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A Publication of the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce June 2014
www.bankruston.com
with us.Come
June June 6 – Business Buffet, 11:30 a.m., Chamber board
room, Social Media
June 27-28 – Louisiana Peach Festival
JulyJuly 15 – Business After
Hours, 5-7 p.m., Princeton Place
AugustAug. 12 – Business
After Hours, The Hub
Aug. 23-24 – Ruston Gun, Knife & Coin
Show
SeptemberSept. – Business
After Hours, 5-7 p.m.,
The OWL Center
OctoberOct. 21 – Business
After Hours, 5-7 p.m., NLMC
Oct. 23 – Lighten Up Lincoln Community
Wellness Expo 9 - 3 p.m.Library
Events Center
NovemberNov. 13 – Business
After Hours, 5-7 p.m.,
Landry Vineyards
CHAMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Chamber Connection
Deliver to:Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce • 2111 North Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270
It’s almost Peach Festival time in Ruston! The 2014 Louisiana Peach Festival presented by Squire Creek is the fourth weekend in June. The theme this year is Peach Perfect!
Each year the celebration begins with a Peach Hunt sponsored by CenterPoint Energy. Listen to Z107.5, Peach 99.3, or Q94.1 or check the Ruston Daily Leader starting Monday, June 23 for clues that will lead you through Ruston on a quest to find the Peach. The lucky winner will receive a $500 prize!
In addition to the Peach Hunt, we encourage you to visit the area Peach Stops throughout Ruston. You will visit the Stops to purchase their favorite Peach item and receive a stamp on your “passport.” Passports must be turned in by Saturday, June 28 at 5 p.m. at any festival entrance gate on Trenton, Vienna, or the Sexton parking lot to be entered to win fabulous prizes including a grand prize valued at $1,000. For more details visit www.louisiana peach festival.org or email peach@louisiana peach festival.org.
The festival fun begins on Friday, June 27 at 5 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. in Ruston’s historic Railroad Park, you’ll hear the “southern, country rock” sounds of Louisiana Swamp Donky, then get ready for an 80’s experience with The Molly Ringwalds at 8 p.m. Both concerts are brought to you by the Evening in the Park Friday Night sponsor, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and co-sponsors; Ponch-atoula’s, Log Cabin, First National Bank, and State Farm/Kim Dupree.
After a full day (8 a.m.- 6 p.m.) of events on Saturday, thanks to Saturday Night Entertain-ment Sponsors;
Peach Perfect Louisiana Peach Festival set for June 27-28!
Ivan Smith Furniture, LA Lottery, Rocketfast Car Wash and other sponsors; First National Bank, Log Cabin, Ponchatoula’s, and State Farm/Kim Dupree, we’ll get moving to the “the high energy, swamp funky zydeco sound” of Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. And as the festival draws to a close that evening, Dylan Scott will steal your heart with his talent of “writing your life in a song…and delivering it in a baritone so deep it’ll rattle your bones.”
Peach Fest includes approximately 200 artisans and vendors, all in one location! You’ll find merchandise and re-sale vendors at Trenton Street Marketplace on the front lawn of the Ruston City Hall, and hand-made arts and crafts both inside and
outside the adjacent Civic Center. Trenton Street Marketplace and the Civic
Center are open Saturday only.
The 2014 poster was designed by Christian Dunn. Anne Muckleroy
designed the t-shirt. Both winners were
presented a check for $500. Not only
do we have great peaches, but we have Peach Perfect talent in Ruston!
Louisiana Peach Festival comes with a Peach Perfect event for everyone!
Friday Night Concerts in Railroad Park are brought to you by:
Evening in the Park Friday Night sponsor, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and co sponsored by Ponchatoula’s, Log
Cabin, First National Bank, and State Farm/Kim Dupree
6:30 p.m.Louisiana Swamp
Donky
8 p.m.The Molly Ringwalds
Saturday Night Concerts in Railroad Park are brought to you by:
Saturday Night Entertainment Sponsors; Ivan Smith Furniture, LA Lottery & Rocketfast Car Wash and other sponsors; First National Bank, Log Cabin, Ponchatoula’s, and State Farm/Kim Dupree
7 p.m.Chubby Carrier and
the Bayou Swamp Band
9 p.m.Dylan Scott
Peach Stops new to festival! These area businesses will be
promoting at least one Peach Perfect item June 23-27, the week leading into the Louisiana Peach Festival. Stop in to see what they have to offer. (Purchase may be required.) Each location has a stamp for your passport (playing card). The more stamps you
Centric Federal Credit UnionChartreuse PearCounter Culture of RustonThe DepotThe Fabric ShopThe Fashion of RustonHampton InnHot Rod Bar-B-QLagniappe Auto Title LLC
get, the bigger prize you'll be eligible to win.
