The Ben D. Johnson Educational Center, (BDJ Center) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit and pillar in the West Natchitoches community. BDJ’s Legacy Youth Workforce Development program provides culinary training, career development, life and leadership skills, and support to overcome barriers to employment for young people ages 17-24 who are out of work and out of school.

The Summer VISTA positions will carry out a 7-week feeding program at the BDJ Center’s Summer Food Service Program, and feed 100 low-income students (up to 18 years old) living in Natchitoches who are eligible for free or reduced lunch.

Summer associates will work with BDJ staff, full time VISTAs and students to create a sustainable summer feeding program. Specific activities include research and the development of menus that introduce students to fresh, healthy meals in accordance with SNAP-ED’s nutrition guidelines, preparing simple healthy meals (under the direction of the Chef) utilizing a commercial kitchen, create activities that teach students about nutrition, and encourage healthy lifestyle changes. Individuals will gain valuable experience in starting a feeding program, an opportunity to serve individuals with food insecurities and ultimately impact the quality of life for young people with food insecurities.

To learn more about these opportunities and to apply, go to AmeriCorps VISTA | AmeriCorps You can also contact the staff at the Ben Johnson Educational Center at 318-460-7460.

Claire Prymus, President and Founder, “We are grateful for the partnership with AmeriCorps which has helped to create sustainability and build capacity within our organization, and enable us to carry out our mission to build community in Natchitoches and give access to social and economic success to all residents. We are also grateful to local businesses and residents who believe and support our mission.”

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Sen. Donald G. Kelly – Reviews 50 Years

Former Senator Don Kelly joins Billy West Live to discuss his observations of government in Louisiana and the United States of America for the past 50 years.

Billy West Live Profile

Billy West has been a practicing attorney in Louisiana for 32 years with an active practice in all areas of civil and criminal law.

Mr. West has been recognized as a distinguished Alumni of Louisiana State University and previously served on the Board of Directors of the Mainstay Independence Bowl. Mr. West has hosted sports related radio shows for years in Louisiana and has been a frequent color commentator for High School and Collegiate radio and television broadcasts.

Billy West has long been involved in Louisiana politics and has been an acute observer of the political landscape that has drastically changed in Louisiana and the United State of America from the late 1970s to the present date. The Billy West Live Podcast will inform, entertain, promote debate and potentially anger the listeners. Billy West will have present, former and potentially future elected officials join the show to talk about issues. Billy West Live will cover topics related to politics, sports, science and general information of interest to Louisianian’s, southerners and all Americans. Archive and link the Billy West Live Podcast to stay informed and be entertained.

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The Virtue of the Month for April was Hope. Students from St. Mary’s Catholic School chose are (front row, l-r) Thea Foshee, Anniston Clark, Lexie Metoyer, Lillian Wilkerson, Kiptin Williams, Lila Campbell, Jackson McKnight and Tate Hebert. Back row: Layla Slaughter, Chloe Methvin, Ava Wren, Anna Marie McClung, Baylea Johnson, Emma Blanchard, Cole Yopp and Jensen Parker. Congratulations to these students!

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January 10, 1948 – May 01, 2021

Funeral services for Harvis “Junior” Johnson will be held Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home, with Jay Begbie officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 am until 1 pm on Wednesday, May 5. He will have a Masonic Service and burial will follow at Bay Springs Cemetery in Chopin, LA.

Junior Johnson entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the age of 73 in his home on the banks of beautiful Cane River Lake. Junior was a minister under The Universal Life Church and will be buried at Bay Springs Cemetery, next to his beloved son Kevin.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harvis Johnson, Sr.; his mother, Rita Johnson Hernandez and step-father, Earl Hernandez; brother, Russell Johnson; son, Kevin Harvis Johnson, and brother-in-law, Robert Walker. He is survived by his wife, Ginny Van Sickle Johnson; step-daughter, Annica Eliasson; step-son, Erik Eliasson; grandchildren, Noah Harvis Johnson, Vivianne Eliasson, Charlotte Eliasson, and Quinby Eliasson; brother, Terry Johnson; and sister, Debra Johnson Walker; as well as a host of extended family and loved ones.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be David Carr, James Cryer, Erik Eliasson, Noah Johnson, Marshall Lewis, and John “Yonie” Masson.

