By Alison James
Associate Editor
“We unite behind improved treatments, advanced research and brighter futures for young people everywhere,” read Mayor Gary Fuller from his proclamation at Tuesday’s city council meeting. “This month we extend our support to young people fighting for (the) opportunity … to dream and discover and realize their full potential.”
The proclamation in honor of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month was presented to city engineer Scott Parker and his family, whose ninth grade daughter has been fighting childhood cancer since she was 7.
“She has fought and battled as hard as anyone I have ever seen,” Parker said. “We’re proud of her for that.”
Parker said he and his family want everyone to be more aware of childhood cancer, particularly of the discrepancies between treatment options and funding resources for children and adults.
Fuller also took the chance to recognize retired CSM Bennie Adkins, whose military service will finally be recognized with the Medal of Honor in a D.C. ceremony in mid-September.
“We’re so proud of you, and we’re so grateful the president is going to recognize you,” Fuller said. “It’s been too long coming.”
Several representatives from the city, including councilmembers Patsy Jones and Larry Gray and city administrator Joey Motley, will join Adkins in D.C.
The council also:
– held public hearings on several weed abatements and approved liens.
– approved special appropriations to Parks and Recreation for a health fair; Opelika City Schools for a new Alternative Learning Center good behavior program; Opelika Chamber of Commerce for the Young Leaders program; Opelika Chamber of Commerce for the Christmas parade.
– amended the text of the zoning ordinance and map.