1-5 stamps = eligible to win one of several gift baskets
6-10 stamps = eligible to win one of several $100 value gifts
11-20 stamps = eligible to win the grand prize valued at $1,000.
Lewis BoutiqueMitcham Farms, LLCNorth Central Louisiana Arts CouncilPenny PerfectPonchatoulasPrescription Shoppe PharmacyRE/MAX Results RealtyRosemary’s KitchenRuss Place-EnlivantRuston Animal Clinic
Ruston Florist & BoutiqueRuston Wellness and Compounding PharmacyScott’s Catfish of RustonState Farm/Kim DupreeTownsend House GiftsWingstop
Peach Stops Include:
A Solid Board
Chamber Update
Heath HattawayAssociate withGallot Law
Law Office of Rick Gallot(318) 251-8480
Something most folks don’t know about me: I showed cows in 4H
In ten years I want to be: On the beach!
By Judy Copeland, President, Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Staff
Judy Copeland, PresidentIvana Flowers, Communications & Special Events
Melissa Carpender, Office Manager
Ruston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau Staff
Travis Napper, Executive DirectorAmanda Quimby, Marketing Director
Deana Sherrill, Administrative AssistantDeadline for submitting newsletter information
is the 15th of the month.
Executive BoardChairman
Aaron Paul, Business Technology Group
Chairman ElectMike Jones, Argent Financial
Vice Chair - Community DevelopmentKathy Crowder, Crowder Concepts
Vice Chair, Program DevelopmentLee Denny, Bank of Ruston
Vice Chair -Organizational DevelopmentPatrick Blanchard
LA Methodist Children’s Home
Vice Chair, Economic DevelopmentDoug Postel, LA Delta Community College
Board of DirectorsNeal Carter
Community Trust Bank
Cathi Cox-BoniolLincoln Parish School Board
Heath HattawayLaw Office of Rick Gallot
Rodney Manning The Ensure Agency
Richard Raue
Hi-Tech Computers
Sharon ShrellFirst National Bank
Erica WheelisCentric Federal Credit Union
Ex-Officio Board Members
Kristi LumpkinCity of Ruston
Dr. James R. LumpkinLouisiana Tech University
Courtney HallLincoln Parish Police Jury
Gregg PhillipsRuston Lincoln Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Ranaee Thomas-WalleyRuston/Lincoln Crime Stopper
2 CHAMBER CONNECTION CHAMBER CONNECTION 3
Sharon ShrellVice President/Mortgage
First National Bank (318) 242-4783
[email protected] What I wanted to be when I grew up: A Teacher—I even prepared tests for the neighborhood kids.
In ten years I want to be: Retired! I want to be sitting on my front porch doing NOTHING!
Heath Hattaway Sharon Shrell
Judy Copeland
I am truly amazed that we are already in June, half way through the year! They say time flies when you are having fun and we are definitely having fun….and working hard to bring valuable programs to our members. We enjoy finding ways to benefit our members and our community. As I’m writing this, I’m sitting here listening to speakers at Leadercast, a Chamber sponsored program of 9 speakers sharing their leadership journey and how to be “beyond you”. How being a leader isn’t just about you, it’s about
what happens beyond you. It’s about how you can leverage your influence for the sake of others, how you can use your leadership to make others better. Listening to these speakers brings
Leadership – Beyond Youme back to our Business of the Year/Hall of Fame held at Squire Creek where I heard some amazing honorees speak of exactly what we’re learning this day. Being a good leader requires putting others before you and understanding three practical attributes; service, generosity, and humility. If you missed either of these events I am referencing, you missed the opportunity to hear about leadership in all aspects and how you can make a difference in this world. I look forward to seeing you at our next event!
Notes From The ChairRuston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce – By Aaron Paul, Chairman
Aaron Paul
In my opinion, life is better in the South. Working at Business Technology Group (BTG), our IT projects allow us to interact with people from all over this great country. We get to trade stories with these customers and partners on what we do when we are not working. I am bias but it always seems like we have more fun here than other parts of the country. We go hunting during the winter and play on the lakes
during the summer. We also have the added bonus of great festivals
and great music. One great festival is coming up this month right here in Ruston. The Peach Festival will be Jun 27 and 28th. You can have a great parents night out and enjoy some great
music on the evening of Jun 27th with great bands like the 80s retro band, The Molly Ringwalds, who will be performing in Railroad Park. On
Saturday, the 28th, grab the kids and get to the Peach Parade, Antique Car Show and Arts and Crafts show. Then that evening you can enjoy more music with Louisiana’s best country and zydeco bands play. There is nothing like listening to live music on a relaxing summer evening in the South.
