Visitors are invited to the Annual St. Augustine Fair Oct. 13-15. The public is welcome to participate in the festivities of the weekend and get immersed in the culture, creole cuisine, and hospitality of the parish family. The weekend kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday with a Fish Fry, and later, a dance featuring DJ Rob Real.

Coinciding with the Fair is APHN’s Annual Tour of Homes. St. Augustine Catholic Church and cemetery is listed as a tour stop on the Country Tour and affords an opportunity to visit this historic landmark, which in 2014 was designated a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

Louise Perot Pinder
August 21, 1927 – October 10, 2017
Service (graveside): Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 10 am at St. Maurice Cemetery in St. Maurice

Leander Pearson
September 29, 1949 – October 10, 2017
Arrangements TBA

James Bernard Cannon
June 11, 1935 – October 9, 2017
Service: Thursday, Oct. 12 at 11 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville
Interment: Cloutierville Catholic Cemetery
Visitation: Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

David Wayne Meshell
January 1, 1953 – October 6, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, Oct. 12 at 11 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Thursday, Oct. 12 at 12 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Pine Knot Cemetery

Micheal Lamar Poole
August 15, 1951 – October 7, 2017
Service: Saturday, Oct. 14 at 2 pm in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena

Travis Lane Smiley
April 1, 1946 – October 8, 2017
Visitation: Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 12-2:45 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 3 pm at First Baptist Church of Winnfield
Interment: Sardis Cemetery in Atlanta

Victor Gale Simons
August 7, 1948 – October 8, 2017
Service (graveside): Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 10 am
Interment: Chatham Cemetery in Chatham

Bernard B. Miller
March 15, 1926 – September 28, 2017
Service: Saturday, Oct. 14 at 11 am at Prospect Cemetery in Florien

Recommendations for demolition was the hot topic at the City Council meeting Monday night, Oct. 9. Several homeowners came before the Council to discuss the condition of their properties and come up with a timeframe for improvements/demolitions.

The building listed below were declared unsafe by the Director of Planning and Zoning, Juanita Fowler, and the City Building Inspector. They are listed in dangerous and unsanitary conditions, which makes them unsafe and an endangerment to public welfare, which poses a grave public emergency.

Chelsea Thibodeaux: 602 Amulet Street
Andrea and Zachary Besant: 1323 Grayson Street
Gilen Norwood: 446 Henry Avenue
Cathy Chester: 1219 Pavie Street
Annie Oliphant: 1215 Pavie Street
City of Natchitoches ℅ Ann Bonnette: 1021 Amulet Street
Leroy Jr. and Emily Berryman: 210 Paula Lane
Ida McClinton and Thermon Mitchell ℅ Rene Brown: 1124 Old Robeline Road
Albert Sr. and Maggie Payton: 1342 Dixie Street
Mary Lee and Tamer Briggs Mitchell: 437 Payne Street
Temika Payton: 430 Howell Street
Silver and Alice Harris: 220,222 and 226 Carver Alley
City of Natchitoches ℅ Robert Murphy: 943 Anita Street

Thibodeaux currently lives in Arkansas, but told the Council she plans to move into her late grandmother’s house to save it. She was previously renting the house, but decided to do a major rehab on it. After taking it down to the studs, it was broken into and Thibodeaux claims thousands of dollars in building supplies were stolen out of it. Fowler requested Thibodeaux meet with the building inspector to see what needs to be done to bring the house up to code because not its current rough condition.

Several owners admitted that their properties are in need of demolition and requested the City give them time to make the necessary arrangements. Homeowners are given 60 days until the Council casts its final vote on the ordinance to take care of their properties and bring them up to par.

The owner of 430 Howell Street (Payton) lives in Houston. The house burnt down and now sits as a charred shell. When questioned by the Council she said she feels the house is worth saving.

Mayor Lee Posey also took some time to recognize Jordan Rachel as a “Hometown Hero.” Posey originally presented the Hometown Hero Award to Rachel, an eighth grader at Natchitoches Magnet School on Oct. 4. Jordan and his great grandparents, Don and Judy Montet, were driving on Interstate-49 toward Breaux Bridge for a Natchitoches Central game on Sept. 29 when Don experienced a heart attack. He collapsed on top of Judy, who was sitting in the front passenger seat. Jordan stayed calm despite being scared and took control of the situation. He jumped over the back seat and took hold of the wheel to steer them to safety. Posey commended Jordan for his brave and selfless act.

Other agenda items included:

Discuss transfer of lease for lots 3 and 4 at the Natchitoches Regional Airport
Amend zoning classification of 85.08 acres (portion of Rapides Drive and Railroad Street) from I-A Industry Agriculture to I-1 Light Industry to construct a dedicated street-right-of-way
Amend ordinance by approving request by Northwestern State University to change zoning classification of vacant land at the southwest intersection of University Parkway and Hwy. 3110 Bypass from R-1 Residential to B-3 Commercial for commercial development
Award bid for liquid chlorine for the water treatment plant to Brenntag Southwest Inc. for $740 per ton
Execute change order to the contract between the City and Pat Williams Construction for the Rue Beauport Riverfront Project
Apply to the State Bond Commission to order and call a special election to be held in the City to authorize the renewal of a special tax: Millage Renewal-Shall the City continue to levy a 10 mills tax on all property subject to taxation in City (an estimated $1.2 million reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) beginning with the year 2019 and ending with the year 2028, for the purpose of maintaining, operating, improving, and/or constructing public safety facilities and services for the fire and police departments
Resolution to give preliminary approval to the issuance of not to exceed $14 million of Sales Tax Bonds of the City. The City is now levying and collecting a special 1% sales and use tax pursuant to special elections held on January 11, 1966; July 23, 1968; Sept. 13, 1980; and April 9, 2016. The City is now receiving 50% of the revenues of the 1% for various purposes, including the construction, acquisition and improvement of recreation facilities. The City desires to incur debt and issue, not to exceed $14 million, of its Sales Tax Bonds in one or more series for the recreation facilities, to establish a reserve fund, and to pay the cost of the issuance of the bonds.

Northwestern State University’s Department of New Media, Journalism, and Communication Arts will host its 44th Journalism Day, “J-Day,” Friday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. until noon. The free event, open to individual high school students and schools, starts in the TV Studio, Room 143 of Kyser Hall.

Communication and media industry professionals will lead career-exploration sessions to offer guidance in academic course choices and job expectations.
Participants can compete in journalism-related events: media writing, television broadcast news, radio, short film, sportswriting, and photojournalism. Winners are eligible for a $500 scholarship to attend NSU and major in communication.
Schools can submit a newspaper or yearbook for competition.

The last day to register is Oct. 25. To register go to https://www.nsulajday.com or for more information, email zeringe@nsula.edu, eatond@nsula.edu or call at 1-318-357-5360.

The Robeline community kicked off its 26th Annual Robeline Heritage Festival Oct. 6-7. The festivities at the Robeline City Park included hot dogs, drinks, a hayride for the kids, and Gospel Entertainment.

Opening Ceremonies and a parade were held on Saturday. There was plenty of food, arts and crafts, games for the kids as well as their parents, and musical entertainment that evening. Jerad Bridges, Justin Cruse & Sarah Yvonne May and Charlie Farley were some of the performers.

The 63rd Annual Natchitoches Fall Pilgrimage will focus on the unique cellars and tunnels of some of the most historic structures in the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District on the weekend of Oct. 13 -15.  Creole Cottage will be the featured home on the tour.  It is one of the oldest homes in the district, and this will be the first time the home will be open to the public.

“This will be the first time in history that the secrets of the cellars and tunnels of old Natchitoches will be told.  We will share both their architectural and societal importance to our history.  From storage for food to hiding family stills during Prohibition, these spaces played many important roles in the lives of early Natchitoches families,” said Gary Cathey, APHN Fall Tour Chair.

The weekend’s activities begin on Friday, Oct. 13 from 6-9 pm with the Candlelight Tour centered in the downtown area of the district.  Elegant townhomes and historic commercial structures will be on the night’s ticket, and visitors will learn about the little-known cellar and tunnel associated with the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and other downtown commercial buildings.  Ticket holders will be treated to a reception and tasting of early Natchitoches recipes and other special events throughout the evening.  The 75th Anniversary Edition of the Calico Ladies Cookbook will be on sale at the reception.  This will be the first time in almost half a century the cookbook will be available for purchase.

The Town Tour will run from 9 am – 4 pm on Saturday, Oct. 14.  All the homes on this tour have cellars over a century and a half old.  Exhibits will show the building methods and the uses and roles these underground spaces have played since the antebellum period.  A special feature of this year’s tour will be a speaker series throughout the day at the Lemee House on a range of subjects relating to Natchitoches Underground.  Rare finds from archeological digs, design elements of early underground building, and the unusual role Natchitoches played in the Underground Railroad will all be subjects of the series.  Also the Lemee House will feature a exhibition honoring the journalism of Maggie Martin of the Shreveport Times.  Over half a century of Natchitoches history and the preservation work of the APHN will be traced through her articles.  Another highlight of the Town Tour will be Ash, a photography exhibit by Joanna Cassidy at the Laureate House.  Her stunning images of the Levy-East House the day it burned will offer viewers an inside look at the devastating end to one of the most treasured historic homes in Natchitoches.

The Country Tour will be on Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday Oct. 15 from 9 am – 4 pm.  Favorites Cherokee and Oakland Plantations will return to this year’s Country Tour line up and will be joined by the Jones-Roque House and the Carroll Jones House.  A special fine arts exhibit of local artists will be an added bonus at Melrose Plantation.

Vicki Parrish, APHN President, invites everyone to “Come see a part of Natchitoches that has, until now, remained hidden.  Most people who have lived here all of their lives have no idea that many of our most historic structures have cellars and tunnels.  Our Fall Tour is a rare opportunity to learn about this unusual part of our history and to actually go underground in Natchitoches.”

This year’s tour is sponsored by The Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches.  All proceeds from the Tour go directly to continue the preservation work the APHN has been doing for over 75 years.  For tickets and information call (800)259-1714 or (318)352-8072, or visit melroseplantation.org.

Cellar Photo: Catholic Seminary cellar; Eight Italian black Portoro marble columns in the cellar under the Catholic Seminary building.  Wine for the sacraments was once stored here.

By Carey Hamblin

A Blue Mass was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bastrop on Oct. 4. This mass is held yearly to bless and honor all forms of first responders. They begin with Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, our National Anthem and then the mass service. After the mass, first responders and the public in attendance were served lunch by students from St. Fredericks Catholic High School.

A few in attendance included:
Ashley County Arkansas Sheriff Office, Bastrop City Police, Ouchita Parish Sheriff Office, Louisiana State Police, Morehouse Parish Sheriff Mike Tubbs and deputies,
Monroe Fire Department, Bastrop Fire Department, AirMedCare Medical Evacuation team and also various judges and officials from the area. Also in attendance was Pat Carruth along with other volunteers for Louisiana Concerns of Police Survivors organization. This organization is the “First Responder” for the families of officers killed in the line of duty.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The Natchitoches Historical Foundation hosted “History Among the Tombstones: Stories of the American Cemetery” at Natchitoches’ American Cemetery Oct. 8.  Over 100 history fans from the around the area came to see some of the interesting and well known people buried in the cemetery brought to life by volunteers dressed in period costume. This year’s event marked the second time Northwestern State University’s Department of Dance has presented a hauntingly beautiful original dance piece in the cemetery.  The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts also returned with a student performing a dramatic monologue as John Sibley.

The tour was also open to over 200 students throughout Natchitoches Parish on Oct. 7. The groups learned about Natchitoches history and burial and mourning traditions.

One of the American Cancer Society’s Tribute of Hope Honoree is Wes Rollo. Wes is a 16 year old Junior at Natchitoches Central High School. In 2013, Wes was diagnosed with A L L Leukemia. Wes said that raising money for and supporting cancer research is very important to he and his family. He hopes that one day St. Jude’s will no longer be a hospital, but a museum where people can go and see what they have done since they opened in 1962. He hopes they can read about the research that lead to the cure for all cancers.Tickets to the Belles and Beaus Gala, which will be held Oct. 26 at Melrose Plantation, are available for $100 and can be purchased by calling 318-219-1668 or by visiting main.acsevents.org/bellesandbeausnatchitoches.

The early bird scholarship deadline for the fall 2018 semester at Northwestern State University is Oct. 31, according to Director of University Recruiting Jana Lucky. The university’s priority scholarship deadline is Dec. 1 and the second priority deadline is March 1.
Lucky said Northwestern State has a variety of scholarships available for incoming freshman and one of the most important things a prospective student can do is make sure their application is sent in for consideration as early as possible.

“Those who meet the priority deadline receive first attention,” said Lucky. “NSU has some of the best scholarship packages around that are tailored individually to each student.”

According to Lucky, prospective students who submit an application for admission, ACT or SAT scores and six-semester high school transcripts by Oct. 31 could have a scholarship offer by the Christmas Break.

“Score reports are automatically sent to NSU if the student indicated NSU as a choice when they registered for the test,” said Lucky. “If a student did not, scores can be sent to NSU directly from the high school.  In state students do not have to request high school transcripts if they are on the statewide transcript system.  Out of state students can have their high schools also send their six-semester transcripts.

Director of Admissions Andrea Maley said score reports and transcripts could be emailed to the admissions office at applications@nsula.edu.

Lucky pointed out that Northwestern State provides scholarships including academic scholarships which consider high school grade point average, class rank and ACT and/or SAT score. Other available aid includes performance scholarships which are awarded through an audition to students who take part in special activities such as theatre, band and spirit groups. Leadership scholarships are awarded to students who have held positions or have been active members in clubs and organization.

The university also awards community involvement scholarships to those whose involvement extends into community and civic organizations, according to Lucky. She said employment awards are also given which take into consideration a student’s leadership ability, work experience and extracurricular involvement.

For more information on the deadline or the scholarship process at NSU, contact the Office of University Recruiting at (318) 357-4503, recruiting@nsula.edu or nsula.edu/futurestudents.

David Wayne Meshell 
January 1, 1953 – October 6, 2017
Visitation: Thursday, Oct. 12 at 11 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Service: Thursday, Oct. 12 at 12 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Pine Knot Cemetery

Micheal Lamar Poole
August 15, 1951 – October 7, 2017
Service: Saturday, Oct. 14 at 2 pm in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena

Travis Lane Smiley
April 1, 1946 – October 8, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 5-8 pm at Southern Funeral Home and Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 12-2:45 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 3 pm at First Baptist Church of Winnfield
Interment: Sardis Cemetery in Atlanta

Victor Gale Simons
August 7, 1948 – October 8, 2017
Visitation: Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 5-8 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Service (graveside): Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 10 am
Interment: Chatham Cemetery in Chatham

Bernard B. Miller
March 15, 1926 – September 28, 2017
Service: Saturday, Oct. 14 at 11 am at Prospect Cemetery in Florien

Senator Gerald Long will host a scholarship event to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of his late wife, Rose Landry Long. The event will take place from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 in the Northwestern State University Student Union Ballroom and will feature Louisiana Chef John Folse, assisted by students from NSU’s culinary arts program. Proceeds will go towards two scholarships that will be awarded to first generation students.

Rose grew up in rural Vermilion Parish seven miles from Gueydan in the farming community of Klondike. Her parents Andy and Leontine Landry were hard working rice farmers who farmed land owned by her grandfather. Rose was the fourth of five children. She always had a desire to learn, which would become evident in her school work and pursuit of excellence. After graduating from Gueydan High School in 1965, she entered NSU on the recommendation of her high school French teacher who graduated from what was then Louisiana State Normal College, and that would later become Northwestern State University.

While a freshman at NSU, Rose met and fell in love with Gerald Long. They married one year later. Rose was the first member of her family to enter college, and her parents were so proud. In only three years, she would graduate with honors.

The Rose Landry Long Scholarship will allow other first generational students to fulfill their dream of a college education. The Louisiana State Senate passed Senate Resolution No. 107 in 2017 establishing this scholarship for students across Louisiana. Requirements are that a 2.5 GPA be kept and the student must be full-time, which is equivalent to taking at least 12 hours.

Two accounts are currently set up to fund two scholarships. It is the goal of Senator Long to raise $250,000, which will yield about $15,000 annually.

Tickets are $500 per couple, or $2,500 for a sponsored table, which seats 8 guests. The Long family thanks you for your support. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Rebekah Burleson at (318) 357-5213 or burlesonr@nsula.edu.

By Brooke Shirley

The Natchitoches Art Council unveiled the 2017 Natchitoches Christmas Festival Poster Oct. 5 with the help of this year’s Christmas Belles. The star of the evening, and most importantly the artist of the 38th Annual Limited Edition beauty, was Rakeya Walker, a Natchitoches native. This bubbly mother of two graduated from Northwestern State University in 2008 with a degree in graphic communication/fine arts. She earned an associate’s degree in business administration in 2009. Outside of her job in finance, Walker spends time with her family.

Pastor Steven Harris notified Walker about the poster contest, which allowed her to tap back into her creative muse. In her own words, Walker describes her artwork as follows:

The art piece is designed using symbolic features that represent the Southern charm of Natchitoches. Each image can easily be recognized by an individual, young or old. The colored pencils were used to show the fresh and innovative style by introducing different degrees of wax and pigment. The focal point demonstrates every angle of Natchitoches life.

When asked what inspired the content of her poster, Miss Walker stated, “All of the items featured in my poster embody what Natchitoches is all about. I have a love for each aspect in my poster but oh how I love music! Zydeco, Jazz, R&B, and Country bring life.”

Karen Terrell, a local artist and member of the Natchitoches Art Guild, said she was impressed at the amount of skill Walker has. The artwork was crafted entirely from color pencil, but from afar looks as though it could have been painted. When the curtain was pulled off, a sense of pride flashed across Mayor Lee Posey’s face while everyone ooo’d and awww’d.

The 18×24 poster is available for purchase at the Natchitoches Arts Council office located at the Community Development Office located at 420 Fourth Street in Natchitoches. Each poster costs $35 and includes one mini poster. If you would like any extra mini posters, they are $3 a piece. All proceeds fund an Art Scholarship at Northwestern State University and is used to sponsor art camps and projects in the parish.

The Natchitoches Parish Fair hosted its inaugural 4-H BB Gun Shoot Sept. 27. There was a great turnout of 25 participants. The contest was open to 4th-6th graders who are enrolled in 4-H. Contestants had to shoot 20 targets from a distance of 15 feet in the standing position. Since there was such a high level of interest shown in the event, it will now be held each year at the parish fair and will align with the State Fair BB Gun rules.

For more information contact Randall Mallette, County Agent, at the local LSU AgCenter Extension Office 318-357-2224. You can also visit us on the web at http://www.lsuagcenter.com or at 624 Second St, Natchitoches.

Kiwanis Club members were a bit surprised by some frightfully scary characters that showed up to their meeting Oct. 5. Boogie the Clown and Northwestern’s very own Isabella showed up with Dark Woods Haunted Attraction Owner Jason Summerlin. Halloween is here and Dark Woods will be open Oct. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 26-28, and Oct. 31.

You’ve never seen Dark Woods like this! The park is constantly evolving and adding to it’s mind-bending, terror-filled world. This year brings you two terrifying haunts in one location.

Newly elected Kiwanis President Dion Boyett auctioned off a pair of tickets, donated by Summerlin, to a club member, with the proceeds going to Kiwanis.

Members got another treat when Truman Maynard, a volunteer with Wings Over Natchitoches, described some of the performers that will dazzle spectators at the air show Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Natchitoches Regional Airport.

Gates will open at 10 am with a static aircraft display. The show will start at 12 pm. This is a free admission event that is fun for the whole family! The air show will feature several aircraft performers including the famous Aeroshell Team!

Kiwanis business included some housekeeping. Members Craig Caskey, Jill Leo and Ron Brown were presented with Kiwanian of the Month certificates for past months.

Cane River Creole National Historical Park will join together with the Cane River National Heritage Area to hold a Harvest Fest, in celebration of Cane River’s rich agriculture heritage and as part of the 63rd Annual Fall Tour of Homes. Harvest Fest will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Oakland Plantation. Children can take part in a Bring Your Own Pumpkin Decorating Contest from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the most original, funniest, best use of gray and green colors and best use of recycled materials. There will also be games, a hay bale maze and face painting by the Natchitoches Parish Library for young visitors.

Local author Harvis “Junior” Johnson will be signing his book, “Tales of a Boy from Cane River” from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Experience “Oakland Underground” with ranger led tours of the Nanny’s Room under the Main House at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The park will join with other historic sites within the Cane River National Heritage Area for this year’s Fall Tour on Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oakland Plantation welcomed visitors long before the National Park Service acquired the property in 1997. Oakland has been featured in the annual Fall Tour since 1954. On a typical day park rangers provide guided tours, but during the Fall Tour, the Prud’homme family returns to their ancestral home. Several generations of Prud’hommes will be giving tours, and talking with the public.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit with other former Oakland residents. Elvin Shields and his family were sharecroppers at Oakland in the 1950s. Today Elvin is a locally renowned folk artist, known for his “Plantation Toys”. He will be at Oakland to talk about his childhood memories and show off examples of the toys he and his brother would have played with. Mary Metoyer’s father and grandfather were employed as yardmen or overseers at Oakland. Visitors will have the opportunity to talk with Mary about life on the plantation in the creole cottage that was home to three generations of the Metoyer family.

There is no entrance fee at Oakland Plantation. All tours and activities are free. Oakland Plantation is located at 4386 Highway 494, Natchez La 71456. To reach Oakland Plantation, take I-49 to Exit 127, Flora/Cypress. Head east on LA Highway 120 toward Cypress. Cross over LA Highway 1 onto LA Highway 494. The parking lot and entrance pavilion for Oakland is 4.5 miles east of Highway 1 on the left. For more information call 318- 352-0383 ext. 200.

Dr. Joan Walker is our Tribute of Hope honoree this week. Dr. Walker serves as the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Veterans Affairs Natchitoches Community Based Outpatient Clinic. She has practiced family medicine in the state of Louisiana for over 19 years. Dr. Walker’s service to the community and under-served has been the driving force of her career. In her practice over the years, Dr. Walker has seen many cases of cancer throughout her career and hopes that one day, we have a cure. Tickets to the Belles and Beaus Gala, which will be held Oct. 26 at Melrose Plantation, are available for $100 and can be purchased by calling 318-219-1668 or by visiting main.acsevents.org/bellesandbeausnatchitoches.

There will be a live and silent auction, dinner catered by Maison Louisiane Catering, and live entertainment by Grammy Award Winning Artist Wayne Toups.

Northwestern State University student Jessica Love of New Orleans is this year’s recipient of the Mayci Breaux Scholarship Fund, awarded to a female Louisiana resident enrolled in a radiologic technology program at a Louisiana college or university. Lafayette General Foundation awards the scholarship to a student with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above at the time of application. The announcement took place on Mayci Breaux’s birthday, Sept. 25.

Love is enrolled in NSU’s Radiologic Technology program, a field she chose due to her compassion for others, a characteristic Breaux was known for. The essay portion of her application described her love for her patience and her passion for the future of radiology.

“I am so honored to have received this scholarship because it recognizes such a fantastic woman who had her life taken too early and would have influenced this field so much,” Love said. “It’s incredible to have been awarded a scholarship that promotes a love for this field and our patients. I’m very honored to have met Mayci’s family.”

Mayci Breaux graduated from Hanson Memorial High School in 2012, South Louisiana Community College and went on to attended Louisiana State University-Eunice, where she was studying to become an ultrasound and radiologic technologist. She lost her life in a shooting in a Lafayette theatre in 2015.

The scholarship began with a $100 donation from an anonymous donor in Montana, just one day after the tragedy. Numerous donations followed, including many from Lafayette General Health employees, helping the fund grow to $20,000. The day before the fund was publically announced, Bo and Jerry Ramsay donated $5,000 on behalf of everyone affected by the shooting. After learning about the launch of the scholarship, comedian Amy Schumer, star of the movie “Trainwreck,” donated $25,000 to the fund, doubling the amount endowed. The Mayci Breaux Scholarship Fund, now over $50,000, is endowed through Goldman Sachs, ensuring Breaux’s legacy.

Cellist Evan Drachman and pianist Doris Stevenson will perform in Magale Recital Hall at Northwestern State University Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

The concert will include works by Robert Schumann, Frederic Chopin, and Edvard Grieg.

Drachman has combined musical talent with artistic vision to create a rich and varied career. He is increasingly sought after for his solo and chamber music performances, and as founder and artistic director of the Piatigorsky Foundation, he has become one of the most respected authorities on the presentation of live classical music for diverse audiences everywhere. In 1999, Drachman recorded his first CD, “A Frog He Went a Courting,” with pianist Richard Dowling. Following this success, Drachman and Dowling released two more recordings titled, “Infinity” in 2004 and “Romance and Revelation” in 2007.

Drachman has appeared regularly as soloist with orchestras, and in recitals and chamber music performances across the United States and abroad. Born in Boston, Drachman studied at the Peabody Conservatory, the New England Conservatory and received his BMA from the Curtis Institute of Music. He has spent his summers performing at music festivals in the United States and abroad.

Stevenson has won lavish praise from critics and the public alike for her solo and collaborative performances. She has soloed with the Boston Pops, played at Carnegie Hall in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Salle Pleyel in Paris and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. In addition, Stevenson has performed with the leading lights in string playing such as Gregor Piatigorsky, Ruggiero Ricci and Paul Tortelier. Early in her career, she was invited to play with Heifetz and Piatigorsky together. Stevenson is a founding member of the Sitka Summer Music Festival in Alaska, and has participated in numerous chamber music festivals throughout the United States.

Drachman established the Piatigorsky Foundation in 1990 in honor of his grandfather Gregor Piatigorsky. Piatigorsky deeply believed in the healing and inspiration power of classical music. He once said, “Music makes life better. Music is a necessity. It is rich. It is imaginative. It is magnificent. And it is for everyone.” The Piatigorsky Foundation is committed to carrying on Piatigorsky’s mission by evoking cultural curiosity through educational and accessible live performances.

For more than 27 years, the Piatigorsky Foundation’s commitment to artistic excellence and public outreach has fascinated many avid concert goers as well as curious first-timers. It is this combination of complimentary access, flamboyant performances and human warmth that makes Piatigorsky Foundation concerts so appealing to diverse audiences. Last season, The Foundation presented a tour of North Louisiana, performing seven concerts and reaching people in Vidalia, Monroe, Ruston, and Alexandria. Again this year, the Piatigorsky Foundation aims to reach hundreds of people across North Louisiana to increase awareness and appreciation of classical music in communities throughout the state.

Thomas Wayne Kirl
1944 – 2017
Service: Monday, Oct. 9 at 10 am in the Trinity Baptist Church
Interment: Taylor Chapel Cemetery in Summerville

Bernard B. Miller
March 15, 1926 – September 28, 2017
Service: Saturday, Oct. 14 at 11 am at Prospect Cemetery in Florien

Gary Mark Rivers
January 23, 1957 – October 6, 2017
Service: Monday, Oct. 9 at 2 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church
Interment: Noble Cemetery

Natchitoches Central High School
Natchitoches Central 7
Alexandria  30

St. Mary’s Catholic School
St. Mary’s 56
Montgomery  6
(Thursday)

Lakeview High School
Lakeview  12
Holy Savior Menard  49