Often when people cook for the Thanksgiving holiday, there are likely to be plenty of leftovers.
While leftovers can be a great way to extend the meal and save time, it’s crucial to handle them
safely to avoid foodborne illness. To ensure that leftovers are safe to eat, several key practices
must be followed.

Firstly, it’s important that the food is cooked to a safe internal temperature. For example, turkey
should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to kill harmful bacteria. To avoid cross-
contamination, use a food thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the meat.
Once the food is cooked, hot food must be kept at a temperature of at least 140°F or warmer until
it is served. Keeping food at this temperature helps prevent bacteria from growing, which can
multiply quickly at unsafe temperatures.

After the meal is over, the key to safely storing leftovers is refrigerating them promptly.
Leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of being taken off the heat source, and if the
room temperature is above 90°F (such as at an outdoor gathering), they should be refrigerated
within one hour. Bacteria grow rapidly between the temperatures of 40°F and 140°F, which is
known as the "danger zone." If food is left in this range for too long, harmful bacteria can
multiply to dangerous levels.

The two primary causes of foodborne illness are cooking food at an unsafe temperature and
leaving food out for longer than two hours. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins in contaminated
food or beverages can cause foodborne illness. Symptoms of foodborne illness can range from
mild stomach upset to severe conditions requiring medical attention, so it’s important to avoid
the risks by adhering to food safety guidelines.

When storing leftovers, make sure to place them in shallow containers to allow for quick
cooling. The refrigerator should be set at 40°F or lower to ensure the safe storage of perishable
foods. If you plan to keep leftovers for more than a few days, freezing them is another option to
extend their shelf life. Additionally, be sure to reheat leftovers to a safe temperature of 165°F
before consuming them.

Safe handling of leftovers is particularly important in reducing the risk of foodborne illness, not
just during the holiday season but throughout the year. By following these simple
steps—cooking food to the right temperature, refrigerating leftovers promptly, and reheating
them properly—you can help ensure that your Thanksgiving leftovers remain safe to enjoy.

If you need help on Thanksgiving Day, the Meat and Poultry Hotline is available from 8 a.m. to
2 p.m. Eastern Time. You can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-
MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) to talk to a food safety expert or chat live at  ask.usda.gov from 10
a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams is urging Louisianans to prioritize safe smoking practices following a fatal fire in Florien.

The South Sabine Fire Department responded to a call on Nov. 21 around 8 am for a mobile home fire located in the 700 block of Quiet Cove Road in Florien. When firefighters arrived, they found a female victim in the living room area of the home. Unfortunately, she did not survive.

While the official identification and cause of death are pending with the Coroner’s Office, the victim is believed to be the 47-year-old homeowner.

State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies have determined the fire started in the master bedroom. While the exact cause remains under investigation at this time, deputies cannot rule out potentially improperly discarded smoking materials as a possible contributing factor.

It is always recommended to smoke outdoors and to avoid smoking when impaired. All smoking materials, including lighters, should be kept out of the reach of children and fully extinguished in appropriate containers.

In addition, this home did not have working smoke alarms. Chief Adams wants to remind Louisiana residents that smoke alarms have proven to be the difference between life and death in a fire emergency.

If you need assistance obtaining smoke alarms for your home, Operation Save-A-Life can help. To learn more about Operation Save-A-Life, or to register for a free smoke alarm installation, visit our website at lasfm.org or contact your local fire department to request a free smoke alarm installation.

He was Made in Many, grew up there, moved away, but never forgot his hometown.

Many’s Mayor Robert Hable presented Jaret J. Barrett a Proclamation at the monthly council meeting that honored and thanked him for all the work and contributions he has made to Many over many years.

Most recently Barrett paid for one of the professional grade basketball goals at the Leon James city park on Martin Luther King Drive. He also paid for a volleyball court to be established at Many’s Fairgrounds Park.

A resident of Houston, TX, Barrett has always been available and generous with helping the people and organizations, and has contributed often and frequently to charitable causes, including funerals, in his hometown of Many.

