KCS Run 2010

KCS Run 2010

Click on album to see all the pictures. October 16th members of the KCS took a 350 mile trip for the day. One flat later we all made it home safe and sound! A great day for riding to East Texas and all points in between.

Boo Benefit 2010

Boo Benefit 2010

The 13th annual Boo Benefit was a huge success. The crowds were the biggest I have ever seen. Held in Jefferson, Texas every year to benefit "Camp I'm Still Me" burn camp for children! For more info visit http://www.boobenefit.org/ click on the album above to look at all the pictures.

Bikes Blues and BBQ 2010

Bikes Blues & BBQ 2010

Bikes, Blues and BBQ 2010 was crowded this year! Lots of Bikes and LOTS OF CARS! Click on the album above to see pics.

Cannonball Run Video Clips

This is the clips I took at Cannonball Run in Danville, Ark on Sept 18th, 2010

Cannonball Run 2010

Cannonball Run 2010

Click on the album above to see all the pics I took!
On Saturday September 18th, 2010 I got to see a once in a lifetime motorcycle indurance race that crossed into Arkansas. This group of folks from all over the world came together in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on a trip that will take them across the U.S. to the final destinatioin of California. I got to meet Chris Sommer Simmons the writer of "American Motorcycle Girls" and wife of Dobbie Brother Pat Simmons. Chris is one of only two women in the race and the only American. This was a real treat for me and I only wish others had been able to see it with me! To find out more visit the web site http://www.motorcyclecannonball.com/ and also visit http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/dales-blog/the-2010-cannonball-run.html

“Museum Gala A Historic Event”

“2010 Museum Gala A Historic Event”

“Museum Gala A Historic Event”

Monday, September 13, 2010 , the Dorcheat Historical Museum hosted its second fundraising event since the 2008 opening of the parish museum. “This fundraiser was a huge success, raising over $20,000.” Louise Snook, board member and gala event organizer reported. With over 125 guests in attendance, the museum was filled with anticipation of the night’s activities which included a silent auction and a first time viewing of the new state of the art Media/Learning Center & Theater. This room will also house the military exhibit covering WWI to present day conflicts.

“Master Chef” Jim Begbie provided a lavish assortment of foods which included a variety of cheeses, sushi and caviar. “I think people were really pleased with the variety of silent auction items and the wonderful variety of foods. We are so fortunate to have the support of so many people from far and wide. We have been pleased with our progress and we know we couldn’t do any of it without so many generous friends of the museum.” stated Schelley Brown.
Golf trips, B & B stays, appliance gift certificates, photography gift certificates and catering services were just a few of the many items to pick from. The silent auction was a big hit with the crowd bringing in over $11,500 for the evening on the auction alone. “The members of the museum board would like to thank all of the local merchants for their generosity in helping us put all of this together.” Brown said.

The item that had everyone’s attention was an original painting by folk artist, Cora Lou Robinson. Robinson’s painting of a birthday party at the old Minden Community House was a top fundraising item for the evening. Many local people were depicted in the painting which was from a memory of one of Robinson’s own birthdays. The high bidder, Mrs. Margaret Evans, is now the proud owner of not one, but two Cora Lou originals. Mrs. Evans was also the winner of the St. Jude original that was raffled off at the 2010 Minden St. Jude Auction.

Many first time guests were shocked at the quality and beauty of the now two year old museum. A member of the 8th Air force Museum was in attendance and was quite impressed with what has been done in Minden. “I think what Larry Milford and others have accomplished is quite amazing for a small town museum.” a guest said. With visits this summer from Louisiana tourism professionals, we know by their input that we are doing things the right way.

The museum is really a showplace for our area and has recently received quite a bit of notice from the Shreveport area on local TV stations, magazines and newspapers. This past summer over 300 people passed through the doors of the museum for private tours during the Summer Pioneer Program. With the new Media/Theater room opening, it gives the museum an extra advantage of being able to offer this facility to others. “We can now rent this part of the museum out for meetings, reunions and parties, plus we have the added benefit of the theater system for Power Point or video presentations.” commented Brown. For more information on the Dorcheat Museum call 318-377-3002 or visit at 116 Pearl Street. To sign up for updates visit the website at www.museuminminden.blogspot.com you can also find us on Facebook.

Ghost Walk 2010 Nov. 13th, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday November 13th, 2010
The Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk “Living History Lesson”
Website: http://www.mindencemetery.blogspot.com/
Price: $10 adults / $4 children under 12 (tickets at gate only)
Location: Old Minden Cemetery off Pine St. on Bayou Avenue in Minden, La.
Contact #: Schelley Brown (318) 423-0192 Cell
Time: Noon – last tour starts at 3 p.m.
Email: iluvoldcars@yahoo.com

The 7th Annual 2010 Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk

Don’t miss the 7th annual Living History Lesson “Ghost Walk”

