After many years of fun for a cause, the grand finale of the Buddy Bonnette Memorial Golf Tournament will take place Saturday, May 19 at Northwestern Hills Golf Course. The final tournament brings a flood of nostalgia to the family, friends and former students of Coach Bonnette, who fondly remember their mentor and his contributions to their personal, academic and athletic development. All are invited back to NSU for the final tournament.
The tournament was originally organized in 2001 as a fund raiser to support the Dr. A.R. “Buddy” Bonnette Endowed Scholarship created in 1998 to benefit NSU students in the Department of Health and Human Performance who aspired to be teachers and coaches like Bonnette. Proceeds also benefitted NSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams. After Bonnette’s death, the tournament continued to flourish for 17 years. With this final event, the value of the endowed scholarship will exceed $100,000.
According to Bonnette’s son Randy Bonnette, the very first tournament took place on May 28, 2001, his parents’ 50th wedding anniversary and the couple restated their vows that day during lunch. Dr. Vera Roberson Bonnette had a long career as a teacher, principal and clinical professor in the North Louisiana National Reading Improvement Program for Winn, Natchitoches and Ouachita parishes and retired as coordinator of academic skills at NSU. She passed away in 2015.
Another anecdote tells of a misprint on the first tournament’s promotional flyer, which read “Buddy Bonnette Memorial Tournament,” which is the current title.
According to Randy, “Dad was alive and participated in the tournament. The flyer should have read ‘Buddy Bonnette Memorial Day Tournament.’ But, the flier went out, and then mom and we siblings started getting calls of shock and condolences that dad had died. That was actually a humorous incident. However, it foreshadowed dad’s passing seven months later, January 2, 2002, thus he never made it to another event. Yet, mom and his children continued to carry the torch until this Grand Finale in 2018, just like dad would have wanted and expected us to.”
This year’s tournament will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 19 at the NSU Rec Complex. The fee is $100 per person and includes 18 holes of golf, cart and lunch. Sponsoring tees are $50. Donations are welcome.
Dr. Allen R. “Buddy” Bonnette earned a bachelor’s and masters at Northwestern and a doctorate at LSU. He was a coach at Robeline High, Neville High and Springhill High before going to LSU as an assistant basketball coach from 1960 until 1963. In 1963, he joined the faculty at Northwestern in the Department of Health and Physical Education where he taught for 23 years and was director of the graduate program. Bonnette retired as a full-time faculty member in 1986, but taught water safety classes part-time for 12 more years.
Bonnette was given the title of “professor emeritus” in 1995. He also received the Distinguished Service Award from Phi Epsilon Kappa, the Distinguished Faculty Chair from the College of Education, the Mayors’ Award from the City of Natchitoches and the Outstanding Faculty Award. Bonnette was also recognized by the LSU Department of Kinesiology as one of the initial recipients of its Legend of LSU Doctoral Program Awards.
Many of Bonnette’s former students established The Dr. A.R. “Buddy” Bonnette Endowed Scholarship in his honor to benefit students in the Department of Health and Human Performance. He was inducted into the NSU Alumni Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line, in 2001.
To register for the final Buddy Bonnette Memorial Golf Tournament or to contribute to the Bonnette Endowed Scholarship, call (318) 357-4414 or visit northwesternalumni.com.
Despite what you may have heard through the grapevine, Randy Ziegler assures Natchitoches resident and visitors alike, that The Landing Restaurant and Bar is still open.
Yes, they’re no longer serving lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but that doesn’t mean they’ve shut down.
“That’s ridiculous,” said Ziegler. “Come visit us for lunch Friday and Saturday, or in the evenings where we’re serving up the same great dinner you enjoy.”
Rumors of the restaurant’s closure began soon after a Dec. 29 fire damaged the building. Ziegler was duck hunting with a friend on Pecan Island when he got the call. The damage was minimal, but a string of bad weather slowed down the repairs.
Sitting at home going crazy, Ziegler realized this was the perfect opportunity to redesign The Landing and give it some more personality. His plan was to create four large booths facing the bar side of the restaurant to give the area a casual neighborhood feel.
“I want people to sit and stay for a while, to hang out and visit. It just feels like home,” he said. “Each booth has its own outlet with USB ports, which makes them the perfect place to plug in a computer, brainstorm with a cocktail, and get some work done.”
Ziegler contacted his friend Mark Lester and together they began building the tables for each booth, a new host stand, and new bathroom vanities in Ziegler’s garage. They stained the wood floors of each booth by hand.
“I wanted to be involved in the remodeling process because I take pride in my restaurant,” said Ziegler.
The down time during the remodel also allowed him time to get creative and add a few new items to the menu including:
Shrimp and Crab Lasagna
Boudin Stuffed Egg Rolls
Bam Bam Fried Oysters with a Sweet Chili Glaze
Meat Ball and Roast Beef PoBoys
Debris Fries with a Horseradish Mayo on top
“We’re not changing any of your favorites,” he said. “We’re not reinventing The Landing. It’s an evolution. We’re growing and maturing and giving the restaurant a stronger identity.”
The 2018-19 members of the Purple Pizazz Pom Pon Line at Northwestern State University have been selected.
Members of the Pom Pon Line are Ragan Aple, Kariah Sisk-Shaheed and Khaila Tucker of Shreveport, Taylor Bailey of Pineville, Bailey Begnaud, Destiny Kennerson and Denae Landry of Lafayette, Cassidy Blanchard of White Castle, Rianna Breaud of Reserve, Katie Bryant of Baton Rouge, Meagan Calhoun of Tioga, Jansen Chisley of Monroe, Kaylie Couch of Haughton, Bailey Dore` of Forest Hill and Jess Easley of Minden.
