Minute Magazine Nov Dec 2013 by The Minute Magazine

Nov / Dec 2013 Volume 8, Issue 17

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magazine Inside this Issue:

Helping Local Charities & Food Banks

Through the Eyes of a Child

Creating Holiday Traditions with Purpose

Winter

Webster

The Webster Parish Convention and Visitor’s Bureau invites you to these upcoming 2011 Events:

You

TO: FROM:

November Events

Webster Parish

1-2

Calendar 2

Behind the Barn-”Getting Down to Our Roots” a benefit concert featuring local bands and musicians. Come on out with your lawn chairs and blankets and bring the entire family for a night of music and good food. Activities 3pm-11pm. For more information contact Elizabeth Phillips at (318)371-2229

Minden Fasching Fifth Season Celebration celebrating our German Heritage with all things German! Activities 10am until Dark. German Food, Music, Fun and Vendors. For more information, contact Pattie Odom at (318)371-4258.

Louisiana’s Holiday Trail of Lights. The City of Minden kicks off this regional holiday event in historic downtown Minden on November 16 with fireworks at dusk. The switch will be flipped to illuminate thousands of Christmas lights throughout the city beginning the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights. Over 100 life-size nutcrackers will be on display. The lights will remain on until January 2, 2014. For more information, contact Pattie Odom at (318)371-4258.

December Events 7

Christmas Tour of Homes in Minden. Tour historic homes and learn the history of the founders of the Minden Historic District from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. For more information, contact Pattie Odom at (318)371-4258

Winter Wonderland Festival will be held at The Farm at 419 E. Union Street in Minden. This new event will feature jewelry makers, candy makers, artists, craftsmen, and doll makers. Beginning at 12:00 Noon you can shop until 7:00 PM for unique and one of a kind Christmas gifts. Admission is free. For More information call Chris Broussard at (318)393.5991.

Christmas Parade in downtown Minden begins on Main Street at 5:30 PM. For more information contact Pattie Odom at (318)371-4258.

Sarepta Christmas Festival will be held at 210 Vine Street. Chili Cook-Off, live entertainment, car show and much more. For more information call (318)847-4333.

Springhill Main Street “Christmas on Main”. Get free photos taken with Santa while Santa and Mrs. Claus visit with children at his workshop on Main Street. For more information contact Shannon Gilliland (318)539-5699.

Springhill Christmas Parade will be held starting at 4pm at the old Springhill High School at Church Street and Hwy. 371 and ends at the Clock Tower on Machen Drive. For more information, contact the Springhill Chamber at (318)539-4717.

“Ham Fest” by the Minden Amateur Radio Association will be held at the Minden Civic, 520 Broadway. VE Testing, special classes, door prizes and great food. For more information contact Dusty Collins at (318)371-0636.

Events

Main to Main Trade Days, fifty miles of food, fun and shopping from Springhill to Sibley and everywhere in-between. For more information contact Pattie Odom in Minden at (318)371-4258 or Shannon Gilliland (318)539-5699.

Minden *Springhill * Sarepta

1.800.2MINDEN www.visitwebster.net

WEBSTER PARISH TOURISM

Ready.

Skilled medical team. Convenient hours. No appointment needed. When you have a medical need that isn’t quite an emergency but still requires immediate care, we’re here for you seven days a week. Our experienced medical team will see you with no appointment required. You can count on their quality care for everything from sprains and cuts to earaches and the flu. Visit us at our office located behind Portico on Farmerville Hwy. For more information, call 318-255-3762.

HOURS: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sunday, Noon–4 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. • Most insurance plans accepted.

from the

Editor T

he Holidays are here. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. This issue of The Minute Magazine focuses on the real reason for the season, giving. We've paired up with several local charities in the hopes that you will find ways to give back this year. We are all blessed. If you are blessed with extra time, consider volunteering at a local food bank. If you are a talented chef, perhaps you can make an extra portion of your holiday meal to bring to a family in need down the street. Whatever you do this year, remember to be thankful for all that you do have and to love one another. Merry Christmas.

You’ve known her for so long. Now, suddenly, something has changed. If you or a loved one is experiencing changes in the ability to cope with daily living, Senior Care at Minden Medical Center is here to help.

For Quality

Senior Care is available to persons age 55 and over with to caring for your health. Make it a smart one, a mental or cognitive decline that hinders daily life, who was named one of the nation’s top performers has become a threat to self or others, or is limited in selfmeasures two years in a row. care ability. Our mental health professionals are available

through our 24 hour referral line to discuss treatment The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor needs and are devoted to helping patients get back to e nation, for our achievements in quality… but their optimal level of functioning. e chosen by you. Minden Medical Center

Tiffany Byram Owner/Editor

st toOur patients and their families – safe and services include: to providing the highest quality care possible, • Free initial consultation Management of secondary ing edge technology that you expect at • larger • Thorough assessment medical needs onveniently close to home. • Customized treatment • Continued care planning plans and referral assistance • choose Group, individual, and need, Minden Medical Center. family counseling denmedicalcenter.com

For more information or to schedule a free, confidential assessment, call us at 318-371-5646. Hope is only a phone call away.

www.MindenMedicalCenter.com #1 Medical Plaza | Minden, LA

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issue FIND US ONLINE!

TIFFANY BYRAM Owner/Publisher/Editor Graphics/Layout

VICKI CASKEY Sales Manager

ROXANNE TILLOTSON Cover Photography

KALLI LACROIX Guest Columnist

JENNY REYNOLDS Founder

For a list of locations near you, or to catch up on past issues, visit www.theminutemag.com or like us on Facebook! For article suggestions and queries email Tiffany Byram at theminutemagazine@gmail.com The Minute Magazine is distributed throughout Caddo, Bossier, Claiborne, Bienville, Ouachita, Webster, & Lincoln Parishes in Louisiana. They are FREE for you to enjoy. Take a few to your friends, relatives or anyone else that you think might need a refreshing, enlightening â&#x20AC;&#x153;minute.â&#x20AC;?

CONTACT INFORMATION: Office Phone: 504.390.2585 Ad Sales: 318.548.2693 P.O. Box 961, Belle Chasse, LA 70037

10 12 22 28 36 40 42 52 53

Through the Eyes of a Child by Tiffany Byram Northwest Louisiana Food Bank A Very Merry Commander Christmas Methodist Children's Home Real. Easy. Recipies. by Claudette Wright Trading Boots for Pearls by Liz Hines The Gift of a Broken Heart by Kalli LaCroix CASA Healthy Woman Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be copied or reproduced without permission. The Minute Magazine cannot be responsible for unsolicited materials. The editorial content of The Minute is prepared in accordance with the highest standards of journalistic accuracy. Readers are cautioned, however, not to use any information from the magazine as a substitute for expert opinion, technical information or advice. The Minute cannot be responsible for negligent acts, errors and omissions. The opinions expressed in The Minute are those of our writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The publisher has the right to accept or reject any advertising and / or editorial submitted.

Nov / Dec 2013 Volume 8, Issue 17

contributors Donna Arender Tiffany Byram Vicki Caskey Shelley Duran Barbara Ellis Durbin

Winnie Griggs Wesley Harris Liz Hines Kalli LaCroix Jason McReynolds

Ashley M. Nygaard Chalaine Scott Melissa Teoulet April Warford Timmons Claudette Wright

cover

This cover was shot by Roxanne Tillotson, owner of Blueberry Beignet Photography in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. To see more great shots by Roxanne, check out her amazing Facebook page.

FREE

magazine Inside this Issue:

Helping Local Charities & Food Banks

Through the Eyes of a Child

Creating Holiday Traditions with Purpose

surprised at the joy it will bring to those around you.

--------------------------------

Take Note --------------------------------

s The leaves are turning and the air is now crisp, my favorite time of year has arrived. My mother has yet to bake for me her famous apple cake but I know, one day in the near future, I will walk in her house and it will smell of cinnamon and warm baked apples and I will be a very happy lady. I wish everyone had the memory of their mother’s apple cake baking in the oven. Unfortunately that is not the case. Some people have never walked into their family home to smell something delicious baking in the oven. Some people don’t even have a home. My mother was a single parent raising my brother and me by herself. I tell people all the time that I grew up very impoverished. No one ever believes me. It is true.

What is amusing to me now at 45 is that we were not poor at all. I have never truly known being hungry or homeless. I do remember my mother being stressed and worried but we always had food on our table and a roof over our heads. My mother was and is one of the hardest working women I have ever known. Our needs were always met. Sadly, that is not the case for many. I challenge you to take the time to look around you, see if there may be someone you can help by even the simplest of gestures. This is common during the holidays as that is when most people want to do for others. What about the rest of the year? Peoples needs do not end in January when the Salvation Army puts away their bells. Don’t stop taking note of those in need around you just because you no longer hear the ringing bells. Make an effort to notice the lady at the grocery store who seems a bit worried that she has overloaded her buggy and may not be able to afford it once she reaches the check out. Listen at your child’s little league game to the single mom or dad struggling to pay the fees so their child can participate. Take note of your coworker whose aging parent has been ill and she does not know how they are going to

handle the extra financial responsibility. People have needs all around us. They can range from the very basic such as a tank of gas or a bill of groceries to needs as great as a vehicle to get them to and from work, an electric bill paid so they can make it through another month and so much more. Where we fail is not caring enough to notice. Then we fail again because we want to be boastful and offer our assistance only as long as someone sees what we are doing. Why not do something without caring if anyone knows you are the one responsible. I can tell you that doing something for someone without letting them or anyone know you did it is the best feeling in the world. It is like you & God have a secret. I promise you that if you take the time to pay attention it will not take you long to see a need that you can meet. Do you realize that a smile is a gift? The act of listening is a gift. A compliment is a gift! A gift is not always about money. My husband and I bake during the holidays. It brings us much joy for people to ask us to bake for them and even more joy to watch them devour our goodies. So if you are so inclined, get out your apron and cookbooks and bake up a few things to deliver. You will be

A few years ago I quit buying Christmas gifts for anyone other than my immediate family. The first year was weird for me. It felt odd not to offer a gift if I received one. But on the second year it was easier and very liberating to not be consumed by the idea of having to buy everyone a gift. I can actually enjoy the holidays now and even enjoy being out and about in the hustle and bustle of things. My mind is clear and focused on what the season is all about. In our home it is a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord, to cook our favorite foods and to be with those we hold closest to our hearts, while leaving room at our table for one or two more if needed. From my home to yours, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. May God bless you and yours as you celebrate and prepare for the New Year. -------------------------------Vicki is a Louisiana native who has lived in several towns in North Louisiana. She spends her free time baking, cheering on the Lady Techsters (#3 is her girl) and playing with her three dogs. She is a recent empty nester currently enjoying the small town life in Arcadia with her husband Wayne. She is not afraid of hard work and is a very driven woman. From organizing a magazine to running a non profit, she will do what it takes to succeed. If you ask her she will tell you this, the Lord blessed me with the gift of gab and I use it hoping and praying to make a difference in the world. --------------------------------

Through the

Eyes of a W

e all know what Christmas is supposed to be about. The holidays are about family and friends and gift giving and celebrating and good cheer, right? Then why does Christmas leave us feeling so spent? Could it be that we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of what Christmas has become? The holidays are more than just a shopping season. Let's repeat that. The holidays are more than just a shopping season. We need to snap out of it and take a good, hard look at what traditions our children are picking up from us this time of year. Anxiety, stress, energy, worry, money and hurry, hurry, hurry seem to be the things that matter most during November and December. Why? Because we've bought into the lie that stuff equals love. So we run around from store to store buying the same gadgets and gizmos we bought last year (because they got upgraded and we have to have the newest model). We have to get something for every person we've ever met so we find the cheapest, most impersonal bottle of lotion or scented candle we can and stock up (buying extra in case we forgot someone like Sally's brother's girlfriend.)

