The Louisiana Law Enforcement Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” Torch Run involving area law enforcement will enter Natchitoches Parish on La. Hwy 1 North at the Natchitoches-Red River Parish line on Tuesday afternoon, May 15, at approximately 1pm-2pm.
This segment of the run will travel south from the Natchitoches-Red River Parish line on La. Hwy 1, turning left on Texas Street, then right on Third Street, turning right on Church Street, left on Fifth Street, and will conclude on NSU campus at approximately 5:00pm.
On Wednesday morning May 16, at approximately 7:00am, Torch Run runners with two segments of the run will leave the NSU Pavilion and the other at La. Hwy 1 at Waterwell will travel down La. Hwy 1 through the communities of Natchez, Cypress, Montrose, Derry, Cloutierville, Monette Ferry, and then into Rapides Parish.
During your morning and afternoon commutes, we ask that you drive carefully and be aware of the runners on La. Hwy 1 South.
Each year the torch relay involves more than 1500 law enforcement officers and personnel representing more than 200 law enforcement agencies across the State of Louisiana.
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
for Special Olympics is to increase awareness and raise funds for the Special Olympics movement. Each year, the LETR initiative grows larger and better.
For more information contact Chief of Youth Services Wendy Llorens at 352-6432.
It was a picture perfect weekend for baseball at NSU’s Brown-Stroud field as the Demons played a three game series against the Abilene Christian Wildcats May 11-13. Saturday’s game was Senior Night where the university community honored the team’s graduating players and trainers and their families.
Graduating senior players David Fry, Kwan Adkins, Dan Hlad & Kelsey Richard were joined by twin trainers Corey and Casey Johnson. Each senior and his or her family were called forward and honored by the hometown crowd. In addition to keepsakes from their team and NSU athletics, Randy and Christie Price of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes presented each senior with a spiritual book about how to prepare for “the next step in life.”
Ms. Danielle Cobb of the American Cancer Society was also presented with a check for over $1,000.00 that was raised during “Fork Cancer Week” held by the baseball and softball teams.
The Northwestern State University Demon Baseball Team sent off its seniors in style, decisively winning all 3 games in the series against Abilene Christian University. The Demons’ next game will be against the LSU Tigers May 15 at the LSU Campus. Fork ’em Demons!
Child sexual abuse is a worldwide public health issue. Child abuse, particularly child sexual abuse, is reprehensible—especially when the wrongdoer is affiliated with the Church. The VIRTUS programs assist the Church in being a safe haven for children and a messenger for preventing child sexual abuse within the Church and society in general. VIRTUS seeks to achieve this lofty goal through its child sexual abuse prevention program: Protecting God’s Children.
A Protecting God’s Children for Adults Session will be held at the St. Augustine Catholic Church’s Church Hall on Tuesday, March 15 at 6 pm.
The Protecting God’s Children Program
Most organizations that work with children have some sort of child safety program. Through the Protecting God’s Children program, VIRTUS maximizes those efforts by helping churches and religious organizations refine their roles as child-safe environments and empowering caring adults to protect children.
Why Does It Work?
Child abusers seek to operate and abuse their power within nurturing, child-friendly environments where it is assumed that nobody would want to harm a child. Religious organizations of all faiths are an easy target. The Protecting God’s Children program implements safety mechanisms that send a message to all abusers and potential abusers:
Child abuse is not tolerated,
Children are vigilantly protected,
Victims are listened to, heard, and shielded from further abuse, and
Offenders are identified and punished.
By utilizing best practices for training and loss prevention, the Protecting God’s Children program helps make churches safe for all people—especially children.
The session lasts approximately 2½ hours. Children are not allowed because of the adult content of the videos and discussions. Every adult who works/volunteers with minors in the Diocese of Alexandria’s churches/schools is required to attend a VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children for Adults sexual abuse awareness training.
Red River Mill Credit Union has been growing and changing since it was chartered in 1975. After 43 years it’s time to change the name to let everyone know they can JOIN too!
To reflect its growth and increased involvement in the Natchitoches community, Red River Mill Credit Union is holding a Name Change Contest. The winning name submission will receive a $500 prize.
“We’re in the search of a new name for our credit union,” said Holly Guillory, business development officer. “We’re looking for a name that let’s everyone know they’re invited to come grow with us. The name you suggest could be selected as our new official name.”
