Northwestern State University’s ADVANCE Program for Young Scholars is now accepting applications for qualified students. Proudly celebrating its 30th anniversary, ADVANCE is a collaborative program with Duke University’s Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) and Northwestern State.

ADVANCE is a three-week residential program administered by NSU from July 8 – 28 and offers a demanding and exciting curriculum for gifted or talented students who are currently in grades 7–11. The learning environment at the program motivates and challenges students to set them on a path toward a lifetime of high academic achievement.

Students enroll in a single course for three weeks of in-depth study. They attend 106 hours of class and cover an entire year’s worth of high school material or a semester of college level material. Course offerings include the humanities, mathematics, natural sciences with laboratory components and computer programming.

While the academic program at ADVANCE is top-notch, the residential program sets ADVANCE apart from other similar summer programs. The residential staff offers a wide variety of social and recreational activities to assist students in forming lasting friendships, strengthen the ADVANCE community and help all students have a great time. Last year, ADVANCE drew students from throughout Louisiana and six other states.

Admittance to ADVANCE is based on minimum ACT or SAT scores. If students have not taken an ACT or SAT, or their scores did not meet or surpass ADVANCE’s eligibility criteria, they may apply through the program’s Alternate Admissions Policy.

Dependents of NSU employees from all campuses receive a $250 tuition reduction.

Those who attended the program maintain a deep loyalty toward ADVANCE and want other prospective students to be aware of it. Former ADVANCE student and staff member Vera Herbert made a video that may be viewed at advance.nsula.edu. “I just wanted to make a video to show everybody that ADVANCE is an awesome place and that three weeks can really be the catalyst that can change your life, ” said Herbert, who served as the teaching assistant for the ADVANCE film studies class for four years and is a writer and producer for the hit NBC show This Is Us.

For further information visit http://advance.nsula.edu or call (318) 357-4500.

Citing 24 years of public service as former Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court, Louie Bernard announced today his intention to seek the District 31 Senate seat in October of 2019. The six-parish district includes all or parts of Natchitoches, Sabine, Red River, Winn, Grant and Rapides Parishes.

“For the past twenty-four years, it has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Natchitoches Parish as Clerk of Court. As a member of the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association, I established relationships with many citizens and community leaders throughout our region. I became acutely aware of the concerns many folks have with state government and how we can be better stewards of the tax dollars we are sending to Baton Rouge,” said Bernard.

“We must foster a positive economic climate that will attract businesses to our region. We can’t do that unless we have a skilled and trained workforce that potential employers will find beneficial to their specific needs. We should continue to invest in job skills training, our technical colleges and NSU to deliver a job-ready workforce right here in Disctrict 31”

“The State that we love so much has many solutions to find, not the least of which is developing a process to plan and approve a State budget without staring every year over what has come to be called, the ‘Fiscal Cliff.’ It is irresponsible to continue with temporary fixes to a permanent and systemic problem. I will be the first to tell you that I don’t have the ‘magic’ answer to this and other issues we face. I will tell you that I will bring a common-sense style of addressing those issues and, more importantly, I will work with anyone who is ready to roll up their sleeves to help Louisiana fix them once and for all. The ability to connect with people is important to accomplishment, not just on the campaign trail, but also in working with the other elected officials in Baton Rouge with whom your elected Senator will serve.”

Bernard is a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches and a proud graduate of Northwestern State University. He has been married for the past forty-four years to Gayle Haworth Bernard. They have three children and four wonderful grandchildren

“I hope to meet as many of you as is possible on the very long campaign trail ahead. Perhaps we will not agree on every issue, but you can be assured of one thing… I will always… ALWAYS… take time to listen to what you have to say on any matter that is concerning to you. I ask for your support and your prayers in this endeavor.”

The election for Senate District 31 will be held in October of 2019. Bernard is seeking the office currently held by Senator Gerald Long who is term limited.

 

Two Happy Hours classes will be taught in February at the Many Depot Art Gallery. THe full contingent of Happy Hours classes every Saturday will begin in March.

Kimerley Remedies will teach students how to paint a rustic kitchen rooster on barnwood at the Saturday, Feb. 10th class. It will meet from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Depot. Students should call her in advance at 337-424-6526 to reserve a place. Several slots are already filled, so it’s important to call early to be able to take this class.

