Vol. 4 Issue 12
Oct. 15-31, 2010
www.cenlalight.wordpress.com
cenlalight@gmail.com
Study: Pastors think highly of selves By The Barna Research Group Ventura, Calif.
The only aspect for which a majority did not claim to do an excellent or good job was in fund-raising. Less than one-third of all Senior Pastors (31 percent) claimed they were above average in raising money, while 37 percent said they are merely “average” in that domain. Raising money for their church’s ministry was the only aspect among those tested for which more than one out of five pastors portrayed their efforts as “not too good” or “poor” (23 percent). Only two aspects generated at least one out of ten pastors claiming to do a below average job: administration (11 percent) and motivating people on the basis of a vision for their church’s ministry (10 percent). The survey also showed that the pastors of non-white congregations rated themselves significantly higher than did the pastors of white congregations on eight of the 11 dimensions tested. The only areas in which pastors of non-white congregations did not rate themselves higher than others were in pastoring, preaching and fundraising.
Most pastors feel they do a good job at leading their congregations, except when it comes to raising money. In fact, of 11 common activities that pastors undertake, a majority of Protestant senior pastors rated themselves as doing an “excellent” or “good” job in 10 of those 11 areas. A nationwide survey among Protestant Senior Pastors by the Barna Research Group of Ventura, Calif., shows that the way in which pastors rate themselves varies somewhat according to the size of the church the pastor oversees, the theological leanings of the pastor, and his/her tenure in the pastorate. Getting the Job Done At least four out of every five Protestant Senior Pastors said they do an above-average job — defined as either an “excellent” or “good” rating — in three of the 11 aspects of pastoral involvement examined. Nine out of 10 said they are above average in preaching and teaching, 85 percent said they do well in encouraging people, and 82 percent claimed to be excellent or good in the area of pastoring or shepherding people. Nearly 73 percent said they do well in providing leadership for their church, while two-thirds said they are above average in motivating people
around a vision (68 percent) and discipling or mentoring (64percent). Six out of 10 pastors claim they do well in evangelism (60 percent), while slightly more than half of all
Senior Pastors say they are better than most in counseling (54 percent), administration or management (53 percent) and developing ministry strategy (53 percent).
Size Affects Self-Rating The Senior Pastors of larger churches (more than 250 people) rated themselves more highly than did their colleagues from smaller
Pastors Study Continued on Page 10
The light – October 15-31, 2010
Page 2
Education, training a must for spiritual leaders By Sherri L.Jackson Publisher Ordained Baptist preacher
BIRTHDAY GIRL — Publisher Sherri L. Jackson strikes a pose after church in celebration of her 45th birthday on Oct. 3. Jackson was born in Independence, La., to Herbert and Margaret Brown.
What man or woman would allow a medical professional to perform any type of heart procedure without first knowing that the medical professional had the proper credentials to do so. Or what person would knowingly hire an attorney who had no education of any kind and did not care to have any. I am going to use my three ounces of common sense and declare that we would not use an uneducated heart surgeon or uneducated attorney. Here’s my question: Why in the world would members of many of our religious institutions not care enough to make sure that the man or woman who is over their soul have the necessary training to
do so? It seems that becoming a spiritual leader is one of the easiest “professions” to embark upon because very few “employers” care about whether or not the “employee” has the ability to read, write and do basic arithmetic. Please understand, I am not questioning anyone’s calling to do ministry. That’s far beyond my expertise and pay grade. I am saying that our spiritual lives and our souls should be worth having someone who cannot only “rightly divide the Word,” but also one who can pronounce the word. We can no longer accept the adage that “God called me and He will put the words in my mouth.” I do understand that most of our older spiritual leaders didn’t have the opportunity to obtain a formal education due to a system
that didn’t want them to be educated. There is no excuse today. We must hold our spiritual leaders accountable to make it a priority to get some type of training somewhere. These days it seems it’s too darn easy for a man or woman to become a pastor one day after announcing he or she has been called into the ministry. Of course, not every preacher or pastor will receive a degree from a seminary or a college. However, he or she should be willing to attend training opportunities when possible. Certainly, the message that we preach never changes, but our methods must change to keep up with a changing society.