Child How would a child describe the holidays if all they knew were our actions? A pair of little eyes are always watching and they often see things we don't even notice ourselves. They see the glare we give the woman next to us on her cell phone. They hear our toe tapping on the ground because the line isn't moving fast enough. They see us fiddle with the radio when a homeless man walks past our car. They see us frazzled by the holiday hurry and think it's perfectly normal. Many of us spend more time with customer service than we do with our own family. Or we get so busy preparing the thanksgiving meal that we're exhausted when it's finally time to eat it. Let's be revolutionary and drop the habit of just going through the motions this year. Get together with some of your friends and agree that this year you are going to skip the hoopla. Sit down with your family and discuss the possibility of pulling back on the Christmas budget this year. Instead of spending that money on yourselves, consider donating it to a local charity or food bank, buying gifts for a family down the street that is in need, or participating in an international campaign. Operation Christmas Child, Living Water International and Kiva are all reputable companies that do great things around the world. (There are also plenty of local options found in this issue of The Minute.) Two percent of America's Christmas budget could drill water wells for half a billion thirsty people. Cutting back and spending just a little bit less this season can make a huge impact in lives throughout your community and world. Give more. We all want to be loved. When someone spends time with you, it shows their love for you. When you give a lot of gifts are you really giving much? People on their deathbeds never want more stuff. They want

Creating Holiday Traditions with Purpose

timeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that's what's really valuable. We're giving more when we give our time. Giving ourselves to others is the original Christmas tradition. Make a thoughtful gift that shows someone you've been paying attention. Spend time with the kids. Sled, ride a bike, play a game, take a hike, go fishing. Give a massage, baby-sit, fly a kite, talk. Buy a pound of special coffee you'll only drink with mom. Write a poem, draw a picture, bake something yummy. Make your gifts count and they will be so much more valuable to your loved ones. Love all. This is a season for love to triumph. It's a season for love to make anything possible. We tell the story of Christmas with our lives. It can be about a newborn king or a gift-wrapped box and a thing. This year start a new tradition with a lasting impact. Little eyes are watching. Set an example to your friends and neighbors that Christmas means more than being a consumer. Spend Less. Give More. Love All.

"Getting what you want is not nearly as important as giving what you have."

- Tom Krause 11

“Food insecurity” is a term defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that indicates that the availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food, or the ability to acquire such food, is limited or uncertain for a household. 1 in 6 individuals in northwest Louisiana are food insecure and 1 in 5 children in northwest Louisiana are food insecure. The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana,

founded in 1996, was conceived as a response to the thousands of people in our seven parish region who are food insecure and live below the poverty level as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana began simply, in 1995, when a group of individuals from churches with food pantries and benevolent organizations met to discuss the need of establishing a Food Bank to serve northwest Louisiana. The group evolved into the Steering Committee that formally organized January 20,1996. The Committee met with America’s Second Harvest (now called Feeding America) officials in New Orleans and Alexandria and toured their facilities. In January 1997 verification was received that a building had been donated by the Charles Beaird family. After a great deal of work, the Food Bank was opened for business April 17, 1997. In sixteen years it has grown to a massive distribution center, providing nearly six million pounds of food annually. Because of the generous support of the Charles T. Beaird Foundation in 2002, a facility upgrade allowed the Food Bank to pass the Feeding America certification process. In June 2003 a contract was signed making the local food bank a national affiliate of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization.

The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana is the largest distributor of donated food for our 7 parish area and we are one of only five food banks in the state. We sort, warehouse and distribute food to over 120 non-profit organizations in our seven-parish region, which includes Caddo, Bossier, Bienville, Claiborne, Desoto, Red River, and Webster. These organizations, also called "partner agencies", distribute the food to needy individuals free of charge. Some partner agencies operate pantries, bagging up sacks of groceries for parents to take home to hungry families such as Noel Neighborhood Ministries and Operations Blessing. Some agencies prepare and serve meals to the hungry like Christian Services and Highland Blessing. Many others are shelters such as Providence House, Salvation Army and the Shreveport Bossier Rescue Mission, providing refuge for people who require short of long term assistance. Still other goups distribute food to the elderly, many of whom are home-bound or chronically ill. The Food Bank also warehouses Northwest Louisiana's portion of the state's allocated USDA commodity food products. These USDA commodities are available at no cost to our member agencies. Donated food from coast to coast across the United States is available for up to nineteen cents per pound, a shared maintenance fee that helps to cover fuel and freight costs to get it here.

What the Food Bank can do with just $1: 94 cents of every dollar donated to us is used to provide food and food bank programs. $1= 10 pounds of food or 8 meals (1 meal = ~1.2 lbs)

The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana offers the following programs: Food and Emergency Box Distribution:

The Food Bank distributed over 6.3 million pounds of food with a value of $7.3 million to more than 65,000 low income and below poverty level individuals in the seven parishes of northwest Louisiana.

Disaster Relief: As a disaster relief responder we

provide immediate assistance to our member agencies, pop-up and faith based shelters and other individuals. During the hurricane season we distributed thousands of pounds of food, waters, MRE’s, and supplies to disaster victims.

Senior Program: Each month a box of pantry staple foods was delivered to over 1,000 low income seniors throughout our 7 parishes.

Mobile Pantry: For the 2011-2012 fiscal year, 803,039 pounds of perishable and non perishable food was distributed to rural clients on a monthly basis. Kids Café: through a partnership with the Volunteers of America Lighthouse Program, 47,068 hot meals and nutritional education were provided to hungry children in after-school programs.

Ways to Help: Volunteer at the Food Bank sorting food items and packing senior boxes Host a Food Drive Host a Virtual Food Drive Be a Volunteer Driver Coordinate a Garden Club to keep up our grounds Make a Donation

Back Pack Program: 575 chronically hungry

Invite us to speak to your group

Summer Food Service Program: Provided

Volunteer at our tent in the children’s area at the Red River Revel

Kids in Distressed Situations: A national program that distributed new clothing and toys to children in need.

Support our 'Empty Bowls' annual fundraiser

The mission of the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana is to be the primary resource for fighting hunger in northwest Louisiana.

Host a Bowl Painting Party to benefit our 'Empty Bowls' fundraiser

children were provided with a weekly backpack of food to take home for the weekend and holidays. The 7-10 pound bag includes items such as granola bars, fruit juice, and pop-top canned food.

8,093 nutritional breakfasts and 7,670 lunches for hungry children that had no access to free food during the summer months when school is not in session. Food is distributed through summer programs such as SPAR<, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Faith Based Programs.

Our vision is to ultimately end hunger in our community by ensuring a consolidated network of effective food collection and distribution which will provide universal access to food for the needy in our communities.

Contact Information: (318) 675-2400 2307 Texas Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71103 info@foodbanknla.org www.foodbanknla.org

'Like us' on Facebook and Twitter Check out our videos on youtube

www.foodbanknla.org 13

Pictured Above: Martha Marak Executive Director Krystal Beauchamp Development Director Steve Paeth Operating Director Jane McCook Finance Director

began praying and planning to start a food distribution ministry in 2012. They believed there was a need in our town and community to help others by providing food and sharing God’s love. In March of 2013 they started serving 18 families. By October of 2013 they now serve over 80 families. First Baptist Church of Arcadia's Food Ministry distributes food two days a month (A family can receive once a month). Individuals can apply at the food bank between 8:00-10:00 am on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The address is: 2249 Hazel St Arcadia, LA 71001. Call (318) 263-8474 for more information. Applicants must produce photo id, proof of income and benefits and not be a member of another food bank. All information is verified. First Baptist Church of Arcadia partners with The Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana in Shreveport, Louisiana. As a hunger relief organization, the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana is the largest distributor of donated foods in the area. Last year, they distributed over 6.9 million pounds of food to those in need in their seven parish area, approximately 72,000 families. FBC Arcadia is one of the 120 Agencies that are partnered with the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank. We are the newest food ministry in Arcadia; there are two

other churches in Arcadia – First United Pentecostal and Holland Grove Baptist Church, who have been serving the community through food distribution for several years. A food bank is generally defined as a non-profit organization which solicits, procures, inventories, and warehouses donated food and other products. The most common items procured are mostly non-perishable food items. This food is then distributed to a variety of community agencies such as pantries, meal sites, homes, shelters, and soup kitchens which serve the people in need. The major focus of food banks is not to provide food directly to individuals in need. Instead, food banks provide food to agencies in their service area that, in turn, provide food on an individual short-term need basis. There are many ways that a Food bank can receive food. Please consider donating to your local food bank to help support ministries like the one at First Baptist Church of Arcadia. •Public food drives •Individual food donations •Bulk purchases from your financial support •Hunters for the Hungry •Grocery store product reclamation •Corporate reclamation and redistribution centers •USDA distributed commodities •FEMA Emergency relief distributions

ARCADIA, LOUISIANA 594 Gapfarms Road, Suite E & F 318.263.8522

Relax!

Let us cater your holiday party. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget about Happy Hour From 4 to 7 Monday - Friday

www.facebook.com/ lafogata.mexacangrill

Pafford AirOne Announces Debut of “Game Changer” Drug

(Ruston, LA) - Pafford AirOne, an air medical service committed to making a difference in Critical Care Transport throughout the region, announced that AirOne flight crews can administer to critically-injured patients a drug that reduces the risk of those patients bleeding to death.

and Heparin) and have equipment capabilities (like PRVC ventilation, video laryngoscopy, monitor Arterial lines, and can carry 8 IV pump medications).”

Carter added, “TXA fits our aggressive mission profile very well. Our use of TXA already has had positive reAirOne is the first and only air medical service in Louisi- sults, and our flight crew members are excited about the ana, Arkansas, and Mississippi to carry and have a pro- possibilities of helping more patients survive critical intocol for the pre-hospital administration of the drug TXA juries.” (tranexamic acid). Pafford AirOne, which began operation in 2006, is part of “TXA could be a game changer. We are raising the bar in the Clinical Air Division of Pafford EMS, headquartered pre-hospital transport medicine by making TXA a front- in Ruston LA, and has bases in Ruston LA and in Clarksline intervention for our critically-injured patients aboard dale MS. Each AirOne base is staffed 24/7/365 with AIR ONE,” said Keith Carter, Clinical Air Director of Paf- flight-specialty certified crew members (RN’s and paraford AirOne. “We believe lives could be saved because medics), and provides Critical Care Transport services of our early use of TXA.” via rotor-wing (Bell 206 and 407 helicopters), fixed-wing (Cessena 414 medical airplane with dedicated “on-call” When given during a potentially serious bleeding event, 24-hour pilot and crew), and Specialty Care Transport TXA blocks the body’s Ambulances. Pafford natural tendency to disEMS has over 12 ALS solve clots. Military docambulances in 5 partors began using TXA ishes in North Louisiana. to treat severely-injured troops in Iraq and AfPafford AirOne partners ghanistan and became with Air Methods Corpoconvinced that TXA ration, the nation’s leadsaves lives. A multi-naer in medevac services tional study using more and the only air medithan 20,000 confirms cal helicopter operation that early administration in the nation to reach of TXA after significant the highest level in the trauma dramatically inFAA’s Safety Managecreases a critically-inment System program, jured patient’s chances to provide aircraft, piof survival. lots, and maintenance personnel to support the “Helicopters don’t save AirOne mission. lives,” said Carter. “Trained and experienced clinicians with the best equipment, drugs, and protocols make the For more information contact: critical difference. AIR ONE is not just an air ambulance Keith Carter kcarter@paffordairone.com that picks someone up and takes them somewhere. We Pafford AirOne are a Flying ICU. That’s why we choose to carry other 1300 Commerce Street, Ruston LA 71270 drugs (like TNKase, Cardene, Esmolol, Neosynephrine, 318.251.3443

Pull an All Nighter & Put a Stop to Homelessness

Sleepout 4 Independence Saturday, November 16, 2013 - Sunday, November 1th at 7am Independence Stadium, Shreveport, Louisiana November is Homeless Awareness Month and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sleepout 4 Independenceâ&#x20AC;? shines a light on the darkness of those that are sleeping on the streets or places that are not meant for human habitation so we might better understand the experience and how we might garner a wellspring of interest to end homelessness in our area.

