Samford Community Outreach to host MLK event on Jan. 20
Pastor Carolyn Morton and Samford Community Outreach Group presented the 12th Annual Christmas Party Celebration on Dec. 14 at Christian Care Ministries. Among attendees were Sherry Cook, youth group, Capt. Tony Amerson and Opelika Police Department, Lucile, Amberley, A’miyah and Camari Gray, Sharon Pitts, Darren Houston, Marquenta Barnett and Quent Sharing and Caring Uplifting Outreach, Samford helpers and Samford residents. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The group will hold its 9th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream On — The Celebration event on Monday, Jan. 20, at 1: 30 p.m. at Christian Care Ministries, located at 1000 Samford Court in Opelika. The public is invited to come out and help remember the life and legacy of Dr. King.
Home repair ministry to honor MLK with Great Day of Service
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
TUSKEGEE — In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend, Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM) invites community members to participate in a special Great Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 18. This year’s theme is True Neighbor, taken from Dr. King’s sermon on the topic of serving our neighbors.
The day of service will kick off at 7:30 a.m. at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tuskegee. Breakfast and a devotional will be provided for volunteers from across Macon and Lee Counties.
At 9 a.m., volunteers will join together to complete home repair projects, helping to uplift the community and embody Dr. King’s spirit of service.
Participants are encouraged to bring their children to ARM’s Mission HUB at Tuskegee United Methodist Church, where they will enjoy various fun and educational activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
For more information and to register to volunteer, visit www.arm-al.org/MLK2025.
Calendar of Events
RESCHEDULED — DATE TBA — WARRIORS FOR FREEDOM 5K
Saturday, Jan. 11, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The first annual Warriors for Freedom 5K, a way for the community to stand strong alongside survivors and advocate for dignity, freedom and an end to trafficking originally set for Jan. 11 has been rescheduled do to expected extreme cold temperatures. The new date will be announced soon. Registration for the 5K is $35 from Dec. 16 through Jan. 10. Register on the day of the race is $40. Registration for the One-Mile Fun Run is $20 after Dec. 16. Proceeds will go to support victim services and raise awareness of sex trafficking happening right here in our Alabama communities. Information and registration is available at www.worthy2.org/warriorsforfreedom5K.
JAN. 18 — 13TH ANNUAL POLAR PLUNGE
Auburn Parks & Recreation and Lee County Special Olympics will host the 13th Annual Polar Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 9 a.m. at Samford Pool. Pre-registration is required online at: www.auburnalabama.org/parks/register. Please register individually, even if you have a group. Register by Jan. 6 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. All proceeds benefit Lee County Special Olympics.
FEB. 7 & 8 — DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT
Auburn Parks & Recreation’s 35th Annual Daddy Daughter Date Nights are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7 & 8, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. each night. This year’s theme is “Black and White Ball” — think black, white and silver, classy and elegant. Daughters, dads, granddads and uncles are invited to dance the night away and enjoy food, games, activities and a DJ. Attendees must live or work in the city of Auburn. Tickets are $20 for the father, $20 for first daughter and $5 for each additional daughter. Tickets, additional details and a form to pre-purchase flowers are available online at: www.auburnal.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30175.
FEB. 7 & 8 — MOTHER SON BLUE JEAN BALL
Registration is open for Opelika’s 2025 Mother Son Blue Jean Ball. The dances will be held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 7 & 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Covington Rec Center. This year’s theme is “Sports.” Fees are $30 per couple (plus $10 for each additional son) and include a meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment. Pre-registration is required by Feb. 3. If any tickets are available after this deadline, registration will reopen, but the fee will increase to $50 per couple. Professional pictures will be available the night of the dance, with prices beginning at $20. For more information, call Opelika Parks & Recreation at (334) 705-5560.
FEB. 14 &15 — DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE
Opelika’s 2025 Daddy Daughter Dances will be held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14 & 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sportsplex. This year’s theme is “Denim and Diamonds.” The annual event includes a meal, corsage, boutonniere, activities and entertainment. Fees to attend are $30 per couple, plus $10 per additional daughter, and registration is required by Feb. 3 at www.opelika-al.gov/711/Daddy-Daughter-Dance. If any tickets are available after Feb. 3, registration will reopen, but the fee will increase to $50 per couple. Professional photography will be available the night of the dance. Prices begin at $20.