Barrett attended Many Elementary School. Later his family moved to Houston where he graduated from high school.

He attended and graduated from Texas Southern University where he played basketball for TSU. His team wonan SWAC championship and he also played in an NCAA tournament.

As a professional player, Barrett played in the U.S., China, and Panama.

As a resident of Houston, Barrett is a successful and energetic entrepreneur. Barrett has most recently begun a food business named Saniya Louisiana Style Pickles Lemonade with his daughter.

Barrett has also established his non-profit Foster Parents and Youth Outreach Organization. He also has a music Group named the Down South Music Group and is hoping to bring that group to the Many area in2025. Barrett has helped many artists from Sabine Parish further their careers.

One of his biggest and most little-known accomplishments was to creat the popular phrase MADE IN MANY.

Barret was accompanied by his mother, Sandra Warren Barrett, to Many, where Mayor Hable presented the well-deserved proclamation.

Made in Many Jaret J. Barrett is a son of Many who has never forgotten his hometown.

The holidays are here, and our town is looking more festive than ever! Our amazing events committee and hardworking city workers have been busy decorating, and we’re thrilled to invite YOU to kick off the season with us at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony!
Tuesday, December 3rd
Many’s Town Square
6 p.m.
Here’s a glimpse of the magic happening all around Many! Come celebrate the spirit of Christmas with us and enjoy the beauty of our community coming together. You won’t want to miss this special night!

The Sabine Parish Ag Center joined forces with Florien FFA to present lessons at Ag Day at Florien High School. Students from Pre-K to 4th grade attended educational stations centered on agriculture. Chris Pearce led a lesson on Louisiana wildlife, and Amber Leach with the 4-H Junior Leaders Mya Ferguson, Gus Ferguson, Karysn Brandon, and Kinsley Ezernack brought animals to educate the students about different species and their importance in everyday life. Thank you to all the adult and youth volunteers that made today possible.

By Steve Graf

There are a lot of hunters that can look back on Thanksgiving with fond memories. It’s not just about the food and football, but about their hunts as well. While some hunt ducks, quail or squirrels, others head for their favorite deer stand on Thanksgiving morning. Today we’ll go back in time during the early ‘70’s on a hunt I’ll never forget.

Every year as far back as I can remember, my favorite time to go hunting was on Thanksgiving morning. There was just something special about this day and waking up early knowing that three good things were going to happen that day. First, I was going deer hunting looking to shoot a good buck. Next, I knew there would be one heck of a Thanksgiving spread waiting for me after the hunt.

This would be a meal that would include my mom’s tasty cornbread dressing, fresh brown gravy, candied sweet potatoes, green beans, hot butter top rolls, deviled eggs, and either a pan roasted turkey or, every once in a while, she would shake things up with oven baked Cornish hens. To wash all this down you could choose grape Kool-Aid or sweet tea. For dessert, there was a choice between sweet potato or pecan pie, along with mom’s famous fruit salad (which was better after day 3) covered in homemade whip cream topped with walnuts.

As you can see, there was no shortage of food. But the third thing I looked forward to, that Thanksgiving Day would not be complete without, was a Dallas Cowboys victory. Nothing was more satisfying after a great meal than watching the Cowboy’s destroy their opponent.

But let’s talk about a Thanksgiving hunt I will remember forever…my first buck at the age of 12. This particular morning the temperature was in the mid 40’s with sunny skies predicted. A great morning for blowing smoke as you sat on your deer stand. But this day had a different feel, a feeling of anticipation because I had already seen the buck I was after the weekend before.

It appeared to be a solid mature eight-point buck that I hoped would make his presence known. But for some odd reason, I decided not to sit in my stand which was in the woods at the top of a hill overlooking a creek. There was also a game trail crossing this creek that deer were using on a regular basis.

