The Minute Magazine May June 2013

1Volume 8, Issue 14 FREEMAY / JUNE 2013

Minutethe magazine

Back to

+the Garden

Margaret Tripp Timmons:For Good Memories + Our Favorite Places to Find Fresh, Local fruits & veggies

+ Tons of Quick & EasySummer Recipes

2The Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau invites you to these upcoming 2013 Events:

4 Hein Sawmill Festival will be held in Hein. This event will feature store vendors, food booths and arts and crafts. For more information call Cathy Lee at (318)377-7539.

18 Annual Trails & Trellises Garden Tour and Seminars presented by the Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners will be held in Minden on May 18. For more information, please call (318)371-2586, or email Glenda at [email protected].

30 Annual Springhill Rodeo Parade at 5:00 PM on Main Street in historic downtown Springhill. For more information, contact Eric Simmons at (318) 547-3104.

30-31 61st Annual Springhill PRCA Rodeo, the oldest rodeo in Louisiana. This is rodeo at its nest held at 8:00 PM nightly. For more information, contact Eric Simmons at (318) 547-3104.

1 61st Annual Springhill PRCA Rodeo, the oldest rodeo in Louisiana. This is rodeo at its nest held at 8:00 PM nightly. For more information, contact Eric Simmons at (318) 547-3104.

CALENDAR OF EVENTSSummer

June

May

Heflin / Minden / Springhill, Louisiana

WWW.VISITWEBSTER.NET1-800-2MINDEN

/Webster Parish Tourism

*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Faster. The 30-Minutes-or-Less E.R. Service Pledge. Only at Northern Louisiana Medical Center.Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed. Youll find these at Northern Louisiana Medical Center. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire team are committed to working diligently to have you initially seen by a clinical professional* within 30 minutes of your arrival. If you need an E.R. fast, try our fast E.R. Once you do, you wont want to go anywhere else. Visit us online at NorthernLouisianaMedicalCenter.com to view our average E.R. wait time.

69826_NLMC_ERfast_9_75x13c.indd 1 4/29/13 9:09 AM

3*Clinical professional is defined as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Faster. The 30-Minutes-or-Less E.R. Service Pledge. Only at Northern Louisiana Medical Center.Emergency medicine is about three things: compassion, skilled care and speed. Youll find these at Northern Louisiana Medical Center. The experienced E.R. physicians and the entire team are committed to working diligently to have you initially seen by a clinical professional* within 30 minutes of your arrival. If you need an E.R. fast, try our fast E.R. Once you do, you wont want to go anywhere else. Visit us online at NorthernLouisianaMedicalCenter.com to view our average E.R. wait time.

69826_NLMC_ERfast_9_75x13c.indd 1 4/29/13 9:09 AM

5 It's SUMMER! Time for flip-flops and basking in the sun. Time for a cold glass of lemonade and some perfectly crisp and sweet watermelon. This issue of the Minute introduces you to several local businesses that offer fresh, homegrown fruits and veggies in North Louisi-ana. If you have a black thumb like me, these resources should come in handy when you get a hankering for some tastey produce.

We at the Minute encourage all of you, wherever you are, to go out and find local businesses that sell freshly picked fruits and vegetables like your local farmers market or Rosemary's Garden in Ruston, Louisiana. We guarantee that you will taste the difference. Or, maybe you are brave (or crazy) enough to try growing your own pro-duce. We teamed up with Briarhill Farms and they have a great article that teaches you how to get started with your very own garden, even if you don't have a lot of time or space.

Whatever you do, whether you choose to grow your own produce or support local gardeners, we hope that you have a peachy keen summer. And speaking of peachy keen, don't forget to mark your calendars for the upcoming Louisiana Peach Festival held in Ruston on June 21st and 22nd.

Whew! It's going to be a busy summer. And we all know it will be a hot one! Keep cool out there and remember:

IT TAKES YOU TO START THE TREND!

SHOP LOCALEAT LOCALSPEND LOCALENJOY LOCAL

from theeditor

Tiffany Byram

Freeinitialconsultation Thoroughassessment Customizedtreatment plansGroup,individual,and familycounseling

Managementofsecondary medicalneeds Continuedcareplanning andreferralassistance

If you or a loved one is experiencing changes in the ability to cope with daily living, Senior Care at Minden Medical Center is here to help.

SeniorCareisavailabletopersonsage55andoverwithamentalorcognitivedeclinethathindersdailylife,whohasbecomeathreattoselforothers,orislimitedinself-careability.Ourmentalhealthprofessionalsareavailablethroughour24hourreferrallinetodiscusstreatmentneedsandaredevotedtohelpingpatientsgetbackto

theiroptimalleveloffunctioning.

Our services include:

www.MindenMedicalCenter.com #1MedicalPlaza|Minden,LA

Youve known her for so long. Now, suddenly, something has changed.

For more information or to schedule a free,

confidential assessment, call us at 318-371-5646.

Hope is only a phone call away.

For Quality You have a choice when it comes to caring for your health. Make it a smart one,

and choose the area hospital that was named one of the nations top performers

on key quality measures two years in a row.

Were proud to be recognized by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor

of healthcare organizations in the nation, for our achievements in quality but

were even more proud to be chosen by you. Minden Medical Center

understands what matters most to patients and their families safe and

effective care. We are committed to providing the highest quality care possible,

along with the expertise and leading edge technology that you expect at larger

hospitals, all conveniently close to home.

Whatever your healthcare need, choose Minden Medical Center.

www.mindenmedicalcenter.com

Freeinitialconsultation Thoroughassessment Customizedtreatment plansGroup,individual,and familycounseling

Managementofsecondary medicalneeds Continuedcareplanning andreferralassistance

If you or a loved one is experiencing changes in the ability to cope with daily living, Senior Care at Minden Medical Center is here to help.

SeniorCareisavailabletopersonsage55andoverwithamentalorcognitivedeclinethathindersdailylife,whohasbecomeathreattoselforothers,orislimitedinself-careability.Ourmentalhealthprofessionalsareavailablethroughour24hourreferrallinetodiscusstreatmentneedsandaredevotedtohelpingpatientsgetbackto

theiroptimalleveloffunctioning.

Our services include:

www.MindenMedicalCenter.com #1MedicalPlaza|Minden,LA

Youve known her for so long. Now, suddenly, something has changed.

For more information or to schedule a free,

confidential assessment, call us at 318-371-5646.

Hope is only a phone call away.

6Is your skin ready for summer?

Come in today for these greatoers during May & June:20% O Obagi Skin Care Products Latisse $110 For longer, fuller, darker lashes

Get bikini ready with 25% o IPL Hair Removal Services

AESTHETIC SERVICESOFFERED:BotoxJuvadermFacialsMicrodermabrasionMassageIon CleansePhotofacialsAge Spot RemovalChemical PeelsPermanent Hair Removaland ReductionSkin TighteningHydradermie NaturalFace-LiftAcne Treatment

Purchase a gift card during the month of May and receive 10%

off of the purchase price.Gift cards may be used at New Beginnings

Wellness Center & Spa. Gift wrapping is complimentary.

7This magazine is FREE! However, you can have it mailed to you for $20 a year to cover postage & handling. Call us at 504.390.2585 and well put you on our mailing list!

Donna ArenderJohn BenschoterNancy BergeronChris BroussardTiffany Byram

Our cover photo features Rosemary

Thomas and Sara Corley of Ruston's

Rosemary's Kitchen and was taken by

Vicki Caskey

8 Antique Junkie by Donna Arender12 Rosemary's Kitchen by Rosemary Thomas15 Minden Farmers Market by Chris Broussard16 Ruston Farmers Market by John Benschoter18 Simple Small Space Gardening by Tom Faber25 Good Memories by Margaret Tripp Timmons27 The Journey by Jason McReynolds28 Simply Cooking by Melissa Teoulet30 Never Waste a Minute by Ashley Nygaard32 From Simplicity to Stilettos by Chalaine Scott34 Louisiana Girl Rivelations by April Timmons36 Villainy in Vienna by Wes Harris40 Hormonal Woman by Elizabeth Drewett

issueinside this

The Minute Magazine is distributed throughout Caddo, Bossier, Claiborne,

Bienville, Ouachita, Webster, & Lincoln Parishes in Louisiana.

They are FREE for you to enjoy. Take a few to your friends, rela-

tives or anyone else that you think might need a refreshing,

enlightening minute. For a list of locations near you,

visit www.theminutemag.com today! For article suggestions,

email Tiffany Byram at [email protected]

TIFFANY BYRAM & JACKIE LEWISOwners/PublishersRegional Editors Graphics/Layout

VICKI CASKEYSales Manager

DONNA ARENDERFeature Story & Cover

JENNY REYNOLDSFounder

Contact Information:Office Phone: 504.390.2585Ad Sales: 318.548.26932232 Highway 533Arcadia, LA 71001

Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be cop-ied or reproduced without permission. The Minute Magazine cannot be responsible for unsolicited materials. The editorial content of The Min-ute is prepared in accordance with the highest standards of journalistic ac-curacy. Readers are cautioned, however, not to use any information from the magazine as a substitute for expert opinion, technical information or advice. The Minute cannot be responsible for negligent acts, errors and omissions. The opinions expressed in The Minute are those of our writ-ers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The publisher has the right to accept or reject any advertising and / or editorial submitted.

contributorsVicki CaskeyElizabeth DrewettTom FaberWes HarrisJessica Haynes

Laura HortonJason McReynoldsAshley M. NygaardChalaine ScottMelissa Teoulet

cover

subscript

ion?

