A championship season sixty years ago will be celebrated Saturday afternoon in Turpin Stadium, when the current-year Northwestern State Demon football team plays host to Abilene Christian in a 4 o’clock Southland Conference contest.

The 1957 Demons will be recognized on the field and on the videoboard as the Exchange Bank Demon Greats of the Game during a timeout in the opening quarter. Several team members are expected to return to renew friendships and recall a remarkable season.

Coach Jack Clayton’s first Northwestern team, led by junior running back Charlie “Tank” Tolar, posted a 7-2 record, 4-1 to claim a share of the Gulf States Conference championship, a title the Demons defended a year later.

The Demons’ defense held five opponents to a touchdown or less, shutting out Delta State and UL Lafayette. Tolar was named GSC Player of the Year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association while he and end Billy Jack Booth were honorable mention Little All-America selections.

The Associated Press poll of conference coaches named Tolar and future AFL star Charlie Hennigan, along with Booth and center Fred Wyble, to the All-GSC first-team. Second-team picks were tackles Bert Heckel and Charlie Johnson, guard Bobby Tackett and end Billy Sheehy.

Quarterback Dale Hoffpauir was the GSC’s top passer with a completion percentage of .663 (38-60, 573 yards), while Tolar was the league’s top scorer with 60 points, rushing for a school-record 818 yards on 99 carries (8.3 per carry, 91 yards per game).

The Demons tied for fifth nationally in pass defense, allowing opponents only 13 yards per game.

A Demon Great of the Game is spotlighted at each home football game. In its first four years, the Demon Great of the Game presented by Exchange Bank and Trust has honored 23 outstanding figures in the 109-year history of NSU athletics.

Harris Wilson Jr., known as “Coach Black” to his legion of friends, was the first 2017 Demon Great of the Game, spotlighted at the Sept. 16 win over Lamar. Since 1996, he has worked with all of the NSU sports.

Legendary retired track and field coach Leon Johnson was the Sept. 30 Great of the Game. Johnson was NSU’s head coach for 31 years until his 2013 retirement, and had an epic collection of accomplishments in his career.

At Homecoming, the 1997 Southland Conference champion Demon football team took the spotlight. Nine players on that squad reached the NFL.

Exchange Bank and Trust has been a key supporter of NSU Athletics throughout its long history as the oldest financial institution in Louisiana.

George M. Olivier III, 78, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 30, 2017 surrounded by his family. Born to George M. Olivier Jr. and Shirley Marie Chalon Olivier he lived most of his life in Natchitoches.

He is survived by his daughter Chalon Marie and husband RobAhbol of Shreveport, children Robert, Tiffany Price, Alix, and Olivia and sons George M. Olivier IV of Lafayette, Andre G. Olivier and wife Kristina of Ambler, PA, and children Nolan and Nathan. Siblings Anita Olivier of Tallahassee, Rene Olivier and wife Georgia of Dallas, Bonnie Wereda and husband Rich of San Ramon, CA.

George made a distinct mark on Natchitoches beginning in 1960 when he came to Northwestern State University. In 1965, he started Olivier’s Fine Cypress Furniture at 117 Second Street, where he stayed. George is considered by all a Master Craftsman producing thousands of pieces of furniture, oval bowls, and other special custom pieces over five decades.

George was humble and soft spoken. He absolutely loved giving tours of his shop, where he showed off his specialized toolingand countless jigs that he designed and built.
Mayor Lee Posey recently said that “George certainly marched to a different drummer” and all those who knew him would easily agree. For years George would walk down Front Street to Kaffie Fredericks and continue down Second Street back to the shop. Of course, stopping and talking with many friends alonghis route.

You name it, he built it; cabinets, doors, beds, desks, hutches, tables, dressers, chairs, chests, fern stands, and bowls. Each piece made was truly a work of art. He preferred to incorporate knots prominently in his pieces.

George loved cypress. He rarely used anything else except for his oval bowls. He always enjoyed when people would bring him bowl blanks, often he would stack them in his yard to “weather”. He sought out unique wood riddled with knots, rot and insect damage.

The Olivier family would like to thank Mayor Lee Posey and the City of Natchitoches, all our customers, vendors, and friends. We would also like to thank everyone who worked for George,each one held a special spot in his heart.

