HEADLINES - December 19, 2002

What Christmas Means To Me...

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

Christmas is a special time of year—a time when families gather to share gifts, a time when children anxiously await gifts from Santa Claus, a time of merriment and parties, a time for listening to the sounds and songs of Christmas, to enjoy the smells of the season (pine, cedar, peppermint, and the many seasonal foods), but most importantly it is a time for each of us to reflect on the true meanng of the season. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ—God’s “gift” of love to us. In recent years Christmas cards and decorations have summed it up in the simple message, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” As we approach the holiday season it may be quite surprising to find many second graders in Claiborne Parish recognize Christmas as more than a day for Santa Claus to bring toys. We might even learn something if we try to look at Christmas through their eyes. Below are the statements students from Claiborne Academy, Mt. Olive Christian School, Athens School, Pineview School, Summerfield School, Haynesville Elementary, and Homer Elementary compiled on “what Christmas means to them.

More Donations Needed For Annual Spirit Of Christmas Food Drive

Friday, December 20 Is Last Day!

Friday, December 20 is the last day to donate food items to the 21st Annual “Spirit Of Christmas Food Drive” sponsored by Brookshire’s and the Homer Lions Club. Donations have been slow this year and presently they do not have enough food to fill the baskets for all the needy families in this area. Local residents are asked to please help make this year’s food drive a success by making a donation by Friday and help give a local family a “Merry Christmas.” Place only non-perishable food items in the designated bin at the local Brookshire’s Food Store.

The Guardian-Journal Will Not Publish A Newspaper Thursday, December 26

We would like to notify our readers, as in the past, we will not publish a newspaper on Thursday, December 26, 2002. Our next publish date will be Thursday, January 2, 2003. All of us at The Guardian-Journal would like to wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season. See you next year!! —Kathy, Gerry, Wendy, and Susan

Homer Police To Distribute Bikes To Needy Kids

The Homer Police Department is once again collecting bicycles for needy children in this area. Wal-Mart donated two bicycles. Other bicycles were donated by Judge and Mrs. Glenn Fallin, Mr. & Mrs. James McClung, Ken and Vicki Bailey, James Edward and Annie Scriber, Charlie and Kim Bradshaw, Danny and Suzanne Newell, Mr. & Mrs. Gary L. Jones, Rev & Mrs. Norah Banks, Gary and Tommye Jane English, Ray and Eylene Bolling, Rodney and Hazel

Hollenshead, Donald and Dorothy Malray, Gene and Martha Coleman, John and Angela Wardwell, J.T. and and Jessica Williams, Ms. Carolyn Garlington, Rush and Celeste Ware, Judge Jenifer & Terry Clason, M/M Russell Mills, Roy Lewis, J.R. and Sylvia McClung, Hatch & Smith, and Bill and Susan Herring.

Local Author Has Book Translated In Tamil Language Of Southern India

Simple yet sincere messages of faith from the pen of Lake Claiborne resident Paula McIntosh are having a great impact on lives on the other side of the world. Her book, “The River Flows...and God is glorified,” has been translated into the Tamil language, printed and widely distributed in southern India.

Chamber of Commerce $500 Christmas Cash Giveaway

The Homer-Claiborne Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring their annual drawing for “$500 Christmas Cash” giveaway. Tickets are available at the Chamber office or from any Chamber member for a $1 donation. The drawing will be held Friday, December 20, 2002. For more information, call Mac Brakefield at 927-3271.

Homer Being Considered For Fox TV Series "The Simple Life"

Homer is one of twenty-five small rural towns being considered as the setting for Fox TV's new upcoming series "The Simple Life". The show will place two 21-year-old celebrity daughters in a small Southern town where they will live with a local family and learn the basics of small town life.

DECEMBER 19, 2002 NEWS BRIEFS

Claiborne One Is Presently Soliciting New Sponsors

The Claiborne One website at www.claiborneone.org features news from Homer, Haynesville, Junction City, and all of Claiborne Parish. They are presently soliciting new and added sponsors. To contribute news or purchase advertising banner, call Joel Ponder at 927-9787 or Al Lynn at 927-9674.