Junior was a retired Production Supervisor in the Offshore Oil & Gas Industry, having spent 32 years in his career. He was an avid SCUBA diver and loved riding Cane River on his barge. A terrible helicopter crash, which he was Blessed to have survived, ended this career; however, during his recovery process, he became interested in writing little stories of his life for friends and family. Junior’s first book, “Tales of a Boy From Cane River” was published in 2017 followed by his second book, “Coco Bed Justice” the same year. He loved his persona, “The Coco Bed Kid” which was the inspiration for his third book, “The Life and Legend of the Coco Bed Kid”. Storytelling and writing was his passion and in 2019 we were privileged to enjoy another one of his publications, “The Coco Bed Kid Writes and Rides Again”. Junior was a board member of the Natchitoches Parish Fire District #1 in Cloutierville, Phoenix Lodge #38 Masonic Lodge of Natchitoches, Camp Chaplin of the Col. Samuel D. Russell 1617 in the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and was a graduate of Northwestern State University.

Junior had a kind, gentle soul and loved all kinds of sports and outdoor activities. He was a blessing to everyone who knew and loved him. He was a great cook, loved music history, writing, and watching old Western movies on TV. He was compassionate and patient with elderly men and women and loved children. He enjoyed his life to the fullest and is leaving many memories, which will always be cherished by his many friends, family, and extended family. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, it was Junior’s request to make a donation to Wounded Warriors, Sons of the Confederate Veterans, or the Masonic Lodge, in his memory.

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Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches welcomes three new members. Jennifer Luna, Women’s Resource Center Executive Director, Katie Raggio, Southern Scripts Build Design Technician, and Mallory Lambert, NRMC Benefits Administrator were all inducted to the Club in April. Craig Caskey, Kiwanis President, “The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches is excited about our new additions to our membership. Each of them brings their talents but most importantly, their desire to make the world a little better, one child and one community at a time.”

“Kids need Kiwanis, in our community and in communities around the world. “Our club believes in children and wants to provide all kids with an opportunity to thrive, prosper and grow.”

Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches, www.kiwanisclubnatchitoches.com , welcomes new members who want to serve their community. For information on becoming a member or on attending one of their weekly meetings, contact Craig Caskey at kiwanisnatchitoches@gmail.com.

About Kiwanis International

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs and members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs, including Circle K International for university students, Key Club for students age 14–18, Builders Club for students age 11–14, K-Kids for students age 6–12 and Aktion Club for adults living with disabilities, annually dedicate more than 18.5 million service hours to strengthen communities and serve children. The Kiwanis International family comprises nearly 558,000 adult and youth members 82 nations and geographic areas. Visit http://www.kiwanis.org for more information.

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POSITION: Water Treatment Plant Operator

DESCRIPTION: Performs maintenance work in the operation of the water treatment plant.

QUALIFICATIONS: A Louisiana Department of Health Operator Certification is preferred or be willing to work towards certifications in water treatment. This position will require a work schedule of 12 hour rotating shifts.

CONTACT: Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St. or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037. Applications may also be picked up downstairs at City Hall located at 700 Second St. or you may download an application on line at http://www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

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New Orleans – The 431 Exchange is proud to announce that Jay Oliphant, Unified Public Safety Administration major, is one of seven recipients of its Spring 2021 scholarship. Jay has had a 28-year career and counting in law enforcement. And while a college degree is not required for his field, his wife has been applying gentle pressure for years for Jay to get a degree. Everyone should have an education to fall back on, she has told him, and Jay listened.

The 431 Exchange established a Scholarship Fund to award applicants with cash grants for continuing or vocational education in honor of the legacy of the Adult Education Center. Scholarships are $1,431 each in two different categories: Legacy and General Awards. Legacy Awards are open to descendants of the 431 graduates of The Adult Education Center, including: children, stepchildren, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews. General Awards are open to the general public.

The Adult Education Center (AEC) on Exchange Place in New Orleans provided innovative vocational training to 431 inspirational women from 1965 to 1972. These women went on to become the first black secretaries to integrate the multinational corporations and local businesses of the city. Eventually their impact spread throughout the South and helped pave the way for equal employment opportunity for all American citizens. Jeanne and Jeff Geoffray, descendants of Alice Geoffray, the school’s director, created The 431 Exchange: a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to advocate nationally on behalf of adult education and social justice issues.

