MANY, La – The Lion King is coming to the Many Community Center on Saturday, August 7.  this  Disney adventure  movie is PG and is free for everyone.  It starts at 7 p.m. some lucky movie goers will win some awesome  door prizes.  

Disney’s film journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

 The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, and utilizes pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way. 

The Lion King is two hours of wholesome entertainment for the entire family. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday night in Many with children and\or

grandchildren  in a cool, air conditioned theatre with surround sound and a huge 30 foot movie screen.  Popcorn and soft drinks are available for only $1.00 each.

The Lion King adventure movie is sponsored by the Town of Many, Mayor Robert Hable, the City Council, and the Cultural District Advisory Committee.

Hable commented,  “We want our citizens of Many and the surrounding area to be able to enjoy some good, wholesome entertainment right here in Many without having to travel out of town.  Movies in Many serves that purpose.”

Some awesome door prizes will also be awarded to those lucky people whose names are drawn.  “This is just a fun way of ‘sweetening the pot’ and encouraging people to attend Movies in Many,” said Mary Brocato, chairperson of the Cultural District Advisory Committee and councilwoman. She hopes to see lots of families enjoying the Disney summer movie.

“The theatre had to be shut down for a year because of COVID but attendance at Movie in Many is picking up and people are starting to come out and enjoy our movies again,” said Mayor  Hable.  “This is a good movie for EVERYONE to enjoy.”

The Many Fairgrounds now has  a grass volleyball court for folks to enjoy when they’re looking for some activities.

The Jaret J. Barrett Volleyball Court was made possible by the idea and generous donation of Jaret Barrett, a former resident of Many when he was a small child.

Barrett and his family moved to the Houston area in 1983, but he has never forgotten his small-town roots in all these years and returns often for visits with family, including his grandmother who still lives in Many.

Last year Barrett donated the money to build one of the basketball goals for the Leon James Park on Martin Luther King Drive.  When that project was completed, he began to think of additional ways that he could  provide more activities for young people who live in the town.

His idea was to build a volleyball court down at the Fairgrounds.  Once former Mayor Ken Freeman found a location and gave his approval,  Barrett began to shop for a professional grade volleyball net that would hold up for several years.  He found one, purchased it, and had it shipped to the Town of Many at City Hall.  

Next step was construction of heavy iron posts to attach the net so it could not be removed.  Clauriste Byles of Byles Welding and Tractor generously donated the posts and supervised the installation of the posts into concrete so they would not lean or sway. City workers performed the actual installation.

Then Mayor Freeman ordered a sign naming the play area “Jaret J. Barrett Volleyball Court”.  Freeman said Barrett deserved that recognition because Barrett devoted so much time and funding for the court as well as the basketball goal.

Barrett recently returned to Many and brought his parents to see the volleyball court for the first time and said he was pleased with what they saw. 

His mother, Sandra Barrett Warren, and his father, Jerry J. Smith Sr., were happy to see the results of their son’s hard work.

Barrett finished high school in the Houston area and attended college on a basketball scholarship. After his college graduation, he played professional basketball, playing internationally  in China and other countries.  He then returned to the Houston area where he owns his successful pest control business and a power washing business as well.

He has always remembered his home town of Many and plans to continue finding projects in Many for the youth of the area. 

“I have a good life,” Barrett said, “and I want to give back to my home town and its residents, especially young people.   I’m not finished giving back to Many.  There will be more to come.” 

The Northwestern State University Alumni Association will host an After Hours event at Cane River Brewing on Thursday, Aug. 5. The gathering will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. for all NSU alumni, supporters and friends.

Those who would like to attend should RSVP to alumni@nsula.edu to ensure an accurate headcount for food. There is no charge to attend.

NSU Trivia will begin at 7:30 p.m. following the After Hours event.

Academic achievement has always been a core tenet of the Northwestern State men’s basketball program under head coach Mike McConathy, and the Demons exemplified that principle on this year’s National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court.

A program record five basketball players earned recognition on the NABC Honors Court, which requires a junior or senior to have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA.

Seniors Dalin Williams, C.J. Jones and Jairus Roberson along with juniors Trenton Massner and Jordan Potts qualified for the academic honor.

“It’s great to have that many kids taking care of business academically,” McConathy said. “It’s a great tool in recruiting not only for incoming students but also for present-day students because they know what our expectations are.”

Williams graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA in industrial engineering technology.

Massner (3.57), Potts (3.55), Jones (3.41) and Roberson (3.26) also met the academic qualifications.

Jones and Roberson earned their bachelors degrees with Jones receiving a degree in child and family studies and Roberson getting a general studies degree.

Massner was an All-Southland Conference and SLC All-Academic performer with an average of 13 points per game with a 49 percent shooting percentage.

Roberson and Jones were starters this past season as Roberson led NSU in made 3-pointers (43) and Jones in assists (73).

Under McConathy, the Demons have placed at least one player on the Honors Court for six of the last seven seasons with five of those seasons featuring at least two student-athletes on the team.

Northwestern State center Kendal Coleman set foot on foreign soil when he traveled to North Macedonia earlier this month on a basketball trip, but now it’s veteran center Larry Owens’ turn.

Owens will head to Belize in early August with an organization called Sports Reach, a Christian group that puts together athletics trips across the globe.

The senior rediscovered his role this past season, averaging seven points and four rebounds in 15 minutes per game.

Because of the NCAA COVID-19 waiver, Owens will get one more season in Natchitoches.

