Author: cpoole003

National Candy Month

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By Jeanni Ritchie
 
The year was 2015 and every surface of my house was covered in jars filled with orange candy. 
 
I always loved orange, the color and the flavor, and I’d just discovered that you could order candy in one flavor only. Gone were the days of buying packs of Starburst and Sprees and throwing out all but the orange ones. 
 
I’d discovered, much like the select-a-flavor Skittles machines often found in theaters, that I could order only my favorite flavor in a variety of candies from Jelly Bellies to Lifesavers. 
 
In my trademark excessive fashion, I ordered nearly 50 lbs. of the stuff. I tend to go overboard when I’m passionate about something and, if orange was my love color, candy was my love language. 
 
There’s something innocent and childlike about the sweet treat, honored every June as National Candy Month. 
 
The National Confectioner’s Association shares, “For those who love chocolate, candy, gum and mints, those who appreciate the strong economic impact of a responsible and fun industry, and for many others, this is a month made for celebration. It is a moment to celebrate a classic American manufacturing success story.”
 
Celebrate indeed! I am literally like a kid in a candy store any time I visit a locale that separates out my beloved orange candy!
 
Jeanni Ritchie is an orange-obsessed contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. 

Big Alexandria Fair arrives in Cenla

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By Jeanni Ritchie 

I’ve been angling for a boat invite all summer. I think I’m going to have to settle for the kiddie speedboats at the Big Alexandria Fair this weekend!

Starting at noon today and continuing through June 30th, the summer fair at the Rapides Parish Coliseum will have thrilling circus acts and stunt performers, a foam zone, and plenty of thrilling rides. 

My roller coaster riding these days is slightly less thrilling than in my younger days, but the Ride a Gator looks right up my alley. 

A new hobby of mine is riding Ferris Wheels in every city I travel through so I can’t miss the attraction in my own hometown!

My favorite ride from Fun Land (next to the Alexandria Zoo) in the 70’s was the Scrambler and they have one assembled and ready to ride at the Big Alexandria Fair. 

My favorite carnival ride has always been the Himalaya, and they have that one ready to roll as well. 

My best-loved rides, shows, and food carts…I’m not even going to pretend I’m going for the grandkids!

The Big Alexandria Fair will be held at the Rapides Parish Coliseum, 5600 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria. 

The fair is open from noon-midnight daily and a clear bag policy is in effect. 

Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. 

Kids Business Market at the Alexandria Mall Saturday

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By Jeanni Ritchie
 
Eight-year old Ella Gwin, affectionately known to her loved ones as Sister, is busy prepping and baking for her vendor booth, Sister’s Sweet Shop, at the Kids Business Market this Saturday, June 22, from 11 AM-3 PM at the Alexandria Mall. 
 
While this will be Ella’s first time setting up at the mall, she is no stranger to entrepreneurship. She’s sold her sweet treats at previous markets including The Barn at Aunt Julia’s Garden. She also maintains a business Facebook page and fills pre-orders placed on social media. Ella has customers from all over Louisiana and Texas! 
 
Ella graduated from helping out with dinner to baking for her family to turning her baking into a business. I thought I was business-savvy trading dimes for cups of lemonade when I was Ella’s age but she’s far surpassed mixing a packet of lemonade with sugar and water. Ella has been baking cookies, brownies, cookie butter, red velvet cake, cake pops, and edible cookie dough. 
 
“I like the idea of maybe having a bakery food truck one day,” Ella shares. “I love getting to share my baked goods with people!”
 
Sharing their products with the public is exactly what this program is designed for. Youth aged 6-15 years old set up and sell their goods in a market designed to promote retail entrepreneurism. They keep all of their earnings. 
 
Parents are grateful for the opportunity. Ella’s mom, Lisa Gwin, shares “I love that the Alexandria Mall offers these kids an opportunity to be seen as young business people. The skills they will learn from prep work, to social interaction, to marketing, to finances is invaluable!”
 
Gwin remembered her own jewelry making business when she was Ella’s age. A family friend offered a small part of her booth space at a craft fair that meant the world to her. She is thrilled to see Ella get a similar opportunity. 
 
Others receiving booth space include It’s Just The Kid In Me and You Shop, Bling by Roman and Dale, Two Brothers Designing Company, Alpaca Art Studio, T & J’s  Snak Shak, The Preppy Place, Crafty Cat, Kennyria’s Jewelry Shop, and Kase’s Art. 
 
Come out and support the future leaders of Cenla at the Alexandria Mall, 3437 Masonic Drive, and sampling their ware!
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be found at www.jeanniritchie.com. 

NSU grad student Christopher Doney awarded Fulbright to serve in Uzbekistan

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A Northwestern State University graduate student in the Department of English, Languages and Cultural Studies has been awarded a 2024-25 Fulbright U.S. Student Award to serve in the Republic of Uzbekistan in Central Asia.  Christopher Doney of Alexandria plans to arrive in Uzbekistan Sept. 7 and serve there for nine months in the city of Namangan at Namangan State University. Namangan is located in the far-northeastern reaches of Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley, near to the borders of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. He is the first ever NSU student to earn a Fulbright Award. 
 
Doney was a semifinalist for a Fulbright Award in 2023 and was an alternate this year before being selected for the award. The Fulbright Student Program is a competitive, fully funded student-exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The program is offered to graduate and graduating undergraduate students, both domestically and abroad.
 
In addition to the Fulbright, Doney was awarded a $1,500 Graduate Research Grant earlier this year from the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Those competitive grants are designed to support graduate students who are active Society members seeking funding for research in support of career development opportunities. Doney is one of 20 recipients nationwide to receive the award. The grant enabled him to study and present findings on the cultural impact of the English language in Central Asia. 
 
Doney earned a B.A. in liberal arts with a minor in English at NSU in 2022 and will graduate this August with a Master of Arts in English with a concentration in writing and linguistics.
 
His academic path has not been conventional. 
 
