Vol. 4 Issue 11
Sept. 15-30, 2010
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Is Four Too Many?
Photo by Al Cotton HOUSE DIVIDED? — Shown are mayoral candidates the Rev. Joseph Franklin, Von Jennings, Jay Johnson, Roosevelt Johnson and Jacques Roy, who each participated in a forum held on Thursday, Sept. 9 in the Alexandria City Council Chambers. The forum, hosted by the Central Louisiana Business League and its partners, also included the candidates for Council Districts 2, 4 and the At-Large seat. Many people, particularly in the black community, are concerned that having four black candidates in the mayor’s race will dilute the votes in the community and prevent the chance of the city from having its first black mayor in a city that has a large percentage of black residents. For more about these candidates and others, see Pages 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9.
The light – September 15-30, 2010
Page 2
Too many familiar faces in 1 place, on 1 ballot “It’s ashamed.” “Why can’t they just get behind one person and support that person?” “I just don’t understand it.” “Once again the slave mentality kicks in.” “We will never get ahead.” “It’s the crab mentality.” These are just some of the statements that I’ve heard since it became apparent that four blacks had placed their hat in the ring to unseat Jacques Roy from the mayor’s office. Like many, I’m not sure of the reasoning, except to say that it’s every person’s right to run for any office
that he or she believes he or she is qualified to run. Still, I’m amazed and baffled that we didn’t learn our lesson in 2006 when there were several black candidates in the race and Roosevelt Johnson lost being in the runoff by less than 20 votes. I don’t believe that it is my task to tell you who should be mayor of the Alexandria. For many, it will come down to friendships, family members, church members, Greek members and other affiliations. With that said I pray that the dilution of your votes will not give Roy an
automatic win. Make him fight for every vote. Do not be taken for granted. In these pages, I’ve freely given candidates the opportunity to express their views to you. I need you to take note of those who thought enough of you to respond to a simple questionnaire about their intentions for the office they are seeking your votes. On Oct. 2, make sure you have the final say when you enter and close the electronic curtain. Make your vote count.
Publisher Sherri L. Jackson sits on Grandmother Viola Sims’ lap during a 95th birthday celebration held Saturday, Sept. 11. The Senior Mission of Greenfield Baptist Church in Hammond hosted the celebration for Sims’ a longtime member. Joycelyn Lee is the Mission president, and the Rev. Jerry Hanible is pastor.
Washington, D.C. – District 26 Rep. Herbert B. Dixon, was recently named vice chair of the National Council of State Legislatures’ Labor and Economic Development Committee. Massachusetts Senator and NCSL President Richard T. Moore made the appointment. “I am honored to represent the interests of the state legislatures in the continuing debate over the changing state-federal relationship,” Rep. Dixon said about his new appointment. The Labor and Economic Development Committee is one of 12 standing committees on the National Conference of State Legislatures. The standing committees are responsible for developing policies that guide NCSL’s activities on Capitol Hill and within the administration. “Rep. Dixon brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to the table,” said Senator Richard Moore. “I am pleased that he has accepted the appointment and I look forward to his valuable contributions to state public policy over the next year.” NCSL has just completed an active
year in representing the interests of states in Washington, D.C. including work on the extension of an enhanced Federal Medicaid match, health care reform, financial services reform, transportation finance reauthorization, and electronic commerce, among other issues. The National Conference of State Legislatures is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the states in the American federal system.
Birthday Girl!