Originally serving employees at the paper mill in Campti, Red River Mill Credit Union became a Community Credit Union in 2013. It currently meets the banking needs of more than 1,000 members throughout Natchitoches and Northwest Louisiana. The credit union offers a variety of checking and savings account options as well as personal loans, vehicle loans and small business loans.
Rules for the contest:
The Name Change Contest will run through Friday, May 18
A winner will be announced on June 30
One person can enter up to 3 suggestions for a new name
Keep name idea short and sweet…Just 1 or 2 words not including the words credit union
If two people choose the same name, the person who submitted it first will receive the prize
*Winning name may come from source outside of contestant suggestions
*Should winning name not be submitted during contest, a drawing from contestant pool will be used to select a winner – only have to enter to win
Red River Mill Employees Federal Credit Union exists to serve its members. While banks and other financial institutions must make a profit for their shareholders, credit unions return their profits to members in the form of dividends on savings, low rates on loans, and new or improved services. In addition, the not-for-profit status of credit unions enables them to operate at a lower cost than many for-profit institutions, which helps them offer competitive loan and savings rates to their members.
Northwestern State University will offer aquatics activities this summer beginning with the pool opening May 15 at the NSU Rec Complex. Hours of operation will be from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday in May. Beginning June 5, hours will be 2-7 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through the end of July.
Several swim classes will be available in June and July, including a junior lifeguard course announced at a later date. Learn-To-Swim group lessons will take place at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays the weeks of June 5, June 12, June 19 and June 26. Learn-To-Swim private lessons will be available at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays the weeks of July 10, July 17 and July 24.
For membership information or to schedule swimming lessons, contact Cindy Davis, aquatics director, at cindyd@nsula.edu or (318) 357-6301.
Information on water aerobics is available by contacting Melanie Bedgood, coordinator of non-credit activities, at (318) 357-6355 or bedgoodm@nsula.edu.
During the early morning hours of Sunday, May 13, the Natchitoches Police Department responded a call in which two people, Iesha Beasly-Caldwell and Earl Monroe, had been shot while inside of Mrs. Caldwell’s residence located at 306 Airport Rd. Mrs. Caldwell sustained a single shot to her right arm and Mr. Monroe had been shot twice, once in the right side abdomen and once on the right side of his face. Both Caldwell and Monroe are reported to be in stable condition.
As a result of the shootings the Criminal Investigations Division of the Natchitoches Police Department was contacted and began an investigation. Based on information obtained from the scene detectives secured arrest warrants for Dametry Cardale Caldwell, 25 years of age, Black, Male on two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder and for Violation of Protective Orders. Mr. Caldwell is considered armed and dangerous.
If anyone has information in reference to the whereabouts of Dametry Caldwell you’re urged to please contact the Natchitoches Police Department directly at (318) 352-8101 or you may contact Detective Jeff Townson of the Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at (318) 357-3852. All calls shall be kept confidential.
Members of Lakeview High School’s National Honor Society volunteered for Bike Natchitoches’ annual ride. The ride started at Oakland Plantation with 15, 25 or a metric century (about 62 miles) ride options. The students helped with registration, encouragement and passing out refreshments as riders returned from their trek. During their down time, the students were able to tour the grounds of the plantation and take in a bit of history.
Pictured students include: Gracie Niette, Cadie Coleman, Za’Chary Jackson, Salem Johnson, and Blake Smith.
The Northwestern State track and field team had three first-place finishes and 10 total podium finishes at the McNeese Last Chance meet to finish the regular season. The meet served as an opportunity for athletes to qualify for the NCAA East Regionals or improve their regional rankings.
Jasmyn Steels won the women’s long jump and set a personal record of 20-7 ¾. Steels’ ranking jumped from 46th to 15th in the East Region, putting her in a good spot to qualify for regionals.
JaCorious Jeter also won the long jump and set a personal record of 24-9 ¼. Jeter moved up from 56th to 33rd in the East Region and is in good standing to qualify for the regionals.
Collin Milton took first place in the javelin (194-4) but was unable to improve his standing in the East Region. Milton is ranked 45th (209-6) currently in the region. The top 48 participants in each event reach the regional meet after all regular season results are compiled.