This year promises to be the biggest and best to date. The tour will begin at Noon on Saturday November 13th, 2010 with the last tour starting at 3:00 p.m. and lasting a little over an hour. (Event Held Rain Or Shine) The annual tour in its seventh year is expected to double the number of visitors that attended in 2009 from a vast area. Schelley Brown, tour organizer, said, “Every year at noon, people began to line up in anticipation of being the first to see these living history tours. The past tours brought people to Minden from California, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Arkansas and Nebraska to see their ancestors portrayed. Brown estimated that the crowds have increased from year to year as well as the amount of money raised for the Cemetery Association, a non profit organization that was formed many years ago to help maintain the perpetual care of one of Minden’s oldest burial places.
This year the tour will have many new Ghosts and all new history lessons from many new actors and actresses in period costume portraying Minden’s past leading citizens. You will definitely get a lot of entertainment and a lot of histories in this year’s tour as you watch some of our new characters come to life.
Ghost Walk is as if you are stepping back in time as you listened to the stories being told. It’s an amazing sight to behold as your tour guide escorts you to each historical scene. Many of the tour sites include historical props to go along with the history being told. A few of the actors are actual decedents of the people they are portraying. In a little over an hour, you can see Confederate soldiers along with early business leaders, teachers, doctors and politicians. This is a rare opportunity to learn about our past community leaders, citizens and history of our town. Ghost Walk teaches you how Minden’s women and men endured through great hardships and strived to overcome great obstacles to make our town what it is today.
“We hope to have some extra treats for our visitors every year,” Brown stated. “With many new stops this year, it will be hard to pick your favorite.” Brown also emphasized that she could not do any of this without Webster parish historian, John Agan, plus all the talented people and guides who volunteer their time and efforts to make this annual tour a huge success. The members of the Minden Cemetery board also want to thank the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum and the Minden Historic Residential Association for their support of this event. If you missed the tour last year, you don’t want to miss it this year. For more information on the Minden Cemetery located on Bayou Avenue and the annual tour, visit http://www.mindencemetery.blogspot.com/ or check us out on Facebook. You can contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com .

"A Night At The Museum" September 13th, 2010

Join us for an evening of Food, Fun, Festivities and Fundraising....We will be unveiling the new state of the art Media/Learning Center and Theater....Catered by "Master Chef" Jim Begbie.....Silent Auction... Cost $25 Per Person payable to Dorcheat Historical Museum....

Must send money by September 1st, 2010 to P.O. Box 1094 Minden, La. 71058.
Don't miss this night of history. For more info call Schelley Brown at 318-377-3002.

If you have something that you think we could use for our silent auction and you would like to highlight your business please give me a call at 318-423-0192.

visit the museum site at http://www.museuminminden.blogspot.com/

Aubrie Singing Just Friends

Aubrie singing a song she wrote "Just Friends" This is at the 2010 car show. She was guest singer with the Dorcheat Bottom Band. So much talent in such a young person.

Spend your summer as a History Pioneer

Be a History Pioneer at the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum. The Webster parish museum located at 116 Pearl Street is offering free summer admission to everyone, beginning with the end of the school year. Tuesday – Friday special 30 minute to 1 hour tours will be offered for young and old. Each child will receive a special museum activity book when they visit plus everyone will learn a little Webster parish history. Schelley Brown commented, “I hope that all parents and grandparents will take advantage of our free admission programs this summer. With the high cost of summer activities for children we wanted to be the place you can come to for an hour or so without having to spend a dime. We want to be able to fill a void for our visitors and children on summer vacation in our area. I have several types of tours for all ages plus I plan on having antique cars and tractors on display throughout the summer in front of the museum. We hope to have our theater room finished before summer is over which will be a great bonus for everyone. The museum is a fun place to visit and I know that everyone will enjoy the history activity book that they will receive at the end of their tour.” For group tours it is suggested to call ahead. For more information call the museum at 377-3002 or visit www.museuminminden.blogspot.com .

2010 Cruisin'

Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time Show & Shine 2010

Click on album above to see 2010 pics.
Weatherman Reports Of Hail, Tornados and Rain Hampers 2010 Show