For more information about any of these events contact the Chamber Office at 255-2031 or [email protected] or contact me using the information below.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in OUR Chamber.
Life is better in the South
Title sponsor for 2014 is Squire Creek Country Club
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
Friday – Sunday Squire Creek Golf Tournament, Peach Invitational
All Day Baby Photo Contest sponsored by Barnes Portraiture, The Children’s Shoppe, 109 North Trenton St. 8 a.m. Lincoln Parish Park Kids’ Fishing Tournament sponsored by La Capitol Federal Credit Union, SciTech’s IDEA Place & Walmart Super Center, at Lincoln Parish Park
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fine Arts Show sponsored by North Central Louisiana Arts Council, Ruston City Hall
10 a.m. Peach Cookery Contest sponsored by Townsend House Gifts – Grand prize by LA Life, Presbyterian Church of Ruston, 212 North Bonner St.
5 – 7 p.m. Carnival by Mitchell Brothers & Sons, Sexton Parking Lot (beside Bonner St. bridge)
5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Kid’s Zone (at Railroad Park) sponsor by Blue Bell
5 – 10 p.m. Downtown Food Courts & Amusements, Downtown Ruston
6 p.m. Tennis Tournament sponsored by Brennan Dodge Chrysler JeepCo-sponsored by Celebrity Theatre, Chartreuse Pear, Dominos Pizza, Farmerville Motors, The Fashion of Ruston, Foster Farms, Green Clinic Pediatrics, House of Raeford, Karen’s Hallmark, Lusiana Tradition-Choudrant, McKinney Outdoor Superstore, National Jewelry, RAW Sushi, Rodeo Boutique, Ruston Tractor, Sonic of Calhoun & Farmerville, Sonic of Ruston (both locations), Super 1 FoodsHeld at Home Court, LA Tech University
6:30 p.m. Concert - Louisiana Swamp Donky at Railroad Park Brought to you by: Evening in the Park Friday Night sponsor, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and co sponsored by Ponchatoula’s, Log Cabin, First National Bank, and State Farm/Kim Dupree.
8 p.m. Rodeo sponsored by Brennan Dodge Chrysler Jeep North Louisiana Exhibition Center
8 p.m. Concert - The Molly Ringwalds at Railroad Park Brought to you by: Evening in the Park Friday Night sponsor, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and co sponsored by Ponchatoula’s, Log Cabin, First National Bank, and State Farm/Kim Dupree.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
All Day Baby Photo Contest sponsored by Barnes Portraiture, The Children’s Shoppe, 109 North Trenton St.
7 a.m. 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run sponsored by Northern Louisiana Medical Center, co-sponsored by FITRIGHT Active 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Beta Sigma Phi Arts & Crafts Show, Ruston Civic Center
8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Trenton Street Marketplace, Ruston City Hall 8 a.m. – 6 pm. Children’s Expo (behind the Civic Center) sponsored by Backus True Value
8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Carnival by Mitchell Brothers & Sons, Sexton Parking Lot (beside Bonner St. bridge)
8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Kid’s Zone (at Railroad Park) sponsor by Blue Bell
8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Downtown Food Courts & Amusements, Downtown Ruston
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Fine Arts Show sponsored by North Central Louisiana Arts Council, Ruston City Hall
9 a.m. Festival Parade produced by Ruston Rotary and sponsored by PetStar Animal Care. Chris Turner will be Grand Marshall.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Antique Car Show sponsored by BancorpSouth & Hot Rod Bar-B-Q, BancorpSouth parking lot 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fabric Art Challenge Quilting Contest sponsored by and held at Quilteroos, 1309 Farmerville Hwy.
11 a.m. Diaper Derby sponsored by Barnes Portraiture, Trinity United Methodist Church Multi-purpose building, 1000 West Woodward Ave.
