Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Former Tax Assessor Conrad Cathey continues to lead the charge to get Sabine voters to cast a “No” vote on all five property tax proposals on the ballot Saturday, Dec. 8. And in the past two weeks, he said he’s had a lot of other folks join the battle.

The State Tax Commission has ordered the Sabine Assessor to re-assess all property by August of next year. Cathey asked the five taxing bodies to postpone their votes until after the re-assessment, but they have not done so. The only other recourse is for voters and taxpayers to vote “No” on Saturday.

Last week Cathey started saturating local radio airways with ads. Sunday, ads started on Facebook that will be sent to all persons in Sabine Parish. In addition, thousands of fliers have been printed and will be distributed parish wide. And two one-half page ads will appear in this week’s Sabine Index.

What Cathey says makes sense. We urge you to get out Saturday and cast a “No” vote on all taxes. The result of your “No” vote will simply require the governing bodies to wait until after new assessments are complete to see if they still need more tax monies. If they do, an election can be held at that time.

Just In Time For Christmas…

Worried about finding a perfect gift for that loved one? We have the perfect Christmas gift. It is a nice ball and chain. In excellent condition except for a little rust. Doesn’t show much sign of use. “Alcatraz Prison” is on the ball. Comes with key. Fits male or female – one size fits all. First $200 takes it. Call me at (318) 332-8653.

You know, our veterans deserve to be treated with decency and respect. And that is especially true for those who work in the Veteran Service Offices around the country. Those folks should go out of their way to take care of our veterans.

I have been treated every way a person can be treated, so the following story is really not about me. But, it did happen to me, and my concern is that the person mentioned also treats others who visit the Sabine Veterans Office in a disrespectful manner.

Tedd Dumas and I are making plans for a birthday party on Dec. 14 for two of “America’s Greatest Generation,” both veterans of World War II. They are Charles I. Davis who will be 93, and Douglas W. Curtis, who just turned 92.

I called the local Veterans office on Nov. 26 and talked to Leilani Chelette and invited her to participate on the program. We agreed that I would come over in the afternoon and provide her with the event information.

That afternoon I went to the office, which has a small waiting room, and therein an adjoining room with sliding glass windows between. I walked to the window and spoke to a lady on the other side. She quickly looked at me, did not speak, and continued whatever she was doing, maybe working on a computer.

I stood there awhile longer and she never acknowledged me, so I walked around the office and looked at the items posted on the wall. After another 10-15 minutes of waiting without being acknowledged, I left.

Later, I called the office, told Ms. Chelette that I had come over and had not been acknowledged by the person working at the window and asked what I needed to do in order to be seen. To my utter amazement, Ms. Chelette said it was she who was at the window.

I asked why she had not greeted me as a visitor and given me some direction as to when I could be seen. I thought that was the way any office operates. Just plain, common courtesy. She told me when she was working with a client, she devoted all her attention to that one thing. I saw no client in the office with her. I replied it would make sense to simply open the window, say “hello” and tell the person waiting when he or she could be seen, or if they needed to return at a better time.

It didn’t seem to matter to Ms. Chelette. She acknowledged that she had seen me come into the office and leave. I came away thinking that is probably the way she operates the Sabine Veterans Service Office. No apology, no nothing.

I reported this matter to Ms. Pam Russell, the former Sabine Veterans Officer who did a fabulous job, and she said she has received other complaints as well.

And lastly, I saw this sign in the office: “The VA office will close every day at 4 p.m. sharp. Even if you are signed in, you will not be seen after 4 p.m. You will have to come back. The hours of operation are 8-12 & 1-4 M, W, F no exception. Thank you and have a good day.”

I think that sign needs to come down and all employees of the Veterans Service Office should treat our wonderful veterans and those of us who are just plain, old citizen taxpayers, with respect.
Be sure to vote Saturday, Dec. 8. Polls open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. We recommend Kyle Ardoin for Secretary of State.