The “2010 Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Show and Shine” once again is hampered by weather. Schelley Brown show promoter stated, “We had great pre-registration of 79 vehicles. That is usually 1/3 or sometimes ¼ of the number that will actually show up for a show. I knew from the week long weather reports that we may have some problems. People started calling from Mississippi, northern Arkansas and south Louisiana on Tuesday and Wednesday about the weather and if we were going to postpone. You just can’t postpone this type of event because you have no way to contact folks after you do so much wide spread advertising. With the threat of hail and tornados you are going to lose a lot of folks. We ended up with 116 registered by the end of the day. People just can’t take the chance of coming out with these types of vehicles. They have too much money invested to risk any damage. Many still came to the show they just came in the everyday cars. We did still have one group of motorcyclist come from north Arkansas. They ended up trailering the bikes and unloading at the Holiday Inn to attend for the first time.”
The weather turned out fine with the exception of a little rain around 8 a.m. other than that the overcast day was fine for show goers. The silent auction was a big success and the R & V Works fish cooker raffle went over big this year. With the help of show volunteers over 1000 $1 tickets for the cooker were sold and over $3,000 was made with the silent auction. Total numbers are not in for the show with outstanding bills still to be paid but Brown reported that even with the weather issue they could still end up with around $7-8,000 to split.
David Barnhill was the lucky winner of the $500 vehicle prize money. David graciously turned around and presented $300 to Terry Gray the grandfather of Brock Haines Cassell a recent St. Jude patient. The Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association was the $200 club winner for the most pre-registered cars with a total of 8 cars registered before the April deadline. Margaret Evan was the winner of the fish cooker. Margaret graciously donated the cooker to the Dorcheat Historical Association to use in an upcoming September event.
“I have so many people to thank this year. I could not have done this years show without all my corporate and individual sponsors and the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau. Without our money sponsors we could not even start to do a show. Besides sponsors I also have to thank the Hunters and Coca-Cola of Minden for their continued support from the very beginning in 2004, Durwood Blake and Billy Reeves help with sound equipment, Ronnie Sale for his help with the stage and electrical, the members of the Dorcheat Bottom Band with guest Aubrie Stahl and Hunt Powell these folks rocked the fairgrounds, Mike Spillers aka “Elvis” the King of Rock n Roll in Minden, the city of Minden employees, Larry Tims of Fairway Carts, Jimmy Hall and his crew from Party Express Catering with their great food, Wayne Hatfield of Hatfield Ice in Homer, members of the Ark-La-Tex Antique and Classic Car Association, members of the Dorcheat Historical Association museum for all of their volunteer help at various task and stations during the day, my good friends Debbie & Barry Warner and Pam Holley for their help with registration since 2004, Joe Morgan for his expertise in fish cooker raffle ticket sales, Mitzi and Mike Madden for all that they do in so many ways, Danny Francis for his constant help and support, John and Melinda Parnell, Eddie and Katie Sangid, Shawn Lewis, Lynn Dorsey, Lou and Terry Snook for lots and lots of extra hard working hours before, during and after the show. All of these people and many more are what make this show work and run smoothly. Without them I would never attempt to do this.”

April 25th, 2010 My first real ride!

On April 25th, 2010 me and my good friends Debbie and Barry Warner, Gay Lewis, Allen and Dianne Smith rode to Natchitoches, La. about 200 miles round trip. This was my first real ride on my Harley. It was great except the wind was like being in Kansas! Had a great time. Left Sibley around 11 and got back around 6. I had a nice day of riding and I went down a dirt road, made a U-turn, went down a gravel road, and lots or red lights and right turns! We rode by the old Plantation Homes on the historic Cane River Road. I made it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"The Chief" The Car That Started It All!

I have loved old cars since I was a kid. My first car in 1975 was a 51 Pontiac Chieftain, bought from local car nut Wayne Chance. It didn’t always run, but that wasn’t the most important thing, because where I was going was only two blocks from home. The local hang-out back in the 70’s in Minden was the Dixie Cream (now Cotton’s Chicken) and the Dairy Queen. I could usually get the car to the Dixie Cream, even if I had to push it or coast out of the driveway. I would just sit in it, till I could get a ride, with someone else with a more dependable set of wheels. This worked out pretty good on the weekends, for awhile. I would just abandon it at the Dixie Cream parking lot for Friday & Saturday night, until Sunday when Mr. Joe Guthrie owner of the Dixie Cream would tell me to drag it home. This arrangement also worked out for others that didn’t have a car. The Chief was like the covered seating area at the bus station. You just sat in it till someone came along and picked you up to make the loop through town. You could even use the horn to stop someone if you didn’t run the battery down. A sure way to keep this from happening was to slide a match book cover under the voltage regulator. In the summer it would vapor-lock so you carried milk jugs of water and ran clothes pins up and down the fuel line. It works every time!
Today kids have it made. I don’t see many kids out pulling their car home anymore. Now that I’m older I’ve figured out why my Daddy bought me the ‘51 as my first car, other than the fact that I wanted it. Number one was that it was only $200.00, 2nd it was made out of solid iron you could beat it with a baseball bat and it wouldn’t dent, 3rd it would only go about 40 miles an hour, 4th you wouldn’t dare try to go out of town in it (or would you). I put 10,000 miles in one year on that old car just making loops from the Dixie Cream to the Dairy Queen. It was cheap transportation. I still have the keys to the old Chief and maybe even the log-chain that was standard equipment with it!
That old car started a life-long love of antiques and anything old and in need of repair. I sometimes seem to live in the past or at least have a strong passion to preserve it for others. I believe that if you don’t know where you come from you will never figure out where you are going. We learn from out mistakes and the past can sometimes teach us a better way and improve our lives.

Scottish Tartan Fest 2010

Scottish Tartan Fest

Click on album to see all the fun. This was held on April 10th, 2010
This is the Scottish Tartan Fest 2010 in Minden, La. This is a great time at Dr. Cameron's Scotland Farms. I got to judge the Bonniest Knees Contest! Fun to feel men's knees while they have a kilt on! You don't want to miss it next year. Come out and spend the day with your family. Great food, and music and lots of fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://scotlandfarms.shaffersitedesign.com/

2010 Outlaw Nationals in Jefferson, Texas

Outlaw Nationals 2010

Click on the album above to see what a great collection of classic chrome we saw at the 2010 Outlaw Nationals in Jefferson, Texas this weekend. Meet some great Texas folks at the McKay House B & B. Always a great time in Jefferson. Thanks Hugh and Darla for making it a great little get away for us!