Also selected were: Kelsy Elkins of Natchitoches, Kelvina Ford, Hunter Lewis and Hannah Miller of Alexandria, Skyler Guerra of Erath, Sydnea Guidry of Breaux Bridge, Peyton Harville, Kijah Johnson and Rheagan Rowland of Bossier City, Lauren Hebert of Opelousas, Kierston Jackson of Slidell, Faith Johnson of New Orleans, Lydia McGaha of Winnfield, Emily Rawls of Rayville and Casey Williams of Anacoco.
The Pom Pon Line serves as the official spirit hostess group for Northwestern State. The purpose of the Pom line is to promote school spirit and entertainment while providing athletic opportunity.
During the fall semester the Pom Pon Line performs at all home pep rallies, football games and selected away games. The Pom Pon Line specializes in precision Pom Pon style dance routines as well as chants during football games. Pep rally routines consist of pom style choreography. At football games, the squad cheers on the NSU Demons sidelines and provides performances at halftime. During the spring semester,
the Pom Pon Line provides the spirit for the home basketball games. The squad also performs at many functions in the community and other NSU events as needed.
Members of Northwestern State University’s 2018-19 Pom Pon Line are, front from left, Taylor Bailey of Pineville, Ragan Aple of Shreveport, Katie Bryant of Baton Rouge, Denae Landry of Lafayette (captain), Rheagan Rowland of Bossier City, Kaylie Couch of Haughton, Emily Rawls of Rayville, Jansen Chisley of Monroe, second row from left, Kelsy Elkins of Natchitoches, Jess Easley of Minden, Kariah Sisk-Shaheed of Shreveport, Hunter Lewis of Alexandria, Faith Johnson of New Orleans, Lauren Hebert of Opelousas, Destiny Kennerson and Bailey Begnaud of Lafayette. On the third row, from left, are Kierston Jackson of Slidell, Casey Williams of Anacoco, Kelvina Ford and Hannah Miller of Alexandria, Khaila Tucker of Shreveport, Syndea Guidry of Breaux Bridge,, Rianna Breaud of Reserve and back row, from left are Meagan Calhoun of Tioga, Bailey Dore`of Forest Hill, Peyton Harville of Bossier City, Skyler Guerra of Erath, Lydia McGaha of Winnfield, Kijah Johnson of Bossier City and Cassidy Blanchard of White Castle.
BOM is partnering with Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and Kappa Alpha fraternity to purchase new books for the Marthaville Elementary/Middle School. The book drive raised between the three groups raised $1,000. Pictured from left are Kristene Cruse, Madison Milligan (Tri Sigma & student teacher at Marthaville Elementary), Kyler Burns, Luke Lucky, Kirk Leone, and Brian Ohnoutka.
Lakeview senior, Dwaelon Shepherd, received a scholarship to play football for McMurry University in Texas. Pictured are his mother, LaTarina Shepherd, Dwaelon Shepherd, and his sister, Dakeaya Bell.
Northwestern State University will hold its Spring Commencement exercises Friday, May 11 in Prather Coliseum.
At 10 a.m., graduates from the Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development, the Louisiana Scholars’ College and the College of Arts and Sciences except for those in general studies will receive diplomas. At 3 p.m., graduates in general studies along with graduates from the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health and the College of Business and Technology will be recognized.
The commencement speaker will be Jim Clinton, president and CEO of the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance (CLEDA), an organization dedicated to creating more and better economic opportunities in the region. CLEDA focuses on business recruitment, retention and expansion; workforce development; entrepreneurial development and regional innovation.
Clinton, a writer, poet and non-profit executive, came to Alexandria in 2008, after serving as executive director of Southern Growth Policies Board, a 13-state alliance based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. During his time at Southern Growth, he was a lead author on publications such as “Invented Here,” “The Mercedes and the Magnolia,” “The New Architecture of Rural Prosperity,” “Innovation with a Southern Accent” and “Brave New South.” He previously served as president of the Louisiana Partnership for Technology and Innovation and president of Gulf South Research Institute.
In Louisiana state government, he was an assistant commissioner of administration and director of contractual review. Clinton managed the Louisiana Superdome during its transition from public to private management. He was a lead author of the plan that consolidated Louisiana’s more than 250 agencies into 20 principal departments. He served on five different Louisiana gubernatorial transition teams.
Clinton serves on the boards of directors of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children and America’s Kitchen Table. He is president of the Regional Economic Alliance of Louisiana and a member of the Louisiana State University Press Advisory Board.
His book of verse, “What Is Fair,” was published by Louisiana State University Press and nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. His poetry, criticism and essays have been published regionally and nationally.
Alice Lonadier Thompson
May 5, 1932 – May 1, 2018
Service: Sunday, May 6 at 2 pm at Christian Harmony Baptist Church in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Maurice Cemetery in Winn Parish
Pearlene Blake
May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Lula M. Cheatham
May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Monita Jenkins Olive
October 20, 1950 – April 26, 2018
Visitation: Friday, May 4 from 4-8 pm and Saturday, May 5 from 11 am – 1 pm at Hickory Grove Methodist Church in Robeline
Service: Saturday, May 5 at 1 pm at Hickory Grove Methodist Church
Interment: Beulah Methodist Church in Marthaville
Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Purato Jackson
March 25, 1974 – April 24, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Rosanna Blake
April 25, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 5 from 9-10:15 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 5 at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Bermuda
Interment: St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery WINN PARISH:
James William “Jimmy” McKaskle Jr.