For more information, please visit http://www.431exchange.org.

The 431 Exchange is a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to educational equality. Our mission is to support adult education and social justice initiatives throughout the country. Our programs include advocacy, fundraising, and a scholarship fund.

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NATCHITOCHES:
Jessie Floyd
April 25, 2021
Graveside services governed by COVID19 regulations will take place Saturday, May 8, 2021, 11:00 a. m. in the Campti Community Cemetery. The family will gather at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches at 9:30 to form a procession to the burial site. All Attendees must wear masks.

Harvis “Junior” Johnson
January 10, 1948 – May 01, 2021
Service: Wednesday, May 5 at 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Mary Lou Safford Begnaud
May 16, 1931 – April 29, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 8 at 1 pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Natchitoches

Chuck Raymond Foshee, Sr.
February 17, 1943 – April 28, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Harry Graham
April 24, 2021
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Bertie Maxine Spears Byrd
January 20, 1933 – May 1, 2021
Service: Saturday May 8 at 2 pm at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

WINN:
Dr. Jerry Lee Allen
June 30, 1936 – May 01, 2021
Service: Thursday, May 6 at 2 PM at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield

RED RIVER:
Robert Clayton Wood
July 16, 1950 – May 02, 2021
Service: Wednesday, May 5 at 11 am at Springhill Cemetery

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Kevin’s Gallery

The Natchitoches Women’s Resource Center held its tenth annual “Run Baby Run” fundraising one mile and 5k race this Saturday, May 1. This year’s edition of the popular race featured a record high 170 runners on a picturesque course that started at the First Baptist Church and wound through the city before ending back at the church.

The Women’s Resource Center provides pregnancy related assistance to over 400 area women each year, providing 5-10 visits during the pregnancy with help continuing through the child’s first year. The Center provides its clients counseling, ultrasounds, education, and items such as prenatal vitamins, car seats, clothing, and breast pumps. These items and the center’s support give the child and new mother a good start on their new lives. No woman is ever charged a fee.

The Shreveport chapter of Team RWB, a nation-wide organization for Veterans, their families and supporters brought several members to the run. Members of Team RWB presented the colors before the event. The Veterans were there to run for more than themselves. They had partnered with Ainsley’s Angels, an organization that pairs special needs individuals who would not normally be able to experience a run. The Team RWB members pushed specially built racing chairs with the person inside for the 5K run, giving them the chance to enjoy racing. Local Army Recruiter Staff Sergeant Lawrence Clint and his family represented the U.S. Army. DJ Craig Caskey kept the runners’ spirits high with a variety of tunes.

After the conclusion of the race, the crowd of runners, volunteers and supporters held a balloon release to honor the boys, girls and unborn children who were helped by the Women’s Resource Center. Miss Addie McGrath presented the Women’s Resource Center with a check for $170.00 that she raised by selling homemade bracelets.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating the event photography. Copy protection is off and anyone may download any they wish. If you do see a photograph you like, please consider a donation to the Women’s Resource Center.

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Northwestern State Director of Athletics Greg Burke announced Friday that NSU volleyball coach Sean Kiracofe will receive a contract extension that runs through the 2023 season. Kiracofe’s contract was approved at the April meeting of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.

“Sean has provided stability and continuity for the NSU volleyball program, with a focus on off- and on-court success,” Burke said. “He faced a total rebuild upon arriving at NSU in 2015, having lost six of the program’s top eight players from a team that won the Southland Conference tournament title and made an NCAA postseason appearance. Ultimately, he led the program to its second-ever postseason appearance (2019 National Invitational Volleyball Championship).

“He stays the course, recruits relentlessly and is a great ‘teacher’ of the game,” added Burke, who noted that Kiracofe faced a similar scenario this past spring as the team was without its top six players from a year ago and then played part of the season without all-conference candidate Haley Hoang at libero.

“I would like to thank Dr. Maggio and Mr. Burke for their continued trust in me to lead this program,” Kiracofe said. “I also want to thank all the student athletes, past and present, that have believed in the vision (assistant coach) Stacey (Aldredge) and I have for this team. Without their work and dedication, I would not have this opportunity. We believe in our roster, believe in what they are capable of and anxiously await starting back up in August to begin the 2021 season.”