Cruisin Just Around The Corner

2010 Minden
Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Vehicle Show & Shine
Just Around The Corner

Saturday May 1st, 2010 will be the 7th year in Minden, Louisiana that antique and classic transportation enthusiasts have rolled into Minden. This show is no longer just a car show it is now a car, motorcycle, tractor and anything that rolls show & shine.
Held at the Minden, Louisiana Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss the 7th annual open class vehicle show and shine. If it has wheels you need to bring it out. This year’s show will include a silent auction, raffle items, $500 cash drawing for one lucky vehicle entry, good fun, good people and a great time. Live music will be provided by Minden’s own Elvis, Mr. Mike Spillers and the Dorcheat Bottom Band with a few special guests including Aubrie Stahl to keep toes tapping for most of the day. The chrome will be blinding and the music rocking. Bring your lawn chairs and spend the day!
Lots of goodie-bag items, plenty of Coca-Cola NASCAR products and maybe even a few surprises before the day is over. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS, Tractors, and Motorcycles (over 300 vehicles have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)! Food vendor this year will be Jimmy Hall and his Party Express Catering from Minden. Their great food will be a great addition to the show! Members of Boo Benefit Rally will be on hand with the 2010 Harley Davidson and trailer that will be raffled off in October 2010 in Jefferson, Texas. Richard Clark from Cruisin’ Style Magazine will be on hand to cover the show in an upcoming issue. Local photographer Jeff Scott Photography will be another new addition to the show. You will be able to have your vehicle photos turned into a work of art. This year the show has added available vendor and swap meet spots. Please call 318-423-0192 if you would like to be a vendor or have swap meet spot needs.
Show organizer and promoter Schelley Brown reports, pre-registration is going great. This year the extra incentive for pre-registering is two chances in the hopper for the $500 cash drawing that will be given to a lucky show participant and $200 to the club with the most members pre-registered, Brown exclaimed, “This year, with many folks in need of extra money, I thought this would be a good way to get folks to travel the distance to come to Minden. Coming to a show is an expensive endeavor with gas, hotel and food cost on the rise. We are praying for beautiful weather and big crowds! I hope everyone in the area will come out and show their support and see the beautiful cars, trucks, tractors, bikes and just enjoy the day. The advertising for this show is sponsored in part by the Webster Parish Convention & Visitors’ Bureau. This show is a big economic impact for our community. Many of these visitors come for the weekend not just for the day of the show. They eat locally, stay in a hotel, and buy gasoline. They do a lot of spending at our local businesses. I hope the people of Minden welcome them as they visit our area.”
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. are two great causes that benefit from the 2010 event. Brown commented, “The show has given $73,000 to St. Jude since 2004! Next years plans are in the works to give ½ of the net proceeds to the Susan Komen foundation for breast cancer research in North Louisiana. Giving to any cancer research is something that I feel strongly about. Our local history is something that I am also passionate about. I am proud that the show has been able to give $13,000 to the Dorcheat Museum.
For more information please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com .
For more information on the car show and registration information and forms visit the web sites. www.mindencruisinforacure.com and www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com .

Minden Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time 2010 TV Spot and Info

Saturday May 1st, 2010 will be the 7th year in Minden that vehicle enthusiasts have come together to show they care. Held at the Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss this show & shine, games, silent auction, $500 cash drawing plus other great prizes, live music, good fun, good food, good people and a GREAT time! Lots of goodie-bag items, plenty of Coca-Cola products. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS, TRACTORS & MOTORCYCLES (over 300 vehicles have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)!
After much thought and advice from other enthusiasts I have made a change. Due to the growth of the show, and the cost and time involved there will be NO JUDGING OR TROPHIES THIS YEAR! I HOPE ALL OF YOU WILL JUST COME TO HAVE FUN AND SUPPORT THE SHOW! Remember it isn't about winning. We are all winners when it comes to this show. Info # 318-423-0192. PLEASE SAVE THE DATE! Web site updated soon!
This car show has given $73,000 for cancer research since 2004 and $13,000 to the Dorcheat Historical Museum. Two great causes that are important to our community benefit from your show support. See you in May! www.mindencruisinforacure.com

On The Harley Web Site

Early in my life I became attracted to antique cars and the love of riding on a motorcycle. Of course not just any motorcycle would do. It...
Check it out at Feel The Freedom

2010 Woman of The Year!

I am still in shock I am Minden's 2010 Woman of the Year! This is the speach that Pattie Odom read to announce it. I didn't know it was me until she got to the I see Dead People part!
When she said that I turned to Danny and said "Its ME!"

I got flowers from Mama & Daddy, My Girls; Pam, Debbie, Gay and Lisa and then my friend Ann Harlan brought me the most beautiful roses! Good friends and family make life worth living!