Cedric Paul added another top-two finish to his resume and placed second in the shot put (58-1 3/4) along with teammate Kyrin Tucker (58-1 ¾). Tucker was 46th in the East coming into today’s meet but moved up 12 spots to 34th and is likely to join Paul (25th in the East) in the regionals in Tampa.
Tucker also had a second-place performance in the men’s discus (173-9). Even though he was unable to match his PR of 176-3, he is in contention for regionals after sitting at 32nd in the East coming into McNeese.
In third place, Deylon Key had a significant PR but fell short of contention for the regionals (50th in the East). Marquise Foster, the school-record holder in the hammer, was unable to build on his program-record mark of 188-0, and finished the day with a mark of 170-4. Kie’Ave Harry ran 10.40 in the 100-meter dash, and Joshua Wilkins completed his final race in the 1500 (4:08.15).
The fourth-place finishers were Tremayne Flagler, Cori Runnels, Tamara Style and Isabella Hudson. Flagler ran 14.67 in the 110 hurdles; Runnels threw 145-8 in the women’s discus; Style ran 1:05.9 in the 400 hurdles, and Hudson ran 5:08.75 in the 1500.
David Moritz and Tre’Darius Carr came in fifth. Moritz jumped a PR of 23-4 in the long jump and Carr ran 10.58 in the 100.
Today’s meet marks the end for Foster, Wilkins and Moritz’s careers in NSU uniform as they were unable to finish in the top-48 in the East Region.
NSU travels to Tampa, Florida, for the NCAA Regionals from May 24-26. Nationals will be held in Eugene, Oregon from May 30-June 2.
Catherine St. Dizier Cobb
August 26, 1944 – May 12, 2018
Visitation: Monday, may 14 from 5-8 pm at First Baptist Church of Provencal
Service: Tuesday, May 15 at 10 am at First Baptist Church of Provencal
Interment: Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery in Hagewood
Shirley Roberts Porter
February 18, 1934 – May 9, 2018
Visitation: Monday, May 14 from 9-10 am at Harmony Baptist Church
Service: Monday, May 14 at 10 am at Harmony Baptist Church in Provencal
Interment: Roberts Cemetery
Rodney Williams
May 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Frankie Ray Jackson
April 3, 1959 – May 5, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Alex Benito Reliford
May 28, 1971 – May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA WINN PARISH:
Dr. Jerold Robert McBride
September 20, 1932 – May 11, 2018
Visitation: Monday, May 14 from 10 am – 12:30 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield
Service: Monday, May 14 at 1 pm at First Baptist Church in Winnfield RAPIDES PARISH:
Huey Kennon Mixon September 11, 1930 – May 10, 2018
Visitation: Monday, May 14 from 8:30-9:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Monday, May 14 at 10 am at Parkview Baptist Church in Alexandria
Interment: Salem Cemetery in Plain Dealing
The Natchitoches Lions Club sold over 600 bouquets of a dozen long stemmed roses for its annual Orin Foster Rose Fundraiser. Lions Club members delivered the roses May 10-11, just in time for Mother’s Day. Residents around town were surprised to receive bouquets from their loved ones. Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit Lions projects.
Northwestern State University recognized top graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Louisiana Scholars College and the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development prior to morning commencement ceremonies Friday, May 11.
Top Graduates Morning Ceremony:
Honorees were, seated from left, Oni Melendez of Cartagena, Colombia; Alanna Benoit of Thibodaux, Amanda Curry of Minden, Kristen Eusay of Anacoco, Ashley Rico of Natchitoches, Alexis Rice of Luling, Christina Arrechavala of Kenner and Amanda Simmons of Haughton. On the second row are Aaron Rogers of Amarillo, Texas; Candice Smith of Pineville, Natalie Borowski of Gretna, Maria Rome of Baton Rouge, Katie Rayburn of Pineville, Kylie Nodorft of Wylie, Texas; Jacqueline Rutherford of Deridder, Alicia Foy of Grayson and Molly Baker of Melrose with NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio and commencement speaker Jim Clinton. On the back row are Kailey Leach of Many, Sabrina Ross of Many, Alexander Butler of Bossier City, Conner Dillon of Leesville, Katherine Speicher of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and Abby Hinds of Many.
