Tree planting at L.P. Vaughn
January 30, 2012
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University partnered with the City of Natchitoches and the LSU AgCenter to plant fruit trees at L.P. Vaughn Elementary in celebration of Louisiana Arbor Month. The City donated two pear trees as a gift to enhance an on-going school gardening initiative coordinated through Northwestern State’s College of Education and Human Development. L.P. Vaughn is Northwestern State’s professional development school.
“The fruit trees are a great addition to our school garden program and lessons about nutrition awareness,” said Dr. Michelle Morris, an assistant professor and a Master Gardener. “The Master Gardeners in Natchitoches arelooking forward to teaching the children how to care for the trees. We hope the children can enjoy fresh fruit from the trees for years to come.”
Morris began the school garden project more than a year ago as a way to connect university students and faculty with at-riskyoungsters in an endeavor that combines elements of teaching, learning and volunteerism. Creating a school garden lends itself to hands-on instruction in several academic disciplines, as well as nutrition and healthy eating habits, she said. The initiatives align with Northwestern State’s commitment to service-learning and community volunteerism.
“Last year, the Louisiana Learn and Serve Commission provided start-up funds for a school garden and campus beautification activities,” Morris said. “ This spring, Youth Serve America and UnitedHealth worked together to provide funding to expand the service-learning activities.”
Morris and Dr. Terrie Poehl, assistant professor, are leading a project called Portion Distortion, which focuses on nutrition awareness and exercise. First grade students in Martha Fontcuberta and Alexandra Antwine’s classes at L. P. Vaughn are learning how to eat well-balanced meals with correct portion sizes. For the service activity, students will teach other classes in their school about healthy foods and will continue working in the garden and improving the school grounds for exercise. They are currently growing cabbage plants as part of a cabbage patch trail in schools across the state, a gardening program coordinated by the LSU AgCenter, Morris said.
“In the yearly CalorieLab obesity study Louisiana ranked fifth in the Fattest State Ranking,” Poehl said. “Doctors have linked obesity to increased risks of a variety of conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and heart disease. Children need to know the amount and type of foods to eat to remain healthy. This begins with students in this class learning about the types of food to eat and the difference between a serving and a portion.”
Poehl said Portion Distortion helps children learn the best foods to eat and proper quantities.
“The goal is to help all develop good, lifelong eating habits,” Poehl said. “The nutrition knowledge could influence the children’s decision of the items to plant in their garden.”
Steve Roberts, Natchitoches Parish extension agent with the LSU AgCenter, distributed printed materials about trees to the classes and brought along Taylor Roberts, a Green Ambassador, to help plant the pear trees.
“They love the garden project,” Antwine said. “In the last two years, we have touched on every single concept we’re supposed to teach – science, social studies and English/language arts — with hands-on learning.”
“The service aspect teaches them that they can make a difference in their community,” Fontcuberta added.
Earlier this month, in preparation for the tree planting, the elementary students learned about different types of trees, bark, leaves and seeds and how to read the growth rings of a tree to determine its age. Planting fruit trees donated by the City enhances their service project by helping the environment and improving their school grounds, Morris said.
“The City of Natchitoches and Keep Natchitoches Beautiful are proud to partner with Northwestern State University, L.P. Vaughn Elementary, the LSU Ag Center and other local groups to celebrate Arbor Month in Natchitoches,” said Courtney Hornsby, Natchitoches director of Programming and Promotions. “The City has been recognized for more than a decade as a Tree City USA and we take great pride in the care of our trees.Planting trees at L.P. Vaughn helps compliment ongoing efforts to educate our young people about the importance of protecting the environment.”
Ravon & Kylee cutline:
Green Ambassador Taylor Roberts helped Ravon Evans and Destiny Hamilton, first graders at L.P. Vaughn, plant a pear tree in front of their school. They are students in Martha Fontcuberta’s first grade class. At right is Dr. Michelle Morris, assistant professor in the Northwestern State University College of Education and Human Development, who is coordinating a school gardening project with help from the LSU Ag Center.
Tatyana & Destiny cutline:
Tatyana Lacour and Destiny Hamilton, first grade students in Alexandra Antwine’s class at L.P. Vaughn, turned dirt to cover roots of a pear tree at their school, with help from John Harris, horticulturist for the City of Natchitoches. The City donated two pear trees to enhance a school gardening project.
