2 cups birdseed 2 packages unflavored gelatin 2 tablespoons corn syrup 1 cup water 12 cookie cutters 3 drinking straws (cut into 2" pieces) Twine

Add 1/2 cup cold water to a large bowl and pour the gelatin on top of the water. Add 1/2 cup boiling water to the mixture and stir until dissolved. Next, stir in corn syrup. Add birdseed and mix. Place bowl in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or until the liquid firms. Set your cookie cutters onto parchmentlined baking sheet. Fill with birdseed mixture making sure to firmly press to fill gaps. Press the drinking straws into each shape (leave around 1/2" of space between the hole and edge of shape). Place ornaments in refrigerator overnight. Gently pull the ornaments away from edges and push out of cookie cuttters. Next, pull out the straws. Thread twine through the hole and tie in a knot. Hang the ornaments from tree branches.

STYLED BY TAYLOR BENNETT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

BY DARIAN ATKINS

ACOMMUNITY COLLEGE EXISTS TO RESPOND to the needs of its communities, hence “community” college. Louisiana Delta Community College prides itself on being responsive to the requests of our regional business partners. It’s our mission! It’s not a hard sell when businesses are thriving; communities are also thriving. When communities are thriving, so are the members of those communities. That’s the space where every town, city, and state wants to be-having skilled laborers in the pipeline, be attractive to new businesses, and have thriving educational systems.

When LDCC learned pharmacies would no longer be able to train their own pharmacy technicians because new laws demanded students to be enrolled in an accredited program, LDCC stepped up to help fill the demand. Immediately, the college’s faculty went to work to get a certification program up and running. Students can now obtain a Certificate of Technical Studies in Pharmacy Technician, which prepares them to secure a job in various settings in the healthcare field. Potential employment includes such places as retail pharmacies, hospitals, specialty pharmacies, long-term care pharmacies, compounding pharmacies, and mail-order pharmacies. The program includes classroom/lab instruction and supervised/preceptor clinical activities. Upon successfully completing this competency-based program, students may be eligible to take a national certification exam and apply for registration as a pharmacy technician with the Louisiana State Board of Pharmacy. The inaugural class has a 100% pass rate on their certification exam and are all currently employed.

The next cohort will start in the spring 2023 semester. Kierra Woods, Pharm Tech completer, says she began college as a nursing major but had to drop out of school. Then, she saw an advertisement about the pharmacy technician program. “I knew I wanted to be in healthcare, so I figured, let me try this out. It’s kinda like being in the medical field, but without touching people, shares Kierra. Passing the certification test wasn’t easy, and the program takes you being focused. You have to put the time in.” Kierra says she plans to return to nursing in a year or so because that’s what she really wants to do. Pharmacy Technician Program Coordinator /Instructor, Misty Moore says all her students were hired before they went to clinicals. “I literally have pharmacies calling me all the time asking me if I have students ready,” says Misty. “We can take about twenty students in a class.” A certified pharmacy technician’s average salary is between $15-$20/hour. Some students find additional potential for higher wages through other certifications. For instance, being certified to give shots can increase your hourly rate, as well as further education. The pharmacy technician program is three semesters long.

Another stellar program turning out a much-needed skillset is the paramedic program. The LDCC Paramedic Program prepares students to provide advanced prehospital emergency care to patients who have experienced traumatic or medical emergencies. The program curriculum adheres to the National Emergency Medical Education Standards. Upon completion, students will be prepared to take the National Registry written and practical examinations necessary for national certification and licensure as a paramedic in the State of Louisiana. The last cohort boasts a 100% pass rate for their certification. Lizzie Hill completed the requirements to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in 2019, and she returned for a year to complete her paramedic certification. Lizzie says, “I am a single mother of two toddlers, but my instructors worked with me and helped me with what I needed. The program was difficult, but it was doable.” Lizzie is “loving” her new career and is excited that she and all her classmates are employed. Kayla Raines, director of the EMT/Paramedic Program, says that students can get the 45-credit hour technical diploma in EMT or the associate of applied science, which is 60 credit hours. “If they ever want to do anything off the truck, having that associate’s degree will help them,” shares Kayla. The paramedic program will be taking new students in the spring. Kayla says students must be hardworking, determined, self-motivated, and empathetic. When asked about the program’s flexibility to students’ schedules, Kayla said they work with students as much as possible to help them reach their goals.