Rosemary ThomasMargaret Tripp TimmonsApril Warford Timmons

Volume 8, Issue 14 FREEMAY / JUNE 2013

Minutethe magazine

Back to

+the Garden

Margaret Tripp Timmons:For Good Memories + Our Favorite Places to Find Fresh, Local fruits & veggies

+ Tons of Quick & EasySummer Recipes

8--------------------------------

Little Red--------------------------------

Last fall I decided that my little "rickety" old kitchen table needed to be replaced. It squeaked every time someone barely touched it and the cracks seemed to be a magnet for food crumbs and dried play-doh left behind by my two grandsons. I was happy with my primitive table when I first purchased it; as it replaced a modern round table that certainly didn't fit the decor of this Antique Junkie.

A wonderful old primitive church pew sits in front of the kitchen windows, allowing visitors to "come on in and sit a spell. The antique table that looked as if it might have been some old farmer's work bench and its "flaws" added character as it blended

perfectly into our home filled with one-of-a-kind and re-purposed items. At first, I didn't like the worn barn-red color of the legs of the table. I planned on repainting it, but as time went by, the color seemed to grow on me. So, I named the table "Little Red."

My children were in their early teens when Little Red first became part of our family. Like most teenagers, having friends over seemed to be a daily ritual and our house was deemed a "hang-out." A sign that hangs in my kitchen says; "Come and Gather at Our Table, and that's exactly what they did... my kiddos and their friends gathered in the kitchen as I prepared supper, and then we'd usually invite them to stay. After school, Little Red hosted them as they did their homework. Many times, she served as an assembly line while I baked batch after batch of cookies for the cross country & track teams during my kids high school years.

Our family gathered

round Little Red as we celebrated birthdays, ate holiday dinners, and sang Happy Birthday Jesus (with a cake) on Christmas morning. We colored Easter Eggs, made scrapbooks, had coloring contest, played games and worked on Science Fair projects... all with the help of this rickety ol' table.

Lots of memories were made with Red right in the center of things but not all of them were fun. There were times during the "teenage" years that we had family discussions at the table. Other times, there were some family squabbles that Red was caught up in... and then Little Red was turned into a court-room until peace resumed inside our home. Since my kitchen over-looks my garden area, it is a peaceful place for me to spend my quiet time reading my Bible, journaling, and spending time with the Lord. And let me tell you... this table has caught many a tear that has rolled down my cheeks and soaked into the weathered wood.

Many times as my heart was in despair I cried out to God with my head resting on Little Red, like the shoulder of a good friend. Yes, that ol red rickety table was more than just a piece of furniture. She was a true friend if I ever had one.

My husband and I loved to drink coffee on the weekends sitting at that table, reminiscing about the past or making plans for the future. Not only was Red part of our childrens life, but she also witnessed our joy as we became grandparents. It was amazing to watch as little hands used Reds legs to pull up by as our grandbabies began to walk. Then it seemed like only an instant before they were standing on tippy-toes trying to grab something that was out of their reach. Next thing we know... they no longer need a high-chair, and they argue who is going to get to sit by Pappy at the dinner table. And history repeated itself with the joys & squabbles that were centered around Little Red.

Sadly, I got rid of Red last fall. Our family has grown into 6 adults and 2 grandchildren, and I decided it was time for a bigger (and sturdier) table. I searched for months looking for just the perfect table. (Of course it had to be old!) I finally found the table I was looking for, and I couldnt wait to get it home. I sold Red to an antique dealer and wasted no time in getting her out... and

9my new table in. But on the way home I became overwhelmed with sadness that I had just let go of such an important part of our family. I was flooded with memories of the past decade that had made Little Red such a special gathering place; a piece of family history.

Whats done is done... and there was no turning back. So I decided that Little Red was only supposed to be part of our family for a season. And as seasons change, so do our circumstances. It was time to make things new and that meant getting a new (old) table. Its funny that I thought the legs of the new table were one color and I wouldnt change a thing;

until I got it home and realized that they were actually gray. I thought about painting them but then I remembered Red, and how I had almost painted over her, so I decided not to paint these either. So, we named our newest family member, Gracie and she is already living up to her name as our little grandsons have learned to say grace before each meal sitting by her side. Heres to many more years of making memories together... gathered around our new friend. I also hope Little Red is happy in her new home, because she will always hold a special place in my heart.

--------------------------------

July 26-27 9am-3pm

The DepotDowntown Arcadia

Home DecorArts & Crafts& Much More!

For more information contact: April Picou 318.548.1151

or Melinda Kidd 318.263.8408

$1.00 admissionAll proceeds go to

Relay for Life

inJulyChristmas

OpenthroughJune 30

SEALIFE E

NCO

UN

TERS OF A

MER

ICA

SEALIFE E

NCO

UN

TERS OF A

MER

ICA

SEALIFE E

NCO

UN

TERS OF A

MER

ICA

SEALIFE E

NCO

UN

TERS OF A

MER

ICA

SEALIFE E

NCO

UN

TERS OF A

MER

ICA

Catch Some Raysat Sci-Port

This Summer!

Additionalcharge applies.

On the downtownShreveport riverfront

www.sciport.org/exhibits(318) 424-3466

10

written by Jessica Haynes

--------------------------------

Supporting Women's Health--------------------------------

Now ladies, we all know with the weather warming up, you can finally shed the layers and show a lot more skin. However, summer time is when UV rays wreak havoc on exposed skin. Celebrating summer shouldn't mean risking your health. Let's learn about the risk of overexposure to the sun and how to keep your skin healthy.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. This year more than 2 million cases of skin cancer will be

diagnosed in the U.S. alone. One of the most common and the most dangerous forms of skin cancer is melanoma.

The best way to find melanoma early, when it is most treatable, is to examine your skin on a regular basis and become familiar with the moles and other skin conditions already on your body to better identify changes. Certain moles for example that are present at birth and are atypical are at higher risk for changing into malignant melanoma.

Recognize the changes in your moles by using the ABCD Chart. Asymmetry, Border, Color, and Diameter are the ABCD characteristic to check for when doing a self- examination. Asymmetry is when one side does not match the other. Border is when the edges of the mole are ragged or

irregular. Color is when the color varies throughout the mole. Diameter is if the mole's diameter is larger than a pencil's eraser.

The best way to avoid skin cancer is to protect your skin daily! Use a sunscreen of at least 15 that protects against UVA and UVB rays. When in the sun for longer periods of time, seek shade and cover up with a fashionable hat, sunglasses and clothes. Make sure to limit your time outside between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The weather is warmer, the days are longer and there's more time to go outside and do all kinds of fun things! Enjoy fun in the sun this summer; just make sure you're not getting too much of a good thing!

This health tip was brought to you by the Northern Louisiana Medical Center

Healthy Woman program. Healthy Woman is a free program designed to empower women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed health care decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Free monthly presentations cover health, communication, relationship, and life balance issues, all designed to improve your life and the ones you love.

Joining the Healthy Woman program is easy just visitNorthernLouisianaMedical Center.com/HealthyWoman to sign up. Membership is FREE, and the benefits last a lifetime. For more information about Healthy Woman, call Jessica Haynes at 315-254-2492.

--------------------------------

11

We love summer. Don't you? I know, I know... Louisiana summers are HOT. They are so hot, in fact, that you could probably fry an egg on the sidewalk. But summer has its pros to go along with the big sweltering con. A re-freshing glass of fresh squeezed lemonade. Biting into a perfectly ripened peach. Tomatoes straight from the vine. A jar of homemade pick-le relish. Shucking corn in your grandmother's kitchen.

When reminiscing about summer, our thoughts naturally drift to fresh fruits and vegetables. Cold, crisp watermelon on a hot July day. Thickly sliced tomatoes and juicy lettuce piled high on a steaming hot chargrilled hamburger.

We've teamed up with Rosemary's Garden, Ruston Farmers Market, Minden Farmers Mar-

ket, and Briarhill Farms to pack this issue full of tips, tricks, and recipies for some of your favor-ite summer delights.

Whether you are interested in starting your own small summer garden or just finding unique and local places to buy some tastey produce, you've come to the right place.

Special thanks to John Benschoter, Chris Broussard, Tom Faber, and Rosemary Thomas for their fantastic contributions.

All this talk about food is making me hungry so why don't you read through the next few pages and see if you can't get some quick an easy ideas for tonight's dinner. I think I'm gonna go make a snack.