News from Sabine River Authority of Texas
January 27, 2012
Toledo Bend Reservoir - Drought Advisory
Toledo Bend Division, Sabine River Authority of Texas
450 Spur 135, Burkeville, TX 75932
409/565-2273
January 25, 2012
ADVISORY #3
Persons having interests in Toledo Bend Reservoir are hereby advised that on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, the General Manager of the Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA-TX) changed the drought stage of Toledo Bend Reservoir from Moderate (Stage 2) to Mild
(Stage 1) in accordance with the SRA-TX Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan. Mild Water Shortage Conditions (Stage 1) exist when the water surface elevation in Toledo Bend Reservoir falls to and remains at or below 165.1 feet mean sea level (m.s.l.) for fourteen consecutive days.
During a mild water storage condition, SRA-TX encourages voluntary water use reductions. Each customer entity in turn will follow its individual measures for mild water storage condition.
Any updates on drought conditions will be posted on the SRA-TX website, www.sratx.org as they occur. Toledo Bend Reservoir lake level information is posted each business day on the website at link: http://www.sratx.org/basin/lake_and_river_conditions.asp. Daily reservoir elevations may also be obtained from Toledo Bend Division during business hours at (409) 565-2273.
Interested persons can monitor near real-time Toledo Bend lake level data at the USGS website link:
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/tx/nwis/uv/?site_no=08025350&PARAmeter_cd=00062,72020,00054.
To assist recreational users with safe access to the reservoir, SRA-TX provides a list of Toledo Bend Reservoir accessibility points on our website, www.sratx.org. The list displays public boat ramps on the Texas side of Toledo Bend Reservoir that are generally accessible at the specified lake level. Caution should be used when accessing the reservoir as successful access will depend on reservoir conditions and the type of watercraft being launched. For more information on boat ramps, please call the Toledo Bend Division office at (409) 565-2273.
SRA-TX also advises everyone that the Antiquities Code of both Texas and Louisiana prohibit digging for or removal of any artifacts such as arrowheads, bones or pottery on public property. For more information on each State’s code, or to report any violators contact either:
Texas Historical Commission (512) 463-6096
(www.thc.state.tx.us/rulesregs/rrstate.shtml)
Louisiana Div. of Archeology (225) 342-8170 (www.crt.state.la.us/archaeology/legislation/chapter_13.aspx)
For more information, contact the Toledo Bend Division at (409) 565-2273.
Miss Northwestern - Lady of the Bracelet Pageant set for Feb. 4
January 27, 2012
NATCHITOCHES – The 54th Annual Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet Pageant will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Tickets are $5. NSU students are admitted free with a current student I.D.
Ten Northwestern State students are scheduled to compete in the event, which is a preliminary for the Miss Louisiana Pageant. The pageant is sponsored by the NSU Student Activities Board. The winner will receive more than $8,000 in scholarships and prizes.
This year’s contestants are Rikia Ancar of New Orleans, Emily Daniels of Kentwood, Christine Davis of Ponchatoula, Harlie Dominique of Houma, Amber Jackson of Leesville, Falon Jackson of Mansura, Breyona Jones of Lake Charles, Kelli Lewis of Church Point, Tori Thompson of Houston, Texas, and Logan Wallace of Columbia.
Ancar is a freshman psychology major in the Louisiana Scholars’ College. She is a recipient of the NSU Presidential Scholarship and the Patrick F. Taylor Award. Her platform issue is “Taking up the Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness.”
Daniels is a freshmen nursing major. She is a member of the Demon Dazzler Dance Line and the Beta club. Her platform issue is “Encouraging Today’s Youth to Explore and Embrace Imagination and Creativity through Performing Arts.”
Davis is a senior hospitality management and tourism major. She is a member of Blue Key Honor Society, Purple Jackets and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Her platform issue is “Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness.”
Dominique is a pre-medicine major in the Louisiana Scholars’ College. She is a member of the Student Activities Board, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Kappa Iota and the NSU Diamond Dolls. Dominique’s platform issue is “Adoption: Saving Children from Child Abuse.”