The Guardian-Journal Will Not Publish A Newspaper Next Week Thursday, December 26

The staff at The Guardian-Journal would like to remind our readers that we will not publish a newspaper next week on Thursday, December 26, 2002. Our next paper will be published on Thursday, January 2, 2003. All of us at The Guardian-Journal would like to wish all our readers a safe and joyous holiday season. See you next year!!

—Kathy, Gerry, Wendy, & Susan

Dorcheat Conservation District To Hold Annual Tree Sale

Dorcheat Soil and Water Conservation District has scheduled its annual conservation tree sale for January 14, 15, and 16 from 8 AM to 3 PM each day at the USDA Service Center parking lot at 216 Broadway in Minden.

Homer Lions Are Selling Bergeron Pecans $6 Bag

The Homer Lions Club Annual Pecan Sale has begun. A 12 oz. bag of fresh Bergeron pecans is $6. See any Lions Club member or call Police Chief Rodney Hollenshead at 927-4000 to place your order.

Spirit Of Christmas Food Drive Ends Saturday, Dec. 20

Friday, December 20 is the last day to contribute to the Spirit of Christmas Food Drive sponsored by Brookshire’s and the Homer Lions Club. Residents may donate non-perishable items in designated bins at Brookshire’s to be distributed to needy families in the Homer area.

Claiborne Watershed District Commission To Meet Dec. 19

The Claiborne Parish Watershed District Commission will meet on Thursday, December 19 at 5:30 PM in the Police Jury Complex. On the agenda are the swearing in of new commissioners, Walter Lee and Phillip Fincher.; Lake Claiborne Artificial Reef project; proposals for fishing regulations (yo yo’s and bass spawning); and a slide show on the State of Claiborne Waters.

New Homer Officials Will Be Sworn In December 30

Swearing in for new Homer town officials will take place at noon on Monday, December 30 at Homer City Hall. It will be open to public. Refreshments will be served.

Athens High PTA To Meet Thursday, December 19, 6 PM

The monthly meeting of the Athens High School PTA will be held Thursday, December 19 at 6 PM at the school.

Ribbon Cutting Set For New Recycling Hub Thursday

In cooperation with the Claiborne Parish Police Jury and the Town of Homer, Trailblazer is pleased to announce the establishment of a local recycling collection hub serving Claiborne Parish. There will be a brief informal ceremony at the old Coke plant on Thursday, December 19 at 2 PM which will include a ribbon cutting by the Homer-Claiborne Chamber of Commerce. All interested persons are encouraged to attend..

Dr. Dennis Nave To Speak On Holiday Blues & Depression

Dennis Nave, M.D. director of Psychiatric Services for the Homer Memorial Senior Care Center in Haynesville will be speaking on “Holiday Blues or Depression?”: Recognizing Symptoms in Older Adults on Thursday, December 19 at 10:30 AM at the Arcadia Senior Center in Arcadia. For more info, call Sandra Alexander Frith at (318) 624-3665.

Homer High FBLA Search For Former Members

This year the Louisiana State FBLA Committee is organizing an Alumni Division for Louisiana FBLA, and each chapter is responsible for locating former members, family, or friends who would like to remain connected to FBLA. If you would like to become a member of the Louisiana FBLA Alumni Division and the National FBLA-PBL Professional Division, please contact any FBLA member or call Mrs. June McClure at the Homer High Business Lab, 927-5291.

Reserve Your Homer Elementary School Yearbook Now For $15

Reserve you Homer Elementary Yearbook now. Until February 1, 2003, the price is $15. After February 1, 2003, yearbooks will be $20. Cash payments only are accepted.

American Legion, Legion Auxiliary Seeking Dues Not Paid

The American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary #73 are collecting dues for the 2003 year. If 2002 dues are not paid, you must pay both no later than Dec. 31, 2002. Please make sure information on notices is correct. Anyone who did not receive a notice should contact Carol Jones.