Greg Lee of the Bank of Coushatta presented Rytrice Martin, coach of Red River High Blue Diamonds Dance Team a donation. They’ll use the money to send the group to The National Dance Alliance Camp.
Lee said, “Good Luck from BC Bank | Bank of Coushatta.”
After nearly thirty years in the grocery business in Coushatta, Rivertown Market is getting a new look. The sign that was atop the front of the building is being refurbished. Meanwhile there is a new facade.
What will it look like? We’ll have to wait and see.
In the interim, please maneuver carefully around the construction zone when entering and exiting.
Here are this week’s special buys:
Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for April 14-20, 2023.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Funeral services celebrating the life of John Isom Davis, 75, of Coushatta, Louisiana was held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel in Coushatta, Louisiana. Officiating the service was Rev. Mike Ford and Robert Bamburg. Interment followed at Sloan Cemetery in Mansfield, Louisiana. Visitation was held at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
John was born on January 23, 1948, in Coushatta, Louisiana to Iva and Millard C. Davis and entered into rest on Thursday, April 21, 2023, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Iva and Millard Davis; brothers, Jack, Robert, and Clifton; and sisters, Dorothy, Sarah, and Elenor.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Frankie Davis; sons, John A. Davis, and Jason E. Davis; daughter, Stephanie N. Davis; brother, Millard Davis; grandchildren, Summer, Colton, Jed, and Micah; and great-grandchildren, Hayden, Kade, Maverick, Axl, and Serenity.
John Davis
January 23, 1948 — April 20, 2023
Services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel in Coushatta.
Mable Wilson
August 19, 1935 – April 21, 2023
Visitation will be held from 2 P.M. until 4 P.M. Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel.
Larry Bennett Litton, Sr.
May 03, 1955 – April 24, 2023
Funeral services f will be held at 1:00 pm. Friday, April 28, 2023 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel.
The Red River Parish Journal publishes “Remembrances” with unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers and to social media. Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication.
The Holley Springs Cemetery Memorial is this Sunday April 30. Church service at 11:00 am. Lunch on the grounds after the service.
Red River 4-H reminds parents and members that permission slips for 4-H Achievement Day in Ringgold are due this week to school offices or the 4-H office. Achievement Day will be held in Ringgold on May 4th.
The annual book sale at the Red River Parish Library will be May 17 through 19, 9:00 am until 5:00 pm daily in the meeting room.
Red River High said, “Prom 2023 was great. Our students looked fabulous and special thanks to Mrs. Thomas for organizing such a great Prom.
Below are the 2023 Prom King Shaylon Newton and Prom Queen Jaedyn French Solton.
Thanks to everyone that helped: Mrs. Bradley, Mrs. Freddie, Mrs. Stafford, Coach Lindsey, Mrs. Carper, Mrs. Caldwell, Deputy Johnson and Coach Keller. Thanks to Mrs. Lemoine and Mrs. Procell for helping make the food for the students. Also, thanks to our DJ, BJ Taylor for providing our music. Proud of our staff and students for making the night a wonderful experience.”
Funeral services celebrating the life of John Isom Davis, 75, of Coushatta, Louisiana will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel in Coushatta, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Rev. Mike Ford and Robert Bamburg. Interment will follow at Sloan Cemetery in Mansfield, Louisiana. Visitation will be held at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
John was born on January 23, 1948, in Coushatta, Louisiana to Iva and Millard C. Davis and entered into rest on Thursday, April 21, 2023, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Iva and Millard Davis; brothers, Jack, Robert, and Clifton; and sisters, Dorothy, Sarah, and Elenor.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Frankie Davis; sons, John A. Davis, and Jason E. Davis; daughter, Stephanie N. Davis; brother, Millard Davis; grandchildren, Summer, Colton, Jed, and Micah; and great-grandchildren, Hayden, Kade, Maverick, Axl, and Serenity.
Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for April 14-20, 2023.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By Christy Suggs
RRHS Baseball team had an extremely busy season, playing a total of 29 games. The Dawgs ended the regular season with a 17-12 record. The winning season and power rankings put them in round 1 of playoffs with a home-field advantage. Friday, the Bulldogs will take on #20 Pine High School in Round 1 of the Playoffs. This will be a doubleheader at Red River with games starting at 3:30 and 6:00.