Shanna Dees Gaspard will be making decorative coasters for the table with her students on Saturday, Feb.17. Students should call Gaspard as soon as possible to reserve a place. The phone number to call is 318-602-1614.

Photography and jewelry making/design will begin in March which will be the first month of 2018 which has classes every Saturday afternoon of the month.

At the 2018 LTA Annual Membership Meeting Jan. 23, the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission was presented the 2018 Louey Award for Outstanding Convention & Visitor’s Bureau with a Budget Up to $499,999 by the Louisiana Travel Association, which voted to change its name Tuesday from the Louisiana Travel Promotion Association (LTPA) to the Louisiana Travel Association (LTA).

BOM, the premier bank of northwest Louisiana with assets of $385 million, has named Vice President Daniel Lonsberry as market president for Rapides Parish and Vice President Daniel Bennett as market president for Sabine Parish.

In their new positions, Lonsberry and Bennett will oversee budgets and loan growth in their respective markets.

Lonsberry was instrumental in coordinating BOM’s entry into Rapides, where the bank has three full-service branches. A native and resident of Alexandria, he began his banking career in 2008.

Bennett, a native and resident of Many, was instrumental in BOM’s entry into Sabine, where it has a branch at 603 U.S. Highway 171 Bypass in Many. He began his banking career in 2007.

Lonsberry and Bennett are both graduates of Northwestern State University and the LSU Graduate School of Banking. They also have served in numerous areas of the industry and have expertise in agricultural and commercial lending.

About BOM

BOM was established in 1903 in Montgomery, Louisiana, and has a strong tradition of supporting the northwest Louisiana communities in which it operates. BOM combines hometown values with modern, full-service personal and business banking products. BOM offers convenient locations throughout Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides and Sabine parishes. For more information, visit bofm.com.

Harris Ray Wilson, Jr., known affectionately at Northwestern State as “Coach Black,” is the first smiling face to greet opponents as they set foot in NSU’s athletics venues.

Southland Conference member schools and the conference office as well as countless NSU fans smiled back when Coach Black and his family were in need.

More than $40,000 has been donated since Black’s grandmother’s house, which was his primary residence, burned in July.

Other gifts including clothing, furniture and bedding have allowed Black to move comfortably into his sister’s home.

Nearly every conference school or individuals from member schools donated to the Coach Black relief effort.

“My family and I want to say thanks to everybody for everything,” Black said. “It’s helped a lot.”

Central Arkansas was the most recent to contribute, and Black went on a shopping spree with a Wal-Mart gift card this past week.

Coach Black escaped a fire at his grandmother’s house before realizing his niece and his mother were still inside.

The 40-year-old returned to the home and helped them escape, garnering status as a “Hometown Hero” from the The Modern Woodmen of America. The organization made a donation to the Natchitoches Boyd and Girls Club in Black’s honor.

Coach Black was also honored as the Exchange Bank Demon Great of the Game on Sept. 13 during the home opening football game against Lamar.

He’s unofficially known as the assistant head coach for all sports with the unique ability to “fire” anybody and everybody he wants, only to bring them back within minutes.

Coach Black also has another nickname, “The Commissioner,” for his far-reaching influence and impact.

“Coach Black is one of the most resilient people I’ve ever seen,” said NSU men’s basketball coach Mike McConathy, dean of SLC basketball coaches in his 19th season. “He has a great gift of being able to put things behind him and to move forward with enthusiasm.

“He has a tremendous support group in his family and also around this community. Coach Black is loved and revered by so many people. I’ve seen the outpouring of love from so many, and it’s because he is so giving with his love and affection to everyone who crosses his path.”

More than $25,000 was raised within 48 hours of the fire.

Coach Black’s deep involvement with NSU Athletics extends off campus. He is also actively engaged with both local high schools, his alma mater Natchitoches Central and St. Mary’s, and is a beloved figure around state and Southland Conference athletic circles.

Returning the kindness to Coach Black and his family is one more way the SLC is #SouthlandStrong.

 

 

Lovers of Southern gospel music are in for a rare treat on Saturday, Jan. 27.

The nationally known gospel group, The Arenos, are coming to Many and will be at the Many Community Center for a Southern gospel music concert starting at 7 p.m.

Admission to their music show is completely free. However a love offering will be taken up during the show.