Council Districts’ electorate. I think that’s very disappointing. I’m also disturbed by the fact that each election, especially here in Alexandria, brings a lower percentage of registered voters to the polls. How can Alexandrians
(as well as all Americans) neglect the most important fundamental privilege afforded to them? Voting is a means of sounding your voice. It’s a freedom that none of us should take for granted. However, we did just that on Oct. 2. The candidates did their part on Election Day, but some voters failed to do theirs. At the same time, even with the voter turnout being low, those of you who did vote had both the winners and losers of their races saying “the people have spoken.” Indeed, it was the will of the people — at least the ones who cared and voted to elect Roy, Gibson, and Villard to
their respective offices. Yes, voting turnout was not what it should have been, but what matters is that voters saw a need to have Roy continue as Alexandria’s mayor, and a need for a change in personnel in District 2 and one of the at-large City Council seats. I wish Mayor Roy, Councilwoman Gibson, and At-Large Councilman Villard well, and do agree with the outcome of the elections. However, I still am unhappy with the lack of overall voter turnout.
Voter turnout numbers dismal and disturbing Now that the results from the Oct. 2 primary election are official, let’s talk about what really went down on that day. Let’s talk about the dismal turnout, particularly in the black community. We certainly have nothing to be proud of on that day. Regardless of the outcome, there is no excuse for anyone not pulling the lever. There were certainly enough choices. Let’s be clear. I’m not talking about the fact that Jacques Roy emerged as the winner of the mayoral election over the Rev. Joseph Franklin, Von Jennings, Jay Johnson and Roosevelt Johnson. Roy won without having to fight for his votes.
Let’s be clear. I’m not talking about the fact that Jim Villard beat Myron Lawson to win the at-large City Council seat. Villard waged a serious campaign, and he deserved the nod. I’m certainly not talking about the fact that Mitzi Gibson won the District 2 Council seat to replace incumbent Everett Hobbs. Her platform of being accessible and responsive to the needs of the residents resonated with District 2 voters. Roy, Villard, and Gibson are fine. What’s not fine is the fact that they were chosen by such a small (or should I say tiny) percentage of Alexandria’s respective
The light –October 15-31, 2010
Lower Third Street pharmacy open for business By Sherri L. Jackson The Light
NEW BUSINESS — Shown is the building of The Pill Box Pharmacy located at 3203 Third St. The fullservice pharmacy is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Photos by Sherri L. Jackson FRIENDLY FACE — Pharmacist Michelle Smith brings more than 20 years of experience to the business and is ready and available to help customers meet their prescription needs.