Top Graduates Afternoon:
From left are commencement speaker Jim Clinton, Kiera White of Bossier City, Jessica Mango of Leesville, Robert Jones of Minden, Jessica Love of Shreveport, Kaytie Proctor of Little Elm, Texas; Rachel Opbroek of Keithville, David Moritz of Cedar Park, Texas, and Jeremy Jones of Natchitoches with NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio and Rep. Terry Brown, who was a (1968) Golden Jubilee Graduate.
The Natchitoches Rotary Club completed its 6th Annual Scholarship Essay Competition. The winners were announced at the May 8 meeting. Sofia Rivera from the Louisiana School for Math Science and the Arts (LSMSA) was voted first place with her essay titled, More Than A Test. She received a $1500 scholarship. The second-place winner, also from LSMSA, was Alexa Schleter. She was awarded a $1000 scholarship. Her essay was titled Four Way for the Good. Joshua Fortenberry from Natchitoches Central High School was the third-place winner with his essay Life’s Fundamentals. He received a $500 scholarship.
The purpose of this annual competition is to showcase talented writers in area schools. The competition requires they write an essay using Rotary International’s Four-Way Test, which is the guide that all Rotarians follow. All schools in the parish were invited to submit essays. A panel of Rotarian’s conducted a blind review of the essays submitted. The top six finalists presented their essays to the club on May 1, where Rotarians voted on the presentations.
The Natchitoches Rotary Club, 1291 is located in District 6190. Rotary International is the largest service organization in the world with 1.2 million members (text by Dr. Ron McBride).
The NSU Elementary Lab School Kiwanis K-Kids had their end of the year celebration on Wednesday May 2. Kiwanis President, Dion Boyett, and Past President, Reba Phelps, brought pizza for the children. They also spoke to the spirited group of kids about roles that adults play in Kiwanis and how it relates to their club. Several club members addressed the Kiwanians about all of the different projects they held during the year. The K-Kids ended their year with a service project as well. As soon as the pizza was devoured they cleaned the playground and picked up trash on campus. Pictured with the Kiwanians was Principal Caron Coleman, 5th grade teacher Kyla Lewis, and K-Kids Sponsor Erika Todtenbier.
The Northwestern State University Theatre and Dance Department’s recent performance of Into the Woods benefitted from an unusual collaboration with the Computer Information Systems program. In her research, student costume designer Mary Rogers found an example of 3D printed claws she wanted to experiment with for the Big Bad Wolf character. She reached out to CIS professor Dr. Begona Perez-Mira, who generously offered access to their 3D printer. Dr. Perez-Mira brought in CIS student James Maricle to help with the project. Over the next several weeks the three experimented printing custom claws directly onto fabrics. Their goal was to create light weight clawed gloves large enough to read from stage that didn’t impede the actor’s hands and allowed for a full range of motion. They tested which fabrics adhere best to the printed material and which shapes make for a stable claw. They worked out the best claw spacing and custom tailored gloves to the actor’s hands. Their hard work paid off when the Big Bad Wolf took the stage, and a research goal became a reality.
Living Waters Ministries was founded May 2008 in Mansfield, La by the late Pastor Kenneth D. Booker, Sr. and 1st Lady Kimberly Ealy Babers. In honor of our late Pastor Kenneth D. Booker, Sr., we have established a Memorial Scholarship to be given to two graduating seniors. In doing this we will be honoring his memory and legacy. Pastor Booker was all about education and we would like to be a blessing to our community.
We know that he would be proud to know we are helping someone futher their education. Destiny Booker chose this year’s recipients, whom are KenTravien Ross and Brittney Walker Seniors at Mansfield High School Mansfield, La. We would also like to thank his daughter Destiny Booker, our other founder 1st Lady Kimberly Ealy Babers as well as Pastor Kenneth Babers, Sr. for making this possible.
Natchitoches Magnet held its inaugural Muffins with Mom breakfast for first grade students in Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Weeks classes. Students gave their mothers artwork they made for Mother’s Day, like paper flower pins and portrait drawings.
Jackson Henderson said he likes cuddling with his mother Kristi. DeRhani Alexander said the best thing about her mom DeNara Latigue is that she’s beautiful. Ashton Cooper said he loves going places with his mother Lakeshia. Axel Laning like to watch shows with his mother Pia Wyatt.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms across Natchitoches Parish!
The Natchitoches Parish School Board recognized the Student of the Year for 5th, 8th and 12th grade Tuesday evening, May 8. Alongside the winners, the board also recognized those who applied.