There will be five property tax propositions on the ballot in Sabine Parish. Former Tax Assessor Conrad Cathey said all should be defeated until the Tax Assessor gets property re-valued by August of next year.
The autumn leaves are just beautiful. It’s worth taking a drive around just to see them.


Do you have it on your calendar? The big Down Home Christmas Pickin’ at Sabine Theater [Many Community Center] by Willie Stewart Family & Friends is just around the corner. It’s on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. In the spirit of the season, we are happy to announce the Town of Many and Many Cultural District are offering this music-packed two-hour concert free to all.

Willie Stewart of Florien is known far and wide for his bluesy, unique vocals and guitar – whether presenting Country, Gospel, Bluegrass or Christmas songs! His son Bo grew up in the musical tradition, and he too, is a versatile entertainer, singing a variety of soulful ballads and fun songs as well, and playing his mandolin. Bo’s son Kelly joined the mix at a young age with strong, rich vocals and guitar, as well as percussion – he plays the acoustic cajon drum box, which is completely subtle compared to a typical drum set, but it sure adds texture and depth to the overall sound.

It should be no surprise that Kelly fell in love with a certain musical beauty on his family’s many trips to Mountain View, AR, known as the “Folk Music Capitol of the World.” A few years ago, he married champion fiddler Clancey Ferguson of Mountain View, who is now the reigning Louisiana fiddle champ. She will be on the show as well.

Also on the program are Steve Birdwell, with his wonderful guitar stylings and super smooth vocals, Debbie Hillman, fiancée of Willie, who is a powerhouse vocalist in her own right. And boy, does she shower down on those traditional Christmas songs! Mark Birdwell, Steve’s son, may join in on guitar, and last but not least, my talented wife Laurie Gentry will play upright bass, autoharp, spoons and sing a few songs too. She traveled for about 25 years nationwide playing Folk and Gospel music with her family and during that time, headlined with her dad at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Come out and enjoy a fun night of all kinds of Christmas music! From classic holiday ballads to up-tempo fiddle tunes to several Christmas songs “just for fun,” you’ll hear lots to enjoy this holiday season. It’s Saturday, Dec. 15 at Many Community Center [Sabine Theater] at 7 p.m. in downtown Many.

Signs Along Life’s Highway

“The passing of Barbara Richardson Peterson is a huge loss to the Town of Many,” Mayor Ken Freeman said.

Mrs. Peterson died last Thursday morning, Nov. 29, 2018. She was born August 9, 1935.

She had been elected as alderwoman at large in 2001, continued to be re-elected every four years and served as Mayor Pro Tempore during the entire 17 years that she served on the City Council.

Freeman said she was a pleasure to work with, with endless energy and enthusiasm for the town where she grew up and lived her entire life.

“I considered Barbara to be a good friend, and I always valued her input and advice on matters concerning the Town of Many and its citizens. My wife and I also considered her to be a close personal friend,” Freeman said.

A long time teacher and educator in Sabine Parish, Mrs. Peterson was well liked by her students and highly respected by her peers. One former co-worker shared that when she first began teaching at age 22, she walked into the school building and Mrs. Peterson was the first person to greet her and tell her she would help her in every way she could.

“I had questions almost every day, and she never lost patience with me but explained and showed me how to do things that I’d never experienced before, especially the record keeping and keeping the students quiet,” the co-worker as she reminisced about her mentor.

After she retired from teaching, Mrs. Peterson, in addition to her duties on the city council, enjoyed her private life where she was an enthusiastic quilter, a member of the First United Methodist Church, and a lifetime member of Delta Gamma Social Sorority.

Mayor Freeman said her absence on the city council, her experience, and her knowledge will be deeply missed. “She was a special person and we were so fortunate to have her presence and wisdom on our city council. She was always wanting to do anything that would make our town better,” Freeman said.

She leaves behind her husband Garland Peterson, two sons Mike Tompkins and Mark Tompkins, and three grandsons – Christopher, Stephen, and Nathan Tompkins.

“Our sympathies go out to Garland, Mike and Mark. A wife, a mother, and a vital member of our community, she was indeed someone special. I know how much they will miss her. The people of Many will miss her and so shall my wife Mary Ellen and I,” Freeman concluded.