It’s been a long time coming, but it’s here. It is a pharmacy, and here is on Third and Douglass streets in the Lower Third community of District 3. And Martha Lowe, who lives in the community couldn’t be prouder that there is finally a pharmacy in her community. “I’m proud that they put something down here for us. I am ecstatic,” Lowe said as she was questioning Pharmacist Michelle Smith about the business’ services. Joe Williams and Smith, who has been a pharmacist for 23 years, are the owners of The Pill Box, a full-service pharmacy located at 3203 Third St. Smith previously worked at Rite-Aid on MacArthur Drive. The Third Street location is the second Pill Box Pharmacy in Alexandria. The first location, which opened in January, is located at 4740 Jackson St. The Pill Box is the former The Medicine Shoppe. The pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All forms of insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, are accepted. Though the Third Street location has not had its official grand opening, it is open for business and awaiting customers, especially the community’s elderly who’ve expressed concerns about the lack of a community pharmacy. And service is what Williams and Smith hope to bring to
the community. Williams said his desire is to bring the pharmacy to Lower Third Street surfaced about a year ago when he noticed there was not a pharmacist near Rapides Primary Health Care Clinic located on Willow Glenn River Road and that people were outside of the clinic waiting on a bus. “I looked at a building next door to the clinic, but that didn’t work out. Then the word got out and the city approached me about (participating in) SPARC,” he said. SPARC stands for Special Planned Activity Redevelopment Corridors. It is the City of Alexandria’s infrastructure investment project that includes three Cultural Restoration Areas known as CRAs. Lower Third Street is one of those CRAs. In March, Williams was one of the potential investors Mayor Jacques Roy said was interested in bringing retail development to Lower Third Street. “The ultimate goal is to bring something bigger to the community, but I didn’t want to wait. I wanted to get going,” he said. Smith said the pharmacy located in the small building that once served as a food establishment has the same amenities as a larger pharmacy. “We are full service, and we have the top 200 medications in stock. What we don’t have in stock, we can get the same day or the next day. If we have the drug in stock, we will fill the prescription right
Page 3
away. The service goal is 10 minutes, Smith said. “Also we can match any competitor’s price, and it’s easy to transfer transcriptions. If you need a refill, we can call the doctor and get it for you,” she said. Additionally, as business picks up, both Williams and Smith said there will be job opportunities available to community residents. Until then, Williams and Smith are working at the pharmacy Meanwhile, Attorney Jonathan Goins, who represents the Lower Third community on the Alexandria City Council, said having the pharmacy in the community is a “positive beginning to a bright future of economic development in the Lower Third Area.” “I applaud Mr. Williams for taking the step that many businesses are afraid to do. Even before I became a councilman, one of the main concerns of the elderly is that they didn’t have any way to get their medicine in the community,” he said. “When the opportunity arose, I was excited to hear Mr. Williams was coming to the community.” “This is the catalyst needed to spark other businesses to come down and participate in the growth and development of our community.” Goins said he encourages the community to visit the pharmacy and to spread the word throughout their communities that the pharmacy is available and open for business.
The Pill Box Pharmacy, 3203 Third St., Alexandria (318) 787-2788 Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The light – October 15-31, 2010
Page 4
UTS continues tradition of training preachers
Photos by Sherri L. Jackson FORMAL TRAINING — Dr. Robert Vincent, pastor of Grace Church in Alexandria, writes on the board Tuesday, Oct. 12, during a class at the United Theological Seminary and Bible College. Vincent teaches a class on sects and cults. At right, the Rev. Mabel Smith, a student at the seminary, looks over her notes and books during class. By Sherri L. Jackson The Light Attending Sunday School and Bible Study is one thing. Attending formal Christian education classes is quite another. At least that’s what Minister Janice Williams has discovered since she’s been a student at the United Theological Seminary and Bible College of Monroe. Williams, a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Alexandria, is a junior at the school. “I’m extremely glad that I got in school. I’m learning things that I didn’t get in Sunday School and Bible Study,” Williams said. “School has really enlightenment me to issues men and women of God face. It is more than being about a preacher.” It’s students like Williams