12

Rosemary'sKitchen

Written by Rosemary Thomas

Simple.Fresh. Good. These words accurately describe Rosemarys Kitchen, a new restaurant in Ruston. The old house surrounded by flower beds and perched on the corner of Bonner and Arizona streets has been converted by Rosemary Thomas and her daughter Sara Corley into a cozy spot for lunch. In addition to lunch served Monday through Friday from 11 until 1:30 and Sunday from 11 until 2, Rosemarys Kitchen is open Monday through Friday from10 until 5:30 for customers needing wholesome food to take home from the coolers and freezers and unique gifts and plants from the gift shop. Light catering and special functions are also part of what Rosemarys Kitchen has to offer.

Rosemary Thomas, an RN and Sara Corley, who has a degree in Animal Science from Louisiana Tech, seem an unlikely pair to open a restaurant. We never imagined we would open a restaurant when we started selling bread and casseroles at the Ruston Farmers Market said Rosemary. Neither one of us had worked in the food service industry before said Sara. But we felt very strongly that there was a niche here in Ruston just waiting to be filled. Being asked to describe what kind of food is served at Rosemary's Kitchen is a challenge according to Rosemary, because there is a new menu every day! 'Homestyle with a modern twist' is a phrase that seems to describe our food said

Sara. Rosemary agrees adding that the phrase on their business card, logo and T-Shirts of Simple. Fresh. Good. also describes the ever-changing menu options.

Freshfresh, fresh. That is a guiding principle for our food and this time of year we are in absolute heaven! said Rosemary. Because Rosemarys Kitchen started at the Ruston Farmers Market, they are big supporters of the farmers that sell there every Saturday. Rosemarys Kitchen will also be hosting and cooking the Farmers Market first fund-raising dinner this summer and also plans to host a mid-week mini market in the parking lot when the farmers have a surplus of produce to sell.

We love to cook, but we also love to garden said Rosemary. Although I have had to cut back due to the schedule imposed by owning a business, I still have a large vegetable garden and try to grow some of our own vegetables and herbs for the restaurant.

When asked to share some of her favorite recipes for summer produce, Rosemary offered us this recipe for Squash-Corn Casserole - a favorite side dish served at Rosemarys Kitchen. Fried,steamed, in a casserole with tons of cheese, sauted, cored out and stuffed with anything you like... just a hundred ways to go with squash said Rosemary.

Photograph by Vicki Caskey

13

the counter while you are at work. Come home. Boil some pasta. Toss with the tomatoes and add some Parmesan cheese. Heat garlic bread. Sigh a long sigh of utter contentment. Your day just got a little better, didn't it?

(Note: Do your own thing with this. Add grilled chicken or shrimp or use these tomatoes for brochette. Yummy!)

___________________ Cucumbers are another vegetable that is locally available and tastes so fresh and cool during the hot summer months. Cucumbers are said to aid digestion and we have all heard that cucumbers are good to use as a beauty aid. Since that ship has sailed for me, I personally don't spend much time lying about with cucumber slices on my eyelids, but certainly will entertain that option once I win the lottery.

In the meantime, try this recipe for freezer pickles. Very addictive.

Ruth's Pickle Relish6 - 8 cucumbers sliced1 onion sliced1 bell peppers sliced

Combine all of the above and salt generously and list sit for 2 - 3 hours(stir occasionally). Drain and rinse twice. Boil 1 1/2 cup sugar + 1 cup white vinegar + 1 tsp celery seed. Pour over cucumbers. Chill. Freeze containers of this relish and I promise that this winter these littlepickles will be just as crisp and fresh as they were the day you made them. Trust Me!

___________________

Along with vegetables, herbs are one of the things Rosemary and Sara love to grow. There are herbs tucked in every corner of the flower beds surrounding the restaurant, said Sara. Rosemary also has a large herb garden at her house. You may see her early in the morning snipping away in the flower beds as she prepares the daily lunch offerings.

If you haven't come by Rosemarys Kitchen yet, we hope that you will be able to visit us soon," said Rosemary. We also want to thank our loyal customers that we see every week sometimes two and three times a week and those who have shared suggestions, encouragement and recipes with us. These folks seem like family to us now and we are so very grateful for their business and friendship said Sara.

More recipes are available at Rosemarys Kitchen blog www.simplefreshgood.blogspot.com. Look up the 2011 and 2012 archive files to find recipes for lots of fresh veggies and herbs.

Visit Rosemary's Kitchen today! 400 South Bonner Street, Ruston, LA 318.202.5951

Corn-Squash Casserole2 to 2 1/2 lbs yellow squashl large onion, chopped1/2 tsp salt6 Tbsp butter1 1/2 cup whole kernel corn fresh corn if at allpossible 1/2 tsp pepper1 cup + shredded cheddar cheese1 1/2 cup crushed corn chips (divided)2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried if fresh not available) cup cream, half and half, or milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Slice squash and cook in salted water in covered saucepan with onion until tender. Drain and mash up a bit. (I use a potatomasher for this). Drain again. Add butter, corn, pepper, thyme,cream, cheese, and 1 cup of the crushed corn chips. Add salt to taste.

Pour into a buttered baking dish and top with remaining1/2 cup corn chips.

Bake about 20 min.

Good stuff.

Options:Pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddarAdd sauteed jalapenos for a little more heatAdd red bell pepper for a little colorUse whatever chips you have available - tortilla chips or even potato chips

___________________ Another veggie that just about everyone loves, many folks grow and something always available at the Farmers Market is fresh tomatoes. The difference between a home grown tomato and a store bought tomato is like the difference between Grace Kelly andBrittany Spears said Rosemary. Just no comparison really. I eat so many tomato sandwiches this time of year, I get mouth ulcers. So, go to your Farmer's Market or befriend your neighbor with a garden and eat a REAL tomato as soon as you can!

This is a very simple, very fresh way to prepare tomatoes. Great for hot days when you crave something fresh and simple.

Annie's Marinated MatersNote: My sister the librarian sent me this recipe and would never, never say "maters".I just did that to irritate her.

Cut up tomatoes (or half some cherry or grape tomatoes). Add lots of cut up basil and several cloves of chopped garlic. Add olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Now... let it sit at room temperature. All day. Make it in the morning and leave it out on

14

Peach Lemonade2 cups coarsely chopped peaches

3/4 cup sugar

4 cups water

1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6 lemons)

4 cups ice

1 peach for garnish

1 lemon for garnish

Directions:

Combine the first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil; Reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes.

Place peach mixture in a blender; Let stand for 20 minutes or until cool with blender lid off. Replace lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid. Blend until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Press peach mixture through a sieve over a bowl, reserving liquid and discarding solids. Stir in lemon juice. Dilute with additional water if desired. Place 1/2 cup ice in each of 8 glasses. Pour about 2/3 cup lemonade into each glass; garnish each glass with a peach & lemon wedge.

Basil Lemonade1 cup of fresh lemon juice

1 cup of superfine sugar

8 (or more if desired) fresh basil leaves

1 quart of water

Lemons for garnish

Directions:

Mix the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar dissolves.

Add the basil leaves to the mixture. Stir them in and crush them against the sides and bottom as well to really get the taste of the basil in it.

Add the water and stir until the drink is consistent.

Fresh Squeezed

Enjoy!

15

The popularity of local farmers markets is growing and Mindens Farmers Market is no exception. Established in 2009, Cultural Crossroads Farmers Market was started in part by a grant from the Louisiana Cultural Economy Fund. Establishing relationships between local growers and the public has been the goal of this small and quaint market. While providing fresh vegetables for their customers, the Minden market is also open to area 4Hers, artists and young entrepreneurs.

Mindens Farmers Market will open Saturday, May 18th from 7am until noon. Vendors are invited to sell as new members of Cultural Crossroads. An annual membership of $30 guarantees each grower a spot in the pavilion. Occasional vendors are invited at a rate of $10 per visit. The market will open for six weeks according to market manager, Pam Brunson. The end of July will be our last day, comments Mrs. Brunson. We found that once it starts to get hot, the veggies stop and so do the customers.

Guy Twyman, a 7th grader from Glenbrook, was highlighted at last years festival as a young entrepreneur with his homemade soaps and quickly became a farmers market favorite. A local blueberry orchard found their blueberries easier to sell in season at Mindens Market. While the market is small and still growing, the various growers that make up the markets selection all grow locally. We dont have anyone selling veggies from out of state. Its all grown within a 50 mile radius, comments Mrs. Brunson.

Artists and craftsmen are also welcome. Those wishing to find a shady spot on Saturdays to hold

their own yard sale can do so for a small $10 fee. Our fleas and tiques area was made available last year to those wishing to hold their garage sales with us, Mrs. Brunson adds. The property is beautiful and the huge pecan trees provide a nice big shady area for vendors and shoppers. And we found that many church groups found this helpful in their fundraising efforts.

What sets this market apart from most is the fact that it is tied in to a local arts agency that owns and manages the four acre historic homestead that houses the market. Mixing agriculture and the arts has been quite successful for this twenty year old organization that also hosts an annual arts festival for children in the spring known as ChickenStock. Summer art camps for kids are also held on the four acre estate. Efforts are underway now to construct an educational center for square foot gardening on site for future gardeners.