The rebuilding process that began in 2015 saw its first major fruits during the 2019 campaign. Kiracofe guided the Lady Demons to their fifth 20-win season and second-ever postseason appearance, setting the single-season record for team attack percentage at .224 on the year.

Kiracofe was named the Louisiana Sports Writer’s Association Coach of the Year while his most accomplished recruit to date, Louisiana native and arguably the best player in program history, Hannah Brister, earned both LSWA and Southland Conference Player of the Year honors. Brister was also named SLC Freshman of the Year in 2017, just the fifth player in conference history to win both individual honors.

Defense and ball control have been staples of the Kiracofe era. Since 2015, three Lady Demons who played their entire careers under Kiracofe have surpassed 1,000 career digs, including two of the top five totals in program history – Channing Burleson (1,879) and Megan Lohmiller (1,289).

The third, Alexis Warren, also became the fourth 1,000-1,000 player in school history, reaching both milestones during the historic 2019 season.

Known for his work at the net with the middle blockers, NSU has had four of the top 10 single-season total block performances in school history since Kiracofe took over, most recently from Madeline Drake in 2017 who finished with 116, just the seventh 100-plus block season in school history.

It hasn’t been all defense under Kiracofe either. Twice in the past four seasons the single-season kills record has been broken, with Brister setting the new mark in 2019 at 539, the first 500-kill season for a Lady Demon.

Kiracofe-led teams have produced 10 top-five single-season performances in wins, win percentage, kills, hitting percentage, assists, digs and block assists. His teams are responsible for two of the best season win (20 – 2019, 15 – 2017) and team attack percentage (.224 – 2019, .200 – 2018) totals in program history.

Photo credit: Chris Reich, NSU Photographic Services

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NATCHITOCHES, LA- Shirley Dobson worked at Northwestern State University for 26 years before she began her career at the Louisiana School in September of 2016. After working as Administrative Assistant for LSMSA Executive Director Steve Horton, she announced her retirement, which was official in January of 2020.

Dr. Victor Feske, Senior Lecturer in European History, worked at LSMSA for 22 years before retiring in August of 2020. He joined the faculty in 1998. He received his Ph.D. in European History from Yale University. His areas of specialization include the history of modern Britain, diplomatic and strategic history, European intellectual history, the history of the second world war and the history of the British Empire and Commonwealth.

Ruth Prudhomme began her state service at Northwestern State University in 1991 and left there as the Bursar. She came to LSMSA in 2000 as Comptroller and is retiring as Associate Director/Comptroller. She is a graduate of NSU and the University of North Alabama. During her career at LSMSA, Ruth always kept the needs of the students paramount, as well as the staff and faculty. She successfully negotiated, navigated and maintained a successful operating budget, ensuring the school was a good stewards of its appropriated funding.

Lucille Washington worked as a custodian at LSMSA from July of 1984 through October of 1992 and January of 1994 through October of 2019.

Renowned mathematician, educator and mentor, Mike McGrath, retired after 32 years of service as educator, department chair, and representative to the LSMSA board. During his long career as an educator, he taught advanced concepts in every level of mathematics from Geometry to Calculus II, and for more than 20 years at LSMSA, he served as chair of the Department of Math and Computer Science. He achieved the school’s highest faculty rank of senior lecturer, and in 2013, he was elected by his peers to serve as the faculty representative to the school’s Board of Directors, a role in which he spent six years.

In retirement, McGrath hopes to travel more and spend time with his grandchildren.

Science Lab Technician Ken Stevens retired in October of 2020 after 36 years. Ken started working at LSMSA when the school first opened its doors in 1983. Ken has served as a lab technician, stockroom manager, and a sponsor for the chess and anime club. He’s a Natchitoches native and a product of Natchitoches Central and Northwestern State University.

Physical Plant Supervisor Chuck Stoker began the next chapter in his life in April after 29 and a half years of serving LSMSA and the State of Louisiana. Chuck kept the physical plant of the school humming along – even during the big budget cut years. Chuck is looking forward to spending more time fishing, riding motorcycles and traveling with his wife Mimi.