Amber Jackson is a junior secondary mathematics education major. She was a member of the Demon Dazzlers Danceline and the Catholic Student Organization. Amber Jackson’s platform issue is “The Children’s Miracle Network.”
Falon Jackson is a junior nursing major. She is a member of the Demon Dazzler Dance Line. Her platform issue is “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”
Jones is a freshman nursing major. She is a member of the Purple Pizazz Pom Pon Line. Jones’ platform issue is “Continuing Education.”
Lewis is a senior nursing major. Her platform issue is “Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness.”
Thompson, a freshman secondary education major, is a member of Phi Mu Fraternity and is a Freshman Connector. She is a NSU Presidential Ambassador. Thompson’s platform issue is “Volunteering – Everybody’s Doing It.”
Wallace is a junior health and exercise science major. She is a member of Phi Mu Fraternity and is a lieutenant in the Purple Pizazz Pom Pon Line.Thompson is a member of the Student for Life group. Her platform issue is “Heart Disease. Education. Awareness. Recognition. Treatment. (H.E.A.R.T.).”
Feb. 1 is early registration deadline for “Creole in Vegas” event
January 27, 2012
NATCHITOCHES – Wednesday, Feb. 1, is the early registration deadline for the “Creole in Vegas” program in Las Vegas on May 11-12. The Louisiana Creole Heritage Center at Northwestern State University hosts the gathering at the Suncoast Hotel and Casino. Event registration plus hotel reservations are available for $300 per couple until Wednesday. Rates for individuals and those under 21 are also available. Detailed information and online registration is available at nsula.edu/creole<http://www.nsula.edu/creole>, on Facebook by searching “Creole in Vegas” or by calling the Center at (318) 357-6685.
The event, “Creole in Vegas - Exploration of America’s Untold History,” will have opportunities for networking, education and entertainment. This event is open to anyone connected to the Creole culture, educators and researchers wanting to learn more about this unique culture and the general public.
The Creole Heritage Center focuses on the Louisiana-born culture, but its links are international. Current registrants are from throughout the United States and from as far away as Australia.
Informational sessions Topics will include national impact of the Center; research, documentation and promotion of the culture; Creole family histories and genealogy; regional Chapters of the Center and more. A separate presentation, “Authors & Their Books,” will give participants an opportunity to interact with Creole cultural noted experts. Entertainment will include a “Creole” slots tournament, Louisiana style banquet, Zydeco Dance Show and musical presentations.
Ten percent of all proceeds from this event will be divided between a designated school in Las Vegas and one in Natchitoches.
Northwestern State to hold Career Fair Feb. 7
January 27, 2012
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Office of Counseling and Career Services is sponsoring a Career Fair Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom. The event is open to Northwestern State students and alumni.
Local, national and multinational companies, governmental agencies and universities will be on hand to acceptresumes, conduct job interviews and provide information.
Those participating in the Career Fair are AFLAC, Amerisafe, Inc., Beta Engineering, Bowman Systems, LLC, Elite Health Solution, Enterprise Rent a Car, International Paper, Jean Simpson Personnel Services, LouisianaWorkforce Commission, Louisiana Cat, Mary Kay, Natural Resources Conservation Services, Northwestern State, Southern University Law School and State FarmInsurance.
For more information, call (318) 357-5621, or go to ccs.nsula.edu/career-fairs-and-special-events.
Non-credit schedule for February set
January 27, 2012
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education is offering classes on cake decorating, floral design and belly dancing in February.
Basic Cake Decorating will be taught beginning Thursday, Feb. 2. The class will be on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Family and Consumer Sciences Building. The course runs until April 5. The fee is $99.
Basic Floral Design will be presented on Feb. 4, 11 and 18 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Master’s Bouquet at 108 South Drive in Natchitoches. The fee is $200 plus a $100 supply fee.
A Louisiana Retail Florist Exam Prep Course will begin Feb. 18. The classroom portion is on Feb. 18 and 25 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the worktable instruction is on Feb. 20-24 and Feb. 27 – March 2 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The classroom portion will be in Room 132-B of Dodd hall the worktable section will be taught at the Master’s Bouquet at 108 South Drive in Natchitoches. The fee is $1,638 for textbook and materials plus an $889 material fee paid to the instructor prior to the start of class.