The four acre estate fondly known as The Farm is actually the Moess Center for the Arts & City Farm. The picturesque grounds are adorned with original sculptures by regional and national artists. The various floral gardens were established in 2001 using permaculture design methods. Traveling to Minden on Highway 80 and finding the colorful painted house that serves as a centerpiece for The Farm is worth the trip if not for the fresh vegetables but for the view and the eye candy that many artists, photographers, and gardeners find there.

The Farm is located at 419 East Union in Minden, Louisiana. Vendors interested in setting up may call Pam Brunson at 318 26-288-7628 or email [email protected]. To learn more about Cultural Crossroads, visit their website at www.artsiminden.com.

MindenFarmersMarket

Written by Chris Broussard

16

Ruston FARMERS MARKET

In January of 2008, a group of people packed a garage-converted yoga studio in Ruston, Louisiana to ask ourselves why there wasnt a farmers market in our town. We all knew farmers and backyard gardeners. We all had stories about markets we enjoyed in other parts of the country, even in other parts of Louisiana. So, why not here?

And thats all it took: people to ask a question and act on it. Because a little more than three months after that first meetingabout the time it takes a vegetable plant to bear fruitwe opened the Ruston Farmers Market in a public parking lot with a small group of regional growers and local food producers. With the support of the City of Ruston, the design expertise of a class of art students at Louisiana Tech, and generous people from the community, we had a place, a logo and website, and seed money. Only a few days into the planning, we understood that this was something a lot of people wanted. Coming off a year in which we averaged 12 vendors and 350 customers per week, our biggest market featuring 21 vendors and a tasting tent, were excited to have begun our

sixth season. Every Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon, from now until December, you can find our vendors in downtown Ruston at the corners of Monroe and Louisiana Avenues selling everything from goat cheese and handmade fudge to heirloom eggplants and summer squash to recycled yard art and baked goods.

The Ruston Farmers Market is the only market of its kind in North Central Louisiana. From the start it has been run by volunteers dedicated to bringing fresh and local produce to our region. Our farmers and growers sell what they themselves grow (the only exceptions being a few items only grown in South Louisiana on partner farms, always source-verified). The food vendors sell only what they cook, the arts and crafts vendors only their own handmade items. Louisiana Grown is not just a label to us. From the start, we took as our mission to provide a guaranteed direct-sales opportunity for Louisiana growers, a place where local farmers could supply fresh produce to eager consumers without fear of out-of-state/out-of-season competition.

With that mission in mind weve since started North Louisiana Farm Fresh, a nonprofit umbrella organization that allows us the chance to expand market opportunities, develop outreach programs into our schools to teach kids the importance, and the fun, of growing their own food, and to educate

Written by John BenschoterPhotos by Bill Ross Photography

17

people about the health benefits of a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits. We see each of these things as foundational, as supporting a tradition of farming in North Louisiana that we want to thrive long into the future.

A few of the things to look for as we grow and expand are Kids Days @ the Market, a mid-week evening market, and our first annual fundraiser dinner. On the first Saturday of each month well be providing school-age children who have their own gardens, or who make their own crafts, such as jewelry or birdhouses, the opportunity to taste what its like to run their own business. With parental supervision they are free to set up at a tent and table we provide and offer their wares to our enthusiastic customers. The North Central Louisiana Arts Council (NCLAC) will offer special crafts projects and local musicians will keep everyone entertained. Look for a mini-market to start sometime late May or early June on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of Rosemarys Kitchen. And, on June 29, North Louisiana Farm Fresh will hold its first annual fundraiser dinner featuring produce from our vendors prepared by the chefs at Rosemarys Kitchen.

Our special Taste of Summer festival coming in June is always a hit, and well continue to feature weekly events, musicians, community fundraisers,

and more. Information about any of our markets is posted on our website (rustonfarmersmarket.org), where you can also sign up for our weekly email newsletter filling you in on the latest offerings from our vendors and always with a healthy recipe featuring the produce to be found at the market. You can Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

For more specifics or to ask about being a vendor or sponsor, email [email protected] or call John Benschoter at 318-232-2535.

18

Simple Small SpaceGardening

Written by Tom Faber

Remember the summer days of youth walking through your Grandparents garden picking tomatoes, snapping string beans & shelling peas? Now that weve become older and so much wiser, the pursuit of fresh vegetables usually ends up taking us to the local chain store where we purchase pretty vegetables that lack flavor and have travelled from places far, far away. Weve convinced ourselves that this is the right way to do this healthy thing.

Folks, Im here to tell you that there is a better way. Theres a healthier way, and theres a way that involves you in the production of your own food. You can grow your own fresh vegetables. I can think of very few good reasons for not growing at least some of your own vegetables. Two of the most common excuses I hear are I dont have room, and I dont have time. Lets look at these excuses.

Brought to you by Briarhill Farms

19

I dont have room to have a vegetable garden. Here at Briarhill Farms we have what we call our kitchen garden, it is planted and cared for before any other garden spot on the place. Why? Because its where we get our food for our table. Sure we have areas to grow stuff for market and selling from the farm. Those areas are there to generate part of our income, & help supply vegetables to other folks. If they fail, we lose a little money. If the kitchen garden fails we might go without the necessary vegetables we need for the year.

Our kitchen garden encompasses about 250 square feet, which is very small compared to the types of gardens we are accustomed to seeing. But you would be amazed at the types and amount of vegetables it is possible to harvest from such a small area, more than enough for us, and some to give to other family members as well.

By utilizing different planting methods such as raised beds, containers, planting in the ground and even hanging baskets it is possible to maintain a garden capable of feeding your family in a very small space. A popular trend recently is using old shipping pallets for small space gardens. By covering one side of the pallet with landscape cloth and filling the pallet with garden soil you can create an attractive and functional 4x4 garden spot that will grow many vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

I dont have time Ive told people that gardens are only hard work when you are first setting it up, and I believe that. Thats not to say once youve got it set up and planted you can just walk away and come back six to eight weeks later and start eating tomatoes. It just doesnt work like that. Time spent watering, fertilizing, weeding, and harvesting can be kept to a minimum in a small space garden with these few tips.

1. Plant what you know you & your family can & will eat. I know very few families that can put away squash from 12 plants, or can eat the fruit from a flat of tomato plants unless they plan on preserving (which is not a bad idea either). Dont over plant one type of vegetable, be diverse and try new things. If you dont like radishes, dont plant them just because theyre easy to grow. Plant your favorites, enjoy what you harvest.

2. Figure out how you are going to water your plants before you plant them. If you can only water from one or two sides of your garden you dont want to plant corn in front of your string beans causing the water to miss getting on your beans. Also, water as early in the day as you can so the leaves of your plants will have time to dry before nightfall, this helps reduce fungus problems.

3. Fertilize your plants when you plant them, I recommend good old fashioned cow manure. Side dress with the

same manure about every 2 weeks to maintain healthy vigorous growth.

4. Pest control is a necessary thing in Deep South gardens. The first sign of aphids, tomato horn worms, thrips, or squash beetles is the time to act. Dont assume they will go away on their own because they wont. Visit your locally owned garden center and seek out organic solutions. Remember you are going to be putting this stuff in your mouth later; you dont want to eat sevin dust. Besides that, the pollinators are having enough problems with pesticides without us gardeners adding to their dilemma.

5. Harvest your vegetables as soon as they reach ripeness, leaving them on the plant too long only invites more bugs and diseases you dont need. Serve them up fresh or preserve them for later.

So there you have it in a nutshell. Train yourself to eat items that are fresh, local and in season. Youll reap many benefits other than just delicious fresh veggies. What a great way to engage your children or grandchildren. If youre still not convinced to try it yourself let me encourage you to visit one of North Louisianas many Farmers Markets. Support your local growers, producers, and artisans.

About Briarhill FarmsBriarhill Farms is a farm owned and operated by Tom & Lorrie Faber in Ruston, Louisiana.. They are dedicated to sharing a passion for Farm Fresh food, delicious vegetables, handcrafted products; grown, created, and sought after, by customers while supporting their community and sustainability in North Louisiana.They love to promote locally grown & produced products and can often be found selling their delicious products at the Ruston Farmers Market.

For more information about Briarhill Farms, call (318) 251-2319, email [email protected], or visit www.briarhillfarms.com

Tom & Lorrie Faber

20

Louisiana Peach FESTIVALTheres going to be a Peachy Keen party in Ruston on June 21-22 when the Louisiana Peach Festival hosted by Squire Creek begins.

The festival, now in its 63rd year, is produced by the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.

This years celebration, with the theme Louisiana is Peachy Keen, will see the return of all of the popular events arts and crafts, 5K run, antique car show, cookery contest, tennis tournament, rodeo, a kids zone and more plus the all-time favorite peach ice cream.