The city of Natchitoches has truly lost one of its shining stars.

A memorial celebration will be held at the Natchitoches Art Center located at 716 Second Street. Please feel free to stop by anytime between 3-6 PM Sunday, November 5, 2017.

Natchitoches law enforcement, veterans and firemen ate pizza for lunch Oct. 30 at First United Methodist Church. Natchitoches Lions Club, Psalm Shield 91 Ministry and Louie’s Pizza of Many partnered to hold this event to honor the first responders of Natchitoches Parish who serve and protect residents 365 days a year. Michele and Louis Smith, owner of Louie’s Pizza, and family members served up homemade pizzas, including a boudin one with sliced jalapeños. Police officers, veterans, paramedics and other first responders got a “Slice of Thanks” for their hard work in the community.

 

 

Louisiana is sending seven leaders from across the state to the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) Delta Leadership Institute (DLI.) They will join fellows from seven other states and participate in the 10-month DLI Executive Academy program to help further their skills in community leadership and policy development to promote regional collaboration and local economic growth across DRA’s eight-state region.

Louisiana’s DLI fellows will attend six sessions across the region, visiting each of the eight states in the DRA footprint. They will engage in policy and program development, advocacy training, case-study discussions, and on-the-ground field experiences aligned with DRA’s priorities for the region. Those priorities include: transportation and infrastructure; workforce training and education; entrepreneurship and disaster resilience for small businesses and communities; public health; policy and governance; and culture and tourism.

The fellows, who were selected by Gov. Edwards and DRA leadership, represent a diverse cohort of community leaders. The class includes seven members from Alabama; eight from Arkansas; five from Illinois; five from Kentucky; seven from Louisiana; eight from Mississippi; four from Missouri; and seven from Tennessee.

Louisiana’s 2017-2018 DLI Executive Academy fellows are:

David Cavell of Thibodaux | District Director for U.S. Rep. Garrett Graves

Hunter Fife of Rayville | Manager-Ag Operations for Lamb Weston

Donna Isaacs of Campti | Executive Director of Campti Field of Dreams, Inc.

Lee Jones of Alexandria | Assistant to the State Director for the USDA Rural

Development

Makesha Judson of Baton Rouge | Chief Service Office for the City of Baton Rouge

George Mack, Jr. of Ruston | Board Member on the Lincoln Parish School Board

Ardyn Thriffiley of New Orleans | President of Ardyn M. Thriffiley & Associates, Inc.

The Flora Community Center was transformed into a spooky space for the 4th annual Flora Halloween Carnival Oct. 26. This family-friendly event raised funds for the renovation of the grounds of the Community Center.

 

Dora the dog has laryngitis.

The problem arose last week. Dora would jump on the sofa to beg. Part of her begging technique is to bark at me until I notice her sitting on the sofa beside me. I am then to ask, “Show me what you want.” She runs to the kitchen to the drawer where the doggy treats are hidden. She stands at the door with tail wagging and barks until I open the door. The dog will then make her doggy treat selection. I am very well trained.

Last week she would jump on the sofa and move her mouth to bark and nothing came out. She could muster a squeak. I remember the puzzled puppy look on her face. Since then she gets very close to me to beg and gives it her best shot. It is amusing to see her mouth moving with nothing significant coming out. She has missed her weekly barking opportunities. The men who haul the garbage cans to the street came and went on Monday. No comment from the dog.

The lawn men showed up early this week to mow. No comment from the dog. The wind blew and nothing. She tries, but can produce no volume. She even escaped one night and wanted back in the yard. The only way I knew of her doggy plight was that other dog came and got me and ratted Dora out. So for the first time in aphorism history I can say truthfully, her bite is worse than her bark.

I’m wondering what would happen if our inner voice developed laryngitis. We all have that inner voice that tells us stories. Your inner voice might be affirming of your abilities, opportunities and your life in general. For many though the inner voice is a reminder of every failure and flaw we possess. The inner voice can lead us astray because the scripts that are used are often not fully formed. The scripts we learned as children have never had the adult interpretation applied to them. Some are living out of the criticisms they heard on the playground in the third grade.