that the 60-year-old institution hopes will continue to undertake the Christian educational journey. The Rev. Frank Jackson, director of the Alexandria campus, said the school began with the goal of the providing a quality Christian education to Christian leaders who at that time was not able to attend a seminary. “Seminary provides the tools to become proficient as a spiritual leader, pastor, teacher or evangelist,” he said. “Seminary does not teach you how to preach, but it does give you the tools that will give you a greater understanding of the text and the proper skills to appropriate present the truth in an applicable way.” Dr. Robby D. Williams, the school’s president, makes the following statement on the Web site:
“The curriculum and objectives of United Theological Seminary and Bible College are centered around the study of the Bible as the inspired word of God. Its main purpose shall ever be to provide religious instruction suited to the needs of a constituency interested in church-related vocations.” Though UTS, an accredited institution has been organized since 1960, the Alexandria campus opened about 25 years ago with up to 100 students having gone through its doors. Other campuses are located in Baton Rouge, Houma, Leesville, Minden, Monroe, Natchitoches, New Iberia and Oakdale. Campuses located outside of the state are Flint, Mich.; Ocala, Fla.; Tacoma, Wash.; and Seattle. In the last couple of years, the number of students in
Alexandria have declined. Currently, there are about eight active students, with more than half of those being women. Jackson said he has some ideas about the reasons behind the decline in enrollment. “Christian education is challenged by the idea that people say, ‘God called me and that’s sufficient.’ I’m here to say that Christian education never replaces the call, but it does help the person become more proficient in his or her calling.” To help better facilitate learning, the school has organized itself in such a way that all instructors must now have a master’s degree. At the Alexandria campus, many of the instructors have doctorates. Instructors include Stella Poindexter, Dr. Cornelius
Jones, Dr. Lee Weems, Dr. Robert Vincent and Dr. Charles Taylor. Jackson said the school is available to lay people as well as ministers. “Anyone who stands before a group of people and teach or preach, should be interested in Christian education,” he said. To apply, potential students must have a high school diploma or GED. Tuition is $500 a semester. Students with a college degree must submit their college transcript for a determination of classes to be transferred to the seminary. Fore more about the school or to register, call the following: Jackson (318) 542-3944; Poindexter (504) 236-6338; or Registrar Velma Batiste at (318) 623-0227.
The light –October 15-31, 2010
Page 5
Honoring Our Spiritual Leaders 2010 Rev. Herbert V. Baptise Jr. “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction,” 2 Timothy 4:2.
We Love You &Truly Thank God for You! Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church Pastors Appreciation Day “ A Good Man Obtained Favor of the Lord”
Our Pastor, Rev. Tom Hamilton,
Is a good man who believes in right and righteousness, believes in God, will do unto all men, loves his neighbors, is always loving, kind, and true. When you are good, you obtaineth favor of the Lord!
Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church Family
Pastor Willie J. Dunkley Thanks For All You Do!!! The Guillot Family
Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church
The light – October 15-31, 2010
Page6
Antioch’s Gospel Fest 2010 proves successful
GOOD SINGING — Shown is the Mississippi Mass Choir, which was one of the musical artist, who appeared on the 2010 Fall Gospel Fest hosted by Antioch Baptist Church. The concert was held Friday, Oct. 1 at the Rapides Parish Coliseum.
Soloist Mosie Burks of Mississippi Mass Choir
LET’S SING — Shown from left are gospel music artist and Stellar Awards winner Dwayne Woods, who was one of the special musical guests at the 2010 Fall Gospel Fest hosted by Antioch Baptist Church. Also shown are Bruce Cotton and Margaret West, both of Antioch Baptist Church. Cotton was one of the event’s coordinators. Sir Richard Smallwood
All Photos by Patrick Shaw
The light –October 15-31, 2010
Page 7
Malcolm Williams brings good time to SMBC
All Photos by Odessa Wilson JAMMING FOR JESUS — Gospel music artist Malcolm Williams leads one of his songs during the Celebration of Gospel Music Workshop Musical held Saturday, Oct. 2, at St. Matthew Baptist Church in Boyce. Williams of Chicago was the guest clinician in a three-day workshop in which he taught songs from his latest CD and useful techniques and skills for choirs and choir members. Almost 50 participants sang in the choir. Charles Tucker, minister of music at St. Matthew, brought Williams to Alexandria to introduce Williams’ music to Central Louisiana.
SING CHILDREN — Pastor Cedric Hayes and two members of the Gloryland Pastor’s Choir, dance during their performance at St. Matthew Baptist Church on Saturday, Oct. 2. The choir, shown at right, is from Little Rock, Ark., and is comprised of members ages 4 to 18. Hayes, pastor of Gloryland Family Fellowship Church, started the choir in April 2008 to give the children an opportunity to sing. They have traveled throughout the country and appeared on The Bobby Jones Gospel Show.