Last year nearly 4,500 people in North Louisiana had no place to call home. Many couldn't go to school, keep warm, or get enough to eat. All needed help. Providence House has worked with hundreds of these families with children to get a toehold on a new life.

Experience homelssness up close and personal for one night. Help fulfill the Providence House mission to break the cycle of homelessness for families and children. Learn how to end homelessness. Railse money to help homeless families with children become independent.

For more information log on to: www.sleepout4independence.com

Be careful to not over toast them because you will be popping them back in the broiler twice more. In the meantime, drain off the excess oil from the olive salad. Place a small amount of salad on the bottom bun. Since these are mini sandwiches, you’ll need to cut the meats & cheeses into appropriate sizes. I usually like to cut everything into quarters.

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School Food -----------------------------------

originally had planned on writing about seasonal foods, this being the November/December issue. My second thought was in writing about fondue which can be an easy and fun way to eat dinner. These were the topics on my mind and I’m sure they’ll make an excellent article for another issue. This time though, I’m going to focus on recipes that remind me of someone. My grandmother recently passed only days before writing this article. It’s still so recent that we haven’t even had the funeral yet. That will be 2 days from now. She was an amazing woman who lived through many decades of life’s ups and downs. She loved food and taught me many recipes over the years. While there are a few that will take me a while to perfect like her spaghetti sauce, here are a couple that I think you might enjoy. The holidays in my house were very regimented.

Every Christmas Eve was spent at my grandmother’s house and that side of the family while every Christmas Day was spent with the other side of my family. Christmas Day was a dinner. It included ham, turkey, and all the fixings. Christmas Eve, on the other hand, was more of an open house cocktail type party. Most of the food consisted of easy to eat finger food and every year we usually had the same things. One of my favorites that I looked forward to every year was these mini muffulettas. Now we always just bought these because quite frankly it’s easier to do during the busiest time of the year, but they’re really easy to make and make excellent party food at any time of the year. The second recipe that I’m going to share with you is one for cupcakes. The icing will blow you away, it’s that good.

is a decent substitute though and a normal size muffuletta would include swiss cheese in addition to the provolone and mozzarella (at least in my house anyway). Make sure to get all the meats and cheeses sliced thin. It layers better that way. Also I prefer mine to be toasted, but many versions are either not toasted at all or only enough to melt the cheese. As you can see it’s a hearty sandwich. The normal size one will feed 4 people or 2 very hungry ones.

Mini Muffulettas

12-count mini Ciabatta rolls or some other type of hard roll ¼ lb Genoa Salami ¼ lb Hard Salami ¼ lb Smoked Ham or any other flavor of ham you prefer ¼ lb Provolone cheese Italian Olive Salad, a good brand. I used the local New Orleans brand Boscoli. Olive Oil or use the oil that is drained from the olive salad.

Note: There are many different variations on muffulettas so feel free to experiment. Here is my version. Normally I add mortadella but I couldn’t find any at the deli. Bologna

My rolls came pre-sliced but go ahead and slice them in half if you weren’t so lucky. After laying them cut-side up on a pan, brush a little olive oil on. Lightly toast them under a broiler.

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Begin layering the sandwich with a couple layers of meat. Add a layer of cheese. Pop the bottom buns back in the oven to melt the cheese. Now add the rest of the meat and a second layer of cheese. Pop them back in the oven for another round of cheese melting. Add another small amount of the olive salad and finish them with the top bun. The mini muffulettas are now ready to be served. I prefer them hot and melty but they are excellent room temperature or even cold. They make great leftovers too. ----------------------------------Vanilla Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting This recipe uses a box mix but I’ve altered the add-ins to create an extremely fluffy cake. These alterations can be done with any flavor of cake. The frosting makes an excellent bagel spread. Cupcakes Vanilla Cake Mix, any brand will do. I used Betty Crocker French Vanilla 5 eggs, large 1 c. Milk, 2% or Whole 1 c. Butter, melted

Icing 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened ¼ c. Brown Sugar 2 tbsp butter, melted 1 tbsp Honey 1 tsp Vanilla extract 1 tsp Almond extract

longer than what the box will say.

While your cupcakes are baking, go ahead and make your icing. Using a mixer, combine all the ingredients except the honey. When the icing gets a Preheat oven to little stiff, add the honey. temperature listed on Beat until light and the box of cake mix. In fluffy. Allow cupcakes a bowl mix together the to cool before frosting. eggs, milk, butter and cake mix. You’ll find the -----------------------------batter to be incredibly thick, thicker than brownie Melissa is a thirtybatter. Don’t worry; there something living in is no need to add extra Baton Rouge, LA. liquid. Now fill your muffin She studied culicups. The batter doesn’t nary arts at the Chef rise too much so feel free John Folse Culinary to generously fill those School at Nicholls cups. Bake according to State University. the directions on your box We love this petite but make sure you do the fireball for her sassy toothpick test to ensure and spunky spirit. doneness; I find that this batter takes a few minutes

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A Very Merry

Commander (Monroe, LA) –When the first visitors arrive at Monroe’s Downtown RiverMarket on the morning of December 14th, they will likely sense something extra-special in the air and they’ll be right. The whole day and evening is built around A VERY MERRY COMMANDER CHRISTMAS and will feature events and appearances with THE STARS OF DUCK DYNASTY, the top rated A&E Channel show about the Robertson family of West Monroe and their eminently successful DUCK COMMANDER duck call manufacturing business. Clean off your camo, and brush out those beards, and get ready. Downtown Monroe Alliance and Community Trust Bank announce a STARS OF DUCK DYNASTY Look-Alike contest, a Duck Commander Duck Race on the Ouachita River, the colorful spectacle of the VERY MERRY COMMANDER CHRISTMAS flotilla for which THE STARS OF DUCK DYNASTY will serve as Grand Marshals aboard their own boat sponsored by Universal Music Group Nashville from which they will address the crowd, and an internationally famous Laser Light show over the river. (Taken from Universal release) Universal Music Group is the global music leader with strong market positions in recorded music, music publishing and merchandising. Universal Music Group Nashville will be releasing the album, Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas, on October 29. The Robertsons, Louisiana’s bearded, camouflage-clad entrepreneurial family, not only run the multi-million dollar Duck Commander Sporting Empire but are also a talented musical family. Growing up singing

Christmas in church, the Robertsons will be showcasing their talents, as well as their special brand of Southern down-home sense of humor, on Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas. Produced by Buddy Cannon, the Christmas album will feature performances by the Robertson family and soon to be announced special guests.

“Faith, family and ducks – in that order – have always been our priorities,” explains Willie Robertson, CEO of Duck Commander and star of A&E’s Duck Dynasty. “Christmas is an important holiday for us not only because of our strong faith but also our holiday family traditions. We’re having a great time making this album. We hope you enjoy it.” The Robertsons, Louisiana’s favorite first family, don’t live in the governor's mansion but in the backwoods, where their rags-toriches story is still unfolding. A homegrown mom-and-pop operation, Duck Commander has become a sporting empire by fabricating top-of-the-line duck calls and decoys out of salvaged swamp wood. It's also expanded into a line of products that includes hunting apparel, cooking products, DVDs, CDs and novelty items all bearing their brand. In 2012 A&E premiered Duck Dynasty, which features the lives of the Robertson family and their booming family business. The Christmas Album will be on sale at the RiverMarket on December 14. For more information:

facebook.com/duckthehalls twitter.com/duckthehalls

December 14th at Monroe Downtown Rivermarket A Very Merry Commander Christmas

Schedule of Events Stars of Duck Dynasty Look a Like Contest 2:00 Duck Derby 3:30 Flotilla 5:30 Laser Show

(immediately following flotilla)

Trey Hawkins Band Concert 24

(immediately following laser show)

A panel of local personalities will serve as judges for the flotilla. The public will also be able to vote by phone or Plenty of parking will be available at the Monroe Civic online. The top prize for best decorated vessel is $1000. Center and at designated areas downtown, all served Second place will be awarded $500 and third place, by pick up and delivery via the Trolley every 15 minutes. $250. A variety of boats of all sizes will participate. The Downtown Monroe Alliance works closely with the The flotilla, its presentation by THE STARS OF DUCK Downtown Economic Development District as Myra DYNASTY and the laser light show that follows are the Gatling-Akers serves as their Program Director. work product of Downtown Monroe Alliance Friends of the RiverMarket Director Christie Messinger, Chairman Cathy Czeschin is President of the Downtown Monroe Ernest Finch and their committee members, Brook Alliance. Officers include Denise Smith, Vice President; Sebren, Kelsea McCrary, Natalie Ingle, Thomas Reeves, Debbie Rainwater, Secretary, and Byron Avery Mac Oliver, and Alise Oliver. Treasurer. Cole McEacharn heads the Downtown River Jam Committee while Christie Messinger chairs Friends The laser light performance over the river will last about of RiverMarket. 30-minutes and can be viewed from both sides of the river but with best views from the RiverMarket. It is the mission of the Friends of RiverMarket to enhance the RiverMarket through events, additions to the market, But wait! The entertainment doesn’t stop there. All of this and entertainment. will be capped off with a live performance by the Trey Hawkins Band, whose strong southern regional roots All proceeds derived from entry fees for the contests and helped to propel them to national attention! flotilla will go to the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana. Located at 4600 Central Avenue in Monroe, the agency Against a Ouachita River backdrop to the west and provides the distribution system to help alleviate hunger decorated downtown buildings trimmed in holiday lights in the 12-parish area of northeast Louisiana, through 90 to the east, the Downtown RiverMarket will close out its different non-profit charities. inaugural year in amazing style with a wide variety of vendors offering everything from arts and crafts to tasty Executive Director Richard G. King says the non-profit eats and spirits to specialty items to Duck Commander Food Bank oversees the distribution of over 3,000,000 merchandise including their new Christmas album. pounds of food annually as it provides emergency food assistance for an estimated 39,000 people including There’s even a special Downtown Christmas Decorating about 16,000 children. Contest sponsored by Downtown Monroe Alliance according to Director of the Downtown Economic President of DMA Cathy Czeschin says, “Thanks to Development District Myra Gatling -Akers who said, Mayor Mayo and the city for all of their assistance with “We really want to have downtown decorated and lit this event. We know that this event will bring thousands up for all the people expected to attend, especially the of people to Monroe and West Monroe.” tourists.” “Community Trust Bank is honored to partner with the “For many of the visitors this will mark their first trip to Downtown Monroe Alliance to benefit the Food Bank Monroe,” she explained, “and we want to ensure their of Northeast Louisiana and also bring people together impression is a festive and favorable one.” to showcase our unique community,” said Lance Hall, Community Trust Bank State President and Executive Downtown businesses will vie for awards for best window Vice President. displays and overall decorating themes. “This event is all about festive family fun, and I can’t think The DUCK COMMANDER DUCK RACE will start at of a better venue than our Downtown RiverMarket, on the 3:00PM when approximately 10,000 plastic ducks will banks of Ouachita River. Thousands of people turned be released near the Endom Bridge to float freely to just out for the 4th of July Fireworks. With the Stars of Duck past the market area according to Race Coordinator Dynasty participating, we expect several thousand to Brook Sebren, prizes will be awarded to the top finishers. be in attendance for the star-studded Christmas Flotilla event. Mark your calendars and get there early!” said Ducks can be purchased at all Community Trust Mayor Jamie Mayo. Bank locations, Duck Commander, the Food Bank for “Along with the current of the River the current of Northeast Louisiana office on Central Avenue or at the excitement Downtown is getting stronger and stronger. A Downtown RiverMarket for the whole season. huge year with the RiverMarket festivals where attendance on the weekends averaged 2500 people coming through The STARS OF DUCK DYNASTY will serve as judges along with a huge reception of approximately 16,000 for the STARS OF DUCK DYNASTY LOOK-ALIKE people around the RiverMarket and downtown for the CONTEST with prizes for different age groups. Full Independence Day fireworks event is now going to be information and entry forms can be found at www. joined with a very Merry Commander Christmas flotilla. CommanderChristmas.com , according to Monroe We thought North Louisiana had knocked one out of the Downtown Alliance committee member and event park with our own Tim McGraw but hold on here comes coordinator Christie Messinger. Duck Commander. Thanks to the Robertson Family for all of the positive recognition they have given our The RiverMarket always affords plenty of photo community and their participation with all of us for this opportunities but with the presence of the STARS OF event. This event will have a great economic impact for DUCK DYNASTY, their vendor booth, and the Beards Downtown Monroe and West Monroe areas and should Are Back 18-wheeler, photo ops will limited only by the be a Happy, Happy, Happy time for all. “ said Chairman life of your camera battery. of DEDD Larry Bratton.

evidence of His presence was what needed to be followed.