“I was a student on full scholarship at New York University-Abu Dhabi when extremely strict COVID protocols were implemented at NYUAD and the UAE. All classes at NYUAD were moved online, so I decided to take a leave of absence, return to Alexandria and consider my next steps,” he said. “I am a hiking enthusiast, so after discussing my situation with my parents, I decided to travel to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for a two-week trip. Tajikistan is a mountainous country and former Soviet Republic, and it has some of the best hiking in the world. Once I arrived in Tajikistan, I fell in love with the country, the people, and the hiking.”
 
After returning to Alexandria, Doney decided to register at NSU as an online student and take classes remotely from Tajikistan. While he was there, the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan took place, and many Afghan refugees poured across the border into Tajikistan.
 
“Most of them had nothing with them but their clothes,” Doney said. “I wanted to help these people, so I collaborated with the government of Tajikistan and opened a language learning center where I taught English-language classes to Tajiks and Afghans of all ages. I did this on top of taking online classes at NSU fulltime.”
 
An extension of his master’s thesis, his research investigates the pervasiveness of English in the linguistic landscape of Tajikistan, and the reactions of its citizens to the increasing prevalence of English in private settings and public signage such as street signs, store signs and billboards. 
 
“Since the dissolution of the former Soviet Union and the ensuing independence of several Central Asian countries, the English language has become ubiquitous in the region, and Tajikistan is no exception.”
 
Doney said Tajikistan is a culturally and linguistically diverse nation with most citizens having knowledge of two or more languages. Doney gathered information through interviews of nearly 100 Tajikistani citizens ranging in age from 18 to 80. Individuals were asked if English is a welcome addition or if there is resentment about its prevalence and if minority languages and culture have been displaced or at risk of extinction. 
 
“Although some respondents voiced concerns about the ubiquity of English, most welcomed the addition of English and viewed it as a positive development. The primary significance of this study is that the results were obtained through grounded theory and may be used to guide Tajikistan’s future linguistic policy so that minority languages are protected and any potential damage by English is mitigated.”
 
Living and teaching abroad were not new to Doney. He was a math and English tutor through his high school years, and for a gap year, was a study-abroad student in Taiwan. By learning English, Doney believes individuals are empowered to get better jobs, provide more for their families and escape poverty.
 
“I have always enjoyed helping and empowering others, and teaching abroad is one of the best ways to do that,” he said. “English is the global lingua franca. The language is no longer owned by native speakers of English, and they don’t control it. It is bigger than any one group. For example, there are four times as many people who speak English not as their first language as there are native English speakers. English is more like an open-source code. Any country can adapt it to its specific needs, and many do just that.”
 
Eventually, he hopes to get a Ph.D. in linguistics or applied linguistics.
 
“I plan to live abroad, but not necessarily to teach abroad in the long term,” he said. “I hope to join the U.S. Foreign Service and become an ambassador one day. I love learning foreign languages, and I would like to help solve some of the world’s problems through diplomacy.”
 
Doney credited his professors at NSU for their help on his academic journey, especially Dr. Thomas Reynolds, his faculty mentor, thesis committee chair, and head of the Department of English, Languages and Cultural Studies, Dr. Lisa Abney, Dr. Patrice Moulton, and Dr. Keith Dromm, NSU’s Fulbright program advisor.
 
“It is a tremendous honor for NSU that one of its students received a Fulbright Award,” Dromm said. “Christopher is a remarkable student and a model for others who want to apply for a Fulbright or similar award. He has extensive study — and also just living — abroad experience. More importantly, he has demonstrated a lot of initiative. I believe he will represent NSU and the United States very well while abroad.”

Sleepaway Camp at Ol’ Mel’s Farm

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By Jeanni Ritchie
 
I loved sleepaway camps as a child. Every summer I’d attend a church camp, Girl Scout camp, and a hobby-type camp. Camp Singing Waters in Holden and Camp Marydale in St. Francisville were two of my favorites. 
 
There’s something magical about bunking in tents and cabins with other kids your age, participating in days and nights of events created solely for your pleasure. 
 
There’s something for everyone at camp. 
 
I’d hoped to fulfill my long-held dream of being a “Marva” this summer. That’s the name of the mother-daughter summer camp counselor duo in the Lindsay Lohan Parent Trap remake. Fun fact: one of the Marva’s was played by “Kiss My Grits” actress Polly Holliday (Flo, Alice) and the other was “Oh my God” actress Maggie Wheeler (Janice, Friends). But my schedule didn’t work out so I settled for covering lots of summer day camps instead. 
 
But I hate having to leave them, always staying longer than planned while wishing I could blow off the rest of my day and just hang out at camp. I begrudgingly wave goodbye every time I have to bid adieu. 
 
The other day I was scrolling when something caught my eye. A five-day sleepaway camp at Ol’ Mel’s farm in Deville. I’d just been out there. It was one of my favorite camps and I’d seen the airbnb accommodations one of the groups will be staying in. (Boys and girls will be housed in different cabins.)
 
“Can I go, Mom?” I begged my mother. I showed her the post. 
 
Horseback riding, fishing, campfires, games, crafts….not to mention the (non)slumbering fun that takes place after lights out. 
 
“Um, I think you missed something,” Mom pointed to the age limit. “Ages 8-12. You can add each of those together and you’re still too old!” 
 
Moms have such a way of bursting your bubble!
 
But it does seem like a lot of fun. Camp is July 28-August 2. Space is limited to the first 5 boys and 5 girls to sign up. Call 318-794-9533 for questions or to register. 
 
Ol Mel’s Farm is located at 50 Chevallier Rd, Deville. 
 
Stay tuned as Jeanni Ritchie shares her trip to the former Camp Singing Waters campground, now the John Schneider Studios next month. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. 

Next best thing to Eras tickets

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By Jeanni Ritchie
 
Couldn’t score tix for the Eras Tour? Steps by Stephanie Dance Studio had you covered at their end of camp week with a special Taylor Swift-themed performance of five of her top tunes. 
 
Three-to-seven year olds danced their way through some of my personal favorites with their messages of positivity. 
 