Before making a decision, each student submitted portfolios which included their grades, accomplishments, activities, community involvement and an essay. Students were then required to complete an interview with judges from the local community.
Gracie Moore, a fifth grader at NSU Elementary, Tinley Durr, an eighth grader at Marthaville and Joshua Fortenberry a senior at Natchitoches Central were selected as this year’s winners.
Other students who represented their schools in this year’s competition are: Nathanial Lester, Cloutierville: Grade 5; Jazlyn Alacon, East Natchitoches: Grade 5; Allen Saba, Fairview Alpah; Grade 5; Colie Killingsworth, Goldonna: Grade 5; Simone Robinson, L.P. Vaughn: Grade 5; Kaylee Jordan, Marthaville: Grade 5; Huntar Goings, Natchitoches Magnet: Grade 5; Addison Ivy, Provencal: Grade 5; Kaiylynn Long, Cloutierville: Grade 8; Cami Faircloth, Goldonna: Grade 8; Zoie Britt, Lakeview Jr. High: Grade 8; Kytiere Lazard, Natchitoches Jr. High: Grade 8; McKenzie Broadway, Natchitoches Magnet: Grade 8; Anna Coleman, NSU-Middle: Grade 8; Calvin Willis, Provencl; Grade 8; Cadie Coleman, Lakeview High: Grade 12.
Shirley Roberts Porter
February 18, 1934 – May 9, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, May 13 from 5-7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home and Monday, May 14 from 9-10 am at Harmony Baptist Church
Service: Monday, May 14 at 10 am at Harmony Baptist Church in Provencal
Interment: Roberts Cemetery
Rodney Williams
May 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Dolores Elaine (Wampole) Brown
January 21, 1937 – May 7, 2018
Rev. Millard Hollingsworth
May 8, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 11:30 am – 1 pm the Greenville Baptist Church in Clarence
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 1 pm at the Greenville Baptist Church
Interment: Montgomery Community Cemetery
Frankie Ray Jackson
April 3, 1959 – May 5, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Alex Benito Reliford
May 28, 1971 – May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Pearlene Blake
May 1, 2018
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11:30 am at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Bermuda
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 9-11:30 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Saturday
Lula M. Cheatham
May 1, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 9:30 am-11 am at We Care Ministries, 750 Ouida Drive in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at We Care Ministries
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum
Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA WINN PARISH:
Asa Ray Cobbs
April 1, 1936 – May 10, 2018
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Internment: Spring Ridge Cemetery in Pleasant Hill RAPIDES PARISH:
Elsie Saucier Vanlangendonck
September 29, 1925 – May 5, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 9-11:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home Service: Saturday, May 12 at 12 pm at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
Internment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens RED RIVER PARISH:
Thelma McCowen
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at Cedar Hill Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: Friendship Cemetery in Grand Cane
Minnie Collins
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at Northwest Auditorium in Mansfield
Interment: Union Cemetery
Leroy Hives
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at New Hope Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: New Hope Cemetery in Mansfield
James Scott
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Grambling
Interment: Grambling Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Essex McGee
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 1 pm at St. Elizabeth Baptist Church in Grand Cane
Interment: Community Cemetery
The Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce, together with the City of Natchitoches and Northwestern State University, hosted the inaugural Elite Scholarship Banquet May 8. High School Seniors from Natchitoches Central, St. Mary’s, Lakeview and Louisiana School for Math, Science & the Arts (LSMSA) were selected by school counselors based on their ACT scores, GPA and dual enrollment credits at Northwestern. LSMSA students had the added requirement of being a Natchitoches native. A points scale was used to select the highest achieving students, with two points given for an ACT score at or above a 24, one point given for a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and one point given for 12 or more hours of dual enrollment. All students with at least three points were invited to attend the banquet along with two parents or guests.
Mayor Lee Posey was a driving force in creating this event, hoping to model a similar program held in Desoto Parish. Posey stated, “We have some great kids that graduate from both our public and private school systems in Natchitoches, and we really wanted to come together as a community to applaud their efforts and encourage all students to strive for this level of academic excellence.”