-----------------------------------

Silent Night, Smoky Night -----------------------------------

o for those of you who keep score at home, my wife finally said she would go camping with the kids and I a few weeks back. For 9 years I’ve been asking. For 9 years I’ve heard, “You go camping, I’ll go shopping.” So to hear this was a shock! After asking her what she had done with my wife, I planned the trip quickly (just in case she wasn’t in her right mind). Now to recap, my wife’s idea of camping is a Holiday Inn Express so I knew I had one shot at this. If it failed in any way she ain’t going again. She gone. So I made it the sissiest camping trip ever concocted. Blow up mattress, check. Hand and feet warmers, check. New large tent without holes in it, check. Enough food and clothes for every member of the family for 5 days (even though we were going for 2.5), check. Camp site with electric, water, and a really nice bathroom facility within 50 ft, check. The only thing we were missing was the $250,000 RV. Seriously, there were 50 of them and only 2 tents, us and another family 5 spots down.

It was great! I loved having my whole family there. We at dinner, made smore’s, and laughed the whole time. At night we would alternate between watching the fire perform its unrepetitive dance to staring at the millions of stars anchored in the sky. I especially loved the fire. The embers glowing in and out. The smoke glowing from the fire (and my kids flashlights). The way the wind changes the fire on a constant basis. I could just sit there and watch it for hours. If there were such a thing I’d be a passive pyromaniac. Then the next morning I started a new fire for breakfast. I noticed something completely different in the morning light. I saw the smoke everywhere but couldn’t see the fire near as well as I had the previous night. Now, I realize this is common sense. You can obviously see the fire better in the dark of night and smoke during the day. But it reminded me of the history of the Israelites in the bible when God led the entire nation out of Egypt. It happened like this Moses went to the Pharoah of Egypt and asked him to let the Israelites go. Pharoah refused but after 10 plagues he relented and allowed them to go. But where would they go? God knew and He displayed Himself as a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of smoke

by day. As I stared at the fire that next night I wondered something. If the phrase, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” is true then was God still fire but you just couldn’t see Him because of all the smoke? Now don’t let me lead you into heresy here. I don’t need nasty emails and phone calls. This is just the pondering of someone you don’t even know. But I can’t help but think about it. This was the nation of Israel’s first “salvation” if you will. This was God rescuing them from slavery in Egypt. And during the day they followed the smoke. Maybe they couldn’t see God as fire but they still knew to follow the smoke. Maybe in their case the phrase should be changed to “where there’s smoke, there’s God.” I wonder what that must have been like? In the bible God often displays His holiness through fire. He did it with Moses as a burning bush before He told Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery from Egypt. He also revealed Himself as tongues of fire to the new believers after Jesus had gone to be with His Father. Each time they followed God even though they couldn’t physically see Him every step of the way. He was there, He just wasn’t seen. The fire was there somewhere but the

This Christmas season has been turned into so much. But it is one thing. The celebration of the rescue of men and women from their sin. It is the celebration of our salvation in the form of a baby. No, it isn’t a pillar of fire but He has the same effect. He is God who has come to save His people (that’s everyone He created) from their sin. The evidence is everywhere. We know we have made mistakes against God and against other people. We need forgiveness. Jesus came to earth as a baby, grew up never committing sin Himself, died on a cross and took my sin away from me and onto Himself, and then topped it off by coming back to life after that experience and sits alive next to His Father right now. All for a minion like me because I called on Him to lead my life. The last morning I was starting the fire for breakfast again. I was having trouble because it was windy. I went through 45 matches, 46, 47, 48, 49… last one. I decided to pray. It wasn’t life or death. We could easily just hop into the car and drive to McDonald’s for breakfast. But I prayed anyway. Last match. It lit a raging fire. My wife and kids came out and we sat next to the fire once again. Just us and God enjoying His creation and His salvation... and the 50 other RVs parked around us.

Jason McReynolds is the pastor of New Orleans Community Church. He and his wife, Liev, have three children. To learn more about him, or NOCC, visit: www.neworleans community church.com

Tis the Season to

Give Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services Founded in 1902, Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, headquartered in Ruston, LA, has cared for thousands of children, youth and families. Our Mission is “Guiding Children and Families Home to Experience God’s Love by Following the Teachings of Christ.” Our primary focus is on building families because we believe the greatest service we can provide a child is to restore his or her family. Residents of our 3 Homes are children of Louisiana from all races, religions and economic backgrounds. The Children’s Home provides a continuum of in-home, outpatient and residential services for children and families experiencing crisis, emotional stress and relationship problems. We currently serve 84 youth at Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home of Ruston; 24 youth at our campus of Methodist Children’s Home of Southwest Louisiana located in Sulphur, LA; and 16 youth in our Methodist Children’s Home of Greater New Orleans located in Mandeville. We are collecting items from our 2013 Christmas Wish List in order to provide gifts for the youth in our care this Christmas season. Simply select items from our Wish List and bring them or mail them to

our headquarters in Ruston, LA. We ask that you leave the items unwrapped. For further information on how you can help our youth for the holidays, please contact our Public Relations, Development and Marketing Department at 318-255-5575 or 866-255-5830. Please deliver your Wish List items to our Development office, located on our campus at 904 DeVille Lane, Ruston, LA. The PRDM office is housed in the first building on the left when you turn into our campus from HWY 167 South. The mailing address for packages is: LMCH Attn: PRDM Wish List PO Box 929 Ruston, LA 71273-0929 Sonya Hawkins, Marketing Specialist Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services 904 DeVille Lane, Ruston, LA 71270 (318) 242-4639 sonya.hawkins@LMCH.org http://www.LMCH.org

2013 Wish List • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Prepaid Long Distance Calling Cards *these enable our youth to call family more often Gift cards to restaurants such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Sonic, Taco Bell Gift cards to Walmart, Hibbett Sports, Gamestop, Rue 21 NFL and NBA sports items: hoodies, tshirts, jackets (adult sizes) Clothing items: hoodies, tshirts, hats, jackets, pajama bottoms (adult sizes) Adult size baseball and softball gloves Footballs, basketballs, kickballs, soccer balls (can never have too many) Board games Card games: Regular Playing cards, Phase 10 Journals for boys and girls, gel pens, stationary and postage stamps Scrapbook kits and scrapbook supplies Teen Study Bibles X-Box 360 games: rated E or Teen X-Box 360 Controllers Wii games rated E or Teen and Wii Controllers Razor type scooters Skateboards Adult size helmets, knee pads, elbow pads Teen Appropriate DVD movies MP3 Players Digital Cameras and memory cards, carrying cases Batteries for cameras Twin-size teen themed bedding and bedroom items Remote Control trucks, cars, SUV’s, helicopters (batteries) Teen themed throw blankets and throw pillows Nerf Toys (over the door basketball games, etc.) Hand held video games and Plug and Play video games Fishing poles: cane and rod & Reel, lures for basic pond fishing Axe cologne and shower gel (Walmart) Bath and Body Works shower gel, lotion, fragrances for girls

We are always in need of socks, underwear, boxers, white t-shirts and black and brown belts for the guys – various adult sizes. Group Gift Item Suggestions: Wii Game Systems, X-Box 360 Game Systems and Controllers 29

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Thankful for the Ordinary --------------------------------

cool crisp morning, the leaves begin to fall and the seasons begin to change. Autumn brings the colorful leaves that give us such beauty as we drive along the scenic highways nestled into northern Louisiana. We wind along curving roads and into the hillsides that offer us an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A time of year that brings excitement into the lives of many who anticipate the holidays that are just around the corner. Family and friends gather to feast upon the Thanksgiving turkey, and then countdown begins for how many shopping days are left until Christmas.

Yes, it's normally a time of year filled with family, friends, fun and fellowship. Back in the fall of 2006 our family wasn't making the usual holiday plans. Instead of preparing a menu for our traditional Thanksgiving feast, we were packing a moving truck and mapping out the cross-country drive to California. It was the year that we moved our 19 year old son almost 2,000 miles away from home, after he was stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Ca. On November 19th of that year, Mike and Michael finished loading the moving truck and got the Mustang on the tow trailer. Our son’s closest friends had stopped by the day before to say their final farewells. So, that morning, we took a few more photos together, gave our last BIG HUGS, and then waved goodbye as they drove away. My mind was flooded with memories of watching my sweet little boy climb the "big hill" at the back of the elementary school when he was in kindergarten, so he could wave at me until I drove out of sight. Now, here I was waving back at

my young adult son, who was headed out on his life's journey. I, too, waved until he was out of sight as the tears rolled gently down my cheeks. The next four days were spent traveling across the southern states of America the Beautiful. My husband and our son made some special memories along the way until they finally arrived at The Golden State. The next day was Thanksgiving, and they were invited to eat with some of the guys from Travis Air Force Base. On Friday, they did a little sight-seeing along with getting Michael settled in to his new dorm. My husband flew home on Saturday, leaving our son and a huge chunk of his heart behind. As parents, you strive to raise your children to be mature, responsible young adults. You teach them Christian morals and values then you pray for God to guide and protect them they leave the "nest" and strike out on their own. So, in one sense... we

couldn't have been more proud of our son, as he started his new life in the USAF. But it also left an emptiness in our lives, as we tried to continue our "normal" daily routines. With the guys gone, my daughter and I tried to keep ourselves busy for the next few days. We put up the Christmas tree and began to decorate the house. Deep down in our hearts, we knew that our little family of four would never be the same. The seasons had changed, and it was time to move on, but heaviness in our hearts continued to linger. I'll never forget receiving a musical Christmas card in the mail from Michael. It was address to Mom, Dad, & Big Mc; as that was Michael's nickname for McKensie. The front of the card had Charlie Brown & Linus on it, along with that poor little scraggly tree from the movie, "A Charlie Brown Christmas." As we opened it up, it began to sing... "Christmas time is here" in the voices of the Peanuts Gang. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room, and it was several minutes before any of us could swallow the lump in our throat. There were no words that could be spoken to describe what we were going through. We knew that there would be good times ahead, and we looked forward to visiting California sometime the next year. But at the moment, we just couldn’t bear to think of spending Christmas without Michael. It wasn’t just us not having him home, but there he

was 2,000 miles away… with our growing family. by himself on Christmas Michael & Michelle have day. been able to come home for several Thanksgiving & So much has changed in Christmases. And what fun the past seven years. Our it has been to have the little little family has grown to ones get a visit from Santa! include our beautiful, sweet daughter-in-law, Michelle, We have started some when she married our new traditions, as we also son in July of 2008. Then pass down some of the in December of 2008, our old. One of my favorites daughter gave birth to our is when we ride around first grandson, Remington looking at Christmas lights, Elijah. We were blessed singing Christmas songs with our second grandson, and eating ice cream Levi-Wesson, born in July cones. YES, I said eating 2010. Looking back, I am ice cream cones!!! We reminded of the scripture; live in the south, y’all… “To everything there is a and sometimes the cooler season and a time to every weather just doesn’t purpose under heaven.” cooperate. Eccl. 3:1 I just want to remind A new season has come, everyone to cherish and we look forward to the little things in life… spending our holidays because they really are

the BEST. Don’t take for granted the time you have with loved ones; make the most of every moment. We can easily get caught up in the materialism and the stress of the holidays, and forget what is most important. And as Charlie Brown & the Peanuts Gang say; “Christmas time is here, Happiness and cheer… Christmas time is here, We’ll be drawing near. Oh, that we could always see, Such spirit through the year.” ~Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from our family to yours~