We never quiet feel good enough because so many times we have been told or shown we are not good enough. Our inner voice will remind us of that fact any time we succeed. What would change if we had a different inner dialogue?

So if our inner voice suddenly had laryngitis, we might be able to hear another voice speaking to us. Scripture encourages us in several places to be still or be silent in order to know the presence of God. How would your external life change if your internal dialogue changed?

How would you live differently if you heard the voice of God calling to your soul and saying, “You are my child in you I am well pleased.”

We are promised that God will make all things new, even our inner dialogue.

Northwestern State University will hold its Fall N Side View Day Saturday, Nov. 4.

Several hundred high school juniors, seniors and parents are expected to attend the program, which is sponsored by the Office of University Recruiting. There is no cost to attend Fall N-Side View, but advance reservations should be made by visiting nsula.edu/recruiting/preview-days/. For further questions, call (800) 327-1903.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. in Magale Recital Hall in the New Wing of the A.A. Fredericks Creative and Performing Arts Center. The program will begin at 10 a.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. The day’s events will include a guest speaker, a student panel, a panel for parents covering scholarships, financial aid and housing options, tours of the campus and housing and the city of Natchitoches. Prospective students and parents can learn about Northwestern State’s academic programs and campus student organizations. Lunch will be available in Vic’s Café from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for a small fee.

Prospective students can get free tickets to the NSU – Abilene Christian football game that kicks off at 4 p.m. in Turpin Stadium. Reduced price tickets will be available for $5 for parents and guests. There will also be tailgating near Turpin Stadium.

City Marshal Randy Williams wanted to inform the following people that they have outstanding bench warrants through the Natchitoches City Marshal’s Office. The names on this list did not pay their fines in full nor did they return to court on the court date they were sentenced to by City Court Judge Gahagan. These individuals will need to clear up their fines and bench warrant fees at the City Marshal’s Office located at 373 Second St. to stop any further actions:

FINE PAYMENT (F):
Kandice Duncantel, 500 North St, Natch, La–Exp License Plate, Unlicensed Driver
Jerland Anderson, 722 Bossier St, Natch, La – NCR, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Exp MVI
Briana Bolton, 1444 Berry, Natch, La – NSB, Exp MVI, DP, (3) No DL, NCR, One or No Tail Lights, Ran Stop Sign
Ladratral Bowers, 191 Hwy 119, Natchez, La – Turning Movements, Exp MVI
Leonard Ellis, 207 East 6th St, Natch, La – Careless Operation, Open Container
Charles Beaudion, 500 North St Apt S1, Natch, La – SPOM
Wanda Demery, 2212 Williams Ave, Natch, La – NSB
Theresa Garrett, 1330 Washington St, Natch, La – Follow too Close
Cornealius Gay, 213 Piermont Place, Natch, La – SPOM
Lajarvous Goodwin, 122 Depot Rd, Mansfield, La – Exp MVI
Lavunte Jackson, 1111 Amulet St, Natch, La – Theft
Brian Kitchens, 300 Lakeview Dr, Natch, La – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Linda Lacour, 440 Fairgrounds Rd Lot 47, Natch, La – TBS
Nolan McGuire, 841 2nd St, Natch, La – Theft
Andrewnette McNeal, 412 Sanford St, Natch, La – NSB
Courtney Medlin, 1901 South Dr, Natch, La – SCDP
Oliver Miles, 515 Virginia, Natch, La – Windshield Requirements
Quincy Nash, 1226 Phillips St, Natch, La – SPOM
Ameir Stewart, 109 Caspari St, Natch, La – Use of Wireless Device/Text
Devonte Washington, 1155 Berry, Natch, LA – Domestic Abuse, SPOM, SCDP

Trial (T):
Roderick Demery, 1404 Grace Ave, Natch, La – LM
Steve Ardison III, 729 Royal, Natch, La – TBS, Misrepresentation during Booking
Decarlos Coutee, 126 Reba St, Natch, La– SPOM, TBS
Angela Hayes, 421 Demeziere, Natch, La – TBS
Shawanna Maxie, 190 Hwy 119 Apt 11, Natch, La – (2) DP

By Joe Darby

My brother-in-law Charley turned 90-years-old earlier this week.