Some highlights from the second half of the season include:
Shutouts against Calvin (4-0), Saline(8-0), Simsboro (21-0), Union (7-0), Mansfield (17-0), Lakeview (8-0), North Webster (10-0) with 2 of those (Mansfield and Lakeview) being district games.
Held 4A Natchitoches Central to 3 runs.
Beat Delhi Charter 9-2 by tallying 5 runs in the 6th inning.
Beat Doyline 3-2 when Chris Carper singled on the first pitch at bat in the bottom of the 9th, scoring one run to break the tie.
Kenneth Lazarus threw a no-hitter against Jonesboro-Hodge to win the district game 23-1.
Ranked 13th in the Power Ratings in Division III.
Two heartbreaking losses came at the end of the season during district play. RR traveled to Many to play. The Dawgs scored first with 4 runs in the 3rd and held Many to 0 for 4 innings. In the 5th many came back to tie. Not going down without a fight, RR scored again in the 6th and held Many to 0 making the score 5-4. In the 7th the Dawgs were unable to connect bats and runs, but Many found the heat and scored 2 on a home run making the final score 5-6. Up next was district rival Winnfield. This was a fast-paced 3 up, 3 down game. Both teams scored in the first inning and held the 1-1 tie till the bottom of the 6th when RR was able to score a run. Unfortunately, a few errors in the 7th allowed Winnfield to get 2 runs and make the score 2-3. The Dawgs were unable to gain any ground in the bottom of the 7th. RR finished the district games with a record of 3-2.
The local Veterans of Foreign Wars and Lott Oil/Chevron recognized the public school Students of the Month at the April School Board Meeting on Monday. Each student was presented with a certificate and gift card.
School Superintendent Alison Strong called each student to the front and read their nomination statement from their teacher. Strong began with Lelsi Levi from Red River Elementary School.
The nomination read: Kelsi is a fabulous 5th grader at RRES. Kelsi has shown an enormous amount of growth since the start of the year. Her reading, writing and math levels have shown significant gains. Kelsi is even showing her creativity by creating hand signals that will assist her and her peers with understanding math and ELA. She has found confidence in writing and in her overall ability. The phrase “I can’t” has been eliminated from her vocabulary. She gathers her materials to begin a task and cleans up very well afterwards. Anyone who knows Kelsi, knows she loves to smile and joke. She can always find humor within the day. Kelsi loves her school and classroom family. She was nominated by Ms. Clay.
Next up was Marco Lewis from the Red River Academic Academy. Strong read the nomination from his teacher, Intha Fields: From day one, I was in love with Marco. I loved his friendly character, his work ethic, his humor, and most of all, his kindness. With Marco in the room, you can’t help but be in a good mood. He constantly encourages his classmates not to give up, but to learn from their mistakes. Marco is determined to be successful. He motivates everyone around him to be their best self, including me! I can best sum up Marco and his awesomeness with this quote: There’s light even in the darkest places, and his name is Marco Lewis.
The Student of the Month from Red River Junior High was Jeremiah Sanders. His nomination read:
I would like to recommend Jeremiah Sanders for Red River Junior High School Student of the Month. Jeremiah makes my heart smile each time I encounter him. I often witness the way he cares for his peers and how he greets the staff daily. We have watched this young man exceed every goal that was set before him. When he first came to Red River Junior High, the goal was to have him move with limited support from staff with the use of his walker. Today we are asking, “What walker?” Jeremiah is determined and self-motivated. He gives 100% effort in everything that he does. We are so proud of him here at Red River Junior High School. Honestly, he has been an inspiration to us all here, watching him progress and strive to be the best student he can possibly be. He was nominated by Mrs. Lillie McDonald.
And the Red River High Student of the Month was Zachary Jordan. His nomination read: Zachary possesses a thirst for knowledge and desire to master any skill he is asked to learn. He is always one of the first students dressed in and ready to learn every morning. He works well individually or in a group and always does his best to complete the assigned tasks. Zach is responsible and a team player. He keeps a smile on his face and encourages others to do their best. Zach has helped on multiple projects that have benefited our campus by making it a safer and more desirable school environment. He is an asset in every way possible to the RRHS welding program. He was nominated by Mr. Ricky Strong.
VFW member Guy Breider represented Post and Auxiliary 7287. Each month the local VFW and Auxiliary salute a student from each school in the parish. They each receive a gift card and certificate to indicate their achievement.
