Louisiana Road Trips - October 2010 Edition

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Chennault Aviation and Military Museum For three days in early November (5th7th), the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe will host the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The wall is an approximately 3/5 scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. and consists of 2 wings, each 144 feet long. Greg Welsh, the Wall Manager, says 58,227 names of the servicemen and women who died in Vietnam are listed on the Wall. That number, he says, demonstrates that “the price of freedom is not free.”

Highly-decorated Vietnam veteran Ron Griggs of Monroe is the project manager for the Wall's visit to the museum. Griggs says opening ceremonies will be at 9am on Friday, November 5th. The ULM ROTC Color Guard will present the colors, and local mayors and lawmakers will be on hand. The Wall will be open to visitors around the clock until the closing ceremonies at 4pm November 7th. Groups are welcome (please notify the museum in advance), and bus parking is available.

Saturday at 11am, Col. John Reitzell, a decorated veteran from Alabama, will speak and state lawmakers will be recognized; afterwards, the Northeast Louisiana chapter of the Louisiana Restaurant Association will provide a free meal for veterans attending.

During the closing ceremonies, Museum Director Nell Calloway and Curator Jerry

Smith will recognize all veterans in attendance, culminating the Wall's visit to Monroe.

While the Wall is at the museum, several tents will be set up including a locator tent staffed with volunteers to help people find the names of loved ones and friends on the Wall. Another tent will provide counseling and grievance assistance for veterans. A third will house exhibits. There will also be a “meet-and-greet” tent as well as a large tent for the ceremonies. There is no fee to visit the Wall, although donations will be accepted. The museum, which is also free, will be open during its regular operating hours as well.

Volunteers are still needed for a variety of tasks: helping to put up and take down the wall, working in the locator tent, directing parking, and other necessary jobs. And it's not too late to become a sponsor!

Call the museum to offer help.

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As a special kickoff to the event, filmmaker Rodney Ray of R-Squared Productions will premiere his latest documentary featuring Vietnam veterans from northeast Louisiana telling of their experiences in the war. The showing will begin at 6pm on Thursday, November 4th, at the Jack Howard Theatre at the Monroe Civic Center.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Ron Griggs or Nell Calloway at the museum, (318) 362-5540.

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Hometown Louisiana A show to delight shoppers!

For several years the idea of resurrecting the successful arts and crafts show formerly held in downtown Bastrop was discussed among members of the Bastrop Main Street organizations. Prompted by a visit from community planning consultants, Hometown Louisiana was born, with the event name coming from the tag-line that Bastrop had been labeled during a marketing study. Organizers have been busy planning a juried and upscale show to attract shoppers from northeast Louisiana and southwest Arkansas who will be delighted with only hand-made and quality work to select from.

Scheduled for Saturday, November 6th from 9am-5pm, Hometown Louisiana will take place in the well-designed Morehouse Parish Farmers Market in the historic district of Bastrop at 307 East Madison Street. Admission is free and there will be an eating area on the loading dock behind the Market for those wanting to break from shopping to enjoy a snack or meal. Food vendors will be offering Louisiana cuisine such as gumbo, chili, and cheesy chicken spaghetti plates with all the trimmings.

Hometown hospitality will create an atmosphere that only a hometown such as Bastrop can offer.

Shoppers will have a wide variety of items to select from including fine wood work, beautiful paintings, children's clothing and accessories, baby clothes, wellmade yard furniture, gorgeous jewelry, custom designed purses, earth guided pottery, a wide variety of Christmas decorations, candles, soft sculpture, quilts, birdhouses, and homemade relishes, plus much more.

Bill Tharpe, musical performer and local personality, will be performing at 1pm in the Market plaza. Having recorded and performed with well-known saxophone player Ace Cannon, Hometown Louisiana is very fortunate to have Bill making music for this event.

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Publicity for the show in magazines and on billboards is being made possible by an in-kind grant from the LA Office of Tourism (LouisianaTravel.com).

For more information, please contact Vicki Carpenter at 318 281 5372 or hometownlouisiana@gmail.com.

See you there!

Season Kickoff & Finding Friends

By Johnny Wink

On the opening weekend for Teal season we had been hunting hard.

It's been great to see the pretty sunrise over the flooded rice fields of Morehouse Parish and the Teal flying in low over the rice stubble. We were able to take a truck right up to one of my big blinds and stay dry. How easy can that be? And last weekend was opening day of Dove season and people all over the state were out in the fields looking for the Mourning Dove, the first kickoff season of the year for hunters.

And as I write this (mid-Sept), tonight was the showing of a Mojo Outdoors Hunting Across America TV show on Direct TV Channel 608. This month's show features my business, Megabucks Duck Guides. This show will make you laugh, I promise. It will repeat quite a few times so I hope you get to see it. I am in rare form!

We'll soon be planting food plots around our deer-stands and getting the feeders out, then back to working on our duck blinds and getting them ready. Where did the summer go? I forgot to go swimming and I didn't even get me a watermelon.

Too much to do and not enough time to do it.

Well, I did take the time to go to a class for computers sponsored by Northeastnet in Collinston, but it was one-on-one because I just wanted to learn what I needed to know. It went well and I think I got that figured out. I was paying by the hour so when the teacher, Becky asked me what else would I like to do, I asked her about the thingy called Facebook.

She set me up and showed me a few things to do and how to make some friends. When I got home I plugged it all back up and started to play with that new Facebook thing. Let me tell you, I live in the sticks. It's really the fields instead of the sticks because there's not a lot of woods here. Rice can't grow in the woods. And I don't get into town that much anymore since it's an hour's drive each way. I'm single and most all my friends are married so their wives don't like me to hang with their husbands because I might tell them something fun that I did by myself, without a wife. They don't want their husbands to be tempted by all this. So I am here playing with this Facebook deal and let me tell you, it exploded. I started to hear from friends that I haven't seen since high school. I'm still trying to figure out who some of these people are that are now on my friend's list. I am sure I will remember them sooner or later.

You just write whatever you want on your wall and all your friends can see it and write back about it or about something else. Its' a good way to get a message across to a lot of people fast. I have just been on it for a few days now and have seen a lot. Last Sunday a friend was feeling lousy and she was looking for a walk-in Doc office and wrote about it on Facebook. I told her to go to my friends place and long story short, she thanked me for helping her. I would not have known she was sick if it wasn't for Facebook. Another female friend's baby was sick and she was asking for everybody to pray for her and her baby. The response was overwhelming. I was amazed to see all the people come to her aid. They are both fine now. I would not have known this if it wasn't for Facebook.

Hearing from people that I haven't heard from in years is good. Now I don't feel like I live in the sticks any more. One press of a button and I can tell what my friends are doing and let them know what I am doing. And it's so easy to do.

The only thing, I got to figure out what everyone can see and what's private. I might get in trouble for what I say if I don't want the world to know about it. There is a lot out there on the Internet, I'm learning. Some good and some bad but this, I would have to say, is real good. Now I just got to figure out how to put my Megabucks Duck Guide Service on so I can start booking more hunts. So if y'all want to be my friend on Facebook, go to the little search window and type in Johnny Wink and let me add you. If any of y'all want to book a hunt, please go to my web site or call me.

Life is good being a duck guide in Jones, Louisiana.

I'm still trying to figure out who some of these people are that are now on my friend's list.

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PUBLISHER LRT Publications

______________________

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mona L. Hayden

monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221

OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL Debbie Hamilton Pope June 14, 1952-August 24, 2008

SALES Sunny Meriwether (318) 547-8126 Mona L. Hayden (318) 547-1221 Mark Cobb, Media Specialist / Sales markecobb@gmx.com • (318) 734-4894

Website www.la-road-trips.com

www.twitter.com/louisianaroadtrips www.facebook.com/louisianaroadtrips

Louisiana Road Trips magazine is published monthly to promote, inform, and entertain the residents of Louisiana. It is distributed FREE; however, home delivery is available. This magazine will reach approximately 56,000 individuals.

Submission of articles and photos are always welcome but may be limited to availability of space and edited for content.

Copyright 2010 with all rights reserved. Reproduction of any material appearing within this publication is prohibited without written permission of the Publishers.

The opinions expressed in Louisiana Road Trips magazine are those of the authors or columnists and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. “Louisiana Road Trips” magazine retains the right to refuse any advertisement.

ROAD TRIPS

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P. O. Box 2452 West Monroe, LA 71294 (318) 547-1221

Talkin’ It Up! I recently spent some time in New Orleans with a group of writers from around the country. We shared indescribably good food and attended a host of events like the Satchmo Seminars and Club Strut, White Linen Night, and the Great American Seafood Cook-Off. A highlight of the trip was a meal at Commander’s Palace when three leading New Orleans chefs – Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace, Matt Murphy of M Bistro, and Donald Link of Cochon – prepared a specialty brunch menu for us that was simply overwhelming. Ah, the Louisiana Gulf seafood. There’s nothing better, or safer, as I’ve learned during this trip. Details are included in this month’s feature article, Viva Louisianne!

The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau was most accommodating and generous with their time and information. Drop by or give them a call when you’re ready to explore their fine city and want to make the most of your stay.

Without question, just like everywhere else in Louisiana, New Orleans is open and ready for business. Come on in!

Let’s keep in touch.

Mona

Mona L. Hayden, Editor/Publisher monalh@bellsouth.net (318) 547-1221

COVER CREDIT: The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe hosts the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall November 5-7, 2010.

Groups are welcome and bus parking is available.

For more information, call (318) 362-5540, visit www.chennaultammla.org or read the article inside this issue.

ROAD TRIPS "Celebrating country living and city happenings!"

october BUSINESS REVIEW 15 15 18 33

Rocking R Ranch

35

Selecting the Right Dog Treats

26

5 8

Bastrop’s Partners in Health Sha Sha’s Move Makes Lake Charles Residents Happy by Cheré Coen

Season Kickoff & Finding Friends

by Johnny Wink

7

My Favorite Fishing Hole by Joe Joslin Toledo Draw Down

FESTIVALS & ENTERTAINMENT

Blues and BBQ on the Ouachita

27 28 29 34

Going Native by Larry Brock Finding the Magic

The New New Orleans

4

20 21 25

Talkin’ It Up!

13 Backtalk 14-15 On the Scene – by Deborah Burst

DELTA OUTDOORS

Hometown Louisiana

All Things Southern by Shellie Tomlinson Bubba in Training

MONTHLY TIDBITS

Nothing But Love by Carolyn Files

3 16 17 19

contents

25 Louisiana Lagniappe – Remember When 26 A Dish that Makes a Difference 30-31 October Calendar of Events 32 Louisiana Lagniappe Answers 33 Gardening Gatherings by Mae Flager

RECIPES 24

Webster Parish Main to Main

Recipes by Stacy Thornton

ROAD TRIPS

Bridge City Gumbo Festival

6 A Capital Road Trip by Lee Estes 9-10 Viva Louisianne! by Mona L. Hayden 11 Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk – A Living

The Teddy Bearfest ‘10 Historical Celebration 14th Annual Three Rivers Art Festival Peculiar Jaunts by Carey Weeks Horror Writer Michelle McCrary Leads Shreveport-Bossier Zombie Invasion Bayou Lafourche Fall Festivals

History Lesson

22

Travel Adventure by Dianne Newcomer Whistling Down the Mountain

23

Hit the Road – by Deborah Burst A trail of heroes in Prince William County, Virginia

Spine-tingling Thrills on the Bayou NELA Celtic Festival Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival

HISTORICAL 2 29 32

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Day Trip Coyote Curt by Su Stella My European Vacation, Part II

by Lora Peppers

HUMOR 12

A Life of Trial…and Error

by Dennis Stewart It’s Been a Lovely, Crazy Cruise

13

Runnin’ the Roads by Barbara Sharik The Dog Chow Diet Louisiana Road Trips

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A Capital Road Trip

No Planes, No Passport - All in One Day!

By Lee Estes The travel industry has always promoted excursions to capital cities - London, Paris, and Rome being among the most popular, followed by Lisbon, Madrid, Athens, and Vienna.

Over the past few years, I visited all of them a time or two plus a lot more. But it didn't require planes, a passport, or much more than one day! Instead, it was just a little road trip to three Louisiana namesakes of famous European locales. This jaunt visited Vienna, Lisbon, and Athens. On another adventure within North Louisiana, I could visit Copenhagen and Warsaw.

Vienna is a few miles north of Ruston on US167. Nothing to remind you of its Austrian

counterpart. Not even the pronunciation of the name. Locals call it Vye-enna, not Ve-enna.

There is little to remind you, other than a marker stating Vienna was the original seat of government in Lincoln Parish and the major center of commerce in North Central Louisiana a century or more ago. Little commercial activity in Vienna today, just a city hall, usually closed except for meetings concerning village business, and First Baptist Church facing 167. The church, of white painted frame construction, is the most imposing structure one sees when passing through.

Lisbon is on LA Highway 2 in Claiborne Parish about ten miles east of Homer. Much of what once existed as a town is either deserted or no longer existent. The town flourished with an oil boom during the early 20th century when derricks and pump jacks dotted the landscape. No derricks stand today with pump jacks still scattered about. One resident told me of an ancient wooden rig still standing in the vicinity. A sizable frame structure, a general store serving the community in years past, still stands as a reminder of Lisbon's former prosperity. On the east side of town, a gasoline refinery has long since disappeared, but the tank farm adjoining it remains, secured by DEQ because there was some leakage from one or more of the tanks. Where the high school once stood is occupied by Hinton Well Services who appear to be the most prominent commercial operation in town. Another school stands abandoned just north of town. The Kilgore House, an imposing home with four tall columns across the front, sits at the junction of LA2 and LA518.

The Kilgore family was important to oil production and exploration in the Claiborne Oil Field. The home, in excellent condition, is on Louisiana Road Trips

overwhelms the visitor with history. the National Register.

Athens, like Vienna in Lincoln, To witness the exquisite architecture and sculpture of a civilization that served as the seat of Claiborne Parish until mid nineteenth century. flourished 2500 years ago is a truly unique experience.