So, I set up at the base of a huge pin oak tree just 20 yards off the game trail. It wasn’t long (30 minutes) before I heard the sound of something crashing through the woods headed directly in my direction. As I peered through the dense wood cover, I saw the huge buck crossing the creek and coming straight at me. Then halfway up the hill, the big eight point stopped and locked up as if he knew something wasn’t right.

I knew at this point the deer had probably gotten wind of me. I sat motionless with the buck looking in my direction about 30 feet away pawing at the ground. At one point it was as if we made actual eye contact. While this seemed like an eternity, I don’t think I took a breath for at least two minutes.

Finally, the buck looked back in the direction he came from and that’s when I raised my Remington 308 rifle and fired one shot. The buck jumped in the air and whirled around and headed back across the creek. I thought, “Surely, I didn’t miss that buck!” I mean he was the biggest buck in the county in my eyes! But then I heard him hit the ground confirming that I had made a clean shot.

The man I was hunting with, who was a good friend of the family, heard my shot and came immediately. We slowly walked towards the deer as we crossed the shallow creek and there he was, a really nice mature eight-point buck that I thought was the same deer I had seen the weekend before.

To say this was my favorite Thanksgiving ever would be an understatement! I was so excited and could not wait to show the deer to my family and friends. This is just one story of many that so many hunters get to experience during this time of year.

It’s also another reason for all of us to be thankful, not just for the opportunity to go hunting, but for the time we get to share with each other. Till next time, good luck, good hunting, as I would like to wish each of you a happy Thanksgiving!

By Doug De Graffenried

In some families, Thanksgiving will involve holding hands and praying before the meal. I was thinking about all the tables full of food surrounded by family members, who have gathered for this holiday. I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with love and grace. What are your family traditions around this holiday? Will you share your blessings? Are you a hand-holding family?

Has God given you a hand to hold?

Ronald Greer tells this story:

“I was sitting in the Atlanta airport, waiting at Gate 32 to board a plane. Zones 1 and 2 were called; I stood, picked up my briefcase, and walked toward the line that was forming. As I passed a row of seats, I heard a girl ask her mother, “Do I stand up now?”

Something about the girl’s voice got my attention. She was developmentally disabled. I kept walking, got in line, and boarded the plane.

I took my place in seat 7C. After I settled in, I looked up. There was the girl, coming down the aisle by herself. I was surprised to see that she was a teenager—she was so petite that she appeared almost frail. The seat in front of mine was hers.

Then “Animal House” boarded. A group of college students came down the aisle and took several rows of seats across from us. They were laughing, joking with one another, and having a great time. But above all else, they were cool. Cool, you understand, was imperative.

Finally, the plane was pushed back and began taxiing. Ten minutes later the pilot announced that we were cleared for takeoff. He made the final turn onto the runway.

I looked up and saw that little head with brunette hair lean partway across the aisle. I heard the girl say to the college student across from her, “I get really nervous when we take off. Would you hold my hand?”

My eyes were riveted on the young man to see what he would do. Holding a stranger’s hand is not cool. After a first nervous blush, he began to smile, and halfway across the aisle came that kid’s big ol’ hand. The girl’s tiny fingers grabbed it and squeezed it.

There they held hands across the aisle, as our Delta jet was airborne.

There they held hands as I stared, also in disbelief, and memorized that sacred moment. I knew I was seeing a sacrament.”

Has God given you a hand to hold?

BOM had a wonderful time at the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta Senior Day. Pictured left to right: First Lady Phyllis Lehr, BOM’s Linda Guay, and King Walt Korb.

On November 27, meat lovers across the country celebrate National Craft Jerky Day, a day dedicated to the art of crafting premium, small-batch jerky. This tasty snack has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a method of preserving meat, evolving into a gourmet treat that showcases unique flavors and artisan techniques.

Jerky’s history dates back to ancient times when cultures worldwide dried and cured meat to extend its shelf life. However, the rise of craft jerky has elevated this simple snack into a culinary experience. Artisan producers focus on quality, often using grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, or exotic meats like venison, elk, and even bison. Small-batch production allows for precise flavoring and attention to detail, creating a jerky that’s as much about taste as it is about nutrition.