-----------------------------------

Donna Arender has been repurposing furniture that she picked off the roadside since way before it became popular! Donna and her husband enjoy spending time with their children & 2 grandsons. Her family "currently" includes 3 rescued cats and adopted 2 puppies. But more grandchildren & other pets are always welcomed additions to keep her family growing. She also has a passion to write & dreams of one day writing a book that tells her "trash-totreasure" story; how God repurposed her!

--------------------------------

Edwin W Edwards

Roast

Fundraiser for CAMM

The 50th Governor of Louisiana; Edward Washington Edwards will be the subject of a roast on Saturday February 1, 2014 in the Monroe Civic Center Conference Hall , with doors opening at 6pm. Edwards served a high profile four terms in office, with a record 16 years, the most of any Louisiana Governor. The colorful political life has been well documented by numerous journalists across the globe. Trina, the wife of Governor Edwards, is the focus of a reality show on A&E called “The Governors Wife’. The Edwards recently celebrated the birth of their son in August of this year. Table reservations are being taken now at the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum at 701 Kansas Lane in Monroe. Contact Cindy Ingram 318-651-8311 to confirm your table. VIP seats are $100.00 each and reservations for the other tables are $60.00 each.

Saturday February 1, 2014 33

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Breaking Fixing

Means

--------------------------------

f there’s one thing traveling has taught me, it is that this world is huge. And I haven’t even left the country. Looking out the window of an airplane on a dark night is therapeutic to me. Seeing the world lit up underneath you as tiny dots, the moon hanging beside you in the sky--it's one of my favorite things, because it’s a reminder of how much life is out there, how much is waiting to be lived. So many cars and buildings and people. So much to explore and to be discovered. Last week, I sat in my hallway next to the nightlight my sister bought

me when I first moved so far away. Tissues littered the floor surrounding me and tears leaked from my eyes. I got home from work and I was tired. I opened my mail to a rather expensive electric bill. I got online and saw the status update of a boy I used to love who loves someone else now. So I turned on my music as loud as it would go, and I sobbed. I cried because I’m tired. I cried because the boy I want doesn’t want me back. I cried because someone else gets him. I cried because my family is so far away and because bills stress me out. I cried because, despite my better judgment, I gave pieces of myself away to boys who didn’t deserve to have them. I cried because I miss my brother and because my cell phone screen has a huge crack in it. I cried because I don’t have a car and I can’t zip up the dress I just bought and because I want to live close to my friends. I cried because I had to grow up and because a friend chose to delete me from her life and because I work so much. I cried because

You’ll make a new best friend. Someone will kiss you better and hold you tighter. Someone will buy you the flowers. Somewhere will mold right into your soul. A new place will shape right into your life. A new recipe will add to your kitchen table. A new song will play at the perfect time. A new story will speak to your heart. A new sort of love will find you. Old things are wonderful and treasured and dear to our life is hard, and because I hearts, but the beauty try to be strong despite it of life is the new. The unexplored. The unseen. but really I am weak. The unfelt. The unknown. But it takes being weak to know strength. It takes Welcome it. being broken to know you need fixing. Maybe I need ----------------------------------to be broken down, for all the pieces to break and fall I am a simple girl rooted apart and scatter all over. in family, friends, the You can’t start over with Bible, and my mama’s missing pieces or by trying chicken casserole. At to shove ones that don’t fit my best, I’m loved and together. But you can start respected; at my worst, over with new pieces. One I am saved by grace. by one. Pieces that you I am a girl removed choose and that you want from the country life of and that you love. Pieces belt buckles and boots placed to blend in with that fit perfectly. the city life of stilettos The world shines outside and suits. From the quiet my plane window, it back roads of Louisiana, looks like a perfect place to the busy avenues of because you can’t feel the New York City, I am still hurt and you can’t see the just a girl in love with the chaos--just rows of lights simplicities: cuddles with as far as the eye can see. my labrador retriever, I know because I’ve been game night with my down there, I’ve walked the family, laughs with my streets of it and breathed best friends, and a new the air of it and felt the pair of stilettos adorning pain of it to know it's not my closet. I may be off perfect, but from up here, chasing my big dreams the moon and the stars in the big city, but my and the clouds we pass heart is always home. through give it hope. The Follow me @Chaleezy world is full and large and just resting, awaiting you to ----------------------------------embrace it with all that you are.

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Real. Easy. Recipies. From Fastpak Catering of Arcadia

The holidays are here! There's lots to love about

this time of year. Family, friends, and FOOD. Most of us have our holiday dish routine downpat. But for you adventurers out there, we've paired up with Claudette Wright at Fastpak Catering of Arcadia to bring you some amazing (and easy) recipies to spice things up this holiday season. No Christmas would be complete at Claudette's house without the smell of her Breakfast Casserole baking in the oven early Christmas morning as her family members exchange gifts. A family favorite cheeseball appetizer is great for potluck parties and to share with close friends. The corn casserole is a side dish that will have even the pickiest eaters going back for seconds (and thirds). And finally, our people pleasing cornbread dressing rounds our the recipies and ensures that

everyone has a very merry Christmas. Even the grinch would put on a smile after sampling this feast. We've also included a beautiful table display below for inspiration. To dress your table for the holidays visit Debbie Allen at Ruston Florist & Boutique to score this elegant look.

Breakfast Casserole

Corn Casserole

1 pound sausage browned/ drained 1 package original crescents roils 1 cup frozen hash browns (thawed) 1 cup cheese grated 5 eggs Salt and pepper Âź cup milk Separate rolls and place in a pizza pan patting out to make a crust. Layer with sausage, hash browns, and cheese. Beat together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour over the top of the casserole. Bake 375 degrees for 30 minutes

Holiday Cheeseball 4 cups (1 pound) grated cheddar cheese 3-8 ounces Cream Cheese 1/2 cup chopped pimento stuffed olives 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1/8 teaspoon celery salt 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoon minced onion Dash of garlic salt Chopped Pecans for garnishing Combine first 8 ingredients in a large mixing bowl; mix well with mixer or by hand. Shape into 1 large or several small balls. Then garnish with chopped pecans. Wrap in saran wrap and store in the refrigerator. Serve with your favorite cracker

Chicken Stock Raw Chicken (whole) 2 stalks celery 1 onion Salt & pepper Add ingredients to a large stock pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and immediately reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered at least 2 hours, occasionally skimming off the foam that comes to the surface.Remove chicken and strain the stock.

2 cans Cream Style corn 1 Bell Pepper (Chopped) 1 Onion (Chopped) 1 small jar Pimentos 3 eggs 1 cup Minute Rice (raw) 2 teaspoons Sugar Â˝ teaspoon Pepper 1 stick Margarine Grated Mild Cheddar Cheese Mix the first 9 ingredients. Place in a casserole dish and sprinkle with grated cheese. Bake 325 degrees for 1 hour

Holiday Dressing (for a large crowd) 9 cups yellow self rising meal 6 eggs, beaten 10 ounces oil 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 onion, chopped 2 bunches green onions, chopped Mix all ingredients above and bake at 375 degrees until done. Remove from oven and add ingredients listed below (excluding eggs). Gradually stir in chicken stock and milk until mixture is the constancies of cornbread before baked (you may not use all chicken broth). After mixture has cooled, add eggs. 3 sticks margarine 15 slices bread Chicken Stock (approx. 1 Gallon) 2 cups Milk 9 Eggs (add after mixture has cooled) You can freeze or refridgerate overnight. When ready to serve, return dish to oven and bake at 375 for approx. 45 minutes or until heated thoroughly and golden brown on top.

--------------------------------

It Was There All Along

--------------------------------

drove the same route to work every morning for close to twelve years. I would pass the same houses, businesses, and streets with each season coming and going. Not much changed except maybe a new car in the driveway or a fresh new coat of paint would adorn the walls of the houses. Sometimes the landscape of the house would get a revamp and occasionally a business would close. For the most part everything just aged a little bit and nothing more. On one

particular beautiful spring day I drove past a man’s house that happened to be a patient of mine. On this day he was coming in to see me and I had noticed that the tree in his yard had begun to flower. The blossoms were so beautiful and unusual. They had a radiance I hadn’t noticed before. They were white and fluffy like clouds. I thought had never seen this tree before. I assumed it had never bloomed. This man was a sweet older gentleman that I had always found pleasant and he had a wise old soul. As he sat down in my chair I began to chitchat with him about the weather and other humdrum things that really didn’t matter, then I remembered his beautifully blossomed tree in his front yard. I complimented him on his yard (yard people really like it when you do this) and asked him what kind of tree it was. He told me and I pretended to know what kind of tree it was. I

asked him then if this was the first year it had ever blossomed because I had never seen it before. He shocked me when he told me that this was the 15th or 16th year it had bloomed and I had probably passed it several years in a row without noticing it. I was so confused! How could I have possibly not seen something so beautiful?! Normally, he and I had meaningless conversations that were just pleasantries, but on that day he said something to me that I’ll never forget. He told me that I probably hadn’t been old enough to appreciate the tree in his yard until now. He said sometimes we come to an age in our life that makes us appreciate the beauty in something we’ve been missing. He said sometimes it’s the things that we may have seen many other times and then somehow just notice. We mature and are able to appreciate some of God’s gifts.

I never forgot the lesson he taught me that day. We can often go through our daily grind and not see the beauty around us. Have you matured enough to notice the tree’s changing from green to a beautiful golden and red hue? Are you old enough to see the beauty of an old empty church that was once filled with believers and happy memories? Have you seen the grit and dirt under a man’s fingernails and instead of thinking how dirty he was, you thought of how hard he must work for his family? Or perhaps you heard the laughter of a child and thought it was your own child laughing only to remember they are grown. I hope you look at your yearbooks and instead of seeing how out of style you look, you see how young and innocent you were. I hope that when you see an old wrinkled woman, you only see the wisdom in her eyes and the journey she has been on. I hope that you look in your backyard and discover the beauty that is already there. I hope that one day we all grow up and see what has been in front of us all along.

--------------------------------

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written by Liz Hines they

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giggling make friends? How do you

-------------------------------- at. But no, my charming read a subway map? How

Transplant --------------------------------

got the call.

