-agenda items including: post-covid high school virtual protocol for the 2021-22 school year, determining that the system will revert to its pre-covid practices in keeping with state law; the hiring process of new teachers to the aide in mending the learning gaps that students may have experienced this past year and a half; the second round of federal SR-2 relief funds and a general idea of how the estimated $5 million funds will be consumed; and the progress of the new elementary school.

The next Opelika school board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, 2021.

PHOTO BY WIL CREWS / OPELIKA OBSERVER

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer and Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, Alabama 36801 334-745-5706

B4 May 20, 2021

Alabama Pre-K Program Expands by 135 Classrooms Private child care, faith-based programs see substantial gains Contributed by Longleaf Stategies An additional 2,430 4-year-olds will now be able to enroll in the First Class Pre-K program in the upcoming school year due to the addition of 135 classrooms announced today by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. Additional pre-kindergarten classrooms will be announced in the coming months.

The new classrooms were made possible by the $24.4 million funding increase approved by the Alabama legislature last month.

Advocates from the Alabama School Readiness Alliance

SPORTS >> FROM B1 Championships this past season. Each team member will receive a championship ring due to the generosity of local business, Mayor Fuller and City Council President Eddie Smith.

The team needed $13,000.00 to order rings for each member of both teams.

The following business contributed, Moore Construction, KC Concrete and Foundation, Daniels

DAWGPOUND >> FROM B1 place while the 10U finished a touchdown shy of reaching the championship game.

“We’ve been improving with seven on seven,” founder of the DawgPound and the Knee High Foundation founder Anthony Bryant said. “The progress has been amazing with the 10U, the 12U and the 15U.” Different from the seven on seven teams who competed this month, Bryant said most of the Dawg Pound isn’t even practicing yet.

“We are just doing condition and agility,” he said. “… Footwork, speed stuff, we aren’t really going over football stuff right now.”

The real work on the field begins in the twilight of summer, so, in the meantime, a number of things have kept the teams busy.

For example, the Knee High Foundation and Girls Step, Inc., another non-profit, collaboratively celebrated Mother’s Day at Courthouse square last Sunday with a dedication ceremony which allowed attendees to enjoy live music, sno’ cones and a meet and greet with some OPD officers.

“It was a great turnout and just a great atmosphere in general,” Bryant said.

And while the DawgPound has big

welcomed today’s new classroom announcement. In 2012, ASRA’s business-led Pre-K Task Force announced recommendations and a plan for expanding the voluntary program to all families in Alabama. Since then, state leaders have incrementally increased the level of investment in Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program from $19 million to $151.2 million for FY 2022.

“Today’s new classroom announcement is incredible news for Alabama families, who have been hit so hard by the pandemic,” said Allison Muhlendorf, executive director of the Alabama School Readiness Alliance.

“Thanks to the sustained

leadership of Governor Ivey, the Alabama Legislature, and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, our state is one step closer to providing high-quality, voluntary pre-k to all families that want it.”

In addition to its legislative advocacy, in recent years, ASRA has lead outreach to existing child care and preschool providers on the opportunity to apply for First Class Pre-K funding. In collaboration with local partners and the state, ASRA’s efforts have boosted the number of private child care providers and faith-based programs receiving state pre-k funds. Of the 135 new classrooms

announced today, nearly two-thirds were awarded to providers operating outside of a public school setting. Maintaining the “diverse delivery” of First Class Pre-K so that it builds on existing early learning programs is a top priority for ASRA. With today’s announcement, there is now a total of 1,373 classrooms serving approximately 24,714 students across the state. This fall, Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program will be able to enroll 41% of the state’s 4-year-olds. ASRA estimates that percentage is expected to increase with a second round of classroom announcements before the next school year. Alabama needs to reach at least 70% of

4-year-olds in each community for every family interested in participating to be able to enroll. States considered to provide “pre-k for all” meet or exceed this goal.

For 15 years in a row, the National Institute for Early Education Research has ranked Alabama’s pre-k program as the number one state-funded pre-kindergarten program in the country for quality.

Research by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham has found that students who participate in a First Class Pre-K classroom - regardless of demographics, zip code or school - are more likely to be proficient in math and reading than their

peers, among other positive outcomes.

The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education manages the First Class Pre-K program. It allocates funding for the First Class Pre-K program through a competitive and needs-based application process. Public and private schools, child care centers, faith-based centers, Head Start programs, nonprofits, universities and other community-based providers are all eligible to apply.

For a complete list of the new classrooms, visit www.children.alabama. gov/wpcontent/uploads/2021/05/New-PreK-Classrooms-2021-2022. pdf.

Custom Siding, Fenn Plumbing, Dynamic Drywall, Quality Wood Floors, D & S Tax Service, Access Mobility Transportation Service LLC , the Orthopedic Clinic and personal donations from Fuller and Smith.

OPELIKA SOFTBALL Coach Randy Belyue has resigned as head softball coach at OHS after one full season. Belyue, a 1987 graduate of Opelika, was hired in 2019 to replace Tina Deese.

Belyue was unable to

coach his first season due to COVID. This years’ team started slowly but finished with a 5-1 area record and hosted the area tournament.

Belyue spoke with me by phone, saying “I enjoyed being around the team and assistant coaches, they were all phenomenal! I wish OCS would have helped more behind the scenes.

They would not let allow me to fundraise nor allow OMS players to join the varsity. I look forward to my next

opportunity and wish all the players the best.

They are good kids!”

AHSAA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE The Alabama High School Athletic Association conducted three interviews Monday in an effort to find the next executive director. Steve Savarese announced his retirement mid April at a press conference in

the AHSAA headquarters in Montgomery.

Savarese told the Central Board of Control, July 1 will be his last day.

Central Board President Van Phillips, appearing “On the Mark” radio show, said he hoped to have the new director in place by June, which gives the new director a month with Savarese.

I look for the AHSAA

Central Board to name the new executive director before the end of this week. Stay tuned for details as they break.

D. Mark Mitchell is the Sports Director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” on Fox Sports The Game 9101310, Co-Chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, Chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball State Director.

plans, the cheerleading squads will be there – with their first-year junior coaches – too.

“In total it’s about 48 girls,” Vice President and CIO of the Knee High Foundation and head cheerleading squad coach Alyssa Foreman said. “I have four young ladies who I will be mentoring. They will be working with the squads as well.”

Remaining committed to its goal of giving back to the youth in the community, the DawgPound’s deadline for seniors to submit their applications for the organization’s annual scholarship giveaway just passed. The DawgPound partnered with Cook’s Transport this year, allowing them to give away more $250 scholarships than ever before.

Another way the DawgPound is planning to get involved in the community is by playing in the Opelika Police Department flag football game scheduled for June 19.

