Mother Nature can do some strange things. She can send us enough heat in August to make us think we’re in the Sahara Desert. She can send us a drought as serious as folks have been experiencing in California; she can drench us with floods that virtually cover lakeside homes and wash out bridges on country roads.

It’s in winter, though, when she saves her neatest tricks. A plethora of song birds respond to the cold icy weather as having high metabolism they’re born with, they need plenty of food to keep their little motors running. My bird watching had gotten a bit boring during the mild winter so far. I love the cardinals, titmice and chickadees that visit my feeders every day but I eventually got tired of looking as I saw no other birds except for these three species.

Let the weather turn icy though like we’ve lived through for the past week or so, and the thickets give up the variety of birds where until now, they find all the comfort they need. Put out feed and here they come – purple finches, gold finches, blue jays, woodpeckers, fox sparrows and the occasional towhee. When we had a big snow a couple of winters ago with snow and ice covering my feeders, I put out feed on the floor of my back porch and it was like a zoo. My wife was less than enthusiastic about the mess the birds left as they gobbled down the seeds I had scattered on the porch, thanking me by leaving their droppings to be cleaned up.

When I was a kid growing up out on the rural route, getting to see and experience snow and watching the big flakes flutter down was a special treat. Goldonna seldom got snow but on those rare occasions when we did, it was like Christmas.

One particular snowfall remains in my memory to this day. I don’t know what year it was but I was maybe 12 years old and we got a serious one. Next to our home was a pine thicket and the tender pine branches were bent to the ground with the weight of a foot of snow.

We had neighbors living just on the other side of the thicket with a path that led from our house to theirs. I dug through my photo files and found a photo of me standing on the path next to one of the snow-laden pines.

Enough about the past. Let’s look at what has been going on around our state with this recent artic blast. Although I don’t get as excited today as I once did at the prospects of getting to see snow, I admit I was just a tad disappointed when the weather folks said that north Louisiana might see a dusting of snow, if any at all, and that’s how it played out. I still enjoy watching big feathery flakes drift down, provided it’s all gone by tomorrow.

The rare phenomenon forecast for the southern part of our state was fantasy come to life when up to a foot of snow fell as far south as the Gulf Coast.

Beginning last Tuesday morning, the little kids in places like Houma, New Iberia, Hackberry et al got to play and romp in snow, something many of them had never seen.

My daughter, Cathy, lives just outside Baton Rouge in the city of Central and she sent me a video of their snow-covered yard with big feathery flakes still floating down. Six inches had fallen in her yard with another three inches forecast. I saw a photo of two guys on skis on snow-covered Bourbon Street, of all places! They actually had blizzard warnings for areas along the coast. Crazy weather for sure and all we have up here is a drab landscape to look at and frigid temperatures — but lots of birds.

I pledge to never complain about hot, dry weather again. I’m so ready for spring.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

Dr. Robert “Bob” Stewart will be Louisiana Christian University’s guest speaker at its first Christ, Church and Culture event (C3) of the spring semester. The title of his presentation is: “The world is messed up, but God raised Jesus from the dead.”

The C3 event will be held Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 11am in Guinn Auditorium on LCU’s campus. It is free and open to the public.
 
Stewart is retired from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he served as a professor of philosophy and theology. Stewart earned his M.Div. and Ph.D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX.

He is the editor of The Resurrection of Jesus: John Dominic Crossan and N.T. Wright in Dialogue; and The Future of Atheism: Alister McGrath and Daniel Dennett in Dialogue. He has also authored The Challenge of Unbelief: Understanding and Responding to Atheism (Studies in Christian Apologetics) and Memories of Jesus: A Critical Assessment of James D. G. Dunn’s Quest of the Historical Jesus.

Few pastries have achieved the universal acclaim and culinary prestige of the croissant. This buttery, flaky, crescent-shaped delight is a breakfast staple, a café favorite, and a hallmark of French baking. National Croissant Day on January 30 is the perfect opportunity to indulge in this beloved pastry and appreciate its rich history, artful creation, and delicious versatility.

The Origins of the Croissant

While the croissant is synonymous with French culture, its roots can actually be traced back to Austria. The precursor to the croissant, the kipferl, was a crescent-shaped bread or pastry popular in Austria as early as the 13th century.