Ammons honored on retirement from Chamber

 

Kenneth Ammons of Many retired as the Executive Director of the Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce after serving from 2015-2018. Ammons, a longtime Chamber member and past president, stepped in to keep the office open after the untimely death of Garland Anthony. Several months later, the Board hired him to continue as executive director.

Ammons was honored with a reception on Tuesday, Nov. 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Tourist Commission Office. Atmos Energy sponsored the reception.

Past President Matthew Couvillion welcomed those in attendance, including Chamber members and other past presidents Kyle Martinez and Robert Hable, along with Mayor and Mrs. Ken Freeman, among others.

Ammons is credited with bringing the Chamber into the 21st Century. During his tenure, he initiated an on-line Chamber newsletter; founded the W.E. “Boots” Hayes Work Scholarship through the Central Louisiana Community College, trained four student workers, recreated the Chamber web site, and the maintenance of it in-house. He also brought national recognition to the Chamber and Toledo Bend Lake through an interview for In Focus magazine; had a new parish map printed and through hard work, saw his litter ordinance passed by the Sabine Parish Police Jury. He also added numerous new businesses to the Chamber roster and hosted ribbon-cuttings throughout the parish.

Ammons, a former banker with MidSouth Bank, will continue to serve as chairman of the ACT Work Ready Community and the Sabine Parish Police Jury to implement the Litter Court, which were two of his major projects.

According to his wife, Donna, he’s the only person she knows that took a part-time job and made it fulltime!

In the future, the couple plans to travel and spend more time with their grandchildren.

A DeLIGHTful Christmas in Many is well underway with lots of Christmas activities for everyone almost every day during the holiday season. The following is information about local Christmas activities scheduled Dec. 5 through Dec. 13.

Community Christmas Caroling is a new event in 2018 and it’s under the direction of Becky Miller, a member of the Christmas Committee and owner of Studio B Dance. Caroling for everyone who wants to sing, or just listen, will take place near City Hall and begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Repeat performances will be Dec. 8 and Dec. 12 at 6 p .m. near City Hall. Families and friends are encouraged to come out and enjoy traditional Christmas caroling throughout the Many Cultural District.

The annual Christmas Cantata will be held at the First Methodist Church of Many on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. It’s a beautiful, musical night as Many’s talented community choir, made up of members from several Many churches, presents music to remind everyone of the birth of Christ and all the wonder of that special night. Choir members have been practicing for weeks to present this year’s Cantata, and it promises to celebrate the true reason we rejoice at Christmas.

A beloved Many Christmas tradition is the live Christmas play production, “A Christmas Carol,” performed by talented local thespians under the direction of Ms. Mary Bozeman, who lived and worked in theater in New York and off Broadway for many years. This season, there are two performances. The first is Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., and the second is a matinee performance on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. Both will be held at the Many Community Center [Sabine Theater] in downtown Many. Theater-goers will love the elaborate costumes and seeing familiar townsfolk playing the roles of Bob Cratchit and his family, and, of course, Mr. Scrooge. Tiny Tim, the little boy with a limp, is always a favorite. It’s the perfect Christmas event for the entire family.

This year’s DeLIGHTful Christmas Festival even includes a beauty pageant: The Miss Merry Christmas Pageant is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Many Junior High School on Hwy. 6 East in Many. The contest will have several age categories, and guests will enjoy seeing all the pretty children and young people dressed up in their Christmas finery.

A DeLIGHTful Christmas is planned and organized by the hardworking Christmas Festival committee members under the direction of Chairperson Gay Corley. It is planned each year so people in the Town of Many and surrounding areas can enjoy Christmas right here in Sabine Parish with lots of activities and events to get folks in the Christmas spirit. Festival events will run until Dec. 24.

Snell Sentenced

Polly Snell, former Assistant Police Chief for the Town of Many was sentenced to two years of supervised release in Federal Court in Shreveport on Nov. 29. She pleaded guilty in January to one count of theft regarding a program that received federal funds.