The explosion of creative flavor profiles has been a key factor in jerky’s resurgence. Sweet and savory classics like teriyaki and hickory-smoked remain staples, but modern artisans are pushing boundaries. Spicy options such as sriracha-infused jerky and ghost pepper varieties cater to heat lovers, while experimental blends like coffee-rubbed or maple bourbon jerky offer bold, unexpected tastes. Vegan jerky made from mushrooms or jackfruit has even entered the market, appealing to plant-based eaters.

Beyond flavor, craft jerky appeals to health-conscious consumers seeking high-protein, low-sugar snacks. Many producers emphasize all-natural ingredients, avoiding preservatives or artificial additives.

National Craft Jerky Day is a time to savor the creativity and care behind this age-old snack. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, sweet, or smoky, there’s an artisan jerky to match your palate. This day serves as a reminder of how far jerky has come—from survival food to a gourmet indulgence.

By Brad Dison

Most of Tom’s life was spent in incarceration, but now he was sentenced to death by guillotine. The date of his execution was set for November 19. As he sat on death row, he could do nothing but wait. From his jail cell, he could see others awaiting a similar fate. Tom knew nothing of their reasons for being there, whether they were innocent or guilty, but Tom was absolutely innocent. As the old saying goes, “everyone on death row is innocent.” One by one he watched as they were led away never to return. Shortly after their cells were vacated, other prisoners took their place in a seemingly never-ending cycle. Finally, his day had come. He spoke not a word as he was led out of his jail cell and onto the platform. The only thing that could save Tom now would be a last-minute reprieve, but it had never happened to someone under Tom’s circumstances. There was little hope.

Tom’s time had come. From the platform which had been set up in such a way as to give the public a good view, Tom looked out at the crowd as they looked back at him. Rather than a somber occasion, the crowd was relaxed and seemed almost cheerful. The crowd knew something that Tom did not. A man stood next to Tom and begin to speak to the crowd. Like the crowd, the speaker was smiling and cheerful as he spoke. Tom watched the crowd in silence. During his speech, the man told the crowd that he was commuting Tom’s death sentence to life in prison. Tom was saved from the guillotine. After some brief remarks, a quick photo, and a few questions from reporters, the speaker gave the sign and John was whisked away from the podium. He was transported back to his cell at the Keithley McPherrin turkey breeding farms in Sunnymead, California. Tom, a white 55-pound turkey, was the first turkey in history to receive a pardon from the President of the United States.

Although other presidents had saved various turkeys from dinner tables throughout the years, the pardoning of a Thanksgiving turkey did not become an annual tradition until Thanksgiving 1989 when George H.W. Bush said at a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation ceremony, while animal rights activists picketed nearby, “let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy—he’s presented a Presidential pardon as of right now—and allow him to live out his days on a children’s farm not far from here.”

As we gather together with family and friends this Thanksgiving, we should remember to be thankful for everything and, more importantly, everyone we have. We should be thankful for every moment we have on this earth because none of us know how much time we have. You see, the first turkey to receive a presidential pardon was by President John F. Kennedy. Kenndy planned to spend that Thanksgiving with his family in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, but first he had to do a short political tour. On November 22, 1963, three days after pardoning Tom, John F. Kennedy was riding in a convertible in Dallas…

Sources:

1. The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky), November 20, 1963, p.12.

2. The Post-Star (Glens Falls, New York) , November 18, 1989, p.4.

3. Betty C. Monkman, “Pardoning the Thanksgiving Turkey,” The White House Historical Association, accessed November 23, 2024, .whitehousehistory.org/pardoning-the-thanksgiving-turkey.

Bentlee Paul Wayne DeLatin
November 16, 2020 – November 23, 2024
Funeral Service at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2024

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office recently hosted the annual True Blue Drew Criminal Law Update.Over 82 law enforcement officers from across Sabine Parish were in attendance, which included Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, Chief Deputy Brad Walker, 11th Judicial District Assistant Attorney Ronnie Brandon, and Judge Cade Cole- candidate for Louisiana Supreme Court District 3 consisting of 10 parishes including Sabine.