After months of putting in applications and resumes to hospitals all over the country I finally got a job offer. A New York City emergency room wanted me to move all the way from Louisiana to be a child life specialist there. Words cannot describe the excitement, anxiety and absolute fear that I felt when I first heard. I could not believe it! My dream job had arrived! I must tell you that I had to undergo five interviews with this hospital and each time I was surprised that I was chosen to move on to the next round. Especially after the video conference interview in which I could hear my voice with a two second delay, along with an accent I was certain

personality blew them was this southern girl ever away and they chose me going to make it in the big over who knows how many ‘ol city? other candidates Well I made it. Like most So I called all of those things we tend to worry closest to me and told them too much about, they all the news. Then of course worked out. I figured out I had to make the big the subway, I have made Facebook announcement. a few friends, and I found You know, because no a temporary place to live. big news can actually After living in the city for be true until at least fifty one month, I feel that I people have commented have adjusted relatively on it, right? And then six well. hours after I accepted the offer I began to look for a My job is another story. place to live. All excitement While I love every minute faded. A cardboard box in of it, there is nothing like Central Park looked more it. As a child life specialist, affordable than anything I am usually the best part that I found. What had I of being in a hospital done? Could I really move for a child. I help them 1,200 miles away from understand what’s going my home, my family, my on, I calm their fears, and friends, and the only way I make sure they have of life that I had ever known something fun to do. Kids to a city full of strangers love me. Parents adore where I knew not a single me. Nurses worship me. It person? Enter: anxiety. should all be rainbows and unicorns, right? Wrong. During the next month This is Manhattan. Parents while I prepared to move, want plastic surgeons for I was anxious over every a small scrape under their detail. What do I pack? child’s chin. Children have Where will I live? How will I handbags that cost more

than my rent. Nurses are still trying to figure out what in the world I do. This is no children’s hospital, either. In the same room with the screaming fouryear old is the 42-year old with chest pain; and he wants that child to stop screaming, NOW. Or, perhaps a family reunion of sorts can happen. Like the other night with my 5-year old patient. I went to get him something, and when I came back, he pointed to the elderly man in the stretcher next to him and told me it was his grandfather! I must have looked bewildered because his mom explained that they saw him coming down the hall and realized it was her father. Isn’t this New York? I didn’t think you would run into people you knew here, much less in the emergency room! I cannot rule out anything happening while I’m here. It has only been a month, and I already have so many stories to tell. Won’t you join me on this adventure?

-------------------------------Liz is a typical southern girl that decided to take on the big city. After taking the scenic route through college she packed everything up and decided to try out life as a New Yorker. Her dog, Charmin, is adjusting well and meeting lots of city dogs in Central Park. Liz is living her dream and is bringing a little southern charm up to the Big Apple.

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The Gift of a

Broken Heart Written by Guest Columnist Kalli LaCroix

my overly dramatic state of mind. I have experienced a broken heart. But never in those moments that I can recall so clearly did I consider them a gift.

was ten years old, bed head and sleepy eyes still in tact, sitting on my dad’s lap in our living room as him and my mom broke the news to me that my cat Rosie had died the night before. And then I was twelve, and my best friend’s family was moving six states away to North Carolina, and it was the last night I would sleep over at the house I had considered my second home for the entirety of my life to that point. Fast forward to being sixteen, and hearing my mother’s voice at the other end of the phone telling me that there had been an accident the night before, that my brother’s childhood best friend would never see the day of his fifteenth birthday. And then I am seventeen, crying myself to sleep for nights on end after my high school boyfriend and I broke up, as my mother patiently sat with me and gently explained that my life was in fact not over, despite how I felt in

This past January I was blessed with two things: a light course load for the school semester, and the opportunity to volunteer at an orphanage in Central America. As I boarded the plane that would bring me to Honduras, a country I knew nothing about where they spoke a language I did not speak, I had very little idea what was about to take place in my heart. Orphanage Emmanuel is located in Guaimaca, Honduras, a little town about two hours away from the capital, Tegucigalpa. There are currently 550 children ranging in all ages being cared for by this orphanage that may be lacking in staff members and extra hands but is in no way lacking in love or faith. Before I left for my trip, my boss gave me a book called Kisses For Katie, written by a 22 year old girl named Katie Davis who has given her whole life to do the one thing that we as Christians are all called to do: love and care for God’s children. In this book Katie writes, “I believe there is only one truly courageous thing we can do with our lives: to love uncon-

ditionally. Absolutely, with all of ourselves, so much that it hurts and then more.” I remember writing that quote in the front of my journal on the flight to Honduras, unaware of exactly what she meant by it, or how loving like that would feel. I had read the volunteer manual that Orphanage Emmanuel had sent me; I knew the rules and regulations and I had packed according to the listed dress code. I even knew how to say hello and goodbye in Spanish, so I was set to go and ready to serve. What that volunteer manual forgot to include was that the kids and staff of this orphanage would serve me in more ways than I could possibly replicate. That learning a new language would be the most frustrating, yet beautiful experience I have ever had. That fifty-seven eight-year-old brown eyed boys would teach me more about loving others and trusting in our Heavenly Father than I possible could have imagined. In my six months at Emmanuel I learned how to make tortillas from scratch, never to say no to food that was offered to me and that I might as well learn to like rice and beans because the dinner menu was not going to change. I learned what a torsalo was and how to get rid of it, what Scabies looked like, and I saw a child have a seizure for the first time. I learned that a hug can sometimes cure an upset stomach better than Pepto Bismol and that I did not need to fix my hair in the morning because the boys would take it out and braid it for me anyways. I developed calluses on my knees because of the numerous moments in a day when I had nowhere else to fall if I wanted to make it through those six months with my sanity intact. I learned that I truly could not and never will be able to make it through a day without making a mess of things unless I surrender it all before the Lord first thing in the morning. During my time in Honduras I quit making plans, because I’m no good at it anyways and the Lord always seems to one-up me with His own. And most of all, I saw God’s provision in indescribable ways, in both the seemingly small and big things. As I left Honduras this past August with a tear-stained face and a broken heart, I could not ignore the reality that the pain I felt in leaving a place that had become my home was nothing short of a blessing. The reality that the pain I felt in my heart was only a reflection of how much I had loved and been loved by those kids and staff members. I left with the thought that maybe having a broken heart is actually a gift from God; an indication that we have experienced a small glimpse of who He is. And I took with me that gift, along with the gentle reminder that one day He will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more pain. Until that day, I welcome the gift of a broken heart, allowing myself to remember that “He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds,” and that is more than enough for me.

2nd Annual

l Annua 2ndAnnual Annual 2nd

iggin’Out Out WWiggin’ October11th, 11th,2012 2012 October SquireCreek CreekCountry CountryClub Club Squire

2ndlike Annual We would to thank our event W iggin’ Out W iggin’ Outsponsors, table sponsors, and W iggin’ Out October area businesses for their11th, 2012 October 11th,generous 2012 October 11th, 2012 Squire Creeksupport. Country Club donations and Squire Creek Country Club 6:00 pm Squire Creek Country Club 6:00 pm

6:00 pm

Event Sponsors

6:00pm pm 6:00

Bob Sponsor

Pink Wig Sponsor

Mr. & Mrs. Skip Holtz

Bouffant Sponsors

Bank of Ruston Bayou Life Community Trust Bank John M Futch, Inc. Gibsland Bank & Trust H.L. & H. Holding Co. Glenda Hammons Deidre Hilburn

J&J Brahser, LLC Just Like You Lincoln Outdoor Living LMC, Inc Malone Properties Melanie Massey Physical Therapy

New Beginnings NLMC Girls Pafford Air One Price Right/Apothecary Plus Sharon’s Slamming Women’s Boot Camp The Fashion of Ruston

Silent Auction Donors Ciao Bella Photography of Arcadia Rodan + Fields – Brandi Doucet Deep South Doula USBORNE Books – Brandi Doucet DD’s Super Discount Liquor of Minden Keg Package & Cork Room Super 1 Foods The Fashion of Ruston Louisiana Tech Athletics The Holtz Family

Rodeo Boutique Ruston Florist Cotton Jen Creations Say Baby Boutique Cypress Alley Designs Centsations Salt-N-Pepper Boutique Sharon’s Slamming Women’s Boot Camp Tri-Running Smoothie King Bienville Wellness Center Lauren Roebuck Designs FrankeUSA Paperglaze Caligraphy

Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino Cinemark Theaters Chili’s Dawg House Eskamoe’s Little Pizzoli’s Log Cabin Ponchatoula’s Portico Rosemary’s Kitchen Scotts Catfish Sundown Teriyaki Grill

Pearls Donated by National Jewelry | Music provided by Seth Hightower | Back Drop provided by Rapid Signs A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR Emcee for the evening, Teresa “Spoon” Weatherspoon

Photographs by Mary Louise Chamoun of Arcadia, La. Mary Louise Chamoun of Ciao Bella Photography recently relocated to Arcadia, La. and has been the event photographer for the past two years. She is a huge supporter of Wiggin'Out and we appreciate her very much. Please check out her facebook. https://www.facebook. com/CiaoBellaPhotographyofMS

Photo by Tom Morris latechsportspix

bringing back

the past written by Wesley Harris

-----------------------------------

FROM LOUISIANA TO LITTLE BIGHORN Custer’s Men Rode the Hills of North Louisiana -----------------------------------

he story of George Armstrong Custer and the destruction of his command at the Little Bighorn is known to most since the “Custer Massacre” has been immortalized in movies, books, and music, albeit often with sensational inaccuracy. But only the most ardent Custer historians know of the significance of Custer and his famed 7th Cavalry in Louisiana history. After a distinguished military career during the Civil War in which Custer experienced a meteoric rise through the ranks to become the Union’s youngest general, he was sent to Alexandria in 1865 by General Philip Sheridan to take command of a cavalry division. After a respite in New Orleans following the long journey from Washington, Custer,

accompanied by his wife Elizabeth, marched the troops from Louisiana to Hempstead, Texas, anticipating possible military action against Mexico. Elizabeth later wrote of her hardships in her book, Tenting on the Plains, published in 1887, recalling the exhilaration she experienced when the party finally departed the thick pine thickets of Louisiana for the open terrain of Texas. In the early 1870s, the 7th Cavalry Regiment was scattered through seven Southern states, supporting United States Marshals in the difficult days of Reconstruction as Southern Democrats and Radical Republicans struggled for political control of the government. Much of north Louisiana saw more violence and bloodshed in the ten years after the Civil War than during in the conflict itself. Lynchings of freed blacks, assassination of Republican officeholders, and a host of brutal crimes were commonplace. While the 7th Cavalry was in the South, Custer was relegated to post duty on the Great Plains. With his sympathies allied with the Democratic Party, his superiors kept him out of the struggle to wrest political control of the southern states.