A Louisiana Legislative Audit released in August 2015 showed that Snell was paid a salary of more than $5,000, and claimed she was not entitled to that money which came from a $10,000 federal grant to the town.
The audit also said Snell played a dual role at the Many Police Department and the Gulf States Regional Center for Public Safety Innovation where she served as assistant director and handled police training workshops through Northwestern State University.
The audit said she did not keep accurate time records, though she billed the Town of Many for 40 hours every week. They said her extensive travel for the Training Center made it impossible for her to also work full-time for the town.
The audit said she also claimed to work 40 hours per week at the Training Center for which NSU reimbursed the town. According to the report, Snell was fired by the Center in March 2013, yet she continued to get paid more than $21,000.
“Christmas Selfie Spots” are the latest fun holiday activity introduced by the Many Christmas Committee for 2018. The spots are Christmas vignettes at different locations around town where families and friends can go to make Christmas photos in seasonal settings.

The brainchild of Becky Miller, owner of Studio B Dance and a hardworking Christmas Committee member, three selfie locations are scattered throughout the Cultural District of Many.

The Chevron station, at 475 San Antonio Ave. has a Christmas scene with a fireplace, Christmas tree, Christmas packages, and a bench where families can pose. It’s just inside the store’s front door immediately to the right.

Waskom and Brown, located on Hwy. 171 Bypass near the USDA offices and the Dollar General, has set up a charming Christmas cookies and hot chocolate scene just outside their offices that’s sure to evoke a warm and cozy atmosphere.

And the final Christmas Selfie Spot is located inside Many City Hall on San Antonio Ave. There are several areas, including Santa’s sleigh, where family Christmas pictures can be made. City Hall is especially festive for the Christmas holidays this year and is sure to be a favorite spot for families to snap Christmas pictures.

Congratulations to the Many Christmas Committee for providing another great holiday activity to Sabineland.

Two Local Young People are named “Rising Stars”

The Many Christmas Committee and Many Mayor Ken Freeman have named Jaleah Lee one of their “Rising Star” honorees for the 2018 Many Christmas Parade on Dec. 22.

A young woman who always strives to do her best in everything she does, Jaleah graduated from Many High School in May 2018 with a 4.2 GPA and was in the top five of her graduating class.

The daughter of LaTonya Lee, she is now a student in the School of Nursing at Northwestern State University and is working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. A first generation college student, she currently has a perfect 4.0 grade point average at NSU.

In addition to her studies, Jaleah also works as a cashier and stocker at Market Basket grocery in Many. She wants Market Basket customers to get a good impression when they shop there, and so she is conscientious about telling the customers to “Have a lovely day.” She also is quick to help them find product locations and tries to answer any questions shoppers may have.

Jaleah has a positive attitude about everything: her education, her job, her involvement in the community of Many. She says, “I strive to do my best in everything I do. I have always had to work for what I wanted and that has helped me to develop a great mindset.”

Jaleah participates in Student Support Services at NSU and is especially proud of being a first generation college student.

In her high school years at MHS, Jaleah was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, the Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She was also chosen as a participant in LSU Medical School’s AHEC program.

In her Senior year, Jaleah was named the 2017 Many High School Homecoming Queen.
An athlete as well as a scholar, this busy young woman also participated in cheer, basketball, and track and field while in high school.

Upon graduation, she received several scholarships to attend Northwestern State.

Several personality traits are responsible for Jaleah’s successes so early in life. They are lessons that she thinks others can use to be successful.

Jaleah says, “I am always on time and I like to get my work done early or on time, but never late. I am organized and take pride in my work. I have strong mathematical and typing skills, and I am hard-working and focused.”

Though she has a strong work ethic and is committed to college and her job, she also likes working with others, and volunteering. She gives blood on a regular basis, and she has volunteered at the local nursing homes with activities for residents. She is also an Upward Bound Alumna.

For her past successes, her determination to succeed and her positive attitude, Miss Jaleah Lee is named a “Rising Star” for 2018.

