Lifestyle

The Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma held its “Magnolias and Pearls” meeting on March 15, 2022, at the Louisiana Political Museum. President Laure Derr called the meeting to order. The inspiration was given my hostess chairman Carolyn Lang. Dianne Jordan led the group in prayer. Following a delicious meal prepared by Sharon Brewton, the gathering of educators enjoyed the Founders Day Program. The program was called GRITS—Girls Raised in the South. Five former presidents of DKG - Billie Ann Bates, Melissa Trammell, Sheila Causey, Jane Purser, and Theresa Hendrix- were the GRITS members who shared attributes that five of the Delta Kappa Gamma founders exhibited. The symbols used were the magnolia, pearls, skillet, smiley face and music book.

My Vision for Winnfield as Mayor:

Is to get the city back on track to where there is an improved quality of life for those that live in Winnfield, be a city that is appealing to those that visit and for those wanting to bring business opportunities contributing to the city’s growth.

My experience:

• 20 plus years in various leadership positions.

• 2 terms as Winnfield City Councilman.

• Served on the City’s Budget/Finance Committee and Public Safety Committe.

My goals to improve the quality of life in Winnfield:

• Leadership - be a leader that is inclusive, transparent, encourages open communication with citizens, one that is responsive and available to citizens. Work together with the City Council and Department Heads to identify and generate solutions for areas in need of improvement.

Mr. and Mrs. Etoy Ashley celebrated 61 years of marriage on March 5, 2022. They met at Grambling State University when he was a senior and she was a freshman. Mr. Etoy thought Mrs. Betty was the prettiest girl he had ever see and it was love at first sight for him. They were married in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Both worked as educators in the Winn Parish School System until retiring.

Mr. Etoy said, “We took a marriage vow 61 years ago at the New Zion Baptist church in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Those vows said for better or for worse, through sickness and health, until death do us part. We kept that vow because we loved each other. We still love each other.”

The couple celebrated with their daughter, Andrea Michelle over the past weekend.

The dreary and cold weather didn’t stop citizens from attending the Mardi Gras Parade that was held Saturday, Feb. 12 in downtown Winnfield. People lined the sidewalks as parade participants rolled through town. The Grand Marshall for the event was Mr. Etoy Ashley, a long time Winn Parish educator.

Judge David J. Hobdy, Jr. is the Presiding Judge of the 10 ^th Judicial Circuit of Jefferson County, Alabama (Bessemer Division). He earned his Law Degree from Miles Law School in 1994 and was admitted to practice law in the State of Alabama in 1994

Judge Hobdy was a partner in the law firm of Hobdy and Stewart, LLC for 17 years.

While practicing law, Judge Hobdy was also the Municipal Court Judge for the City of Lipscomb, Alabama for 7 years.

Judge Hobdy ran unopposed for his first 6-year term as a Circuit Court Judge in 2010 and took the Circuit bench in 2011. Judge Hobdy ran unopposed again for his second 6-year term in 2016. He is currently unopposed on the ballot for re-election in the upcoming November 2022 general election for his third 6-year term.

WMS 5 ^th grader Zachary Kelley, WMS 8 ^th grader Elizabeth Page, and WSHS senior Peyton Little were each recognized as Winn Parish Student’s of the Year for 2021-2022 at the monthly school board meeting on Feb. 8 ^th . School board Superintendent, Al Simmons presented each with a plaque and certificate and shared with the public and board members the criteria met by each student to receive the recognition. He stressed their academic achievement and they will go on to represent Winn Parish at the state level. In the words of Superintendent Simmons, “These students and their academic achievements reflect the best of us and the best of what the school system adheres too.”

Zachary Kelley is the son of Bryan and Susan Kelley. He part of the quiz bowl team with BETA, and enjoys 4-H shooting sports. Zachary also scored all mastery on LEAP. He enjoys taking part in activities and clubs such as BETA.

The Boys & Girls Clubs in Louisiana and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) announced a $30,000 STEM Talent Pipeline educational grant from PhRMA to support STEM programs at six Louisiana Boys & Girls Clubs.

“With PhRMA’S contribution to our STEM programming, we will continue to introduce and expose students to science, technology, engineering, and math fields after school to prepare them for post – secondary education interest,” Missy Andrade, Chief Impact Officer with the Boys & Girls Clubs in Louisiana. “The investment made in our youth will help create a better future for Louisiana and give all children an opportunity to thrive in careers that pay above-average salaries. We’re excited that PhRMA has joined us in our effort to inspire our youth with a hands-on approach to STEM learning.”

Amy Kelley, Hospice Consultant, from Legacy Hospice spoke to the Kiwanis Club, Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Accompanying her to the meeting was Megan Frederick, Volunteer Coordinator. The Hospice Director is Sherry Spivey. They also have 3 Registered Nurses and 3 aides, a social worker, chaplain, and an office manager. They can accept patients within a 50 mile radius. At this time they have about 18 patients.

The Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma held its “New Yea” meeting on January 18, 2022, at the Louisiana Political Museum. President Laure Derr called the meeting to order. Special guests Dr. Lori Meyer and Jana Smith were welcomed. Denise Young, chairman of the hostess committee gave the inspiration for the meeting. Diane Jordan blessed the food. The gathering of educators enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Sharon Brewton. Following the meal, Linda Keyes, chairman of the Research Committee, spoke on the importance of research in our lives. Members of the Research Committee assisted Linda. Missy James gave a synopsis of what an educator is. Dana Collins gave out pens and notepads to be used for the motivating talk. Linda then introduced the speaker Dr. Lori Meyers. She spoke on leaving a legacy in Delta Kappa Gamma. Lori spoke on how our lives should be like a stone thrown in a pond.

The new year is here, and with it comes the hopes and prayers that this one is better than the last ones. Still, one of our goals for the year is to be able to quickly adjust to whatever the future may have in store for us. Many of us have had to adapt to things we never thought would happen.

By living a simple lifestyle, you may be able to take those adaptations and adjustments in stride, with very few, if any wrinkles to iron out.

What exactly is a Simple Life? To me it means choosing your priorities, slowing down, focusing more on faith, family, and home, and less on societal demands, dependence on outside sources for food, entertainment, supplies and other material, emotional, and spiritual needs.