In 1848, a fire believed to be arson but never proven, destroyed the Lee Estes, a Kentucky native, migrated to Louisiana in 1956 with his wife, Lottie. courthouse and all the records He worked in aviation then with A&LM within. With more residents Railway. He began making photographs scattered about the area, Homer in Europe after WWII and ranked among was considered to be a more central the leading monochrome exhibition photographers in the U.S. during the location parish-wise, and Athens 80’s. His extensive travels included lost its political importance in 1850. leading tours across the globe. Lee has Today, Athens has a more typical authored three photo/documentary books and is currently involved with the appearance of a small town than documentation of The Dixie Overland Vienna or Lisbon with two schools Highway (US80) in Louisiana, funded by anchoring the center of town. From a grant from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities its appearance, I believe Mt. Olive Christian School occupies the former Athens High School. If so, it is refreshing to find an abandoned school complex occupied and healthy instead of abandoned and vandalized. This is just an assumption, but I hope it is true.

Athens has been plagued with fires, as many towns were when every building in town was wood. I've already mentioned the courthouse disaster in 1848, but there was another in 1919 which leveled many stores. You find Athens at the Historic Marker, Vienna, LA intersection of LA Highways 9 and 518 between Arcadia and Homer.

Now, a few sentences about Vienna, Austria; Lisbon, Portugal; and Athens, Greece. In Vienna, the Palace of Shoenbrunn and The Hofberg are Kilgore Home, Lisbon, LA two sites no visitor should miss. Lisbon, Portugal is complimented by its surroundings; Belem, Queluz, Sintra, and Mafra are all nearby while the Alfama and Baixa are within the inner city. All of them, as Michelin would say, "are worth a visit."

Athens, Greece Former General Store< Lisbon, LA

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MY FAVORITE FISHING HOLE

By Pro Guide, Joe Joslin

Toledo Draw Down Hello, Anglers.

Don't ya just love October in Louisiana? If you enjoy fishing, it is one of the best months of the year as cool air and normally stable weather makes for great conditions. Some of the biggest news this fall around my favorite fishing hole has to do with the lake draw-down. According to info from the SRA (Sabine River Authority), which oversees the operating of the lake/dam, there will be a draw-down of the water level to 165 feet msl (mean sea level) which started just after Labor Day. The lake was already down several feet to just over 167 feet at the time the draw-down was announced. Full pool is considered to be 172' msl.

The main purpose of the draw-down is to repair multiple holes in the dam structure, usually done every 3-6 years. Being around the lake for over 30 years, I've observed that fall is a good time to make these repairs as the lake is

usually low following summer and fishermen and boaters aren't as plentiful. I often fish along the dam and can personally verify the need of repairs.

As a lakefront property owner, I fully understand the irritation when draw-downs occur but this is standard around any large impoundment. In early September, neighboring Lake Sam Rayburn was 158.35' with Rayburn's full pool at 164.4 so Rayburn is down just over 6 feet. Draw-downs can also assist in controlling grass, especially around piers/docks, without the use of chemicals.

If you're in the market for lakefront property, the draw-down really gives you a good look at any prospective property you might be interested in since much of the lakefront will be exposed. Unless you are familiar with the lake, the spring/early summer may be the least favorable time to purchase since it is normally full of water then and looks great.

It's common for new lake property owners to almost panic the last part of summer as lake levels recede but it is the normal ebb and flow of a huge man-made reservoir. Even without a draw-down it's common for Toledo levels to fall to 168' or less by September 1, about 4-feet below full pool, due to lack of rain, high power demand and evaporation. Property

The draw-down really gives you a good look at any prospective property.

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owners on the northern half of the lake are impacted to a greater degree during a drawdown than those on the southern end because this area is typically more shallow. At 165' levels, unless a property Toledo regular owner above Pendleton angler, Bill Youngblood, with a Bridge (mid-lake area) big largemouth bass has a creek running just caught during last drawdown. Visible in in front of property or background is the has dug a canal, they large area of will temporarily lose exposed shoreline. some of the use of their property.

Another positive factor about a drawdown is that fishing usually improves and in the fall months it is always good-to-excellent.

With low levels it is also a great time to learn the lake as ridges/points/ditches/creeks/humps are more exposed, making it easier to find and read. However, use EXTREME caution as you run the lake and run the boat lanes tight and when heading into main feeder creeks use even greater caution.

Finally, if you're in the market for a lake house or retirement home, the fall season is when great deals can be made as sellers prefer getting out before winter. The Bend is one of the jewels of Louisiana...come on and join us!

Joe Joslin is a syndicated outdoor columnist, tournament angler and pro guide on Toledo and Sam Rayburn. Contact him at 337-463-3848 or joejoslinoutdoors@yahoo.com. and WEBSITE www.joejoslinoutdoors.com

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GOING NATIVE

By Larry Brock

Finding the Magic Another summer of heat and drought. A few more garden fancies bit the dust. In a sea of faded green foliage, some leaves began shedding early. But in mid-August, after three dry months at my house, the rains finally came. From misery to magic!

Autumn is the season of endings and harvest. Farmers began harvesting in late August, accelerating into September as fields yielded their increase. Corn, soybeans, hay, rice and cotton. Days grew noticeably shorter. Dusty sunsets followed by full moonrises. Then the September equinox, a moment frozen in the inexorable advance of the seasons.

It's the instant when time and light are perfectly balanced. All things are one. But in a blink the wheel turned and the cycle continued. Another growing season ended as fruits ripened and seeds matured.

Where's the magic? As Crysta learned, "All the magic of creation exists within a single, tiny seed." One kernel of corn can produce over 600

kernels! Plus the cob, an eight foot stalk of biomass, and roots reaching four feet into the ground. Talk about magic!

From another perspective, an entire forest can grow from a single acorn, if you give it time and space. It's no hocuspocus. It's just the wonder of the natural world and the One who created it.

Nature in autumn is a cornucopia of blooms and fruit and nuts and seed, of falling leaves and birds that feed. September came trimmed in purpleripened kabobs of beauty berry, dangling racemes of poke, and hanging clusters of elderberries. Boneset, ironweed, obedient plant and tiny pink-puffed sensitive plant too. Other fall color is provided by asters, cardinal flower, cosmos, evening primrose, goldenrod, obedient plant, swamp mallows, tall coneflowers and more. Be sure and look, for to paraphrase one little girl, "Flowers are prettier if somebody's looking."

"All the magic of creation exists within a single, tiny seed."

Louisiana Road Trips

Autumn is vining time again. Trumpet-creepers clinch power poles and twine along the wires. Hummers ride these "orange-blossom specials", cypress vines and coral honeysuckles too. Robins and mockers relish buckvine and Virginia creeper fruit. Wrens shelter in jessamine-vine thickets.

It's worlds within worlds.

Summer phlox host humming moths at dusk and dawn, then swallowtails at noon. Blooming goldenrods nourish butterflies and bees. Hawk moths nectar at evening gingers. Squirrels gnaw on green pecans and litter the ground with cuttings. Cuckoos feed on webworms above while robins forage in the meadow beyond. Hummers sip from salvias and sages. Fritillaries favor lantanas and mockingbirds gorge on elders. Dragons and swallows dart and dive. Green anoles cling to garden posts while frantic frogs flee excited young girls eager for their prince.

Climate volatility challenges traditional landscape designs.

Fatalities caused by a multi-year drought have created openings for new plant communities.

Rather than mass plantings of a single exotic species, consider an assortment of native species scattered across the yard in a natural setting. Whether freeze or flood or drought or snow, something will survive to sprout and bloom and fruit and grow. In addition, a diversity of native plants supports a healthy wildlife community. By designing with nature, gardeners enhance the environment and benefit themselves.

It's time to modify our thinking. Globally destructive behaviors threaten our world.

Some natural resources are depleted faster than they can be replenished. Assets that required millions of years to accumulate and can never be recovered are being exhausted in a matter of

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decades. It recalls an old song, "The days of wine and roses laugh and run away like a child at play, Through a meadow land toward a closing door, A door marked "nevermore .."

One songsmith wrote, "There's a simple harmony to life - a magic thing, when I walk among the flowers and trees and feel the earth beneath my feet and remember that air we breathe is a magic thing." Find the magic in your own backyard

by Going Native. Give me eyes to see the wonders all around me. Give me vision to preserve them for the sake of my grandchildren.

A life-long resident of Lake Providence, Larry Brock was inspired by his grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for gardening and his own desire to recover the horticultural uniqueness of this region.

Larry is drawn to the relationships between plants, birds, insects and soil and can be found puttering outdoors in his yard most any time, weather permitting.

Viva Louisianne!

Still Home to World-Class Jazz & Celebrated Seafood Cuisine

By Mona L. Hayden Quaint and charming are words often related to small towns that exude friendliness and a sense of community generally lacking in larger cities; however, that's not always the case. Welcome to New Orleans, my friend, an enchanting metropolitan area infused with a strong unity and resiliency among its people that recreates that small town ambiance. Here, you're greeted by proud locals and excited visitors that add to the ever present energy radiating throughout the Crescent City, day and night.

From the perpetual sounds of jazz in the streets to the frequent festivals and celebrations, New Orleans guarantees to feed, entertain, and delight even the most discriminating guest beyond expectations.

Enjoy museums, the arts, and unlimited shopping by day, then savor some of the world's most renowned cuisine and nightlife as the sun sets on the Mississippi River. A city rich in history and culture, New Orleans boasts unique French Creole architecture and, of course, the 2009 Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. During the last several years as Louisiana began offering tax incentives for music and theater productions, the city earned yet another label - 'Broadway South' or 'Hollywood of the South'. However you tag it, New Orleans remains the same while reinventing itself as a prime tourist destination.

The indigenous cuisine is reason alone to visit the city. At M Bistro, located inside the five-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel at 921 Canal Street (504-524-1331), Chef Matt Murphy takes a unique approach to fine dining.

His market to table fare includes an array of Louisiana seafood dishes such as seafood or duck gumbo, crawfish Chef Matt Murphy and Mona

ettouffee, barbeque shrimp over grits. Or indulge with an authentic New Orleans style roast beef po-boy with thin fries in truffle sauce sprinkled with cheese shavings. The encore to such a fabulous meal - a sampling of Matt's grandmother's apple pie, bread pudding, or Creole cheesecake with sautéed peaches.

When asked about the safety of Louisiana Gulf Coast seafood, Matt was quick to say, “Louisiana seafood has never been safer. With five different governmental regulatory agencies testing each catch as it comes in from the Gulf, there's not much room for error.

Every catch is tagged with a GPS location for easy identification and accountability. This has

The city earned yet another label 'Broadway South' or 'Hollywood of the South'.

never been done before.”

The University of New Orleans (UNO) also tests retrieved seafood a couple times each day, further reinforcing the safety of Gulf products.

According to the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, almost a third of the domestic seafood consumed in the U. S. comes fresh from Louisiana waters. The state is the country's top provider of shrimp, oysters, crab, crawfish and alligator production and a close second in the harvest of fin fish.

Board Chairman Harlon Pearce refers to New Orleans as the seafood capitol of the world. His company, Harlon's LA Fish & Seafood, typically moves 20-40,000 pounds of seafood through his warehouse coolers each day. Although the Gulf oil spill has reduced these numbers, Governor Bobby Jindal is optimistic about regaining momentum as progress continues. He summarizes that commercial and recreational fishing is a $4

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billion industry that is important to the state and the nation. Jindal is also quick to express his confidence in the perseverance and resiliency of native Louisianans. “We have overcome hurricanes before, economic downturns before, and there is no challenge too big for our people.”

New Orleans continues to set the table for residents and visitors alike.

While dining recently at Lüke, one of Chef John Besh's dynasties located at 333 St. Charles Street (504-378-2840 www.lukeneworleans.com), the seafood was plentiful and as expected, scrumptious. The casual atmosphere combined with exceptional fare and service makes this destination a remarkable dining experience. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, and a fabulous array of appetizers and desserts along with their full bar including specialty beers from a nearby brewery. From lobster, oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels, crabs, and ceviche, the seafood is as much in demand now as it ever was.

Another extraordinary New Orleans culinary event takes place at 613 Royal Street (504-522-7261) at Court of Two Sisters. Aptly named for two aristocratic Creole sisters, Emma and Bertha Camors (born in 1858 and 1860), the restaurant celebrates the city's history of good food and music with their infamous Daily Jazz Brunch where jazz musicians perform amid cascading fountains, wrought iron, and wisteria as guests dine on a buffet of more than 80 items reflective of Louisiana culture. Select from the menu or a hot and cold buffet with made-to-order omelets and more, much more. The afternoon and evening feasts are just as impressive to admire as they are to enjoy.

Synonymous with New Orleans and Louisiana cuisine, Commander's Palace is a guaranteed culinary adventure that's world renowned. Tucked in the New Orleans Garden District at 1403 Washington Avenue (504-899-8221), this flagship restaurant has been serving award winning cuisine since

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Viva Louisianne! continued 1880. Today, Chef Extraordinaire Tory McPhail, winner of the 2009 Great American Seafood Cookoff, continues to dazzle diners with his acclaimed dishes while continuing the tradition of Creole and American legacy.

His 'dirt to plate within 100 miles” policy dictates that 90% of ingredients used in the restaurant come from 100 miles of their back door. The discriminating menu here features local seafood, farm raised products, and fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown and harvested on the rooftop of the restaurant. From their much requested brandy milk punch to decadent desserts like Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé and Crème Brulee stenciled with a fleur de lis pattern surround by scorched local sugarcane to Bananas Foster for two, every bite is to be savored. Enjoy live jazz tableside while dining on some of the world's finest food. It's truly an experience not to be denied.

Tommy's Cuisine at 746 Tchoupitoulas Street (504-581-1103) in the heart of the Warehouse District is another fine restaurant venerating the historic culture of New Orleans. Serving classic Creole Italian and French fare ranging from veal, chicken, lamb, and duck to oysters and shrimp prepared every which way to fresh fish, shrimp, crab, and crawfish, you're sure to be satisfied with any selection.

No visit to New Orleans would be complete without the customary stop at Café du Monde at 800 Decatur Street (504-587-0833).

This notorious French Market coffee stand has been serving up beignets and coffee with chicory since 1862 and still commands a full house.