July 31, 1944 – April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA through Southern Funeral Home
RED RIVER PARISH:
Otis Brooks
Service: Saturday, May 5 at 12 pm at New Hope Baptist Church
Interment: New Hope Cemetery in Mansfield
Mary Ann Barnett
Visitation: Friday, May 4 from 1-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 5 at 11 am at the Bethel Baptist Church in Many
Interment: New Jerusalem Cemetery in Many
Miss Elizabeth Kate deVargas reigned as Queen of the Spring Festival Court, which was presented by the St. Denis Art League at its 50th annual ball April 28.
Elizabeth is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Emile deVargas. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gordon Whitford and the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard McCleish deVargas, all of Natchitoches.
A senior at St. Mary’s High School, Miss deVargas is active in both school and community activities. She has been a member of the St. Mary’s cheerleader squad for three years, serving as co-captain her senior year, and received the UCA All-American Cheer Award. She has been a four year member of the A honor roll, as well as a member of The Bishop Martin National Honor Society. She participated in Literary Rally for three years, while earning The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay award. During her high school years, she participated in Beta Club, FBLA, FCA, and served as Vice President of LEO Club. She received a National History Day Project regional award. She was chosen as a member of the Homecoming Court and served as a delegate to Louisiana Girls State. After high school, Elizabeth plans to major in psychology at Louisiana Tech University.
In the community, Elizabeth has been a hostess for Summer Dance for four years. She is a member of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. She was presented as a maid of the Mystic Krewe de St. Denis 2018 Mardi Gras Court.
Elizabeth’s family has been involved in the League’s celebrations for many years. Her mother, the former Amy Whitford, was presented as a Lady of the Court in 1982, as were her aunts, Jennifer Whitford Rossi, Rebecca Boswell Alost, and Susan Boswell Murphy, respectively She served as Herald to Queen Courtney Elizabeth Evans in 2009 and as an usher in 2016.
Queen Elizabeth Kate deVargas and Ladies of the Court were honored at the Queen’s Tea, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Corwyn Aldredge, Jr. on April 7th. She was also feted at a luncheon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward K. Ahrens on Sunday, April 8th. Hostesses were Mrs. Ahrens and Mrs. Elizabeth Dalton, longtime friends of the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard M..deVargas, Elizabeth’s paternal grandparents. Aunts of the Queen, Mrs. Connie Boswell and Mrs. Jennifer Rossi, honored her with a luncheon at The Samuel Guy House on Saturday, April 21st.
The Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band has reached another recruiting milestone as more than 100 new freshmen will join them this fall, according to Director of Bands Dr. Jeffrey Mathews. This is the third consecutive year the band has recruited more than 100 new members.
“The reputation of the Spirit of Northwestern for its size and quality are extremely attractive to high school band students,” said Mathews, who is in his fifth year as director of bands. “The quality also catches the eye of high school band directors that are in a position to advise their students about choosing a university. Many of our students are recommended by band directors that are not alumni but appreciate the product we are turning out and the education we are providing.”
The 315-member Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band has been a finalist for the Sudler Trophy, an award to identify and recognize collegiate marching bands of particular excellence that have made outstanding contributions to the American way of life. NSU’s band participated in the New Year’s Day Parade and Festival in London and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. Northwestern State’s band was named one of the top eight in the country a college oriented website. Mathews was selected for inclusion in the 19th Annual 50 Band Directors Who Make a Difference Issue of School Band and Orchestra Magazine.
The recruitment process is year round and takes band directors throughout Louisiana, Texas and Florida. Several international students from Colombia have also joined the band. Mathews said alumni play a major role in recruiting.
“Our alumni believe in Northwestern State and they believe in the band program,” said Mathews. “They are some of our best recruiters.”
Among the new recruits is Chloe Farrar, who will graduate from Airline High School in Bossier City later this month. She said NSU alumni helped recruit her to the Spirit of Northwestern.
“All of the band directors that I’ve had were a part of the SON, so I’ve heard a lot about the reputation,” said Farrar. “I know that the band is known nationwide and has always been known for their talent. This did influence me because I wanted to go to a school where I could not only pursue my degree, but also be a part of a great band program that is known for their excellence.”
Farrar plans to major in biology with a biomedical concentration. The band includes students from a variety of majors. Most band members major in something other than music or music education.
Mathews said the band uses a four-pronged approach to recruiting students that includes personal visits to high schools across the region and hosting events throughout the year to bring high school band students to the NSU campus. The band also has an extensive outreach program that involves taking the band on the road to high-profile football games, appearing as a guest band at high school marching contests from Dallas to Baton Rouge and maintaining a robust social media presence. The final part of the plan is developing and maintaining alumni relationships.
Mathews said the recruiting success of the band is a team effort. Assistant Directors Dan McDonald and Oliver Molina play a pivotal role as do Color Guard Instructor Estelle Murr and Demon Dazzler Instructor Renee Oates. The faculty of the music department and the NSU Office of University Recruiting also play an important role in the effort.
“The band directors travel extensively from New Orleans to Shreveport in Louisiana and from Houston to Austin to Dallas to Longview in Texas visiting with band students at many high schools,” said Mathews. “Young Performers Day, our annual Classic on the Cane Marching Contest, and our summer camps bring thousands of band students to campus each year. Many students find us because their band director was an alumnus and continues to support NSU and the band program.”