MANY OF US ARE FORTUNATE TO LIVE IN MINDEN, LOUISIANA ….. THE FRIENDLIEST CITY IN THE SOUTH … A PLACE WHERE MEN AND WOMEN BELIEVE THAT VOLUNTEER SERVICE PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN WHO AND WHAT WE ARE ….. WHERE THE CHARACTER OF THIS COMMUNITY IS SHAPED BY OUR CHURCHES, OUR FAMILIES AND A REVERANCE FOR OUR PAST … AND A PLACE WHERE WE CAN LOOK TO THE FUTURE KNOWING THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY WILL BE PASSED ON …

THIS YEAR’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR COMES FROM A LOVING FAMILY WHERE
LITERATURE AND MUSIC WERE AN IMPORTANT PART OF HER LIFE …
SHE LOVES TO WRITE …. AND HAS PUBLISHED SEVERAL WORKS.
AS A CHILD SHE LOVED TO ‘DRESS UP’ AND PRETEND … AND STILL DOES.
SHE REMEMBERS PLAYING SAFELY IN THE STREETS OF MINDEN WITH COUSINS & FRIENDS …. THAT MAKES HER OLD???? OR MAYBE CRAZY ????

BECAUSE
I HAVE HEARD HER SAY, “I SEE DEAD PEOPLE.”

THIS YEAR’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR IS …. A VOLUNTEER
SHE HAS SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS PLANNING PROJECTS, ORGANIZING CRUSADES, AND PRODUCING SHOWS … WHICH MEANT TOTING BOXES, MAKING BLOGS, SENDING CARDS, BEGGING FOR OTHERS TO VOLUNTEER & SETTING UP TABLES, CHAIRS, AND TENTS …

WE ARE ALSO SURE THAT SHE HAS SPENT MANY SLEEPLESS NIGHTS …

THIS YEAR’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR LIVES A LITTLE ON THE WILD SIDE ….
SHE HAS CRUISED MAIN A FEW TIMES IN MINDEN … AND I’VE HEARD SHE IS KNOWN FOR ‘CRUISIN’ IN OTHER COMMUNITIES … SHE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT ALL HER ENDEAVORS ….
SHE LOVES HISTORY … IN FACT, SHE SAYS THAT,
IF IS IT OLD, RUSTED, OR BURIED ….
IF IT HAS PEELING PAINT OR WILL NOT CRANK …. SHE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT IT!

SHE IS ESPECIALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT AND LOVES OLD THINGS … BUT SHE’S NOT REALLY OLD ….

• SHE HAS BEEN ACTIVE AND SERVED AS PRESIDENT OF THE HISTORICAL RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION
• FOR MANY YEARS HAS CHAIRED AND/OR WORKED ON THE HISTORIC RESIDENTAL TOUR OF HOMES;
• FOUNDED AND STILL PRODUCES THE MINDEN CEMETERY GHOST WALK WHICH RAISES AWARENESS OF AND FUNDS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE MINDEN CEMETERY
• ORGANIZES THE MINDEN CRUISIN FOR A CURE CAR SHOW … RAISING OVER $74,000 FOR ST JUDE SINCE 2004
• HAS SERVED AS PRESIDENT OF THE ARK LA TEX ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAR ASSOCIATION AND SERVES AS JUNIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF THE MID AMERICA OLD TIME AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION & SHE RIDES A MOTOR CYCLE
• SHE IS FINALLY GETTING PAID TO DO SOMETHING THAT SHE LOVES … AND IS CURRENTLY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DORCHEAT HISTORICAL MUSEUM ….
I’M SURE YOU’VE GOT IT BY NOW …
NOW, GO AHEAD AND TELL YOUR MAMMA AND ‘EM THAT SCHELLY BROWN IS THE WOMAN OF THE YEAR!!

Minden Press Story:

Thompson, Brown are Man, Woman of the Year
Written by Bonnie Culverhouse
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Keeping with the tradition of choosing outstanding citizens to carry the torch of Man and Woman of the Year, Col. Carl Thompson and Schelley Brown were awarded those honors during the Minden South-Webster Chamber of Commerce banquet Tuesday.

Man of the Year, an award that is named by the Minden Lions Club, was presented to Thompson by the Rev. Bill Ichter, who talked of Thompson’s achievements as an employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture until his retirement in April 1994 to his service in the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve and the Louisiana Army National Guard.

Thompson retired from the Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel and presently serves as Forestry Program Manager and Special Projects Officer at Camp Minden.

“Carl is a devoted husband, father and grandfather,” Ichter said. “ He is devoted to God and to his country.”

Thompson is married and has two daughters from a previous marriage, whom he and his wife, Diane reared until each girl left the nest. The girls are married and have gifted the Thompsons with three grandsons.

“He may be Man of the Year to you, but he is Father of All Time to me,” said daughter Kim Nugent. “He has lived in a way that has shown me what a good parent and, most of all, what a good Christian should be.”

Daughter Stacy Crawford agreed.

“While I am extremely proud of my father for his numerous accomplishments, what means most to me is that he has always been and still is, the most wonderful father God could have given me,” she said.

Thompson’s military commendations include three Army Commendation Medals from the Department of the Army and a Louisiana Commendation Medal from the Louisiana National Guard.

Thompson said he is honored and humbled by the award of Man of the Year.

“I am humbled to join the ranks of the others who have won in the past,” Thompson said. “They are community giants – bed rocks and cornerstones who have left legacies of service. They are my heroes.”

Thompson said he and his family chose Minden as home in 1999.

“We chose it because it is a Christian community and a patriotic community,” he said.

Woman of the Year

Minden Main Street Director Pattie Odom knows Schelley Brown quite well, and was given the honor of introducing Brown by Sara Chreene with the Young Women’s Service Club.