6:30 p.m. Peach Eating Contest sponsored by Michael Walsworth/LA State Senator and SciTech’s IDEA Place, at Railroad Park
7 p.m. Concert - Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band at Railroad ParkSaturday Night Entertainment Sponsors; Ivan Smith Furniture, LA Lottery & Rocketfast Car Wash and other sponsors; First National Bank, Log Cabin, Ponchatoula’s, and State Farm/Kim Dupree
8 p.m. Rodeo sponsored by Brennan Dodge Chrysler Jeep North Louisiana Exhibition Center
Time: TBA Tennis Tournament sponsored by Brennan Dodge Chrysler JeepCo-sponsored by Celebrity Theatre, Chartreuse Pear, Dominos Pizza, Farmerville Motors, The Fashion of Ruston, Foster Farms, Green Clinic Pediatrics, House of Raeford, Karen’s Hallmark, Lusiana Tradition-Choudrant, McKinney Outdoor Superstore, RAW Sushi, Rodeo Boutique, Sonic of Calhoun & Farmerville, Sonic of Ruston (both locations), Super 1
Foods, National Jewelry, Rodeo Boutique, Ruston TractorHeld at Home Court, LA Tech University 8 p.m. Bass Tournament, Lake D’Arbonne sponsored by Farmerville Motors & Wood Marine Registration 6-8 p.m., D’Arbonne Diner
9 p.m. Concert - Dylan Scott at Railroad ParkSaturday Night Entertainment Sponsors; Ivan Smith Furniture, LA Lottery & Rocketfast Car Wash, and other sponsors; First National Bank, Log Cabin, Ponchatoula’s, and State Farm/Kim Dupree
Thanks to our Corporate Sponsors! • BlueLine Rental • Century Marketing Solutions • City of Ruston • Community Trust Bank • Louisiana Office of Tourism • Morrison Companies (Celebrity Theatre) • Ruston-Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau
Thanks to our Corporate/Media Sponsors!
• Ruston Daily Leader • KALB NBC 5, CBS 2 TV • KTVE NBC 10, KARD Fox 14 • Louisiana Life • The News-Star • Q-94.1 Radio • Z107.5 Big Z Country, ESPN 97.7, The Peach 99.3 Thanks to our Information Tents Sponsors! • Bank of Ruston • Jim Taylor Ford Lincoln Mercury Thanks to our Entrance Gates Sponsors! • Coordinating & Development Corporation • Counter Culture • Courtesy Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac • Green Clinic • Roseburg Forest Product-Louisiana Particle Board • State Farm/Kim Dupree Thanks to our Behind the Scenes Sponsor! • Hampton Inn Thanks to our Friends of the Festival Sponsors! • The Arbor & Terrace Assisted Living • Business Technology Group • Days Inn/Comfort Inn • La Capitol Federal Credit Union • Louisiana Center for the Blind • National Jewelry Company • Walpole Tire Service, LLC
Admission is charged for ages 7 and over. Friday $10 armband, includes concerts. Saturday 8-6 p.m. armband $5. $10 armbands are also available on Saturday to include concerts.
Visit www.louisianapeachfestival.org/ for more information.
®
Ruthie EvansGeneral Manager IIRuston/Bastrop/Jonesboro
1001 Cooktown RdRuston, LA 71270
F 318.251.2711E [email protected]
2000 Farmerville Hwy. Ruston, LA 71270 www.genesisenergy.com•
Training that makes Sense!318/254-7993www.traininglogic.net
Exceeds all customers Expections Every time
• Strategic Planning • Safety • Sales• Team Building • Customer
Service• Leadership & Mgmt Development• Succession Development •
•
Tech Support By Nick Bracey, System Engineer – Business Technology Group
Velissa Rollins, Mary Beth Walsh, Robyn Brown, Kim Brasher, Briley Cotton, & Kenneth Sutton
HeritageRealty Group, LLC
Make A Move.Make A Di� erence.
1231 Farmerville Hwy318.251.8282
How is Heritage Realty Group, LLC Different?1. Professional photography for all listings2. Give back program that invests in our
community with every sale3. Online marketing4. Team approach5. Automatic email program that will
ensure that you are the � rst to know about a property when it hits the market.
heritagerealtyruston.comRobyn Brown, Broker
4 CHAMBER CONNECTION CHAMBER CONNECTION 5
Nick Bracey
Through A Pastor’s Eyes
2 5 5 – 1 1 1 1R U S T O N L I N C O L N
C R I M ES T O P P E R S
Rewards up to $2,000•
Federally Insured by NCUA
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. La Cap Checking (Share draft) Accounts are variable rate accounts. La Cap may change the dividend rate for your account as determined by the credit union Board of Directors. Dividends are posted and compounded monthly. No minimum balance required to maintain the account. Applicable fees and conditions could reduce the earnings on your account. Quali�cation to earn dividends: - 25 or more posted non-ATM debit card transactions per month: - 4.25% APY on balances up to but not exceeding $5,000 - .15% APY on balances exceeding $5,000. If quali�cation stated is not met: - .15% APY on entire balance. Must meet criteria for opening a checking account. MXH0113-03
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LICENSE PLATES • RENEWALS • TITLE WORK
auto title llc
We Title’emYou Sell’em
Public Tag Agent
1406 Farmerville Hwy Suite 3 Ruston, LA 71270Phone: 318-202-5861 Fax: 318-651-7689 M-F 8:30-4:30
www.theuncommonbank.comMember FDIC
McCarter Financial Group, LLC
S. Greg McCarter, LUTCF
Most people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.Psalm 1:3
2028 E. Kentucky Ave.Ruston, LA 71270
318-255-1444FAX 318.255.1480
[email protected] nancialgroup.com
The Chamber Connection (023/623) is published monthly for $12 a year by the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, 2111 North Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270. Application to mail at Periodicals postage rates paid at Ruston, LA and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Chamber Connection, 2111 North Trenton St., Ruston, LA 71270-4420. All contents copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the publisher.