Furthermore, the DawgPound is still planning its July football tournament – the first one it will ever host. Bryant said the event has garnered interest from teams out of Texas, Washington and Atlanta, and that the DawgPound’s 6U, 8U, 10U and 12U teams will all be participating.

The DawgPound is also planning to

partnering with the local Boys and Girls Club later this summer to put on a backpack drive giveaway, where the organization will be donating 500 supply-filled bags for the students later and the Boys and Girls Club will be giving free haircuts.

“That way we can make sure we get the children prepared as well as offer one less thing for parents to worry about with school heading back,” Foreman said.

Lastly, Bryant said he is planning to expand and add another sport to the DawgPound’s repertoire, but would not yet say what is as the details are not hammered down.

The DawgPound will officially get into pads in August with its season starting shortly. Until then, the teams and the cheerleading squad will continue to make their presence felt in Opelika.

“I am so elated that we are coming to the end of the COVID season because we talked a lot about how it impacts the adults, how it impacts our jobs, but we never really honed in how it impacts the children,” Foreman said. “So, having them come out, having them work with each other, just to see them go back to what they know, I’m elated. Just to be able to offer them some type of outlet, some type of mentoring program is absolutely amazing.”

THEATRE BUDS CAMP Where the Earth meets Art

June 7-11. 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Southside Center for the Arts 1103 Glenn Street

Ready, set, GROW.

Call 334-663-4480 for more information.

B5 May 20, 2021

Rankin Woley tabbed a finalist for Senior CLASS Award Graduate infielder Rankin Woley has been named one of 10 finalists for the 2021 Senior CLASS Award.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.

The finalists were chosen by a selection committee from the list of 30 candidates announced earlier this season. Nationwide fan voting begins

immediately to help select the winner. Fans are encouraged to vote on the Senior CLASS Award website through June 7. Fan votes will be combined with media and Division I head coaches’ votes to determine the winner.

The Senior CLASS Award winner will be announced during the 2021 College World Series in June.

Woley was not only named the 2020 SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year and CoSIDA Academic All-America, but also earned Collegiate Baseball AllAmerica honors after being the only player in Division I to rank in the top 20 in hits, doubles

and RBI. Woley currently leads the Tigers with a .389 average during SEC play and ranks third overall with a .337 clip.

The Atlanta, Georgia native graduated summa cum laude with a 3.92 GPA last summer, earning his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and took classes this semester to prepare for medical school.

Despite staying busy both on the field and in the classroom, Woley has also made an impact in the community, participating in events such as visiting Children’s of Alabama and hosting a camp with the

SHANNA LOCKWOOD/AU ATHLETICS

Contributed by AU Athletics

Miracle League of East Alabama.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the

Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive

impact as leaders in their communities.

For more information on all of the finalists, visit seniorCLASSaward.com

Gregg Olson to be inducted into National College Baseball Hall of Fame Contributed by AU Athletics

Former Auburn great, Greg Olson, will be inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2021, the College Baseball Foundation announced Thursday.

A two-time AllAmerican pitcher for the Tigers from 198688, Olson is one of 14

members of the class of 2021 and becomes Auburn’s first National College Baseball Hall of Famer.

The class will be inducted as part of the virtual College Baseball Night of Champions ceremony scheduled for June 26.

A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Olson enjoyed a three-year career at Auburn, posting a 25-7 record and 3.03 ERA.

More than 30 years removed from his collegiate career, the righthander still ranks in the top 10 in Auburn history in appearances (97, 3rd), saves (20, T-4th), winning percentage (,.781, 5th), strikeouts (271, 7th) and wins (25, T-9th).

Olson broke through as a sophomore (11-1, 1.26) at Auburn and went a combined 18-4 with a 1.62 ERA while recording 20 saves in

78 appearances in his final two seasons. He led the country in ERA in 1987 and led the SEC in the category in 1988.

Along with his AllAmerican honors, Olson was named First Team All-SEC and ABCA AllSouth Region following the 1987 and 1988 campaigns. He went on to become the then-highest draft pick in program history as he was selected fourth overall by the

Baltimore Orioles in the 1988 MLB Draft.

Olson made his MLB debut with the Orioles that same season as he pitched a scoreless inning of relief vs. Seattle on Sept. 2, 1988. The following season, Olson posted a 5-2 record and 1.69 ERA while converting 27 saves and was named the American League Rookie of the Year. Also named an American League

All-Star in 1990, Olson ultimately spent six seasons with the Orioles and turned in 160 career saves, which still stands as an organizational record. He was inducted in the Orioles Hall of Fame in 2008.

Olson played for eight teams in the remaining eight years of his 14-year MLB career and turned in 217 career saves, which ranks No. 45 in MLB history.

Lowe advances to final 15 for NFCA National Freshman of the Year Contributed by AU Athletics

Behind an AllSoutheastern Conference performance during the regular season, Shelby Lowe advanced as one of 15 finalists for the 2021 National Fastpitch Coaches Association/ Schutt Sports Division I National Freshman of the Year award, the association revealed last Thursday.

The NFCA/Schutt Sports Division I National Freshman of the Year award was created in 2014 to honor outstanding athletic achievement among Division I freshmen

softball student-athletes. Former Tiger Kasey Cooper and Tennessee’s Annie Aldrete shared the award in its inaugural season. Cooper is Auburn’s lone winner of the award.

To be eligible, student-athletes must be nominated by their member head coach.

With the cancellation of last year’s season due to COVID-19, candidates hail from the 2020 and 2021 freshman classes. Due to having two freshman classes eligible for the award, an additional five players have been added to the traditional top 25. Lowe was

one of three honorees from the Southeastern Conference, which was the most candidates by any conference as the list of finalists was trimmed in half. Lowe was also one of seven true freshmen to advance to the final 15 nominees.

A left-hander from Carrollton, Alabama, Lowe ranks second in the SEC with a 1.32 earned run average.

She has allowed just 30 earned runs over her team-leading 158.2 innings pitched. Her ERA is currently the second lowest recorded by an Auburn pitcher in single-season history.

Lowe also ranks

second in the league with a 6.48 strikeoutto-walk ratio. She leads the league with a 1.19 walks allowed per seven innings average as Lowe has issued just 27 walks this season.

With 13 wins to her credit, Lowe has tossed 14 complete games, three of which have been shutouts. She has fanned at least 10 batters seven times this season and ranks eighth in the SEC with a 7.7 strikeouts per seven innings average.

She leads all SEC true freshmen and ranks third overall in the league with 175 strikeouts. She is just the fifth Auburn

freshman in program history to record 100 strikeouts in a season and the first to do so since Marcy Harper in 2013.