The croissant as we know it today came into being in the 17th century, thanks to a story steeped in legend. According to one popular tale, the crescent shape was created to celebrate the defeat of the Ottoman Empire during the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Austrian bakers are said to have crafted the pastry in the shape of the Ottoman crescent moon as a symbol of victory.

It wasn’t until the late 18th century that the croissant made its way to France. Marie Antoinette, originally from Austria, is often credited with popularizing the pastry in her adopted homeland. The French eventually adopted and refined the croissant, turning it into the buttery, laminated masterpiece we know and love today.

The Art of Making a Croissant

Creating a perfect croissant is no small feat. The process involves a technique called lamination, which requires folding butter into dough multiple times to create thin, alternating layers of dough and butter. When baked, these layers puff up, resulting in the croissant’s signature flaky texture.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in making a croissant:

1. Mixing the Dough: The base dough is made with flour, sugar, salt, yeast, milk, and water.
2. Adding the Butter: A slab of cold butter is rolled into the dough, ensuring an even distribution.
3. Lamination: The dough is folded and rolled out multiple times to create layers. This is a meticulous process that requires precision and patience.
4. Shaping: The laminated dough is cut into triangles, rolled into the classic crescent shape, and left to proof.
5. Baking: The croissants are brushed with an egg wash and baked until golden brown.

This labor-intensive process is a true testament to the skill and dedication of bakers. It’s no wonder croissants are considered a cornerstone of French pâtisserie.

Types of Croissants

While the classic butter croissant is a universal favorite, there are countless variations to suit every palate:

• Pain au Chocolat: A croissant filled with rich chocolate, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
• Almond Croissant: A decadent version filled with almond paste and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar.
• Ham and Cheese Croissant: A savory option featuring ham and melted cheese, ideal for a quick lunch or snack.
• Specialty Flavors: Modern bakeries experiment with flavors like matcha, raspberry, and pistachio to offer unique takes on the classic.

Croissants Around the World

While the croissant is most closely associated with France, it has become a global sensation. In the United States, croissants are often used as a base for sandwiches or served alongside coffee. In Japan, bakeries have embraced the croissant’s versatility, incorporating local ingredients like red bean paste and matcha.

In recent years, hybrids like the cronut (a croissant-doughnut fusion) have taken the pastry world by storm, further demonstrating the croissant’s enduring appeal.

Tips for Baking Croissants at Home

For those looking to try their hand at making croissants, here are some tips to ensure success:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your butter and flour will significantly impact the flavor and texture.
• Keep Everything Cold: Chilled dough and butter are essential for successful lamination. Warm butter can seep into the dough, ruining the layers.
• Be Patient: Croissant-making is a time-consuming process, but the results are worth the effort.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t bakery-perfect. Each attempt will improve your technique.

Croissant-Inspired Recipes

If you’re not quite ready to tackle homemade croissants, you can still enjoy their flavors in creative ways:

• Croissant Bread Pudding: A rich and indulgent dessert made by layering croissant pieces with custard and baking until golden.
• Croissant French Toast: Use day-old croissants to make an elevated version of French toast.
• Croissant Sandwiches: Slice a croissant in half and fill it with your favorite ingredients, from smoked salmon to Nutella.
• Mini Croissant Appetizers: Wrap small pieces of croissant dough around cheese or sausage for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Celebrate National Croissant Day

This January 30, celebrate National Croissant Day by indulging in this iconic pastry. Visit your local bakery, try your hand at making croissants from scratch, or experiment with croissant-inspired recipes.

For a true treat, pair your croissant with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and take a moment to appreciate the artistry that goes into every flaky bite.

Whether enjoyed plain, filled, or paired with a delicious topping, croissants are more than just a pastry – they’re a symbol of culinary excellence and cultural connection.

By JIM BUTLER

LSU Alexandria’s net financial position improved about 47 percent in the year ending last June 30.

The annual legislative audit of the LSU System shows the Alexandria campus added $2.6 million to its previous year-ending $5.6 million net position.

The school’s burgeoning enrollment led to $4 million more in tuition and fees than the year before. That’s after a scholarships allowance deduction of $7.8 million.

The total operating income was $32 million, compared to $27 million a year earlier.

Operating expenses were $54.8 million, up $11 million.

About $20.1 million of that expense was instruction costs, an increase of $4 million.

The net operating loss of $22.7 million was covered by $23.6 million in non-operating revenue, including $8.6 million in state appropriations and $13 million in federal funds.