Sherri L. Jackson, Publisher 1429 Third Street Alexandria, LA 71301
Dixon named to legislators’ national economic committee
Phone: (318) 487-9254 Or drop us a line at Email: cenlalight@gmail.com
The light –September 15-30, 2010
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Dropping out of the race would show leadership It is no secret that I’ve been hoping and praying that at least one or more of the four blacks vying for the mayor’s seat in the City of Alexandria would gracefully drop out of the race. So far it’s only a wish, but I remain hopeful that Von Jennings, Roosevelt Johnson, the Rev. Joseph Franklin or Jay Johnson would see the light for the good of Alexandria’s mankind. It appears my hopes may be dwindling as time is almost near and each candidate is putting out signs, circulating printed materials, participating in forums, launching Web sites and staging fundraisers. I fear no one will throw in the towel and call it quits. However, just in case one or two heeds my call in order to give the best qualified candidate among them a chance to defeat Jacques Roy, I have
developed the perfect statement to use in announcing to the public reasons for getting out of the race. Here is that statement: “After much thoughtful consideration and discussion with my family, friends, and supporters, I am here today to tell
you that I have officially withdrawn my candidacy for mayor of Alexandria, but I have done so with great regret. As much as I would like to lead the progress of Alexandria over the next four years, and as I strongly as I believe I have the qualifications, experience, vision, and ideas to govern this city, it is apparent with three other black candidates in the race that I have little or no chance of being elected mayor. I’ve come to realize that I will not be able to get, especially with the others (blacks) in this race, a majority of black votes to win outright or even reach a runoff if one is needed. This is a hard fact that I couldn’t just ignore. As much as I want Alexandria to have a black mayor, and as much as I want to be that black mayor, I can honestly say here and now that both will not
happen in this current race due to four of us being on the ballot. I know that electing someone as mayor should be based upon their qualifications and experience rather than their skin color, but there is nothing wrong with wishing that a city with almost a 52 percent black population have a black mayor.” “Making this decision was not an easy one, but it was the right thing for me to do at this time. Doing so does not make me weak, does not mean that I didn’t have faith in myself to win, and doesn’t mean that I didn’t have faith in you to vote for me. I may be dropping out of this race, but I plan to make it my business over these next four years to be in the know about all aspects of city business, and to
Ford’s Thoughts Continued on Page 9
The light – September 15-30, 2010
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Mayor City of Alexandria Name: Von Jennings Political Party: Democrat Age: 36 Address: 3235 4th St., Alexandria, LA Email address: vonjennings@att.net Vocation: Professional grant writer/business retention and expansion project coordinator Experience: State, parish and city levels of government, 15 years Education: Bachelor of Arts in political science; Bachelor of Public Administration, both from Grambling State University, and Master of Public Administration from Southern University. Family: Henry and Carolyn Jennings Wright, parents; and Mattie Jennings, grandmother The most pressing issues facing this office are ensuring residents access affordable and quality services such as, but not limited to: affordable utilities, drainage/flooding, revenue generating economic development and restoring confidence to the office of mayor. My vision for the office is an Alexandria where all residents are able to access a high quality of life, live in safe and attractive neighborhoods and benefit from a vibrant economy with thriving businesses.
Name: Jacques Roy Political Party: Democrat Age: 39 Address: 715 Kimball Ave., Alexandria LA Email: jacqroy@aol.com Vocation: Mayor and attorney Experience: Incumbent mayor, served in numerous government positions working in the Louisiana State Senate as a legislative aide and as a government attorney for the Red River, Atchafalaya and Bayou Boeuf Levee District. Received appointment to serve as a law clerk and staff lawyer to the Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal. Education: Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University in political science, Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center, and Holy Savior Menard Central High School Family: Wife, Wendy, and two children The most pressing issue facing this office is to ensure the city’s economic development plan, known as SPARC, which invests millions of dollars in distressed infrastructure. This infrastructure focus touches all aspects of city operations. My vision for the office is to ensure the hard work completed and placed in motion in my first term is continued to solidify Alexandria’s future growth and that means continuing to identify willing collaborators and partners who are united and willing to stand together to move Alexandria forward. I have demonstrated my commitment to targeted, smart funding of our struggling American infrastructure to allow the private sector to do what it does best: create sustainable, meaningful employment and better the quality of Louisiana life.
Name: Roosevelt Johnson Political Party: Democrat Age: 51 Address: 5714 Samuel St., Alexandria, LA Vocation: Training officer for Renaissance Home For Youth Education: Bachelor of Arts, Southern University Family: Wife, Jane F. Johnson, 24 years The most pressing issues facing this office are economic development, drainage, utilities, crime, quality of life, and a balanced
budget My vision for the office is strong effective leadership that will bring accountability, workability and responsibility to the mayor’s office.
Candidates Jay Johnson and Rev. Joseph Franklin did not respond to The Light’s questionnaire.
Vote Oct. 2 or lose your right to complain
The light –September 15-30, 2010
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City of Alexandria, Councilman-at-large Name: David Harris Political Party: Democrat Age: 44 Address: 4715 Neil St., Alexandria, LA Email address: Daveman71302@yahoo.com Vocation: Retail, community volunteer/activist Experience: Army National Guard, 1983-1992; member of the Alexandria Human Relations Commission, 1999 to present; and member of Area 4 Weed & Seed, 2005 to present Education: Graduate of Peabody Magnet High School, 1984; and U.S. army Ordinance School, 1985 Family: Lillie Harris, mother; Felicia and Shalonda Harris, sisters; and Fabian Harris, brother The most pressing issue facing this office is the lack of communication between government and the citizens. My vision for this office is to be that voice for the communities that are in need.
Name: Myron K. Lawson Sr. Political Party: Democrat Age: 46 Address: 6417 Taylor Oaks Lane, Alexandria, LA Email address: myronklawson@gmail.com Vocation: Insurance sales and service Experience: 20 plus years Education: Bachelor of Science, Southern University Family: Wife, Karen Howard Lawson, and son, Myron Jr. The most pressing issue facing this office is a
diminishing sales tax. My vision for the office is to unify the city by placing value on everyone’s opinion, to use our talent in the community to help the city prosper and to work on jobs and crime.