Louisiana seafood is integrated into just about every dish served in the most reputable and popular restaurants in the city. After all, it's been said that next to Parisians, the people of New Orleans have the most refined taste for food of any city in the world. After dining at these remarkable restaurants, I beg to differ as we may have exceeded that comparison. However, you can't spend all your time at the table when the Crescent City offers so much to see and do. But don't just take my word for it. Awards bestowed in 2010 include being the #1 best city for singles in America and one of the country's top ten cities, according to Travel + Leisure Magazine (July 2010).

TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award (May, 2010) designated New Orleans as the best destination for nightlife in the entire world! They also declared it to be the best of 25 top destinations in the country, the third best destination in the U.S and the fourth in the world for great food and wine, and the ninth best destination in the U.S. for culture and sightseeing. Other recognition includes being the favorite large city for a weekend getaway by AAA Southern Traveler (Summer, 2010) Louisiana Road Trips

while ESPYS (July, 2010) dons the New Orleans Saints as the best team and Saint Quarterback Drew Brees as the best male athlete, best NFL player, and best championship performance. Another accolade bestowed was from WalletPop.com who listed New Orleans as one of the top ten best cities for hotels and vacations in 2010.

While recently visiting New Orleans for an extended weekend and dining on seafood prepared every way imaginable, I was pleased to discover all the precautions taken to ensure the safety of Louisiana Gulf Seafood. It seems that once again Louisiana has successfully navigated itself around another obstacle and has come through even stronger! So what are you waiting for? Drive on down to New Orleans where the living is still easy, the food indescribably delicious, and the locals have the welcome mat out just for you. Viva Louisianne!

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Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk – A Living History Lesson On Saturday, November 13, 2010, the Old Minden Cemetery off Pine Street on Bayou Avenue in Minden, LA will hold the 7th annual ghost walk. Tours will begin at Noon on Saturday November 13th, 2010 with the last one starting at 3pm and lasting a little over an hour (event held rain

or shine). The event is expected to double in attendance from 2009.

Schelley Brown, tour organizer, says, “Every year at noon, people began to line up in anticipation of being the first to see these living history tours. The past tours brought people to Minden from California, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Arkansas and Nebraska to see their ancestors portrayed. Brown observed that the crowds have increased each year as well as the amount of money raised for the Cemetery Association, a nonprofit organization formed to help maintain the perpetual care of one of Minden's oldest burial places.

This year the tour will have many new Ghosts and all new history lessons from actors in period costumes portraying Minden's past leading citizens.

You be entertained and educated as you watch some new characters come to life.

Ghost Walk is like stepping back in time as you hear stories being told. It's an amazing sight to behold as your tour guide escorts you to each historical scene. Many tour sites include historical props and a few actors are actual decedents of the people they are portraying. See

Louisiana Road Trips

Confederate soldiers along with early business leaders, teachers, doctors and politicians in this rare opportunity to learn about past community leaders, citizens and history. Ghost Walk teaches how Minden's women and men endured through great hardships and strived to overcome obstacles to make Minden what it is today.

“We anticipate having additional draws for visitors every year,” Brown stated. “With many new stops this year, it will be hard to pick your favorite.”

Brown also emphasized that she could not do any of this without Webster parish historian, John Agan, and all the talented people and guides who volunteer their time and efforts to make this annual tour a huge success.

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Members of the Minden Cemetery board also want to acknowledge the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum and the Minden Historic Residential Association for their support of this event.

Tickets are available at the gate only and are $10/adults and $4/children under 12. For more information on the Minden Cemetery and the annual tour, visit http://www.mindencemetery.blo gspot.com or Facebook, or contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or at iluvoldcars@yahoo.com.

A LIFE OF TRIAL…AND ERROR

By Dennis Stewart

It's Been a Lovely, Crazy Cruise On Sunday, August 29, 2010, my friends and I (ten of us in all) arrive at the terminal in Galveston, Texas, to board the Carnival Conquest for a seven day cruise to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

No one is allowed to take pictures or videos during the boarding process. There is a reason for that. The boarding process is hellishly chaotic. They have two metal detectors to process 2,900 passengers. You stand in line and wait and wait and wait. My friends who are cruise veterans tell me that the process is much easier in the New Orleans terminal. TIP: Plan your next cruise out of the port of New Orleans. Avoid Galveston like the deux.

Monday and Tuesday are sailing days, I mean “Fun Days”. You cannot spend cash while on the ship. Instead, you must buy a “Fun Pass”, and every time you make a purchase, it is credited against your cash reserve in your Fun Pass. I funded mine the first day with $140 cash. My account is immediately reduced to $70. Why, you may ask. Well, because Carnival takes out a gratuity for its employees right off the top.

Carnival has assumed that in my case I intend to tip their employees $70 at the end of the cruise, so they kindly take care of that for me. TIP: Don't assume that you have the authority to make such decisions. You are no longer in the U.S., amigo.

Nevertheless, all the ship's employees are extremely courteous. None of them are Americans. They come from India, the Phillippines, Croatia, etc. I am told that the ship does not hire Americans because they do not have a suitable work ethic. Be that as it may, the stewards and waiters and bar tenders are very nice and hard working, though it is difficult to understand what they are saying at times. For example, I ask two different employees how much a picture of me made by the ship photographer costs. They both say “99 cents”.

However, when the cashier rings it up, it is

$9.99. What the heck, I do look good in it, and it is not real money since it comes off my Fun Pass so I buy it anyway.

The food is excellent and all you can eat. Monday at dinner I order four shrimp cocktail appetizers, plus the prime rib plate, plus the lobster and shrimp plate, plus two creme brules and three scoops of strawberry ice cream for dessert. I make friends with Mica, our head waiter, who is from Croatia. She will later give us sage advice before we enter every port.

Wednesday we go ashore in Montego Bay, Jamaica for a few hours. I find Margarittaville and buy T-shirts and a Red Stripe beer. I remember Jamaica fondly. Thursday we go ashore in Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. We only have 7 hours before the ship leaves.

At the pier we are hustled by tour guides. One lady promises us a tour of the island for $15 each, $150 for the 10 of us.

She says we will begin our tour in 15 minutes. We pay her the money and wait as she tries to hustle up more tourists. We wait and wait. Nearly an hour passes. We decide to demand our money back. I use my lawyer tone of voice and when she laughs in my face, I look for a port authority policeman.

Tommy, who has received Purple Hearts in Panama (gun shots) and Afghanistan (suicide bomber and IED), tells her he is about to create a scene like she has never witnessed. She relents; another guide offers to do the job for $10 each and we have a great tour. We see dolphins and we go to Hell. Literally. Hell, Cayman Islands is a famous tourist attraction. I buy a T-shirt saying I attended the University of Hell.

Then I find the Cayman Island Margaritaville and have a free margarita and buy more T-shirts. Despite the tour guide incident, I remember the Cayman Islands fondly.

Friday we go ashore in Cozumel, Mexico. I had intended it to be the highlight of my trip because I had opted for the Carnival bottom-fishing excursion. A sixteen year old member of our group, Suzannah, has the same excursion. I have been telling her about my prior two bottom-fishing experiences in Gulf Shores, where I caught red snappers two at a time on tandem hooks. I have never failed to catch less than 15 fish while bottom fishing in Gulf Shores.

She is even more excited than I am. With

My account is immediately reduced to $70.

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twelve of us on the boat, the trip is to last 3 _ hours. Instead of going out in the ocean, we never get more than 300 yards from the shoreline. We float by the Cozumel Margaritaville which I missed out on because of my plans to bottom-fish. They give us free Mexican beer called “SOL” beer. At the time, I think that means “sun” in Mexican. No one gets a strike. We are all fishing so close together that the deck hands are constantly untangling our lines. A couple hours later, the boat starts up and moves around but never far from shore.

My hook gets snagged on some immovable object on the bottom. The fishing line stretches tight and then the hook comes loose suddenly, creating a gigantic bird nest in my reel. The Mexican deck hand looks disgusted and asks why did I release the drag and cause this mess. I never touched the drag. He acts like he doesn't hear me and he keeps sourly saying I released the drag while he tries to untangle the bird nest.

He has a very unique job approach for someone who works for tips. I decide to rattle his cage and ask him why the fish aren't biting. I tell him I have bottom-fished twice in Gulf Shores, where I caught red snappers two at a time on tandem hooks. I tell him I never failed to catch less than 15 fish while bottom fishing in Gulf Shores. I ask him how in the heck anyone can land a fish (if by some miracle he hooks one) when everyone's lines stays tangled up. He says something to the other deck hands in Mexican.

Suzannah hooks a monster snapper and lands him. We are all excited but by the end of the day twelve fishermen have caught a total of five fish. I never got a strike. On the way back to the harbor we drink the free Mexican beer and decide that “SOL” actually means “If you think you are going to catch a fish on this boat, you are S.O.L.” Saturday is another Fun Day. We arrive in Galveston early Sunday morning. I have spent all my cash and maxed out one credit card, but I borrow money from the others in my group so I can tip my steward and my head waiter even more than Carnival thought I should.

I'm glad I did the cruise. It's one more item I can check off my bucket list, but a cruise will never compare to hunting bears in Wyoming and Idaho. And next time I want to bottom-fish, it will be in Gulf Shores, in the good ole USA, where you are never S.O.L. Dennis Stewart grew up in northeast Louisiana, graduated from La Tech and LSU Law School. After having taught law at ULM and working as an Assistant District Attorney, Dennis is now a Hearing Officer in Rayville. He loves to hunt, fish, read, write, and shop on eBay.

www.la-road-trips.com

RUNNIN’ THE ROADS

By Barbara Sharik

The Dog Chow Diet When I go shopping it's akin to taking a road trip. You live in the country, everywhere is a road trip. I've learned to shop large. That is, I don't just run to the store and pick up a loaf of bread, I go to the store and pick up some of everything. I keep a running list on my 'fridge, right beside the ToDo list. Both stay full.

Yesterday was my semi-monthly shopping road trip and I was at Walmart buying, among a ton of other things, two large bags of Old Roy dog chow for my pack of rescue yard dogs. I was in the checkout line minding my own business when the guy behind me asked if I had a dog. I'm thinking, whadaya think I've got? An alligator? I mean, I've got 100 pounds of dog food in my buggy. Well, it used to be 100 pounds, now it's only 88, a marketing ploy to keep us dumb shoppers happy because the guys who think this stuff up really do believe we won't notice. What they do is, in order to avoid raising prices, they keep the price the same, chop down the size of the bag and fill it with less. Therefore, what was once a 50 pound bag is now a 44 pound bag but costs the same.

Devious marketers did that with candy bars and coffee many years ago too.

But after awhile, even with less content, prices eventually crept upward. Of course by then, shoppers had gotten used to buying 13-ounces of coffee instead of a round-pound. Creativity was involved with the shrunken candy bar. When offered back at its original size, it had “kingsize” stamped on the package and the price doubled.

Back to the man standing behind me.

His question reminded me of what I'm asked all summer long: Is it hot enough for you? And I always look 'em square in the face and say, “Nope. I wish it was hotter.”

The resulting look I get from my response is priceless. I then laugh and add, “Of course it's hot enough for me.” Mostly they sigh with relief. I don't know if they realize their question was dumb or if I'm nuts.

On impulse I told this guy that no, I didn't have a dog. I explained that I was starting the Old Roy Diet again, adding that I probably shouldn't because the last time I went on it, even though I'd lost 50 pounds, I'd ended up in the hospital in the Intensive Care Unit. But, I added, it was for all intents and purposes, a perfect diet. He looked quite concerned, not to mention a little confused. So I clarified how it worked, telling him I filled my pants pockets, my purse, and all the candy dishes at my house and office with Old Roy nuggets. Then every time a hunger pang pinged, I'd nibble on nuggets. After all, dog food is nutritionally complete.

I don't know if they realize their question was dumb or if I'm nuts.

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I said, since it worked so perfectly I decided to try it again. (Let me say that everybody in the checkout line was spellbound listening to my doggie tale -pardon the pun). Totally aghast, the guy asked why had I ended up in ICU? Did the dog food poison me? I told him nope, I got this uncontrollable urge to step off the curb and sniff after a chipper Chihuahua and a car hit me. I thought the people in line behind the guy were gonna have hissy-fit spasms from laughing so hard. Well, now I believe the smiling Walmart greeter sounds a silent alarm upon my arrival because when I'm ready to checkout I'm encouraged to use the selfcheckout lane and to move along rapidly. They discourage me from engaging in conversation with fellow shoppers. I can't help that my mind works in humorously mysterious ways.

If a joke can be made, I'm gonna make it.

“Chow, Baby.” Dog chow, that is.

Barbara Sharik makes her home at Wit's End in Jones, Louisiana with a couple old dogs, young dogs and several stupid dogs, a cat, a talking cockatiel and a white dove.

She's active in civic affairs, serves as a Justice of the Peace, a Notary Public, is the Clerk for the Village of Bonita and a columnist for the Bastrop Daily Enterprise.

She has authored several books. You can e-mail Barbara at barbsharikvail@hotmail.com.

K C A B K TAL

The Fiske Theatre in Oak Grove (by Chere Coen, Sept 2010) is one of my favorite places to spend a little time when I need to slow down a bit.

Reminds me of my childhood in a small rural town in south Louisiana.

Melissa H., Monroe

Me and several of my friends went to the St. Matthew SockHop last year and really enjoyed it… we bought tickets as soon as they went on sale this year. I was so happy to see this event on your cover (Sept 2010) and hope even more people show up this year. Thanks!

Brenda W., Sterlington Got this (LRT) through one of your writers, Barbara Sharik. Loved reading the stories. Johnny Wink was hilarious. Keep up the good work.

Edith Lewis, Maryland I really enjoyed the article about great places to watch football games in New Orleans (Deb Burst, Sept 2010). I wish she'd write about this for every city in Louisiana. I travel for work and am hanging on to that issue for when I'm in New Orleans.

Lynn G., Leesville This paper just gets better every month. Please don't ever stop printing it.