Shake It Off! When bad things happen, as they inevitably do, shake off the bad feelings and move forward with joy. 
 
Blank Space provides a chance for new beginnings and new friendships.
 
My current favorite is Me! and I couldn’t help but sing along, albeit quietly as moms were videoing all around me and not needing me to voice bomb their adorable darlings’ videos with my lyrical journey to self-acceptance. But I can promise that you’ll never find another like me either! 
 
The eight-to-eleven year-olds kicked the choreography up a notch and added stunts for their performance of Ready for It? We were definitely ready for it as the room was packed with parents, grandparents, and siblings watching the performance like it was the hottest performance in Central Louisiana. 
 
By the time they finished their routine to Enchanted, I was certain it was!
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a community journalist and die-hard Swiftie. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.

Barbie Summer Camp 

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By Jeanni Ritchie 
 
I’m a Barbie girl in a Barbie world….
 
Children’s Exploration Oasis was filled with Barbie girls yesterday at the start of their Barbie-themed summer camp. 
 
Girls aged 3-7 dressed up, played with, and loved on their own Barbies plus the ones provided by the camp with the same fervor I once had for the Mattel doll. 
 
I reject the notion that Barbies set unattainable standards. I never refused to eat a potato because it was missing red lips and a nose. Barbies are beautiful and fun to play with. They encourage you to use your imagination. 
 
“They can say whatever you want them to,” seven-year-old Gracelynn Crayon told me. “No one can tell you what they can and can’t say.”
 
Have I mentioned how much I love seven year olds?
 
Gracelynn also enjoyed doing their hair. Like me, she has more dolls at home than she could count. Unlike me, she knew to leave the scissors alone. I foolishly used to cut my dolls’ hair then cry when it didn’t grow back. 
 
Barbie turned 65 this year after getting the big screen treatment in 2023. Despite her many detractors, Barbie still gets mad love. 
 
Alaina Desadier, 7, and I dressed our dolls as they had a play date at the designer 3-story megamansion at Barbie Camp. Alaina has five Barbies at home; they each have a name. She is an expert, for sure. I mixed up Barbie’s sisters Skipper and Stacie but she quickly set me straight!
 
While Alaina, Gracelynn, and I took our dolls to the rooftop pool, Alaina’s 3-year old sister rode a Barbie trike into the center’s play kitchen, emerging with a tin of cupcakes. She offered me a delicious shellacked chocolate one that I ate with zero guilt. 
 
Life in plastic…it’s fantastic! 
 
Harper Smith, 4, was in full princess attire as she showed me the Barbie tattoos adorning her hands. She twirled and danced with the others to Taylor Swift, Spice Girls, and Barbie music. 
 
The camp continues this week from 9 AM- Noon with a culminating Barbie Tea Party on Friday. You can still secure a spot or even drop in for one day of the camp at a special rate. 
 
There are also three more camps this summer at Children’s Exploration Oasis. They are open to boys and girls aged 3-7. In addition to themed activities, including arts and crafts, the entire space is open play designed to engage young minds and foster imagination.
 
 Besides the play kitchen, there’s a hair salon, fire station, rocket ship, cafe, gymnastics area, farmer’s market, veterinary office, campfire, drive-through restaurant, and grocery store. The opportunities for play are endless and included with each camp. 
 
Summer Camps and dates:
Frozen July 8-12
Farm July 15-19
Bluey July 22-26
 
For more information about summer camps, parties, or regular open play hours, visit childrensexplorationoasis.com or call 318-623-1689. 
 
Children’s Exploration Oasis is located at 1016 3rd St. Alexandria. 
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a former educator of seven year olds who believes the world would be a much better place if we all started seeing life through the lens of one. 

Kids explore farm life at summer camp

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By Jeanni Ritchie

Fifteen day campers at Ol’ Mel’s Farm experienced farm life last week in Deville. I stopped by on Friday and immediately was greeted by goats, a turkey, a miniature horse, and Oliver Boney, 6.
 
“Do you want to be friends?” he asked as I joined the group.
 
“Absolutely,” I replied. You can’t beat a warm country welcome.
 
Watching Kaylie Posey, 10, saddle the miniature horse, I asked her what was the most important part to remember. “Checking the pony out.” She’s enjoyed her week at the camp.
 
“Playing with Bella, the three-legged dog, is my favorite part of the week,” Isabella Huntsberry, 7, told me.
 
“Three legs?! What happened?” I asked her.
 
She started explaining the story of Bella’s accident as a puppy until her friend Kynlee Posey, 9, started saddling and she stopped to cheer her on. As soon as Kynlee finished, she finished her story and launched into a dozen more tales about pregnant cows, cat attacks, falling in the water, arts and crafts, camp friends, and more. I could hardly keep up! I wondered if this is how people feel when talking to me. Isabella is definitely me as a 7-year old!
 
Lydia Bernard, 9, and Braxton Deville, 7, brushed Spirit the Horse out as he nibbled on the grass at their feet.
 
Braxton enjoyed fishing this week the most. We talked hooking worms, which is definitely preferable to cricket goo shooting out as you thread it onto a hook.
 
Mr. T the Turkey was the unofficial 16th camper, following the kids everywhere they went.
 
In addition to saddling, fishing, and free range animal play, campers built birdhouses and other arts and crafts activities, went horseback riding, had bunny circle time, participated in hands-on educational sessions on horse and bunny care, played during daily water time, and engaged in a daily show and tell, complete with live animals from home!
 
The smell of sunscreen filled the air as kids chased after Rudy, the two-week old goat with the “extension cord” still attached. I speak kid fluently; I knew that was kidspeak for umbilical cord. I absolutely adore children and I love being outdoors so this camp was a perfect outing for me.
 
Ol’ Mel’s Farm will hold one more full-day summer camp July 8-12. Call 318-794-9533 to register.
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a former educator and community journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.

Benefits of Pet Therapy for Seniors

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By Jeanni Ritchie
 
I’m a dog person. 
 