One of those outreach programs, an appearance at Parkway’s Marching Contest, got Farrar interested in Northwestern State.
“I chose NSU because I remember sitting in the stands at Parkway High School’s Marching Contest my freshman year, and when the Spirit of Northwestern marched out on the field for exhibition, I fell in love,” said Farrar, who has been Airline’s head drum major for the last two years. “Ever since then, I’ve kept up with the band on social media and attended some of their camps and came to love the people and atmosphere surrounding the band. Dr. Mathews also promised that I could still pursue my love of music whole-heartedly and my degree at the same time.”
Capital Realty of Natchitoches is pleased to open this home for you to tour on Saturday, May 5th 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Located at 1035 Williams Avenue, Natchitoches, this move-in ready 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with 1990 sq. ft. is spacious and was remodeled four years ago. As a bonus it has two living areas, one of which could be used as an office, media room, children’s playroom or a fourth bedroom. The home sits on a large lot that is located in a great area and is just a short distance from Historic Downtown Natchitoches, restaurants, shopping and schools. Fully fenced-in back yard and beautiful mature trees. This could be the home you’ve been waiting for! Offered for only $214,975.00. Hope to see you there!
St. Mary’s Catholic School announces the newest member of the SMS family: Coach Aaron York, who was hired as the new athletic director and head football coach. He will also serve as dean of students and facility coordinator.
Coach Aaron York graduated from Mosley High School in Panama City, Fla. where he played fullback on the football team. While continuing his educational and athletic career at Louisiana College he played tight end and offensive line for the Wildcats. Coach York holds two Master’s Degrees; the first from Northwestern State University in health and human performance, and the second from the University of West Florida in educational leadership.
Coach York’s has seven years of administrative experience as dean of students. He’s coached 13 years at the high school level serving as head coach and defensive coordinator. He’s coached several teams that have reached the state playoffs multiple years and the quarterfinals twice. He has also assisted with baseball and cross country sports. Coach York has had nine players play football at the collegiate level.
Aaron’s wife, Chrissie, is a first grade teacher. They have twin boys, Fisher and Jackson, who are eight years old and a daughter, Finley, who is three years old. The children will be attending St. Mary’s in the fall.
Coach York’s coaching philosophy is “Win Forever.” He has a strong belief that winning in the classroom, winning at home, and winning off the field will carry over to the “winning on the field” attitude. His goal is to inspire students to believe that through faith in God, discipline, effort, and mental toughness an ordinary person can do extraordinary things.
Coach York’s first day is May 7. He will be introduced to the staff and students at morning prayer at 7:45 am. He will be introduced to the student athlete families at the Sports Banquet Monday, May 7 at 6 pm in the school gymnasium. His family will be formally presented to the community at a Crawfish Boil May 25. More information on the Crawfish Boil and purchasing tickets will be available at a later date.
To my Methodist friends, don’t get worked up until you finish the article.
All Methodist ministers in Louisiana move to their new appointments on the same day. It is called Move Day and appears on all our official Methodist calendars. It is an amazing thing to watch. When I moved to Natchitoches, I pulled into the driveway with my stuff as Donald Avery was pulling out of the driveway with his stuff. I suggest to friends, if they want a business, open up a one day moving service for Methodist ministers.
I mopped my way out of the parsonage in Mandeville, so the new minister could move into a clean house. Donald Avery mopped his way out of the parsonage in Natchitoches, so I could have clean house. Doug Cain had mopped his way out of the District Parsonage in Shreveport, so Donald could move in. It is the way we move. Methodist clergy know how to move. Churches know that one Sunday the old minister will be there and the next Sunday the new person will be in the pulpit. We have done that for two centuries.
I wonder how many Methodists got on their phone after reading that paragraph and called their favorite gossip partner to find out if there will be a change in Natchitoches. There will be a change at First Church, but she is an article for another time. We are receiving a new associate minister in July. Reverend Julia Puac-Romero will lead our Hispanic service. The other four ministers on staff are staying put.
As I understand it, there will be a change of schools this fall. Not only will students be in new classrooms, but many of the teachers will have new classrooms.
It is a struggle to move. Our teachers are trading spaces to begin a new school year.
There are folks at First Methodist that plan to help the TEACHERS in this moving process. Remember we Methodists are experts in moving on one day. Imagine a world where the teachers who were moving adopted the Methodist method, they all did it in one day. Some years there are as many as 150 ministers in Louisiana moving…. on the same day!
I’m guessing, just from rumor that the fall might be crazy for the teachers and the students. We can ease some of the anxiety by helping the teachers with their moves. We will start with the teachers in our church. Ask if the teachers in your church could use a little help with this MOVE. Ask them what they need.
I think it fits under the broad category of helping your neighbor in Jesus name. Find a teacher and ask if they need help moving. Help them.
Jesus encouraged us that as we help others, we are doing it for Him. The Greek text reads we are doing it “unto Him.” (Matthew 25: 31-46)
Could it be that in helping a teacher set up a classroom for the Fall we might meet Jesus?
Former Northwestern State All-America catcher Rhonda Rube Baird will become the first softball student-athlete or coach inducted into the Southland Conference Hall of Honor, the league’s highest recognition for former competitors and administrators.
Rube Baird is one of three Southland Hall of Honor inductees announced Thursday by conference commissioner Tom Burnett, joining Lamar president Dr. James Simmons and former SLC Coordinator of Volleyball Officials Linda Fletcher, both deceased. They will be enshrined May 22 at the at the annual Southland Honors Dinner and Ceremony at the Westin Stonebriar Hotel in Frisco.