Jack R., Natchitoches

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On The Scene

The New New Orleans A model for disaster reform

By Deborah Burst

national average, and there is a greater share of Schools Without power, phones or internet, I During the anniversary week the federal middle class and upper income families. spent months cut off from the outside world, government released $1.8 billion for schools Add to that a new political leader, Mayor sheltered from the horrific scenes of mayhem, which will expedite the building of 85 new Mitch Landrieu, who has hit the ground death, and a complete meltdown of our and completely renovated schools over the running, working hard to unite the city and government. As I rebuilt my home and bring true character to government. Just weeks next 6-8 years. Paul Pastorek, Louisiana State business, I began a poetic purge preaching School Superintendent, said in a WWL radio before the anniversary he announced that one good news, writing about the unsung heroes hundred recovery projects from libraries to fire interview that the cost of maintenance will be and what makes New Orleans so special. reduced due to newer schools and lower stations to parks have been approved after Now, after five years, it was time to energy costs. “All schools will be built to the years of red tape. "We are not rebuilding the watch the videos, to study five years of Silver Leed standard, second highest of the city that was; we are rebuilding the documentaries, to green standards,” said Pazerack. “They will be city that is to be," preached Landrieu. celebrate five years of built much stronger, much higher and much Measurements progress, and to join safer than before.”

A master plan was developed others in finishing the And the schools are already showing by civic and government officials, a job. I attended a week vast improvements in attendance, test scores, blueprint for cities across the nation long media event in and teacher evaluations. Something Paul and beyond promoting livability, New Orleans listening attributes to better quality teaching. “Across economic opportunity, and to nonprofit panels, an New Orleans we're exceeding state averages sustainability. The Brookings Institute all day “Crisis Breeds Creativity” conference, a sneak preview of the State's Katrina Exhibit, documents the progress of recovery with a look by 5 to 10 times because of a much better pipeline of into the future at schools, health care, criminal along with tours of neighborhoods, schools teacher justice reform, creating neighborhoods of and sites of new medical facilities. experience in opportunity, and the new framework for The Leaders the city.” restoring coastal wetlands.

In our darkest hour, volunteers from The greater New Orleans area has TEDxNOLA around the country came to our rescue, and received $27 billion of improvements including TEDx is a thousands continue to pour in joining local the VA hospital, flood protection, road home national nonprofits, the driving force in bringing money, and money for coastal erosion to name endeavor touted people back. a few. We are now at 78% of the pre-storm as a gathering It started with weekly meetings just to Chef John Besh at TEDxNOLA population and 70% of pre-storm job figures, of “the world's share memories of a lost community. From but we have seen a 49% rise in rents, 65,000 most visionary intellects.” The New Orleans there neighborhoods formed nonprofits vacant residential units and still suffer with chapter hosted a day long program at the Le rebuilding better damaged infrastructure and diminished public Petit Theatre with 25 speakers who shared communities. their experience in drafting creativity from According to the Urban services. However 15,000 affordable rental units have been built and 59 of the city's 68 crisis.

Institute, nonprofits Gary Solemn was only 22 years old rose from 3,562 to 4,007, neighborhoods have substantially recovered. when Le Petit Theatre asked him to and they Katrina Exhibit manage their rescue effort with twelve feet continue to The Louisiana State Museum at the Presbytere will of water stewing inside their brand new forge ahead, showcase a timeline of stories in real-life artifacts and oral million dollar orchestra pit. Inspired by especially the histories featured in a multimedia exhibit opening October the Pointilism technique of painting, he ninth ward 26. It follows the spirit of resilience, the evacuation corridor, condensed the project into micro and New a dimly lite attic with recorded pleas of help, live scenes of solutions. Reaching out to media, Orleans East, the flooding, failed leadership, coming home, and ending Ninth Ward home with two museums and community actors, Gary with windows of learning featuring designs of the future. solar panels has brought new life into the theatre and neighborhoods who are still fighting to come back.

•Louisiana State Museum exhibit, Living with Hurricanes: today they are running in the black.

Michael McDaniel taught us how a Young professionals are KATRINA & beyond, http://lsm.crt.state.la.us/katrina/ •Brookings Institute: The New Orleans Index at Five, graphic designer fueled by the graphic streaming into the city spiking the http://www.brookings.edu/reports/2007/ images of stranded people at the number of new businesses past the 08neworleansindex.aspx Superdome found a solution for emergency national rate, led in part by GNO •TEDxNOLA, www.tedxnola.com housing and now has FEMA knocking at Inc., Tulane University and Idea •Crescent City Farmer's Market, www.marketumbrella.org his door. A design drawn from a simple village. And average wages have •Le Petit Theatre, www.lepetittheatre.com grown by 14 percent matching the continued on next page > > >

"We are not rebuilding the city that was; we are rebuilding the city that is to be."

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Rocking R Ranch Nothing But Love The Rocking R Ranch in West Monroe began as a dream in 2008 to have a safe place for children to ride horses, go on a hay ride, and pet miniature animals. Owner Nelda Rowlan actually had a three year plan but once word got out, an explosion of interest happened. Her niece, Rachael Atkins, took charge and became lead director for the ranch organizing birthday parties, field trips, and daycare visits.

Libby Gates works as the assistant director during all these activities and also manages horseback riding lessons and public relations for the ranch while Nelda drives the tractor for the hayrides. She'll also get in the saddle to give a special needs child a safe and loving ride on a horse.

The ranch is located at 1217 Rogers Road in West Monroe.

Call (318) 388-2527, 355-7774, or 388-1638 for more information or to schedule your next outdoor event. You can also email therockinranch@yahoo.com or visit on Facebook.

The New New Orleans continued equation: Indian teepee + IKEA + upside down coffee cup = patent pending model.

Farmer markets were another important component in the rebuilding effort offering a safe haven, a vital source of information, and empowering neighborhoods to build their own economy. What Richard McCarty, co-founder and executive director of marketumbrella.org, calls a cross between microfinance and global philanthropy.

Closing Hit with multiple shocks: Katrina, the Great Recession, and the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, the area has experienced more major reforms Fats Domino flooded piano at Katrina exhibit simultaneously than any other city in the nation. But the arguments to rebuild New Orleans have been silenced by civic engagement, intense loyalty, ferocious pride, and of course millions of endearing Saints fans.

Past the deluge of flooding images, beyond the pity parade, it's time to celebrate the positive and continue the journey of prosperity building a model for cities everywhere to champion economic, environmental and cultural value.

By Carolyn Files

Farm Supply Center (FSC) in Mer Rouge takes the term "full service" to a new level. You can get your vehicle tuned up while you pick up plumbing supplies or hydraulic fluid, and purchase a frozen casserole for Sunday's dinner.

Chesslye Pipes Sanson quit the corporate life to start a catering business. Her kitchen/work area is located down a hall within FSC, her father's business on South 14th Street in Mer Rouge. Right here, she and Janice Dukes have fine tuned the art of sandwich making. They also toss together a great chef salad with homemade dressing on the side and real bacon crumbled on top. Customers on the run know they can grab a chicken salad sandwich, ham/cheese on wheat, even a quesadilla. Having huge cinnamon rolls and homemade cookies on the counter makes for a great breakfast or snack anytime.

But there's more. Hors D'oevres, desserts, meat or vegetable casseroles in various sizes, salads, and specialty breads can be special ordered, although Chesslye does keep a selection of frozen dishes available for quick pickup. She always uses real, fresh ingredients in the food she prepares nothing but love in her dishes!

Chesslye's talent was obvious in her childhood as she loved cooking for her daddy in her play kitchen and easy bake oven. Perching on a barstool or chair at a grandmother's home where she measured and mixed further developed her skills. A Yugoslavian influence in her grandmother's cooking can be detected in some of her dishes. Cooking magazines, grandmothers' recipes, and the 'Little Black Book of Secrets' form the core of recipes Chesslye prepares for her business. Her bourbon balls are aged to blend the flavors, her fudge and divinity smooth, and her chocolate cake is to die for.

These two accomplished women are ready and willing to help with your holiday cooking. Fried and baked turkeys, dressing, side dishes, and candies can be ordered to allow families more time to visit. We all have great memories of sitting around the family table visiting after a holiday meal and Chesslye wants to give that gift back in this day of 'hurry up and wait.' You can contact Chesslye at 6473681, 800-841-3543, or chesslye@sarmsupplycenter.net.

Catering & Gifts

318-647-3681 800-841-3543 Farm Supply Center Catering & Gifts 206 S. 14th Street P.O. Box 253 Mer Rouge, LA 71261

An award winning writer and photographer, Deb began her new career in journalism after earning a media degree at Tulane University in 2003. A New Orleans native, she now lives in the piney woods of Mandeville and enjoys working with aspiring young minds across the state.

CHESSLYE PIPES SANSON Email: chesslye@farmsupplycenter.net

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Webster Parish

Main to Main 50 Miles of Food, Fun & Shopping Mark November 5-6, 2010 on your calendar and join the folks in Webster Parish for the 11th Annual Main to Main Trade Days. Whether you're an art lover, a bargain hunter, an antique shopper, a flea market and garage sale enthusiast or just love the art of shopping, you won't want to miss this experience!

The 50 mile route runs from Main Street in Springhill, Louisiana down highway 371 south through the main streets of the small Webster Parish towns of Cullen, Sarepta, Cotton Valley, Couchwood to Dixie Inn onto Highway 80 on the Shreveport Road, through Downtown Minden then back south on 371 to the Sibley Road Flea Market, south through Sibley and down to Heflin. The food, fun and shopping begins at dawn each day and runs through dusk.

The sidewalks of both Minden and Springhill Main Streets will be filled with numerous vendors.

Downtown shops also bring it outside and offer store specials and bargains galore. One street corner may have homemade gumbo for sale by a local church group while another has original handmade jewelry. You'll find beignets being deep fried on one end of the block and original oil paintings on display on the other. Drive down the road to pick up fried alligator and check out a church garage sale.

“Downtown Minden will feature food, art, crafts and entertainment,” says Pattie Odom, Downtown Development Director for Minden. “A giant flea market will be located on the Sibley Road as you head south from Main Street with plenty of parking,” adds Odom. Jan Corrales, Springhill Main Street Manager adds, “Plan at least one full day with us and two if you want to see everything along the route. Shoppers and vendors are welcome!”

For more information, visit maintomain.com or call (318) 371-4258 or 539-5699.

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Bridge City Gumbo Festival In 1973 the Louisiana Governor issued a proclamation naming Bridge City “The Gumbo Capital of the World.” That said, the 2010 Gumbo Festival festivities will begin on Friday, October 8th and continue through Sunday, October 10th.

Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River across the Huey P. Long Bridge from New Orleans, the Gumbo Festival is held at Gumbo Festival Park on Angel Square, 1701 Bridge City Avenue.

Festival grounds open at 6pm on Friday evening and 11am on Saturday and Sunday.

Bridge City's “world famous” gumbo is cooked daily at the festival grounds with over 2,000 gallons of both seafood and chicken/sausage gumbo prepared for visitors during the festival. A variety of other native Louisiana cooking such as jambalaya and New Orleans style red beans and rice with sausage as well as hamburgers, hot dogs, homemade cakes and candies, funnel cakes, and many other delicious surprises will also be available.

Because Cajun folk traditions are rooted in an appreciation for food, our Cajun cooks challenge champions in the Gumbo Cooking Contest and invite everyone to enter.

The continuous live entertainment and fais-do-do (dance) area provide a focal point for the festival's outdoor activities. Appearances by local and visiting bands of Cajun, Country, Zydeco, Jazz, Blues, and Rock music highlight the Gumbo Festival's attractions. Admission, parking, and live entertainment on an outdoor stage are all FREE! Miss Creole Gumbo 2009, Kristiana Romero, and King Creole Gumbo XXXVI, Elray Cassard, will also be on hand to greet and welcome visitors.

The 2010 Gumbo Festival is open to food and craft venders to rent booths. For information on the Festival, call 504-436-4712 or visit www.gumbofestival.org. See you there!

Ouachita River Art Gallery

308 Trenton Street • West Monroe, LA 71291

(318) 322-2380

www.ouachitariverartgallery.com Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm

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Bastrop's Partners in Health True healing happens at home. That's the approach TruCare Home Health and related companies - all based in Bastrop - take in offering varied services to patients across northeast Louisiana.

Hickory Manor Skilled Nursing Facility, Lagniappe Healthcare and Premier Hospice are associated partners of TruCare, each offering special programs - administered by highly trained and compassionate employees - that help patients regain and maintain their independence following diagnosis of a wide variety of medical conditions. For example: Lagniappe Healthcare offers long- and short-term assistance for residents in addition to treatment for residents needing occupational, speech and physical therapy following an accident or illness. The Accelerated Care Plus program used at Lagniappe has proven effective for many years and is utilized by professional and college athletic programs in helping reduce recovery time, allowing patients to reduce the time needed to recuperate.

Premier Hospice, with offices in Bastrop and Monroe, works to ensure patients maintain the quality of life to which they're accustomed. In addition to treatment of the patient, Premier offers social workers and pastoral staff who work with the patients and their families to provide the tools necessary to work through a life-limiting illness.

TruCare Home Health offers traditional treatment programs for patients recovering from accidents, injuries or illness. A specialty recently offered by TruCare is pediatric home health and pediatric extended care. These services are available to patients from age birth to 21 years of age and can provide assistance ranging from one to 12 hours a day. Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and nurse aides provide care for the child. Physical, occupational and speech therapy treatments are also available.

Hickory Manor Skilled Nursing Facility partners with Premier Hospice in offering more direct supervision and treatment of patients facing a life-limiting illness.

The facility also offers traditional long- and short-term assistance for Residents and staff take part in the residents needing treatment and Spring Fling earlier this year at Lagniappe Healthcare. supervision after surgery, an illness or accident. Staff at Hickory Manor take the approach that residents aren't so much living in a facility as the employees are working in patients' homes.

In addition to established treatment programs, both Lagniappe and Hickory Manor involve patients in a variety of activities, both on campus and with trips to attractions throughout the region.

Each agency, its direct care employees and those behind the scenes work to do more than Utilizing the latest simply care for the conditions that led to the technology, the ACP need for services. They also strive to allow the program at Lagniappe patients and residents and their family members Healthcare speeds up to achieve a quality of life on terms that work for recovery time, allowing residents to regain everyone involved in their treatment. their independence.