I didn’t know this about myself until I was in my 40’s but once that newborn chihuahua and I bonded, I knew I’d never spend another day in my life without a dog in some capacity. 
 
Currently relying on my parents’ dog to fill the role as I’m often on the road, I refer to her as my little sister and unofficial emotional support service dog. It is my own pet therapy and while I joke about it, it’s also very serious. She once helped me through a severe PTSD-triggered panic attack.
 
There are so many benefits of pet therapy, especially for older adults. 
 
Many organizations and facilities offer pet therapy as part of their health and wellness programs. In addition to helping people with physical, mental, or emotional illnesses, pet therapy can also provide fun and entertainment for seniors. In addition, many people appreciate that pets are not judgmental and capable of immense love and affection. 
 
Ol Mel’s Farm in Deville took their mobile petting zoo to Naomi Heights Nursing Home last week. They rode their mini-pig Sassy in a wagon around to each resident’s room. Residents also got to interact with a mini pony, chickens, bunnies, and a baby goat. Owner Melanie Moore often takes her petting zoo on the road and senior visits are some of her favorites. 
 
Last week I got to tag along during a visit to Brookdale Senior Living with Pearl, the Australian Labradoodle, who brightened faces up and down the halls. Owner Krista Rachal brings Pearl in regularly, the love the pup showers on the residents better than any other therapy. 
 
Some Benefits of Pet Therapy
 
•It provides mental stimulation, even with non-verbal seniors 
•It can decrease anxiety 
•It can help with cognitive and memory skills
•It reduces loneliness
•It can lower blood pressure by alleviating excessive stress and anxiety.
•It triggers the release of endorphins that boost mood
•It’s been shown to reduce overall physical pain
•It improves motor skills by giving animals treats, petting them, walking them, and interacting with them 
 
The positive interactions with an animal may lead to benefits in the mind and body, causing reduced stress and an overall more balanced mental and emotional state.
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a community journalist from Central Louisiana who counts kids, dogs, and seniors as her favorite people. She may be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. 

Senior Disco at Ball Senior Center this Saturday

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By Jeanni Ritchie
 
Throw your mittens around your kittens and away we go…..
 
They may not have Vince Fontaine but the Hospice Promise Foundation, in conjunction with Christus Hospice St. Frances Cabrini, will be crowning the liveliest dancers King and Queen of the Senior Disco held at the Ball Senior Center this Saturday from 7-9 PM!
 
Theresa Bledsoe, Volunteer Manager, explains the significance. “So many patients and their families in hospice encounter hardships during an already difficult time. Our organization helps with things like bills and medical equipment.”
 
Your admission gives you a ticket to an evening of food and dancing while also making a difference in the lives of these families. All proceeds benefit the Hospice Promise Foundation, created in 2013. Knowing someone cares when dealing with the isolation of hospice care is invaluable. 
 
And you get to have fun to boot! Open to anyone aged 50 and up, you can come casual or dress in 70’s or 80’s garb. Stand as they honor all veterans in attendance as the VIPs that they are. Dance the night away in your boogie shoes! 
 
The Ball Senior Center is located at 100 Municipal Lane, Ball. To purchase tickets or donate to the Hospice Promise Foundation, call Theresa at 318-266-8656 (office) or 318-792-0706. 
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a freelance journalist and Grease fan who refuses to accept that she is old enough to attend this disco! She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. 

Crumbl Cookie Grand Opening

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By Jeanni Ritchie
 
Hi! Welcome to Crumbl!
 
That’s the greeting you get when you walk through the door at Alexandria’s newest dessert shop, Crumbl Cookie at 2303 S. MacArthur Drive Unit B. 
 
The line snaking out the door was no deterrent for customers determined to get their teeth into one of the country’s crazes. 
 
Most left with 4 or 6-packs, wanting to either share with the family or take advantage of this week’s flavors. Crumbl offers six distinct flavors each week so you have to grab them while they’re here. 
 
New flavors come out each Monday and the flavors for the upcoming week drop on our website and social media channels Sunday night at 7 PM,” owner Jeff Vaccaro explains. 
 
The store will begin selling their minis Monday, June 17. Minis are available on Mondays only or through their catering. 
 
“How do these look?” employee Olivia Carr asked each customer as they arrived at the pick up counter. Customer satisfaction is paramount to the Crumbl experience and Olivia provided it with zeal. 
 
Malia Perkins came in with her dad who’d ordered a dozen online. The process was easy and fast, they said. 
 
Departures were just as eventful. “See you next week!” Crumbl yells out as you leave. 
 
You will indeed, I thought, as I sunk my own teeth into the Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookie. 
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a community journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. 

Field of Honor ceremony at Pineville Riverfront

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By JEANNI RITCHIE
 
National Flag Day was celebrated at the Pineville Riverfront last Friday with the 3rd annual Exchange Club of Central Louisiana’s Field of Honor hosted by the City of Pineville. It is the only official flag ceremony in Louisiana. 
 
After a warm welcome by Exchange Club member Dwain Dubroc, tribute was paid to his event co-chair Martin Masden, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. 
 
“Martin was a driving force behind the Field of Honor program, with a deep belief not only in country, but the right to stand for your country. He especially wanted to honor those who had the commitment to die for the country they so strongly believed in,” Dubroc shared. 
 
I have no doubt that Mr. Masden would’ve been pleased at the turnout for this year’s ceremony, dedicated in his honor. 
 
Led in prayer by Pineville Councilman and Pastor Nathan Martin, attendees then proudly joined in the Pledge of Allegiance. 
 
Fellow councilman Tom Bouchie led the crowd in the National Anthem before guest speaker, Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree, recognized the many organizations, agencies, and individuals gathered for the event. The patriotism exhibited on the riverfront was astounding. 
 
Presenting the Cenla Exchange Club with a special plaque for their service, he noted that they embody what makes the town #pinevilleproud, inscripted on the award. 
 