Name: James “Jim” Villard Political Party: Democrat Age: 52 Address: 5153 Hunters Grove Lane, Alexandria, LA Email address: villardatlarge@gmail.com Vocation: Licensed insurance agent Experience: Past co-owner of Double “V” Café, and sales experience with a Fortune 500 company Education: Graduate of Holy Savior Menard High School and Northwestern State University Family: Wife, Janis Villard, and two children, Elizabeth and Allen The most pressing issues facing this office aredrainage, crime and unemployment. My vision for the office is to have a council that will work together for the betterment of all of Alexandria.
Vote Roosevelt Johnson
Get Out to Vote Oct. 2, 2010
Mayor City of Alexandria
“You and Me: 103”
The light – September 15-30, 2010
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Cenla women show off their hat-i-tudes
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church hosted its fifth annual “Calling All Sisters Conference,” Saturday, Aug. 28. The theme for the event was “Fashioned for Him,” based on the scriptural text of Psalm 139:14. The speakers for the event were Ester Bazile, of New Life Baptist Church in Bunkie; Nickesha Isaac, of St. Agnes Church in Houston; Louvenia Pellerin, of St. Peter Baptist Church of Jonesville; and Shirley Taylor of Zion Hill Family Church of Pineville. The conference included special session for girls and a hat contest that featured women showing off hats of many sizes, colors and styles. The winners of the hat contest were Apostle Shelia Waddy, pastor of God’s Church, first place; and Rosa M. Davis of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Jonesville, second place. About 100 women and girls attended the annual event. Antioch Baptist Church is located at 2308 Houston St., Alexandria. The Rev. Stanley Mathis is pastor, and Linda Mathis is first lady and coordinator of the Women’s Conference.
Email your church news to The Light at cenlalight@gmail.com
The light –September 15-30, 2010
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New Scott Olly celebrates unity in community
Youth from New Scott Olly Baptist Church carry the banner signifying the annual Unity Fest parade had officially begun. The parade, held Saturday, Sept. 4, began on Lincoln Road and traveled north to Willow Glenn to the church
Shown are participants of the annual Unity Fest parade, which featured about 20 entries, said Cheryl White, event assistant. Participating churches included St. Matthew, First Bethlehem, and Mt. Pisgah Baptist churches.
Members of Peabody Magnet High School March Band participate in the annual Unity Fest parade held Saturday, Sept. 4.
Members of Sisters of Grace are shown riding one of the many floats riding in the annual Unity Fest parade held Saturday, Sept. 4. New Scott Olly Baptist Church hosts the event yearly on the Saturday before Labor Day.
The light – September 15-30, 2010
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City of Alexandria, Council District 2 Name: Mitzi Gibson Political Party: Democrat Age: 41 Address: 6342 Manor Drive., Alexandria, LA Email address: mitzigibsonfordistrict2@gmail.com Vocation: Marketing/Public Relations professional Experience: Parent Teacher Association member, Louisiana Chapter of Rapides Federation of Democratic Women, immediate past president, Alexandria Police Department Citizens Academy graduate, Alexandria/ Pineville Mayoral Commission for Women member, Central Louisiana Head Start board member, YWCA Board of Directors Education: Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Broadcasting and Journalism from Grambling State University Family: Husband, Jerry; mother of four The most pressing issues facing this office are the need for: clean and safe streets, youth activities and recreation, lower utility bills, improved infrastructure and drainage, economic growth, and economic stability of existing businesses. My vision for the office is a notable change for the residents, an office that is accessible and responsive to the needs of the residents of the area. I foresee District 2 becoming a stronger, more diverse, and innovative community that promotes economic growth and prosperity for all entities residing or conducting business in the area. I visualize an office that listens to the voices of those in District 2 and speaks up for District 2 in city government. I envision clean and safe streets, more youth recreation and activities, lower utility bills, improved infrastructure & drainage, economic growth, and economic stability of existing businesses in District 2.