Concessions will also be available for only $1 for popcorn and $1.00 for soft drinks. No outside food or drinks are allowed. No large bags, purses or backpacks are allowed in the theater either. Storage for backpacks/purses and large bags will be provided or concert guests are welcome to leave them in their cars.

The Arenos are comprised of Jonathan Areno, Penny Areno Wade and Nathan Areno. They have diverse musical backgrounds and have been influenced by many people and artists through the years.
Jonathan Areno has been singing and playing music for many years. He was the lead singer and mandolin player of a group called the Areno Boys. They traveled for over twenty years spreading God’s love through song. He has had the honor of sharing the stage with the likes of Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, Marty Stuart and others. Jonathan currently sings lead and harmony vocals. He also plays the mandolin and the banjo for the Arenos. Jonathan states “It is my desire to be a light in a dark world and offer a message of hope to someone who is lost”

Penny Wade is the daughter of Jonathan and Becky Areno. Penny began singing and playing the piano at five years old. She is a very talented musician, vocalist and has a warm personality. Her musical influences include Kim Hopper, the Martins, and the Crabb Family. She is the mother of two boys Brylin Wade and Kollison Wade. Penny and husband Rev. Marcus Wade work in full-time ministry. Her story of God’s healing power is amazing and she is always willing to give her testimony of how he can make the impossible possible. She plays piano and sings lead and harmony parts with the Arenos. Penny says “God is my strength and I want to show others how he is faithful through the good times and bad.”
Nathan Areno is the son of Jonathan and Becky Areno, He began traveling to music venues with his dad and grandfather at a young age. His musical influences include Jerry Sullivan, Jason Crabb, John Rowsey, Bobby Bowen, D’Ryan Green and many others. He is the father of two great daughters Katie and Allie. Nathan and his wife Nettie have been married for fifteen years. He sings lead, harmony and plays guitar, fiddle and mandolin for the Arenos. In addition to these things, he also writes many of the songs for the Arenos. He has been blessed to play music and write with many great musicians and song writers. Nathan says” I am thankful God has given me the ability to share a message of life and faith through song.”

Penny Wade sings lead and harmony vocals and plays the piano. Jonathan Areno sings lead and harmany vocals, plays the mandolin, banjo and auto harp. Nathan Areno sings lead and harmony vocals, plays guitar, fiddle mandolin and writes many of the Arenos’ songs.

Band member Dustin Bushnell plays the drums and Jarren Cornner plays bass.

In a time when singing to pre-recorded tracks is prevalent, all of the Arenos’ music is performed live.

All three Arenos agree that ““Our main objective is to share the love of Jesus through our music and lives.”

The Arenos have had six songs on the national Singing News charts and are winners of the prestigious Eagle Award from the International Association of Music Ministries.

The Arenos are hosted by the Town of Many Cultural District Advisory Committee, Mayor Ken Freeman, and music lovers and promoters Robert and Laurie Gentry.

The lives of dogs, cats, horses, roosters and other homeless animals who reside at the Sabine Parish Animal Shelter are about to get a little more comfortable.

Generous movie goers attended a movie at the Many Community Center and brought cash donations, blankets, towels, treats, a dog bed, and toys for the animals living at the shelter. The movie A Dog’s Purpose was a fundraiser for the shelter sponsored by the Town of Many, Many Mayor Ken Freeman and the Many Cultural District Advisory Committee. It was well attended by some generous animal lovers who gave generously to help out the shelter and its animals.

Shelter Manager Lisa Butler attended and considered the event a big success. “We’re going to use the money to purchase special items for the animals to make their lives better,” she said.

Butler asked if it would be possible to perhaps have a second fund raiser for the shelter animals in the fall. The Cultural District Advisory Committee will decide at their next meeting, and it is anticipated they will approve the request.

“Lots of us are animal lovers and most animal lovers are generous when it comes to helping animals,” Mary Brocato, chairperson of the Cultural District Advisory Committee, said. “If we can sponsor an event in the Cultural District that helps animals. I’m confident that we will.”

 

Pictured above, Sabine Animal Shelter Manager Lisa Butler and a newly arrived Australian Shepherd named Blanket inspect all the donations from animal lovers who attended the fundraiser at the Many Community Center on Jan.20.

 

 

February is Valentine’s month, and the first February is the much loved Casablanca, a love story starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart.