Benjamin Hubert Hodgson was a lieutenant commanding a company of 7th Cavalry troopers working with U.S. Marshals in the area from Shreveport to Monroe. In October 1874, Hodgson and his cavalryman were accompanying Deputy U.S. Marshal Edgar Seleye as he arrested members of the notorious White League for various offenses against black citizens and Republican officeholders. After Seleye arrested J.G. Huey, a wellknown Vienna citizen, the local judge issued a writ of habeas corpus for the marshal and troopers to deliver the prisoners to his court and explain the reason for their detention. Hodgson spurned the sheriff and continued toward Monroe to make more arrests. Along the way, Hodgson and the deputy marshal decided it prudent to cut the telegraph wires so the enraged citizens of Vienna did not alert Monroe of their approach. The failure to heed the judge’s order and the damage to the telegraph wires led the Lincoln Parish sheriff to arrest of Hodgson and Seleye and return them to Vienna where they were jailed. Telegrams to their superiors brought a flurry of action. The wrong move

could cause all-out war. More cavalry and infantry from Shreveport and New Orleans were ordered to Vienna in the belief the federal men might be in danger while lawyers were dispatched to represent them before the Vienna court. Just as important as protecting the men was the need to avoid treading on local judicial authority and risk an uprising among the citizens. After some delicate negotiations, fines were paid for contempt of court and damage to property and the lieutenant and marshal were released. The judge was a hero to the locals for standing up to the federal government. Later, J.G. Huey would serve as one of Ruston’s first police chiefs. Eventually the Republican administration decided to withdraw troops from Louisiana and Reconstruction came to an end. The 7th Cavalry moved to the Dakotas to deal with the Sioux Indians. The common notion that George Custer and his entire regiment were wiped out at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876 is inaccurate. Custer had divided his forces to attack a large Indian village on the banks of the Little Bighorn River in Montana. Lt. Hodgson was part of the group that broke off and rode down steep bluffs and over the river to charge the village. Custer took another force further down the bluffs to engage the Indians from the opposite direction. Both groups of soldiers were quickly swarmed and attempted to retreat to the high bluffs. Lt. Hodgson was cut down by gunfire as he recrossed the river but others managed to escape to the high ground, hold off the Indians, and survive. Custer and all the men with him in the separate force were killed.

John H. Day was a common soldier in the 7th Cavalry. As a private in Company H under the command of Captain Frederick Benteen, Day was part of the unit that separated from Custer. Day was among those who were forced to retreat up the bluffs under the Indian counterattack. Day survived the Little Bighorn and later returned to Louisiana.

Monroe residences, Day was identified as a suspect. The Lake Providence Banner-Democrat of June 23, 1894, tells the story:

far from the house that he was supposed to have fir ed.

On analyzing the evidence given against Day, as JUDGE LYNCH AT printed in the Monroe MONROE. papers, we find that it was all circumstantial, and we A white man by the name hesitate not to stamp as of J.H. Day was speedily murderers the unknown hanged in Monroe on parties who took it upon Wednesday of last week. themselves to "dispose of It appears that several fires Day." Why! because the had occurred in Monroe dog followed a trail to Day's lately, which were without house, because cobwebs a doubt the work of an and whitewash were found Day married Eliza Eubank incendiary. On Wednesday on Day's clothes supposed Parks in Monroe in 1886. of last week two fires took to have gotten there Perhaps he had met place in Monroe the same by crawling under the her when the regiment evening, and both were houses to fire them, and was stationed in north supposed to be the work because especially on his Louisiana. Or perhaps of the same incendiary; back gallery "were found he liked the country and a blood-hound was put pieces of plank which had moved back to Louisiana on a trail and followed it been split for kindling, after his discharge. to the house of one J.H. which in sap, heart and Although he survived the Day, who immediately was grain corresponded to the most well-known battle arrested and put in the pieces of kindling used in between the U.S. Army calaboose. Later on in the firing the houses." Day and Native Americans, night unknown parties, as was taken out of jail, and Day could not avoid a usual, got the keys of the made acquainted with violent death. After a jail from the policeman who Ouachita parish summary series of arson fires that had charge of it, and Day proceedings of justice. destroyed a number of was hanged to a tree not The motive for the arsons is never mentioned in the various newspaper accounts. There is no indication that there was any dispute or grudge against the victims. Perhaps Day—if he was the perpetrator—was acting out post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a malady first identified in combat veterans after

the Vietnam War. Perhaps the horrors at the Little Big Horn still haunted him eighteen years later. Or maybe Day was a classic pyromaniac. Eliza Day was buried in the Old City Cemetery in Monroe in 1901, possibly beside the unmarked grave of her husband. Recently a headstone was placed nearby for John Day, a soldier who survived the signature conflict between two opposing cultures but could not avoid Louisiana vigilante justice. Pictured: George Custer and John Day’s grave in Monroe ----------------------------------

Wesley Harris is a native of Ruston. Among his books are GREETINGS FROM RUSTON: A Post Card History of Ruston, Louisiana and Neither Fear Nor Favor: Deputy United States Marshal John Tom Sisemore, available from amazon.com. He can be contacted at campruston@gmail. com. Check out his Louisiana history blog at http://diggingthepast. blogspot.com. ----------------------------------

Annual Arcadia Service Club

Christmas Festival & Shopping Extravaganza -TREASURE HUNT CLUES TO START MONDAY, DECEMBER 2ND

- DOWNTOWN BUSINESS DECORATING CONTEST STARTING DECEMBER 2ND: CASH PRIZE WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED AT THE PARADE ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH -CHILI & PIE COOKOFF & STREET DANCE ALONG WITH KTBS 3 AND LOCAL LIVE BANDDECEMBER 6TH @ THE HENDERSON-JORDAN PARK BESIDE LUIGI’S @ 6:00PM -PARADE- DECEMBER 7TH @ 1:00PM -SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA DECEMBER 6TH &7TH IN THE DEPOT AND DOWNTOWN STREET FROM 10AM-7PM FRIDAY AND 9AM-5PM ON SATURDAY. -5K RUN/FUN WALK DECEMBER 7TH @ 9:00 AM DOWNTOWN @ HENDERSON-JORDAN PARK FOLLOWED BY PANCAKE BREAKFAST WE WILL HAVE MANY EVENTS GOING ON THROUGH OUT BOTH DAYS SO STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES.

December 6th & 7th

CONTACT INFORMATION: VENDORS: APRIL PICOU: 318-263-7966 PARADE: AMANDA EASTMAN: 318-607-3779 5K RUN/FUN WALK: AMANDA ROBERSON: 318-267-1717 CHILI & PIE COOKOFF: KAYLA MATHEWS: 318-393-8925 TREASURE HUNT: TISCHA MAYS: 318-243-3134

--------------------------------

What Are We Here For?

touch with our own needs. If we lose sight of what we value most, we will lose sight of what we stand for, and without such insight we begin to lose vision of our goals. When we begin to look

-------------------------------- within, we find answers to

he daily opportunities provided to us are often taken for granted as we focus on synthetic elements of our life. As days move forward and our focus shifts, it can be all too easy to become immersed in a conglomeration of stressful extraneous variables and financial responsibilities. Sadly, priority of self enrichment often fades to the back burner as we hassle to meet life's seemingly 'more important' demands. Of course, it's natural to become enveloped in work, bills, and daily task lists; however, it's also quite crucial that we remain in

our greatest issues. When asking ourselves of our lively-hood intentions, we create goals. When asking ourselves of how we want to be seen by others, we create character. When asking ourselves how we want to be remembered, we create legacy. Through personal insight, we have allegedly created a mental depiction of who we hope to be. We can do this by means of self reflection and action consistently there forth. In life, such self awareness and responsibility within our daily actions and interactions react to create a state of universal equilibrium. Truly take a moment to consider what you love as well as the many things you have gained

from each experience throughout the years, and ask yourself, "Am I being the best me that I can be, for both myself and those I love? Am I living up to the potential I previously envisioned for myself? In lieu of a quick reality check, self assessment is essential for personal growth and provides the opportunity to address the self through reflection. Only once we become self aware of such notions may we properly restructure our goals to ensure that we are doing all that we can be to be the best possible version of ourselves. Each and every day we are given more than the simple gift of life; rather, we are offered an array of beautiful opportunity. It is the decisions we will make in our daily endeavors that allocate who we are and what we stand for. The personal task of living your life as a grand example for others is the most selfless yet conducive thing one can do. Retain the notion that considers each individual

capable and worthy of catalyzing mankind into an unknown world of compassion, support, and love. Given the gift of life and such corresponding daily opportunities each human can and should collectively work together for a better tomorrow. A surge of motivation occurs at the realization that even as mere individuals, we can truly help change the world. Margarate Mead stated, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Be the change you wish to see.

------------------------------------------

Ashley Marie Nygaard is a 22 year old student, writer, life enthusiast, and also an aspiring model-actress. Residing in Shreveport, Louisiana for nearly the past decade Ashley loves taking on new challenges and especially experiencing new things. She withholds a passion for all things artistic, is very enthusiastic about life, and considers all things possible. Through high ambitions and a positive attitude she believes that the one true change she can make in the world begins within, and so for you it does too. ------------------------------------------

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Providing Christmas Gifts to Children in the Court System Volunterrs for Youth Justice (VYJ) began 31 years ago with a group of women at First Presbyterian Church who saw the need in their community for intervention and advocacy for children who were at risk of being involved in the juvenile justice system. Since then VYJ has developed into a nonprofit that has led the way to provide services advocacy for the children in our community with such great need.

supply to them. Therefore the cases that CASA receives are the cases that are most needy.

CASA volunteers are trained and supervised volunteers who are appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of a child that has been abused or neglected in a courtroom setting. These volunteers provide the judge on the case a carefully researched report to help the court make a sound decision about that child's future.

In Caddo and Bossier Parish, CASA hosts a Christmas Party where the children receive their gifts and get to visit with Santa and Ms. Claus. If a child is unable to attend the Christmas party, the gifts are delivered to them.

Each year CASA provides Christmas to the children that we are assigned to from the court. We provide them with a wish list in November and allow them to fill it out with three things they would like to have and their dream gift. We them find sponsors in the community to buy these wish lists or through donations and contributions. Let VYJ has eight primary programs each with their me tell you the warm feeling you get when you realize own unique purpose. Our Youth programs provide you have provided a great memory for children who diversionary services and workshops such as Facts are currently in a very dark period in their life. It is an of Life, Power of Choice, School Fight Diversion, Teen amazing feeling! Court, Stamp out Shoplifting and GEMS and GENTS Mentoring. Our Court programs consist of FINS (Families Many of these children would not get a Christmas in Need of Services) and Truancy Prevention. CASA or present if it were not for the generous donations that Court Appointed Spercial Advocates provides advocacy CASA is able to obtain from community members. After from community volunteers for children who have been gathering the donations and gifts, we rely on community abused or neglected in some way and have been placed members and volunteers to help us wrap the gifts for each child. in the foster care system.

CASA is a unique opportunity to advocate for children that have no voice. Our volunteers in the past year have advocated for over 600 children just in the 6 parishes that we serve in Northwest Louisiana. These volunteers have advocated for educational services, permanent placements, medical service, psychological services and sometimes even the basic necessities of clothes. And the results of all of this advocacy is that foster children with a CASA are more likely to be placed in a safe and premanent home - not return back into foster care. Children with a CASA and their parents are more likely to receive services that will enable these families to be reunited. They do better in school and they spend approximately half the time in foster care as a child without a CASA. So you ask... "Why do these children not have a CASA volunteer?" Not every child can have a CASA colunteer because we don't have enough volunteers. Our program can only serve about half the children in care because we have to have a volunteer to

In Bienville and Webster Parishes CASA works to get every gift on a child’s wish list. This is accomplished with help from generous community members through monetary or gift donations. Once every child’s wish list is filled CASA will deliver those gifts to each child’s current home, so they can open them Christmas morning. There is nothing more enlightening than knowing these children will have the joy of celebrating Christmas during a time that is so hard for them. If you know of anyone willing to volunteer to advocate for a child, donate to the CASA Christmas Fund or fill a child’s wish list, for the Bossier and Caddo Parish areas, please contact Vickie Ricord at 318-425-4413 or email her at vickie.ricord@vyjla. org ; Bienville Parish contact Deanna Curtis @ 318263-2292 or email her at deanna.curtis@vyjla.org; Webster Parish contact Sandra Samuel at 318-3710722 or email her at sandra.samuel@vyjla.org.

-------------------------------- our healthy eating plan.