Lowe’s 175 strikeouts are the second most in program history by a freshman. She also holds the 10th most strikeouts recorded by an Auburn pitcher in school history. Her 175 strikeouts are the most by an Auburn pitcher since 2010. Lowe already stands 16th in Auburn career history for total strikeouts.

Earlier this season, Lowe put together the eighth longest scoreless inning streak in program history, not

allowing a run in 24.1 consecutive innings.

She is a two-time SEC Freshman of the Week winner, joining teammates Maddie Penta and Anna Thompson (2007) as the only Auburn pitchers to win multiple SEC Freshman of the Week honors in a season. Earlier this week, Lowe was tabbed to the All-SEC Second Team and to the SEC AllFreshman Team.

The final three candidates will be released on May 27. The 2021 Schutt Sports / NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year will be announced on June 1.

Perry earns second straight SEC Community Service Team honors Contributed by AU Athletics

For the second straight season, Auburn first baseman and graduate student Justus Perry was selected to the SEC Community Service Team, the league office announced Wednesday.

Balancing her demands as Auburn’s team

captain while also pursuing her master’s degree in Hispanic studies, Perry still found ways to give back to the Auburn community while navigating the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her biggest campaign was heading up Auburn softball’s donations to Project Angel Tree in December as the Tigers

provided Christmas gifts to 11 children in need. Throughout her time at Auburn, Perry has also given her time at Morningside Assisted Living home, the Big House Foundation, Dean Road Elementary School and Storybook Farms.

Perry represented Auburn on the 2020 SEC Community Service Team. The Prior

Lake, Minnesota, native is a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member and was named to the 2020 CoSIDA Academic All-District team. In 2020, she won Auburn Athletics’ prestigious Virgil Starks III Passion Award, which honors a student-athlete who demonstrates exceptional spirit by encouraging, playing

hard and maintaining a winning attitude on and off the field.

On the field, Justus ranks third in program history with 40 career hit by pitches. She is one of the top defensive first basemen to ever wear an Auburn uniform. She will leave the Plains ranked in the top four in both career fielding percentage and

putouts. She is a career .243 hitter with 13 home runs and 83 RBI. The SEC sponsors Community Service Teams for all 21 league-sponsored sports. The Community Service Team looks to highlight an athlete from each school who gives back to their community in superior service efforts.

B6 May 20, 2021

Joyce Kimeli Named SEC Co-ScholarAthlete of the Year Contributed by AU Athletics

Auburn junior distance runner Joyce Kimeli was named the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year, the conference office announced. Kimeli joined LSU’s Lisa Gunnarsson and Florida’s Thomas Mardal to receive the honor which is determined by a vote of the league head coaches.

Kimeli has a 3.24 grade point average, and she is a senior majoring in exercise science.

She has been a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and is currently ranked No. 2 in the NCAA in the 3000m steeplechase and No. 11 in the 1500m. The Eldoret, Kenya, native owns seven Auburn school records (two outdoor, five indoor) with three coming in 2021.

The SEC Outdoor Track and Field

Championships will take place ThursdaySaturday in Bryan-College Station, Texas.

2021 SEC Outdoor Track and Field ScholarAthlete of the Year Awards Women’s CoScholar-Athlete of the Year: Joyce Kimeli, Auburn Women’s CoScholar-Athlete of the Year: Lisa Gunnarsson, LSU Men’s ScholarAthlete of the Year: Thomas Mardal, Florida.

Kozan, Butler earn All-SEC honors Contributed by AU Athletics

Auburn men’s golfers Andrew Kozan and J.M. Butler were selected to the 2020-21 All-Southeastern Conference teams, the league office announced Friday.

Kozan was selected to the second team, while Butler earned a spot on the freshman team.

Kozan has been the Tigers’ top finisher a team-best four times this season and touts a stroke average of 71.25. His card

counted in 21 of his 24 rounds played so far this season.

The West Palm Beach, Florida, native had produced 14 rounds of par or better, including 11 under-par circuits, and fired seven rounds in the 60s.

Kozan has finished outside the top 30 only once in 2020-21 and earned his first collegiate crown when he shot 11-under at the Gator Invitational in the fall.

Butler holds a stroke average

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of 72.00, which stands as one of the top marks in the conference by a freshman. He was the only golfer to compete in all nine of Auburn’s tournaments this season.

The Louisville, Kentucky, native secured four top-20 finishes and had 22 of his 27 rounds count toward the team score.

Matching Kozan, Butler has 14 rounds at par or lower, including 11 under-par rounds.

He’s carded six rounds in the 60s.

B7 May 20, 2021

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B8 May 20, 2021

OFFICIAL

Four OHS seniors sign athletic scholarships

Phillips

Howard PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Torbert Love

Four Opelika high school student-athlete seniors signed collegiate athletic scholarships last Wednesday.

Brandon Howard (basketball) signed for Snead State, Trinity Love (track) signed for Auburn University and Caleb Phillips and Dalen Torbert (track) both signed for William-Carey University.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

May 20, 2021

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Inside the Statehouse Status of 2022 U.S. Senate Race

W

hen Senator Richard Shelby announced he would not run for reelection to a sixth six-year term in 2022, speculation immediately began as to who would run for our iconic senior senator’s seat. Numerous names were floated as to who might lineup for the coveted seat. It is expected to be a fairly large field.

The winner of next year’s May Republican primary and ultimately the summer GOP runoff will be our next junior senator. Winning the GOP Primary is tantamount to election in the Heart of Dixie in a statewide race and especially a U.S. Senate race. It is highly unlikely that a candidate can win the primary without a runoff. So, the mission for each candidate will be to be one of the top two vote getters in late May and be ready for a battle royale runoff brawl in the summer.

As the potential warriors prepare, they best be advised to have tough skin. It will be an acrimonious fray. All serious candidates will retain Washington consultants, pollsters and media advisors. These D.C. consultants thrive on mean, vicious and unbridled, negative, advertising techniques.

Therefore, the arena will be as tough to survive as a Roman gladiator spectacle.

The key to winning this race is the same as all races. It is simple. It is who has the money. Money is the mother’s milk of politics. When someone comes to this dance, the first question asked by those who observe, calculate and analyze this race, is show me the money.

Congressman Mo Brooks of Huntsville wasted no time getting into the race.

He has been planning to run for over two years. He has come out of the gate impressively and is the early favorite to win the race, which by the way is only one year away. Brooks is riding high among right wing Republicans for his red meat speeches and voting record in Congress.

There is no doubt that Mo Brooks is an ultra-conservative even if he has been ineffective. He has demonstrated his arch conservative Republican philosophy for nearly four decades of political life in Alabama Republican politics. He hails from the vote rich Tennessee Valley of North Alabama.