By Brad Dison
Meeley and Pidge were an adventurous pair of young sisters. Pidge looked up to her older sister, Meeley. All throughout their childhood in Atchison, Kansas, Meeley led Pidge on wonderful adventures in their neighborhood. Meeley was certainly the leader, but Pidge was an eager participant in all sorts of shenanigans.
One boring day in 1904, 7-year-old Meeley and 5-year-old Pidge designed a ramp after a roller coaster they had seen on a trip to St. Louis, Missouri. The girls convinced their uncle to help them build the ramp. Once built, Meeley leaned the ramp against the family’s tool shed. Meeley had an old wooden box that, with help, she had added wheels to create a roller coaster type car. Meeley and Pidge climbed to the top of the tool shed. Being the older sister, Meeley decided that it was her responsibility to test their version of a roller coaster alone.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Meeley jumped in the car. The car zoomed down the ramp and back up the other end. Meeley and the old wooden box left the ramp and soared into the air. For Meeley, time seemed to slow down. For what seemed like a blissful eternity, Meeley flew. This time, Pidge really looked up to her sister. The whole event lasted only a few seconds. But there was a problem with Meeley’s plan. She had taken no precautions for the landing. She wore no protective gear, nor had she mats to soften her fall. As soon as the old wooden box touched the earth, it completely disintegrated. Meeley’s young body flailed as she landed among the broken remains of the old wooden box. As she came to a rest on the splintered wood, other remnants of the old wooden box crashed down onto her. Fearing the worst, Pidge rushed to Meeley’s side. She could see that Meeley was bruised all over. She could almost see Meeley’s heart beating in her swelling lip. The crash landing had badly torn Meeley’s clothes. Despite all this, Meeley was exhilarated. With adrenaline coursing through her young body, Meeley said, “Oh, Pidge, it’s just like flying!” Luckily for Pidge, the old wooden box was beyond repair because she would have gladly taken her turn.
Pidge eventually outgrew her daring nature, but Meeley never did. Meeley kept pushing the boundaries and her adventures brought her worldwide fame. Her fame grew exponentially in 1937, not because of a goal she achieved but one she failed to complete. In one of her last letters to her husband, Meeley wrote, “Please know I am quite aware of the hazards. I want to do it because I want to do it.” No amount of cajoling could ever dissuade Meeley from trying something new.
Throughout their lives, Meeley and Pidge affectionately referred to each other by their childhood nicknames. You have probably never heard of Pidge, whose real name was Grace Muriel. You certainly know Meeley. She disappeared on July 2, 1937 while attempting to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. Meeley was the childhood nickname of Amelia Mary Earhart.
Source: Yaffe, Alva. 2019. “What Really Happened to Amelia Earhart?” History by Day. March 20, 2019. historybyday.com/human-stories/solving-the-mystery-of-what-happened-to-amelia-earhart-americas-favorite-female-pilot/.
The Sheriff’s Office posted a video concerning speed limits, alternate routes, and required permits (for semi-trucks) that drivers need to be mindful of during the extended road closure period on LA Hwy 155. Multiple bridges are being replaced over this roadway over the next two to three years.
Everyone is reminded to follow all speed limits/traffic laws, encouraged to avoid parish roads, and to use state highways as alternate routes. Both Joe Bill Adcock and Carroll Creek roads are considered substandard roadways because they do not have shoulders or lane markers.
Also, as a reminder, Joe Bill Adcock Road is not an approved route for semi-trucks unless permitted by the parish.
Thanks for your cooperation during this time.
There is a video message on the sheriff’s social media page that gives further information.
Three representatives of the Global Methodist Church (GMC) were in Coushatta this week to hear a presentation on the GMC. Two Red River churches, First Methodist of Coushatta and Wesley Chapel Methodist sent representatives to the meeting. In addition, there were representatives of seven other newly independent Methodist churches.
The Who, What, When and Where of GMC was explained by Ben McGee, the Presiding Elder of the GMC in this area. McGee said, “The overall mission of the GMC is to worship passionately, love extravagantly and witness boldly.”
All of the churches represented at the meeting were formerly affiliated with the United Methodist Church (UMC) and had recently disaffiliated. McGee spent much of his presentation explaining differences between Global Methodist and the UMC, differences that caused many Methodist churches to disaffiliate with the UMC. Chief among them, McGee explained that the Global Methodist Church’s basic beliefs in the inerrancy of scripture, along with other basic beliefs, are unchangeable in the future by vote of any group and are not subject to being ignored or set aside. That is one of the chief sticking points many UMC churches had.