The light – October 15-31, 2010
Page 8
7th annual Homeless Stand: ‘Excellent’
The 7th annual Homeless Stand Down was held recently with “much success,” said Rena Powell, Health Care for Homeless Veterans coordinator for the Veterans . The annual event was held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 23, at the Bolton Avenue Community Center.
“It was excellent. We had higher attendance this year and about 60 booths,” Powell said. The idea behind the event, Powell said, is to gather service agencies in one place in order to increase the community’s awareness of the services provided to
the homeless, veterans and displaced persons. The Alexandria VA Medical Center (VAMC), in conjunction with the city of Alexandria and Central Louisiana Homeless Coalition sponsored the event.
2010 Stop Domestic Violence Events Sponsors Turning Point Battered Women’s Program Pineville Concerned Citizens Inc.
All Photos by Sherri L. Jackson
October 20 Domestic Violence Healing Service 12:05 p.m. Sacred Heart Catholic Church 600 Lakeview St., Pineville October 21 Kees Park Community Center Louisiana Highway 28 East, Pineville 11:30 am – Domestic Violence Informational Luncheon 6 p.m. Candlelight Vigil
The light –October 15-31, 2010
Page 9
District 2 changes Council landscape By Sherri L. Jackson The Light Voters in Alexandria’s District 2 had something to say and they said it loud and clear. These voters in the Oct. 2 primary overwhelmingly pulled the level for newcomer Mitzi Gibson to defeat incumbent Everett Hobbs. Gibson won the seat with 1,461 votes, or 68 percent, while Hobbs received 689 votes, or 32 percent. “District 2 was ready for a change, and they spoke,” said 41-year-old Gibson. “The people wanted someone who was accessible and responsive. They wanted someone they would be able to communicate with.”
In bringing change to District 2, the voters also changed the landscape of the Alexandria City Council. Gibson will be the only woman on the Council and the first black woman to do so in the city’s history. “Making history is a bonus. I sought God for the peace to proceed with the campaign. I told God I wanted to be elected to serve the people. I had no idea District 2 would make history,” Gibson said. Though Gibson said she is humbled with the historical win, she is ready to begin the work that the voters sent her to do. And to successfully do the work that she was sent to do, Gibson said it will be important to effectively
work with each city council member. “In the past, I never got the sense that the council members worked together,” she said. “I know that I will have to garner the support of others to achieve the goals of District 2. “I feel confident that I will be able to get the support of others.” Meanwhile, Gibson said she understands the dynamics of District 2, which encompasses the Sonia Quarters, Martin Park, and Airview Terrance. “In South Alexandria, people expressed the need for clean and safe streets and jobs. In Martin Park and Airview Terrance, they are concerned about more infrastructure
Mr. Northwestern
such as drainage. They do not want to be afraid every time there is a big rain,” Gibson said. In knowing the varied needs and desires of District 2 residents, Gibson said she will need the continued support of the people who voted to place her on the Council. “I need the same people to work with me to accomplish their goals,” she said. “I will not be giving out false hope. I will be honest with you and do my best to do what is asked of me. Gibson is married to Jerry, and is the mother of four. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing with a minor in Broadcasting and Journalism from
Councilwoman-elect Mitzi Gibson
Grambling State University. She works as a marketing and public relations professional.