It does not hurt him that he has run two statewide races, which has helped him build name identification and some organization. However, his major trump card is that he has received the early whole-hearted endorsement of former President Donald Trump. The problem Brooks faces is that Trump’s influence will fade over the next year, and the early favorite very rarely wins in a highly contested race for an open senate seat in Alabama.

Lynda Blanchard is another early entrant

Auburn is one step closer to a Buc-ee’s STEVE FLOWERS into the senate race. She is a Montgomerian, who appears to possess the main ingredient necessary to be a viable candidate.

She appears to have the money. She began her campaign by loaning $5 million to her campaign efforts. She served as President Trump’s Ambassador to Slovenia. Her background and resume could be attractive. She should not be underestimated.

A well-heeled candidate who may be edging closer to entering the Derby is Dothan businessman Jeff Coleman. He possesses the right and necessary ingredient for a successful recipe – money. He can bankroll the effort and also has proven fundraising skills. Some people might be skeptical that his 2020 loss in the second district congressional race might hurt his credibility. My guess is that it is irrelevant as to whether he won or lost, most people do not follow politics enough to recall the outcome. The amount of time and especially money spent by Coleman in that race has secured some name identification in the southern part of the state.

The big question is, does Senator Shelby’s former Chief of Staff and current President of the Business Council of Alabama, Katie Britt, enter the race. Her credibility and success lie totally on Senator Shelby’s commitment to her cause. It is no secret that Shelby wants Katie Boyd Britt to succeed him. He likes the fact that she is brilliant, capable and young. She would also be an excellent campaigner. However, it will take a lot of money to make Katie a winner. She begins with no name identification.

Again, this will be an expensive and probably a vicious race. The gloves will come off and it will be tough brawl.

It will be interesting to watch. I will keep you posted.

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.

By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com The Auburn City Council approved a commercial development agreement with Buc-ee’s Auburn, LLC during its Tuesday night meeting.

The approved agreement stipulates that the city will remit certain taxes.

In exchange, Bucee’s will be creating tax revenue in the city, along with 175 new jobs and investing $45 million in Auburn.

Once the remaining items of business related to the travel center are approved,

Buc-ee’s will be located at Exit 50 on Interstate 85.

Buc-ee’s is a popular travel stop that not only provides a place for refueling cars, but boasted clean restrooms, food choices galore and even souvenir items.

“Welcome to Auburn,” said Ward 6 Council Member Bob Parsons. “When I mentioned to my sister-in-law that this was a possibility, she spent many years in Houston and she about did a dance on the f loor when I told her.”

The agreement was approved Tuesday, while several other items

related to Buc-ee’s were postponed, including two annexations, two rezoning and two conditional use approvals, all of which will come before the council on June 1.

If the other items are approved, then Buc-ee’s will be responsible for installing a traffic signal on Exit 50’s on/off ramp, along with a right turn lane off Interstate 85 and another traffic signal at Cox Road and Corporate Parkway.

All of which would require ALDOT approval, the city’s e-packet said.

Buc-ee’s See AUBURN, page B13

Zoning request questioned at Opelika City Council

By Wil Crews Sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com The Opelika City Council met for its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night and held a public hearing regarding the zoning request of 17.8 Acres located on Birmingham Highway, near the intersection of Shelton Mill Road and the RTJ Grand National golf course.

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The goal of the zoning ultimately would be to fill the land with residential areas to benefit Opelika’s growing economy.

Cynthia Atkinson, a local real estate agent, and resident of Lee county whose family has owned the private property bordering the zoning line for generations, expressed a number of concerns about the zoning request, namely the

overcrowding of the area which could lead public safety concerns.

“I know its progress … so I’m not trying to stop it,” Atkinson said.

“We just want some reasonable density. I understand that the builder wants to maximize his return, but at what point do we allow lives versus money.”

Other business: See OPELIKA, page B10

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B10 May 20, 2021

I

Judging a book by its cover is risky. What really attracts readers is an alluring title

t’s easy for readers to buy a book when their favorite author, entertainer or sports hero is the focus. But what about times when you seek a new book, either fiction or non-fiction? You likely have not read anything or saw any publicity about it before you entered the store, or searched Amazon to buy a book online.

Editors who develop book titles suggest using puns, double meanings, word play or humor to describe a book.

For example, I read where an editor said she would jokingly write a memoir titled “The Road Unraveled.”

That would remind shoppers of the 1978 book by psychiatrist M. Scott Peck, an international sensation: “The Road Less Traveled.” The title of a book should tell its potential readers what to expect.

Alison Taylor elaborated on this in a 2014 article for pictures and stories. com, “Choosing a

Title for your autobiography.” The editor explained that for instance, if an autobiography is titled “Well, That Didn’t Work,” it means the memoir showcases a risk-taker with humor.

Taylor took original titles from wellknown books before they were revamped.

“Which ones would you pick up,” Taylor notes. “Do you think it was the right call to retitle?” Pride and Prejudice by John Steinbeck would have been the boring Something that Happened. Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises was at first the insufficient Fiesta.

And Stranger from Within would have been less tantalizing as a title than Lord of the Flies, William Golding’s masterpiece.

“I’m not sure if these novels would have gone on to be successful and well-known,” Taylor continued. “That’s not a knock against the story but instead

an argument for a strong title – one that gives your readers an incentive to open your book in the first place.”

It is not only with books that a title carries a lot of weight, it affects movies and TV shows as well. The 1994 movie The Shawshank Redemption received a 91% rating with critics and 98% average from audiences, said Rotten Tomatoes. com. Online magazine Collider wrote that ABC’s Happy Endings “ran for three seasons before the network pulled the plug, but it also suffered from the hallmarks of a terrible TV title. Its title had nothing to do with the series.”

I maintain that a title distracts from its appeal by having too many words, instead of a short, overarching one. Yet longer titles are often perfect for nonfiction stories that need more introductory words for their titles. For instance,

By Greg Markley The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit, by Michael Finkel. It describes the adventurous life of Christopher Thomas Knight, who lived by himself in the Maine woods for 27 years.

In Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Rescue and Redemption, Laura Hillenbrand tells the story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was captured as a POW by the Japanese and endured two and a half years of hell.

Partisan books unnecessarily use too many words or examples. They argue that

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FROM B9 - The council heard remarks from Fuller on the city’s financial report and building report for April 2021 and a proclamation for Quaneisha Jones.

- The council approved a request for the National Night Out Parade and Event at Courthouse Square on Aug. 3, 2021.

- The council approved a request for the Annual Kid's Triathlon at the Sportsplex on Aug. 7, 2021.

- The council awarded a bid for phase two of the Pickleball Courts project.

- The council awarded the bid for the Sportsplex

such-and-such is all due to X, Y and Z’s fault. These political books are weak in research and heavy in hate. Don’t waste time and money on them.