Grabbing meals on the run while shopping or grazing Supporting the buffet at social events Women's Health only encourages you to eat unhealthy or more than If you must skip a -------------------------------- usual. meal or eat at an abnormal time, keep healthy snacks nearby, such as oatmeal, almonds, cereal, fruit or is the Season to string cheese. keep off the Pounds! 2. Prep yourself before the The holiday season is party. Don't skip a meal or a joyful time of year to arrive at a party hungry. celebrate with friends No - if you skip breakfast or and family. But with the lunch - you cannot save up celebrations come lots those calories to consume of party foods at holiday later. Plus, when you are gatherings. If you're trying hungry and surrounded to eat healthy, lose weight by high-calorie foods, it's or maintain your weight, easy to overeat. Always those holiday goodies can eat a light, healthy snack, be awfully tempting. preferably with high fiber, before leaving your house. Here are some simple strategies to avoid 3. Make smart choices at overeating and packing on the buffet or dinner table. the pounds. By planning Being health conscious ahead and sticking to your doesn't mean that you can't resolve, you can follow enjoy the season and have a healthy diet and still be a little bit of the foods you part of the celebrations. love.

1. Eat regularly. Holidays are busy, which can disrupt

Rather than deriving yourself of a certain item, eat small amounts - say, two to three bites - of the foods you can't resist. Try to just have one small cookie, or two chips with dip. Just make sure to fill the majority of your plate with healthy vegetables and fruits, whole grain crackers, cheese and lean meats. Limit rich, sugary foods. They have a way of making you crave more of the same. If the craving hits you, try a piece of fruit or a small bit of dark chocolate. If that doesn't help, simply take half of a serving of that chocolate or pecan pie you can't resist. 4. Those sneaky beverages. Avoid beverages high in sugar and calories, or at least limit your intake to a single drink. Also, alcohol adds extra unwanted calories and, if too much

is consumed it lowers inhibitions and can lead to overeating. Try consuming water with a lemon or lime, or dies/sugar-free beverages. 5. Remain active. Regular physical activity is even more important during the holiday season. Physical activity reduces stress - which usually comes with the holidays - and gives us more energy. If you know you will indulge a bit, increase your exercise time a bit every day. You'll burn off those holiday indulgences and avoid extra weight gain. Remember, if you increase your exercise, that splurge won't ruin you. Joining the Healthy Woman program is easy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; just visit NorthernLouisianaMedical Center.com/HealthyWoman to sign up. Membership is FREE, and the benefits last a lifetime. For more information about Healthy Woman, call Jessica Haynes at 315-254-2492.

an arranged marriage, time travels to present day New York where he finds his true love in the form of a high-powered career woman.

a novel

approach written by Winnie Griggs

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Creating Your Elevator Pitch --------------------------------

ne of the hardest questions for me to answer is “What’s your story about?” It’s not that I don’t know my story, it’s that I know it too well. I start talking and before I know it my listener’s eyes have either glazed over or are displaying signs of confusion. The remedy for this is to nail down my elevator pitch, which is what I want to discuss with y’all today. But before I get into how to craft this wondrous little gem, let’s discuss what an elevator pitch is so we’re all on the same page. The formal definition is that it is “a succinct and

persuasive sales pitch.” The name comes from the idea that if you step into an elevator and someone asks you what your story is about, you should be able to answer before your listener arrives at his desired floor. Which means you have maybe thirty to sixty seconds to summarize your masterpiece.

Both of those paint a clear, intriguing picture of what your story is and more than likely the listener will be hooked and want to hear more.

So let’s talk about how to create one. There are a number of different approaches - today I’ll discuss three.

One of these is the Character-Dilemma-Path method.

However, if your story doesn’t lend itself to that approach, there are other methods you can turn to.

In this method you describe your protagonist, what his dilemma is and what path he’ll take to try to resolve it. Let’s use the movie Kate and Leopold to demonstrate.

First, there’s the High Concept approach. If you have a story that is so high concept that you can immediately capture a reader’s imagination by Character: A nineteenth just stating the hook or century duke premise, go for it. Dilemma: Facing an Most of the time these arranged (loveless) will feature intriguing marriage juxtapositions such as • A Romeo and Juliet Path: Escapes by time story between feuding traveling and finds his true merfolk clans love • A female James Bond with a Legally Blond Using that information, the attitude who holds the pitch might look something fate of the world in her like: expensively manicured hands A nineteenth century duke, reluctantly facing

Notice I focused on Leopold. I could have chosen instead to focus on Kate. If I’d done so, it would break down like this: Character: A driven career woman Dilemma: has little time for romance or whimsy Path: once she finally tastes love, she must choose between continuing as she is or giving it all up to find her heart. So the elevator pitch might look like: A driven career woman with little time for romance, gets a soul-satisfying taste of what she’s been missing, but learns that to hold onto it she must chose to leave behind her familiar world, including friends and family Both are accurate. In looking them over, however, I’d pick the one from Leopold’s perspective, because it is more compelling and contains a stronger 'hook' (time traveler angle). That’s a key element to remember - finding your strongest hook. The final approach is one that focuses on the lesson your protagonist must learn. The formula for this one is Character-GoalLesson-Outcome. Let’s try this approach with The Wizard Of Oz: Character: A dissatisfied farm girl who’s transported to a magical land Goal: Find her way home Lesson:

She must learn

that she holds the power to change her life within herself Outcome: Finally returns home with new-found selfconfidence. Using those points, the elevator pitch would go something like: An unhappy-with-her-life farm girl is transported to a magical land where she has many wondrous and frightening adventures as she struggles to find her way back. It’s only after she learns that the power to change her life lies within herself, however, that she finally finds her way home again. That one needs a little work, but hopefully you get the idea. So there you have my three approaches to craft an elevator pitch. Just remember, you want to give your listener an immediate visual to latch onto. And above all, make them curious enough to want to learn more. --------------------------------------------

Winnie Griggs grew up in south Louisiana in an undeveloped area her friends thought of as the back of beyond. She and her siblings spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou. Once she ‘grew up’ she began capturing those wonderful adventures in the pages of her notebooks. Now a multi-published, award

winning author, Winnie feels blessed to be able to share her stories with readers through her published books. You can learn more about Winnie at www.winniegriggs.

com or connect with her at www.facebook.com/ WinnieGriggs.Author --------------------------------------------

who lives nearby (because in New Orleans, this is strangely typical) and I smiled as we traded Carlito stories over chickory coffee. It’s nice when you discover your New Orleans is shared by another.

a season of

becoming in new orleans

I’ll tell Carlito y’all say hello tonight when I see him.

written by Shelley Duran moved in. “He’s harmless” she assured me “but your corner is part of his routine, so you’re going to see him daily.”And she’s right on both accounts. -----------------------------------

Carlito must be in his late thirties or early forties and he has a mental disability. My Carlito With our neighborhood ----------------------------------- being across from a park, he likes to walk around the block and people watch before dinner. It turns out, my corner is the perfect visual he’s found to do this. My home is surrounded by a low iron fence and the corner post is his resting y New Orleans is place. looking a little different these days. I recently The first time he came, made the transition to I introduced myself and solo living and changed my dog, Olive, to him and neighborhoods in the explained how we lived process. My solo-new-tohere now. He just nodded, me-place is my version of seemingly bothered by me perfect and the whole thing changing his routine – can’t feels incredibly indulgent say I blame the man. It (we’ll talk more about this probably doesn’t help that I in the future, I’m sure). can speak all of five words One new thing this season in Spanish. has brought me is a new friendship with Carlito. Every day, no matter the weather, Carlito is on my My landlord told me oabout corner by 7:30pm. He’s him a few days after I taken to Olive and likes

for her to be outside when he’s there. He will always accept water, but never ask for it. He’s become somewhat of a protector of me and when I get picked up for a date, I have to assure him that it’s okay. Witnessing this has become the perfect first date litmus test. This apparently runs in the family. Carlito’s father walks the park each morning and yells “You look beew-u-tiful” as I leave for work, and asks “Are you O.K.?”when I return. I love these men so much, I kind of want to make them pie. I should make them pie. These are the things that make New Orleans great for me. Although I’ve only been a Lower Garden District resident for a couple months, I am already a part of their family and will be treated as such. We’re now a full force, tucked between St. Charles Ave and Magazine St, that few are witness to. I recently had a day date with a movie set designer

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Shelley is a twenty something gal making moves in New Orleans, Louisiana. When she's not working as a Project Manager at HERO|farm ad agency, she can often be found running through her neighborhood park in order to enjoy New Orleans' cuisine on a regular basis. Her beloved dog, Olive, can often be found by her side. Follow her rants and quips on Twitter @ shellbellduran. --------------------------------------------

Playing this Holiday Season in the

(318) 424-3466 www.sciport.org/IMAX On the Downtown Shreveport Riverfront 706 Main Street, Minden, LA

318-299-3838

Let us find you the perfect Mardi Gras gown

www.belleofthebal.com Owners: Paula McCann & Amanda Banks

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Christmas Past Christmas Cake

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Holiday Recollections -----------------------------

olidays are a time of congregation for common bloodlines or friends who come together; laughing, joking, and sharing portions of their lives for a short moment. It’s a collage of memories and discussion of seasons past and ages forgotten except in the coffers of our white haired “great-grand’s” minds. It is the time of gatherings which produce poignant memories of forgotten kith and kin. It is also the assembly and introduction of newcomers whether by birth or by marriage. Holidays recollections are etches of times gone by, seasons past, eras

forgotten except in the coffers of our memory. It is a time of familial renewal. A season of unending midnight talks regarding quaint childhood capers, or those youthful jokes which caused so much trouble, and a time of reminiscing for those gone on to their just rewards.

air as children pressed the mat of autumn carpet under their feet or slide on cardboard sleighs in an unexpected snow.

It is a time when friend and foe alike lay side by side on Christmas Eve. As folk with the same DNA attempt to squeeze into pallets, beds, and a sofa in Holidays are moments Grandma's three-bedroom of mixed smells from house. succulent meats, sage scented stuffing, spicy Holidays are tables set desserts; or the pungent with holly berries from odor of vegetables as the forest or the best their steam wafted across Wedgewood china. It is nostrils cherry red from the a tender season held in the span of God’s eternal frosty air. hands. An occasion when It’s a time when young family and friends; with children walking in the bowed heads; renew once woods, discover bushes of again, their ties with the bright red yaupon berries; Father of them all. A time, and believe God placed when in unity they truly them there, just for them. pray, God bless us, each It is the chill of a soft gray and everyone. winter rain as it gently touches uplifted faces and hands in praise to the King of the universe. It is poignant memories of shared love. It’s the flash of running rambunctious cousins that chase you through brambles, briers, and into the pine seedlings. It’s the laughter which fills the

5 c. currants 5 c. golden raisins 1/2 c. brandy 8 T. butter 5 1/3 c. flour 1 c. brown sugar 1/3 c. toasted walnuts, ground Grated zest of 1 lemon 3 large eggs 1 t. molasses 1 c. milk 2 T. lemon juice Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. In a large bowl, mix together the currants, golden raisins and 1/2 cup of the brandy. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse butter with flour until the mixture resembles small peas. Add sugar, ground almonds and grated lemon zest. Pulse just until combined. Add the eggs, molasses, milk, and lemon juice. Pulse until combined. Batter will be very stiff. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 1 1/2 hours. Cool before removing the ring mold. Store in plastic wrap. ------------------------------------

For Quality

You have a choice when it comes to caring for your health. Make it a smart one, and choose the area hospital that was named one of the nation’s top performers on key quality measures two years in a row. We’re proud to be recognized by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of healthcare organizations in the nation, for our achievements in quality… but we’re even more proud to be chosen by you. Minden Medical Center understands what matters most to patients and their families – safe and effective care. We are committed to providing the highest quality care possible, along with the expertise and leading edge technology that you expect at larger hospitals, all conveniently close to home. Whatever your healthcare need, choose Minden Medical Center. www.mindenmedicalcenter.com