She becomes just the third female student-athlete in the Hall of Honor’s membership, which rises to 50 with the 2018 class. Baird is NSU’s eighth selection, joining track and field’s Brian Brown, LaMark Carter and coach Leon Johnson, football coach Sam Goodwin, women’s basketball coach James Smith, athletics director Tynes Hildebrand and longtime president Dr. Randy Webb.
Rube Baird, who played for the Lady Demons from 1989-92, became NSU softball’s only All-American selection in program history when the Baton Rouge native earned third-team honors as a junior in 1991.
The catcher hit .341 with 44 RBIs and 60 hits that season despite pitchers attempting to work around her (26 walks). She was named the Southland’s Player and Hitter of the Year, honors she won twice in her career.
“Congratulations to Rhonda on this well-deserved honor,” said NSU athletic director Greg Burke. “She truly has been one of the most outstanding athletes in the history of the NSU athletic program, and it is now fitting that she is recognized as one of the best in Southland Conference history.
“I was fortunate to witness most of Rhonda’s career, and she certainly was one of the driving forces behind NSU’s first softball conference title. I always described her style of play as ‘smoothly reckless.’ She was the consummate hard-nosed catcher who literally attacked the ball as a hitter. At the same time, she played in a way that was so self-contained. It was a lethal combination for sure.”
Rube Baird was a four-time All-Southland Conference selection (three first-team honors) and a three-time Louisiana Athletic Director’s Association Player of the Year.
She finished her career with NSU records for hits (215), doubles (45), batting average (.327) and walks (95). Her 45 doubles was a Southland Conference record at the end of her career and placed her 10th in NCAA history.
Rube Baird still remains second in the NSU record books in doubles despite softball becoming a more hitter-friendly sport. A quarter century after her career ended, she is still third all-time in walks and sixth in hits.
The Belaire High product made an immediate impact when she hit a career-best .342 en route to Southland Player and Newcomer of the Year honors as a freshman.
Her teams ushered in NSU’s first golden era of softball under coach Rickey McCalister.
The Lady Demons posted the first 40-win seasons (43-17 in 1990 and 44-18-1 in 1991) in program history with its first conference title in 1991.
Rube also became the program’s first all-region selection in 1990 when she recorded 43 hits and 22 RBIs with 31 walks.
Her No. 27 jersey is one of only two retired in NSU softball history, joining No. 3 Ginger Craig, who played only her senior season (1987) in the Southland.
A member of the SLC’s All-Time Softball Team selected in 2013, Rube Baird is a registered nurse in her hometown of Baton Rouge.
When I was a Senior in High School several students in our class were invited to participate in a “Close Up” week-long study program in Washington D.C. Kids from across the U.S. learned about their Government and its inter-workings. As you can imagine this was not a free trip. You can also imagine my parents weren’t overjoyed at the thought of spending $1,200 on one child.
These were 1992 dollars at that.
This amazing opportunity came with a price tag that was far beyond my parents budget but that didn’t deter me from presenting my sales pitch with all of the reasons why I should be allowed to participate. Just short of asking them to sell a kidney I really didn’t have a plan and they didn’t really buy into my “I may be President some day” speech.
Out of the blue one day my mother came home and told me she found a way to send me. I was over the moon excited. My mother was one of the top salesmen at her place of employment, The Natchitoches Times. I assumed Eva Gail was going to put her skills to good use and choose to raise the tuition for the trip. It was one of the options included in the package.
She asked me to write a letter detailing what experience a student would gain from the program and how I planned to use that knowledge for my future endeavors. She didn’t have to ask me twice. I poured my heart and soul into a grammatically correct letter that would wow the socks off of any potential donors.
She picked me up from school one day so I could ride with her as she met with people to ask for donations using my thoughtful letter and her winning smile. Or so I thought. The very first office we visited was a business called Waskom & Brown. We parked the car and I wished Eva Gail luck. She looked at me with a very unpleasant face and told me I was confused.
I wasn’t confused. I was supporting her as she did her thing.
My mother told me she wasn’t the one wanting to travel to D.C. She wasn’t the one who didn’t have a job to pay for this endeavor. She wasn’t the one who would do my work for me and I needed to show more effort and less dependency on her for this labor intensive project. She led the horse to the trough but she certainly wasn’t making it drink for me.
Once I recovered from the shock of having to actually take care of my own business I exited the car, entered the building and boldly asked to speak to a Mr. Nettles Brown. I presented him with my letter and gave him a brief rundown of the program. He was extremely gracious and agreed to be a donor of my trip if my group would agree to speak at Kiwanis once we returned. At the time I wasn’t fully aware of the impact that Kiwanis had on young children and how the whole organization is based on “One child at a time.”
One thing Mr. Brown nor myself knew at the time was that one day I would become the President of the organization I visited in high school….I literally was that “One child”….. He chose to invest in the future of a child he did’t know, while not knowing what the return on his investment would be.
Fast forward 26 years later.
While volunteering to work at the Jazz Fest I met the most amazing young girl Amia and her little brother Devon. We became fast friends. They’re very polite and just as outgoing as I am. However, they were on a mission to raise money for Amia to attend a study program in Washington DC. The very next weekend while volunteering at the Louisiana Forest Festival in Winnfield I ran into the same family again.
Amia was there with her mother, Amy Metoyer, Corey Roberson and her little brother. It was a divine meeting. I have no doubt. Amia was there selling cupcakes and pound cakes that she and her grandmother baked. Actually, she was giving them away for donations. She put her trust in the hands of strangers.
