Texting, texting all day long,
on my hand-held telephone.

Kitchen, den or patio,
I can text while on the go!

My favorite place to text outside
Is when I’m cruising in my ride.

The road belongs to me alone
When I want on my telephone.

 I drive, but still I answer rings
Since driving, I can do four things:

That’s texttalkdrive AND hit your car.
It takes some skill, but I’m a star!

This won’t make a dent in what my small brain perceives to be a big problem, but, as country crooner Lyle Lovett said, or perhaps texted while driving his horse, “A man has to try. What are you if you don’t try?”

I am not an extremely intelligent person. I’m probably in the same IQ category as the guy who took a laxative and a sleeping pill on the same night.

You’ll see a fish riding a bicycle before you see me accepting any academic awards.

I’m not a bright man.

But, I do have my moments. I married a smart person. I will stop and ask for directions. I know to come in out of the rain. I can change a flat. And I long ago retired from texting while driving.

Each of us knows by now, personally, of at least a dozen accidents caused by people reaching for their dropped cell phones or talking or texting while driving. A grandfather told me last week of his teenaged grandson who had recently wrecked while texting and is now paralyzed from the waist down.

A bigger goofball than me you’ll be hard-pressed to find, but this is serious business.

I am not a good driver to begin with. In fact, I’m probably the second worst driver in the world, and I will take over the top spot should my dad pass away. So I need all hands on deck while steering a vehicle.

It has not escaped my attention, though, that most people are circus acts while driving. I sat outside the house this week and counted the first 10 cars that came by. Seven drivers were on their phones.

I tried again later. Eight out of 10. Must be fires everywhere.

This week I was at a red light and the guy behind me was hit by the woman behind him. Both were on their phones. A conversation on my home phone with a friend two months ago ended with, “Oops, I’ve got to call you back. I just hit a car.”

What the…

I am probably more uneasy about this than most because I was on the front end of getting rear-ended back when cell phones were making their initial splash. A woman picked me off at a Dallas intersection. Just a dent, but a nice dent. She was very nice: she handed me her insurance information and her cell phone number and – this is the honest truth – she never got off her phone the whole time. She had to be the National Security Advisor or the head of the Central Intelligence Agency, is all I can figure. In 1999, was the head of national security blonde, female and mid-40s? Had to be…

On the wide open road, I can understand talking and driving. Otherwise, these are my rules, which my family knows: I can text or talk and drive if I am on fire, if I’m bleeding, or if I’m taking a call about a liver transplant. Short list. Otherwise, my phone’s in park, for my safety and for yours.

Originally ran April 3, 2011. Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

A collaborative live burn training was held on Feb. 28 at the Natchitoches Fire Department Training Center. The special training brought together Natchitoches Fire Department and Fire Protection Districts 5, 6 and 10 and provided the opportunity for fire crews to work collaboratively during fireground operations.

Vital skills such as pump operations, fire behavior, fire attack and support operations were reinforced during this unique training opportunity.

Cooperation between departments is essential for efficient and effective service to the community in a mutual aid situation.

Writers can sometimes feel as if they are cursed by their own creation. Such was the case with Alan Alexander.

Alan was born in 1882 and raised in London, England. He was taught at a school which was run by his father. Alan excelled in school, especially math, possibly because he was under the watchful eye of his father. He continued his education at Trinity College, Cambridge on a mathematics scholarship. During his tenure at Cambridge, he edited and wrote smart and witty articles for a student magazine called The Granta. In 1903, Alan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Rather than following the career in mathematics that he had assumed would be his path in life, Alan moved to London to try his hand at freelance writing. In 1906, his writing caught the attention of the editor of Punch magazine, the leading British humor magazine, who hired Alan to write humorous verses and essays.