Second Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jeff Cox and 2nd Judicial Assistant District Attorney Tammy Jump presented the criminal law update training to law enforcement. They informed Deputies of new laws and changes to the laws which went into effect this year.

Sheriff Mitchell thanked everyone in attendance and commended his Deputies for their hard work and dedication to training.

Judge Drew and his team have taught the law of search and seizure and the criminal code to some three thousand peace officers across Louisiana every year. They published two books annually to explain amendments passed by the Louisiana legislature. Their popular “True Blue Drew Book” explains criminal law amendments in simple terms.

Judge Drew passed away in December 2023. The True Blue course has been taught in Sabine Parish for over 35 years. Chief Deputy Walker said Judge Harmon Drew Jr will be sorely missed.

A team of Demon Coders from Northwestern State University participated in the International Collegiate Programming Contest (IPCP)/Mid-Atlantlic USA regional competition Nov. 16. The three mathematics majors competed with colleges from all over the south and placed first in Division 2 in Louisiana, 12th in the region consisting of Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma and were the first team to solve two problems in Louisiana. From left are Masen Starks of Many, Shannon Boone of Pitkin and Natalie Sutton of Bossier City. Dr. Nicholas Richardson, assistant professor of mathematics, is team sponsor. Information on Northwestern State’s Department of Mathematics is available at nsula.edu/mathematics/.

Music lovers will have an opportunity to enjoy some beautiful religious music and help try to save a precious little girl’s life at the same time.

The Amazing Rhythm Disciples are presenting a free music concert on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 pm at the Many Community Center.  Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the concert of old traditional hymns and some newer ones to will begin at 7.

No admission will be charged but concert goers will be asked to make a donaion to  SAVE LYDIA.

Lydia is a two-year old precious little girl living near Natchitoches and Many. She has a rare disease similar to Alzheimers in older adults. The disease is called SanFilippo Syndrome which is terminal. Lydia’s little body is dying. Life expectance is not beyond teenage years

Before her disease takes over her body and brain damage starts to occur, there is only one chance to save her.

There are no current tests or cure approved by the FDA, only clinical trials.  But there is some hope. These clinical trials have a gene therapy treatment and an enzyme replacement therapy. In SanFelippo Syndrome, Lydia’s little body is missing an enzyme that is used to break down sugar molecules. Without this enzyme, toxic waste builds up in the body.  

As the years gooby and more toxic waste builds up, it starts to affect Lydia’s brain, causing damage, leading to Lydia to lose or forget all of her abilities such as walking, talking, and feeding herself, everything that she has already learnedd.  This is why it is called Childhood Dementia.  She will also endure pain and suffering and then die. This disease is 100% fatal.

Lydia must have a clinical trial before this dreaded disease starts to damage sweet Lydia’s brain.

There are currently no openings for Lydia.  But this is how you can help Lydia,by donating money to help get Lydia accepted into a clinical trial.

There will be a donation box at the entrance to the Community Center.  Every dollar counts.  Lydia needs a miracle and the Sabine/Natchitoches parishes can be part of the miracle by attending this FREE  concert and donating to Help Save Lydia. The goal is to raise $1 million dollars to help fund a clinical trial and give Lydia a chance at growing up, a chance at life.  

Previous clinical trials for SanFelippo Syndrome have shown real promise.  But this money will be used to fund more trial opportunities for Lydia. This campaign for Lydia’s life is as urgent as it gets.  

It’s NOW OR NEVER FOR Lydia. With the funds and her diagnos, Lydia is almost certain to be accepted into a clinical trial. This is her only hope.

Those people who are unable to attend the concert and make a donation may donate through GoFundMe.com/SaveLydia.