Printed by Ruston Newspapers, Inc.
In this technical age, a person may wonder how we ever survived without the internet. With the creation of the web browser, or browser for short, this has been made a much simpler task. Now, you may be asking yourself, what is a browser? A browser is simply a program that allows for the retrieval, presentation, and traversing of information resources on the internet. In this article I am going to touch on the four main browsers: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari.
Let’s start with Internet Explorer. This is the oldest browser that I will review. Internet Explorer originally came out with Windows 95 in 1995. The most up-to-date version is version 11 which came out in
2013. Internet Explorer claims to be the most universal browser in terms of content that
just works correctly out of the box. However, Internet Explorer has been losing popularity ever since Microsoft has been slow to update
the browser as well as provide critical updates.
The next browser in the line-up is Mozilla Firefox. Firefox was created in 2004 as an experiment. Firefox is a great alternative to Internet Explorer in the fact that there are many add-ons for this browser. The various add-ons can add various functionalities such as managing your news websites, downloading your favorite video streams, or even mimicking other browsers to add even greater functionality.
The third browser that I am going to
talk about is Google Chrome. If any of you have an Android-based phone, chances are that you have Chrome on your phone. The nice thing about Chrome is that you can sync settings and features across multiple computers, phones, and tablets by using your Google account. Chrome also updates all essential software that is needed for accessing web content when it updates as opposed to the previous two browsers that I have mentioned. The only real downside to Chrome is that some of the bigger websites (mainly Gov. websites) have issues with Chrome being able to access their content.
The last browser that I am going to talk about is Apple Safari. If you are like me, I almost take Safari for granted. Safari has a
good combination of features from other browsers. It can sync across multiple devices like Chrome as well as update most of the same software as Chrome. Also, since it was primarily built for Apple products, it is less vulnerable to online spyware/malware. The big downside to this browser is the lack of compatibility to certain websites (mainly Gov., accounting, etc.).
No matter what browser you choose, I encourage you to explore each of the four browsers that I have talked about in this article.
If you are reading this and have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Nick Bracey, Systems Engineer
Office at (318)251-8993 [email protected].
What’s in a browser?
.
Thomas Jefferson said, “The reason that Christianity is the best friend of government is because Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart.” Someone said that it takes a village to raise a child, but Jefferson would agree that it takes churches to raise a village.
Lincoln Parish has many wonderful churches from which to choose. The Ruston Ministerial Alliance sponsors a holy week of services each year in an area church.
By Chris Witt, Lead Pastor, Southparkway Church
Other churches enjoy community services where two or more churches worship together once or twice a year. We declare that the Bible is held in high esteem by a majority of the people in the Ruston area.
A helping hand is extended to the poor and downtrodden through Christian Community Action with clothes and groceries. Some churches provide Christian daycare for children where they can experience a safe and engaging
environment. The public school system is comprised of many teachers that are practicing Christians, which gives us confidence that our children will not be indoctrinated with secularism. Lincoln Parish is cosmopolitan in nature due to the numerous foreign students that attend Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University. Many organizations extend hospitality to the various cultures found on these campuses.
Alexis de Tocqueville said, “For the American the ideas of Christianity and liberty are so completely mingled that it is almost impossible to get them to conceive of the one without the other.” Many of the principles that made America great, that have vanished in other parts of the land, can still be found in the Piney Hills of north central Louisiana. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness will be the future of Ruston if we follow the command of 2 Chronicles 26:5, “ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
The Christian infuence in Lincoln Parish
Chamber Business Spotlight
On August 20, 1964 in Washington, DC, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA). The EOA created a variety of programs—including Community Action Agencies—as part of his War on Poverty. Humanitarian Enterprises of Lincoln Parish (H.E.L.P.) was one of those agencies later established to address local poverty problems in rural, urban and suburban communities across the country.
