Lifestyle

The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation culminated the opening night of its 100th Annual Convention with Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau capturing the President’s Award for the third straight year.

The President’s Award recognizes the parish Farm Bureau that excels in membership, advocacy and communications over the past year. Louisiana Farm Bureau President Jim Harper presented the award to Vermilion Parish Farm Bureau President Bryan Simon Thursday night at the New Orleans Marriott.

On Saturday, May 28, friends and family celebrated the 93rd milestone of “Aunt” Betty Sue Dillard Holder. Her actual birthday is May 31 but in order to have all 15 family members attend, the celebration was held a little early.

At 1:00 p.m. everyone enjoyed smoked brisket, baked beans, potato salda, and Pioneer corn Souffle. Her 12 X 19 birthday cake was especially made by Teresa Wadkins, who is the wife of one of our DeSoto Fire District 9 Firefighters.

“Aunt” Betty grew up in the Sardis Community, which is located between Farmerville and Ruston, and was married for 62 years to John Felix Holder, who is now deceased. The union resulted in two sons, Johnny and David, who also have passed. The Holders were the owners and operators of the popular Mr. Swiss Restaurant for 32 years, which ceased to operate under their ownership when John passed away in 2009.

The State Library of Louisiana is announcing the statewide 2022 Louisiana Summer Reading Program entitled “Oceans of Possibilities,” a theme celebrating aquatic life and its importance to the world. All of Louisiana’s public libraries participate in this program and are planning virtual and inperson literacy and educational programs around this theme for children, teens, and adults, all summer long.

“Libraries continue to play a critical role in providing educational and recreational resources and opportunities for people of all ages all across the state,” said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. “The State Library has been working with libraries to provide an array of virtual and in-person programs to our communities as they recover from a challenging two years during the pandemic and the devastating effects of recent hurricanes and flooding.”

On April 30, Hanna Gamble and her staff celebrated her fourth anniversary in business as Sew Unique Monogramming & Boutique, located at 401 Polk Street in Mansfield. She originally started in a smaller location and soon needed a larger location to expand her inventory of clothing, shoes, accessories, shoes, and home décor.

The store is open Tuesday though Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The boutique offers ladies clothing, girls’ clothing, baby items, shoes, jewelry, accessories, candles, bath bombs and various gift items. She will be happy to assist you in picking out just the right items to make up a one-of-a-kind gift basket, and offers free gift-wrap. Gift certificates are also an option if you are in doubt of what to get for that special someone.

Louisiana Christian University held its 61st Annual Honors Convocation on April 14 recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of students in academics and athletics. Among the students from all across the state and into Texas was Caleb Williams of Frierson, who was recognized with the Dixie Sylvest Moss Award and the Sue McGahey Elgin Endowed Scholarship, both in music. Congratulations for a job well done.

After DeSoto Parish resident and Northwestern State University graduate Emily A. Myers published her first novel, “The Truth About Unspeakable Things” last year, the novel went on to become a finalist in the Chanticleer International Book Awards Clue Award contest (2021) for thriller and suspense fiction and a semifinalist for the Chatelaine Award (2021) for romantic fiction and Somerset Award (2021) for contemporary fiction by the same company. All contests are on-going.

Now, readers can continue the story with the sequel, Bound by the Unspeakable, available now on Amazon and most bookseller sites. Limited copies are available at Barnes and Noble on Youree Drive in Shreveport.

Early reviewers say the sequel is a fastpaced page-turner with plot twists you won’t see coming. “Full of tension, romance, thrills, and action, this book had me on the edge of my seat!” says one reviewer

We need your help! There’s been a murder, and there are a LOT of suspects! Help catch the murderer at Camp Belle Bayou before the sheriff arrives to spoil all the fun. Your ticket includes dinner, drinks, dessert, and the chance to play detective for an evening. Don’t miss out!

Julia most recently performed in Fools and The Rented Christmas on the BackAlley stage. She lives in Shreveport and is homeschooled. She is a regular performer in the Dramaniacs, starring in such productions as Peter and the Star Catcher, Peter Pan, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Julia also serves as the Dramaniacs’ Lighting Director.

Mu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma celebrated reading in conjunction with Dr. Suess Read Across America by reading to several classes at several schools across the parish. One of the projects for the chapter is promoting reading literacy.

Picture in no certain order are Mu members

Miranda Blount and Kayla McCoy read One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish to the second grade classes at Stanley High School.

Wanda Rougeau enjoyed reading to Ms. Dick’s class third grade class and Ms. Stoma’s fourth grade class at Central High School. Abby Williamson read Green Eggs and Ham to K3, Kindergarten, and first grade classes at Central High School. 2nd graders at Central High School enjoyed Sherri Laffitte reading to them. Central High School K4 class enjoyed Kristin Fulton reading Green Eggs and Ham to them.

Branch Manager Doris Ross, of DeSoto Parish Main Library, was recently recognized by Deacon Larry Heard, of Shiloh Baptist Church, for her 40 years of service at the DeSoto Parish Library. Ms. Ross was given a beautiful song entitled, “If I Can Help Somebody” and a bookmark inscribed with a lovely poem. (submitted)

To help SHS student, Morgan Pugh, raise awareness for Cerebral Palsy Month, DeSoto Sheriff Jayson Richardson and staff may or may not have cheated just a little. Today, we wear green for two great reasons: To protect and serve, and to participate in #MorgansChallenge! Capt. Dean Register dropped by Stanley High School to capture a picture with Morgan, accompanied by a very special guest.