Mayor Dupree shared the history of Flag Day along with some fun flag facts and FAQs about the flag, including the storied debate on who actually designed the first flag. With all due respect to Declaration of Independence signer Francis Hopkinson, I’ll forever be Team Betsy Ross!
 
The Exchange Club had a flag for each branch of military service, including the Space Force flag, unveiled in 2020. In addition to flags for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, flags representing Law Enforcement and Firefighters were on display as well. 
 
Behind those flags were 109 US flags lined up across the field. Each was donated by a sponsor to an individual or a group. 
 
Alexandria City Marshal Jerome Hopewell attended last year and immediately knew he’d be a sponsor this year. “I thought that this was a wonderful way to remember someone who is no longer with us and to celebrate Flag Day at the same time.”
 
Other sponsors include Mockler Beverage Company, Kirk Cooper, Kinetix Broadband, LLC, Proctor & Gamble, Rapides Foundation Wellspring Advisor Group, Wendy’s, Matt Davis, Despino Tire Service, Paul & Susan Hebert, Hilltop Nursing & Rehabilitation, The Masden Family, David Michaels, Naomi Heights Nursing Home, Greg O’Quinn, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Red River Bank, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1131, Jorge & Phyllis Vilar, Darryl Andrews State Farm, Thomas Easterling, Hays Manufacturing Company, Kramer Funeral Home, Mattye & Charles Phillips, Charles & Tonie Papadakes, and many more individuals. 
 
“Thank you to each and every one of you that purchased a flag to honor your loved one, your personal hero, the military, first responders, veterans, law enforcement….every one is definitely appreciated.” Susan Hauk Dubroc shared. 
 
Flags purchased for the ceremony are returned to donors the day after the ceremony. “Please consider supporting this event for next year,” Dubroc continued. 
 
If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor for next year’s Field of Honor, contact info@exchangeclubcenla.com. For more information about the nationwide program, visit https://www.healingfield.org. 
 
“Our national motto is Unity for Service. Proceeds from our fundraisers go directly back into the community in a variety of projects like Cenla’s Back to School Bash, Sunshine Special for St. Mary’s, freedom shrines, and scholarships for local youth.” Dr. Jim Rogers, Professor of History, Louisiana State University of Alexandria explained. 
 
Support our country, stand for our flag, and make a difference right here in our community. 
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a community journalist with a deep love for Central Louisiana and the United States of America. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.

Shaking off the summer blues

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By JEANNI RITCHIE

Girls aged 3-12 were bejeweled as they danced and cheered their way through a medley of Taylor Swift tunes at Midstate Strong summer camp last week.

From Shake It Off to Style, the girls learned choreographed moves to some of Taylor Nation’s favorite tunes for a final performance on Friday.

In addition to the dances, they learned cheers, stunts, and gymnastics. They also created Taylor-themed art projects.

“Can’t stop, won’t stop moving”  was the perfect description of 60 little girls in the full-day dance and cheer camp.

Addison Suydan, 7, perfected the Taylor hair flip as she performed the Midstate chant.

Bouncing up and down on the tumble track was Harper Keiss, 5, whose bouncing continued long after she exited the track.

“I learned how to do a back walkover this week!” Cassidy Bass, 8, announced.

She wasn’t the only one who learned a new skill this week.

“I did a double backflip on the bar,” Sophia Jameson, 9, shared.

“I learned how to do a front flip on the bar!” Addy Salgado, 8, told me.

I decided not to try my hand on the bar but I was definitely down for some freestyle Shake It Off moves!

Summer camps at Midstate Strong continue this week with a half-day ninja camp for boys!

2024 Schedule:
June 17-21 Hija Ninja Camp (morning)
June 24-28 Let’s Get Messy Camp (full day)
July 8-11 Tumbling Camp (afternoon)
July 8-12 Hija Ninja Camp (morning)
July 15-19 Louisiana Camp (full day)
July 22-26 Trolls Camp (full day)
*all camps except Hija Ninja Camp are co-ed

Midstate Strong is located at 1634 Military Hwy in Pineville. 

Jeanni Ritchie continues her mission of attending all Swiftie summer camps in 2024 and shakes off any notion that she is too old. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.

Camp Fast Forward trains students in healthcare field

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By Jeanni Ritchie
 
Rising 8th and 9th graders got hands-on experience in the healthcare field last week through Camp Fast Forward, a no-cost summer program by Central LA AHEC (Area Health Education Center). 
 
Central LA AHEC aims to increase awareness and exposure to healthcare occupations for students in middle school through this half-day, one-week summer camp held annually. Students participate in simulation activities, science experiments as it relates to healthcare, CPR certification, goal setting, and planning for the future. 
 
Through multiple partnerships, this program is currently offered to all students in the following parishes: Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, and Winn with plans for future expansion. 
 
“As the healthcare workforce shortages continue to grow, it is important to expose our students in central Louisiana to career options in healthcare and this program is designed to do just that. We hope that our programs will help students find a career they fall in love with, and in the future, come back to work in their community,” states Gabrielle Juneau, Central LA AHEC CEO. 
 
The students participating in this year’s program are already envisioning a life in the healthcare field. 
 
Alyce Dyer, 12, explained, “It’s very insightful for people who want to go into the medical field.” She plans to be a paramedic or an RN. 
 
Abigail Aycock, 13, also plans to be a nurse or an anesthesiologist. She learned valuable lessons throughout camp. “I’ve learned about the heart, body parts, and CPR.”  
 
Cameron Luss, 13, stressed the importance of CPR for anyone, regardless of career aspirations. I agreed. I took a CPR certification as a highly sought-after babysitter when I was her age. 
 
She also had a practical approach to the camp. “It’s a great camp with lots of hands-on activities for people who want more to do over the summer.”
 
Central LA AHEC will host one more Camp Fast Forward in July. 
 
This project is funded by a Future of HealthC.A.R.E. Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation.
 
Central Louisiana Area Health Education Center is a non-profit, community-based agency that serves as a training and information resource for health and educational professionals throughout a 17-parish region.
 