Humanitarian Enterprises of Lincoln Parish established in March of 1981, is the state recognized community agency and is an entity of the Lincoln Parish Police Jury. The agency is governed by both an
Advisory Board comprised of 15 members and an Administrative Board comprised of 12 members.
H.E.L.P. was first located at 108 S. Bonner Street, later relocated to 101 W Railroad Ave and is currently located in the Lincoln Parish Police Jury Complex at 301 N Homer Street, Ruston, La.
“H.E.L.P.’s track record in Lincoln Parish highlights the positive impact we’ve had helping our residents through a variety of financial and personal challenges,” said Rosalind Jones, Executive Director. “On an
annual basis, we help hundreds of families to achieve economic stability and improve their lives through a variety of programs such as employment
information and referral, GED referrals, rent/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, prescription drug assistance, food assistance, budget counseling, prevention of homelessness activities and after school child care assistance. Our success stories accentuate our ability to achieve measurable results.”
In addition to social services, H.E.L.P. administers the Lincoln Parish Public Transportation System. Transportation services are open to the general public and the fare is $4.00 one way to any location in Lincoln Parish. Transit hours of operation are currently Monday-Friday, 6AM-5PM, one day advance reservation notice is required. Current fleet consists of 8 vehicles, 6 of which are handicap accessible.
Last month, Community Action Agencies across the country commemorated the 50th anniversary of Community Action. Nationally, the Community Action Partnership will honor the occasion during its 2014 Annual Convention August 19-22, 2014 in Washington, DC. Locally, H.E.L.P. celebrated with an open house on May 22, 2014.
For the past 33 years of its’ existence, H.E.L.P. has been extremely successful helping people achieve and maintain economic security despite experiencing budget cuts and increased demands for services during challenging economic times. Each community action agency is exclusive and offers a variety of services. As Community Action Professionals, the staff is trained to identify the residents’ unique needs and to develop programs that will best serve them and their families. For more information you may visit the agency Monday-Friday, 8AM-4:30 PM or call (318) 251-5136.
50 Years of Community Action
Ribbon Cuttings
State Farm/Kim Dupree 1001 North Trenton St., Ruston 255-6301
Gamble’s Alpine Guest Care Center2401 North Service Rd. East, Ruston 255-6492
•
Dicky NealyBroker
2406 Kavanaugh RoadRuston, LA [email protected]
Office: (318) 255-7480Mobile: (318) 243-6253
Fax: (318) 254-8077
Hunt, Guillot & AssociatesRuston, Louisiana•
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Ruston1825 Roberta AveRuston, LA 71270
318-513-9777holidayInnexpress.com/
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emersoncentre
“Helping put the pieces back together...”
A Pause at the Podium
Cathi Cox-Boniol
By Cathi Cox-Boniol, Lincoln Achieve Coordinator
Touring Lincoln ParishRuston Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau – By Travis Napper and Amanda Quimby
Amanda Quimby
Find Where You Fit!
FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIP
Schools of Academic Excellence Initiatives
Student and Teacher of the Year
Adopt-A-School
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESLeadership And Achievement Initiatives
Student Internships
Job Shadowing
Contact Cathi Cox-Boniol, Lincoln ACHIEVE [email protected], 318-255-1430
Lincoln ACHIEVE . . . building partnerships to bene� t education, enhance the business environment, and contribute to
a quality life in Lincoln Parish.
•
6 CHAMBER CONNECTION CHAMBER CONNECTION 7
Happy Anniversary
My first car was a 1965 Mustang convertible. And no, I wasn’t turning 15 in 1965!
Instead, it was almost ten years later as my fifteenth birthday approached. The year was 1974 and daddy was on the lookout for a little car for me to drive when I got my license. At the time he was running his Shell Service Station and therefore constantly out and about on service calls. And as he went up and down McDonald Street repeatedly, he couldn’t help but notice that Mustang that never seemed to move from its parked spot. Finally he stopped to inquire about it, asking the little lady who lived there if she might be interested in selling it. As he explained that he was looking for a car for his daughter, she agreed to sell him her son’s Mustang for what it would take her to get a new television set--$200. Daddy then took the car to the station, gave it a fresh coat of baby blue paint, ordered a new white convertible top from Sears and installed it, cleaned up and painted the motor, put new tires on it, and my first wheels were ready to roll. I loved that car and all that it represented. In fact, I wish I still had it—but then, so does my husband.