Both pharmacy technician skills and paramedic skills are in national demand. Both career tracks require focus in the classroom and in the field. Should these careers interest you or someone you know, call Louisiana Delta West Monroe Campus at 318-397-6100 or go online at https://www.ladelta.edu/campuses/west-monroe. LDCC congratulates these students on a job well done! Clay Dumolt, Allen Michael Emfinger, Lizzie Hill & Tristen Street (Paramedic) & Molly Barton, Gladys Bridges, Shaqueena Winn & Kierra Woods (Pharmacy Technician)

BY BEATRICE TATEM, PH.D., LPC-S, NCC, ACS

WHEW! WE MADE IT TO THE HOLIDAYS. THIS WAS MY initial reaction to this year’s arrival of the holiday season. My reaction to this time of the year is associated with thoughts of comfort and joy to the world, all that is bright and calm, silent nights, peace on earth, and wishes of good tidings. I was talking to a good friend the other day and she said, “Girl I am so ready for the holidays I think I am going to put my tree up.” Mind you it was the first day of November. She went on to say, “Maybe I feel this way because this is the first year in two years when we can really move about.” December and all the holidays within the month are often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year. For many people this phrase is tied to Christmas. This year let us not forget Hanukkah overlaps with Christmas. The holiday season means numerous things to many people. For some the holiday season is a time of the year for savoring feelings of merriment, awe, love, delight, amusement, contentment, gratitude, and times spent with family and friends. Some get caught up in the excitement and get carried away with overspending, overeating, overindulgence, and overdoing. For others the holidays can be a stressful and challenging time reflecting loss, disappointment, loneliness, unsavory and unmet expectations. In the rush to prepare ourselves for the holiday is the chaos of societal occurrences and as a result has lessened for some the magic of the season. I encourage all to try something different this year. My thoughts are to start the holiday with the intent of savoring every moment and every aspect of the holiday that is good to you and good for you.

Savoring the holiday spirit is not a mood or emotion itself, but a way we can approach and navigate emotions. Savoring, a practice known to boost happiness levels, is linked to increased well-being, life satisfaction, reduced stress, and decreased depression. Admittedly, when I think of savoring, I think of food. As I have written in the food edition of Bayou Life, I am a “foodie.” The Latin root of the word savor means “to taste.” In this instance I use savoring the spirit of the holiday in the way you might appreciate your favorite dish. Savoring is about being present and conscious in the moment, which can be a challenge amid the numerous distractions in our lives. It means taking in good things, holding on to the experiences captured through interactions and connections. It means taking the time to allow our senses to be awakened by the sights, sounds, smells and feelings of the holiday.

Throughout my life, the holiday has been a favorite time of the year …it simply feels magical. During the holiday season people tend to be more generous, more forgiving, more peaceful, and more thoughtful. Although I look forward to this time of the year, I am reminded others may react differently. The holiday season for many this year is being met with mixed emotions and reactions. When conversing with a young client he made the comment, “Wow, Dr. Tatem, how do you do it, how do you experience joy, how are you so positive when life is not? These days it is hard to look forward to the holiday when the state of humanity is failing, Dr. Tatem we are failing each other right now.” Impressed with his candor I acknowledged there have been troubling events occurring across the world that have affected humanity deeply, especially during a time meant to be joyous and filled with love. I admitted that I too have witnessed a lot of hurt and pain in the world, and at times it seems overwhelming and too much to bear. I shared with the youth that I intentionally savor the positive to insure the bad does not supersede the good.

The holidays can be stressful, and that can make the magic of the season somewhat elusive. To counteract these feelings, allow the holiday to tap into all five of your senses. Soak up emotional, relational, and sensory aspects of pleasant interactions and hold on to them for as long as you desire. When possible, practice the art of savoring, to train your brain to savor even amid hectic or challenging times. Have a self- nurturing holiday. Transform the stress and overwhelming and unsavory aspects of the holiday into delightful experiences. Write a letter to your younger self about your most magical holiday moment. Be mindful, people express love, money and possessions do not... make time for others. Cherish the spirit of the season by cuddling together. Savor your meal, take your time, and enjoy each bite, (hint, hint this will aid in portion control). Create your perfect holiday and savor your experiences.

Ideally, the true spirit of the holiday shines from within -all year long. As a society we end the year in celebration, and we begin the New Year in celebration. The holiday season, regardless of the holiday you celebrate, is a time to let those close to you know you love them unconditionally, to allow the unfamiliar to be comforted by your understanding and to send positive energy into the universe. There is no better time than the holidays to come together and share with others the magic of the season, one you can savor and make special for others. In the spirit of the holiday let us go large with kindness and full force with respect for differences. May you have unwavering peace and unending joy this holiday season and throughout 2023. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a joyous Kwanzaa.

For more information on counseling and outreach services contact Dr. Beatrice Tatem at Wellness Initiatives, LLC, 2485 Tower Drive, Suite 10 Monroe, La 71201, 318-410-1555 or at btatem.bt@gmail.com.