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The Teddy Bearfest '10 Historical Celebration “Celebrating Our Own” The 4th annual Teddy Bearfest will be held on October 9, 2010 on the grounds of the Tallulah Courthouse Square. The City of Tallulah, the Village of Richmond, the Madison Parish Police Jury and the Madison Tourism Commission invites you to this great celebration honoring to our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, who’s 1907 bear hunt expedition in Madison Parish led to him shooting the black bear that eluded him years earlier in Mississippi.

Sharing the spotlight with President Roosevelt will be our own hero, Jimmy Shivers, with over 20 years in at the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Department. This year, the festival is being staged in honor and memory of James (Jimmy) Earl Shivers, III, who was Chief of Operations for the Madison Parish Correction Center.

The Teddy Bear Festival committee is sponsoring its second Little Miss/Mr Teddy Bear Fest Pageant. A jazz concert and workshop will be held on October 8,

2010 at Tallulah Elementary School by jazz artist, Dr. Willie Naylor, a Rayville native who has lived and worked in the Chicago Public school system for 40 years as a Band Director, and conductor of many jazz concerts in and around Chicago.

Vendors will display a variety of arts and crafts. There will be lots of activities (inflatable rides, rock wall climbing, story telling, face and finger painting, tattoos, bowling, a treasure hunt, children’s books, and fire safety prevention exercises) for children.

The Tensas National Wildlife Refuge and Poverty point will have educational and informational exhibits featuring various activities and live animals, and information on wildlife, hunting, fishing, etc. Lots of door prizes will be given away along with surprise raffle items.

The festival is headlined by local talent from the I-20 corridor and Mississippi. West Monroe’s own country and western group, Ratchet, will be among the main

Louisiana Road Trips

attractions along with Mississippi’s dynamic rhythm and blues singer, Vickie Baker and the Delta Blues duo, Osgood and Blaque. Other musical talents include solo artist, Patrician Buchanan, Tallulah Angelic Voice of Praise, Loin of Judah, First Baptist Church of Tallulah Musical Ensemble, Christian rock group, Band of Brothers, and country and western singers, Jamie Lynn Robinson and Joey Duhamel and a host of local groups and gospel artists.

TIER LEVEL SPONSORS: Platinum Sponsors: Entergy, Diamond Jacks Casino, Northrop Grumman Ship System, Tiny Tots Learning Center, Hancock Home Health, Inc, S&B Drugs, Village of Richmond, Tensas State Bank, E-Z Auto Sales, The Olive Branch Senior Care Center, and Kivett’s Electrical Heating & Air Conditioning, Madison Parish Public School System, Delta Bank, and the Madison Parish Chamber of

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Commerce. Gold Sponsors: State Representative Andy Anders, Tallulah Construction Company, The Smoke Shop, Popeye’s and Great Day, Inc. Silver Sponsor: Attorney James Paxton, Tallulah Construction and Delta Home Care, Inc, and Bishop & Moberly Attorneys At Law, Marion Hopkins, Cynthia Machen, Farm Bureau, Joseph W. Yerger, D.D. S. Walters Furniture, Law Office of Angela L. Claxton, LLC, Horizon Casino, Subway of Tallulah, Arnett’s Jewelry and Delta Tire.

Bronze Sponsor: Darryl’s Body Shop, Crazy Bob’s, Betty Clark and Tommy Leoty, Jr. Insurance Agency.

Look Who’s Reading LRT! 4 year old

Vanessa Delarosa

Blues and BBQ on the Ouachita In conjunction with the Louisiana Main to Main event: A Cultural Road Show, the Columbia Main Street program will present the fourth annual Blues and BBQ on the Ouachita on Saturday, November 6, 2010. The festivities will be held in the 100 block of Main Street in beautiful downtown Columbia, LA. For three years, this event has brought the community together for a festival featuring some unique and delicious local BBQ and a wonderful assortment of talented entertainers. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, and includes entertainment and food.

Performers include Andy McIntire, a local favorite, as well as Steve Cagle, a fantastic

keyboard player and vocalist.

Steve - a blues, rock, gospel, country, jazz, and classical talent has played with a variety of wellknown musical acts like GG Shinn, Andre Crouch, Conway Twitty, Dallas Holm, Tommy McClain and the Equinox Jazz Orchestra. The show will be from 1-5pm.

While enjoying the many sights and sounds, tempt your taste buds with the worldrenowned flavor of Louisiana. Last years event had entrants ranging from 16 to 80 and of varying ethnicity participating in the barbeque contest. Categories are beef, chicken and pork. Awards are provided to winners in each group for first, second, and third place (bragging rights included).

Food will be served beginning at 12 Noon.

The event is a joint effort collaborated with the Office of the Lt. Governor, National Park Service Preserve America, Columbia Main Street, the Town of Columbia,

Louisiana Road Trips

the Caldwell Parish Industrial Development Board, Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, Greg's GitIt-All, Captain's Quarters, The Columbian coffee shop, State Farm Insurance, and other local businesses. This event is a

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Louisiana Main to Main event and more information on this program may be obtained at www.louisianamaintomain.org.

For further information or to sign up for the BBQ contest, contact Polly Harrelson 318-649-2138.

14th Annual Three Rivers Art Festival The 14th annual Covington Three Rivers Art Festival will be held on North Columbia Street in historic Downtown Covington on November 13-14, 2010 from 10am to 5pm each day. Admission is free to the public.

Festival officials are pleased to announce that Chairman of this year's event is former State Representative Diane Winston, an art aficionado who supported legislation requiring purchase of artworks by Louisiana artists to decorate state-owned buildings.

“This year's festival will showcase the work of 200 artists from 25 different states who were juried by a panel of art experts in order to be invited to exhibit. All items are original and hand-crafted by the artists, who will also be on hand to discuss their work. Showcased art will include original paintings in oil, acrylic, and watercolor, glass, pottery, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork, photography, sculpture, and more.”

Festival activities are now under the direction and supervision of event coordinator Maria Burkhardt who organized and ran the first festival in 1997. She also managed the event from 2001 through 2004. “Because of Maria's experience and expertise, the festival is not only on track but ahead of schedule in

many areas. This year's event promises to be better than ever,” says Winston.

The 2010 festival will include the Children's Discovery Area where all ages can enjoy live performances on the Children's Performing Stage; hands-on art activities; the Arts Alive Demonstration stage where attendees can watch artists at work; the Main Stage with live music throughout the day; and a food court. The Three Rivers Art Festival will also include a Student Art Competition open to all students from St. Tammany Parish in grades K-12.

Saturday, November 13 will begin with the Three Rivers Run, a 1-mile road race starting from the Covington Trailhead at 8am, followed by a 5K Run at 8:30am.

To register in advance, visit www.15thstreetflyers.org, or call Diane Weiss at 504-460-2991.

Founded in 1997, The Covington Three Rivers Art Festival has grown from 49 to 200 exhibiting artists and attracts a sophisticated buying public and talented group of artists and fine craftsmen, with 50,000+ visitors annually. The festival is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization run by a volunteer board and part-time coordinator,

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supplemented by more than 100 additional volunteer committee members and workers.

For more information about the festival, about sponsorships, or to volunteer, visit www.threeriversartfestival.com, email ThreeRiversRep@aol.com, or call Event Coordinator Maria Burkhardt at (985) 871-4141 or (985) 893-4060.

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TRAVEL ADVENTURE

By Dianne Newcomer

Whistling Down the Mountain Last month in Whistler, Canada, they held the Red Bull 5000 Down, and in my opinion, you would have to be very high on Red Bull to even enter! The 5000 Down involves riding a mountain bike down a 7159 foot mountain with a vertical drop of 5020 feet in less than 20 minutes. The top five finishers split a cash purse of $9500. Do the math: that's a pretty huge risk for just $1900.

It made me realize this race was not about the money but the moment!

Dressed from head-to-toe in their armour - headgear, gloves, pads, and suits hundreds of bike warriors of all ages with their faithful “horse” by their side awaited the chance to ride the lift to the top of Whistler Mountain while Rob and I sat dining on a hamburger at the base of the mountain watching the show, in awe. Seeing these bikers navigate the last leg of the dirt trail and hitting their final jumps after a grueling downhill run was almost as amazing as trying to imagine how, or why, 250 men and women would ever be able to start a race simultaneously at the top and survive the twists, turns, and jumps to the bottom.

I envisioned the Red Bull 5000 to be a biker's Indy 500: high speed, high altitude, high risk. Yet, the young biker who sat down next to us after his run down the mountain assured us it was “not that bad, just a little dusty, but overall, pretty rad.” He continues, “We are all stoked about the next few weeks.

Fall riding conditions are the best ever at Whistler. Even though the days are getting shorter, our dance is far from over with lots of great days left for us to sweep the trails before it gets too dark to ride in the woods. Our Bike Park on the mountain stays open until October 11th so we get to wring the last juice out of the season.”

Our chatty little biking friend suggested we try the Dirt Merchant or Heart of Darkness trail to make our holiday in Whistler even better. We decided to seize the moment, "wring out the last juice of the season," and go mountain biking!

Based on instructions at the rental place, we rated ourselves Level 2 bikers, meaning we had limited experience on a bike, can control bike speed and direction on paved surfaces but with little or no experience riding off-road terrain.

After renting our armour for the ride and where we could go based on our level of expertise, we were off on a Kona Garbanzo, a bike that sells for around $1600, used! We quickly learned biking was not for the faint of heart, financially or physically, but what a wonderful way to spend a beautiful fall afternoon in Whistler. The Park Service maintains the trails, and like a ski mountain, they are color coded for each level.

The 2010 Winter Olympics showcased Whistler as North America's new “it” ski destination. Located in a lake-dotted glacial valley about two hours north of Vancouver, the mountain has hosted world class ski and snow boarding competitions since its first lifts opened in 1965. The village itself is a carefully designed and charming pedestrian plaza full of shops, hotels, and restaurants, reminding me of Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Frequent shuttle buses make it easy to visit the two mountain ranges of Whistler and Blackcomb, which surround the village. The sheer magnitude of skiable terrain is the most extensive on the continent but when the winter season shuts down, these impressive runs become another playground. Whistler is fast becoming a year round resort and after our wonderful Labor Day experience, I would suggest their new motto be “Come ride, not slide, our mountains.”

Yet, if your idea of a perfect vacation does not include physical exertion, Whistler has something for you, too! There is simply no shortage of things to see and do in this British

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Columbia resort high in the mountains.

Thanks to the 2010 Olympics, the Peak-2Peak Gondola opened up a four kilometer wide valley between the mountains, giving 8100 acres of new and accessible trails for hikers, skiers, bikers, and visitors to enjoy.

With only four towers holding up its passenger cabins, the gondola offers an 11 minute ride you will not forget. We didn't ride the gondola to hike the alpine trails but for the views and to eat at one of the mountain top restaurants.

Fish, hike, bike, golf, kayak, boat, run, ski, snowboard, river raft, zipline, bungee jump, or sightsee, but consider Whistler a year-round resort worthy of being on your bucket list. In 5 days, we were able to fly into Seattle, take the Amtrak train to Vancouver, rent a car, bike, hike, slide down a mountain, and explore some of the most beautiful country I have ever seen. I have traveled to very few places as spectacular and so much fun.

The nice thing about Whistler is you don't have to make it a spine-tingling adventure to have a good time. Just enjoy cool days, bluebird skies, great dining, and the magic of the mountains. Call Rob or me at MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE and let's talk about planning an escape to Whistler for your next vacation. We are even thinking about arranging a small group trip there for next year, so let us know if a Seattle to Whistler getaway might be on your radar!

Let's face it. The seasons pass all too quickly and it's impossible to know what the next one will bring. In the end, the race is not about the prize money, it's about living the moment. Call MONROE TRAVEL SERVICE - 323 3465 - or come by our office at 1908 Glenmar, right next door to the Muffin Tin and let us help you find the road you wish to travel. It's time to "wring the juice out of each moment!"

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Hit the Road

A trail of heroes in Prince William County, Virginia

By Deborah Burst

Manassas brings together the charm of an old fashioned rail town A region rich in history and landscapes, Prince William County offers travelers a peek into the past, present and future. More than two where many of its late Victorian era homes and buildings now serve as museums, boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. Pick centuries of military heroes are honored in museums and battlefields. up a driving and walking tour brochure inside the Manassas Museum Explore the changing landscapes from rolling mountain ranges to for a complete guide on shops, dining and softly plowed fields, study the architecture from colonial homesteads lodging. to regal plantations, and savor the local cuisine from country cooking to fine dining.

For a taste of Creole cooking Part of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Okra Restaurant is the local favorite.

Partnership, a four-state trail dedicated to 400 And for the best Tapas in town La years of history, the state of Virginia holds the Capilla restaurant offers top notch title for the most major Civil War battles. In South American cuisine inside a commemoration of the Civil War romantic historic church. Lovers of the Sesquicentennial, Prince William County has grape will enjoy a trip to the Winery at established a Civil War Heritage trail to honor the long and impressive La Grange in Haymarket (Manassas suburb) list of historical conflicts. Along the trail visitors relive some of the for samples of their fine wine. war's most famous battles at forts, museums, state parks, national Wooden rail fences and grazing Capilla Restaurant battlefields, and historic farmhouses that once served as field hospitals. thoroughbreds line country roads while Educational events along with lectures and reenactments follow the highways roll through waves of forested mountains. The region tour which is detailed in a colorful brochure with historic sites and a owns two national parks, two state parks, and more than 50 county travel map. and municipal parks, wildlife The Manassas National Battlefield pays tribute to two of the most refuges and preserved wetlands. intense and moving Civil War battles. Its first battle was observed by Inside Prince William Forest Park picnicking spectators while the second bloody battle marked a the North Valley Trail is an easy Confederate win earning continued support as they moved northward. three mile hike where hikers The park's visitor center provides maps with appear dwarfed by a ceiling of walking and driving tours along with docents towering trees in a 17,000-acre and park rangers that offer guided tours. On park filled with multiple varieties the top of each hour, a film titled,” Manassas: of native plants and animals.

