Wednesday, December 21, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS       

As we approach another Christmas, we would like to take this opportunity to wish one and all a very merry and peaceful holiday.

I have been receiving correspondence for some time from Dr. David Jeremiah, who is pastor of the Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego, CA and has a broadcast ministry called “Turning Point.”

Dr. Jeremiah’s group recently released a beautifully produced movie titled, “Why the Nativity?”  As Christmas Day approaches, they are attempting to reach as many people as possible with the film.  The goal of the group is to “Bring the Gospel of Christmas to the world stage.”

If you would like to see the movie, go to www.davidjeremiah.com.  We think it would be well worth your time.

Many High School Tiger Football standout Tackett Curtis just keeps on doing it.  He has brought so much good publicity to our parish, and we hope he will continue to do so.  Not only is he a great football player, but he is an outstanding young man.  Now, the latest is that Tackett has been named the 2022 MaxPreps Louisiana High School Player of the Year.  Tackett is the son of Moses and Leslie Curtis, and the grandson of John and Pam Curtis and Warren and Ann Founds, all of Many.  Our hats are off to Tackett, and we wish him much success in his future endeavors.

We appreciate a recent conversation with Many Mayor Robert Hable.  He said any time we wish to livestream or record a meeting of the Many Town Council, we would be welcomed with open arms.  “We are transparent,” said he.

In last week’s Observations, we carried a story about a meeting of the Sabine Parish Library Board and referred to Many Police Officer Stanley Cook as Assistant Chief.

We were notified by the Town of Many:  “Correction:  Stanley Cook is not an Assistant Chief of Police  We only have one Assistant Chief and that is Mason Wiley.”  Thanks for righting a wrong.

We were recently honored with a visit by our good friend Dr. Ted “Bussey” Mims, a computer whiz, who retired as a full Professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Springfield.   He is so smart it scares you to be around him.

He is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mims, longtime Sabine Parish educators.

Bussey retired from the Louisiana Educational System after 23 years of successful teaching.  In August 1990, he was employed as an assistant professor of Computer Science at Sangamon State University.  He then moved on up to Springfield.

Prior to going to Springfield, he taught in 1967 at Northwestern, then 10 years at two different secondary school systems, nine years of teaching Computer Science at Louisiana State University, three years at Nicholls State and two summers at Louisiana Tech.

Dr. Mims received the Achievement Award from the Sabine Hall of Fame in 2019.

It is always a pleasure to see him coming.

David and Gwen Garcie, shown above, of Noble were featured on the recent Louisiana Public Broadcast two-part, four-hour series, “Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi or Any Place Else.”  The series was the brainchild of Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne and explores all the ways that Louisiana is just a little bit different than anywhere else and more importantly, why.  Dardenne served as host, producer and writer for the documentary.  The program takes the viewer from one end of the state to the other to show all the ways Louisiana is a jewel, not just to those of us who live here, but to the entire world.  What did the Garcies talk about?  Zwolle, of course.

Picture of the Past

It is called one of the most unique photos ever taken.  It is called “The Gathering” and was taken in 1883 in Hunters Hot Springs, MT.  Thanks to old buddy Bussey Mims, a native of Many who now lives in Springfield, IL, for calling it to our attention.

Shown in the photo are Albert A. Rich, Wyatt Earp, Teddy Roosevelt, Doc Holliday, Morgan Earp, Liver Eatin’ Johnson, Butch Cassidy, The Sundance Kid, Zadock H. Daniels, Bat Masterson, unidentified, Alfred “Harry” Britton, unidentified, Judge Roy Bean and Ben Greenough.

I was honored to be among six persons who were inducted into the Marthaville School Hawk Hall of Fame in ceremonies at the Homecoming basketball games and activities on Thursday, Dec. 8. I was graduated from school there in 1958, and Marthaville School has always had a home in my heart.

In making the presentation, Master of Ceremonies Phillip Strahan said, “Anyone who has ever attended Marthaville School or lived in our great community understands we hold great pride in who we are and our history and traditions.” The Hall of Fame recognition began in 2017.

Ms. Lynn (Coach) Lacaze was another of the night’s inductees. She taught 26 years at Marthaville School, including teaching the subjects of Math, Science, Health, Social Studies and Physical Education.

Debo Mitchell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Mitchell, was inducted. She taught at Marthaville School and in May 2017, retired to be a caregiver for her parents and sister. Ms. Mitchell returned to the classroom in 2019 as a substitute teacher and continues in that role in addition to driving a school bus.