An example of a good choice of words for a title is Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson.

Most Kennedy family members had a high-profile life but Rosemary had a failed lobotomy and did not see her siblings for 20 years.

Thus, the “Hidden” in the title draws more interest than detailing the achievements and parties of the Kennedys.

In biographies and non-fiction, a one or two-word title will suffice if the subject is a giant such as Napoleon Bonaparte. Just his first name or that of Winston Churchill, are enough to appeal to browsers even at home alone shopping. Sometimes a two-word title is appropriate, such

as with Alexander Hamilton. He was not as well-known as other Founding Fathers until Ron Chernow’s book appeared and a phenomenally successful play followed.

Many people have withdrawn from reading physical books, whatever the title. But the digital book industry faltered in 2019, from $771 million to $800 million the year before (in eight months, though; not twelve.)

Hard copy book sales comprise up to 80% of all total book sales. What triggers a book is advertising but also the feelings about a book generated by its name.

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 10 years. gm.markley@ charter.net

restrooms project.

- The council awarded a bid for the Eastside Waste Water Treatment Plant improvements.

- The council approved expense reports from various departments.

- The council approved a resolution to purchase - 245IP Stationary Compactor using the Sourcewell Contract.

- The council approved the purchase of ammunition for the Opelika Police Department using the State of Alabama Contract.

- The council approved a resolution for a grant application to ALDOT for a pedestrian/bicycle route on Waverly

Parkway.

- The council approved the renewal and an amendment to the agreement with CivicPlus.

- The council approved the renewal of existing NPDES permits and payment of applicable permit fees to ADEM. - The council approved an ordinance to amend Section 5.8.3 of the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

- The council approved the reappointment of Tom Morris to the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority Election Committee.

The next council meeting will be held on June 1 at 7 p.m.

Visit our website and social media channels to connect with GEDI and learn more.

gedi@auburn.edu 334-844-4704 auburn.edu/gedi facebook.com/GEDIAuburn twitter.com/gediau

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B11 May 20, 2021

Governor Ivey Made the Right Call to Keep Alabama’s Recovery on Track

A

labama’s job creators are thankful that Governor Kay Ivey recently submitted Alabama’s 30-day notice to President Biden that it is time to get back to work.

As Chairman of the Alabama Workforce Council, I know Alabama employers are finding it increasingly difficult to find workers to fill available jobs.

Survey after survey of businesses in Alabama reveal that there is an abundance of jobs available, and real wages have increased in Alabama over the past year. Despite this, employers are having trouble filling open positions.

Since Alabama’s economy began feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, over one million Alabamians have filed

an initial unemployment claim. To respond to the sheer scale of the nationwide economic dislocations linked to COVID-19, the U.S. Congress created several new unemployment compensation programs to help people that were out of work due to the pandemic. At that time the programs were a good idea and were certainly needed. However, now the COVID-19 spread has been contained. Over 1.5 million Alabamians have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and two-thirds of Alabamians over the age of 65 have been fully vaccinated.

There are currently more than 1,300 health providers offering COVID-19 vaccinations in Alabama, and all Alabamians over the age of 16 are eligible for the vaccine. As

Governor Ivey said, “this is absolutely now a managed pandemic.”

We are very fortunate in Alabama that our economy is rebounding so quickly. Alabama’s March 2021 unemployment rate of 3.8 percent is well below the national unemployment rate and it is the lowest in the Southeastern United States. Among the 50 states, Alabama currently ranks in the top 10 when it comes to economic momentum.

Economic development activity across Alabama generated nearly $5 billion in new capital investment and almost 10,000 new job commitments in 2020.

Paradoxically, the federal programs designed to serve as a lifeline for Alabamians and our economy during the recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic

have put Alabama’s full economic recovery at risk. Continuing to depend on this extra federal assistance is harming our recovery, in part because so many of our employers are unable to operate at full capacity due to labor shortages. A growing number of other states are coming to the same conclusion and have also announced they are ending their participation in these federal programs.

The bottom line is that Alabama could not afford to continue participating in these programs. Doing so would reverse the recovery that Governor Ivey has so painstakingly fostered. That is why Governor Ivey announced on May 10 that Alabama will cease participation in the extended federal unemployment compensation programs.

Alabama’s economic success and low unemployment rate, particularly in the face of a global pandemic, is a testament to the soundness of Governor Ivey’s decision to pragmatically reopen Alabama’s economy.

There are definitely people who still need unemployment benefits, and they should receive eligible assistance. They should also know that the state offers an abundance of training, education and employment assistance so they can reenter the job market quickly and gain the skills and credentials they need to find family-sustaining employment. Through AlabamaWorks (www. alabamaworks.com), our state offers an effective and unified network of services designed to recruit, train and empower a highly skilled workforce

driven by business and industry needs.

The human and economic toll taken by this pandemic is unquantifiable, and the full impact may never be truly known. Nevertheless, the resiliency of Alabama’s people is one inspiring story to tell in a saga otherwise devoid of good news.

Alabamians have endured this temporary “new normal” for over 14 months, and now it is time to return to the real normal in our economy, as well.

Getting Alabamians back to work the best solution to keep our economy growing.

Thank you, Governor Ivey.

Tim McCartney, formerly of McCartney Construction in Gadsden, is the Chairman of the Alabama Workforce Council.

Alabama League of Municipalities Elects 2021-2022 President and Vice President During Annual Convention in Huntsville Contributed by city of the Opelika

The Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM) hosted its annual convention in Huntsville May 1215, which included its annual Business Session. During that session, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller was elected by the membership to serve as ALM President and Tuskegee Mayor Lawrence F. “Tony” Haygood, Jr., was elected to serve as Vice President.

“We appreciate the commitment of Mayors Fuller and Haygood to their communities, local government and our organization,” said League Executive Director Greg Cochran.

“Municipalities are the foundation of Alabama’s economy and our leadership understands that collaboration and partnerships across all levels are necessary to provide essential resources to foster safe, vibrant communities where our citizens can live, work, play and prosper.”

A graduate of Southern Union State Community College, Mayor Gary Fuller was President and CEO of Fuller Broadcasting Company, Inc. from

1985 until he sold the company in 1998.

His six stations received numerous awards and accolades for community service and local news coverage and in 1988, WZMG and WKKR became the first stations in Alabama to earn the National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Award for community service. He served on the Opelika City Council from 2000 until 2004 and was then elected mayor.

In addition, he is the past president of the Lee County United Way, Opelika Rotary Club and the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Fuller served as ALM Vice President from 2020 until 2021 and is the past chair of the League’s Committee on State and Federal Legislation. He is an Advanced Certified Municipal Official and serves on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Municipal Funding Corporation (AMFund).

