Community

Although my commute to work was only seven minutes, I sometimes skipped the trip back home for lunch and landed, instead, in the prayer garden at my church, with a salad and a glass of sweet tea.

Thanksgiving is a food lover’s paradise. Even though the turkey and side dishes are the crowning achievements on Thanksgiving, hungry guests will need something to tide them over until the pièce de résistance is ready. In such situations, bite-sized appetizers that are tasty yet not too filling can fit the bill.

Along with the delicious food, gift giving and cheer of the holiday season, getting together with friends and family is also cherished. Whether it’s a cozy weekend dinner with friends or time for festive merrymaking, you can enhance any gathering with unique small plates and appetizers.

On Oct. 14, the Knights of Columbus (KC) Youth Soccer Challenge for the Diocese of Lake Charles was conducted at the Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Elementary School Soccer Field in Jennings. Pictured are (from left) the winners in their respective age categories: Hudd Cox (11-yearold boys), Allison Nunally (14-year-old girls), Ethan Harbert (14-year-old boys), Noah LeFranc (12-year-old boys) and Adeline Oustalet (13-year-old girls). Ten-year-old Harrison Oustalet (not pictured) also won in his age category. The Diocese of Lake Charles is made up of five civil parishes located in Southwest Louisiana. The Diocese Champions will participate in the State KC Soccer Challenge to be held at the Burbank Soccer Complex in Baton Rouge Nov. 14.

Because of a donation from attorney Daniel Sparks to Ward Elementary School, around 200 students will be able to choose any book from the book fair. He said he made this donation so every child knows the joy of reading.

On Oct. 16, Diocese of Lake Charles Knights of Columbus Administrator Rizzuto (left) presented the Columbian Award to Knights of Columbus Council 2012 from Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Jennings. Accepting the award on behalf of the council was Past Grand Knight Carl Benoit (center) and Deputy Grand Knight Frank Angelle (right). This award is presented by the Knights’ International Headquarters to councils who have achieved excellence in volunteer programming activities involving church, community, council, culture of life, family and youth. This is the 21st year in a row the council has won the Columbian Award.

During the October meeting of Knights of Columbus (KC) Council 2012 from Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC) Parish in Jennings, Grand Knight Toni Benoit (right) presented the Council’s Knight of the Month Award for September to Daniel Stretcher (center, pictured with his wife Jennifer). Daniel has been a member of the Knights of Columbus and KC Council 2012 since July of 2000 and he is a 4th Degree Knight. Daniel did an exemplary job of serving as the Council’s Grand Knight for two fraternal years. For over the last 12 years, Daniel has served as the Council’s Financial Secretary and in that capacity he has been responsible for all communications between the Council and both the State and Supreme Councils. He also orders from the Supreme Council Supply Office all the supplies and required forms which are needed by the Council. Daniel has represented the Council at many state-level meetings of the Louisiana State KC Council. When the Council has needed help on a service related or fundraising project, they have always been able to count on Daniel to lend a helping hand. He has worked on all the barbecue fundraisers conducted during his time as a Knight. For these fundraisers he has sold tickets and helped to cook the main course. Daniel has also assisted in the conduct of the annual KC Free Throw contests and the annual KC Soccer Youth Challenges, events which have been enjoyed by all the participants. He is a member of the 1st to 3rd Degree Exemplification Team and thus has been one of the driving forces behind the membership efforts of the Council.

Royal Horizon Academy Therapeutic Learning Center recently polled students about what they wanted to be when they grew up. For Community Helper Day of the Month, Jennings Police Department officer Ethan Landry and his K-9 Max were on hand to talk to the students about how police officers can help the community.