“We’ve had players go on tours with Sports Reach before, and this is a great opportunity for Larry,” said NSU men’s basketball coach Mike McConathy. “He can build on his improvement this spring.

“Larry had some really great moments this year, and this is a way for him to stay active this summer and be in a position to be in great condition heading into this coming season. He can use this experience to help his game.”

Owens and other members of Team Spirit will head to Waco, Texas, for a training camp started July 31 before jetting to Belize, a Central American country on Mexico’s southern border.

The American group is expected to play up to eight games against local and regional squads.

NSU athletics trainer Zach Standiford will also provide his medical service during camp and on the trip.

The Sports Reach team is coached by Kelly Combs, who has coached for 30 years, including an eight-season tenure as the head coach at Union College (NAIA) before joining the basketball ministry ranks full-time.

PHOTO: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

A Natchitoches couple who are longtime supporters of Northwestern State University have created a professorship in the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts. The donation of $80,000 will be matched by the Board of Regents Support Fund to present the fully endowed Shawn and Linnye Daily Endowed Professorship at the $100,000 level. Interest generated by the endowment will fund faculty research, travel, professional development, software, equipment and other necessities to enhance classroom instruction.

Mr. and Mrs. Daily have been devoted supporters of CAPA and other programs and development initiatives at NSU. Mrs. Daily served two terms as president of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society, on organization in which the couple have been platinum underwriters for many years, and has served on the NNSS board of directors since its inception. Mr. Daily has also been an instructor of finance in NSU’s School of Business for many years. Last year he returned a portion of dollars he earned as holder of the Charles Ragus Chair in Business by donating it back to the NSU Foundation to support the Shawn and Linnye Daily Endowed Scholarship, along with a portion to support the Columns Fund. He created the scholarship to benefit students pursuing degrees in business fields, such as accounting, finance or marketing. Mr. Daily also previously served as chapter advisor and financial advisor to NSU’s Beta Omicron chapter of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.

Mrs. Daily, a pianist, loves music and has hosted Symphony events in their home, her husband said.

“Linnye thinks the world of CAPA programs and the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra,” Shawn Daily said. “Looking at the needs there, and considering her feelings towards CAPA, it made sense.”

“CAPA has wonderfully talented faculty and students, but they don’t have the number of professorships that other departments at NSU have. We very much appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Daily investing in NSU and CAPA in particular,” said Director of Development Jill Bankston, CFRE. “In addition, enough funds were leftover to also create a scholarship in the School of Business.”

According to Scott Burrell, director of the School of Creative and Performing Arts, the Daily Professorship is CAPA’s sixth professorship and will rotate between faculty in Fine and Graphic Art, Music, New Media and Theatre and Dance.

“CAPA is thrilled to have the Dailys fund an endowed professorship. They have always been proud supporters of CAPA and they have a played an integral role in the growth and continued excellence of our school,” Burrell said. “Their funding of the professorship will provide our faculty opportunities to enrich their knowledge and expertise, which in turn, will serve our students and community.”

Pictured: Shawn and Linnye Daily created a professorship in NSU’s School of Creating and Performing Arts. From left are NSU Director of Development Jill Bankston, CAPA Director Scott Burrell, Daily, Dr. Greg Handel, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, and Assistant Director of Donor Relations Cristy Bernard.

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education will offer a Notary Public Exam Prep Course starting Tuesday, August 24. Class time is 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday until December 2. The early bird fee is $430 until August 18 is and $450 after that date.

In partnership with Louisiana State University-Shreveport, this 52-hour course is an introduction to notary public fundamentals. The instructor, attorney and notary Jennifer Brown, distributes significate course study guides and materials to assist in your preparation for the exam. This course will be delivered via online video conferencing. The instructor will provide you with a conferencing link to join the class once enrolled.

Requirements for the course are that participants must have broadband access, a camera and sound. The test is based on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s newest edition of “The Fundamentals of Louisiana Notarial Law and Practice,” only available at www.sos.la.gov or by calling (225) 922-0507 for further information. You must have this book on the first day of class.

Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Website’s Notary and Certifications for qualifications at www.sos.la.gov or call (225) 922-0507. In order to take the Louisiana State Notary Exam, students must be Louisiana residents and registered to vote in Louisiana.

For more information or to register for classes, go to checkout.nsula.edu or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355.

SABINE:
Ken Busby
November 18, 1940 – July 25, 2021
Service: Friday, July 30 at 11 am at Little Flock Baptist Church, located at 1805 Little Flock Road in Many

NATCHITOCHES:
Melvin Berryman
July 28, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Andrew Wesley (Lil’ Andy) Daniels
September 20, 2011 – July 24, 2021
Service: Sunday, August 1 at 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Bruce Clark
July 26, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Otis Lil’ Bug James Williams
October 01, 1984 – July 23, 2021
Service: Saturday, July 31 at 2 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Juanita Virece
April 18, 1967 – July 25, 2021
Service: Saturday, July 31 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Sam Telsee
July 22, 2021
The casketed remains will lie in state at the funeral home Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 8:00 a. m. A procession to the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church Cemetery near Clarence, LA will depart from the funeral home at 9:30 a. m.
COVID19 REGULATIONS WILL BE STRICTLY OBSERVED. YOU MUST WEAR FACIAL MASKS AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Cynthia D. French
May 15, 1958 – July 05, 2021
Arrangements TBA

WINN:
Douglas Couttee
July 27, 2021
Arrangements TBA