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Kevin’s Gallery

After pulverizing its district opposition, the St. Mary’s baseball team finally didn’t have a walk in the park when it arrived in postseason, but the Tigers prevailed in a highly competitive three-game LHSAA Division IV playoff series with visiting St. Frederick’s over the weekend.

Starting with a comeback 4-3 victory Friday, the Tigers overcame a 2-0 second-game defeat Saturday and roared into the playoff quarterfinal round with a 6-1 triumph.

Fourth-seeded St. Mary’s (28-6) will host No. 5 Catholic-Pointe Coupee in a best-of-three series at Cracker Brown Field in the east Natchitoches recreation complex. The opening game is Thursday at 6, followed Friday by the second game at 4, and if necessary, the third contest at about 7 o’clock Friday evening. The winning team advances to the state tournament the following week in Sulphur.

In Friday evening’s opening win, Patrick Vienne fired a complete game and the Tigers overcame a 3-0 deficit with a four-run sixth inning, fueled by five singles. St. Fred’s did its damage softly, said Tigers’ coach Brooks McMinn, with “dink after dink” singles off the SMHS ace, who mowed down the hitters in the seventh to nail down the dramatic victory.

In a matchup of freshmen pitchers in the second game, St. Mary’s Ethan Busby performed extremely well but the Tigers were plagued by a problem that dogged them all series long, stranding runners on base. They left the sacks loaded in the bottom of the seventh.

The do-or-die finale was tied 1-1 after one, but St. Mary’s rapped hit after hit and rang up four second-inning runs to build a comfortable advantage for pitcher Payne Williams Jr. He scattered six hits and had sound defense around him as the Tigers punched their ticket to the quarterfinal round.

“Our kids fought and fought and fought all series long,” said McMinn. “I was really proud of that. Up or down, they didn’t flinch. I’m hoping these close games should help us prepare for what’s ahead.”

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The Natchitoches Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated presents its annual Community Recognition program on Saturday, May 15 at 9 am. This year’s program will honor our 2019-2020 Black Owned Business of the Year Robert Moran (Kommon Scentz Wellness) and the 2020-2021 Black Owned Business of the Year recipient Howard E. Conday, Jr. (Law Offices of Howard E. Conday, Jr.). The guest speaker will be Dr. Ouida Collins.

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By Katie Nedgood, Lakeview FFA

FFA is a national organization which once stood for future farmers of America, but now stands for the National FFA Organization. The name was changed in 1988 because FFA is not only about farming. FFA consists of other agriculture career opportunities, such as education, marketing, and research.

FFA is part of a 3 circle model for a complete agricultural education program along with classroom instruction and supervised agriculture experience (SAE). I chose my SAE to be agriculture communications where I will be writing about FFA and what we do as members.

FFA is a fascinating experience that is open for all students enrolled in an agriculture class. This organization teaches many important life lessons. FFA contributes to premier leadership, personal growth, career success, and the development of life skills. You do not have to be a student to contribute to FFA. If you are an adult or an FFA alumni you can support your local FFA chapter by donating your time, resources, or money by purchasing plants or projects.

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By Kevin Shannahan

The Natchitoches Historic Foundation held its Membership Celebration on May 2 at the Roque House in the downtown riverbank area. The members got together in the picturesque setting to promote new membership and to recognize some members for their above and beyond service to the organization and the community.

Ms. Brenda Rinehart was recognized with a Non-Board Member Volunteer Award while Ms. Hillary Bennett received the Outstanding Board Member Award.

The approximately 150 members of the Natchitoches Historic Foundation are “…dedicated to its mission of preservation, education, and advocacy…” of our area’s unique history. The Foundation sponsors tours of the American Cemetery each year for local eighth graders as well as the tour of the American Cemetery for adults and families. The group also sponsors the popular Christmas Tour of Homes.

The Natchitoches Historical Foundation is an integral part of preserving our area’s past for the enjoyment and education of future generations.

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Forty-Six young ladies vied for a spot on the Purple Pizzazz Pom Line Saturday, April 24. The contestants were judged on their dance experience, poise, and ability. The prospective Pom Line dancers were given a piece of choreography they had not seen before and graded on their ability to learn and perform the piece as well as other factors.