Lawrence F. Haygood, Jr. was elected Mayor of Tuskegee in 2016 and re-elected in 2020.

Mayor Haygood received his undergraduate degree at Rhodes College with a major in Political Science and

FULLER

a minor concentration in Economics.

He received an MBA degree from Auburn University Montgomery with additional studies in Management Science at Krannert School of Management at Purdue University and The Georgia Institute of Technology. In the summer of 2011, he completed the Intensive Economic Development Training Course at Auburn University.

He serves as Economic/Business

Development Specialist at the Tuskegee-Macon County Community Development Corporation (TMCDC). In addition to being member of the Housing & Urban Development (HUD), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Community Development Action Coalition (CDAC) national boards, Mayor Haygood is also a current member and past president of Alpha Nu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi

HAYGOOD

Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mayor Haygood has served on numerous ALM committees, is an Advanced Certified Municipal Official and is Chair of the Alabama Municipal Funding Corporation (AMFund) Board of Directors.

Based in Montgomery, ALM was organized in 1935 and has served for 86 years as the recognized voice of Alabama’s cities and towns.

Representing more than 450 member

municipalities, the League works to enact legislation enabling all cities and towns to perform their functions more efficiently and effectively; offers specialized training; holds conferences and meetings; and conducts continuing studies of the legislative, administrative and operational needs, problems and functions of Alabama’s municipal governments. For more information, visit www.almonline.org.

B12 May 20, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: CV-2021900127 HARDWOOD, LLC, Plaintiff, v.

A Parcel of Real Property described as: From the Southeast corner of Section 9, Township 17 North, Range 27 East, Lee County Alabama, run thence North 00° 01’ West 1319.41 feet; thence South 88° 00’ 26” West, 382.18 feet; thence North 19° 51’ 22” West 20.6 Feet; thence North 89° 07’ 04” West 278.54 feet; thence North 02° 11’46” West 743.69 feet; thence South 74° 51’ 38” West along the Northerly margin of dirt road 367 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel of land here described and conveyed: From said point of beginning, continue thence South 74° 51’ 38” West along said margin of said road 145 feet; thence leaving said road, run North 02° 11’ 46” West, 300 feet; thence North 74° 51’ 38” East, 145 feet; thence South 02° 11’ 46” East, 300 feet to the point of beginning, containing one (1) acres more or less.

And Mary Jackson, and/or the unknown heirs Of Mary Jackson, And Fictitious Defendants A, B, C, D, E, F & G, Being Persons, Individuals, Firms, Associations, Partnerships, Corporations or other Entities, Whose names are otherwise unknown to the Plaintiff, but who claim interest in and to the above-captioned parcel of land, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added

by Amendment when ascertained, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 21st day of April, 2021, a Complaint to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Hardwood, LLC, as Plaintiff; A Parcel of Real Property, described below, as Defendant; and unknown persons or entities who cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described herein.

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 21st day of April, 2021. /s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County

COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2021-199 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to Kenneth Wallace on the 27th day of April, 2021, by Hon. 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.

KENNETH WALLACE Personal Representative Blake L. Oliver Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 5/6/21, 5/13/21 & 5/20/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF MARK ANTHONY HOWARD, SR., Deceased Case No.: 2021-258 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Sentevella Rene Martin Howard, Personal Representative on the 27th day of April, 2021, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Sentevella Rene Martin Howard Legal Run 05/06/21, 05/13/21 & 05/20/21 ––––––– STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE Default having been made in the terms of a mortgage executed to National Bank of Commerce by Chelsea E. Maine, single woman, on the 19th day of July, 2018, which said mortgage is recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book 4405, Page 944, and said default continuing, the undersigned, CenterState Bank, Successor by merger of National Bank of Commerce, will sell at public outcry, for cash, to the highest bidder, in front of the courthouse door of said County between the legal hours of sale, on the 3rd day of June, 2021, the following described property, to-wit: Unit E of OAKWOOD CONDOMINIUMS, as described in the Declaration of Oakwood Condominiums, a condominium filed for record on April 24, 1997 in Condo Book 4-A, at page 1, and as shown on that certain plat appearing as Exhibit “B” of the said Declaration and also of record in Town Plat Book 18, at Page 159, all in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama; including an undivided interest in the common elements of Oakwood Condominium as set out in the Declaration and on Exhibit “A” of said Declaration.

–––––––

Said sale is for the purpose of paying the unpaid principal on said mortgage, interest and attorney’s fees as provided in said mortgage, expenses of advertising, selling, conveying, and all other costs that may have accrued.

Done this the 6th day of May, 2021.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY LIZA STRICKLAND, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE

CENTERSTATE BANK, Successor by merger of NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE

J. Brandon Rice Of Counsel, Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 324 East Magnolia Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 05/06/21, 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21

/s/ Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr. By: Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr. Attorney for CenterState Bank 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, AL 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF EARLINE COLLINS SMITH, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Brenda Alston, as Executrix of the Estate of Earline Collins, deceased, on the 6TH day of May, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English.

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

Brenda Alston, Executrix of the Estate of Earline Collins Smith, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 05/13/21 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 ––––––– NOTICE TO PUTATIVE FATHER TO: NOLES WESLEY NORNE, alleged BIOLOGICAL FATHER TO G.K.H born 2016 to DESERAY GABRIELLE HOGAN. You are hereby notified that on the 7th day of April 2021, a Petition was filed in the Superior Court of Bartow County, Georgia, Case Number 21AD-20,

by Petitioners Storme Reaid and Brittany Reaid, seeking to terminate your rights in and to this child born in Whitfield County, Georgia on October 19, 2016, in order to adopt the child. Be finally advised that you will lose all rights to the child and will neither receive notice nor be entitled to object to the adoption of the child unless, within thirty (30) days of receipt of this notice you (1) file a petition to legitimate the child pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 19-7-22; and (2) file a notice of the filing of the petition to legitimate with the Superior Court of Bartow County, 135 West Cherokee Street Cartersville, GA 30120, in which the Petition for Adoption is pending, Adoption No 21AD-20. , and to the below-listed counsel to the adopting parents. Notice Prepared By: Christina R. Jenkins, Esq. Christina R. Jenkins LLC, 10 South Erwin Street Cartersville, GA 30120 (770) 387-7447 crj@christinarjenkins.com Legal Run 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 ––––––– IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HENRY LEWIS SMITH, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-273 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 7th day of May, 2021, 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.

TIMOTHY JEFFERIES SMITH Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE

COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LINDA GAIL HILYER, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2021-242 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to Alicia Sheats, Personal Representative on the 20th day of April, 2021, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Alicia Sheats Legal Run 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF GRACE NEWMAN POLIDORO, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to William Van Polidoro, as Executor of the Estate of Grace Newman Polidoro, deceased, on the 11th day of May, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English.