Summing up the Global Methodist Church’s beliefs, McGee said, “We stand for theologically very strong orthodox teaching. It is not up for debate. If you do not agree, find a church you can believe in. Don’t try and change us. Don’t come to the GMC.”
By Steve Graf
Technology is awesome today as cell phones, smart TVs and computers are just a few of the things where technology has advanced into mind blowing devices. We have instant access to an information highway that mankind has never seen before. We can play video games on our cell phones and compete against individuals around the globe. No longer do we have to wait until the 6:00 news to get the weather forecast or to hear the latest trades our favorite sports teams have made. Information today is instantaneous!
Today we’ll look at the latest technology that has affected the fishing world and what some anglers are calling a controversial topic; forward facing sonar. What is forward facing sonar? It’s a sonar unit that allows you to see fish swimming up to 100 feet away in real time. These sonars reveal extreme details as you watch fish swim up and actually eat the bait you’re throwing. Basically, it’s a real time fishing video game!
So many anglers were against it and a lot were excited to have it. Opinions varied even among the top-level professional anglers when it first came on the scene. It was not well received by many tournament anglers as they felt it made fishing too easy and any angler could now start winning tournaments. Skills and instincts were no longer enough to win an event, but If you could read and understand what your screen was showing, you had a distinct advantage over other anglers.
The younger generation of anglers today, has adapted very quickly to this new technology. Today’s youth have grown up with cell phones an iPad or computers and are not intimidated by technology like so many older anglers who learn to fish by instinct or what they’ve learned over many years of fishing. But here’s the problem with technology. These new sonar units by Garmin, Lowrance, and Hummingbird are great but like all technology can go on the blink occasionally. The older generation anglers have an advantage when this happens as the younger anglers of today don’t have the instincts or the experience to fall back on.
Watching some of today’s top professional anglers, not all are fans of the forward-facing sonar. Anglers like Elite Series Pro John Cox (a shallow water angler) don’t even own one of these types of units because they’re not very effective in shallow water conditions of five feet or less. The general conscience by tournament anglers across the country is that if you don’t have forward-facing sonar, you can’t compete or win a tournament. This is not true as some of the best fishing pros today don’t use them, and many anglers are having tremendous success without it.
So don’t feel like you must go out and spend $5000 for one of these high-tech sonar units. While they’re great if you know how to use and read one, it’s not the end all be-all answer for winning tournaments or catching fish. Time of year is also a factor when these forward-facing sonar units are more effective. Some anglers that I compete against are still winning and do not have one of these expensive sonar units. They are like any other tool in your fishing arsenal, it’s just a tool that’s only as good as the person using it.
Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen and good protective outerwear when spending the day on a lake.
To: Residents of Red River Parish
From: Michael Antilley
This letter is to officially announce my candidacy for Sheriff of Red River Parish in the October 14, 2023 election and request your support. I choose to start my campaign by reaching out to each of you, residents of our Red River communities, to ask for your endorsement, financial support, and volunteer efforts.
For the last 29 years I have been privileged to protect and serve the great people of the state of Louisiana through multiple agencies. This includes the last 20 years focused solely on our own beloved parish of Red River as both a Red River Sheriff’s Department Deputy and a Louisiana State Trooper. I am running for Sheriff because, as Sheriff, I can best serve our community. During my law enforcement career, I have not only served the people of Red River Parish via my patrol responsibilities, but also by lending individuals, families, and neighbors a hand in times of need and mentoring the next generation, our greatest resource, our community’s kids. I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve by interacting with the children and families of our community including supporting the Red River High School Girls’ Basketball Team, driving buses to games, and providing off-duty security at high school events. All of which I love to do. Thus, I feel called to continue and even expand these services and skills in our community through leadership as your sheriff.
As a Christian, a husband, a father of four, and a proud, long-standing member of this community, I am ready to protect and serve the people of Red River Parish and make it a safe place for all our families to live and thrive. As Sheriff, I promise our community that my department WILL keep you informed about situations as they occur, we WILL do our best to ensure that you and your family are protected.
MY OFFICE DOOR WILL ALWAYS BE OPEN, MY CELL PHONE ALWAYS ON, AND I WILL ALWAYS MAKE TIME TO LISTEN.