For some time he’d been looking forward to the achievement, and by gosh, he made it with flying colors. I missed the family celebration marking the event because I’d signed up months earlier for a Civil War battlefield tour and I was on the road for his party.

But I called the young man on his special day and I will soon visit him and give him the same kind of present that I always give him — a book on history. Yep, his eyes are still good enough to read, which he loves to do.

We lost my sister, his wife, almost a decade ago, when she was about to celebrate her 80th birthday. As any senior citizen can tell you, getting old ain’t necessarily fun, but it’s a whole lot better than the alternative. We lost another sister to lung cancer when she was only 47. She’d been a heavy smoker.

It’s really kind of strange to reach an advanced age. It’s amazing how far back you can remember things. For example, my companion on the recent battlefield tour was a guy whom I’ve been friends with since the fifth grade. Now that was in 1952 — 65 years ago!

To me, it does of course seem like a long time ago, because it was. But to a young person, that’s ancient history. Let me give a comparison and you’ll see what I mean. I graduated from high school in 1960. If some old man had talked to me at that time about something that had happened to him 65 years earlier, that would have been 1895. That, to me, in 1960, would surely have seemed like an ancient time.

And things that are still fresh in our memory already seem like times past to young people. Most of our college students here at NSU were little more than toddlers when the 9-11 attacks occurred. And the horrible event happened before the birth of most high school freshmen and sophomores.

The passage of time itself seems relative. Einstein proved that time is in fact flexible, but I’m not sure exactly how he proved it. My strengths were always in the social studies, not science.

But you can come up with some funny things when you start to think about time. I was having an insomnia night not too long ago, when I started playing a little game in my head. I was born in 1941, 76 years ago. So I thought it would be interesting to figure out what was happening 76 years before my birth. That year would be 1865.

Yikes! The year the Civil War ended is just as close to the year of my birth as the year of my birth is to me now. That puts things in an interesting perspective. Then I started playing the game with the birth years of other members of my family.

I won’t go through all of them, of course, but Mother and Daddy were born in 1909. Let’s see, that was 108 years ago and 108 years before their birth it was 1801. My gosh! Thomas Jefferson had just been elected president and the Louisiana Purchase would not occur for another two years. Incredible. You might have fun trying this little game on yourself and your family.

Another aspect of time and aging is that time seems to speed up. When I was a kid, it seemed a school year lasted forever. Now, it seems that Christmas rolls around every six months or so and that football season, which in reality is from September to January, lasts for about four weeks.

And the speeding up of time means we get older really fast. Even if I make 90 like Charley, which I surely doubt I will, that’s only 14 years from now and 14 years go by awfully quick.

But, like I said, when you consider the alternative…

That’s why we geezers and geezerettes need to enjoy every day as much as we can. The days are dwindling down, but we shall make the most of them, right?

On November 1, over 1,900 incarcerated offenders were released early from custody as part of the “Justice Reinvestment” legislation that was enacted earlier this year.

According to the information provided by the La. Department of Corrections, 16 offenders are from Natchitoches Parish.

According to the enacted legislation, the early release of state offenders will create a
$262 million in savings in the cost of corrections in Louisiana over the next 10 years. The cost savings is intended to be ‘reinvested’ into programs and policies to reduce recidivism and to support crime victims.

Although the legislation provides for non-violent and non-sex crime offenders to be released, I have serious concerns about this action.

First, these released offenders may have prior convictions of a crime of violence, which will not prohibit their release. Also, some of these offenders are convicted of serious felony charges, but those charges are not considered a crime of violence in the legislation.

Second, our office has no control or input with the Department of Corrections as to which offenders are considered for release. Furthermore, a state audit released this week stated the Department of Corrections does not have a formalized, consistent method for calculating offender release dates. This ambiguity further raises my concerns.

The District Attorney’s Office is working closely with Sheriff Victor Jones and the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office on this matter. Sheriff Jones is aware of the offenders being released and will continue to monitor the situation and provide the necessary law enforcement to protect the parish from any potential problems that may occur.

My most serious concern is for the victims and for public safety. The District Attorney’s Office prosecuted these cases with the responsibility to the victims and to the public that convicted offenders will be justly and fairly punished, and hopefully rehabilitated, before returning to our community. That’s why Sheriff Jones and I both went to Baton Rouge this year and testified against this legislation.

Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office believe in positive rehabilitation and supervised re-entry into society for offenders. But this must be done correctly, with all facets of law enforcement participating to ensure that victims are protected, our parish is safe, and offenders will join the workforce and remain crime- free.

Dr. Kenneth Williams
September 14, 1934 – November 1, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Nov. 4 from 11 am – 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, Nov. 4 at 1:30 pm at American Cemetery

George M Olivier, III
October 30, 2017
Memorial celebration: Sunday, Nov. 5 from 3-6 pm at the Natchitoches Art Center, located at 716 Second Street

Edna Mae Vidrine
December 12, 1932 – October 30, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 am – 1 pm at First Baptist Church in Lecompte
Service: Saturday, Nov. 4 at 1 pm at First Baptist Church in Lecompte
Interment: Lecompte Cemetery

Mary (Moore) Crow
February 2, 1937 – November 2, 2017
Visitation: Sunday, Nov. 5 from 5-8 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches
Service: Monday, Nov. 6 at 11 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Spanish Lake
Interment: Beulah Cemetery in Marthaville

Frank W. Snodgrass, Sr.
June 3, 1934 – November 1, 2017
Visitation: Friday, Nov. 3 from 5-9 pm at The Fountain of Life United Pentecostal Church, located at 4500 University Parkway in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, Nov. 4 at 10:30 am at The Fountain of Life United Pentecostal Church
Interment (with military honors): Weaver Cemetery in Flora

James W. King
May 31, 1936 – October 30, 2017
Service: Friday, Nov. 3 at 2 pm at Central Cemetery in Robeline
Visitation: Friday, Nov. 3 from 12-1:30 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many

Carnell Edwards
May 15, 1952 – November 1, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Gloria R. Lasyone
May 23, 1926 – November 1, 2017
Visitation: Friday, Nov. 3 from 9-11 am at Iatt Baptist Church
Service: Friday, Nov. 3 at 11 am at Iatt Baptist Church in Verda
Interment: Iatt Cemetary in Verda

John Clifton Hunter, Sr.
April 17, 1935 – October 30, 2017
Visitation: Saturday, Nov. 4 from 4-7 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home in Coushatta
Service: Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 pm at Martin Cemetery in Martin

Joseph Hobdy
May 24, 1945 – October 30, 2017
Service: Saturday, Nov. 4 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Winnfield
Interment: Cedar Cemetery

James “Jim” Robert Foster
February 11, 1940 – October 31, 2017
Visitation: Friday, Nov. 3 from 8:30-9:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Friday, Nov. 3 at 10 am in Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

Infant Jaicee Anderson
September 13, 2017 – October 31, 2017
Service: Friday, Nov. 3 at 10 am in the cemetery of the Gilgal Baptist Church near Clarence

Gerald Wayne Bell
October 11, 1949 – October 28, 2017
Service: Monday, Nov. 6 at 6 pm at Trinity Christian Center in Forest Hill

Bobby R. McCray
October 28, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Bennie Ruth Edwards
October 28, 2017
Service: Saturday, Nov. 4 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Campti Community Cemetery

Rev. Calvin Gray
October 26, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Mayo Cook
November 1, 1961 – October 24, 2017
Arrangements TBA

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The NSU Student Union Ballroom was packed with over 400 Northwestern State University supporters as they gathered to celebrate the memory of Rose Landry Long in a most fitting manner. The evening featured a Louisiana gourmet meal by Chef John Folse, one of the Bayou State’s culinary legends. The waitstaff consisted of NSU Hospitality Management and Tourism majors. The NSU Baseball team provided valet parking and the NSU Music program provided a string quartet for the evening’s entertainment.

Mrs. Long was the first member of her family to attend college, earning her degree in under 3 years with honors. Her experiences in college gave her a lifelong appreciation of the life changing opportunities offered by higher education. She was taken from us all too soon after a hard fought battle against brain cancer. After her passing, her husband, Senator Gerald Long, decided to continue her legacy by establishing the Rose Landry Long Scholarship, intended for first generation students at Northwestern State University.