Virginia Color The End of Innocence,” details a moving Recently opened in May, 2010, account of some of the war's most significant the Hylton Performing Arts Center soars nine stories high with a battles. stunning mix of copper, glass and masonry hosting local, national and To honor some of our more recent international art groups and performers. Inside, a sweeping staircase veterans, the newly built Marine Corps and open-air lobby welcome community, corporate and social events Museum (2006) promises to be a world-wide while Merchant Hall seats more than a thousand with twenty-seven attraction centered on both a historical and boxes divided on three levels. architectural platform. In a pyramid design Just 30 minutes form our country's capital; the county is a that resembles the flag-raising heroes of Iwo blueprint for urban and historic renewal dedicated to ordinary people, Jima, the museum rests inside a forested 135- Marine Museum past and present, who have shaped this country. Stargazers and arce vista with 118,000 square feet of daydreamers will enjoy dozens of parks •Prince William County/ Manassas Conv. & Visitors interactive exhibits. Attention to detail is throughout the region while shoppers Bureau, 800-432-1792, www.visitpwc.com paramount as the museum pays tribute to flock to the specialty shops in Old Town •Journey Through Hallowed Ground, 540-882-4927, the Marines and the U.S. Navy, partners in Manassas. Discover the old and the new www.jthg.org battles from the initiation of the Marines in •Manassas Museum, 703-368-1873, inside a trail of heroes in Prince William 1900 to wars inside Iraq and Afghanistan.

County. www.manassasmuseum.org Life-size models of fighter planes hang •Manassas National Battlefield Park, 703-754-1861, Deborah Burst, freelance writer and photographer, from the ceiling while realistic exhibits www.nps.gov/mana/ lives and writes in the piney woods of Mandeville. bring visitors up close to all aspects of war •Hylton Performing Arts Center, 703-993-9344, After a 30-year stint in banking, she graduated from Tulane in 2003. Her work has appeared in www.hyltonperformingartscenter.com from fighting gear to battling inclement •National Museum of the Marine Corps, 703-784-6422, regional, national, and international publications. weather.

A personal translator blessed with an emotional art www.usmcmuseum.org County residents have embraced form, Deb discovers the food, culture, and people along the backroads each month in Louisiana Road historic towns preserving the architectural •Prince William Forest Park, 703-221-7181, www.nps.gov/prwi Trips. heritage and landscapes. Downtown

Virginia holds the title for the most major Civil War battles

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RECIPES

by Stacy Thornton

In October we begin to appreciate the scents and smells of autumn as in the south we truly don't feel fall until then. Crisp autumn weather brings color, cool temps, and comfort food - soups, stews, hearty dishes. October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month so do yourself a favor and schedule your mammogram. And then there's Halloween, pumpkins, cats, and bats. I love the fun and the food of the holiday. Families head out to festivals, enjoy outdoor activities, dress up and have fun, and as usual food brings it all together. Celebrate and enjoy October and the recipes shared.

Taco Soup 1 lb ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained 15 oz can whole kernel corn, drained 2 - 15 oz cans diced tomatoes, don't drain 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes 2 to 3 cups tomato juice 1 pkg dry ranch dressing mix 1 pkg taco seasoning Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, tortilla chips

Dressed Up Red Beans and Rice 3 slices of bacon 1 lb smoked sausage 1 pkg seasoning blend - onions, peppers 1 tsp minced jalapeno 1 tsp minced garlic 1/3 cup cider vinegar 1/2 tsp pepper 3 tbsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt 2 cans red beans, rinsed and drained 2 cups fresh greens (turnips or mustard) s) 2 cups cooked white rice Cook bacon in large skillet, add smoked sausage, and cook about 3 minutes.

Add seasoning blend and garlic. Saute 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are tender. Stir in vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir in beans and cook until heated through. Add greens and cook until wilted. Spoon bean mixture over rice. Serve with cornbread.

Bat Wing Soup 4 cloves of garlic 2 tbsp olive oil 4 cans (14 1/2 oz each) stewed tomatoes 1/2 cup whipping cream 6 slices of bread, crust removed 2 tbsp butter 2 tsp Italian seasoning

Brown beef with onion, then drain. Add all ingredients except tomato juice, green onions, cheese and sour cream and mix well.

Stir in 1 1/2 cups tomato juice and mix well. Add more until desired consistency. Cook until heated through, then simmer about 15 minutes. Serve in bowls topped with cheese and sour cream. A family favorite that you can double and freeze for later.

Saute garlic until tender. In a food processor or blender, process tomatoes and garlic in batches until smooth. Return to the pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and stir in cream. Heat through. Place bread on a flat surface and flatten with a rolling pin. Using kitchen shears, cut each slice diagonally, cutting wavy lines to resemble wat wings. Place bat wings on a baking sheet, spread with butter, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake at 400 degrees for 5 to 8 minutes, turning once to brown on both sides. Serve bat wings with soup.

Chili N Biscuit Bowl

S'more Brownie Bites

2 cups Bisquick 2/3 cups milk 1/2 tsp ground red pepper 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 lb ground beef 1 chopped onion 2 (15 oz) cans Mexican style stewed tomatoes 15 oz can kidney beans, drained 2 tsp chili powder sour cream, green onions, shredded cheese Combine Bisquick, milk, and red pepper. Mix well. Turn out onto floured surface and shape into a ball. Knead a few times and divide into six portions. Spray an inverted muffin tin with cooking spray. Shape the dough onto inverted muffin tin and shape into a bowl. Bake at 450 degrees for about 10 minutes or until browned. Cool and remove biscuit bowls.

Cook beef in skillet with onion and bell pepper, then drain. Add tomatoes, beans, and chili powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Serve in biscuit bowls topped with cheese ,sour cream and chopped green onions.

1 oz sq semisweet baking chocolate, chopped 1 cup + 1 1/2 tbsp butter 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/8 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/8 tsp cinnamon 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 c graham cracker crumbs 4 (1 oz) milk chocolate bars 2 cups mini marshmallows Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 9 baking dish. Melt unsweetened chocolate with 1 cup butter. In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add to chocolate mixture. Add eggs and vanilla, whisk to combine. Spoon into pan and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven. In another bowl, melt remaining 1 1/2 tbsp butter and mix in graham cracker crumbs. Sprinkle crumb mixture over brownies and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely. Melt milk chocolate in microwave, toss into marshmallows and stir to coat. Spoon over cooled brownies. Cut into small squares and serve.

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PECULIAR JAUNTS

By Carey Weeks

Horror Writer Michelle McCrary Leads Shreveport-Bossier Zombie Invasion “They're coming to get you Barbara!”

Or so they say at the East Bank Theatre in Bossier City. Just who is this Barbara? For those sharing the stage with her in the upcoming stage production of Night of the Living Dead, Barbara is a stranger, a crazed woman who has spent the better part of a single day running across the countryside from cannibalistic “ghouls” (or zombies as we now know them). For friends and family, she is Michelle McCrary, horror writer, devoted wife and mother, and founder of the annual Shreveport Zombie Walk, a fundraiser that for three years has collected massive amounts of food for the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank.

Michelle has not always been a fan of the zombie genre. She remembers watching horror movies with her father at the young age of nine when she caught first glimpse of George Romero's frightening black and white cult classic Night of the Living Dead and vividly recalls how fearful she was watching the explosion scene. Now, twenty years later, Michelle just can't get enough of zombie film and fiction. She actually met the one and only George Romero at the 2010 Texas Frightmare

in Dallas, scratching that particular wish off her bucket list.

Although not a seasoned actor, Michelle is gearing up for this year's production of the stage version of Night of the Living Dead, back again by popular demand. She admits the play is a bit campy compared to the original film though it honors the movie's black and white vintage quality.

During the 2009 play auditions, Michelle thought it would be fun to play a zombie, groaning and shambling across the stage, not having to speak any lines. She was surprised when director Dick King asked her to audition for the lead role of Barbara, a character that is unique and far from level-headed after seeing her brother being eaten by the undead. Ready for a second round, Michelle is excited to experience the subtle changes that Mr. King has in store for this year's resurrection. King anticipates gathering the majority of the original cast members from the 2009 production, including Mat Latz, Harvard Taylor, Scott Smith, and of course Michelle McCrary.

When it comes to acting, Michelle is stunned at how natural it came for her. After four day a week rehearsals over a month, the pay-off is noticeable.

She says, “During the live performances audience members laugh and respond to scenes that we, the actors never even anticipated.” Michelle looks 1. What was constructed to help make forward to dabbling more in theatre after her two the Ouachita River navigable? sons are a bit older. As for now she is dedicated to 2. Louisiana was admitted to the Union in her role as Barbara, ready to take the stage on what year?

October 29-30 at the East Bank Theatre in Bossier City.

3. North Louisiana produced three Admission is $20. governors in a row. Name them. http://sites.bossierarts.org/main/east-bank-theatre.

The Shreveport Zombie Walk is October 10, 4-6pm in 4. What is the largest man-made Mall St. Vincent. Admission is free with a nonlake in north Louisiana? perishable food item to donate to the NWLA Food 5. What parish was created in Bank. www.myspace.com/shreveportzombiewalk.

Louisiana and later

Carey lives in Shreveport, Louisiana with her husband and daughter. She has been a regular contributor to LA Road Trips Magazine and has also been featured in Louisiana Cookin' Magazine. She is currently working on a compilation of historical fiction short stories and in her spare time enjoys painting and photography. You can read her blog at http://unarrator.blogspot.com/.

ouisiana Remember When . . .

abolished because of lack of interest?

6. How was Fort Necessity named?

7. What Indians had several villages around what is now Newellton?

8. How was Sicily Island named?

9. Folks in New Orleans call it a 'banquette'. What is it called elsewhere?

10. What is Louisiana often referred to in the film industry?

Answers on next page 32

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For effective, low-cost advertising, call

Mona L. Hayden (318) 547-1221

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ALL THINGS SOUTHERN

By Shellie Tomlinson

Bubba In Training Hello folks, let's chat...~smile~ Y'all should see Bubba. The boy's in training. He goes around wearing those tight compression shorts and drinking orange Gatorade by the gallon. Bubba warned me 'bout poking fun of his new sport over the air 'cause there are some passionate players out there. I don't want to make fun of the game, but I'm not making any promises about a particular contestant.

It all started in Las Vegas. Bubba had made a run out there in his eighteen- wheeler when he

All Things Southern “Bringing you the charm and heritage of the South…” ph 318-559-0319 • cell 319-282-2508 tomtom@allthingssouthern.com

stumbled across the second annual Rock Paper Scissors Tournament. I didn't realize the game we played to settle disputes as kids had become an adult sport, but Bubba says it's big time and ESPN was there filming.

Bubba found the tournament accidentally. Someone at the gas station invited him to a throw down, and well, y'all know Bubba, he thought he was gonna see a good brawl.

Bubba was disappointed at first, but he got into it. I, however, had to laugh when he told me about the heavy favorite wearing a red silk boxing gown, a la Rocky Balboa. Bubba said referees counted down the throws and paramedics stood nearby in case of “wrist or shoulder dislocations.”

I'm picturing their managers: “Throw the paper, boy. He can't handle your paper!”

The kicker for Bubba came when a male nurse from Texas won it all and

pulled in $50,000 bo-dollars. Bubba's been throwing down ever since, with anyone and everyone.

Yesterday the elementary school principal banned him from the schoolyard.

The big cheater was over there paddin' his stats. Unfazed, he's trying to sell the Lumber Yard on sponsoring him, said he'd wear their t-shirt with a logo, “For all your rock, paper, and scissors needs.” They're still in negotiations but Bubba's moving forward.

He's formed the Redneck Rock, Paper, Scissors League and he asked me to invite y'all to join him at the boat-landing twice a week to practice your throws.

That's RPS lingo and Bubba's all in it, so if you go, be prepared¬the boy's in the zone.

Your best bet is to double dog dare him to open with a rock.

Y'all take care and come see me. That's alltthingssouthern.com. I'll be watching for you! ~Hugs, Shellie

A Dish that Makes a Difference Emeril Lagasse helps NOCCA build their culinary arts teaching kitchen The Emeril Lagasse Foundation has partnered with the NOCCA (New Orleans Center for Creative Arts) in raising money for the construction of NOCCA's new culinary arts teaching kitchen. It's the final stage of the arts high school's formal fouryear culinary arts program, and what better place to nurture aspiring young chefs than the kitchen of Chef Emeril Lagasse.

Student graduates from NOCCA's summer culinary arts session submitted

entries for the recipe competition prior to Mashed Potatoes and Cajun Crab Boiled the event. The three finalists prepared their Asparagus; and Victoria Farmer with her recipes in the kitchen of Emeril's Restaurant Creole Rabbit with Roasted Butternut on Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans.

Squash & Spicy Corncakes.

Dressed in all white, they posed for pictures “And the winner is ALL THREE,” said with Emeril as an onslaught of print and Emeril as a misty eyed crowd roared with television media covered the event. delight. “We will use all three dishes as Emeril and a panel of esteemed chefs entrée specials for the month of October.” and food specialists including Leah Chase The delectable entrees will be served at (chef, owner of Dooky Chase), Joel Emeril's restaurants across the country from Dondis (owner of Grand Isle/Sucre), October 1-31. Emeril also added that the David Slater (Chef de Cuisine of Emeril Lagasse Foundation has initiated a Emeril's Restaurant), and Poppy $100,000 grant to fund the final stages in the Tooker (culinary preservationist and development of a four-year culinary arts author) who judged the entries program at NOCCA. The foundation is the based on taste, presentation, founding partner in the effort to establish creativity, use of fresh seasonal this four-year culinary arts program with ingredients and representation of total grants of more than $500,000.

Louisiana's cuisine.

The aspiring young chefs are: Chayil Participating Emeril's restaurants are: Johnson with his Emeril's, NOLA, Emeril's Delmonico - New Orleans, LA Apricot Glazed Roasted Emeril's Orlando, Emeril's Tchoup Chop - Orlando, FL Duck with Butternut Emeril's Miami Beach - Miami, FL Squash Risotta; Janeé Emeril Lagasse with finalists Janeé Taylor, Chayil Johnson Emeril's New Orleans Fish House, Delmonico Steakhouse, Taylor with her Grilled and Victoria Farmer at Emeril's Restaurant. Emeril's restaurants will feature the students' original dishes on Ribeye with Seafood Table 10 - Las Vegas, NV menus this October.