H E L P I N G P E O P L E B U I L D CO M M U N I T I E S I N C E N T R A L L O U I S I A N A
.OVEMBER s 4RAINING /FFERINGS BASIC COURSES:
New and Emerging Groups Basic Grant Writing Speaker: Tiya Scroggins Date: Monday, Nov. 8 Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Volunteering: The 4 R‘s Recruit, Retain, Record, Recognize Speaker: Susan Shaffette Date: Thursday, Nov. 11 Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
GENERALCOURSES: Emerging and Growing Nonprofits Recruiting and Developing a Nonprofit Board
MINISTRIES IN ACTION:
Speaker: Lisa Kaichen Date: Wednesday, Nov. 3 Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
s #$7 S MISSION IS TO CREATE and support a community development infrastructure as the primary vehicle for citizen involvement in improving the health and WELL BEING OF #ENTRAL Louisiana residents.
LEARNING LAB OFFERINGS:
s 4HERE IS NO COST FOR #$7 Training.
Faith-Based Series Fund Development: Diversify Your Revenue
Building a Technology Plan Speaker: Felicia Walker Date: Thursday, Nov. 18 Time: 9:00 a.m.-Noon
Speaker: Leroy Divinity Date: Monday, Nov. 1 Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
s #LASS SIZE IS LIMITED AND registration is required. s 4O REGISTER FOR COURSES PLEASE call 318.443.7880 or 800.803.8075, or register online at:
communitydevelopmentworks.org
ADVANCED COURSES:
Mature Nonprofits Staff Development and Coaching Performance
ROYALTY — Shown is Ronnie O. Washington Jr., who was named Mr. Northwestern State University 2010-2011. Washington is the son of Ronnie O. Washington Sr. and Cynthia Williams Washington. He is a 2007 graduate of Peabody Magnet High School and an active member of Greater Live Oak Baptist Church.
Speaker: Jackie Hall Date: Tuesday, Nov. 16 Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Community Development Works Funded by
The light – October 15-31, 2010
Page 10
Pastors Study Continued from Page 1 congregations in four areas: administration, counseling, developing ministry strategy and motivating people on the basis of vision. There were no pastoral functions for which clergy from smaller congregations rated themselves more highly than their counterparts from betterattended churches. The differences between the pastors of large and small churches (less than 100 adults) were biggest when it came to administration (23 percent of those at larger churches rated themselves “excellent” compared to half as many among small-church pastors); developing ministry strategy (17 percent vs. 6 percent, respectively); and motivating people around a vision (26 percent versus 10percent). In each of these areas, as well as in relation to encouraging and leading people, the pastors of churches that draw 100 to 250 adults were in-between. Theological Leanings Impact Self-Perceptions The theological orientation of pastors also correlated
with their self-perceptions. For instance, the pastors of charismatic churches rated themselves more positively than did pastors of fundamentalist churches, while pastors who describe their theology as “liberal” —representing only onefifth of all Protestant pastors — rated themselves more positively than either group. Fundamentalist pastors did not rate themselves more highly than did charismatic pastors on any of the 11 factors tested. Liberal pastors, though, were more likely to give themselves an “excellent” rating than were charismatic pastors on four dimensions: leadership, pastoring, preaching, and fundraising. The centuries-old division between Calvinist and Wesleyan theology made little difference in how pastors view themselves. There was only one dimension on which one group was notably different than the other: pastors with a Wesleyan orientation were slightly more likely to describe their preaching as “excellent by a 34 percent to 25 percent margin. Years in Ministry Make Little Difference The length of time a pastor
had been involved in full-time pastoral ministry had only a minor influence on how he/ she evaluated the quality of their work. Pastors who have been serving for five years or less were more likely than were their more experienced colleagues to rate themselves highly in reference to administration, but were somewhat less likely to give themselves the highest accolades concerning pastoring and fundraising. In terms of the relative quality of their ministry, pastors who have been serving for more than a decade ranked their abilities in the areas of pastoring, motivating on the basis of vision, and counseling comparatively higher than did less experienced pastors. The long-tenure leaders were less enthusiastic about their administrative capacity than were other pastors. Spiritual Gifts Correspond to Performance The survey data also showed that the spiritual gifts claimed by Senior Pastors correspond to the areas in which they feel they are doing the most laudable work. The primary gift listed by pastors