The Eta Omicron Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi service sorority has once again teamed up with Blue Bell Creameries on a special peach ice cream. The ice cream will be available both days of the festival at the Railroad Park venue and all day Saturday at the Civic Center.

Rustons own Buddy Terzia Band is this years headline entertainer. Their concert begins at 8:30 p.m. on June 22 on the Railroad Park stage. The Southeast Texas band Classics Recovered, that includes former Ruston resident Travis Woods, opens for the Terzia group beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $10.

Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band makes a return festival appearance on Friday night beginning at 8:30 p.m. At 6:30 that evening, Dixie Tradition kicks off the two nights of festival concerts. Dixie Tradition features twins DJ and Jonathan Rachal of Blanchard. Friday night admission is $5.All arts and crafts and resale vendors will again be located at the Ruston City Hall-Civic Center complex. Vendors selling handmade items will continue to be inside the Civic Center and in the parking lot on the south side of the building. Resale vendors will be on the lawn in front of City Hall.

Last year was the first time we had tried having all of our vendors in one location, and it worked well,

both for the vendors and for festival goers. Everyone seemed to like having all shopping opportunities in one location, Nancy Bergeron, the chambers communication manager, said. Plus, it really made for a festive atmosphere.

Applications are being accepted for the handmade and retail venues, and can be downloaded from the festival website, www.louisianapeachfestival.org

The biggest change that festival goers will see is year is that the Sexton Parking lot, located across Vienna Street from Railroad Park, wont be used for events this year, and will be available for parking.

The kids amusements located in the lot last year will be in the block of Park Avenue that fronts Railroad Park. The downtown food court, including the peach ice cream, will also be along part of Park Avenue.

New this year is a fabric art challenge quilting contest sponsored by Quilteroos. Small quilts and fabric art must be made from packets available only at Quilteroos in Ruston. Finished product must be turned in to Quilteroos on June 15.

For more information about the festival or a specific event, or to volunteer to help with the festival, visit www.louisianapeachfestival.org.

The Louisiana Peach Festival is corporately sponsored by Squire Creek Country Club, Louisiana Office of Tourism, Celebrity Theatres, Ruston-Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau, Raising Canes, Volvo Rents, Community Trust Bank, Q-94.1 Radio, The News-Star, Ruston Daily Leader, Z107.5, ESPN 97.7, The Peach 99.3, KTVE NBC 10, KARD FOX 14, myarklamiss.com, KALB News Channel 5, CBS2 TV, The Radio People K-104, LA-105, MIX-101.9, 100.1 The Beat, Louisiana Life Magazine, and Century Marketing Solutions.

Written by Nancy Bergeron

21

~ RUSTON ~

2013 L

OU

IS IAN

A PEACH FESTIVAL

JUNE2122JUNE2122

Produced by the Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

Buddy Terzia Band Saturday, June 22

Parade Arts and Crafts Rodeo Live Music Antique Car Show Kids Activities Sporting Tournaments Peach Eating ContestCitywide Sidewalk Sales 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/WalkFull Event Schedule at LouisianaPeachFestival.org

~ RUSTON ~

2013 L

OU

IS IAN

A PEACH FESTIVAL

JUNE2122JUNE2122




~ RUSTON ~

2013 L

OU

ISIA

NA PEACH FESTIV

AL

JUNE2122JUNE2122




~ RUSTON ~

2013 L

OU

IS IAN

A PEACH FESTIVAL

JUNE2122JUNE2122




22

BEFORE (2010)

3 YEARS LATER

5 year war

ranty!

exclusive

ask about ou

r

maintenan

ce

plan

... and much more.

Free Estimates Insured Trained Staff

Unsightly black stains or streaks on asphalt shingles are caused by a hardy type of algae called GLOEOCAPSA MAGMA. This type of algae thrives in humid and warm climates and usually appears, rst, on the North slope of the roof where shade is prevalent and mois-ture tends to accumulate. The algae feeds on the crushed limestone that is used in asphalt shingles. Rain then spreads the algae down the roof, causing black streaks. As the algae breaks down the shingles, the granules that protect the shingle are loosened and begin to fall o. This causes the roof to deteroirate and diminishes the roofs ability to reect heat rays. IF LEFT UNTREATED, THE ALGAE will reduce the life of your roof, diminish your homes curb appeal, and increase your home cooling cost!

Dont replace it. ReNEW it!

The black stains and streaks on your roof are ALIVE!

ReNEW Softwash Safely Cleans Any Surface:Exterior Cleaning Roof Cleaning Stone/Limestone

Masonry/Brick Cut Stone ConcreteStucco/Dryvit/EIFS Wood Siding Vinyl Siding

For Lasting Results, Call 318.470.4341

Commercial & Residential CleaningNon Destructive Environmentally Friendly

You may have seen our work:Centurylink Center Municipal Auditorium La Quinta Inn

Community Trust Bank Shreveport Convention Center

23

BEFORE (2010)

3 YEARS LATER

5 year war

ranty!

exclusive

ask about ou

r

maintenan

ce

plan

... and much more.

Free Estimates Insured Trained Staff

Unsightly black stains or streaks on asphalt shingles are caused by a hardy type of algae called GLOEOCAPSA MAGMA. This type of algae thrives in humid and warm climates and usually appears, rst, on the North slope of the roof where shade is prevalent and mois-ture tends to accumulate. The algae feeds on the crushed limestone that is used in asphalt shingles. Rain then spreads the algae down the roof, causing black streaks. As the algae breaks down the shingles, the granules that protect the shingle are loosened and begin to fall o. This causes the roof to deteroirate and diminishes the roofs ability to reect heat rays. IF LEFT UNTREATED, THE ALGAE will reduce the life of your roof, diminish your homes curb appeal, and increase your home cooling cost!

Dont replace it. ReNEW it!

The black stains and streaks on your roof are ALIVE!

ReNEW Softwash Safely Cleans Any Surface:Exterior Cleaning Roof Cleaning Stone/Limestone

Masonry/Brick Cut Stone ConcreteStucco/Dryvit/EIFS Wood Siding Vinyl Siding

For Lasting Results, Call 318.470.4341

Commercial & Residential CleaningNon Destructive Environmentally Friendly

You may have seen our work:Centurylink Center Municipal Auditorium La Quinta Inn

Community Trust Bank Shreveport Convention Center

24

In Loving Memoryof Margaret Tripp

TimmonsSeptember 30, 1950 - April 6, 2013

For good memories I am thankful.

Margaret Tripp Timmons was the most beau-tiful example of strength in the face of dif-ficulty that I have ever known. She bravely faced a lifelong battle with Rheumatoid Ar-thritis without complaint or bitterness. For over 35 years arthritis deteriorated every joint in her body but she never asked why and she never let it take away her smile.

Margaret Tripp Timmons was incredibly gift-ed. She loved to draw, write, quilt, and sing. Long after her fingers were unable to hold a pen, her stories and illustrations lived on through family cookbooks and in the pages of The Minute. Margaret's witty personality and humorous outlook can easily be found in the stories she wrote about her childhood.

There are people in this world who personify goodness and grace. My Aunt Margaret was one of those people. Ask anyone who knew her and they will tell you that she was always the same: kind, compassionate, loving. No matter how much pain she was in, no matter how dif-ficult things were for her, she always had laughter in her eyes and a smile on her face.

She will be missed dearly by her family and friends but we have faith that she is fi-nally without pain.

From your Minute family: We love you.

-Tiffany Tripp Byram

25

-----------------------------------

Daddy's Hot Rod Tiller-----------------------------------

Seems to me Daddy spent most of his time, when he wasnt at the paper mill working, in the garden. He would plow with this big old garden tiller for hours. It must have been his endless hours in the garden tilling that gave Jimmy and his friend, T. Wayne, their inspiration.

Daddys tiller wasnt like the modern, smaller ones. His was big, old and red. The tires on each side of it were as big as car tires. The motor, on the front between the two tires, was also big and very noisy. The tiller had tines or blades on the back that rotated fairly fast. On the front, it had a sort of bumper. Daddy had put a large round weight made of solid iron and about as big around as a dinner plate on the bumper. He said

that it helped the tines dig into the soil better. Sometimes, Daddy would sit one or two of us kids on top to help weigh the tiller down even more (or maybe he was just giving us a free ride around the garden). From between the two wheels, two long handlebars extended to the back. Daddy held on to these and was able to control the speed of his tiller by squeezing the controls, which were mounted on the handlebars.

Somewhere, by his early mid-teens, our brother, Jimmy, had learned quite a lot about motors from Daddy. Daddy would let him tinker with different engines around the place. From this, Jimmy and T. Wayne decided to help Daddy out. They felt that Daddy had to spend too much time behind his tiller in the garden.

I cant remember if Daddy knew about their plan or not. At any rate, I think it took him by surprise.

Not knowing a lot about

motors, I cant explain exactly what method they went by to soup up Daddys tiller. All I can do is describe the outcome. I just know that somewhere along the way, the horsepower of the tiller changed drastically from the tired old mule to the equivalent of a 50 race horse team.