Alan thrived as a writer and was happy. In 1913, he married Dorothy “Daphne” de Sélincourt. He eventually became assistant editor of Punch magazine. His future seemed assured, but World War I changed the trajectory of his career. In 1915, Alan, exchanged his pen for a rifle when, although a pacifist, he volunteered for military service.” In the following year, Alan was injured in the Battle of the Somme and shipped back to England to convalesce. When he had recovered enough to write, he was recruited to write propaganda articles for MI7, a secret military intelligence organization.

After the war, Alan returned to London where he assumed he would resume his old job at Punch magazine. When the magazine failed to rehire him, Alan turned to playwriting. Following the December 1918 opening of his play entitled “Make-Believe,” one critic wrote that it was, “very popular entertainment.” His other plays, including The Dover Road, Mr. Pim Passes By, and Michael and Mary, were also successful. Alan’s reputation as a write grew with his well-received detective/mystery novel The Red House Mystery.

Agents and publishing companies tried to steer Alan in directions that would suit their needs rather than his, but Alan was determined to write whatever he pleased, whenever he pleased. Luckily, Alan’s writing continued to attract an accepting audience.

In 1920, to their delight, Alan and Daphne had a son they nicknamed Billy Moon. All throughout his childhood, Alan created stories to amuse Billy Moon. The central character in the story was an animal named Edward. In 1924, Alan published a children’s book with Edward and Billy Moon as the central characters, which was an immediate success. He published more stories featuring the characters and they, too, were immediately successful. Alan’s children’s books were so popular that they overshadowed all of his previous work.

Most critics wrote positive reviews of Alan’s “whimsical” children’s stories. Alan detested any reference to his work as being whimsical. “If I write anything less realistic, less straightforward than ‘The cat sat on the mat,’ I am ‘whimsical.’ Indeed, if I did say that the cat sat on the mat (as well it might), I should be accused of being whimsical about cats.” Finally, Alan decided he would never again write a story based on Edward and Billy Moon.

Alan felt cursed by his own creation. The popularity of his children’s books eventually severed the bond between father and son. The rift between them had grown so large that when Alan died in 1956 at the age of 74, he left the rights to his books to four benefactors, none of which was his son, Billy Moon.

Alan would have preferred to have been remembered as a novelist or a playwright, but only the most hardcore fans can name a single work outside of his children’s books. Do you remember Edward and Billy Moon, stories which were written by Alan Alexander “A.A.” Milne? Rather than using the name Billy Moon, Alan used his son’s legal first and middle names, …Christopher Robin. He renamed Edward …Winnie the Pooh.

Sources:
1. The Observer (London, England), December 29, 1918, p.11.
2. The Salt Lake Tribune (Salt Lake City, Utah), October 13, 1929, p.76.
3. Birmingham Post (Birmingham, England), February 1, 1956, p.16.
4. The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa), February 12, 1956, p.54.

Click on the link below to sign up for this year’s event!

https://runsignup.com/Race/LA/Natchitoches/SteelMagnoliaRunNatch

We hope that you will join us for our 2022 4th Annual Steel Magnolia Run, presented by Vaughn Natchitoches.

Date: March 12, 2022

Over the years, our participants, sponsors, and volunteers have played an instrumental role in improving the health of the women in our community. In 2021, the Run supported the We Care for Moms & Babies campaign. These funds provided new fetal monitors, birthing beds, sleep chairs, and blended air technology to the NRMC Labor and Delivery Department.

In 2021 NRMC acquired the local Cancer Center in Natchitoches to ensure Cancer patients in our community continue to have access to excellent care, right here at home. Our Foundation is dedicated to funding advanced technologies, comfort improvements, and transportation for our neighbors and families. This year’s Steel Magnolia Run will continue to support our efforts to provide optimal care for Cancer patients in our community.

About the Steel Magnolia Run
A Steel Magnolia is a woman who exemplifies both traditional femininity as well as uncommon fortitude. Each of us knows an amazing woman who has come face to face with healthcare challenges with the dignity of a steel magnolia.