Casablanca plays at the Many Community Center on Saturday, Feb.3, at 7 p.m. Admission is free, as always, thanks to the Town of Many, Mayor Ken Freeman, and the Many Cultural Advisory Committee.

You must remember this: Casablanca, perhaps the most beloved movie of all time, celebrates the 75th anniversary of its world premiere this month.

Set in December 1941 in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, the film centers on Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), owner of Rick’s Café Americain, and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), the wife of a Resistance leader, who sacrifice being together for a higher purpose: defeating the Nazis in World War II.

To commemorate, here are facts, observations and quotes related to a classic that ranks third on the American Film Institute’s (AFI) list of the 100 greatest movies of all time.

Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) and Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) look on as the German army occupies Paris in ‘Casablanca.’

Casablanca is adapted from a 1940 play, Everybody Comes to Rick’s, written by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison.

Casablanca is in North Africa. Casablanca was filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif.

Casablanca premiered in Feb. of 1942, in New York, days after the British-U.S. invasion of North Africa. The film’s wide release came on Feb. 23, 1943, as President Roosevelt attended a conference of Allies in Casablanca.

Casablanca’s writers said they didn’t know how the movie would end when filming started. But they didn’t know how World War II would end, either.

Casablanca won three Academy Awards, including best picture, director (Michael Curtiz) and screenplay (twin brothers Julius and Philip Epstein and Howard Koch).

Casablanca established Bogart as a romantic leading man and cemented his screen image as a cynic hiding a soft center. He was shorter than Bergman, which required adjustments to make him look taller.

Wartime cafe owner Humphrey Bogart’s life is turned upside down when the woman who broke his heart walks into his bar with her husband, a fugitive from the Nazis, looking for an escape to America. This is one of those films the phrase “they don’t make ’em like that. It is a classic and sad love story that you will remember… one of those love stories where the lovers don’t live happily ever.

A perfect and thrifty way to celebrate Valentine’s month is to attend Casablanca on Feb. 3 at the Many Community Center.

Popcorn and soft drinks cost only $1.00 each. Alcohol, outside food and drinks are not allowed. Large bags, backpacks may be inspected or must be left in a storage closet at the front of the theater. Guests may also leave backpacks and large bags in their cars, if asked to do so.

Books for everyone to read: That’s the joint goal of the Sabine Parish Library and the Many Cultural District Advisory Committee, and the Town of Many.

The library donated several boxes of books last week to be used in the Many Book Nooks. They include most of the books popular novelist John Grisham has written. They also include many other books the library is donating for the book nooks.

The Many Book Nooks are little free lending libraries which will be located all around the town. They are expected to be in place by end of January. Posts have already been installed and the actual book nooks will be installed by the end of January.

Head librarian Debbie House Anderson and Robin Jordan, children’s librarian, loaded up masses of books that were then taken to City Hall where they will be placed in the book nooks upon completion.

Many Mayor Ken Freeman said he’s grateful to the library for being so generous and working with the Cultural District Committee to provide books to read for everyone.

“Book Nooks were a major project for our Cultural District committee, and we’re delighted with the enthusiasm and cooperation we’ve had from different groups: the Sabine Parish Library, SARC, the Depot Art Guild, and our citizen/business sponsors. Very soon now, we will have free books for everyone to read,” he said.

 

Rhodes Realty is open for business and is pleased to introduce a team that puts their clients first, while keeping their best interests at heart. Rhodes Realty will serve all ends of the spectrum across the state of Louisiana with commercial, multi, and single family listings from the low to high end. The agency represents buyers, sellers, investors and builders.

“We’re excited to add this to our portfolio of services offered by our other company Rhodes Properties and Development” said Justin Rhodes. “It’s a full service, one-stop-shop for buying, selling, leasing and building property that can service any end of the market.”