BY TOM FABER

MICHAEL JACKSON ONCE SAID, “ENTERTAINMENT is about taking people away from the regular order of things when there is some chaos and pain and stress.” The Dixie Center for the Arts in Ruston is doing just that. In the early days of the twentieth century, before the advent of television and the internet, most towns had a venue that offered entertainment for the community. In 1928 Ruston that venue was the New Astor Theater, which later became the Rialto, then finally in 1937 the Dixie Theater. Still known as the Dixie today, what began as a silent movie house and Vaudeville play theater the Dixie has morphed into so much more. Decades of entertainment have come across the movie screen and stage to thrill the residents of North Louisiana until newer and more modern movie theater options pushed the Dixie out of the movie business in 1978. There were, however, the weekly Joe Wood’s Wildwood Express Show (which still happens yearly as a benefit show for the Dixie), the Dixie Jamboree, and other small plays and events that continued in the 1980s through the 1990s. In October 1993, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places, a distinction held by few buildings in Downtown Ruston. By 1994, the theater was in such a state of disrepair and out-of-date with the current codes that it was shut down by the Fire Marshal. The Dixie Center for the Arts, a nonprofit formed by a group of caring citizens, feverishly took on the task of renovating the old building on Vienna Street in Downtown Ruston in 1996 and began restoring her to her former glory (a work in progress), and continues to nurture the building and entertain the community today. One of the fun features of the Dixie is the huge historic chandelier that graces the auditorium with over 15,000 crystals on it. The stunning art deco piece has shined brightly for many years inside while the recent addition of a mural on the north side of the building shines equally as bright on the outside and will grace downtown Ruston for generations to come. The mural sponsored by Valspar and their #bebright initiative was thanks to Sam Burns 2-time winner of the Valspar Championship PGA tournament choosing Ruston and Dixie Center for the Arts to receive this treasure. In 2006, the Dixie Center for the Arts opened its doors to the Ruston Community and has become a rallying point and home for the arts in Ruston, and North Louisiana. Now the North Central Louisiana Arts Council houses its offices there, the Ruston Community Theatre players host shows there, and the building is open to rentals for concerts, meetings, and other special events. Fast becoming known as North Louisiana’s premier concert destination, the Dixie Center is excited about the 2023 spring season lineup, with acts sure to please even the most discriminating music lover and such a wide variety of genres that everyone is bound to find something they will enjoy. January has four concerts including Louisiana’s LeRoux on the 14th, world-renowned guitarist Tommy Emmanuel, CGP on the 15th, The grandchildren of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn in a Salute to Conway and Loretta on the 26th, and one of the most sought-after cover bands in the nation Creedence Revived on the 28th. On March 3rd the “Joe Woods Wildwood Express” will take place at the Dixie. This annual tribute show is a popular event at the Dixie and features music from many local artists and several who travel from out of state. The Wildwood Express offers laughter, entertainment, and fun while sharing memories of Joe Woods. On April 15th the Dixie will host Travis LeDoyt who is said to be the World’s best “Young Elvis” in his “Tribute to the King”. On April 21st & 22nd, in Robert King Jr.’s thought-provoking musical “The Voices of Donny Hathaway, he introduces us to a side of Donny Hathaway we’ve never seen before. April 29th will feature the incomparable “Texas Guitar Quartet.” Then May 19th, Yesterday and Today an “Interactive Beatles Experience” will take to the Dixie’s stage to perform the hits of the Beatles.

In October 2022, The Dixie jumped back into the movie scene with a Halloween double-feature of Hocus Pocus and Sleepy Hollow playing on the big screen in the auditorium. Now as the holiday season is upon us, the Dixie is ready to present more movies with a Christmas movie series sponsored by Garden Baby of Ruston. It will feature five movies in five nights for only $5 for each show, including popcorn and a drink. Also, thanks to a grant from Jonesboro State Bank Pledge 10, the Dixie will be hosting a “Summer Matinee Program” from June through August 2023 showing a different movie once a week on Tuesday afternoons free of charge to the community in an effort to expose the Dixie and the Arts to everyone within our community.

To stay abreast of everything happening at the Dixie, you may visit www.dixiecenter.org and follow the Dixie on Facebook and Instagram.

CREATE CHRISTMAS Memories

Capture the spirit of the season by making time for fun activities with your kids. One of our favorite BayouLife traditions is decorating gingerbread houses. Find a premade kit or bake it yourself, and let the kids decorate with gum drops, peppermints, jelly beans and piped icing. Christmas is something anticipated all year long. Carve time out of your busy schedule and give tender attention to those that mean the most. Set your attentions and make memories that will last a lifetime. Special thanks to our precious exterior decorator

5 quarts popped corn 2 cups of sugar 1 1/2 cups water 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1 teaspoon vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla

Keep popcorn hot and crisp in slow oven (300° to 325°). Butter sides of saucepan. In it, combine remaining ingredients except vanilla. Cook to hard-ball stage (250°). Add vanilla. Pour slowly over hot popped corn, stirring just to mix thoroughly. Butter hands lightly; shape balls. Make 15 to 20 balls.

STYLED BY TAYLOR BENNETT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK

1 bag of microwave popcorn 1 cup pretzel pieces 1 cup pecans 1/2 cup white chocolate chips 1 cup M&M’S®

Microwave popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels. Place popcorn in a large bowl. Chop the pecans in half. Combine pretzels, pecans and popcorn. Melt the white chocolate in the micowave, stirring every 20 seconds until it's melted. Pour the white chocolate into the bowl and coat ingredients. Add the M&M’S® and serve.

STYLED BY TAYLOR BENNETT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MOORE CLARK