I noticed when Daddy wound the rope around the starter and gave a jerk, that instead of the normal, putt, putt, putt, the motor was suddenly revved up to a sound similar to the drag races we occasionally heard over on the highway close to our house.

Daddy should have taken notice immediately and shut her down. Instead, he pulled one of the levers on the handle. Thats what set the whole thing in motion.

Suddenly, the tiller lurched forward, barely missing the bumper of the 56 Chevy station wagon and skimming the paint off the side

of the garage. Daddy trotted along and somehow managed to steer it through the garden gate.

With barely enough time to get it lined up with the first row of green beans, the tiller lurched into second gear. By now, Daddys trot was a little faster, but he managed to round the curve just in time to miss the fence and, once again, get it somewhat aligned with the next row.

Now the trouble with changing things too drastically, is that you have to trade off something to get something in return. In the case of the tiller, the trade-off involved the effectiveness of the plow. For some reason, the plow now became more or less airborne and the result was high, thick plumes of garden dirt being belched into the air around Daddy. As you can imagine, visibility was virtually nil by now.

It was at this time the tiller switched into third gear. Daddy didnt have time to pull out his old mill rag and wipe the sweat pouring from his brow. He was doing good just to hold on and keep up with the pace of the tiller.

By now, due to the low visibility and accelerated speed, Daddy was fighting a losing battle to keep the tiller lined up with the row. It was a major feat of brute strength and gutless courage to keep it from devouring the entire vegetable

thankfulfor good memories we are

written by Margaret Tripp Timmons

26

patch! Nothing less than a miracle took place when Daddy finally maneuvered the tiller into line on the next row.

Dads hat flew off and his neck veins bulged as the tiller suddenly lurched into fourth gear! With a wild look in his eyes, Daddy jogged along behind the tiller as it flew down the row of peas. Beginning to recognize the seriousness of the situation, Daddy tightened his grip on the handlebars and attempted to get ready for the next turn.

Barely avoiding the garden fence, he shoved the tiller around for the next row. Quite suddenly, the tiller gears slid into the fifth position. Dad gritted his teeth, held his breath, and

broke into a full run as he tried to work up some sort of a routine.

He found that it took him only four running steps to cover one, one half acre row. At the end of the row, he would dig his huge number twelve shoes into the soft soil, grab the tiller by the handles, and sling it around in the direction of the next row.

Jimmy and T. Wayne had just come from the pasture to watch and admire their mechanical abilities. Why! It couldnt have been more than 5 minutes since theyd heard the tiller crank! And now WOW! Daddy was only two rows from the finish line across the acre garden! Talk about record-breaking time!

Plow time was down from an hour and a half to just under 6 minutes!

By some unfathomable feat of human strength, Daddy managed to miss most of the watermelons, with only the squash falling victims to the runaway tiller.

Daddy frantically turned the tiller back in the direction of the garden gate and ran, sweating furiously, behind it toward the garage. He pulled the plug on it before it reached the washhouse, but sheer kinetic energy kept it rolling around the house and once more around the pump house before it slowed down enough to finally be parked.

Instinct alone saved

Jimmy and T. Waynes hides. When they caught a fleeting glance of the look on Daddys face as he ran behind the tiller through the gate on his exit from the garden something told them they would probably be better off in the woods WAY BACK in the woods until the souped up garden tiller, and Daddy, had both cooled off!

--------------------------------

27

-----------------------------------

Camping-----------------------------------

Ive got two boys and a girl. 7, 6, & 4 years old. When my boys were 5 & 4 they told me they wanted to go camping. I didnt think they knew what it was so I explained it. Thats when you go out into the woods, cook food over a fire, and then sleep in a tent. Their response Awesome!!! Can we? Please, please, please?!?!?!

Now, I grew up camping but Im not sure I camped that early in my life. My family would go out and camp in this hideous trailer thing (which I actually do not consider true camping but thats for another day). It was not like these big buses or RVs you see today. No, this was a trailer that popped up with a crank and once it was fully raised you still had to duck when you got in. You could literally touch both sides with your outstretched hands. It stunk too. Badly. It was a musty, moldy, this thing hasnt been used

since last year in the rain kinda stank. Yet, somehow we stuck four people in it.

We always had a good time in that thing too. Once your olfactory receptors adjusted to the pungent odor we would play games and cards as a family. Wed walk around the woods and gather firewood. Wed roast hot dogs off of sticks. Then the best part the smores! Oh, man, I was the smore making champion in my family. Then wed pack everything up because the raccoons were smarter than Einstein and could figure out a combination lock. The next day wed cook breakfast, then go on a hike, look for bugs, and just explore.

Now my wife did not grow up camping. Her idea of camping is a Holiday Inn Express! If the a/c unit was one of those in-room wall monsters that freezes the person closest and leaves the person furthest sweating into their sheets, well, that was her idea of the great outdoors. Her family did try real camping once. It didnt go well. Well just leave it at that. My in-laws may read this.

Anyway, I told the boys, Of course well could go camping! but I was concerned. Would they love it? Would they hate it? One way to find out. Id take them into the backyard first. That way if they couldnt handle it I wouldnt have to deal with the whining all night long! We built a campfire in the driveway, which concerned my neighbors but they eventually joined us. We had hot dogs, smores, and everything else that goes along with it. Mom and sister were even out there with us. Then it was time to get into the tent. The ladies of the house retreated to their posturepedic oasis in the house (sissies!).

So here we are, me and the boys. They love it so far. Granted they have their pillow pets (if you dont know, theyre awesome!) and their comforters but at least were in the tent! As we lay there looking up out the mesh window at the trees and the stars I realized something. It wasnt the camping that made it fun when I was a boy, it was my family that was with me. I realized that as I looked into my

boys smiling eyes as we talked and laughed for the next hour or so. I realized it when they slept peacefully through the night like they were sleeping in their beds. I realized it when I finally understood it through my role as a father. It wasnt about the smores (thats just icing), it was about being together. No tv, no computer, just us together.

It brought to mind something that I tell my congregation constantly. My first priority is not my church, it is not my extra-curricular activities, it is not others. It is my family. Now, I dont quit the other things, but I continually prioritize my family first. There are two living, breathing, organisms (not organizations) that God ordained in the bible. The family and the church. Guess which came first the family. Adam and Eve and their kids, Cain and Abel. Now, yes, there were problems from the beginning but God created a family. And it is still the family that God uses to bring those everyday moments and turn them incredible. In fact, our camping excursion was such a success that my wife and four year old daughter want to go next time. Now thats a miracle! Actually, thats following God by being together as a family.

Jason McReynolds is the pastor of New Orleans Community Church. He and his wife, Liev, have three children. To learn more about him, or NOCC, visit: www.neworleans

community church.com

28

-----------------------------------

Lazy Day Pizza-----------------------------------

While there are certainly those times when Im itching to spend a whole day in the kitchen making amazing food, there are also times when I want to eat something delicious but I dont really want to expend a whole lot of energy doing it. The two recipes Im going to give you today are lazy day recipes. Ive used some store bought stuff and thrown in together with a little bit of homemade. Voila, dinner is served. This zucchini pizza is easy and tasty while the fruit pizza is even easier.

-----------------------------------

Zucchini Pizza

6 medium-sized Zucchini 1 tbsp. Olive Oil 1 Red Onion 5 cloves of Roasted Garlic 8-oz Shredded Parmesan Cheese

8-oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese 1 16-oz jar of Alfredo Sauce 2 thin crust Pizza Crusts Cayenne Pepper, to taste Salt & Pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375F. Start by shredding the zucchini, either with a cheese grater or a food processor. Place it all in a bowl lined with a clean towel and sprinkle salt on it. The salt will draw out any moisture from the zucchini so you dont end up with a soggy pizza. Set that aside to do its thing and chop up the onion. You can either slice or dice the onion, this is your preference. Also mash the roasted garlic into a paste. Or if you prefer, you can use plain minced garlic. I already had some roasted garlic on hand so that is what I used. I bought pre-shredded cheese but if you didnt, this is where I would tell you to shred the cheese.

In a saut pan, add the olive oil and caramelize the onion. Once the onions are brown, add the roasted garlic paste or minced garlic and saut it together with the onion.

In a large bowl, add half of the cheeses, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and

the onion garlic mixture.

Using the towel, squeeze the zucchini to remove as much of the excess liquid as you can. Add the zucchini to the bowl and stir all the ingredients together. Taste the mixture and season as needed. Set that aside and begin assembling your pizza.

Lay the pizza crust down and spoon some of the Alfredo sauce on top. Spread the sauce evenly and spoon half of the zucchini mixture on top. Spread the mixture evenly and sprinkle half of the remaining cheeses on top. Repeat the process with the second pizza crust. Do not expect to use the entire jar of sauce, you will have some leftover.

Bake the pizzas until the cheese is brown, usually about 10-20 minutes. The zucchini can be replaced with other fresh vegetables such as other squash, cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, etc If you substitute a different vegetable, you may not need to salt it and remove excess liquid.