Odom described Brown as living “a little on the wild side,” describing her passion for the Dorcheat Museum where she works, as well as her love of all things “old.”

“She loves history,” Odom said of Brown. “If it is old, rusted or buried … if it has peeling paint or will not crank … she is passionate about it.”

Odom described Brown as a “volunteer.”

Brown has been active with the Historical Residential Association and the Historic Residential Tour of Homes. She founded and produces the Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk, which raises awareness and funds for the preservation of the Minden Cemetery.

Odom said Brown organizes the Minden “Cruisin’ for a Cure” car show, raising more than $74,000 for St. Jude since 2004.

“She is finally getting paid to do something she loves,” Odom said. “She is currently the executive director of the Dorcheat Historical Museum.”

Brown described the honor of Woman of the Year as unreal.

“There are a lot of people who helped me get here,” she said. “If I didn’t have all the support I get, it wouldn’t happen.”
Other Awards

The Minden South-Webster Chamber of Commerce handed out several awards in addition to Man and Woman of the Year.
Those awards included Chamber Business of the Year: Minden Medical Center, Small Business of the Year: Kerry Easely and Easely Fine Art Gallery and Custom Frame Shop and Community Partner of the Year: Chris Broussard and Cultural Crossroads.

Cardiologist Phillip Rozeman was named Businessperson of the Year and Nedra Kelly received the Lifetime Service award.

Dorcheat Historical Museum Making Great Progress In Just 19 Months

The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum is the culmination of a dream that began in the fall of 1974, when, under the leadership of Mrs. Beth Drew White, the organization was formed to preserve the history of Webster Parish. Through the ensuing years the organization suffered many setbacks and trials, but the museum now represents a triumph over these difficulties. Today these dreams have turned into reality, with the purchase of a building from the DePingre family the museum is here to stay. This mortgage-free building now houses and preserves our history for our future.
The official museum of Webster parish opened its doors located at 116 Pearl Street in Minden, La. on June 10th, 2008. At that time, only a very small portion of the front room was complete. After a year of renovations and a year of raising awareness of our local parish history the Dorcheat Historical Museum Board of Directors decided that is was time to open the doors to show people what had been accomplished and what the plans were for the future.
Since 2007 local artist Larry Milford has made great progress in his overall vision of what each exhibit depicts and how it explains our local history. Museum director Schelley Brown has made additions to the museum with sound effects and video presentations on many of the exhibits. Brown stated, “This past summer I was able to go to the Smithsonian Museums, Mt. Vernon, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Gettysburg and many other historic sites, to see if what we were doing on a small scale measured up to these grand exhibits. I was pleased to see that some of what we have incorporated in our exhibits is in line with the large scale exhibits in these well known places. Museums are not quiet places to look at artifacts these days. They are filled with interactive, sights and sounds.”
“We have spent well over $300,000 in the past few years. From 2007-2010 the museum has received several substantial grants from Webster Parish Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, Webster Parish Police Jury, the City of Minden, Coca-Cola Bottlers Association Foundation, Cultural Crossroads, Louisiana Main Street Program, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, and the Jr. Service League. All of these grants help greatly with research, exhibit construction and building repair cost. While those grants are extremely important private funding from individuals’ plays a very important part in the great progress we have achieved. These individual type donations are the ones that keep us operating on a day to day basis. We have had some very generous people that are committed to this project and a few generous volunteers and others that have donated their services and time.” commented Brown.
Brown stated, “The fundraising and membership drives never stop with a museum. Dorcheat Museum is constantly working to increase members, donations, and events to raise money. My goal is to have everyone in Webster Parish become at least a $20 a year member, buying one of our products, coming to one of our many events or visiting the museum. We still have work in the front to be completed, back theater room to finish and our military exhibit just to name a few. We estimate spending at least another $100,000 this year on exhibits to get where we want to be. A museum is never complete!”
More progress has been made by the recent hiring of Ms. Eddie Hammontree, retired director of Webster Parish Library. Ms. Hammontree is now cataloging the museum collection into the Past-Perfect IV museum software program. This program will be helpful to anyone doing research in the future. Eventually the museum hopes to have the museum collection online. The Bossier Parish museum uses this same software for their online collection.
The third season of speakers will begin in February. For two years the popular “Nights for the Museum” were free to the public. With the increase of postage and printing the museum board felt the need to charge a small fee of $5 per event for the 2010 season, while nearby areas charge much more. Brown stated, “Our first year and into our 2nd year Ty Pendergrass and Argent Financial funded the food for the events. Museum board member, Charlotte Martin was put in charge of refreshments. As the crowds grew by leaps and bounds, we felt it was time to make a change and everyone that attends the events agreed. The events now are potluck, giving the feeling of the close-knit community that we are. Everyone loves coming with something they have prepared special for the evening.”
Many are familiar with the popular cookbooks, Cora Lou Robinson prints, DVD speaker series and books that the museum offers as fundraisers. Another way that they also raise money is with the car show that Schelley Brown created in 2004. Brown stated, “I started the show in 2004 to give back to my community in the best way I knew how. I had always given money to St. Jude Minden Auction and so this was a way to for me to add extra to that. Many times after that first year because of the amount of work involved in putting on the show, I considered to cease doing it. By the third year it had gotten too big to stop. It takes almost a year to plan this show and involves a great deal of work. Anyone that is involved with me knows the amount of time that is spent in putting on the May show. I had been asked by several organizations in the past to put on shows and events for them including the Dorcheat Historical Association. I turned many of them down because of the time involved. When the Dorcheat Museum Board hired me they asked if I would continue doing the show. I really wanted to stop at this point but since I was hired to raise money for the museum I instead decided to change the name and type of this show and redirect where some of the net proceeds went. The show this year gives money to St. Jude in fact we have given $73,000 since 2004! St. Jude is a wonderful cause that I feel strongly about. In the future I have thought about giving half of the money to the Susan Komen foundation for Breast Cancer research. Giving to any cancer research is something that I feel strongly about. I think it is only fair that the Dorcheat Museum benefit for the amount of hours that are spent on this show by me. (The show has given $13,000 to the museum so far) After all they are paying my salary while I work on it. The name of the show now is “Cruisin’ for a Cure Wheels Through Time Show and Shine”. I left the words “For A Cure” in the title because I will always give half of the money to something dealing with some type of illness or disease. It is no longer just a car show it is now a car, motorcycle, tractor and anything that rolls show & shine. Show and shine means it is no longer a judged show.’ For more information go to www.mindencruisinforacure.com or www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com
The museum board is currently made up of President; Thad Andress, Treasurer; Richard Campbell, Secretary; Ann Harlan, Charlotte Martin, Janet LaBruyere, Marcus Wren, Cristola Walton, Pat Stephens, Louise Snook, Webster Parish historian: John Agan, Cora Lou Robinson, Ben Hunter, Dr. Roy Phillips, James H. Smith, Carleton Prothro, Lonnie Simpson, Ronnie Broughton, and Richard Noles. “As of our January meeting we are currently looking for a few new recruits to join our board as working volunteers”, stated Brown. Anyone with an interest in history and preservation is asked to drop by the museum or call 318-377-3002. For more information on the museum visit 116 Pearl Street from Tuesday – Saturday or visit www.musueminminden.blogspot.com