Loving Mustangs is something Tom and I have in common. Therefore we have really enjoyed all the specials that have been around this year as the Mustang celebrates its 50th Anniversary. So you can imagine the absolute glee we shared when we discovered a magnificent article on the legendary Ford muscle car in the American Way magazine on our recent flight to Maryland. We could almost feel the wind in our face as we raced through David Halloran’s tribute to the pony and its giddyup and go.
Halloran explained that the American cultural icon has become the centerpiece for conversation and a bond that has united thousands of people across six continents. However, he also adds that if not for a visionary and his team, the Mustang would have never come to be.
The article continues with the fact that in the early 1960s, Ford Motor Company knew that it needed something unique to attract the baby boomer generation that was rapidly approaching driving age. Lee Iacocca, the vice president and general manager of the Ford division at the time, was joined by engineers, designers, product planners, marketers, and executives to develop a vehicle that would appeal to the younger generation. They knew they had to create a car that would be stylish, sporty, and affordable. And on April 13, 1964, at the New York World’s Fair, Iacocca unveiled the sporty new coupe that was loaded with options. Halloran tells us that when Iacocca introduced the Mustang, he said “This is the car we have designed with young America in mind, for frankly, we are very much interested in serving young America. With the Mustang, we expect to make it easier for them to have the kind of car that will suit their suit their needs, wants, and tastes while better preparing them for the future ahead of them.”
It would seem that Lee Iacocca and I have something in common. As with his Mustang, I am interested in providing an education designed with young Americans in mind—one that breaks down barriers and puts away rigid scheduling so that it can and will suit their needs, wants, and tastes while better preparing them for the future ahead of them.
In the most recent issue of the LASER, Louisiana Science Teachers Association President Nathan Cotten points to a trend that is crippling the ability of schools to provide a more well-rounded education that can be designed to
Muscle Educationfully meet the needs of our students. Cotton explains that currently, English Language Arts (ELA) and math are weighted 2:1 versus science and social studies in the K-8 school performance score (SPS) calculator. And while this has not changed in “LEAP” grades 4 and 8, the decrease in emphasis of science in grades 5, 6, and 7 might come as a surprise. Cotton points out the SPS calculation because if a school is going to do something to improve its rating, there will most likely be a focus on ELA and/or math. We are already witnessing ELA and math being double-blocked in elementary school, leaving little if any time for science and social studies. Add to that the new career diploma for 2014-2015 that only requires students to complete two science and social studies credits, yet four English and three math credits. Again, this shows a 2:1 ratio of importance when compared to ELA.
Certainly it is important that our students master their ELA and math skills—in fact, it is critical. However, I believe it is equally important that there be room within the schedule for students to expand their horizons through exciting, engaging, challenging, and productive learning experiences that enable them to really stretch their imagination, creativity, and critical thinking. And there is no place better for that than with vibrant STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) learning.
Have you ever witnessed the sheer joy of a student when they have solved the problem, constructed the tower, scaled the bridge, created the masterpiece, completed the investigation, mastered the robotics course, conquered the challenge, experienced the euphoria of wonder, and then clearly articulated their experience through various means of expression? Can you imagine the hard-to-contain excitement that erupts when a student realizes the confidence they now possess, the passion for life-long learning that evolves as that confidence grows, and the faith they have in who they are and what they can do? I have had the privileged joy of observing such remarkable moments in the
lives of countless students I have interacted with over the past three decades and it is something I cherish. However, more importantly I know what a role it played in the well-rounded and successful individual they have become today.
It pains me tremendously to know that opportunities for this type of learning aren’t just being put on the back-burner, they are being pushed off the stove. With such a narrow focus
on ELA and math, students are getting less and less time for those learning experiences that can truly serve their needs, wants, and tastes while better preparing them for the future ahead of them. And at some point our society must step up and let policymakers know that they are putting a choke-hold on student passion with the rigidity of such narrow areas of focus.
Steve Ling, current car marketing manager for Ford, states that the Mustang has a dynamic, useful kind of exuberance about it. When it debuted, it was all about freedom and independence
and even kind of optimism. He adds that it was the right car at the right time with what was happening in America and people took to it like water.
I’m of the opinion that’s what our mentality should be about education. It should be what’s right for our students so they will take to it like water and thus become free, independent, and optimistic citizens who can successfully tackle their future. Wouldn’t it be great if people would take to public education like water? I believe they would if we were able to put more muscle in our education and thus help unleash a passionate joy of learning within our students. This should be something that is the centerpiece of our conversations, uniting us through a bond of visionary expectation and commitment to our children. Wouldn’t that be exciting?