-----------------------------------

Fruit Pizza

2 thin crust Pizza Crusts 1 jar of Cream Cheese Frosting Any fresh fruit you choose

This is by far the easiest pizza to make. All it requires is for you to cut up the fruit and assemble. Preheat oven to 375F.

Begin by washing and cutting up the fruit that you picked. I chose strawberries and plums. I quartered the strawberries and sliced the plums.

Once the oven is ready, throw the 2 pizza crusts in the oven to brown up a bit. Set those aside to cool down before assembling or you will melt the icing.

Once cool, assemble the pizzas by spreading a layer of frosting on top and arranging the fruit. If you are feeling fancy, you can arrange the fruit into a pretty design. If youre feeling extremely lazy, you can dump all the fruit on the pizzas at once and spread them into an even layer. Whichever method you choose is entirely up to you. Incidentally, you can also use your own sauce layer by making a homemade cream cheese frosting or nix the icing in favor of a thick pudding instead. Either way, its a delicious fruit pizza.

-----------------------------------

Melissa is a thirty-something living in Baton Rouge, LA. She studied culinary arts at the Chef John Folse Culinary School at Nicholls State University. We love this petite fireball for her sassy and spunky spirit.

-----------------------------------

29

www.gibslandbank.comDo we have your interest yet?

BTG I B S L A N D B A N K & T R U S T

4.11%I N T E R E S TGBT HOMETOWN REWARDSChecking Accounts

REWARD QUALIFICATIONS: Have at least 15 debit card transactions post and clear per qualification cycle; have one direct deposit or ACH automatic payment post and clear per qualifica-tion cycle; and receive eStatements.

Unlimited nationwide ATM fee refunds per cycle when qualifications are met.

All annual Percentage Yields (APY) are accurate as of 1/2/13. Minimum to open a GBT Hometown Rewards Checking account is $100. GBT Hometown Rewards Checking rate tiers are as follows:4.11% applies to balances of $.01 to $15,000 and 0.51% applies to the portion of balances over $15,000 as long as qualifications are met each qualification cycle. 0.15% applies to all check-ing balances if qualifications are not met. All checking balances will earn 4.11% APY to 0.51% APY as long as qualifications are met. The advertised GBT Hometown Rewards Checking APY isbased on compounding interest. If the interest earned is automatically transferred to a GBT Hometown REALSaver account each statement cycle it does not compound. The actual interest amountpaid may be less than the advertised APY. Minimum to open a GBT Hometown REALSavers account is $1.00. GBT Hometown REALSavers rate tiers are as follows: 1.51% APY applies to balancesof $.01 to $25,000 and 0.51% APY applies to portion of balances over $25,000 as long as qualifications are met each qualification cycle on GBT Hometown Rewards Checking Account. 0.15%APY applies to all savings balances if qualifications are not met on GBT Hometown Rewards Checking. All savings balances will earn 1.51% APY to 0.51% APY as long as qualifications are met.Qualifying transactions must post and clear GBT Hometown Reward Checking during monthly qualification cycle. Intra-bank transfers do not count as qualifying transactions. Rates may change afteraccounts are opened. Fees may reduce earnings. No minimum balance required. No monthly service fee. Patent Pending BancVue.

SHREVEPORT(318) 613-8514

BOSSIER(318) 752-2727

GIBSLAND(318) 843-6228

ARCADIA(318) 263-8477

ATHENS(318) 258-3123

HOMER(318) 927-5075

MINDEN(318) 371-9910

MINDENWal Mart(318) 382-1223

SIBLEY(318) 371-9465

30

--------------------------------

Attitude--------------------------------

"Some people say I have attitude- maybe I do... but I think you have too. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does- that makes you a winner right there." ~Venus Williams

The most efficient and healthy mindset for both the mind and body includes the action of simply believing in oneself. The power of understanding just how special you are as an individual through veritable means shown in your actions, personality, and aura of presence can make you unstoppable.

Regardless of your goals and dreams it is important to remember

that only you can actively alter the direction of your life through your personal optimism, hard work, and persistence.

As with any scenario in life, attitude is key! Your attitude makes each and every moment of your life relative to your perspective, only emphasizing the importance of remaining optimistic. There is no such thing as equilibrium in life... for each and every moment gives chaos an opportunity to erupt in the midst of our daily motions.

Life occurrences are completely uncontrollable, however, the one thing we can control is our personal attitude. We must remember that we are only presented with opportunities that we are strong enough to overcome. Reflection over how far we have come rather than how far we have to go is both an optimistic perspective and also an empowering reinforcement. Retain the notion that positive thinking evokes more energy, more initiative, and more happiness.

"Success is the sum of many small efforts." Remember that everyone's success story has its own time frame and every bit of your success is only a reflection of the hard work and time you dedicated to achieving such goals. Through persistence we can prove that anything is achievable to even the greatest critics, namely ourselves.

Remember that as a universal paradox, you are free to choose but you are not free of the consequence from your choice. In this case, the worst consequence may certainly be regret... and the biggest enemy? FEAR. Fear and low self esteem can be your greatest enemy.

Only in the moment that you choose to truly live for yourself, create positive change, and advocate the life you have always dreamt of will you come alive! Rather than spending so much time searching and questioning the answers of happiness in this life, look within and allow yourself to

become self aware for a moment. Truly consider the things that are important to you, what you hope to achieve, how you wish for others to see you and treat you, and everything from your smallest dreams to even your largest, seemingly most unrealistic dreams.

As time remains our most valuable resource, one that we can never get back, we must understand that every minute lost is another wasted. We must take every moment from here forward and push onward to the completion and attainment of our dreams, goals, and finalizing commitments. It is only then that we will realize how much our hard work and dedication paid off and taught us individually.

--------------------------------------------

Ashley Marie Nygaard is a 22 year old student, writer, life enthusiast, and also an aspiring model-actress. Residing in Shreveport, Louisiana for nearly the past decade Ashley loves taking on new challenges and especially experiencing new things. She withholds a passion for all things artistic, is very enthusiastic about life, and considers all things possible. Through high ambitions and a positive attitude she believes that the one true change she can make in the world begins within, and so for you it does too.--------------------------------------------

31

Ill show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs.We put the life back in life insurance. CALL ME TODAY.

It can also provide for today.

Insuring your life helps protect their future.

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI)State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI)

Bloomington, IL1311023

Laura Horton, Agent129 Minden Shopping Drive

Minden, LA 71055Bus: 318-377-5556

[email protected]

We teach our students to practice sensible acts of driving and to make conscious choices of courtesy.

Minden, Louisiana

Like us on Facebook!E-mail us: [email protected]

UPCOMING CLASS DATES: May 28-31 June 10-13 July 15-18

Drivers Ed Classes: 38 Hr (15-17 yrs) & 14 Hr (18+)Driver Improvement ClassesPrivate Classes Available (Call for Information)Special Learning Needs AccommodationsThird Party Testing Certied

Elizabeth M. HollingsworthOwner, Certied Licensed Instructor

(318) 453-5402

Erin ManessCertied Licensed Instructor

(318) 707-3248

Lucky BrakeDriving Academy

32

-----------------------------------

Sunshine & Subways-----------------------------------

Theres something about an open window, my feet resting on the dashboard, the music as loud as it can go, my hair flowing in the wind as the world flies by outside it.

Theres something about an open window. The breeze sifting in through my screen carrying in the fresh soft air of a summer afternoon, like a speaker system my open window allows all the sounds of the world right into my bedroom.

Theres something about an open window, the way the sunlight hits my walls, pouring in and enveloping my room, the way a whish of air flickers the candle on my nightstand, the push it gives to make the scent

fill my room.

The sunshine, the scents, the sounds -- my window welcomes it all; and a perfect summer day delivers it to me.

The cush of a metal net clanks together as a basketball swishes through its rim. A car alarm repeats. A police siren fades off in the distance. A melody plays from an ice cream truck passing by. A taxi driver honks his horn at a red light. A whistle blows from the traffic cop. The traffic zooms. A woman yells. Children laugh. Rap music blares from a convertible. I hear the basketball again, now hitting the pavement in rhythm as its dribbled down a court.

Theres so much life happening, so many lives being lived, so many worlds colliding all in this one space, in this one day, in this one minute.

The quiet sun beats down over it all.

Outside my window lies New York City, outside your window is probably

another place, but the summer sun connects us all, somehow.

In the city, we fill corner blocks with basketball games of shirts verses skins, we catch trains to see Yankees games, tan on rooftops, and share lunches at sidewalk cafes. In the city, our fruit comes fresh from wooden crates sold by street vendors, our ice cream is served from a truck parked near our office, and our mornings are filled with the melody of a saxophone reverberating through the subway station.

In the city, theres so much happening outside my window, but right now, theres music echoing through it from an ice cream truck circling the area, and right now, thats all I hear, the ice cream truck bringing me home somehow. The familiar tune brings a sense of childhood, of neighborhood parks and fresh cut grass on a summer morning.