She had an ace in the hole though. She had sales skills that had me ready to recruit her to sell insurance in my office. Her whole family and extended family have been working for months to raise money for Amia to travel to Washington D.C. Bake sales, car washes, BBQ’s, lemonade stands… you name it they family has done it. They’ve made it a family affair.
There’s no doubt that in both cases, my mother and Amia’s mother, could have easily chosen to work on our behalf. They could have taken the reigns and earned the money fairly quickly and taken the easy road. But, had that happened, I wouldn’t have met Mr. Brown (whom I consider a friend and business colleague). Amia wouldn’t have made those priceless memories with her grandmother baking and working at festivals with her family by her side. Most of all we wouldn’t have learned that God puts people in our path daily who will influence us for the good of his Kingdom and to further his plan.
I’m excited to say that I’m investing in the future of Amia Brown with the hopes that she will come speak at Kiwanis when she gets back from D.C.!
Bring up a child by teaching him the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn away from it. Proverbs 22:6
To donate to Amia’s trip to Washington D.C. this summer, go online to: WEBSITE
Unterrio Vaughn, a senior at Frankie R. Jackson Sr. Technical Center (FRJSTC), was honored as the Rotary Club of Natchitoches Student of the Month at the May 1 meeting. Unterrio is the son of Ruth and Matthew Vaughn. He will attend Northwestern State University in the fall where he will major in Education. Pictured from left are Rotary Club of Natchitoches President David Zolzer, NSU Assistant Director of University Recruiting Ashlee Hewitt, Principal FRJSTC Bobby Benjamin, Vaughn, and Rotarian with the Program Tommy Melder (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).
Alice Lonadier Thompson
May 5, 1932 – May 1, 2018
Service: Sunday, May 6 at 2 pm at Christian Harmony Baptist Church in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Maurice Cemetery in Winn Parish
Pearlene Blake
May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Lula M. Cheatham
May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Monita Jenkins Olive
October 20, 1950 – April 26, 2018
Visitation: Friday, May 4 from 4-8 pm and Saturday, May 5 from 11 am – 1 pm at Hickory Grove Methodist Church in Robeline
Service: Saturday, May 5 at 1 pm at Hickory Grove Methodist Church
Interment: Beulah Methodist Church in Marthaville
Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Purato Jackson
March 25, 1974 – April 24, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Rosanna Blake
April 25, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 5 from 9-10:15 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 5 at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Bermuda
Interment: St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery WINN PARISH:
James William “Jimmy” McKaskle Jr.
July 31, 1944 – April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA through Southern Funeral Home
RED RIVER PARISH:
Otis Brooks
Service: Saturday, May 5 at 12 pm at New Hope Baptist Church
Interment: New Hope Cemetery in Mansfield
Mary Ann Barnett
Visitation: Friday, May 4 from 1-6 pm at Jenkins Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, May 5 at 11 am at the Bethel Baptist Church in Many
Interment: New Jerusalem Cemetery in Many
Twenty-eight young men and women were presented as Gentlemen and Ladies of the Court at the St. Denis Art League’s 50th Presentation and Ball April 28
Sarah Catherine Aviles is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Aviles Jr. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Aviles Sr. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Prudhomme. Her mother was presented as a Lady of the Court in 1986 as was her sister Hannah Frances in 2016. Sarah is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
Sarah Catherine Gilmore is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Daniel Gilmore. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Edward Wright Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Allen Gilmore. She is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
Erica Paige Hubbs is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Christopher Hubbs. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Tommy Glynn Johnson and the late Mr. Johnson, Mr. John Wayne Hubbs, and Ms. Kay Nolan Ward. Her mother, the former Martha Johnson, was presented as a Lady of the Court in 1988 and her sister, Mahalie Elizabeth, in 2013. Erica is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
Makenzie Elizabeth Morgan is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Earnest Morgan. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Rudolph Haley, Mr. Alonza Earnest Morgan and the late Mrs. Morgan. Her mother, the former Coy Dupuy, was presented as a lady of the Court in 1990. Makenzie was Herald to Queen Courtney Evans in 2009. She is a senior at NCHS.
Katelyn Nicole Murphy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Derek Rivers Murphy. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rivers Claude Murphy, Ms. Peggy Hedrick Prince and the late Mr. Brian Richard Steinert. Her brother, Holden, was presented as a Gentleman of the Court in 2015. Katelyn is a senior at NCHS.
Sierra Caroline Pesnell is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Wade Pesnell. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Ray Pesnell and Ms. Sherry Walsh Fanning. Sierra is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
Anna Catherine Robertson is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Danny Tullos Robertson. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Arthur Haymon, the late Mr. Haymon, Mrs. Elliot Wilson Robertson, and the late Mr. Robertson. She is a senior at NCHS.
Madison Brianne Shivers is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Layfield and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wayne Shivers, Jr. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wayne Shivers, Sr. and Mrs. Brian Ray Kijanski and the late Mr. Kijanski. She is a senior at NCHS.
Morgan Alexandra Slaughter is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Jason Slaughter. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Keith Fontenot and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Irvin Slaughter. Morgan is a senior at NCHS.
Carmen Nicole Waskom is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Scott Waskom. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Rene Adrian Fontenot, and the late Mr. Fontenot, Mrs. John Dennis Waskom and the late Dr. Waskom. Carmen is a senior at NCHS.
The Court and its Queen will be honored at a tea hosted by the St. Denis Art League Board of Directory Saturday afternoon, April 7th, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Corwyn Aldredge Jr.