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Bayou Lafourche Fall Festivals Fall is festival time in Lafourche Parish.

October kicks off with the Cut Off Youth Center Fair (October 8-10) now in its 43nd year, featuring great Cajun food, music, dancing and a carnival mid-way. The Cajun Heritage Festival (Oct. 9-10) at the Larose Civic Center features carving competitions, a duck calling contest and delicious food. This unique festival is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 39th Annual Louisiana Gumbo Festival (October 15-17) in Chackbay, which offers the best in Cajun food, music and dancing, along with a carnival mid-way, live auction, raffle and a Firemen's Parade on the Sunday morning. Come out and see why this small Cajun community has been designated the "Gumbo Capitol of Louisiana." The culinary delights continue with the 37th Annual French Food Festival in Larose (October 29-31), with over 30 local food booths, featuring traditional Bayou classics such as White Oyster Soup, Shrimp Boulettes, Jambalaya and more (not to mention live Cajun music, dancing and a carnival midway). Weekend adventurers and fall festival lovers won't want to miss the 18th annual Thibodeauxville Fall Festival, held November 13, offering two stages of live music, a Cajun food court, arts & crafts booths and a duck race on beautiful Bayou Lafourche.

Bayou Lafourche provides terrific destinations and a picturesque backdrop for a fall road trip, extending as far as the Gulf of Mexico. Warm hospitality and great events make this an ideal season to experience the Cajun way of life. For more information, visit www.visitlafourche.com.

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Spine-tingling Thrills on the Bayou For the ultimate Halloween experience, be sure to goblin' up tickets to the 9th Annual Terror on the Bayou Halloween Festival in Jefferson, Texas each Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, October 8-31, 2010. Two attractions - one location.

The legendary Runaway Fright Train will feature the Midnight Stalker as he chases children through the dark and spooky woods! The scenes and haunters along the track will keep you at the edge of your seat and give you a laugh, too. G and PG-13 runs are oriented to specific age groups. The first run each night is family-oriented for howling good fun, while the later runs are geared toward patrons that want the ultimate Halloween experience full of spine-tingling thrills.

You'll get the willies walking through the spooktacular Creepy Screamin' Corn Maze (1+ acres) including a walk through the Piney Woods, the Haunted Cemetery and culminates with the infamous 100 foot underground Tunnel of Doom. Walk through the home of the Boggy Creek monster as depicted in the upcoming feature horror movie, “Boggy Creek”, filmed in Jefferson and Uncertain. The movie is loosely based on the old Big Foot or Sasquatch legends, says Brian T. Jaynes, director and producer. Once within the maze, you cannot escape the monsters, ghouls and dangers lurking in the foggy mist.

Something sinister is hiding there. You know something is going to reach out and touch you -- you just don't know when or where. Afraid of the dark? Then tour the Corn Maze on Saturday from 1- 4pm at an exceptional value of $5 per person, perfect for families, youth and church groups and features staticdisplay haunts. Or kick it up a notch for the G-rated evening maze from 67pm each Friday, Saturday and Sunday and get a thrill from the haunters in the maze.

Terror on the Bayou Halloween Festival will have something for everyone…Carnival games with prizes for all ages, glow sticks and other Halloween products, and concessions. Plus free activities for the entire family when you purchase a corn-maze or train ticket: mini-maze and minihaunted house for children under 48 inches; movies and fireside ghost stories.

Prices range from $14.50 - $18 for Runaway Fright Train and $12 - $15 for evening Screamin' Corn Maze. Combination tickets are available at discounted

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rates ranging from $23 to $27.50. The event will take place one mile from Jefferson at the Cypress Bayou RV Park, 1602 State Highway 49 East. Visit www.JeffersonRailway.com to order tickets. You can also buy tickets at the event site during event hours. Train seating is limited so get your tickets early!

For more info, call 866-398-2038 or email info@JeffersonRailway.com.

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DayTrip Coyote Curt

NELA Celtic Festival The 2010 Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival will be held Saturday, October 16 at Forsythe Park in Monroe from 11am 10pm with FREE admission. In addition to many regional highlights, enjoy performances by renowned Celtic musicians and storytellers; workshops on Celtic language, instruments and history; Irish dance and children's stages; Celtic wares and exhibitors; food and beverage, and much more.

The festival is the culmination of work done by the Enoch “Doyle” Jeter family, who showcase all types of music at Enoch's Irish Pub & Cafe in Monroe. Among this year's sponsors and presenters: Prodapt, ProgressiveIT, TechSafari, Johnny's Pizza, Marsala Beverage, Choice Brands Inc., Matt's Music, CrossKeys Bank, the Monroe-West Monroe CVB, Friends of Bernard McKenzie, KEDM Public Radio, Friends of Black Bayou, ULM Visual and Performing Arts, the Ouachita Parish Public Library and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office.

Proceeds will benefit the local Humane Society Adoption Center, which will also include a drawing that day for a George Rodrigue Blue Dog print, inspired by Hurricane Katrina and signed by Saints Quarterback Drew Brees. Raffle tickets are only $10 and are available at the adoption center leading up to October 16th or at the festival itself.

This year's musical Tim Brody of RRPD headliners are The Mickey Finns out of Brooklyn, New York, former members of Irish rock legends The Prodigals. Fest-favorite Máirtín de Cógáin, an AllIreland Storytelling Champion twice over, will be returning with a new musical project. Local Blues Hall of Famer Doug Duffey will host an All-Blues Review made up of regional talent. Celtic music will meet Cajun, as played by the band Celjun out of Lafayette. Finally, don't miss the Jackson Irish Dancers, Red River Pipes and Drums, and Gaelic speaker Jim Flanagan on the workshops and children's stages. Visit www.nelacelticfest.net for more details. Sláinte (“to your health”)!

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By Su Stella When I met Curt over 12 years ago, he not only had a passion for re-enacting but often was the center of attention as a blacksmith. It never seemed to matter what period in time or place. People often marveled as he stood hammering hot metal while wearing a kilt at Scottish Fests or while living in Germany participating in Renaissance festivals… Now he is very active in Jefferson, Texas, helping grow Trammel's Trace mountain man event taking place in November.

With re-enactments, nearly everything is pulled together by volunteers. They spend their time, money, and energy creating another world in a different era.

These people truly enjoy dressing up and stepping out of time for a weekend or even longer. Some folks are light hobbyists and others really take every detail seriously, either scouring antique shops or creating replicas themselves.

Re-enactors also a lot of time growing their character. For example, Curt's character used to be based on blacksmithing but injuries forced him to rethink his persona. The natural transition has led him to being a 'trader'. Last year he bought a kit to make a winter hat with real rabbit fur and a coyote tail. The smile on his face when he stood wearing his newly finished hat said that Trader Coyote Curt was born.

Even though you won't find Curt blacksmithing this year, other guys will be forging at the fire. Instead of twiddling his thumbs waiting for his body to heal, Curt has been learning new skills such as leather tooling and gourd work. He has been creating with horn, bamboo, and clay - talk about going green. His latest fascination is for handcrafted musical instruments and he has made a couple whistles and is almost done with his first gourd drum. He even planted over two dozen gourd plants, although with this draught it's hard to tell if he will have a harvest.

From the start, Curt has been doing everything possible to help make this event a success. Two years ago, using canvas tarps, Curt used an antique pattern and sewed a Bakers Tent to sleep in. He had a friend even sew period correct pants. Over the past few years he has accumulated all sorts of gear and props to bring history to life. He even contacted a group of like minded men, all equally enthusiastic, and they bring everything from anvils to a cannon for everyone to enjoy!

This year, Trammels Trace is going to be even bigger and better. Last year there were awesome demonstrations including skilled horse riders, along with events like the black powder shoot, knife and tomahawk toss. This year they plan to include a skillet toss, rolling pin throw, a baking competition and many events for all ages! For those that prefer watching the world go by, there's a cute train to take you on a scenic tour.

Primitive, re-enacting and RV camping is available. If you plan on joining the cooking competitions advance registration is required. Be sure to bring both money and 'old timey' items to trade…

For information, visit www.DiamondDon.com or call 866-398-2038. The event will take place at 1602 State Hwy 49, East Jefferson, Texas.

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Calendar of Events

October 2010 Through-October 31 _____ Tram Tours at Poverty Point Historic Site Epps – (318) 926-5492

September 23-October 3 __ 2010 Ark-La-Miss Fair Monroe – 318-396-8700 www.arklamissfair.info

September 26-October 2 __ Claiborne Parish Fair Haynesville – 318-624-0911

September 27-October 2 __ Winn Parish Fair Winnfield – 318-628-2781

September 29-October 2 __ Bluegrass Festival Oak Grove – 318-428-5282

September 29-October 3 __ St. Tammany Parish Fair Covington – 800-634-9443 Tangipahoa Parish Fair Amite – 800-542-7520

October 8-9 ____________

Hungarian Celebration Springfield – 225-567-7899

Lumberjack Festival Springhill – 318-539-2071

Okra Cookoff & Festival St. Martinville – 337-394-2230

LA Cattle Festival Abbeville – 337-893-6328

Shadows Arts & Crafts Festival New Iberia – 877-200-4924

October 8 & 9, 20 _______

October 2-3 ____________ Germanfest Robert's Cove – 337-334-8354

October 2-9 ____________ Red River Revel Shreveport – 318-424-4000

Springhill Lumberjack Festival Springhill, LA 318-578-0764, 318-539-2071

October 8-10 ___________ Festival Acadiens Lafayette – 800-346-1958

October 3 _____________ Sugar Fest Port Allen – 225-336-2422

October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31__ Angola Prison Rodeo

October 5-9 ____________ Livingston Parish Fair Livingston – 225-686-1333

Cut Off Youth Center Fair Lafourche Parish

October 8-31 ___________

October 6-9 ____________

9th Annual Terror on the Bayou Halloween Festival Jefferson, Texas

October 1-2 ____________

Jefferson Davis Parish Fair Jennings – 337-824-1773

October 9 _____________

Heritage Festival Robeline – 800-259-1714

October 6-10 ___________

LA Art & Folk Fest Columbia – 318-649-0726

Vernon Parish Fair Leesville – 337-238-0783

4th Annual Teddy Bear Fest Tallulah

Oktoberfest New Orleans – 504-522-8014

Cotton Festival Bastrop – 318-281-1406

October 1-3 ____________

October 7 _____________

Gretna Heritage Festival Gretna – 504-361-7748

Downtown Gallery Crawl Downtown Monroe/West Monroe (318) 329-1921 www.downtowngallerycrawl.com

Antique Fall Festival Denham Springs – 225-665-4666 Art for Arts Sake New Orleans – 504-210-0224

October 7-9 ____________ Tamale Fiesta Zwolle – 318-645-6988

October 7-10 ___________ New Orleans Film & Video Festival 504-309-6633 Louisiana Road Trips

Natchitoches Pilgrimage Natchitoches – 800-259-1714 Cajun Heritage Festival LaRose – 985-537-5800

October 10 ____________ Louisiana Tournoi Shreveport Zombie Walk

October 11-14 __________ New Orleans Film & Video Festival

Gumbo Festival Bridge City – 504-436-4712

Blue Mass (law enforcement) Noon – St. Joseph's Church, Bastrop

October 2 _____________

Gumbo Cookoff New Iberia – 337-364-1836

Shreveport Voice of the Wetlands Houma – 800-688-2732

October 1 _____________

Louisiana Pie Festival LeCompte – 318-776-5488

October 9-10 ___________

Ville Platte – 337-363-3343 Boucherie Sorrento – 225-647-6550

Beauregard Parish Fair DeRidder – 337-462-3135

October________________ 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23

4th Annual Fall Heirloom Bulb Sale Shreveport

14th Annual Fall Celebration at Black Bayou Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Monroe – (318) 387-1114 Landry Vineyards Winery Outdoor Concert Series 5699 New Natchitoches Road, West Monroe – (318) 557-9050 www.landryvineyards.com Springhill, Louisiana Main Street Car Show / Antique Tractor & Engine Show 318-539-5699, 318-840-2802 or 318- 539-5996

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October 12-17 __________ Cotton Festival Ville Platte – 337-363-6367 Cal-Cam Parish Fair Sulphur – 337-527-937?