was most often preaching and teaching (mentioned by 40 percent as their single, most dominant gift), followed by pastoring (12 percent) and encouraging (6 percent). Although many pastors consider themselves to be a leader, and feel they do an above-average job of leading people, only 4 percent of pastors said leadership was their primary gift. Reactions to the Data George Barna, whose firm conducted the research, elaborated upon the survey statistics. “There was a noteworthy correlation between adult attendance and the pastor’s self-rating regarding vision casting, strategic development and possessing the gift of leadership. For instance, among pastors of the largest churches studied, leadership was the primary gift claimed by the second-largest number of pastors, and the pastors of larger churches were nearly three times as likely as the pastors of small congregations to rate themselves highly in motivating people on the basis of vision and developing ministry strategy. While attendance figures are not a valid measure
of church success — life transformation is the bottom line, and we often find a weak correlation between church size and transformation — the relationship between people’s willingness to attend a church and the leadership qualities of the pastor is an important connection to highlight.” Barna also pointed out that there appears to be a need for standard and objective measures of self-evaluation that church leaders can utilize. “Pastors are indisputably a talented and well-educated group. However, it’s unrealistic for most pastors to claim that they perform at an aboveaverage level in such a large number of disparate ministry duties as those examined in the study. Given the different skills and divergent ways of thinking required to excel in these various areas, perhaps the survey is pointing out the need for an objective selfevaluation tool or process that will help clergy to more reliably assess their strengths and weaknesses in ministry. Simply identifying a standard for excellence in these areas would be a significant step forward toward helping ministries and ministers assess the quality and impact of their efforts.
B&G Club to host Afterschool Program event The Boys & Girls Club of Central Louisiana will celebrate its afterschool programs from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21 with “Lights on After School.” The celebration is part of a national initiative to call attention to the importance of afterschool programs. It is a project of the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to quality, affordable afterschool programs. Locally, the event will be at 1801 Sylvester St., where the Boys & Girls Club of Central Louisiana has afterschool programs for youth ages 6 to 18. Afterschool programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Central Louisiana operate from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tutoring and sessions on money matters, healthy nutrition, arts and crafts, and social recreation are offered. Also, transportation is available from select schools. According to a study conducted by the Afterschool Alliance, African-American children are much more likely to be in afterschool programs than other children. Consider the following findings: • Twenty-four percent (2,069,720) of African-American children are enrolled
in afterschool programs – at schools, community centers, churches or elsewhere. By comparison, 15 percent of all children participate in afterschool programs. • • Twenty-eight percent (2,473,140) of African-American children have no adult supervision after school and are responsible for taking care of themselves during the afternoon hours. • Demand for afterschool programs is great in the African-American community. Parents of African-American children not currently in afterschool programs are much more likely than other parents to say that they would enroll their children in quality afterschool programs if programs were available. • Sixty-one percent (4,113,972) of African-American parents say they would enroll their children if programs were available compared to 38 percent of parents in general. For more information about participation call the Club at (318) 442-4545.
The light –October 15-31, 2010
Page 11
Michelle Smith, R. Ph.
3203 Third St. Alexandria, LA 71303
Now Open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gone Wild Safari officially opens in Tioga
STRANGE SCENES — Alexandria City Councilman Ed Larvadain III stands behind a snake handler at the official grand opening of Gone Wild Safari held Wednesday, Oct. 5. The safari is 63-acre animal park that has been open since June. It features species such as camel, ostrich, giraffe, emu, water buffalo, bison, llama, zebra, wildebeest and kangaroo. At right, Samuel Dangerfield, a volunteer with the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, sports a snake around his neck during the event.
All Photos Courtesy of Nakia Nelson FIELD TRIP — Students and their chaperones keep up with each other while touring Gone Wild Safari animal park in Tioga. The park, which opened in June, held its official grand opening on Wednesday, Oct. 5.