I truly believe that if you elect me as Red River Parish Sheriff, we can all work together to create a community all residents can be happy about and feel safe in. The job of law enforcement is to protect and serve those in our communities. I can promise, as Sheriff, that is what you will get. Community is also about good communication, and my department will always keep our residents up to date with things that are happening in our communities and parish at large. I want you to remember, you have a voice. If I am elected sheriff, you will have the ability to voice any concerns or questions to myself or a member of my department and be heard. Without hearing from you, how can we ensure that we are protecting and serving you to the best of our abilities? If elected Sheriff, I can guarantee that as a department we are going to be involved in our community and parish. I have plans to make sure we are actively seen, engaged, and lending a helping hand. I thank you for your time and look forward to meeting with you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
To learn more about myself and my campaign please follow the link below.
https://www.antilleyforsheriff.com/
Sincerely,
Michael Antilley
Candidate for Sheriff of Red River Parish
By Christy Suggs
April 3rd was a massive day for Tyler Hughes as he threw his 200th career strikeout as a junior at RRHS. This came in the district game against Mansfield. The final score was Red River 17 Mansfield 0.
Not to be outdone, Sophomore John Dickey threw his 100th career strikeout in a shutout against District Rival Lakeview on April 10th. Red River High School and the community are proud of these student-athletes.
By Molly Seales
Friday afternoon, April 14, was a beautiful afternoon to honor Riverdale Academy’s golf and baseball seniors. Senior golf team members are Thad Bates, son of Heith and Hayley Bates, Mason Murray, son of Tray Murray and Melissa Murray, and Jace Wilhite, son of JJ and Keri Wilhite. Baseball seniors are Colton Massey, son of Melvin and Nena Massey, Mason Murray, and James Wagoner, son of Chris and Crystal Wagoner. Senior presentations began at 3:00 p.m. followed by a crucial district baseball game.
The Rebels were seeking to avenge a close 3-0 loss to Tensas a few weeks ago, and they did just that, taking a 10-5 win over the Chiefs. Aston Hester went all seven innings and took the win on the mound. He allowed 5 earned runs on 8 hits and struck out 5 batters. Colton Massey made the most of his last home game, going 3 for 4 at the plate with 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases. Mason Murray also had a great day, going 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, 2 stolen bases, and a run scored. Ryder Huddleston went 1 for 3 with an RBI, a stolen base, and a run scored. Zane Givens went 1 for 4 with 2 stolen bases, an RBI, and a run scored, while Colton Caskey also went 1 for 4 with a run scored. Landen Barrett and Hester each had an RBI and scored a run, Kaidyn Williams had an RBI, 2 stolen bases, and 2 runs scored.
The Rebels will travel to UCA in Farmerville Tuesday for their final district game, and then they will begin preparing for their playoff run. Congratulations to our senior golf and baseball players, and best of luck in your remaining games this year.
Northwestern State University graduates and alumni are invited to donate NSU caps and gowns for upcoming graduates who may not be able to purchase regalia. Dr. Jennifer Shaw, a research associate in the Department of Social Work, is coordinating the Regalia Closet. The “Gowns for Grads” endeavor aims to help students who are unable to secure a cap and gown in time for graduation.
“It might be that something went wrong with their Josten’s order or that they realized too late they have enough credits to graduate that semester,” Shaw said. “Rather than miss out on graduation, they can borrow a set of regalia from ‘Gowns for Grads’ to participate in their once-in-a-lifetime event.”
Individuals who would like to donate their one-time-use cap and gown can contact Shaw at
shawj@nsula.edu or call (318) 357-4650 to make arrangements to donate the gown. Regalia can also be dropped off at the NSU police station on the main campus.
Michael Duwayne Long
October 26, 1951 – April 18, 2023
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, April 21, 2023 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel.
The Red River Parish Journal publishes “Remembrances” with unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers and to social media. Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication.
It will soon be graduation time! Red River and Louisiana 4-H will recognize members that will be graduating and starting their next chapter. To have your senior recognized submit information at fs10.formsite.com/lsuagcenter/4-HSeniorSpotlight23/index. Deadline is May 5, 2023.
Red River Junior High will begin Leap2025 state testing next week on Tuesday, April
25th and will run through May 17th. Students will be testing on various days. Letters will be sent home on Monday, April 24th, with information regarding dates and content areas tested. Please make sure your student is well rested and encouraged to do their best each and every day.
2023 Adult Day at Clara Springs Camp is just a few weeks away. It will be Thursday, May 11th beginning at 10:00 am. RSVP: office@districteightmissions.com or call 318.352.4090
For more information: clarasprings.com/2023-events/2023-adult-day.