Applications for next summer’s Camp Fast Forward program will be available in January 2025. For more information on Central LA AHEC and health career exploration programs offered in Central Louisiana, please visit www.clahec.org. 
 
The program is always in June and the deadline is April 28 each year.
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a community journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. 

Inside Out 2 hit theaters last weekend 

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By JEANNI RITCHIE
 
The highly anticipated Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” arrived in theaters June 13, returning to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! 
 
Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up with Envy and Embarrassment in tow. They’d managed to see Riley through an emotional move from the Midwest to San Francisco in the 2015 film but must now contend with the new arrivals and the turbulence of teenhood. 
 
Joy, with help from the others, regularly selected the bad memories and shot them into space. Gone was the memory of waving at the boy who was looking at someone else and the penalty in the hockey game that almost cost them the championship. 
 
When Anxiety takes Riley’s belief system, though, and sends it into space, Joy and the others fight back until Embarrassment bottles them up and “suppresses” them. Anxiety then creates a whole Riley. 
 
As the new emotions rule Teen Riley, her old emotions must recover her sense of self and put it up, returning her to the Riley they all know and love. 
 
I especially related to Joy when she reached her breaking point. Preferring to focus on mental health positivity and see the bright side, being surrounded by negativity can also cause me to snap. Like Joy, verbalizing my deepest tears and fears is often healing and I quickly bounce back to the sunny side of life, taking charge of all the other emotions.  
 
Directed by Kelsey Mann and produced by Mark Nielsen, Inside Out 2 features the voices of Maya Hawke (Anxiety), Amy Poehler (Joy), Phyllis Smith (Sadness), Ayo Edebiri (Envy), Kensington Tallman (Riley), Diane Lane (Mom), Kyle MacLachlan (Dad), Lewis Black (Anger), Tony Hale (Fear), Liza Lapira (Disgust), and Adele Exarchopoulos (Ennui). 
 
Anyone who’s ever had or worked with teenagers is likely intimately familiar with the latter, that cell phone-wielding apathetic boredom that often serves as camouflage for other emotions! 
 
Check out Inside Out 2 in theaters now! 
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a film fan and content creator from Central Louisiana. She can be found at TikTok.com/@jeanniritchie. 

Fostering Community hosts jambalaya fundraiser 

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By JEANNI RITCHIE
 
The smell of jambalaya was in the air last week as the Fostering Community hosted its annual jambalaya fundraiser. Dozens of volunteers chopped, stirred, served, and delivered delicious plates of jambalaya to local citizens to support this nonprofit dedicated to the foster children of Central Louisiana. 
 
Fostering Community supports the foster care system by providing a Foster Care Closet with clothing, school uniforms, supplies, beds, and other essential resources to children in foster care. They provide playground and indoor space for birth family visitations. They promote youth engagement through advisory boards, community nights, and personal growth opportunities. They also provide support to foster parents through resources, referrals, and events. 
 
These programs aim to provide a holistic approach to supporting children impacted by foster care and aim to strengthen families in our community. 
 
Immediate needs are diapers, wipes, underwear, nonperishable food items like ravioli and ramen, and hygiene products.
 
Special requests include a hair straightener, 2 Nintendo Switches, and an Xbox. Please consider supporting these children and young adults who ask for so very little. 
 
Visit the Fostering Community at fosteringcommunity.org or call 318-277-0348. 
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a community-centric journalist from Central Louisiana.  She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. 

Crumbl Cookie opens in Alexandria 

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By JEANNI RITCHIE
 
When Courtney Morrow asked her now-fiancé Jeff Vaccaro to stop at a Crumbl Cookie store in Baton Rouge in 2021, he happily obliged. That is, until the wait time for the popular treat neared the 30-minute mark. Annoyed, he grumbled to Courtney to hand him a cookie when she finally returned. He wanted a reward for his modicum of patience. 
 
What he got was a new path in life!
 
Immediately calling friend and now business partner Casey Field, he insisted he try this new cookie craze. The LA Cookie Group was born. 
 
With their two Crumbl Cookie franchise locations putting out over 3500 cookies a day in Lafayette, Vaccaro and Field attended the Crumbl Convention in Utah in 2023 and got hyped up about adding a third store. The LSU schoolmates did some research and decided Alexandria was the perfect location for their expansion. Their newly opened store is located at 2303 S MacArthur Drive.
 
The welcome they say they’ve received in Central Louisiana is as warm as the middle of one of their made-from-scratch cookies. With over 250 variations, the company founded in 2017 puts out a weekly menu of six cookies at all of its locations. Variations of some of the traditional flavors, like chocolate chip, make regular appearances but others are seen less frequently, like the Father’s Day Toffee Cake. You must visit regularly to sample them all!
 
I visited on National Peanut Butter Cookie Day and Vaccaro shared his love of the Ultimate Peanut Butter cookie with me. It’s a peanut butter cookie stuffed with peanut butter and drizzled with a peanut butter topping. Show, don’t tell, I laughed. I plan to try one at the Grand Opening this Friday; it’s on this week’s menu along with the Toffee Cake, Blueberry Pancake, Mint Cookies and Cream, Kitchen Sink, and Semisweet Chocolate Chunk with just the right amount of coarse salt on top. 
 
Store hours are Mon-Thur 8 AM-10 PM and Fri-Sat 8 AM-Midnight. You’ll want to stop by, not just for the delicious desserts but the warm welcome you’ll receive as you walk through the door. 
 
Can you imagine the wedding reception Courtney and Jeff will have with unlimited Crumbl cookies at their disposal?! Forget Travis and Taylor. This will be the true wedding of the century! 
 
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a journalist from Central Louisiana who loves cookies, community, and happily ever after. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. 

Calvary Baptist Church begins Wacky Wednesdays

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By Jeanni Ritchie
 
Looking for something fun and free on Wednesday nights for your school-aged children? Look no farther than Calvary Baptist Church. 
 
Students kicked off Wacky Wednesdays with Backwards Night last night. They participated in different rotations by 
 including charades, backwards relay, devotion, and free play on the ark. 
 