For more information contact race director Halie Errington at 318-238-5107

Sabine Parish Tourist & Recreation Commission is currently seeking a Marketing & Event Coordinator: Full Time

Required Education and Experience:

·      Bachelor’s degree from an academic institution in public relations, journalism, marketing, communications, or hospitality management

·      Excellent organizational and writing skills

·      Strong attention to detail and proofreading

·      Strong computer knowledge mandatory

·      At least three years’ experience in marketing or public relations and practical experience in the Hospitality industry preferred

·      Experience in using video and photography equipment helpful

To view complete job description and employment application, please visit www.ToledoBendLakeCountry.com/about

All applicants must submit a completed application and resume to be considered for this position. Deadline to apply is March 8, 2022.

EOE

• Current student in the process of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communications or equivalent degree 
• Demonstrated experience with social media platforms and relevant marketing software 
• Ability to think creatively and translate ideas into digital content pieces 
• Knowledge of Google Analytics and keyword research 
• Strong writing, grammar, and proofreading skills 
• Strong attention to detail and self-motivated 

Flavor of Louisiana, Northwestern State University’s spring fundraiser and seafood extravaganza, will return Friday, April 8. Flavor of Louisiana, one of NSU’s most popular events, was put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, but will return to feature Louisiana cuisine, craft beverages, specialty desserts, music, raffles and more. All proceeds will go to support scholarships, programming and professional development for NSU students, faculty and staff.

“We are thrilled to bring back Flavor of Louisiana,” said Jill Bankston, CFRE, director of Development. “After being on hiatus for two years, we can’t wait to open our doors to friends and supporters. Flavor of Louisiana has been one of our most successful events, drawing friends and alumni from all over and this year will be even more special with the event tied to NSU’s Greek Centennial, which was also postponed from 2020.”

Presented in partnership with the NSU Foundation and the Louisiana Seafood Board, Flavor of Louisiana will feature chefs, restaurants and caterers from around the state offering samplings of seafood delicacies prepared in a myriad of ways, along with options for non-seafood eaters, craft beers, specialty cocktails, coffee and desserts. The event will also feature live entertainment with welcome by special guest Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.

With the Greek Centennial taking place the same weekend, Greek organizations have been invited to set up booths to assist in raising money for their chapters.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. in Prather Coliseum. Tickets to Flavor of Louisiana are $75 per individual and $125 per couple. Sponsorships are available at the $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 levels. Deadline for sponsorships is Friday, April 1.

“The NSU Foundation is grateful to all of our alumni, supporters, partners and friends and we hope everyone will join us for what has always been an enjoyable evening with delicious food and memorable entertainment,” Bankston said.

For information on tickets, please call (318) 357-4292. 

A FREE Community Screening and Educational Event with The Save A Leg Save a Life Foundation will be held Thursday, March 10 at the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches, located at 508 Second Street.

This event is for those who are at risk of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), Diabetic Foot Ulcers, or Amputation. Diabetics, Smokers, Anyone Age 50 or Older and Healthcare Providers are encouraged to attend. This means patients, caregivers, and anyone interested in learning more about PAD, Diabetes and amputation prevention.

The screening will take place at 9 am, followed by community education at 12:30 pm. Healthcare education will be provided from 3:30-4:30 pm, followed by a Healthcare Roundtable Dinner from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Screenings include:

Vision
Glucose (Blood Sugar)
Blood Pressure
Heart Rate
Balance
Sensation tests
Arterial perfusion
And More

The Save a Leg, Save a Life Foundation’s Mission is to reduce the number of lower extremity amputations and improve the quality of life of citizens who are afflicted with wounds and complications from diabetes and peripheral artery disease.