Legislative capital appropriations of $1.47 million and capital gifts and grants of $400,000 and the $886,000 net income margin resulted in the annual net position of $2.6 million, increasing the institution’s position to $8.2 million.

The Rapides Parish School Board released the following statement following a school bus crash on Jackson St. on Tuesday morning, Jan. 28. 

“We were made aware of a bus accident that occurred this morning in Alexandria at Jackson St. and Chester St. All 27 students and the bus operator on board are safe. No injuries have been reported. The students have safely made it to their school for the day, and this incident is currently under investigation.”

No further details are available at this time. 

Holy Savior Menard is hosting a special Preview Event Thursday, Jan. 30, at 8am.

The school invites the public to come see what makes them different. Explore the high-class academics taught with a small school advantage. Take a tour of the beautiful campus, meet the dedicated and experienced teachers, and discover the rich history of their faith-based education.

The Preview Event gives parents/guardians and students a first-hand look at classrooms, programs, and the welcoming environment where future leaders are made.

LCU will host a fundraiser rummage sale on Friday, Jan. 31, and Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Martin Performing Arts Center. The sale will run from 12pm to 5pm on Friday and 8am to 4pm on Saturday. 

Anyone interested in donating items can email Tabitha Huffman at Tabitha.Huffman@lcuniversity.edu.

All proceeds will help offset the cost of the C.S. Lewis Honor Students’ London Study Abroad trip in May 2025. 

“Seeing Stars”

I grew up in a home that encouraged learning. We were expected to do our best when it came to school but let me really translate that for you – we were expected to get good grades. My mom had the Book Mobile stop at our house once a week during the summer to encourage reading. For those of you that have never seen such a thing, it was a huge delivery truck with shelves on the inside filled with books from the library that you could check out. It was like Uber Eats, but for avid readers. It was also assumed that when we graduated High School, we would go to college. If we didn’t go to college, we had to get a job and pay rent to sleep in our childhood bedroom or we could join the military. My brother chose the military. I went to college. However, I was the kid that loved learning and reading and school. I would still be in school today if I could figure out what I wanted to learn next, but I have already earned the highest degree in my field so having more than one Doctorate seems like overkill.

I guess that is why this quote from poet Jack Gilbert grabbed my attention the other day. He has a line in one of his poems that says, “sometimes you have to unlearn the constellations in order to see the stars”. I have spent so many years learning so many different things – from how to tie my shoes, to driving a car, to how to prepare and present a sermon, that I have never stopped to think about unlearning anything. But maybe I should. Perhaps it is time to unlearn some bad habits, or some bad words, or even some bad memories.

What would you like to unlearn? What past hurts do you need to unlearn to be present in a current relationship? What obstacles are blocking your progress? What is robbing you of your joy? What storms are clouding your view of a possible opportunity? Perhaps we can all unlearn what is holding us back so we can see the stars.

On the Journey,
Ramonalynn Bethley

Ramonalynn Bethley is the pastor at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria. If you would like to contact Ramonalynn, you can email her at DrRevRL@fumca.org

The LSUA School of Nursing is proud to announce the launch of its first evening option cohort for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program, offering a flexible pathway for individuals balancing work, caregiving, and other life commitments. This innovative program began in January with seven students attending classes on Monday and Tuesday evenings, with clinical training on Saturdays. Building on the success of this cohort, LSUA plans to offer two evening classes by Fall 2025 and all four clinical courses by Fall 2026.

The program was developed in response to market research and demographic data collected by the School of Nursing, which revealed significant demand for flexible learning options in central Louisiana. According to Jeff Langston, Dean of the College of Health & Human Services, 70% of current nursing students are married, and 48% have children or serve as caregivers. “This data showed us there is a real need for a nursing program that accommodates those who cannot attend classes during traditional hours,” Langston said. “We’re addressing this demand to make nursing school more accessible to working moms and dads in our area.”

Sarita James, Ph.D., RN, CNE, and Director of the LSUA School of Nursing, emphasized the program’s focus on inclusivity and accessibility. “The evening option allows individuals with daytime commitments to pursue their dreams of becoming registered nurses without compromising their responsibilities,” James said. “This initiative reflects LSUA’s commitment to providing high-quality education tailored to the needs of our community and the healthcare industry.”