Joseph Ponce, 7, most enjoyed the animal bingo played with Skittles as you got to eat the Skittles once the game ended! 
 
Students who recently completed Grades 1-4 will meet for the next 5 weeks from 6-7 PM on the 2nd floor of Children’s World. 
 
Future themes are:
June 19  –  Western Night
July 10  –  Team Night
July 17  –  Future Me Night
July 24  –  Christmas in July
July 31- Olympic Night (Red, White and Blue)
 
Students entering Grades 6-8 and 9-12 have separate programs that are also free and open to the public. Tonight was water fun, volleyball, and color ball. They meet from 6-8 PM. 
 
There are also discipleship classes and support groups for parents if you want to stay. 
 
Calvary Baptist Church is located at 5011 Jackson St. For more information, call 318-445-5640. 
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. 

Swift-themed camp at Steps by Stephanie

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By Jeanni Ritchie 
 
“In my Swifty Era” was the name of this week’s summer camp at Steps by Stephanie and as I’m currently in my “little girl era” I had to check it out. 
 
I didn’t want to leave!
 
Surrounded by over 60 girls singing, dancing, snacking, and making Taylor Swift art projects, I was in my element. 
 
While being introduced to the teachers, a 5-year walked up. “Hey, I know you!” she exclaimed. 
 
It was my friend Elena Aymond, whom I’d recently met on an arranged play date for an article. “Elena!” I’d cried. “How was Hawaii?”
 
We were like old summer camp friends catching up on life. I was immediately in and all the girls started catching me up on their worlds. I tracked. 
 
After all, there’s a common bond among Swifties, whether 4 or 54. I should know, I belong to a Facebook group called Gen X Swifties!
 
Ava Mansour, 6, was all about the dance sessions this week. Her favorite Swift songs are Bad Blood and The Man. 
 
Charleigh Sallinger, 9, showed off her modpodge Taylorcentric mini canvas while we analyzed albums. Tay’s new release, The Tortured Poet’s Department, is her current favorite. 
 
I’m in more of a 1989 place these days so I totally vibed with the 3 and 4 year olds dance performance of Shake It Off. 
 
There was no mistaking you were in a dance studio though when the 8-11 year olds danced to Ready for It? and Enchanted. Their choreographed routines were amazing and this week’s camp is only halfway through!
 
Ava Grace Hamilton, 3, was the perfect embodiment of Swifty sass twirling her Taylor keychain in the bejeweled sunglasses she’d made while the Eras Tour played on a video in the background. 
 
The boys weren’t left out of the fun as they were outside playing flag football in their own Football Champs camp this week. Channeling their inner Super Bowl hero, they learned football basics and pigskin facts while also making 87-themed art projects. 
 
ICYMI that’s Super Bowl Champion Travis Kelce’s jersey number!
 
Luke Robichaux, 6, had just finished his jersey art and was enjoying center time with Legos, blocks, Spider-Man buildings, and an array of Disney toys. 
 
This camp was the stuff of my Wildest Dreams. You’re a middle aged woman, some remind me. …So it goes! Call It What You Want; I love Taylor Swift!
 
These themed summer enrichment camps at Steps by Stephanie continue throughout the summer with free play, games, outdoor activities, dance, science, math, and fun. 
 
Princess Boot Camp (girls aged 3-11):
June 17-21 Beauty Bash
June 24-28 Squishmallows
July 1-5 My Masterpiece 
July 8-12 It All Started With a Mouse
July 15-19 Rhinestone Cowgirls 
July 22-26 Wonka World
July 29-August 2 Fashionista
August 5-9 D.A.N.C.E. Divas 
 
Dudes’ Camp (boys aged 3-8):
June 17-21 Dino Dudes
June 24-28 Hot Wheels
July 1-5 Lego Land
July 8-12 Disney Dudes
July 15-19 Western Roundup
July 22-26 Wonka World
July 29-August 2 Space Rangers
August 5-9 First Responders 
 
To find out more about these full day camps, call Stephanie at 318-308-2884. 
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist and full-fledged Swiftie from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. 

VBS and Church Camps in Central Louisiana 

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By Jeanni Ritchie
 
Kids across the state attended Vacation Bible Schools last week, that time of discipleship wrapped in fun. I looked forward to VBS each year, saving my pennies all year long to ensure the girls beat the boys in the annual penny collection at my church which was then donated to a ministry in need. 
 
Vacation Bible Schools and Church Camps are found throughout the country but are most prevalent in the Bible Belt of the South. If you missed sending your children last week, there are many more opportunities this summer. 
 
Check out the yard signs as you go down the road; church members often heavily promote their children’s programs, implementing the Great Commission for our youngest citizens. Check out church signs and newsletters. Ask around. But make sure to utilize these offerings from churches. Vacation Bible Schools are generally free as are some of the summer camps (check out Journey Church in Pineville’s 100% free One-Day Full Summer Camp). Some summer camps have minimal costs or provide scholarships. Call individual churches for more info. 
 
Their sincerest desire is to help your child grow in the knowledge of the Lord while providing fun and meaningful activities. 
 
Here is a partial list of Vacation Bible Schools and Church Camps in Central Louisiana. 
 