For more information contact Frank.Aviles@NRMCHOSPITAL.ORG

State Senator Louie Bernard was the guest speaker at the March 1 Rotary luncheon. He discussed the many issues presently facing Louisiana. Pictured from left are Rotary President Tommy Caldwell and Bernard (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

WINN:
Charles Denver Fox
July 23, 1947 – February 27, 2022
Service: Friday, March 4 at 10 am at Zion Hill Baptist Church

Wilburn J. Smiley
August 28, 1945 – February 28, 2022
Service: Wednesday, March 2 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home

Natchitoches Tax Commission Administrator Laura Dalme-Jeffcoat summed up the Tax Report at the City Council meeting Monday night, Feb. 28 by saying, “The City is making money and it will continue making money.” 

Last year there was an increase each month for 2021 comparatively from one January to the next from previous years. December sales showed a 16% increase from the previous year. Jeffcoat reported that collections were awesome because the Christmas Festival did very well. The collections for February of 2022 were $133,000 more than last February.

“Natchitoches doesn’t know what recession means,” she added. “It’s not happening.”

She said that while the pandemic hurt things a little, Oil and Gas has been back in Natchitoches Parish since October and Natchitoches will be okay.

She also shared that the new Vaughn dealership is looking to sell its first car at its new location within the next two months.

Other agenda items included:

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

• Declare A Certain Building Unsafe And Recommending That Same Be Demolished Or Put Into Repair To Comply With The Building Code, Authorizing Notice To Be Served Requiring Demolition/Removal
• Amend And Reenact Section 30-42 (C) Of The Code Of Ordinance Of The City Of Natchitoches, Which Is Located In Article Iv Of Section 30 Of The Code Of Ordinances Of The City Of Natchitoches, Entitled “Utilities” Said Amendments Being Made To Implement Changes In The Rate Schedule For Water For Industrial Users Inside The City Limits, Which New Rate Structure Has Been Proposed Following A Water Rate Study, Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer
• Designate Funds From The American Rescue Plan To The City Of Natchitoches Police Department To Otherwise Provide With Respect Thereto.
• Create The River South Commons Economic Development District, State Of Louisiana And Defining The Boundaries Thereof; Appointing Special Counsel; And Otherwise Providing With Respect Thereto.
• Approve That Instrument Titled Cooperative Endeavor Agreement Between The City Of Natchitoches And Chick-Fil-A, Inc., Which Agreement Provides For Cost Sharing For The Installation Of Infrastructure, Including Traffic And Drainage, Which Improvements Will Serve The Proposed Restaurant Facility At The Corner Of E. 5th Street And Highway 494.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be Monday, March 14, 2022.

After several years of going back and forth on renovations that never happened, Hopeville (formerly Summertree) Apartments will be on the agenda at the City Council’s March 14. It will be put on the list of buildings to be declared unsafe with a recommendation for demolition.

A building inspector recently went out to the property. Some of the structure is now beyond repair. There’re spots with black mold that will need to be torn out completely. Everything is open to the elements and the little bit of work that was done to install insulation has been ruined by weather.

The Concerned Citizens of Natchitoches organization hosted an awards ceremony Monday, February 28 at Natchitoches’ Martin Luther King Center. The focus of the ceremony was to recognize an eclectic group of local African-Americans who have excelled in a wide variety of endeavors.

The event was emceed by Mr. Johnny Barnes, President of The Concerned Citizens of Natchitoches. Several talented groups of young people from area churches entertained the crowd as they enjoyed a catered dinner and fellowship.

Among the awardees were:

Long-time community leader, historian, and president of the Voters and Civic League, Mr. J. W. Scarbrough

Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams

NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones

Natchitoches Police Chief Nikeo Collins

Attorney and Associate Professor in the NSU College of Business & Technology, Dr. Carmella Parker

Long time gunsmith, business owner and community leader, Mr. Mike Lewis

The late Sylvia Morrow, a pioneer in local government, and in the community was also recognized.

There was a common theme throughout the evening as each person honored gave thanks to those who went before and laid a foundation for their success. Indeed, all of us owe a debt to the men and women of the past who, when faced with injustice, came back with hard work and excellence. Our city, and nation, are better because of them.