Meet the Team:

Rodrick McIntosh (Broker/Realtor): Rodrick graduated from Northwestern State University with a degree in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration. During a post-graduation internship for Information Technology at State Farm’s Head Office in Bloomington, Illinois he quickly realized he didn’t want to sit behind a computer and program. Working for his father’s real estate and mortgage company, since he was 18-years-old Rodrick handled mainly foreclosures and first-time buyers. Rodrick stated “It was always my personal mission to help people get financed who couldn’t qualify through local banks & mortgage companies and taking a hands on approach to help them realize their dream of homeownership. I helped many people who couldn’t qualify through typical financing buy homes and they are forever grateful for it because my repeat business is off the charts. I attribute that personal mission I set for myself and this clientele which has helped me be the #1 Selling Agent in Number of Residential properties sold in Natchitoches parish since 2012 to current day. ”

Mario Fox (Realtor): Born and raised in Natchitoches, Mario joined the military when he was 18-years-old and served in the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper for 4 years. His wife was then stationed at the Pentagon and Mario jumped into real estate, selling high end, multi-million dollar properties in the DC area.

Mario recently decided to move back to the area after living in Washington DC. He bought a home in Beau Riviera Subdivision, a development of Rhodes Properties and Development. Joining Rhodes Realty felt like a good fit for Mario.

Kathy Richmond (Realtor): Kathy spent some time in the real estate industry in Baton Rouge before moving to Texas to take a corporate job. However, she always knew she wanted to get back into real estate, and the opportunity came at the right time to join Rhodes Realty.

Kathy moved to Natchitoches over 6 years ago. She and her husband John run two businesses: The Sweet Cane Inn and Maglieaux’s Riverfront Restaurant. Their strong leadership team has allowed Kathy to get back to what she loves, being an agent.

The team plans to offer free home buyer seminars to teach the public about the process for buying and selling homes. They will pull credit scores for free and team up with mortgage companies to motivate people to improve their credit scores and get into their dream homes.

“We want to serve our clients to the best of our ability,” the Rhodes Realty team said. “It’s about helping families, one home at a time.”

Rhodes Realty
404 Rapides Drive, Natchitoches, LA
Office: 318-238-3733
www.RhodesRealtyLA.com

Rodrick McIntosh (Broker/Realtor)
rodrick@RhodesRealtyLA.com
Cell: 318-792-2585

Kathy Richmond (Realtor)
Kathy@RhodesRealtyLA.com
Cell: 318-332-8357

Mario Fox (Realtor)
mario@RhodesRealtyLA.com
Cell: 318-581-6516

The Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 12 welcoming Christopher Sylvia, Attorney At Law, to Many as a business owner and chamber member.

ONE ENTRY PER PERSON

Three Divisions
Elementary 4th-6th
Junior High 7th & 8th
High School 9th-12th

Eleven Categories
1. Animals – Domestic
2. Animals – Wildlife (this category includes aquatic and marine animals)
4. Buildings or Statues
5. Dominant Color
6. Food
7. Landscape & Nature
8. Motion/Action–photo capturing movement within a single photo
9. People
10. Plant/Flora
11. Sports – photo that captures individual or team sports.

1. Resolution must be a minimum of 300 dpi high quality (print quality).
2. Photograph size must 8”x10” (either landscape or portrait).

All pictures are due by 4:30 pm on March 9. Winners will be announced before March 23.

Many Police Officers were called to Walmart on Jan. 12 for a disturbance that involved a customer pulling a knife on another customer in the parking area of the store. Officers arrived at 7:30 pm and found that the unidentified victim had left the store before officers arrived. After watching video of the incident, it was determined that the suspect was hiding in a restroom at the rear of the store. Officers found the individual locked in a stall but he was talked into coming out without incident. A knife was taken from the suspect.

The detained subject gave an incorrect name to officers at first, but later the officers were to identify the male as Eric Terrell Wilson, 33 of Coushatta. Wilson had an outstanding warrant from Red River Parish for Aggravated Assault with a knife. Wilson was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for the outstanding warrant and local charges.

It is with a heavy heart that the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office reports the death of Deputy (retired) K-9 Terra. Terra served the citizens of Sabine Parish from 2004 until her retirement in 2015. Terra retired to the home and care of her former handler Deputy Jimmy Cambell. Terra made innumerable friends with school children throughout the parish and made countless drug cases in her long career. RIP Terra, we have the watch!

 

 

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department arrested a subject on Jan. 11 that has been implicated in two recent homicides in Sabine Parish. Blake Joseph Kendall, 39, of Many was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for theft of a firearm on Jan. 11 and is currently being held without bond. Investigators are in the process of obtaining two warrants on Kendall for 1st Degree Murder in the recent shooting deaths of two Sabine Parish residents.