June 9-12 Christway Church VBS, Bentley. 5:30-8 PM (K-6th grade)
 
June 10-14 First Baptist Church of Pollock VBS, Pollock. 5-8 PM (K-5th grade)
 
June 10-14 New Prospect Baptist Church VBS, Dry Prong. 6-8:30 PM (3 years-5th grade)

June 16-19: Kingsville Baptist Church Children’s Camp, Pineville @Tall Timbers (1st and 2nd grade 7:45-5:30; 3rd-6th grade overnight)  
 
June 17-19 Atlanta Baptist Church VBS, Atlanta. 6-8:30 PM 
 
June 17-21 Hebron Baptist Church VBS, Dry Prong. 5:30-8:30 PM (3 years-6th grade)
 
June 17-21: Liberty Christian Church VBS, Colfax. 6-8 PM (all ages)
 
June 24-26 Full Armor of God VBS, Pineville.
 6-8 PM (PreK-6th grade)
 
June 24-27 First United Methodist Church VBS, Alexandria. 5:30-8:30 PM (K-5th grade)
 
June 24-27 Northside Baptist Church VBS, Montgomery. 6-8:30 PM 
 
June 24-27 River Outreach Church VBS, Pineville (3rd-6th grade)
 
June 24-28: Pineville First United Methodist Church VBS, Pineville. 9 AM- Noon (3 years- 6th grade)
 
June 24-28 Christian Challenge Worship Center VBS, Pineville. 6-8 PM (PreK-5th grade)
 
June 24-28 Trinity Baptist Church VBS, Pineville. 6-9 PM (PreK-6th)
 
June 24-28 Christian Challenge Worship Center VBS, Pineville. 6-8 PM (PreK-5th grade)
 
June 24-28 Pineville Church of God VBS, Pineville. 5-7 PM. (all ages)
 
June 24-28 First Baptist Church, Dry Prong. 5:30-8:15 PM (PreK-5th)
 
June 25-28: Centerpoint Pentecostal Church VBS, Deville. 6-8 PM (Ages 4-12) 
 
July 8-11 Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Montgomery. 6-8 PM 
 
July 8-12 First Baptist Church Pineville Connect Camp, Pineville. Overnight (K-8th grade)
 
July 8-12 Bentley Baptist Church VBS, Dry Prong. 5-8:30 PM (PreK-6th)
 
July 15-19 Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria. Overnight Summer Camp @Tall Timbers. (Entering Grades 4 & 5)
 
July 15-19 Hebron Baptist Church VBS, Dry Prong. 8:30-Noon (PK- up)
 
July 15-19 Alpine First Baptist Church VBS, Pineville. 8:30-Noon 
 
July 15-19 Centrikid Camp Louisiana Christian University, Pineville. Overnight. (Participating churches near you.)

July 22: Journey Church One Day Summer Camp, Pineville. 7:30 AM-5:30 PM (1st-6th grade) 
 
July 30- Aug 2 Calvary Baptist Church, Alexandria Middle School Summer Camp @Tall Timbers. Overnight. (Entering 6th-8th)

July 28-August 1 New Friendship Baptist Church VBS, Pollock. 6-8:15 PM (3rd- 6th grade)
 
July 30-August 2 Christian Worship Center, Alexandria. Kids Camp @Twin Lakes Camp. Overnight (8-17 years)
 
Make sure you take advantage of these incredible opportunities! 
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a faith and mental health positivity journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com. 

Peach Cobbler Factory Grand Opening

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By Jeanni Ritchie
 
It’s a Southern Thang! 
 
That’s the official slogan of the Peach Cobbler Factory and southern fun was on full display at the restaurant’s newest franchise in Alexandria last Saturday. 
 
The Grand Opening was a New Kids on the Block themed party and Peach Cobbker Factory came into the neighborhood with a bang. Besides the delicious offerings of cobblers, cookies, brownies, and cinnamon rolls of ginormous proportions, they were handing out samples of their signature peach tea. 
 
Able to mix and match toppings to various dessert bases, there was something for everyone in the family. 
 
And the families came out in full force to join the party! With favorite tunes spun by the live DJ, the inflatable giant slide, Frozen and Star Wars bouncy houses, and having their portrait drawn caricature-style it was the perfect summer party. 
 
Every tenth customer got to spin the wheel for prizes and all customers were invited to hop on the 360 Photo Booth for a customized video then sent to their phones. 
 
Check out the Peach Cobbler Factory at 5913 Provine Place Suite A in Alexandria. They are open 7 days a week, from 12-10 PM. 
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana and new PCF fan. She highly recommends the Peanut Butter Praline cookie. 

Lagniappe presents Late Night 

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By Jeanni Ritchie
 
Heeeeeeere’s Johnny!
 
I remember visiting my Aunt Connie in Kansas as a child. She was a night owl and I’d spend summer vacations in her waterbed watching The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson every night. Well, at least the first five minutes. After all, I was 8 and it was late! But I knew when I got older I’d lounge in bed just like my beloved aunt watching late night shows for longer than five minutes while the rest of the house slept. 
 
I had no clue that I’d be even more tired as an adult, rarely staying up long enough to enjoy the magic of late night tv. Except for that year my first child had her days and nights mixed up and my “mornings” were Carson, Letterman, Midnight Caller, The Star-Spangled Banner, and snow on the tv. 
 
Friday night, though, I had the opportunity to experience late night a little earlier! The 6 PM sketch comedy show at Lagniappe Theatre was the end-of-camp performance for over two dozen 12-18 year olds who’d participated in a week of hilarious sketches, improv, Who’s Line Is It Anyway-style games, singing, dancing, and tons of laughter! 
 
I loved Bluey’s Emo Teenage Years, The Tay-gency, My Days of Popcorn Popping, Digging a Hole in Alabama, Mickey Mouse Needs Insurance, Awkward Conversations with My Parents, Why Were You Late For Work, and the Dating Game. 
 
My absolute favorite sketch, Dance Moms, was written by student Angel-Lena Wade. A wheelchair-bound Abby Lee Miller revealed her famous pyramid after we were introduced to Maddie, Mackenzie, Nia, Chloe, Jojo, and their mothers in a hilarious spoof reminiscent of the many Lifetime episodes. 
 
The cast was creative, intelligent, and funny as they worked together for a night filled with laughter and fun. 
 
Lagniappe will host one more summer camp, Lion King Kids, for students ages 7-18. The camp will be held Mon – Fri, July 29 – August 2 from 1-5 PM at the Lagniappe Theatre Event Center, 7521 Coliseum Blvd. Alexandria. Performances will be held August 2-4. Visit https://www.lagniappetheatre.com/ for more information. 
 
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist and theatre fan from Alexandria, Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.