The Town of Many has also named Tobias Williams II as a “Rising Star” honoree this Christmas. Tobias Williams II has lots of attitude…a good, positive attitude. He attributes it to the examples set for him by his family, his high school football coach, and his church family.

“I am a reflection of my family,” Tobias said. “It’s important to me that I set a good example for others.”

The oldest of five children, Tobias is the son of Tobias and Krisha Williams of Many. His mother teaches Social Studies and Science at Many Junior High. His dad works on a land rig in West Texas.

Something happened in his family several years ago that made a lifelong impression on Tobias, and he began seeing people, events, challenges and life differently. That’s because his maternal grandmother, Cloteal Polk of Natchitoches, moved in with Tobias’s family where she spent her last year of life.

“My grandmother was the one who had always taken care of us. Now we all learned to take care of her. If you ever wondered how valuable time is, just ask someone who knows their time is running out,” he said.
Tobias indicated that he learned the value of overcoming difficult circumstances just by having the right attitude.

“I couldn’t change the fact that my afternoons were spent helping someone at the end of her life. But the truth is that I would not have traded those afternoons for anything. The stress of what I was facing could have derailed by plans and goals if I did not have the right attitude and adequate support and positive extracurricular activities to keep me involved.”

Tobias channeled his energy into football. He first played for Many Junior High under Coach Lotice Cole. Then he played at Many High School under the direction of Head Coach Jess Curtis.

Tobias was a cornerback. He said, “During football games, we face the receivers isolated, one-on-one. I learned to stand and defend what is right even when it seemed that I was alone.”

He continued, “Defending the Tiger end zone was a great honor. But when I looked into the stands, I realized that my responsibilities went beyond the football field. I have a responsibility to represent my family, my school, community and my country to the best of my ability.”

Tobias Williams now plays football for the Northwestern State University Demons. He earned an athletic scholarship to study and play football for NSU. He’s happy that he has the opportunity to further his education and continue to play a sport that he loves.

But football is not Tobias’s only interest. He started a program called “Number 1 Matters Foundation.” The No. 1 came from the number he wore on his football jersey, and the foundation is an initiative to reach at-risk youth.

The program is a youth-led and youth-driven project centered around young people giving their time to help others. Its members have provided school supplies for at-risk students throughout Sabine Parish. The members have also tutored and mentored students through church programs and youth sports leagues. The foundation has also provided books to area students as well.

“With the hope of encouraging students to give back, our program prepares and delivers personal care packages to area nursing homes. Our members have also provided belts, shoes, socks, jackets and even glasses to young people at risk,” Tobias said.

“During the Louisiana floods earlier this year, we worked alongside homeowners as they salvaged what little was left of their homes,” he said. “It’s very common to find one of our members mowing the lawn of an elderly resident or keeping up the grounds of local cemeteries. Our foundation wants students to make an impact on our community.”

Though he is committed to his education, football and his Foundation, it’s not all serious all the time with Tobias. In what little free time he has, he likes to listen to Gospel music or watch the Discovery Channel on TV. He loves to play basketball with his brothers and sisters. He also likes to read. He’s even learning to cook some since he watches the Food Channel.

Football, however, is never far from this young man’s mind. He’s a fan of the New Orleans Saints and also cheers for LSU. And, of course, he’s on the field for NSU.

Sometimes he plays with his dog Rocky. But he’s always thinking…about his foundation, school, or Belmont Church of Christ Holiness where he and his family attend church. And even though Tobias Williams has already made a great impact on the lives of others, he still has big plans for life. There’s no doubt he can achieve all of his dreams. For these reasons, the Many Christmas Parade Committee and Many Mayor Ken Freeman are pleased to announce they have named Tobias Williams II a 2018 “Rising Star.”

That will do it for this first Wednesday in December. Please share your thoughts and suggestions with me by calling (318) 332-8653 or dropping an email to robertrgentry@gmail.com. Recently published Observations columns are found below and older ones are archived on our Facebook page. Visit Observations on Facebook, and click on Photos, where columns are listed by date. To print this week’s column, right-click anywhere on content and select Print.

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