GENTLEMEN OF THE COURT:
Ashton Lafitte Behrendsen is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gunnar Floy Behrendsen. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Jack Oliver Brittain Sr. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Arden Eugene Behrendsen. His grandfather, Judge R.B. Williams was the first King of the Spring Festival. His mother, the former Eliza Ann Brittain, was presented as a Lady of the Court in 1982 and his brother, Behrend, was presented as a Gentleman of the Court in 2017. Ashton is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
Dylan Presley Bennett is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Joseph Bennett. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Bennett and the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Virgil Cannon. Dylan is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
Matthew Richard Brown is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gary Brown. He is the grandson of Dr. Donald Edwin Ryan, Miss Carol Grace Ryan, Mrs. Richard Gary Brown, and the late Dr. Brown. His brother, William, was presented in 2016 as a Gentleman of the Court. Matthew is a senior at NCHS.
Jeremy Patrick Friedel is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Trent Gerard Friedel. He is the grandson of Mrs. Gary Joseph Champagne and the late Mr. Champagne, Sandra Crosby Anderson and the late Mr. Friedel. His sister, Jessica, was presented as a Lady of the Court in 2012 and Garrison, his brother, was a Gentleman of the 2015 Court. Jeremy is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
John Aaron Howell is the son of Amy White Howell and the late John Donald Howell. He is the grandson of Mrs. Thomas Edward White and the late Dr. White, Mr. Hugh Donald Howell and the late Mrs. Howell. His mother, the former Amy White, was presented as a Lady of the Court in 1988. Aaron is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
George Benjamin Ingrish is the son of Dr. and Mrs. George Beasley Ingrish. He is the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Frank Marion Ingrish and Dr. and Mrs. Henry Wade Giles. George Benjamin is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
Collin James Lorenz is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Bryan Lorenz. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Wayne Weaver and Mr. and Mrs. Henry James Lorenz.
His mother, the former Kelli Lynn Weaver, was presented as a Lady of the Court in 1989. Collin is a senior at NCHS.
Reed Warren Middendorf is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Zachary James Middendorf. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter Arthur Machette and the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Remi Middendorf. Reed is a senior at LSMSA.
Bryce Michael Moulton is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Arthur Moulton. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kimble Copeland and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dean Moulton. Bryce is a senior at LSMSA.
Jason Ray Parker, II is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jason Ray Parker. He is the grandson of Mr. Harvey Francis Marcus, Ms. Sarah Jo Adams Marcus, Mrs. Ray Melton Parker, and the late Mr. Parker. His mother, the former Amanda Marcus was presented as Lady of the Court in 1990. His sister, Jensen Virginia, served as Herald to King Cliff Conine in 2011 . Jay is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
Collin Parker Poleman is the son of Mr. Kenneth Lawton Poleman I and the late Denise Flores Poleman. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Herman Poleman Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Ted Duggan and the late Eugene Flores Sr. His brothers, Lawton and Keator, were presented as Gentlemen of the Court in 2012 and 2015, respectively. He is a senior at NCHS.
Ryan Thomas Sampite is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Michael Sampite. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Zane Gray and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Michael Sampite. Ryan is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
Thomas Michael Scruggs is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Henry Scruggs II. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Garland Hamilton Johnson and the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Josiah Scruggs. Thomas is a senior at NCHS.
Patrick Bailey Shelton is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Brian Shelton. He is the grandson of Mrs. Patrick Lee Shelton and the late Mr. Shelton and Mr. James Thomas Quitta and the late Mrs. Quitta. His sister, Addison Anndel was presented as a Lady of the Court in 2017. Bailey is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
Jake Allen Stultz is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Allen Stultz. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Curwood Belcher and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Allen Stultz. His sisters, Elizabeth and Macie, were presented as Lady’s of the Court in 2013 and 2015, respectively. Jake is a senior at LSMSA.
Russell Cullen Stultz is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Allen Stultz. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mr. Samuel Curwood Belcher and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Allen Stultz. His sisters, Elizabeth and Maci, were presented as Lady’s of the Court in 2013 and 2015, respectively. Russell is a senior at LSMSA.
David William Thibodaux is the son of Dr. and Mrs. James Paul Thibodaux. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. James Woodrow Porter and Mr. and Mrs. James Paul Thibodaux. His brother, Joseph, was presented as a Gentleman of the Court in 2015. David is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
Michael Garner Vienne Jr. is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Garner Vienne Sr. He is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Francis Vienne and the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lamar Williamson. His mother, the former Margaret Williamson was presented as a Lady of the Court in 1979. His sister, Elizabeth Cleo was the Queen in 2006 and his sister, Margaret Lise, served as herald in 1998 and as a Lady of the Court in 2009. Michael is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
Jack Lucas Wright is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Edward Wright Jr. He is the grandson of Mrs. Richard Porter Jr. and the late Mr. Porter and Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Edward Wright Sr. His brother, Ryan, was presented as a Gentleman of the Court in 2014. Jack is a senior at St. Mary’s High School.
The Women’s Resource Center will hold its 8th annual Run Baby Run on Saturday, May 5. Run Baby Run is a walk/run to increase awareness of the Women’s Resource Center and the services they are able to provide for free to over 430 women and their families in the community. There will be a 1 mile and 5K event, both starting at the front entrance to the Natchitoches Parish Library. Registration/check in for both events will begin at 8 a.m. Run Baby Run is open to all ages and for children under five there will be no charge. In addition to the 1 mile and 5K there will be a balloon release in honor of all the boys, girls, and unborn children served by the WRC.