Mattie Townsend, another inductee, was a Kindergarten teacher at Marthaville School from 1982 until she retired in May 2017. As a student and later a teacher, Ms. Townsend spent a total of 46 years at Marthaville School.

Honored with posthumous Hawk Hall of Fame inductions were Jess Davis and Dr. Hoyt J. Reed.

The late Jess Davis came to the Marthaville community in 1969 and became the Marthaville School custodian. He started as a bus driver for the school in 1978, retiring in 1983. He was loved by all who knew him.

A native of Pleasant Hill, the late Dr. Hoyt J. Reed served as principal at Marthaville School from 1954 until 1965. His wife, Ms. Annie E. Reed, taught Biology, Science and Home Economics. In 1965, Mr. Reed became Superintendent of Natchitoches Parish Schools. In recent years, the couple’s daughters, Dr. Cathleen Seymour and Jacqueline Horton, established a Reed scholarship at Northwestern State University to honor their parents.

It’s not too late to nab a fabulous find for Christmas giving at Good Gracious Boutique and Flowers. They are now settled into their large, new home at 690 San Antonio Ave., directly across the street from the Sabine Theater. Owners Paula Thomas and Grace Manasco say they’ve had great holiday sales so far and are ready to serve any last-minute Christmas needs.

The boutique carries a gorgeous array of home décor, art, clothing, jewelry, accessories, gourmet snacks, floral decor, fresh flowers and more. There’s so much to enjoy, the wisest choice might be to simply purchase fresh flowers and a gift card.

Grace and Paula recently spoke with Observations about making the move downtown.

“We’re really excited to be here,” Paula shared. “This space is so inviting,” Grace added. “And it’s charming. Everyone loves this exposed brick and historical building.”

In the move, Paula was glad to get a large, private workspace to create her fresh florals. She stays incredibly busy providing beautiful flowers for funerals, weddings, special occasions and “just because” arrangements.

The store’s gifts, home décor, premade florals and gourmet food items have now expanded to twice or three times the space available in the earlier location. “That has definitely grown,” Paula said. “We’re selling more home décor because we can actually make it and have the space to display it.”

Being on the main street of downtown Many has its advantages. “We have a lot more business from the lake now,” Paula said. The storefront enjoys prime visibility. “We also have a lot more foot traffic,” Grace noted. The shop is only a couple of doors down from Bayou Crawfish Restaurant, so that’s a plus for both businesses.

The store’s beautifully decorated entrance was just awarded 1st Place for “Business Decorated Door” in the Town of Many Christmas Decorations contest.

Good Gracious’ attractive clothing selection offers foundational and versatile timeless pieces as well as unique statement items that are chosen to be enjoyed far longer than trendy seasonal styles.

“I try not to stock super trendy stuff,” Grace explained, “Because after a trend is over, a piece can look dated, and you don’t want to wear it again. I look for pieces you can wear forever, that you will still love for years to come. I do try to find special pieces, but they must flatter an average body shape. When I’m shopping at market and see things, I always ask myself, ‘Would our customers buy this? Would this look good on them? Will they like the way this fits? Will they feel good wearing this?’ That helps a lot to make a final decision on what to clothing we choose to offer.”

In addition to clothing, Good Gracious offers stunning fashion jewelry and classic accessories.

When K&W Clothing closed last year, Grace and Paula took on K&W’s formal wear rentals. “Tuxedo rental was a wonderful addition to our business!” Grace shared. “Mr. Mike and Ms. Marilyn [Nichols] really helped us. They have been so helpful and still are. They are so nice to answer any questions, and they taught us how to take care of our rental customers successfully.” The rentals are not only tuxedos, however. As culture grows more casual, Grace and Paula have found a lot of customers wish to rent suits for funerals and other dressy occasions.    

Of their gourmet food items, Paula said, “We like to stock things that are ‘Southern.’ We try to carry things that appeal to the Southern palate.” The snacks are sourced locally when possible. Their fried pecans, made in Alexandria, are very popular. The Lagniappe Spice Co. shrimp and grits kits and pepper jelly are also big sellers. 

In addition to the inventory on display, Good Gracious offers special-order items, such as fabulous bedding, furniture, art and other high-end pieces that go far beyond what a buyer might see in regional home goods stores.

