Today’s column originates from the small town of Ruston in North Central Lousiana, about two hours due east of Jackson, Miss., where Chris and yours truly are visiting with daughter, April, a teacher and Braille instructor at the Lousiana School for the Blind.
This southern town, home to Lousiana Tech, is located in Lincoln Parish (Lincoln County, to you and me), and has a population of approximately 23,000.
Ruston is best described as a town of rolling hills and lush pine trees. The weather, as expected, is balmy for this time of year and the sprawling landscape already verdant with wild grass varieties and magnificent magnolia trees.
The history of Ruston stems back to 1883, when Robert E. Russ bought a large tract of land from a local farmer. He then gave 640 acres to the Vicksburg, Shreveport and Pacific Railroad to be used for a town site. The new town, Ruston, was named after its benefactor and incorporated as a town in 1884.
It remained small, with the Russ home the only one for quite a while, but continued to slowly grow to its present population.
The main purpose of our trip to Ruston is to help April celebrate her 28th birthday, which includes a good amount of shopping and an even greater amount of dining on shrimp gumbo, southern fried chicken with sides of Cajun rice and buttery biscuits and gravy, all washed down with southern sweet tea. A wonderful time, to be sure, y’all!
St. Daniel the Prophet Parish, 5330 S. Nashville Ave., takes great pleasure in welcoming its newest members who were recently baptized: Eric Enrique Balcazar, Sebastian Budz, Dennis Joseph Candella, Edward James Chibe, Wojciech Mikolaj Czubiak, Daniel Joseph Eident, Melissa Perez Fary, Sofia Isabella Galasso, and Brandon Kyle Harper.
Also joining the St. Dan’s family are Marissa Amelia Huerta, Kyle Andrew Jareczek, Jenna Tereese Julian, Nico Angelo Lawrey, Lee Daniel Rollins, Aidan Noah Santiago, Jorgia Dawn Smidl, Sandra Zuzanna Swierczek, and Patrick David Watson. Congratulations, all.
A very hearty thanks to all the generous St. Dan’s parishioners who donated to the church gently-used Communion dresses and/or suits that no longer fit their children.
Your kindness will enable 17 inner city youngsters to be dressed in their almost-new Communion finery, something that wouldn’t ordinarily be possible.
Over at Byrne Elementary School, 5329 S. Oak Park Ave., don’t forget the next LSC (Local School Council) meeting, which will be at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday, May 7.
Come see who is representing your neighborhood school and find out about upcoming events and activities concerning your children.
Hello to Fran, the Chicken Lady, from old friend and olive vendor, April.