By Steve Graf

Now that we southern folks are slowly headed for what we call “winter” fishing, it’s a reminder of one FLW event I fished back in the early 2000’s. There’s nothing worse than fishing in the freezing cold unless it’s a wet freezing cold. This tournament took place on the Tombigbee Waterway in Tennessee and today we’ll look back at just how cold and difficult this tournament was, and the lesson learned.

Let’s set the stage… it’s early March and a major cold front had made its way into the deep south. Several days of sleet, snow and freezing rain prior to this tournament, made it a test of one’s will and determination. It wasn’t about winning or getting a check, it was truly about surviving the brutal conditions.

For me personally, keeping my hands warm has always been the difficult part of a cold day on the water, especially after they’ve gotten wet. Some guys can wear gloves, but I’ve never been able to do that because I have no feel for making a cast. In this event, even the eyes on your fishing rod would freeze up, forcing you to dip your rod into the water frequently to thaw them out.

Now for all FLW Tour events at this time, as a co-angler you could bring your own boat and pre-fish on your own, get to the tournament early and pre-fish with one of the pros, or just show up and fish once the tournament started. Call me a soft Suzy, but due to the extreme weather conditions, I decided to forgo the pre-fishing and just be ready when the tournament started. Just getting to this tournament was a challenge with the road closures across the south.

The night before the tournament, I was paired up with my day 1 pro partner from Granbury, Texas. As we sat and talked at the pre-tournament meeting, he told me how tough the fishing had been. He said he only had one bite in three days of pre-fishing!

Now this is not what you want to hear from your pro the day before the tournament starts, but I tried to stay positive and just fish the conditions. My mindset was to fish slow and to get three bites because all I needed as a co-angler was a three fish limit.

Day 1 rolled around and even though the sleet and snow had stopped, temperatures for the day were in the low 20’s with a wind chill factor of 15 degrees. One thing I learned very early in my fishing career is that if you dress in layers, you can stay warm and get through the day.

Finally, it was time to fish, and my pro partner made the comment that we were going to start on the only spot he had a bite during his three days of practice. It was a 30-yard stretch off a backwater point. On this point there were three underwater stumps about 15 yards apart.

Over my many years of tournament fishing, I’ve developed major confidence in one bait, a Black Emerald Zoom Trick worm rigged with a 3/16 oz. slip sinker. This turned out to be the perfect lure with the water being very muddy and cold. I prayed the dark colored low-profile worm would be the answer to me getting the bites I needed to be competitive.

Well, my prayers were answered, as it was only 10 minutes into the tournament when I made a pitch to the first stump I saw and set the hook on a four-pound largemouth bass. My pro was so excited and going nuts over what I had just caught! He made the comment that I just might lead the co-angler side of the event with just that one fish!

With a good fish in the live well and my chest sticking out, three minutes later I pitched my favorite worm onto the next stump and set the hook on a three-pound largemouth bass! Less than fifteen minutes into this event, I had over 7 pounds of fish with just two fish. My pro was speechless and could not believe what he was seeing!

It only got better when ten minutes later, I made a cast on the third and final stump on this stretch and caught another four-pound bass! At the end of the day, just as my pro predicted, I was leading the tournament on the co-angler side after day 1. To be clear, that was the only three bites I got all day!

To wrap this up, I caught one fish on day 2, but it was good enough to make the Top 10 on the third and final day as I went on to finish 4th overall.

Turns out, fishing in this tournament was extremely difficult as there were 90 pro anglers out of 150 that did not catch a single fish the entire tournament. But the lessoned learned was that even in the most extreme weather conditions, bass will still bite. You just need to figure out exactly what they want, and how they want it.

Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and make sure to wear your life jacket especially when the big motor is running.

While there is currently no place for families to stay for free when their child is hospitalized in Shreveport, construction has begun on the Ronald McDonald House Shreveport-Bossier. Funds are still being raised to support this program, and with the community’s help it will begin serving families in August 2025.

This House will serve tens of thousands of families of critically ill children receiving life-saving care at any Shreveport hospital. Families will be referred by hospital social workers and all services will be provided free, removing immense financial burdens during an already stressful time. By keeping families together and close to their hospitalized child, they can focus on their child’s care without worrying where they will sleep or what they will eat.