Iacocca said in his introductory speech that Ford had a hard time containing its excitement for the Mustang and he hoped the public would feel the same way. Fifty years later, more than 9 million Mustangs produced, and the passion seems as strong as ever. He got his wish. Why can’t I?
15 Yearshibu Inc. – Yellow Book USA
10+ YearsGoodwill Industries
IDEA Place/NASA Educator Resource Center
Henderson Financial Service, LLCSynergy Home Care
Rapid Signs & Banner Company 5+ Years
Lincoln Healthcare, LLCNewcomer, Morris & Young, Inc.
The Woman’s ClinicQuick Care of Ruston
Rotary Club of Lincoln Other
Antique Village RV ParkRuston Nephrology Associates – Anas
Kayal, M.D.One Wardrobe
Pulmonary Clinic of North LouisianaThe Slocum Agency
Summer has arrived in Ruston-Lincoln Parish which means the Louisiana Peach Festival is just around the corner! June 27-28, 2014, the festival will celebrate its 64th year. As one of the longest running agricultural festivals in the state, it gives quite the reputation for our community. Both residents and visitors enjoy a weekend of great food, live music, unique shopping opportunities and an abundance of family-friendly activities.
The music lineup this year is impressive and offers a little something for everyone. Kicking things off Friday night in Railroad Park is
Be an advocate for your hometownLouisiana Swamp Donky with their own brand of “southern fried rockin’ country.” Taking the stage next and promising the ultimate 80’s experience is the Molly Ringwalds. Opening up Saturday night will be Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp band, followed by rising country star, Dylan Scott.
We’re also excited about the festival’s new activity: Peach Stops! June 23-27, festival enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to purchase premiere peach goods at select restaurants, retailers, galleries, entertainment venues and local organizations. In doing so, participants will receive a stamp on their Peach Stop Shopping Rewards card used to enter drawings for prizes.
The Louisiana Peach Festival brings a large number of visitors to our beautiful town. While the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau work hard to promote the festival throughout the region and assist with travel plans, citizens are the most valuable asset this community has to ensuring that visitors experience the very best of Lincoln Parish.
You have the power to influence visitors by telling about our events, attractions and local dining and shopping opportunities. Remember the Louisiana Military Museum and Lincoln Parish Museum and share information on our
history. Suggest recreational hot spots like Lincoln Parish Park and James Lake. Encourage getting a delightful dose of culture at the Dixie Center for the Arts.
As a resident, you can be an advocate for your hometown and a viable part of the tourism industry. Welcome our visitors as guests and show them a great time, meet their needs and give them a reason to visit again!
If you are unsure about events happening in Ruston and Lincoln
Parish, check out the CVB’s website at www.experienceruston.com or Facebook Events Calendar at www.facebook.com/experienceruston. Get engaged. Reach out to you friends and family and invite them to attend the 64th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival and experience what our community has to offer. And be sure to show our visitors that true Lincoln Parish hospitality.
A good time was had by all at Business After Hours in April, hosted by Hampton Inn. If you weren’t able to attend, stop by and say hello to Ronnie Rawls, Brandon Sutherland and the staff. For your meeting or event needs, remember to check out Hampton Inn’s lobby, patio area, and conference room.
Hampton Inn • 1315 North Trenton St., Ruston • (318) 251-3090
Business After Hours held at Hampton InnCongratulations to Brandon Sutherland for being honored with the
‘Spirit of Hampton’ award. The Spirit Award was created to recognize those top performers within each brand who impact guests, team members, the hotel, or the community. Spirit Award winners represent less than 2% of the entire Hilton Worldwide team member population.
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Textbook Corner1102 Cooktown Rd., Ste. A, Ruston(318) 255-8555ruston.textbooktech.comOff-campus bookstore for LA Tech. Buy/Sell/Trade.
Ruston Wellness & Compounding Pharmacy, LLC109 North Trenton St., #2, Ruston(318) 255-8106Offers free delivery within Ruston city limits, pain gels, scar creams, hormone therapy and more.
Bulldawg Nutrition205 West California Ave., Ruston(318) 202-5877Bulldawgnutrition.com“Where your good health is our business.” Bulldawg Nutrition offers weight loss challenges, fit camps, nutritious products and more with friendly service. They’ll make you smile while you sweat.
Louisiana Tech University Theatre(318) 257-2930latechuniversitytheatre.comRuston has great options for performing arts enthusiasts, certainly the theatre team at LA Tech University is a big part of that. Tickets are available per show or for the season. You may even want to have one of your events catered in the theatre building.
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Business of the Year Ruston Florist & Boutique
1103 Farmerville Hwy. 255-8747