For Raven Bryant, a current LSUA employee and newly enrolled pre-nursing student, the program is a life-changing opportunity. “As a mom and full-time worker, this evening option is perfect for me,” Bryant said. “I always wondered how I could work and go to nursing school, and this is my confirmation to get to the finish line.”

As LSUA continues to address the region’s healthcare workforce shortages, the evening option exemplifies the university’s mission to deliver meaningful, high-quality degrees that meet the evolving needs of Central Louisiana.

For more information about LSUA’s nursing programs, visit http://www.lsua.edu/nursing.

January 29 marks National Puzzle Day, a celebration of one of humanity’s oldest and most engaging pastimes. From ancient riddles to modern jigsaw puzzles, the act of solving challenges has captivated minds for centuries. Beyond their entertainment value, puzzles offer significant cognitive and emotional benefits, making them a valuable tool for people of all ages.

The origins of puzzles date back thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples being labyrinths and mazes. Jigsaw puzzles, as we know them today, were invented in the 1760s when British cartographer John Spilsbury mounted a map on wood and cut it into pieces to teach geography. Since then, puzzles have evolved into a diverse array of formats, including crosswords, Sudoku, and escape room challenges.

Puzzles are more than just a source of entertainment—they’re a workout for the brain. Solving puzzles helps improve memory, problem-solving skills, and spatial reasoning. For children, puzzles aid in the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. For adults, they offer a way to keep the mind sharp and reduce stress. Studies have even shown that engaging in puzzles regularly can delay the onset of cognitive decline in older adults.

The joy of puzzles lies in their universality. Whether you’re a beginner tackling a simple crossword or a seasoned puzzler working on a 5,000-piece jigsaw, there’s something for everyone. Families can use puzzles as a way to bond, while individuals can enjoy them as a solitary escape.

Celebrate National Puzzle Day by exploring a new type of puzzle or revisiting an old favorite. Consider challenging friends to a puzzle race or working together to complete a complex jigsaw. Libraries and online platforms often offer free puzzle resources, making it easy to join the fun.

By incorporating puzzles into your routine, you can experience the joy of problem-solving while reaping the cognitive benefits. So, grab a puzzle and get solving—you’ll be doing your brain a favor.

By JIM BUTLER

When drafting the current budget last Spring, Alexandria officials didn’t count any chickens before they hatched.

Now it’s time to put the hatch — eight million of them — to work.

The City Council will consider adopting the mid-year revision to the budget at its meeting this evening.

Last April, the administration told the council its proposal for the May 1, 2024-April 30, 2025 fiscal year was taking a circumspect approach to revenue and expense forecasts.

The $74 million General Fund revenue projection while not standstill was cautious. This evening the administration proposes adding $8.27 million to the forecast as the conservative optimism of eight months ago proves well-founded.

Property and city sales taxes are expected to be $3.8 million more than currently budgeted, taking their total to $41.3 million. The city’s piece of the parish sales tax is forecast at $11.5 million, $2.5 million more than initially planned for.

Interest revenue adds $900,000 and use of prior years’ revenue grows by $4.45 million to $16.6 million.

Transfers from the Utility Fund are set at $5.6 million, $4.35 million less than initially planned.

The amendment from Finance Director David Johnson and Budget Officer Paul Carpenter similarly adjusts spending estimates.

(An aside: Carpenter’s work as appointed receiver for Crimestoppers of CENLA is done after hours and apart from his city work.

He was appointed in mid-December by District Judge Mary Doggett to essentially manage the non-profit until she orders otherwise.

That came as result of a suit filed by Kenneth Paul and Daniel Bryant.)

Back to the budget — the largest allocation from the $8.2 million being added to the General Fund is for police vehicles — $2.1 million compared to none in the initial plan.

The department also is appropriated $828,000 more for overtime, added to $1 million previously earmarked, and $480,000 for vehicle repairs and maintenance.

The Fire Department gets another $1.3 million, about half of that for overtime expense.

The amendment brings the Police total budget to $23.6 million and Fire to $14.2. That public safety cost is about 46% of the General Fund spending plan.

Utility Fund revenue and spending is revised downward by $12.1 million, to $104.6 million on each side of the ledger.

The adjustment reflects a considerable difference in fuel cost charges. The revenue total includes use of $15.5 in prior earnings.

Utility Administration reflects an additional $7 million transfer for Capital Projects and $2.7 million transfer for the transit system.