In addition to 20 private rooms where families will stay overnight, the Ronald McDonald House will be available for day use. They will be able to retreat from the stress of the hospital, have meals, snacks, activities, play spaces, and other comforts of home. Most importantly, families will connect, creating a community of support that uniquely understands the impact of a child’s critical diagnosis.

“We are so close to reaching the goal to build the House – $8 million has already been donated by the community, and we need gifts of all sizes to reach the $10 million goal. Every gift will help provide valuable resources to families,” said Janell Mason, CEO.

By Doug De Graffenried

She said, “I’m here for chocolate.”

Years ago, I started stocking my office with candy. I discovered that adults would stop by for chocolates and would often feel comfortable enough to tell me what is really on their minds. It happened that day.

The staff person said, “I am angry that this morning my electric toothbrush did not work. I had to brush my teeth the old-fashioned way.” I could relate to that. An electric toothbrush is a luxury that I also share. She waxed poetic about the virtues of an electric toothbrush compared to the old-fashioned kind. Another bite of chocolate and a deep breath later, she said, “You know we forget our blessings. We should remember all the blessings we have in our life.”

An important Old Testament word is “remember.” The Hebrews were challenged to remember how God delivered them from Egypt. They were to remember the Commandments and the Law. They were to remember to treat the orphans, widows, and strangers with compassion. They were to remember to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Remember is no memory test but a line of thought that causes one to live differently. When we remember to be thankful for what we have and the source of those blessings we are less likely to be upset when our blessings break.

Your electric toothbrush broke. That is an inconvenience. You have the blessings of an extra toothbrush, right? What about a quick review?

The Egyptians and Babylonians invented the earliest known form of a toothbrush, referred to as a “chew stick.” This rudimentary tool consisted of a twig fashioned with a frayed end, which was used to scrub the teeth clean. The chew stick was an effective tool, albeit crude when compared to the more sophisticated designs that would appear in later centuries.

Meanwhile, in the East, the Chinese were developing their version of the toothbrush. Around 1498 AD, they created a tool that bore a closer resemblance to the modern toothbrush we are familiar with today. This toothbrush featured bristles sourced from the necks of pigs, known for their toughness and durability.

Compared to a chew stick or pigs necks an old-fashioned toothbrush is a real blessing. Have you remembered your blessings? Do you live with gratitude as a theme for your day? Do you thank the source of all your blessings?

BOM is a proud sponsor of the Ebarb FFA Program. A donation was made to help offset the cost for the students’ travel to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. This year the school had eight students qualify to attend the National Convention.

Pictured left to right: BOM’s Brittany Sepulvado and Landry Airhart.

The town of Many is buzzing with excitement as businesses and neighborhood homes put their creativity on display. Who will take home the top honors this year? 

Judging will take place on Thursday, Dec. 5, and the winners will be announced during Moonlight Madness on Friday, Dec. 6.

Let’s spread festive cheer with dazzling lights, colors, and Candyland-inspired decorations. Help us get the word out—please share and encourage everyone to join in the fun.

By Brad Dison

From an early age, Angie struggled with mental illness. She was from a broken home. Her parents’ marriage fell apart when she was an infant. When Angie was six years old, she, her brother, her mother, and her mother’s boyfriend moved from Los Angeles, California to Palisades, New York. A few years later, they moved back to Los Angeles where they enrolled Angie in the posh Beverly Hills High School. Angie was teased constantly by her wealthy classmates because she wore glasses and braces. By comparison, she was the poor, homely kid in a school full of rich, entitled students. When her mother transferred her to Moreno High School, Angie transformed her image. She dressed in all black to look “goth,” had a fascination for “knife play,” and took correspondence courses on human embalming with the intent to eventually become a funeral director. She developed eating and sleeping disorders. She began to practice self-harm and to self-medicate with alcohol and drugs, which only exacerbated her depression. Angie and her father’s relationship broke down because of her substance abuse. At the age of 19, her depression grew so powerful that she planned to take her own life. Unavailable at the time was the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline, where a person in need can call or text 988 for immediate help. As dark thoughts filled her mind, she began to think of how it would devastate her loved ones. Angie knew that her mother would think she had not done enough as a parent to help. 19-year-old Angie ultimately changed her mind, but the thoughts of it remained. For three years, she worked on a plan.