Mail Fraud and Money Order Fraud

Another helpful web site for anyone suspecting mail fraud and money order fraud.
Embezzlements and Financial Crimes http://www.uspsoig.gov/inv_embezz.htm
USPS OIG Investigations

Employee embezzlements may involve postal employees who steal money from cash drawers, sophisticated schemes involving the manipulation of postal money orders or money order funds, or the falsification of financial records. Financial investigations also cover activity such as theft, misconduct, falsification of records, and conversion and misuse of Postal Service property.

When post offices experience unusual or significant shortages, our investigators employ various investigative techniques to uncover embezzlements. Improper or lax procedures are reported to management for corrective action. However, when employees are found to be responsible for missing postal funds, they are reported to management for appropriate administrative action. Employee conduct that does not meet the criteria for criminal action can still be grounds for removal from the Postal Service. In cases that warrant criminal prosecution, offenders not only face the loss of their jobs, but also may face jail time and court-ordered restitution. Case examples include:




Convicted Former Postal Worker Ordered to Repay $410,000 to the Postal Service


A California federal court sentenced a former a Sales and Service Associate to 2 years in prison for embezzling $426,065.09 in postal money orders. The court also ordered the former employee to repay more than $410,000 of the money he stole from October 2003 to July 2005. The Sales and Service Associate admitted he engaged in a scheme to issue himself postal money orders by falsely noting that customers had purchased the money orders. He used the money for personal expenses and gambling. When The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (OIG) special agents arrested the former postal employee, they recovered more than $13,000 in cash and more than $15,000 in blank money orders issued to the former postal employee.

New Orleans Saints Win Super Bowl 44!!! Who Dat!!!

A CAJUN WHO DIED AND WENT TO HELL!! The devil assigned him the usual punishment...put him in the mass pit where the heat was melting others. The devil came back sometime later surprised to find the Cajun just sitting around, not even misting, much less sweating. "How come u'r not so much as sweating heere where every1.....

The Cajun laughted & said "Man, I was raised in the bayous of Sout Looziana. Dis ain't nothin' but May in Lafayette to me."

The devil decided to really put the Cajun thur it. He put him in a sealed off cave in the pit with open blazes 7 4 extra furnaces blasting. When he came back, days later, the Cajun wasx sitting pretty, had bareley begun to bead up with sweat. The devil was outraged "How is this possible!? U should be melted to......... See More

The Cajun laughted even harder than be4. "Hey,man! I done tole u.I was raised in Sout Looziana. U tink dis is heat?! Dis ain't nothin' but August in Jennings

So the Devil thought', alright' a little reverse ought to do the trick' He put the Cajun into a corner of hell where no heat ever reached. It was freezing & to add to the Cajun's misery, he added massive icebergs & blasting frozen air. When he returned the Cajun was shivering, ice hung from every part of him but he....

Exasperated, the devil asked "How!? How is it possible?! Ur impervious to heat & here u sit in conditions u can't be used to.. cold & yet u'r happier than if u were in heaven WHY? The Cajun kept grinning & said Dis mus mean de Saints don won da Super Bowl!!!!!!!!!!!"