The evening culminated with the announcement of the amount raised for the Scholarship. Donors and matching funds resulted in an amazing $500,000.00 being raised to help our young people achieve their dreams-and move our state forward. A corporate donor who wishes to remain anonymous is also starting a $100,000.00 scholarship in Rose Landry Long’s name.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to congratulate two superb young NSU students. Ms. Elizabeth Schoubrock of Zwolle and Mr. Rowdy Burleson of Evelyn are the first two recipients of the scholarship. We wish the the best in their future endeavors!

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating tonight’s photography. Photo protection is off and downloads are enabled. Anyone may download any photo they wish. If you do download a photo, please consider a donation to the Rose Landry Long Scholarship. Contact Ms. Jill Bankston at Bankstonj@nsula.edu and she will be glad to assist you.

 

Born and raised in Louisiana, John Schroder graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University. He’s described as an authentic conservative leader looking to create an efficient, accountable and smaller state government while advocating for fiscal responsibility, traditional family values, civil service reform, controlling the size of the state government, and revamping the state’s public university system.

After holding a meet and greet with a group of public officials and members of the press Nov. 1, Schroder sat down for an interview with the NPJ.  Natchitoches is one of his many stops while campaigning for the runoff election for Louisiana State Treasurer.

Schroder’s main message has two parts. First, people need to take their voting rights seriously.

“It bothers me that people aren’t going to vote,” he said. “It’s one of our most prized rights as citizens.” The primary election had low voter turnout and Schroder is currently campaigning to try and turn this around at the runoff election on Nov. 18.

Early Voting for all interested voters will be conducted in the Registrar of Voters Office: Friday, Nov. 3; Saturday, Nov. 4; Monday, Nov. 6 – Thursday, Nov. 9; and Saturday, Nov. 11 daily from 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The second part of Schroder’s message is that the state government overall has to learn how to live within a number and not continue to grow when the economy isn’t.

“This formula doesn’t work,” he said. “It’s not fair to turn to taxpayers to pay for it. The government has to live within its means, gain the public’s trust, and move on from there.”

Shroder served 10 years in the legislature, 8 of which was spent on the Appropriations Committee. He’s seen first hand what the problems are.

Perhaps the biggest problem Louisiana is facing is the spending of the state is not comparable to what income is. The answer to this is to cut spending and raise taxes. Shroder says he’s for cutting spending. The debate revolves around where to cut down on spending. Where do you start?

“This isn’t a Republican or Democrat thing,” he said. “It’s math.”

Northwestern State University President Dr. Chris Maggio hosted the Walter Ledet Coffee Club for breakfast Wednesday to discuss emerging and ongoing projects and programs at the university. The Coffee Club is comprised of about 35 retired gentlemen who meet daily for coffee, fellowship and discussion of news and current events. Many have ties to NSU as alumni or as retired coaches, faculty and/or administrators. The Coffee Club began nearly 25 years ago when the late Walter Ledet, a long-time coach and administrator at NSU, encouraged his friends and fellow retirees to meet regularly to stay active and engaged with NSU and the Natchitoches community.

The Coffee Club, which usually meets at Merci Beaucoup, often invites guests to speak to the group on civic or community matters and is annually treated to breakfast at NSU.

The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce and Natchitoches Young Professionals (NYP) will host a suit drive during the month of November. Donated items will be delivered to Northwestern State University School of Business, for students who need professional clothing for interviewing and networking. The Chamber and NYP are looking for the following gently used professional clothing items: suits, sport coats, dress shirts, vests, dress shoes, women’s professional attire, ties & other accessories.

“Making a good first impression is very important. Many students do not have the money to purchase the appropriate business attire required for interviewing; therefore, in collaboration with our student advisory board, we began the ‘Suited for Success’ closet. We are seeking men’s and women’s business attire as well as shoes. It is a win-win for everyone,” says Dr. Margaret Kilcoyne. Dr. Kilcoyne is the Dean of the College of Business and Technology at Northwestern State University.

“The majority of students live on a very small income. I know several of my peers who are very grateful for the ‘Suited for Success’ closet, because it is the only way they could get the clothes they need for a presentation or an interview,” says Director of Membership Experience Maggie Harris. Harris is a graduating senior at the School of Business.