The Purple Pizzazz Pom Line performs at home football and basketball games as well as community events. Their high energy routines have been keeping Demon fans’ spirits high and providing quality entertainment for years.

Your 2021-2022 NSU Pom Line is: Back Row L to R: Mckenzie Candebat, Keeley Trahan, Ialiyah Weaver, Hayden Thompson, Emily Day, Mi’kya Lollie, Brooklyn Guerra, Cassidy Blanchard

Middle Row L to R: Kirstin Robin, Arianna Astorga, Emily Clayton, Jess Easley, Kijah Johnson, Baylee Weldon, Kariah Sisk-Shaheed

Front Row L to R: Makynli Delcambre, Co-Captain Mariah Kador, Captain Kelsy Elkins, Riley Craton

Not Pictured: Maci Hollingsworth and Ragan Rounds

The Natchitoches Parish Journal extends its best wishes to the young women of the NSU Pom Line for a successful year!

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By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

NSU’s Steel Drum Band gave a concert before a delighted audience on NSU’s Alumni Plaza on April 30. The 12 members of the band play distinctive styles of music named soca and calypso that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. The band also rounded out the concert with several Reggae pieces. For one set, the audience formed a Conga line and participated in a Limbo contest.

The band was joined onstage by a group of NSU students, faculty members and Buckeye High School Band member Ray Price, who performed a piece that was totally new to them. This performance not only involved a piece that was totally unfamiliar, but also learning how to play steel drums, a new experience for them. They worked hard, and in the space of a few hours mastered the new instruments and gave a wonderful performance.

The concert was the second one for the NSU Steel Drum Band. They were formed a bit over a year ago after an enterprising faculty member, Dr. Oliver Molina, landed a grant from the State Board of Regents to fund the purchase of the instruments. The band, NSU’s newest musical ensemble, was quite a hit with the audience as they brought a carefree island atmosphere to a year that has been anything but carefree. One of the unique aspects of the Steel Drum Band is that one does not have to be a member of the Spirit of Northwestern Band, or even a music major, to join. Any student willing to learn and put in the work is welcome.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to thank the NSU Steel Drum Band for a most delightful evening. We would also like to commend you for your hard work, dedication to your craft and superb musicianship. From theater to music in all its forms, NSU’s School of Creative and Performing Arts is an amazing font of talent!

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Know a teacher who wants an outstanding professional development opportunity? The park is currently recruiting one teacher from surrounding school districts to spend the summer working with us at Cane River Creole National Historical Park as a Teacher-Ranger-Teacher (TRT). The selected candidate will learn about the park’s rich cultural resources, help develop the park’s education program, and have the opportunity to share their experiences with their students and fellow teachers when they return to the classroom.

This temporary (240-hour) position is part of a nationwide professional development program to help grow and nurture K-12 educational opportunities within the National Park Service (NPS). The selected teacher will work with park staff to evaluate the park’s educational programming and develop new programs, curriculum, and teacher resources. Applicants should have experience in program planning and lesson plan development and a passion for placed-based education and national parks. Teachers of all grade levels and subject areas from the park’s surrounding school districts may apply and much of the work may be done remotely.

The TRT program includes 45 hours of online coursework, discussion, and course readings. Upon completion of the program and course work, the teacher will receive a $3000 stipend and earn three graduate credit hours through University of Colorado, Denver (UC Denver). The TRT program is provided through a partnership between NPS and UC Denver. The goal of the program is to train teachers in the resources and themes of the NPS so that they can return to their schools in the fall and incorporate their new skills into their classroom activities.

For more information and for an application, please contact JoAnn St Clair at jo_a_st_clair@nps.gov. The application deadline for the TRT program is Friday, May 14, 2021.

The grounds of Oakland and Magnolia Plantations are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nearly 80 original buildings remain, many open for self-guided tours including several that are historically furnished from Wednesday through Sunday. Park staff conducts tours of the plantation grounds daily Wednesday through Sunday. In addition, the park offers a cell phone tour. The Oakland Main House is open for self-guided tours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Magnolia Main House is privately owned and is not open to the public. For more information, please visit the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/cari, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/canerivercreoleNPS or call the park at 318-352-0383, ext. 316.

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