The Education Steering Committee for the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce lead the effort to organize the event, which is in keeping with their recent push for higher academic standards across Natchitoches Parish. According to Committee Chairman Van Erikson, the objective of the event was three-fold: to acknowledge the outstanding high school careers of these students, to award scholarships with excess monies raised for the event, and to jumpstart a collaborative approach to education in Natchitoches Parish.
A keynote address and challenge to seniors was given by Kimberly Eckert, 2018 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year and NSU Alumna. Kimberly offered inspirational words of wisdom to attendees as well as congratulations to the students and their parents for their hard work. Another highlight of the evening was the scholarship balloon pop. Each student was handed a balloon at registration. One balloon contained a $1000 scholarship, and was awarded to Kengela Beard from Natchitoches Central High School. Seven balloons contained $500 scholarships, and the winners were Lucy Matchuska (LMSMA), Chandler Sarpy (Central), Dylan Bennett (St. Mary’s), Sarah Aviles (St. Mary’s), David Thibodaux (St. Mary’s), George Ingrish (St. Mary’s), and Taylor A. Johnson ( Natchitoches Central).
Principals, school staff, parents, and School Board members in attendance commented how nice the event was, with several stating that we should have been doing this for years. The Chamber Education Committee plans to build upon this event next year, encouraging students to strive for academic excellence, and encouraging the leaders in our community to support that initiative.
High School Seniors Selected to Attend Elite Scholarship Banquet
Lakeview: Adam Calder, Cadie Coleman, Emily Johnson, Malichi Lester, Madison McLaren, Norman Moreland, Terry Sullivan
LSMSA: Lauren Bartels, Albert Chen, Edouard Ferrell, Devon Mathews, LiZhang Matuschka, Reed Middendorf, Bryce Moulton, Tomas Parker, Adreanna Queen, Jake Stultz, Russell Stultz
NCHS: Brock Barrios, Kengela Beard, Jacob Bellow, Ethan Buckhalter, Annah Carnline, Trevor Chalker, Jessica Clark, Zach Daily, Kade Davis, Leah Deford, Vincent Ferreyros, Derilyn Flanagan, Joshua Fortenberry, Aaron Foster, Abbie Gandy, Brooklyn Hampton, Shaylynn Hargis, Steven Harris, Caitlyn Hassan, Garrett Hood, Adam Hudson, Rhegan Hymes, Veronica James, Taylor A. Johnson, Taylor B. Johnson, Kelsey Lacaze, Madison Lemoine, Maya Levo, Alaina Lewis, Lacy Martin, Kristin McQuillin, Makenzie Morgan, Kevin Nutt, Samantha Phillips, Brock Puryear, Kierstin Rachal, Shernarr Rice, Anna Robertson, Chandler Sarpy, Mikayla Scaife, Gabrielle Scarborough, Terra Schulze, Bradley Scott, Kennedy Sherman, Samantha Spillman, Carlie Sweeney, Markella Taylor, Brianna Tibbs, Tyler Tousek, Brian White, Seth Woodel, Emma Zachary
Saint Mary’s: Sarah Aviles, Dylan Bennett, Jeremy Friedel, Sarah Gilmore, Aaron Howell, George Ingrish, Madison Menou, Makenzie Methvin, Olivia Miller, Jay Parker, Ryan Sampite, David Thibodaux, Britney Turner, Lauren Vienne
When you grow up in a house with multiple siblings you usually get multiple versions of how your childhood happened. There’s what you personally witnessed. There’s what your sister recollects. There’s also what your brother remembers. Somewhere among the murky details that cloud our memories lies the truth. The unabashed truth, so help me God.
On any given holiday or Sunday lunch you could find all of us heavily debating the important family issues:
Who was the favorite child? Me, of course.
Who got away with more childhood crimes? My brother…without a doubt.
Who was the smartest child? Hands down, my sister.
Some things were indisputable but our love for exaggerated stories and accusations always kept the laughter alive. Often, the verbal sparring was all in good fun and light hearted.
However, during one particular Sunday lunch many years ago the taunting took a sharp turn for the worse when one of my siblings alluded to the fact that Eva Gail’s mothering skills may not have been compliant with today’s standard of care. Although I started to laugh it took me a millisecond to see the “Zwolle” look in my mother’s eyes. My laugh was suddenly gulped away as I saw the lives of my siblings flash before my eyes.
Eva Gail may have been a sweet preacher’s wife but she was no stranger to expressing her anger.