Belly Dance Level I will begin Tuesday, Feb. 28 and will run on Tuesdays through April 3 from 6:30 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. The course will be held at the NSU Wellness, Recreation and Activity Center. The fee is $65.
For more information on non-credit classes at NSU, call (318) 357-5682, (800) 376-2422, e-mail bedgoodm@nsula.edu<mailto:bedgoodm@nsula.edu> or go to ece.nsula.edu/non-credit
Bodies Revealed Exhibit Opens Saturday at Sci-Port in Shreveport
January 26, 2012
An exhibit that features preserved human bodies posed in everyday activities opens Saturday at Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center in Shreveport.
Bodies Revealed includes 12 full bodies and more than 185 partial bodies and organs. Besides the displays, the exhibit includes a touch table where visitors can handle preserved organs.
Displays contain information about each body system and compare healthy versus diseased organs. The exhibit also will provide information on how obesity affects a person’s body.
The bodies and specimens in the Bodies Revealed exhibit were preserved with liquid silicon polymer that’s allowed to harden. The process can take up to a year for full-body specimens. Florida-based Premier Exhibitions started Bodies exhibits in 2005 and Bodies Revealed exhibits in 2007 in the United States.
The exhibit runs through May 21. Call Sci-Port at (318) 424-3466 or visit www.sciport.org for more information
Horn, piano recital to be held at Northwestern State Monday
January 25, 2012
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University faculty members Kristine Coreil and Francis Yang will present a recital Monday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. In case renovations to Magale Recital Hall are not complete by Monday, the recital will be at the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts Recital Hall. To confirm the recital location, call (318) 357-4522 or go to nsula.edu.
The recital will feature Russian composers Sergei Rachmaninoff, Reinhold Gliere, and Alexander Glazunov and Armenian composer Alexander Arutiunian, who is considered part of the Russian school of composers. All pieces areconsidered late romantic works, and were composed in the early part of the 20th century, a particularly prolific era for Russian composers, Coreil said. Along with the music of Russian composers, audience members will see images of artwork from Russian artists throughout the ages.
Coreil teaches horn at Northwestern State and Yang teaches piano. In the past four years, they have presented recitals of horn and piano music featuring all-American composers, all-French composers and all-German composers. They have performed together in Louisiana, Kansas, North Carolina, and will be regional artists at the upcoming 2012 MidSouth Horn Workshop in Conway, Ark.
Classes on NSU - Leesville/Fort Polk campus cancelled
January 25, 2012
NATCHITOCHES –Classes are cancelled on Northwestern State University’s Leesville-Fort Polk campus for the remainder of the day due to weather conditions. Classes will resume Thursday. All other NorthwesternState campuses will have classes Wednesday as scheduled. University events on other campus will go on as planned.
Northwestern State to host Louisiana Thespian Festival Jan. 27-28
January 25, 2012
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University hosts the 2012 Louisiana Thespian Festival Jan. 27-28 in the A.A. Fredericks Center for Creative and Performing Arts. Approximately 600 junior high and high school students from throughout Louisiana will participate in worshops and performances and audition for college scholarships.
“This year’s festival is a collaboration of the student’s hard work and dedication to theatre,” said Louisiana Thespian Festival chair, Kerry A. Onxley. “The very best of theatre work is displayed at this festival.”
Northwestern Theatre and Dance faculty, staff and students will be involved in the festival, conducting workshops and auditions and overseeing logistics for the event.
“The Louisiana Thespian Festival attracts the best theatre students in the state and we are glad they chose to have the event at Northwestern State,” said Scott Burrell, coordinator of Theatre and Dance at Northwestern State. “We know a number of these students from past festivals. This is a great opportunity for us to showcase our program.”
During the weekend theatre celebration, students participate in workshops on acting, Shakespeare, improvisations, voice, musical theatre, dance, stage combat, makeup, costuming, lighting and more. The festival concludes with performances of some of the best acts presented during the weekend.
The festival is presented by the Louisiana Thespians Society, a component of the international Educational Theatre Associational (EdTA). The Louisiana Thespian Society exists as a non-profit theatre service organization for junior high and high school theatre programs. Membership includes junior and high school students, theatre teachers and art advocates.
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