October 2010 Calendar of Events continued

October 13-16 __________ Natchitoches Parish Fair 800-259-1714

October 13-17 __________ Rapides Parish Fair Alexandria – 318-767-3968

October 14-17 __________ Longue Vue Gardens New Orleans

Heritage & Timber Festival Ragley – 337-725-3444

20th Annual Herbal Harvest and Original Arts & Crafts St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, West Monroe

Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival Forsythe Park, Monroe www. nelacelticfest.net

October 16-17 __________ Fall Garden Show New Orleans City Park – 504-483-9386

Southern Garden Symposium St. Francisville

Oak Alley Arts & Crafts Festival

Wooden Boat Festival Madisonville – 985-845-9200

Old Farmer's Day Loranger – 985-878-2360

Antique Street Fair Slidell – 985-641-6316

Andouille Festival LaPlace – 985-652-9569 International Acadian Festival Plaquemine – 225-687-6549

Laurel Valley Fall Festival Thibodaux, LA – 985-446-7456

October 20-23 __________ Washington Parish Free Fair Franklinton – 985-839-5228 West Carroll Parish Fair Oak Grove – 318-428-2305

Rice Festival Crowley – 337-783-2108

October 21-24 __________

October 16 ____________ Fall for Art Covington – 985-892-8650 Adai-Indian PowWow Robeline – 318-472-8680 Cajun Jambalaya Cookoff Springfield – 225-294-2218

Cajun Village Fallfest Sorrento – 225-675-5572 Tailgating Cookoff & Fais DoDo

October 24 ____________ October 29-30 __________

Yambilee Festival Opelousas – 337-948-8848

Night of the Living Dead Bossier City

October 29-31 __________

October 21-31 __________ Greater Baton Rouge State Fair Baton Rouge – 225-755-FAIR

October 22-31 __________ State Fair of Louisiana Shreveport – 318-635-1361

October 23 ____________ Henry Bry Historic District Walking Tour The Cooley House; Henry Bry Historic District, Downtown Monroe (318) 329-2237

VooDoo Music Experience New Orleans www.TheVooDooExperience.com French Food Festival LaRose – 985-693-7355

November 6 ___________ 4th Annual Blues and BBQ on the Ouachita Columbia – 318-649-2138

November 13 __________ Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk Minden – 318-423-0192

November 13-14 ________ 14th Annual Covington Three Rivers Art Festival Covington – 985-871-4141

The Hall Closet

A Unique Shopping Experience 745 Johnson Road West Monroe, LA 318-366-9807

October 30 ____________

Jewelry Purses Gifts & More

Louisiana Book Festival Baton Rouge – 225-219-9503

www.thehallclosetshop.com

Acadiana Book Festival Cite Des Arts Lafayette http://www.citedesarts.org/

HOME SUBSCRIPTION Enjoy LOUISIANA ROAD TRIPS for only $20/year Name_____________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________ City______________________________________________________ State_________ Zip___________ Phone_________________________ To subscribe, send check or money order to Louisiana Road Trips at P O Box 2452, West Monroe, LA 71294

Louisiana Road Trips

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, Monroe – 318-362-5540

Feast on the Levee Brusly – 225-749-2189

Louisiana Gumbo Festival Chackbay – 985-633-7789

US Hwy 80 Sale Hwy 80, Texas to Mississippi www.easttexasguide.com

11th Annual Main to Main Trade Days Webster Parish – 318-371-4258

Hometown Louisiana Bastrop – 318-281-5372

October 23-24 __________

October 17 ____________

November 5-6 __________ November 5-7 __________

Crescent City Blues Festival New Orleans – 504-558-6100

Swamp Pop Festival Bourg – 985-594-7410

Black Pot Festival & Cookoff Lafayette – 800-346-1958

Cemeteryscape Photography exhibit benefitting Save Our Cemeteries Hotel Le Cirque, 936 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans www.saveourcemeteries.org

October 15-16 __________ October 15-17 __________

October 30-31 __________

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My European Vacation, Part II

By Lora D. Peppers Next was the Department of Greek and We got a map and picked out what we Roman Antiquities where the Parthenon wanted to see. Cupid and Psyche, Venus de Milo, Gallery containing the Elgin Marbles was a da Vinci's Madonna of the Rocks, Michelangelo's highlight. Here we also found pieces of the Dying Slave, and of course, Mona Lisa were just a Mausoleum of Halikarnassos, was one of the few. I even found Winged Victory, also known as Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We the Nike of Samothrace, also saw the Lewis Chessmen, Lindow Man, standing at the top of a The Sutton Hoo Horde, and panels from the long flight of stairs. palace at Nineveh. We were surround by She was just as thousands of years of history! beautiful as I had Off to the National Gallery to see works thought!

by Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, van Our last night in Eyck, Rubens, Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir, Paris, we ended our Cezanne, van Gogh, and just about every European tour with a other master painter you could think of! It stop at the Basilique was a bit overwhelming to stand in front of du Sacre'-Coeur van Gogh's Sunflowers painting and see located on butte every brush stroke he made! Later, we had Montmartre, the Winged Victory in the tea and biscuits with a charming highest point in the Louvre Englishwoman. Our time in London was city. With a Middle capped off with an evening viewing of Eastern flair, two statues dominate the entrance, Wicked in the West End. It was time to move one of Joan of Arc and the other of King Saint on to Paris.

Louis IX. Inside, there is an air of reverence and After taking the Eurostar under the people speak in hushed tones. On the ceiling of Chunnel, we arrived at Gare du Norde station the apse was the largest mosaic in the world, in Paris around lunch and immediately toured entitled Christ in Majesty. In front of the church on the city. I was struck by how much it felt like the lawn, people picnic and street performers ply New Orleans! The architecture, the iron work; their trade as the view of Paris down below is you see where New Orleans gets its flavor. We unmatched. went down the champs-Elysees to see the Arc After a ten hour flight followed by another six de Triomphe, the Palais Garnier and past hours on the road, I was exhausted us arriving Notre Dame. Our final stop was the Eifel home. The next day I left for a week at Camp Tower. It was huge and beautiful, especially at Quality with the worst sinus infection I ever had night when its lights sparkle. We had two but if I could, I would do it all again in a options - either climb the Eifel Tower or take a heartbeat! boat ride down the Seine. The adults took the Lora Peppers, a Monroe native, grew up in Bastrop and graduated from ULM. Her love of history dates back to ride and the teenagers headed for the tower. childhood when one of her favorite activities was visiting We learned even more history about the city local cemeteries to examine on the boat tour. headstones. She also loves to travel, the Great Smoky The next day was our last full day in Mountains National Park 1. The Columbia Lock and Dam Europe so we took the Metro to Notre Dame, being her favorite place on 2. 1812 Earth. Her job as a which was beautiful. Completed in 1345, the 3. Huey Long, O.K. Allen, James genealogist and historian cathedral was the first Gothic church in the has given her the A Noe world and the first to use the flying buttress. opportunity to lead many 4. Lake D'Arbonne lectures and author several The stained glass was awe inspiring as was 5. Warren Parish books. She can be reached sound of the bells tolling.

We wandered by e-mail at 6. The nearest post loradpeppers@hotmail.com. around outside looking at the gargoyles and office was in the carvings.

Winnsboro and it Someone pointed was a 'necessity' to out a little carving have one on Beouf Prairie high up of 7. Tensas Indians 8. When surrounded by water, a Quasimodo visitor was reminded of the shape of huddled in a the Isle of Sicily corner of the 9. A sidewalk building.

10. Hollywood of the South Next stop, the Louvre.

Gargoyle on Sacre-Coure Cathedral

After speeding through Westminster Abby, we headed to the Tower of London. I had always been interested in history and this is one of the most historic places on earth. After touring with one of the Beefeater Guards, we explored on our own.

Traitor's Gate, the Dungeon, The Bloody Tower, Tower Hill where many lost their heads; I just soaked it all in.

Our next stop was the famous Harrods Department store, a very big and exclusive place with designer items on every floor. We shopped before breaking to sample the cuisine. I sampled fish and chips, which is fried cod with fries at a cozy little pub. The plate came with a side of “mushy peas”, dried marrowfat peas soaked overnight then boiled in water seasoned with salt and sugar until it is mushy. The peas become grayish so green food coloring was added.

They were quite good.

The next day we toured the British Museum for a couple hours. You could easily spend a month there and still not see everything. We started in the Egyptian section. Other than the Cairo Museum, they have the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the world. The centerpiece was the Rosetta Stone that helped decipher hieroglyphs. Another highlight of this collection was the Bust of Ramses II, which was said to have inspired Percy Shelly's poem “Ozymandias”.

ouisiana Answers …

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Gardening Gatherings

By Mae Flager

With crackling leaves, the spicy smell of wood smoke in the air, pumpkins on every corner, and candy corn for sale, October is filled with delights for all of the senses. It's a slow season in the garden, a time for maintenance and planning, and a perfect time for some gardening road trips.

First up, on the 9th of October, Shreveport will be hosting the 4h Annual Fall Heirloom Bulb Sale. The event is sponsored by the Northwest Louisiana Master Gardeners and held at the Randall T. Moore Center, from 8am until noon. The sale features hundreds of bulbs that flourish in our area, as well as poppy, larkspur, and sweet pea seeds. It's a great place to stock up on beautiful bulbs and fill up on gardening tips and tricks courtesy of the master gardeners.

The middle of the month offers two great gardening excursions in the southern part of

Louisiana. On October 14-17, Longue Vue Gardens in New Orleans will be hosting Pearl Fryar, a topiary artist who began creating his botanical messages of love, peace, and goodwill in 1984. Recognized for his skillful creations throughout the art and garden world, Fryar will be performing live demonstrations and answering questions as well as screening the documentary “A Man Named Pearl”. His creations and passion are sure to inspire even the most reserved gardener to some vegetative flights of fancy in the coming year.

In St. Francisville, the Southern Garden Symposium will take place October 15th-16th.

A wealth of information and innovation will be on display at the 22nd annual symposium.

Speakers will present information on subjects ranging from antique roses and native plants to medicinal plants in the rainforest. Ron Morgan, one of the most popular floral designers in the U.S., will also be on hand demonstrating how to create his elegant floral

displays. The event is held at the picturesque Afton Villa Gardens and the grounds alone are worth the trip.

Closing out the month in my own backyard, October 23rd is the 20th Annual Herbal Harvest and Original Arts & Crafts show at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in West Monroe. This is one of my favorite local festivals because you never know what goodies are in store for you! You can stock up on plants and fall herbs, learn about essential oils, view a display on biblical herbs, and discover options for local alternative healthcare. Great food, live music, and gorgeous crafts make this a fun event for gardeners and the folks who love those dirtynailed flower children. Mary garnish.

Mae Flager is a native Floridian who's enjoying her new north Louisiana habitat. A writer and gardener, she enjoys digging in the dirt and seeing what grows. Please let her know if you have thoughts, suggestions, or gardening tips that just must see the light of day, maeflager@gmail.com.

Sha Sha's Move Makes Lake Charles Residents Happy

By Cheré Coen

Sha Sha's was a community restaurant in Creole, one that locals of the southwest Louisiana coastal town and tourists alike enjoyed frequenting for fresh Louisiana seafood. When Hurricane Rita came barreling through, the building housing the restaurant was damaged.

Three years later, hurricanes Gustav and Ike followed, the latter flooding the small town once again. To make matters worse, many residents of Creole decided not to rebuild and moved inland to Lake Charles.

Owners Sherry and Carlton Styron made a hard decision, but one that's bode well for Lake Charles, by moving Sha Sha's of Creole to a large renovated space at 609 Ryan Street where the downtown and lakefront areas are experiencing a renaissance, thanks to a tax bond passed by voters.

Lofts are being built in a neighboring renovated department store, for instance, and Lake Charles is receiving a boardwalk to spruce up the waterfront.

Sha Sha's of Creole still looks like it belongs by the Gulf with old steel buckets hanging over tables for lights and poles shaped like tree on each booth to make diners feel like they're in their own Louisiana coastal world. The waitstaff even wears “Cajun Reeboks,” or shrimp boots, to carry on the coastal feeling.

The oversized restaurant bar features live music on Fridays and karaoke on Saturdays with a large counter space along the wall and another stretch of bar in the middle resembling a Louisiana dock. The atmosphere here is always festive.

Sha Sha's of Creole offers all kinds of Gulf seafood, from fried shrimp dinners to stuffed red snapper and grilled catfish. There are oysters on the half shell, boiled seafood in season, po-boys, steaks, Louisiana Road Trips

salads, and barbecued pulled pork sandwiches. Favorites include crab and shrimp gumbo and homemade crab cakes.

My personal highlight was the bread pudding, which tastes more like custard than the traditional version and is served up hot, topped with a special rum sauce, cool whip and cinnamon. It's so popular they only smile when you ask for the recipe - not going to happen.

Sha Sha's of Creole is open from 10:30am to 9pm Monday through Thursday and 10:30am to 10pm Friday and Saturday. Visit them at 609 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, (337) 494-7227.

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Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival For twenty-one years, Madisonville and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum have paid tribute to the hand crafted wooden boats of the Gulf Coast. Hundreds of boats will line the banks of the beautiful Tchefuncte River as 30,000 wooden boat enthusiasts come to celebrate the wonders of wood and water. Great food, music, artists, and crafts, make the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival one of the most popular events in the South. This two-day celebration benefits the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum and the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse and Marsh restoration.

The Maritime Mania Sponsor Party will be held Friday, October 22nd from 7:30-10:30pm.

Join in the Pirate Fun as the festival kick-off party has become an attraction of its own! As many as a thousand food and music lovers mingle with the visiting wooden boat captains, preview new Museum exhibits and enjoy live music, open bar, and food from various local restaurants.

Have fun while supporting Madisonville's valuable local cultural attraction. Music by The King Tones.

On Saturday, the bands are back! The Budlight Entertainment Stage, will present King Tones at 2pm, United We Groove at 4pm, Rockin' Dopsie at 6pm, and Four Unplugged at 8 pm.

Sunday brings the Blue Meanies at 4pm, and Bottom's Up at 6pm.

The Quick'n Dirty Boat Building Contest will be held on Sunday at 2:00 pm. Witness the hilarious antics and cunning carpentry skills as teams blitz build a boat with the hopes of being the first to float across the finish line. The Quick'n Dirty offers great team-building opportunities for employers, families, and friends. At 2pm on Sunday, the crews parade from the ball field to the river where the ultimate contest begins!

This year Children's Village at the Main Street Ball field is going to be bigger and better than it has ever been. With Radio Disney, mini cheerleading camp with the Honeybees, face painting, and many more exciting activities, Children's Village is definitely the place to be.

Be sure to pick up raffle tickets for a 14' pirogue decorated in Saints colors and signed by Sean Payton. Tickets are $20 each. This year's festival is presented

by Capital One Bank.

Visit www.woodenboat fest.org for more information.

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Selecting the Right Dog Treat Selecting the best dog treat is important to some pet owners. Treats are fun to give, can be useful in training, and is a nice way to bond with your dog.

When choosing treats, consider the quality and consistency of the ingredients, caloric content, size, flavor, safety, and cost. The ideal dog treat is one made of good quality ingredients, moderate to low in calories, consistent in ingredients (thus unlikely to cause stomach upset from bag to bag), safe, and very appealing to your dog.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) publishes feed regulations and ingredient definitions. If the dog food (or treat) follows the guidelines set forth by AAFCO, the label will include a statement that says "Formulated to meet the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile for Puppies/Adults/Senior.”) Some companies create treats to be in strict compliance with the AAFCO standards.

It is also important to ensure you are buying the proper size relative to the size of your dog. Dog treats that are too large or too small can cause esophageal obstructions. It is also an ideal treat if it doesn't cost you a fortune!

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