On Aug. 19, Jerry W. Scott, 72 of Many, was found shot to death inside his home on Matthews Lodge Road.

On Dec. 15, Adam L. Jeter, 34 of Zwolle, was shot to death in his vehicle while checking the mail in front of his home on Patterson Road.

Investigators determined that both men were killed with the same firearm, a Beretta 9mm pistol, which is now in the custody of the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office.

​Rod Hopkins and his wife Frances Faust Hopkins had a lot in common: their love for each other, their love for family and their three children, their love for God and their church, and last but not least — their mutual love for music.

​Frances played the piano. Rod played the guitar and sang. She was the Sabine Parish queen of southern gospel music. Rod was the parish’s own Elvis Presley.

​Together they built a band with fellow musicians. Rod Hopkins’ ArkLaTex Legends Band performed on the fourth Friday of every month for more than 18 years at the old Sabine Theater that was renamed the Many Community Center a few years ago.

​The ArkLaTex Legends Band played all kinds of music: country and western songs, gospel music, patriotic music, music from the 60s and 70s. They could play and sing just about any song a music fan wanted to hear.

​Rod died in 2016, and the Legends Band had lost its leader. They soon disbanded and the Legends Band was no more. Band members drifted away to sing or play with other bands. But they and Frances and Rod’s children and grandchildren never forgot about Rod and his deep love for music.

​The ArkLaTex Legends Band will reunite on Friday, Jan. 19, at the Many Community Center and play a tribute concert to Rod Hopkins. They’ll play old favorite songs of Rod’s: the patriotic songs he loved so much, southern gospel, and country/western.

​Lots of the band members will be performing including Russell Peace, Buster Jordan, Keith Lightfoot, Jennifer Breedlove, France Hopkins, Rod’s daughter Ginger, and his grandson. The rest of his band members will be there too. It will be a night to remember Rod Hopkins.

​The show will begin at 7 p.m. and every song will be a tribute to Sabine Parish’s own version of Elvis — the late, great Rod Hopkins.

​Admission to the show will be $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12. Veterans will be admitted free because Rod Hopkins was a true patriot and a veteran never paid a penny to attend one of his shows.

 

A Dog’s Purpose, a special movie about a special dog, is the feature movie at the Many Community Center on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m.

​The movie has a special purpose too. It is the first annual fundraiser at the theater for the Sabine Parish Animal Shelter and the dogs, cats, and other animals housed in the shelter.

​Movie goers are asked to give donations at the theater that the shelter can use to buy needed items and supplies for the animals. They are also asked to bring dog or cat toys, blankets, towels, dog and cat beds, for the animals.

​ However, shelter management requests that people not bring food because the shelter prefers to keep the animals on the same diets they have been placed on.

​The movie itself is free admission. The Town of Many, Mayor Ken Freeman and the Many Cultural District Advisory Committee are the hosts for the movie.

​This heartwarming film is about a devoted dog whodiscovers the meaning of its own existence through the lives of the humans it teaches to laugh and love. Reincarnated as multiple canines over the course of 50 years, the lovable pooch develops an unbreakable bond with a kindred spirit named Ethan. As the boy grows older and comes to a crossroad, the dog once again comes back into his life to remind him of his true self.

​”It’s a beautiful, touching movie about a beloved dog and we are honored to show it to help raise money to help all the animals at the Sabine Shelter,” commented Mary Brocato, chairperson of the Many Cultural District Advisory Committee.

​”We hope lots of folks will come and see this poignant film and will also support the Sabine Animal Shelter. This is a great way to show your support , enjoy a special movie, and give back to our community at the same time, Mayor Ken Freeman said.

​The staff and board members of the Sabine Humane Society, which manages the animal shelter, are excited about the fundraiser and many of them plan to attend the film.

​The shelter has recently building more kennels to house more animals, and the old kennels have been updated so the animals are more comfortable during their stay at the shelter.

​Hopefully, the generous donations of caring citizens give at A Dog’s Purpose will help defray the expenses involved in updating and improving the shelter and make better the lives of these unfortunate animals without homes or families.

​A Dog’s Purpose is rated PG-13 and is especially appealing to children as well as adults. It’s a family movie with a unique storyline and would be an ideal movie for all the family to see together.

​Concessions will be sold at the movie.