The Red River Parish School Board was introduced to Peyton Ward at the meeting on Monday. Superintendent Alison Strong introduced the young man and Elizabeth Hughes of Quality Automotive presented him with a balloon bouquet and other gifts in recognition of his selection.
Ward is a student of Red River Academic Academy and was nominated by Mrs. Babers. Her nomination read:
I chose Peyton Ward because he is honest and a very hard-working young man. He gives his work 100% all the time. He takes his time on all of his work to make sure that he has done what was asked of him. Peyton is not afraid to ask for help when needed and is also very willing to lend a helping hand to his fellow classmates. Unless he is responding to a question or engaging in class discussion, you don’t know he’s in the room. I am very excited to have this outstanding and well-behaved person in my class. Keep soaring high and show what being “exceptional” is.
Each month Quality Automotive sponsors their Quality Kid of the month. The student selected comes from a different school each month.
Thursday evening come meet State Representative candidate Dennis Bamburg in Coushatta. Thursday, April 20th from 5:30 until 8:00 pm come meet and greet Bamburg at the Coushatta Country Club.
Donations are not required to attend this event; however donations will be accepted. Make checks payable to the Dennis Bamburg Campaign.
Election Day is October 14, 2023 with early voting for the fall election September 30 through October 7. Come meet the candidate Thursday evening. Find out why you should elect Dennis Bamburg to represent you in Baton Rouge.
Paid for by the Dennis Bamburg Campaign, 1814 Jimmie Davis Hwy, Suite A in Bossier City, LA 71112. Phone 318-455-0536.
Bamburg said, “I am anxious to see you and discuss the campaign in Coushatta tomorrow evening.”
By Teddy Allen
Happy Earth Week, and Happy Earth Day (Saturday), and some encouragement:
When you don’t coach Little League anymore and you’re not very good at playing golf/golfing your ball/hitting the dimpled orb, you look for other stuff to do, stuff that’s preferably legal.
If you are in that boat, consider gardening, either vegetables or flowers.
I grew up in the middle of a lot of vegetable gardens in a farming community. I never knew how to do it, the planning and planting part. I just knew how to hoe and pick and shell and eat. Somehow, I had a conscious thought when I was 8 or 9 that I was eating better than most people in the civilized world. Lucky break.
But that is a memory and even if I could grow it, I couldn’t cook it right. It would not taste like momma’s or Mu’s or Mrs. Helen Barfield’s or all those other spectacular women I grew up around. They had both a green thumb and a grease thumb.
So … I turned to flowers.
It’s the time of year when you go to The Flower Store and stand in line behind like-minded flower nuts buying hydrangeas and ornamental grasses and begonias and the happy, workmanlike zinnias and shade-loving impatiens and hostas. You trade “good luck” glances because gardening is a trial-and-error business.
And that’s the secret: just trying. Just get started. A hard-to-believe 25 years ago, I didn’t know a marigold from a Mandeville. I thought a hibiscus was a bone in your arm and Lantana was a town in west Texas.
You literally just jump in there and get your hands dirty. And — word to the wise — dirt is the key. All the good and colorful green stuff starts with the good brown stuff. Bad dirt or poor potting soil is a rally killer.
Lots of help is available from books, online, and from our AgCenter sisters and brothers, who have inspired me to try the Supertunias this year. Every year I try something new (to me), and years ago that was petunias. While they are pretty in Colorado in the summer, the Colorado heat differs greatly from the Louisiana heat. Back then, my pitiful petunias looked like you do when you get through mowing. But Flower People have developed new varieties that have improved tolerance, so we are trying again. If they “do” right, they are exceptionally pretty/purty.
Also, to help you along are your local Master Gardeners clubs. The Master Gardeners among us will tell the beginners that you never learn it all, and in my experience, they are happy to encourage and advise. Except for this one time . . .
It’s been a few years since I saw my retired friend and her husband one evening and tapped her on the shoulder. I had some flora and fauna questions since I knew she was a Higher Up in the local gardening club. So, I asked.
“Oh honey,” she said, and she put her hand on my shoulder like you do when you feel sorry for someone who might not be stupid but is plenty ignorant. She paused a few seconds.
“Sweetheart,” she said, “we don’t really ‘garden.’ We just get together and drink wine.”
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or Twitter @MamaLuvsManning
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