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

William Van Polidoro, Executor Of the Estate of Grace Newman Polidoro, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 ––––––– ORDINANCE NO. 00921 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 5.8.3 OF THE PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA WHEREAS, the City of Opelika, Alabama, (the “City”) has previously adopted general provisions pertaining to personnel rules and regulations, including, but not limited to, staffing, separations, promotions, disciplinary actions, grievance procedures, compensation, and employee benefits, which are set forth in the “Personnel Policies and Procedures of the City of Opelika” (hereinafter referred to as the “Personnel Manual”); and WHEREAS, Section 5.8.3 of the Personnel Manual relates to selection procedures for the positions of Assistant Fire Chief, Captain, Lieutenant and Apparatus Operator; and WHEREAS, City staff has recommended to the City Council that said Section 5.8.3 be amended to ensure clarity and consistency in the Personnel Manual; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the public health, safety and general welfare to amend Section 5.8.3 of the Personnel Manual at this time as recommended by City staff.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. Amendment.

That Section 5.8.3 of the Personnel Manual of the City of Opelika, is hereby amended to read as follows: “Section 5.8.3 Selection Procedure for the

Positions of Battalion Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, and Apparatus Operator.

A composite assessment score obtained from the “Assessment Center” will be combined with the total points from a “plus and minus” evaluation of eight factors to determine a “final score” used to select for promotion. The Fire Chief will prepare a list of candidates in a rank-ordered format and will be responsible for notifying candidates of their standing on the register. Promotions will be made from the list of final scores in rank order and in accordance with the “Rule of 5 plus 1” procedure in Section 5.7.5.”

Section 2. Severability.

The provisions of this ordinance are severable. If any section, subsection, clause, sentence or phrase of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, then said holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.

Section 3. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective upon its passage, approval and publication as required by law.

Section 4. Publication.

The City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama is hereby authorized and directed to cause this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 18th day of May, 2021. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 19th day of May, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 19th day of May, 2021. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 05/20/2021 ––––––– STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION ONE FACILITY – MULTIPLE UNITS Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, June 10th, 2021 at 10:00AM Pattrick sparks - Unit 202 608 North Ross St Auburn, AL 36830 pool table, atv The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com.

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 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 ––––––– NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO: 2021-285 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of JAMES CLYDE GIBSON, JR., Deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Calvin Ted Gibson on May 12, 2021

pursuant to Sections 43-2690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 05/20/21 ––––––– NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASSE NO. MAVALENE LAGRONE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of MAVALENE LAGRONE, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Angela Love on May 14, 2021, pursuant to Section 43-2690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 05/20/2021 ––––––– FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Whatley Construction, LLC Contractor, has completed the Contract for (Construction) (Renovation) (Alteration) (Equipment) (Improvement) of Renovation of Covington Recreation Center at 213 Carver Ave., Opelika, AL 36801 for the State of Alabama and the (County) (City) City of Opelika, Owner(s), and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Lathan Associates Architects, P.C. 300 Chase Park South, Suite 200, Hoover, Alabama, 35244.

Whatley Construction (Contractor) Post Office Box 137 Opelika, AL 36803-0137 (Business Address) NOTE:This notice must be run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00, for projects of less than $50,000.00, run one time only. Proof of publication is required.

Legal Run 05/20/21, 05/27/21, 06/03/21 & 06/10/21 ––––––– FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter I, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Whatley Construction LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for Auburn University- Leach Science Center- Butler Building Addition New HVAC System & Fire Alarm System- AU Project # 19189, located at 380 Duncan Drive, Auburn, AL 36849 for the Auburn University Facilities Management, owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify HHB Engineers, P.C., 104 Josie Run, Prattville, AL 36066.

Whatley Construction LLC Post Office Box 137 Opelika, Alabama 368030137 Legal Run 05/20/21, 05/27/21, 06/03/21 & 06/10/21 Note: Run one time for four consecutive weeks –––––––

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

B13 May 20, 2021

AUBURN >> FROM B9 additionally plans to donate $50,000 per year to the city, which will be allowed in later budget discussions, said City Manager Megan Crouch.

“We’re proud to have you here,” said Mayor Ron Anders to Stan Beard, director of real estate for Bucee’s. “We’re grateful that you thought our town was interesting enough and deserving enough to talk to in the beginning … your company is willing to be a great, corporate, charitable citizen of our community, too, and we’re very grateful for that. That evidently is just part of the culture of the company.”

The establishment will be adding 175 jobs to the area, which Ward 1 Council Member Connie

Taylor said the members of her ward are particularly looking forward to.

Buc-ee’s pays a minimum of $15 an hour, no matter the experience, Beard said.

“Walking in, high school graduate or not, if you’re friendly and you can say ‘howdy,’” he said.

There is a hopeful open date before the fall of 2022, Beard said.

“We’re coming,” he said.

There is a hopeful open date before the fall of 2022, Beard said.

The items related to annexation, rezoning and conditional use for the land will come before the council on June 1.

Other Business: - The council approved an alcohol beverage license for Aysha Group of

Industries, Inc. for Curry to Go and CapeLife.

- The council approved a concurrence with the industrial development board of the City of Auburn for the purchase of an industrial property on Lee Road 10.

- The council approved a contract with LBYD Engineers, Inc. for the Gay Street Streetscape Project for over $35,000.

- The council approved a contract with US Digital Designs, Inc. for the emergency replacement of a G2 ATX station controller at Fire Station #3 for over $19,000 after the station sustained damage in recent storms.

- The council approved a commercial development agreement with Twister 5062, LLC. - The council approved a contract

with Postal Products Unlimited for the Pine Hill Cemetery Columbarium for over $54,000.

- The council approved an easement for Fabargus, LLC for a sidewalk easement and temporary construction easement for a property on Shug Jordan Parkway as part of the North Donahue Drive/ Shug Jordan Parkway Improvements Project.

- The council approved an easement for Multi Aubal GS, LLC to accept drainage and utility easements for a property on South Gay Street in the Gay Street Retail Subdivision.

- The council postponed an annexation for Hubert Boatwright for the property needed for the Buc-ee’s travel stop.

- The council

postponed an annexation for Harry and Alison Painter for the property needed for the Buc-ee’s travel stop.

- The council postponed a rezoning ordinance with Gonzales-Strength & Associates on behalf of Hubert Boatwright for the property needed for the Buc-ee’s travel stop.

- The council postponed a rezoning ordinance with Gonzales-Strength & Associates on behalf of Harry & Alison Painter for the property needed for the Buc-ee’s travel stop.