Registration can take place online at http://www.wrcfriends.com or entry forms may be picked up at the WRC at 107 North St., Natchitoches.
The WRC is a non-profit pregnancy help medical clinic that serves over 400 women ever year in central Louisiana, most of whom are in unplanned pregnancies. All services are free which include prenatal education, lifestyle skills, ultrasound, material assistance, childbirth education, and life affirming options counseling.
For further information on costs and/or pre-registration go online to http://www.wrcfriends.com or call 318-357-8888.
Speaking of inconveniences of the Old Days — as we were last week — there was nothing so uncomfortable as having to get into an un-air conditioned car that had been sitting in the hot summer sun all day.
I remember that when you first opened the car door, the heat just blasted out of the vehicle interior, like a wave from the devil’s domain. Then when you sat down in this inferno, if you had shorts on you’d burn your legs on the seats, they were so hot. You could hardly grip the steering wheel, either.
We may go through that for a few seconds today, before our car AC takes effect. But back in the day, there was no relief. You could roll down (yes roll because few cars had push button windows then) all the windows but that hardly helped. And every time you came to a stop light, you’d sit there baking until you could get moving again. And this is why I never drive my 1939 Chrysler in the middle of a summer day.
So, I think that car air conditioning is one of the all-time great inventions.
But, I’m really here today, folks to talk about the fans that we employed to try to keep comfortable in our Southern buildings in the days BA (before air conditioning),.
There were the little oscillating fans, that you put on a desk or table and that moved back and forth, blowing hot air on everything within a few feet of them. Of course, you couldn’t have any loose papers or other lightweight objects within its range, or they’d quickly be blown off on to the floor.
Then, there were the window fans and the attic fans. They kept the hot air circulating.
The window fans, of course, were installed in windows and they blew air from inside to outside, drawing in more hot air from the outside, don’t you see.
The attic fans worked on the same principle, by being installed in the ceiling and blowing air into the attic. I don’t remember either type providing much comfort on a 95 degree day in Louisiana.
However my friend Dr. Susan Dollar, history professor at NSU, has a fonder memory of attic fans. She contributed this memory:
“The best sleep I’ve ever had was in a house that had an attic fan on through the night. Of course Mom would admit that they always brought the dust and pollen in the house, but I never noticed that that was a problem, really.”
I do agree with Susan’s mom. Often my chore was to dust the living and dining rooms and the layers of dust that an attic or window fan could suck into the house was pretty amazing. I felt I could go out, buy some seeds and plant a crop right there on our dining room table.
Then, there were the ceiling fans, which have become popular again in recent years. Today, they provide a nice movement of air in our air conditioned homes. Back then, as I keep saying, they simply circulated hot air.
And finally, we had the little cardboard hand-held fans. If you waved those back and forth in front of your face fast enough, they did actually produce a small, cool breeze. But your arm would get tired long before it started to cool off a little bit in the evenings.
I remember being in high school and going out to play in September or May and returning to our un-air conditioned classrooms with the sweat just dripping off of our noses. And having to try to concentrate on algebra or trig!
And that’s why I just love air conditioning. There are even sociologists who say that the post World War II economic boom in the south (and the southwest) was made possible only because air conditioning made living in this area bearable in the summer. I don’t always agree with sociologists, but this time, my friends, I think they’ve got it exactly right.
Now please excuse me while I go turn down our thermostat a degree or so.
Capital Realty of Natchitoches is pleased to open this home for you to tour on Saturday, May 5th 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Located at 1035 Williams Avenue, Natchitoches, this move-in ready 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with 1990 sq. ft. is spacious and was remodeled four years ago. As a bonus it has two living areas, one of which could be used as an office, media room, children’s playroom or a fourth bedroom. The home sits on a large lot that is located in a great area and is just a short distance from Historic Downtown Natchitoches, restaurants, shopping and schools. Fully fenced-in back yard and beautiful mature trees. This could be the home you’ve been waiting for! Offered for only $214,975.00. Hope to see you there!
Exchange Bank is a sponsor for the 5th Annual Family Day Event, set for Saturday, June 9 from 10 am – 1 pm at the Natchitoches City Park.
The City of Natchitoches, Northwestern State University and the Natchitoches Parish Journal are co-hosting this event, which is free and open to the public. There will be free food, activity booths, face painting, a water slide and more.
Sponsors are needed to help make this event bigger and better. Activity Booths are also needed for this event. Your organization must be a non-profit, church, government agency or educational institution. You must provide a hands-on activity. You must stay for the entire event. You must offer free activities. You must provide your own tent, tables and chairs. The deadline for booths is May 18. Ideas for activity booths include: carnival games, arts & crafts, field games, board games, trivia, etc…
For more information email Dallas Russell at DRussell@natchitochesla.gov or Corey Poole at NPJNatLa@gmail.com.
The Natchitoches Police Department is currently accepting applications for its upcoming Reserve Officer Training Academy. The upcoming Reserve Officer Training Academy will start on July 9 and will last approximately 8 weeks. Classes will be held Monday-Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Natchitoches Police Department Training Center.
Cadets in the Academy will undergo training in search and seizure, building clearing, traffic stops, firearms and defensive tactics for example.
If you are interested in applying you can pick up an application at The Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division located at 416 Shady Lane or contact Reserve Commander Sergeant Jeff Townson at (318) 357-3852. Applicants must have a high school degree or equivalent, be at least 18 years of age and pass a background check. This is a great opportunity for citizens to serve their community in a positive manner.