The Natchitoches Magnet School Mustang Mathcounts Team participated in the Regional Competition on Feb. 18. The team placed second overall. These students advanced to the State Competition, which is Mar. 11. Bryan Chen placed 1st. Bradin Smith placed 6th and Aiden Cooper placed 9th. Also pictured is team coach, Zenda Owens.

The wonder of playing at a Major League Baseball stadium is behind the Northwestern State baseball team.

The work resumes for the Demons on Tuesday night as they host state rival UL Lafayette at 6 p.m. in the first of a two-game, home-and-home series. The second meeting is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday in Lafayette. Free streaming audio and subscription video are available on www.NSUDemons.com and through the Northwestern State Athletics app, which can be downloaded free for Apple and Android devices.

“If you were at the games this weekend, you saw two good baseball teams competing really hard,” sixth-year head coach Bobby Barbier said of his team’s three-game series against Oklahoma at Globe Life Field. “That was the goal going into it and for the rest of the season – how many days can we show up and compete? I hope it’s all of them. We have so far. Sometimes things work out your way, and sometimes they don’t. I thought we did that this weekend in a really neat venue. I’m so appreciative of the Rangers letting us use it and for Oklahoma to set it up because of the bad weather in Norma. Now, we have to do it again.”

Northwestern State (3-3) won the opening game of the series against the Sooners before dropping the next two. Down I-35 from Arlington, the Ragin’ Cajuns (3-4) dropped all three of their games in the Karbach Round Rock Classic at Dell Diamond.

UL Lafayette faced Stanford, Indiana and Arkansas in the round-robin event.

While Tuesday’s meeting will be the first regular-season meeting between the teams since a 10-8 Northwestern State win Feb. 26, 2020, the teams have seen each other since then.

“We played them in the fall,” Barbier said. “They did like us and ran 15 or 16 arms out there at us, and I think all of them competed very hard in the strike zone. That’s going to be more of the same for the next few teams we’re going to play. We’ve got to get used to that. We have to make a pitcher change what he wants to do, take something away from him. At some points this weekend, (Oklahoma) made it really tough on us. They kept coming at us with really good stuff. When the stuff is more normal, how do we adjust to making them do something they don’t want to do? I’m looking forward to our offense moving forward. This weekend, the strikeout numbers were high. Will we let that affect us, or will we make a conscious effort to dominate that strike zone in the next two games?”

The Demon offense has been powered by a pair of outfielders – one veteran and one newcomer.

Fifth-year senior Larson Fontenot leads the Demons with a .360 average after a two-hit game in Sunday’s series finale. Since the start of the 2021 season, Fontenot is hitting .311 in 135 at-bats and has stolen 16 bases in 18 attempts.

“There’s no price you put on experience,” Barbier said. “He’s such a different player than when he showed up here five years ago, and it’s a credit to him working toward his development. When he puts it on the ground, you better field it clean and get rid of it pretty quickly or he’s going to beat it out. It shows you what athleticism brings to your lineup.”

First-year Demon Broch Holmes ranks third on the team with a .292 average after a two-hit game Sunday. Holmes had the biggest hit in the Demons’ 4-2 win Friday, a two-run, eighth-inning single for his first two NSU RBIs.

“He played great all weekend,” Barbier said. “He’s got big bat speed. You can tell who’s swinging when he’s in the box. He’s done a great job making adjustments with (associate head) coach (Chris) Bert(rand) and being ready to hit in games. We brought him in to do what he’s doing – hitting in the middle of the lineup. I’m proud of him and looking forward to seeing him compete from here on out.”

NSU will start right-hander Chase Prestwich (0-1, 6.00) on Tuesday and has not named a starter for Wednesday’s series finale.

Photo: Chris Brown/NSU Athletics

After a three-win weekend at the Mardi Gras Mambo, Northwestern State will look to turn Fat Tuesday into a winning Tuesday as it hosts Grambling in the first home midweek game of the season.