The rest of the day was a bit awkward and no one dared elaborate on what was said. We were overly polite and accommodating with everyone and it was as if we didn’t even share the same last name. It was evident mom’s feelings were hurt. It was evident my dad was nervous about the ride home with her. Normally my dad is a quick visitor. He always has something to do and must get there quickly. On this day he lingered. He was camping out at my house until it was absolutely necessary for them to leave.
He knew what awaited him in the vehicle.
Later that night, just as expected I heard from my sister and we rehashed where things might have gone wrong. Once we played the highlight reel we discovered that we joked about the same things just as we had many times before. The replays included how we think we received more spankings than the average child. We were made to go to church every time the doors were open. Even for cleaning day. We included how our parents left us alone at a very young age (I am guessing the statute of limitations has run out on this one). We included how our little brother always seemed to escape punishment. He may not agree with that but if two people witnessed the same thing it must be true.
We were feeling bold about our accusations and we were prepared to stand behind them once Eva Gail confronted us. We chalked it up to her just being overly sensitive. We were going to set her straight.
Almost like clockwork as soon as I hung up with my sister my mom called. Her voice was completely different then I’d ever heard before. She was deeply hurt over what we thought was comical and was beginning to think she was a horrible mother. When I heard the pure hurt in her voice I fully vacated the pact my sister and I made earlier and went into rescue mode. It broke my heart to hear my mom so upset. We talked on the phone for a very long time and we finally hung up when I felt like she understood we were joking and there was no other mother we would have rather had.
Like all family squabbles it was quickly forgiven by the next family dinner.
Mother’s Day was around the corner and that year I chose to give my mother a card with a hand-written note that included a list of all the things she had done right as a mother. When she read the note she was teary eyed and after an extremely long pause she said, “I cannot believe how much you write like me.” She was correct. I joked with her that I spent my high school years perfecting her signature. I really expected she would say something more profound and meaningful. But, at least she knew that every kind act she ever performed meant something to me and shaped the woman I was becoming.
My mother passed away in 2011. Not too long after the funeral I was helping my father organize her belongings to donate and we ran across the handwritten note that I gave to my mother some 10 years prior. She had tucked it away in a box along with some other miscellaneous items. I was really astonished that she had kept it all those years and all I could think of after all this time is how she was right. I did write like her. Just like her.
A mother’s nature is to know their children better than any other person on this planet. A mother’s nature is to nurture their children and be supportive of their dreams and love them unconditionally. A mother’s nature can also be very sensitive and always second guessing our skills as a mother. We just hope we are doing it right….if not it will come out years down the road at a random Sunday dinner.
My siblings and I were blessed with the most amazing Eva Gail that anyone could ever ask for.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, he praises her”
The Natchitoches parish School Board recognized those teacher nominated for Teacher of the Year in Natchitoches Parish at its meeting May 10.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to have these great, dedicated teachers in our system,” said Superintendent Dale Skinner.
An announcement was made that the school board will start providing copies of a balanced budget sheet to the public at its monthly meetings (SEE DOCUMENT BELOW).
In other business, two items, added to the agenda after Tuesday’s committee meeting, caused concern for Board Member Ralph Wilson. However, affirmative votes from the other board members passed both items, which will change student attendance for several schools.
Item #1: Approve students from Natchez area that have been attending Provencal Elementary and Jr. High (approximately 83 students) to begin attending Cloutierville Elementary and Jr. High for the 2018-2019 school year.
Item #2: Approve students who live in the following areas (Airport Road, Fairgrounds Road, South Town Community, Fish Hatchery Road and LA Hwy. 494) to enroll into the City schools.
Ralph Wilson asked that the approval of these items be put off until next month so the board members would have more time to discuss them. However, Skinner said they couldn’t wait until next month and it’s the best solution they’ve come up with at this time.
Other agenda items included:
Adopt other authorized millage rates and taxes for 2018
Take appropriate action on bids for HVAC and electrical upgrades to Goldonna Jr./Sr. High School
Add consolidated #6 bond renewal (7 mil) set to expire EOY 2019 and consolidated #7 (7 mil) set to expire EOY 2020 to the General Election ballot for Dec. 8
Update on Milo robot
Approve student handbook revisions for 2018-2019
Approve private automobile travel for NCHS cheerleaders to Greatwolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas for cheer camp for May 28-31