Donations can be dropped off at the Chamber office at 780 Front Street, Suite 101, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation.

 

Mason Salter’s, Natchitoches’ oldest fine furniture store, has something new to offer. There is now a large gift selection in the store which offers gifts for all occasions.

With the holiday season approaching, Mason Salter’s is now the perfect place to get all of your shopping done. There are Christmas items on display for a limited time. Handmade Christmas scented soap flowers – peppermint crisp and berry poinsettia – to make the season bright, one petal at a time.

Soft and luxurious women’s cardigan wraps come in assorted colors, including red! If you have a sweet tooth this holiday, Mason Salter’s has an assortment of holiday candies. Try the peppermint taffy kisses, white chocolate thin mints and Texas chewy pecan praline.

“We want to offer the Natchitoches area a selection of unique and luxurious gifts for all occasions,” said Amy M. Davis.

From infants to adults, there’s a wide array of choices. The baby section has toys, utensils, pewter and character themed tableware, books and more. Bath balms in various scents have hidden surprises inside that kids will love at bath time. The bridal section has Waterford crystal vases, stemless wine glasses, wine glass sets for two, table top selections, serve ware, and more for every woman’s special day.

For the wine lovers and whiskey drinkers, there’s a great selection from freezable glasses to stone beverage dispensers. The men’s section has leather wallets, dopp kits, coolers, duffel bags, pistol holders and more. And the best part is a lot of the men’s section can be personalized.

Mason Salter’s also offers custom packaged gift baskets. Pick out your gift items or price range and the staff will create a beautiful presentation with it.

While this new shopping experience is exciting, don’t forget that Mason Salter’s has a renowned selection of fine home furnishings and decor to choose from as well. The store offers its customers personal service and a quality product.

Mason Salter’s is located at 365 Second Street in Natchitoches. For information call 318-352-6446.

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Children from daycare centers across Natchitoches trick-or-treated at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse and the Dunahoe Law Firm Oct. 31.

The courthouse has passed out candy for the past 10 years and each individual office dressed up. The DAs office dressed as witches, the Registrar’s Office was minions, the Judges were pumpkins, the Tax Assessor’s Office was crayons and the Clerk of Court employees dressed as superheroes.

Edwin Dunahoe passed out candy to around 50 kids from Trinity Espiscopal Daycare. He’s taken part in the Halloween tradition for the past 20 years.

 

Northwestern State University’s Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Cultural Studies will host the 2017 Fall Read on at 6 p.m. Thursday, November 2 in Hanchey Gallery. Students and faculty will read short literary works and original writing on the theme of “Lifting Spirits.”

“The envisioned purpose is to honor el Día de los Muertos, the journey of the spirit, and Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention, but other interpretations of this theme are welcome,” said Heather Salter Dromm, coordinator.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, email Dromm at salterh@nsula.edu or Oona Zbitzkovskis at oonaz@nsula.edu.

Carl I. Walters II, the CEO of Outpatient Medical Center, Inc. spoke at the Natchitoches Chamber Luncheon Nov. 1. He gave an update on the community efforts of the organization.

Walters has over 27 years of For-Profit, Not-For-Profit, and Federally Qualified Health System (FQHC) executive leadership experience.

OMC was started by stakeholders who had a vision for improving access to primary care services back in 1977. From humble beginnings, it has grown into a $6 million integrated healthcare delivery system; employing today close to 80 employees from the local community with three multi-million dollar health centers located in Natchitoches, Leesville and Tallulah, with a new health center soon to operate in Natchitoches. Its mission is to provide comprehensive, affordable, accessible, quality, primary health care service to all patients with a ficus on education and prevention.

Their vision includes:
Improve existing patient utilization
Improve patient clinical outcomes
Improve patient system access
Improve patient throughput
Expand/diversity system utilization/revenue diversification
Increase system market share in all markets in which we have presence
Increase OMC community outreach/education efforts
Align OMC to be an employer of choice
Align OMC to be one of the best run and performing FQHC’s in the country.