Those who shopped with Good Gracious in their prior location will be happy to know all the store favorites are still in stock, including some art by wedding designer Mandy Cathey, B’s Knees scent diffusers, Niven Morgan lotions, plus a new line of art pieces from MetColors. These imaginative, colorful pieces are made from submissions by a co-op of young artists who are paid a commission each time one of their designs sells.

Good Gracious Boutique and Flowers is located at 690 San Antonio Ave. in Many. Their regular hours are Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. [As this Saturday is Christmas Eve, please call to verify this weekend’s business hours.] Their floral design is full-service, which includes delivery. In addition to owners Grace and Paula, the staff includes Nancy Murphy, Kim Lafitte and Makenzie Tedder. Good Gracious may be reached at (318) 273-2239.

(Special thanks to my wife Laurie for the article above.)

The Sabine Parish Citizens for Better Roads continue to provide a valuable service to the citizens of this area by livestreaming the meetings of the governing bodies which our taxpayers’ money supports.  They do this because they feel the public ought to know what the folks who are supposed to be working for us are doing.

This Thursday, Dec. 22 at 9 a.m. they will livestream the meeting of the Police Jury.

On Thursday, Dec. 29 at 9:30 a.m., they will livestream a meeting of the Library Board.  The Board will meet in the Police Jury room.

Last time the Library Board met, on the advice of District Attorney Don Burkett, they did not let Pat and Joy Scarborough of the Citizens group livestream their meeting.  Turns out, they had every right to do it, and DA Burkett’s advice was in error.  In addition, Pat claims he was prevented by a Many Police officer from watching the meeting from the doorway to the small Librarian’s office where the meeting was being held.  Chief of Police Cheryl Wooley said the officer in question said he did not block the doorway.

Observations asked the DA if he owed the Scarboroughs an apology, and he said he did.  Pat said he waited for a letter but did not receive one.  He said he then called the DA but did not get an apology during their phone visit.

WE GET LETTERS. This one came from our friend and regular reader of Observations Ronald Byrd of South Boston, VA.

“Robert, that Library Board should be replaced by some citizens with common sense who will seek to serve and will listen to constituents.  The arrogance of that bunch is unbelievable and unacceptable, and they were clearly breaking the law in not allowing full public access to that last meeting.  An apology won’t cut it; they need to go.  For several years, they overtaxed citizens to the tune of five million dollars and then ignored the clear opposition of the citizenry to new taxes and a new library. To allow any member to remain on that Board would be a slap in the face of every Sabine Parish citizen. That’s obviously an opinion but one based on common sense, a rare commodity nowadays.  Ronny”

As mentioned in an article above, Tackett Curtis was recently named the 2022 MaxPreps Louisiana High School Player of the Year. This on the heels of Championship MVP recognition for his part in bringing home the Division III State Championship. The Mighty Many Tigers bested Union Parish 35-13 to claim the prize.

In his final season as a Tiger, Curtis ran for 1,115 yards and had 11 touchdowns – two in the state championship. On the defensive side, which he will play at USC, Curtis had 112 tackles, six sacks and three interceptions.

The four-star linebacker was also a Butkus Award finalist, an award given annually to the nation’s top linebacker.

More kudos to Tackett on receiving this honor.

Many Tiger Football great Tackett Curtis signed his letter of intent to play for the University of Southern California (USC) at Los Angeles in ceremonies at Many High on Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 14.

He will enroll at USC and start classes on Jan. 5. Tackett will immediately begin taking part in off season workout programs for USC football. He will also be eligible to take part in spring practice as they start preparing for the 2023 college football season.

Tackett is the son of Moses and Leslie Curtis, and the grandson of John and Pam Curtis and Warren and Ann Founds.

It was a lovely holiday open house at the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission’s “Jingle and Mingle” last Wednesday.

Director Georgia Craven and staff were on hand to welcome all, and everyone in attendance seemed to have a great time. The festive atmosphere included a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, delicious food and good visiting.

Among those attending were Rep. Rodney Schamerhorn, Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, Many Mayor Robert Hable and wife Crystal, Mayor of Zwolle “Pie” Martinez, Town of Many Councilwomen Bobbie Jackson and Mary Brocato, Town of Zwolle Councilwoman Martha Henderson, Dist. 3 Police Juror Stephen Steinke, Sabine River Authority Executive Director Warren Founds, Sabine Chamber of Commerce Director Shanna Gaspard, Chamber President Hannah Savell, several members of the Tourist Commission board and former Director Linda Curtis-Sparks.

(Thanks to my wife Laurie for the above article and photos.)                       

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