Lots of variables make up a city, lots of things make up a season, but

little things make it home, the little things make it feel like the summer we love. The jingle of the ice cream truck brings it to me today, the sweet reminder of the way popsicles melt in your hand on a warm afternoon, the way dirt on knees from baseball fields fill the creases of your skin, the way the sunshine warms your face, the way flowers bloom and the stars glisten on the water--the way your life feels in these special moments.

The ice cream truck is my melody of summer; each place has its own.

New Yorks sounds a little like nickels and pennies clinking together in a used coffee tin from the homeless man on the corner, the clicking of cameras from tourists snapping photos, the crinkle of shopping bags hustling by on the arms of passers by, avenues filled with honking taxicabs, the instruments sounding from street performers, and above, the quiet sun beats down on it all. The sun beats down on it all, beats down on us all, ushering in a season we all love. Of sunshine and vacations and a reminder of all the good we have in our lives.

Windows to open, flowers that bloom, oceans that roar, steaks that grill, pools that refresh, tents that pitch, concerts that rock, lakes that dock boats, tan lines that make us feel good, late nights that make us feel young, baseball games that make us feel American,

33

and fireworks that help us celebrate it.

Summer is more than just a season or a few months of bliss, summer is what brings out the best in us, from backyard barbeques to beachside bonfires and

brews on the boat, the things that define our summer are the things that enhance our lives.

Summer is tradition, no matter where your zip code is.

In New York City,

we have sunshine on skyscrapers and sunshine on the streets.

For you, it might be sunshine in suburbia or sunshine in the sticks, but from subways to dirt roads, its really just sunshine in the

states. We all open our windows, we let the sunshine fill our faces and its light make its way to our soul, because no matter what separates us in every other facet our lives, the sunshine brings us back together.A cold drink and a little bit of sunshine bring us all back together, somehow.

--------------------------------------------

I am a simple girl rooted in family, friends, the Bible, and my mamas chicken casserole. At my best, Im loved and respected; at my worst, I am saved by grace. I am a girl removed from the country life of belt buckles and boots placed to blend in with the city life of stilettos and suits. From the quiet back roads of Louisiana, to the busy avenues of New York City, I am still just a girl in love with the simplicities: cuddles with my labrador retriever, game night with my family, laughs with my best friends, and a new pair of stilettos adorning my closet. I may be off chasing my big dreams in the big city, but my heart is always home. Follow me @Chaleezy --------------------------------------------

34

Well its May again already. The flip flops are flopping. The tank tops are tanking. Its pretty much summer time in the south. Now unless you have been hiding under a rock or havent been to a Wal-Mart in the last month you know that Mothers Day is approaching. Mothers Day has been on my mind here lately. Mainly mothers everywhere have been on my mind. Maybe its because I have recently become a mother to the sweetest little baby boy in the entire world. His feet are sweet, his hands are sweet, even when he surprises me with a spray while changing his diaper I still think hes sweet.

A few days after he was born he was diagnosed with jaundice, which most babies are. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes because bilirubin isnt excreted from the babys system fast enough. Its a common ailment for a newborn to have, and normally they dont require any treatment, but sometimes they do have to spend the night in the hospital for a phototherapy session so that the level doesnt get too high and cause some irreparable damage. My newborns level had reached a point that the doctors decided a night in the hospital was needed. The overnight hospital stay seemed to be one of the longest nights of my life. We had to leave our

newborn baby under a light with only a diaper and an eye patch on. We watched as he shivered and whimpered and cried and couldnt pick him up because he needed to be under the light as much as possible. There was very little sleeping. I watched him most of the night to make sure his eye patch stayed on and to make sure he was still breathing. As I sat there watching my sweet baby, I would pray for him and his comfort. As I prayed for his comfort, a single thought came to my mind: Think of all those mothers who have cried for their children. I thought of woman who had recently lost her infant to SIDS and would never hold him again. I thought of the agony she must feel and how her arms must ache as much as her heart. I thought of my dear sweet friend who had just lost her adult daughter to a terrible disease that she had been fighting her whole life. I thought of how she looked while she looked down at her daughter in the casket. The pain in her eyes was palpable. Her comfort was knowing that her baby didnt have to feel pain anymore. I also thought of my own mother. I remember hearing her sobs the night my brother was severely burned and we all slept in the waiting room of the LSU Burn Unit. I will never forget hearing that heart wrenching sound. If pain of the heart could be heard, that was the sound. Then I thought of Mary, Jesus mother. I tried to imagine how

she must have felt seeing her son hanging on the cross, for sins and crimes that werent even his. I tried to imagine how she must have been in agony watching as the beat and tormented her baby. I tried to imagine how she must have felt when she saw Him draw his last breath on this earth. I thought of all of these mothers and realized that we as mothers all feel the same way about our children no matter how old or

how young they are. At some point we all will feel anguish for our children if they are suffering or going through something painful. We cant help it. Its something we all share. Its like a secret sister club - something that you are initiated into and learn when its your time to become a mother.

So, on this Mother's Day, make sure you let your mother know exactly what she means to you. She doesnt need a fancy gift, she just needs to know you love and appreciate her. At one time or another she suffered for you. Not because she had to, but because she wanted to. She loved you when you were squirming and crying and when you got older she loved you when you may have been unlovable. Call her and tell her how you feel or better yet write it down more than likely it will be something shell treasure always.

Dedicated to my own mom! I love you very much.

36

-----------------------------------

Villainy in Vienna-----------------------------------

March 12, 1872 Vienna, Jackson Parish, Louisiana

Although every community in the South suffered deprivations and despair during the Civil War, some were spared the horrors of armies turning their cotton fields and pastures into battlefields. North central Louisiana, between Monroe and Shreveport and from north of Alexandria to the Arkansas state line, was such a pocket never penetrated in force by Yankee invaders until the war ended and

Reconstruction began. The small town of Vienna, then in Jackson Parish, was located in the center of this pocket. Vienna watched the war go by as plantation owners marched their slaves west toward refuge in Texas and meager military supplies came through headed east. Confederate armies marched through and trained on the outskirts of town but the fighting never reached the little village. The real war, North Louisianas war, began with the chaos of Reconstruction as white Democrats fought military-backed Radical Republican control of local offices and state government. More blood flowed from lawlessness and clashes with the government

and freed blacks than was ever experienced in the region during the war. Vigilantism was the norm to correct perceived wrongs that the carpetbag government refused to rectify. But Vienna thrived after the war, rivaling the parish seat of Vernon in size. It boasted hotels and a number of stores and churches and even cultural activities. There was a dancing school, operated by two menPeace and Whatleywho also gave lessons in Vernon and perhaps elsewhere in Jackson Parish. Rumors abounded, however, about what was really happening at the mens dance studio. There was something sinister and disturbing about the

men. Supposedly, they were from Natchitoches but had spent time in Texas where one of them had killed a man. On the evening of March 12, 1872, a young local man who had imbibed too much liquor accompanied Peace into Dr. Jacksons drug store. The man was loud and obnoxious. Jackson told the rowdy youth to leave the store. He snapped back with a rude remark and the doctor replied in kind. Peace then stepped forward in support of the youth and made remarks of his own. "Do you take it up?" the doctor asked. The men were now in front of the store where 54-year old John Huey, Jr., and Whatley, Peace's partner, were standing.

Written by Wes Harris

37

The exchange of words led Huey to step forward to back up Dr. Jackson and say, "Fighting is the game, is it?" Whatley said, "No, but it's pistols," and fired three shots in Hueys chest and abdomen, causing instant death. Simultaneously, Peace shot Dr. Jackson through the left arm, the bullet entering his side and passing through his chest. Jackson stepped back into his store, and reached the back room, where he fell over on a bed, saying as he fell, "I am dead!" One of the two men then shot a Mr. Hedgepeth who had been attracted by the gunfire. Hedgepeth fell to the ground with serious wounds through his thighs. Spencer Colvin, a well-respected local, tried to arrest Whatley but received several severe blows in the face from Whatley's empty revolver, causing him to retreat. Eugene Howard, who would later serve many years as Lincoln Parish sheriff, fired at the two as they ran off, but without effect. They reached their hotel, procured fresh revolvers, saddled their horses, and galloped away. Just south of Vienna, they encountered a young man, robbed him of his pistol, and demanded his money. That evening Peace and Whatley reached Vernon, the parish seat about sixteen miles southeast of Vernon. Peace had recently been married to a local

widow. He called for her without dismounting from his horse, spoke a few words with her, got a pair of boots he had in the house, and left in what direction is not known. Vienna mourned the loss of two of its finest citizens. Dr. Jackson had served as a surgeon in the Confederate army, and had been practicing medicine since the war.Huey was one of the first settlers of Vienna, well known as the only hotelkeeper in town for many years. He was considered a warm-hearted, frank and courteous gentleman with hosts of friends. The Ouachita Telegraph in Monroe reported, The affair has cast a deep gloom over the entire parish, and has justly incensed its inhabitants to a high pitch against the murderers. A party

Date post:	22-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	the-minute-magazine
View:	212 times
Download:	0 times

The Minute Magazine May June 2013

Documents