- The council approved a rezoning ordinance for JTF Properties, Inc. on behalf of Joel Funderburk for 0.41 acres from development district housing to medium density residential district for a property located at

601 and 603 Harper Avenue and 306 and 308 Summer Hill Road.

- The council approved the zoning ordinance amendments related to the Downtown Design Standards. More information to come on this later.

- The council postponed a conditional use approval for Gonzales-Strength & Associates on behalf of Hubert Boatwright and Harry & Alison Painter for a road service use for the property needed for the Buc-ee’s travel stop.

- The council postponed a conditional use approval for Gonzales-Strength & Associates on behalf of Hubert Boatwright and Harry & Alison Painter for an agricultural support use for the property needed for the Buc-ee’s travel stop.

NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION Lionel Keith Everage, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Jennifer Nicole Everage’s Petition for Divorce and other relief by the 21st day of June, 2021, or thereafter a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No. DR2021-900101.00, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

DONE this the 21st day of April, 2021.

Mary Roberson CIRCUIT CLERK LEE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT Legal Run Dates: April 29, 2021, May 6, 2021, May 13, 2021 and May 20, 2021 LAST DAY TO ANSWER: June 21st 2021

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF CLARENCE P. WRIGHT, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Tracy Wright, as Executrix of the Estate of Clarence P. Wright, deceased, on the 28th day of April, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English.

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

Tracy Wright, Executrix Of the Estate of Clarence P. Wright, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 05/06/21, 05/13/21 & 05/20/21

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B12 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA RE: IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DELAINE HAZEL BRITT, DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2021-288 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTRIX Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Mary Jennifer Crunkleton, on the 14th day of May, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required

to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Executrix.

Legal Run 05/20/21, 05/27/21 & 06/03/21 ––––––– IN THE ESTATE OF ANDREW C. STORY JR., DECEASED N THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-139 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of May , 2021,

by Hon. 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.

JODI E. WELLS Executrix Legal Run 05/20/21, 05/27/21 & 06/03/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT NAIRN VANBENTHUYSEN, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2021- 187 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Melisa V. Love and Kristina J Bartsch on the 2nd day of April, 2021, by the

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

Notice is hereby given to 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.

J. TUTT BARRETT P.O. Box 231 Opelika, AL 36803-0231 Legal Run 05/06/21, 05/13/21 & 05/20/21 ––––––– IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF JENNIFER NICOLE EVERAGE,Plaintiff, vs.

LIONEL KEITH EVERAGE, Defendant, CASE NO.: DR-2021900101.00

–––––––

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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time position of Maintenance Technician for properties in the Opelika, AL. . area. Duties will

include, but not be limited to: Promptly handle unit and facility work orders Complete repairs in a consistent and correct manner Provide excellent customer service Work well with other team members

Willing to clean grounds maintenance (or similar required, but preferred. This required, but preferred)  as needed skills). Candidates should position will offer competiTo apply please visit  Be well organized to coor- have an understanding of tive pay and benefit package. our office, located at 1706  dinate and perform unit and and repair capabilities in Education: Toomer Street, Opelika,  site inspections HVAC, plumbing, electrical, High school or equivalent AL 36801 or complete an   Able to complete makepainting, appliance repair, (Required) application on-line at http:// ready of units proficiently  and/or other tasks related to License or certification:  www.opelikaha.org/Default.

Ideal candidates should maintaining the communiDriver’s License asp?ID=123&pg=Employhave at least 3 years of  ties in excellent condition.

(Required) ment+Opportunities experience in apartment HVAC Certification not HVAC Certification (Not

B14 May 20, 2021

Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku?

Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

B15 May 20, 2021

Lee County District Attorney’s office releases audit findings From the Office of the District Attorney Pro Tem

In November 2020, Jessica Ventiere was appointed Lee County District Attorney Pro Tem, and requested an immediate audit by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. The audit was completed on

May 14, 2021.

“After appointment, I established protocols and internal controls and procedures,” Ventiere said. “Those protocols included the request for an immediate audit by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts and an internal audit to find ways to reduce unnecessary

spending within the office.

“During the course of the formal audit, examiners were given full access to all accounts, expenditures, receipts and records.

Also, examiners interviewed past and present staff members.

The audit had multiple findings of noncompliance, as well as

impermissible expenditures of state funds from Sept. 1, 2018 to Nov. 30, 2020, prior to my appointment as District Attorney Pro Tem,” Ventiere said.

“Obviously, the results of this audit have added to an already difficult situation within the District Attorney’s Office,” she added. “As part

of my commitment to upholding the integrity of the office and remaining transparent to the public, a copy of the audit has been provided to our local judges, the Alabama Attorney General, the Alabama Ethics Commission, the Alabama State Bar and the Office of Prosecution Services.

The report is available to the public at www.examiners.alabama.gov under audit reports.”

“As District Attorney Pro Tem, I recognize District Attorney monies belong to our citizens, and we strive to spend responsibly and be good stewards of state funds,” Ventiere said.

Gov. Kay Ivey signs medical cannabis bill into law Gov. Kay Ivey met with Sen. Tim Melson on Monday and officially signed Senate Bill 46 into law. Upon doing so, the governor issued the following statement: “Signing SB 46 is an important first step. I would like to again thank Sen. Tim Melson and Rep. Mike Ball for their hard work over the last few years and their willingness to address the legitimate concerns.

This is certainly a sensitive and emotional issue and something that is continually

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Contributed by the office of Gov. Kay Ivey

being studied. On the state level, we have had a study group that has looked closely at this issue, and I am interested in the potential good medical cannabis can have for those with chronic illnesses or what it can do to improve the quality of life of those in their final days.

“As research evolves, Sen. Melson and I discussed how critical it is to continue finding ways to work on this to ensure we have a productive, safe and responsible operation in Alabama.” – Gov. Kay Ivey

Laura Grill gives presentation to Kiwanis Club last week CONTRIBUTED BY THE KIWANIS CLUB OF OPELIKA

A large crowd welcomed Laura Grill with East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) who spoke to the Opelika Kiwanis Club, giving an overview of the COVID situation and upcoming news with EAMC. Pictured are Mary Roberson, Eddie Smith, Laura Gill and Anthony Terling.

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B16 May 20, 2021

We roast all our coffee in house.

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

116 S. 8th Street, Opelika

334-363-0390

www.booniehatcoffee.com

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

“Our Mission is Your Health”

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• Drive Thru Only • Regular Operating Hours • Please Call Ahead on Refills to Avoid Wait

334-364-9993 | 334-364-9997 7667 Alabama Hwy 51, Suite A, Opelika www.beauregarddrugs.com Mon-Fri 8am–6pm | Sat 9am–12pm | Sunday Closed

This week’s puzzle answers: