Lifestyle

The ladies of the Wildflower Group, that meet at the SCOA Toledo Center, had a fun outing on Tuesday, February 14, for Valentine’s Day. They had a Valentine’s Day Luncheon at Big John’s Cajun Kitchen in Hornbeck.

On February 7, Many Masonic Lodge #411 F&AM was honored to present 60-year certificates to Brother Benny Crittenden and Brother GradyBurl Cotton. In attendance for the presentation were Worshipful Master Robbie Lang, Chaplain David Miller, Senior Warden JW Mitchell, Junior Warden Shane Hippler, Senior Deacon Joel Jacob Heard, and Brother Keith Birdwell.

Many Jr. High 7th and 8th Grade 4-H Collected new and gently used books to donate to the Many’s book nooks. The following students were on the Book Nook Committee: Mason Yerby , Hunter Remedies, Haisey Mitchell, Pyper Founds, Paysli Koss, Josey Lester, Halle Mc-Cullough, Caroline Peace

Northwestern State University has received $2.1 million in federal funds for renovations and additions to the property located at 520 University Parkway to facilitate the development of the NSU Entrepreneurial Innovation Center (NEIC).

The NEIC will serve as a business incubator for northwest Louisiana, fostering economic growth and development in the region.

When complete, the facility will provide a professional business environment complete with full-service support and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to transform innovative concepts into sustainable businesses.

Thanks to the leadership and direct support provided by Senator Bill Cassidy with the Small Business Administration (SBA), the NEIC will create new jobs in the region and generate an economic impact of over $3 million annually.

Ongoing Spay/Neuter Program The Sabine Humane Society offers a monthly spay and neuter voucher program. Vouchers are available to the first 15 callers, and the society will pay 50 percent of the cost to the vet. For those on Medicaid or Medicare, the society will pay 100 percent of the cost of spaying or neutering.

Interested parties are asked to call 318-645-7156 at 8 a.m. on the first day of the month. You should leave a message indicating you are interested in a voucher and provide your name and phone number.

Spay/Neuter Assistance Get your pet fixed for FREE! If you are a resident of Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, Natchitoches, Sabine, or Webster Parish and take home $1,500 or less per month OR are married and, as a couple, take home $2,500 or less per month, Robinson’s Rescue will spay/neuter your pet and provide them with a rabies vaccine for free. This free program is referred to as our Subsidized Spay/Neuter Incentive Program (SSNIP).

Northwestern State University will host Flavor of Louisiana, the university’s most popular fund raiser, Friday, March 17 in Prather Coliseum.

Flavor of Louisiana is presented in partnership with the Louisiana Seafood Board and the NSU Foundation and showcases specialty seafood dishes prepared by restaurateurs, chefs and caterers from around the state, along with specialty cocktails, craft beers, desserts and options for non-seafood eaters. The event also features live music, dancing, raffles, silent auctions and more.

“After a COVID-induced hiatus, last year’s return of Flavor of Louisiana was one of most popular events that took place at NSU and we are thrilled to be hosting the 2023 event,” said Cristy Bernard, assistant director of Donor Relations. “Guests can expect great food, good people and lots of fun on March 17. It’s a celebration of the Demon family, donors, supporters, students, alumni and friends.”

Converse High School will celebrate Homecoming 2023 on Friday, February 3, 2023. Court Presentation will begin at 5:00 pm. The Wildcats and Lady Wildcats basketball teams will be hosting the Starks Panthers and Lady Panthers at 6:00 pm. Last year marked a new beginning for CHS Homecoming. The new traditions continue this year with maids and beaus from each class being elected by their classmates to represent them on court. One senior maid and one senior beau will be crowned queen and king the night of presentation.

2023 Senior Beaus vying for Homecoming King are: Richard M., Draven M., and Jaeger E. 2023 Senior Maids vying for Homecoming Queen are: Madelyn M., Darrian H., and Justice H.

Junior Beaus are: Howard E., Quade L., and Alec W. Junior Maids are: Kennedi G., Emery C., and Kaylee S.

Sophomore Beaus are: Jaydan D., Mason S., and Trenton S. Sophomore Maids are: Makinnly B., Gabriella Q., and Paris W.

Freshman Beaus are: Konner E., Lukas M., and Landon B. Freshman Maids are: Kori T., Kourtney S., and Kya H.

8th grade Beaus are: Jay F., Aaden M., and Ari W. 8th grade Maids are: Liliana Q., Makayden M., and Chloe E.

7th grade Beaus are: Jensen E., Ryder M., and Titan S. 7th grade Maids are: Aniston S., Sunni W., and Brooklyn E.

The McNeese State University Honor Roll for the 2022 fall semester has been announced. The honor roll lists undergraduate students earning at least a 3.0 or B average while carrying 12 or more semester hours.

Area students on the Honor Roll are as follows: Converse: Clifton Blake Fisher, Tyler L. Rivers Florien: Tristen S. Hippler Many: Jacob Myles

Happy New Year! It may be your same old garden, but it’s a whole new year, and this a great time to start the planning process of what needs to be done in the landscape. Many people like to tackle new things in the New Year, and the garden is an excellent place to start.

Gardening, by virtue of the natural order of things, is dictated by the growing season. Each season can provide opportunity for new annual plants such as vegetables and seasonal color for the landscape. Trying new varieties can be fun. Additionally, perennials can and will eventually die at some point and require a change. Do your research now during the garden downtime of winter.