First pitch against the Lady Tigers is set for 5 p.m. at Lady Demon Diamond. Live video of the game will be available at www.nsudemons.com/watch or on the NSU Athletics mobile app, a free download in either the Apple or Google stores.

“Excited about getting back home and playing in front of the home crowd,” head coach Donald Pickett said after 11 straight road games. “Hopefully the weather will be nice and we can have a good crowd and hopefully we’ll be able to learn some things from this weekend and build a little momentum heading into the next.”

Among the things the Lady Demons (9-6) learned in their five-game weekend set in Youngsville was the importance of early runs, the ability to fight through tough situations, the need to keep forcing the issue on offense and that they have the ability to be a pretty good team.

NSU scored in the first or second inning in all three of their wins on the weekend, including seven total runs in the second inning against Eastern Illinois and St. Thomas. They had a three-run first on Sunday against Portland State and led 6-2 after three innings, but left runners on the bases along the way, missed opportunities that ultimately came back to haunt them.

Against PSU, they also learned that the pitching staff that had been dominating games this season was in fact human. A combined eight walks and one hit batter led to five Vikings runs in the 9-7 loss on Sunday.

“We pitched everybody today and all of them had issues with it,” Pickett said after that game. “We are better than that and I don’t think that’s going to happen very much at all this year but today was one of those games.”

After the uncharacteristic outing for the staff that still leads the conference with a 2.30 ERA and, 132 strikeouts, .211 opponent batting average and allowing just 2.3 earned runs per game, the first thing Pickett wants to see against Grambling is a short memory from the quartet.

“I want to see the pitchers bounce back and get back to doing the things they’ve been doing all year,” he said. “Hopefully we can get the lead early and stay on them and be able to keep teams down and not let them back in the game.

“Grambling has given us problems in the past, so we’ll have to go in ready to play and understand that we’ve got to play a full game from the first pitch to the last. We’ve got to keep working towards that and keeping that focus and building that competitiveness in us to complete those games.”

NSU has won the last 11 games in a row against Grambling, including a pair of run-rule wins a year ago. The two games prior to that however were decided by less than three runs total with NSU winning 3-1 at Grambling in 2020 and 2-1 in Natchitoches in 2019.

Photo: Evelyn Winger

Join us on the Natchitoches Riverbank on March 5th from 10:00am – 1:00pm for Service League of Natchitoches’ annual Reading on the River. Children attending will receive a free book, enjoy literacy themed crafts and activities, and have the opportunity to read with local leaders.

This event is free and open to the public.

To host a table or become a vendor, email alee@canerivernha.org.

Dear Parent/Guardian

If your child is in the 8th – 12th grade, he/she will be taking the ACT this spring semester. Students in the 8th and 9th grades will take the PreACT Monday, March 7th. Students in the 11th and 12th grades will take the ACT Tuesday, March 8th, and students in the 10th grade will take it Wednesday, March 9th. For each day, testing will begin promptly at 8:00 AM, so it is very important for your child to arrive on time. Any student that is late will not be allowed to interrupt testing once it begins. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call to the school and speak with myself, or Mr. Benjamin.

Thank you,

Bobby Benjamin, NPTCC Principal
Chelsea Calhoun, NPTCC School Counselor

The Zeta Iota Alumni Association Inc. will provide a Natchitoches Community Food Distribution in conjunction with a Blood Drive on the LifeShare Bus on Saturday, March 12 from 11 am – 3 pm in the Ben Johnson Auditorium parking lot, located at 400 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Natchitoches.

Meals will be prepared by Legacy. Blood donation is not required to receive a meal.

SABINE:
Mike Wilson
July 1, 1959 – February 24, 2022
Service: Tuesday, March 1 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

WINN:
Wilburn J. Smiley
August 28, 1945 – February 28, 2022
Service: Wednesday, March 2 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home