Date Set For 2010 Ghost Walk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday November 13th, 2010
The Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk “Living History Lesson”
Website: www.mindencemetery.blogspot.com
Price: $10 adults / $4 children under 12
Location: Old Minden Cemetery off Pine St. on Bayou Avenue in Minden, La.
Contact #: Schelley Brown (318) 423-0192 Cell
Time: Noon – last tour starts at 3 p.m.
Email: iluvoldcars@yahoo.com

The 7th Annual 2010 Minden Cemetery Ghost Walk

Don’t miss the 7th annual Living History Lesson “Ghost Walk”

This year promises to be the biggest and best to date. The tour will begin at Noon on Saturday November 13th, 2010 with the last tour starting at 3:00 p.m. and lasting a little over an hour. (Event Held Rain Or Shine) The annual tour in its seventh year is expected to double the number of visitors that attended in 2009 from a vast area. Schelley Brown, tour organizer, said, “Last year at noon, people began to line up in anticipation of being the first to see these living history tours. The 2009 tour brought people to Minden from North Carolina, Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, Arkansas and Nebraska to see their ancestors portrayed. Last year the tour had one family bringing in over 30 family members from as far away as California.” Brown estimated that the crowds have increased from year to year as well as the amount of money raised for the Cemetery Association, a non profit organization that was formed many years ago to help maintain the perpetual care of one of Minden’s oldest burial places.
This year the tour will have many new Ghosts and all new history lessons from many new actors and actresses in period costume portraying Minden’s past leading citizens. You will definitely get a lot of entertainment and a lot of histories in this year’s tour as you watch some of our new character come to life.
Ghost Walk is as if you are stepping back in time as you listened to the stories being told. It’s an amazing sight to behold as your tour guide escorts you to each historical scene. Many of the tour sites this year will include historical props to go along with the history being told. A few of our actors are actual decedents of the people they are portraying. In a little over an hour, you can see Confederate soldiers along with early business leaders, teachers, doctors and politicians. This is a rare opportunity to learn about our past community leaders, citizens and history of our town. Ghost Walk teaches you how Minden’s women and men endured through great hardships and strived to overcome great obstacles to make our town what it is today.
“We hope to have some extra treats for our visitors this year,” Brown stated. “With many new stops this year, it will be hard to pick your favorite.” Brown also stated that she could not do any of this without all the talented people and guides who volunteer their time and efforts to make this annual tour a huge success. The members of the Minden Cemetery board also want to thank the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Dorcheat Historical Association Museum and the Minden Historic Residential Association for their support of this event. If you missed the tour last year, you don’t want to miss it this year. For more information on the Minden Cemetery located on Bayou Avenue and the annual tour, visit http://www.mindencemetery.blogspot.com or you can contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192 or iluvoldcars@yahoo.com

Minden Cruisin For A Cure Wheels Through Time Car Show In The Works

2010 Minden St Jude Cruisin’ For A Cure Wheels Through Time Vehicle Show & Shine Plans In The Works
Saturday May 1st, 2010 will be the 7th year in Minden, Louisiana that antique and classic transportation enthusiasts have come together to show that they care. Held at the Minden, Louisiana Fair Grounds, you don't want to miss the 7th annual open class vehicle show and shine. If it has wheels you need to bring it out. This year’s show will include a silent auction, raffle items, $500 cash drawing, good fun, good people and a great time. Live music will be provided by Minden’s own Elvis, Mr. Mike Spillers and the Dorcheat Bottom Band with a few special guests to keep toes tapping for most of the day.
Lots of goodie-bag items, plenty of Coca-Cola products and maybe even a few surprises before the day is over. Most of all lots of GREAT CARS, Tractors, and Motorcycles (over 300 vehicles have registered in the past with 4000 spectators attending this event)! This year the show has added available vendor and swap meet spots.
In the past six years this show has given $73,000 for cancer research and $13,000 to the local museum. This show supports two great causes that are important to our area. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Inc. are two great causes that will benefit from the 2010 show.
Show organizer and promoter Schelley Brown reports, last year over 90 cars had pre-registered by April 1st. Brown commented that most folks don’t pre-register for these shows they wait and see what the weather is going to do. This show has had weather issues in the past but surprisingly has always been able to pull off a very successful show. In fact this show is one of the fastest growing vehicle shows in the Southern region. This year the extra incentive again is for pre-registering is two chances in the hopper for the $500 cash drawing that will be given to a lucky show participant and $200 to the club with the most members pre-registered, Brown exclaimed, “This year, with many folks in need of extra money, I thought this would be a good way to get folks to travel the distance to come to Minden. Coming to a show is an expensive endeavor with gas, hotel and food cost on the rise. We are praying for beautiful weather and big crowds! I hope everyone in the area will come out and show their support and see the beautiful cars, trucks, tractors, bikes and just enjoy the day.
For more information please contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192.
For more information on the car show and registration information and forms visit the web sites. www.mindencruisinforacure.com and www.mindencruisinforacure.blogspot.com .

Get Yourself Some Cheap Sunglasses

Me and my friends exchanged gifts on New Years Eve. Where would I be without these great friends!