OMC is projected to grow into a $6.5 million health system (2018); $7 million (2019) and $8 million (2020). It’s projected to push over 24,000 patient encounters (2018); 36,000 (2019) and 54,000 (2020). There’s also a projected system census increase from 1,200 per month (February 2017) to 1,800 per month (end September) and 2,400 (October). The System has seen a new patient increase from 40 per month (February 2017) to 380 (end September).

OMC is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC); part of 1,500 FQHC nationwide network providing primary care services for over 28 million people across the country. It’s one of 34 FQHCs based in Louisiana that cumulatively provide care for over 400,000 Louisiana patients and pump over a half billion dollars into the state’s economic engine.

OMC offers primary care, internal medicine, pediatrics, GYN, behavioral health services, dental services, outreach and enrollment services, and enabling services. It employs only Board-certified clinicians; is JCAHO accredited; and has applied for PCMH recognition.

Joseph Hobdy
May 24, 1945 – October 30, 2017
Service: Saturday, Nov. 4 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Winnfield
Interment: Cedar Cemetery

James “Jim” Robert Foster
February 11, 1940 – October 31, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, Nov. 2 from 5-8 pm and Friday, Nov. 3 from 8:30-9:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral HomeService: Friday, Nov. 3 at 10 am in Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

Infant Jaicee Anderson
September 13, 2017 – October 31, 2017
Service: Friday, Nov. 3 at 10 am in the cemetery of the Gilgal Baptist Church near Clarence

Barbara Colleen Colston
December 19, 1941 – October 31, 2017
Service: Friday, Nov. 3 at 10 am at Calvary Baptist Church
Interment: Ft. Jesup Cemetery
Visitation: Thursday, Nov. 2 at 5 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many

Gerald Wayne Bell
October 11, 1949 – October 28, 2017
Service: Monday, Nov. 6 at 6 pm at Trinity Christian Center in Forest Hill

Bobby R. McCray
October 28, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Bennie Ruth Edwards
October 28, 2017
Service: Saturday, Nov. 4 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Campti Community Cemetery

Rev. Calvin Gray
October 26, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Mayo Cook
November 1, 1961 – October 24, 2017
Arrangements TBA

Downtown Natchitoches played host to over 1,000 young ghouls, superheroes and costumed figures of every description and their families as the Natchitoches Main Street Program held Witch Way to Main Street Halloween program. More than 30 booths staffed by various community organizations manned booths where the youngsters could try their hand at games and rake in lots of sweet loot.

The popular event, started in 2000, is a long standing community tradition that provides families a safe place for their little ones to have fun and trick or treat.

 

The Physicians and Staff at the Northwestern Louisiana Cancer Center held a Geaux Pink Luncheon Oct. 30 to honor breast cancer survivors.

“This is a time for everyone to come together, laugh, support each other and love one another,” said Sarah Stewart.

For one patient it was a very special day indeed. Monday was Eliza Behrendsen’s birthday, specifically her first birthday since she was diagnosed with cancer. The luncheon was a momentous event for her and, as she noticed butterflies flitting through the air, she said it felt as if they’d been released by Les Amies in honor of all the survivors.

“We all feel so blessed to get to know other survivors on this amazingly beautiful day,” she said. “Hearing each story about our journeys gives all of us hope and support.”

When disease such as cancer threatens you or your loved ones, find comfort in knowing travel is no longer a part of your treatment and recovery process. Receive the highest quality care and advanced cancer treatments and technology right in your hometown.

“I can’t say enough about the Center and it’s location right here in Natchitoches. It’s important to consider your local providers first,” said Laurie Morrow, who is 2 years from her cancer diagnosis. “It’s encouraging to be able to reunite with my breast cancer sisters at this luncheon. They’re survivors and it encourages me to hear their stories.”

Cancer patients in the Northwest Region of Louisiana can now receive their treatment much closer to home. This is a tremendous comfort, reduces traveling and waiting time for patients who need radiation therapy and chemotherapy on a daily basis, often spanning several weeks.

The large spread of food at the luncheon was donated by businesses throughout the community including Chili’s, the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, Johnny’s Pizza and others. Mariner’s wasn’t open on Monday, but employees worked to provide something special for the patients. City Bank made a donation to help give free t-shirts to each survivor. For a full list of sponsors check out the Northwestern Louisiana Cancer Center’s Facebook page.