By the time Angie was 22 years old, Angie had returned to New York where she worked sporadically. Her drug and alcohol use continued to fuel her depression. To lessen her guilt and to ease the burden on her family, Angie decided on a way to end her suffering. Angie decided to hire a hitman to murder her. “They’re not that hard to find in New York,” she said. Angie made small withdrawals over time to build up enough cash to pay the hitman. This way no one would become suspicious. No one would ever know.

Angie met up with the contract killer. She explained the whole plan in detail. Finally, after listening intently, the hitman asked Angie something that she had not anticipated. He asked if she “could think about it and call him again in two months.” Angie had thought long and hard on her plan, but she agreed to wait the two months. Within that short time frame, Angie recalled that “something changed in my life and I figured I’d stick it out.” She has never revealed what changed her mind.

Had that hitman, whom she referred to as a “decent enough person,” not persuaded her to take time to reconsider, Angie would no longer be walking among us. Had the contract killer taken her money and fulfilled her initial request, Angie’s family would have been devastated. Had the estranged daughter of famous movie star John Voight been murdered, Angie would not have lived long enough to become prominently involved in numerous international charity projects. Angie, the girl once teased as being poor and homely, has often appeared on “most beautiful women” lists. Angie lived to become an Academy Award-winning actress. Had Angie chosen suicide, the world would never have enjoyed the talent of Angelina Jolie.

Depression is a serious illness, but help is waiting. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988. All life is precious.

Sources:

1. Rhiannon Ingle, “Surprising question hitman asked Angelina Jolie that saved her life after she hired him to kill her,” Tyla.com, August 13, 2024, accessed November 17, 2024, .tyla.com/entertainment/celebrity/angelina-jolie-hitman-question-celebrity-news-205826-20240813.

2. Eve Buckland, “Angelina Jolie once hired hitman to plan her own murder aged 22 – but assassin had surprising response to her grisly plan,” DailyMail.co.uk, July 28, 2024, accessed November 17, 2024, .dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13673495/Angelina-Jolie-hired-hitman-plan-murder-aged-22.html.

3. Joe Taysom, FarOutMagazine.co.uk, June 4, 2021, accessed November 17, 2024, https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/angelina-jolie-hired-hitman/.
4. “Angelina Jolie,” IMDb.com, accessed November 17, 2024, imdb.com/name/nm0001401/.

Every year on November 20, the world comes together to observe Universal Children’s Day, a day dedicated to promoting the rights and welfare of children worldwide. Established by the United Nations in 1954, this significant day serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting children’s well-being and ensuring they grow up in environments that nurture their potential.

The date holds historical significance as it marks two milestones in the fight for children’s rights. On November 20, 1959, the United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, a landmark document recognizing children’s inherent rights to safety, education, and freedom from exploitation. Thirty years later, on the same day in 1989, the UN adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a legally binding treaty that remains the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history.

Universal Children’s Day highlights ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by millions of children, including poverty, lack of access to education, and child labor. In 2023, over 244 million children were still out of school globally, and an estimated 160 million were engaged in child labor, according to UNICEF.

Celebrations and advocacy events on this day aim to amplify the voices of children and encourage communities to prioritize their rights. Schools, governments, and organizations worldwide often host discussions, campaigns, and activities to promote awareness and solidarity.

“Children are not just the future; they are the present,” says a UNICEF spokesperson. “Investing in their rights today ensures a brighter tomorrow for everyone.”

As the world marks Universal Children’s Day, it’s a call to action for individuals and nations alike: to safeguard the rights of every child and build a world where they can thrive.

None