Name: Everett C. Hobbs Political Party: Democrat Age: 56 Address: 3911 Lisa Street, Alexandria, LA E-mail Address: evhobbs@aol.com Vocation: Contractor (HCC Services); Certified Draftsman Experience: District 2 Councilman, 16 years; Contractor, 28 Years Education: Holy Savior Menard High School and University of Louisiana at Lafayette Family: Wife, Irene Silas Hobbs, 30 years; three children, LaRunda, Chris and Marcus; and four grandchildren The most pressing issues facing this office are the economy, infrastructure improvement, crime, recreational opportunities for our youth and quality of life issues. My vision for the office is to continue focusing on the city’s tax base, the economy and quality of life issues. To address these issues, experience must complement your vision. I have previously served as Alexandria City Council president; I have been the chair of numerous committees, and I presently serve as the city’s chairman of finance. My experience and knowledge will allow me to continue to work hard to ensure that all city departments continue to function effectively, and that all spending remain conservative. Additional focal points of my vision include addressing levee decertification and city improvement projects. Exposure to levee decertification has the possibility to require all citizens of Alexandria to purchase mandatory flood insurance. Projects such as SPARC, Operation Fast Track (ditch closures, street overlays, and drainage repairs) are also beneficial to the citizens of District 2 and the entire city of Alexandria.
City of Alexandria, Council District 4
Candidate
Candidate
Harry Silver
Mary Wardsworth
did not respond to The Light’s questionnaire.
did not respond to The Light’s questionnaire.
The light –September 15-30, 2010
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Rapides Parish School Board, District E Name: Stephen Allen Chapman Political Party: Republican Age: 60 Address: 1135 Lake Drive, Woodsworth, LA Email address: ibd2thdoc@aol.com Vocation: Dentist Experience: Member of Rapides Parish School Board since 2003 and youth volunteer since 1980 Education: Bolton High School, Bachelor of Science, Northeast Louisiana University, 1973 and Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, DDS, 1978 Family: Wife, Martha, 42 years; five children; and seven grandchildren The most pressing issue facing this office is the need to continue providing a quality education during a difficult economic time. My vision for the office is improving educational opportunities for all children.
Absentee Voting September 18-25
Candidate Darrell Shawn Poole did not respond to The Light’s questionnaire.
Name: Roberto “Bert” O’Neal Polital Party: Democrat Age: 43 Address: 100 Columns Drive, Alexandria, LA Email Address: bloneal@suddenlink.net Vocation: International Paper management for 21 years, Realtor with Louisiana Lagniappe and co-owner and agent of Best and Swains Insurance Agency Experience: Member of Central Louisiana Board of Realtors and Sickle Cell Anemia Board member Education: Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Mississippi State University Family: Wife, Sharon Swains O’Neal; daughter, Sharenthia Chew and grandson, Micaiah Beaudoin The most pressing issues facing this office are the need to improve LEAP and ACT test scores, the need to improve teacher morale and the need to find more grant dollars to help improve the school system. My vision for the office is to be “a voice for our children – our future,” by being available, accountable, and accessible in order that every child gets a healthy start and a strong education and to form a more cohesive partnership between the Board, Superintendent, and our teachers.
Ford’s Thoughts Continued from Page 3 do what I can for the betterment of Alexandria. Thank you.” Of course, I’m being facetious, but having four black candidates in this mayoral race is nothing to joke about. It is a serious matter. It is serious enough that we all are going to have to look deep inside of us, do some soul searching, and decide on (not based on our friendship, church loyalty, family connections, or any other mutual relationship that we may have with each of the four black candidates) one specific black candidate who we know is the best qualified and experienced among the four, and who we know has the personality to get along with everyone both black and white. It’s time for us to stop being the “people who can’t get their act together” when it comes to electing a mayor of Alexandria. We weren’t together in 2006, and we’re damn
sure not together now. It’s the same old same old, and by now, you think we would have gotten a little smarter in figuring out that four black people running for the same office would split the black vote. We can’t be this ignorant in the 21st century, can we? From the looks of things, we are and will continue to be until black people get it through their thick heads that we are only robbing ourselves the opportunity of ever having a black mayor. Yes, I would like for this mayoral campaign to produce a black mayor, but most importantly than that, I implore each and every one of you to get out on Election Day and vote. Please, please, get out and do your civic duty on Oct. 2, 2010.
Vote on Oct. 2
The light – September 15-30, 2010
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Rapides Parish School Board, District F Name: John E. Allen Jr. Political Party: Democrat Age: 70 Address: 1610 Van St., Alexandria, LA 71301 Email address: uniquerecovery2008@yahoo.com Vocation: Retired educator Experience: Member of the Rapides Parish School Board, former Alexandria City Councilman, former member of Esler Economic Development District, former member of the Rapides Parish Planning Commission and former member of the Cenla Community Action Committee Board of Directors Education: Bachelor of Science, Grambling State University; Masters of Education: Tuskegee University; Masters of Education +30 graduate hours, Northwestern State University with further study at Utah State University and Southern University Family: Wife, Maggie Price Allen; five children, 11 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren The most pressing issues facing this office are the development of policies and programs that will provide each student in the school district with the necessary skills that will enable them to reach their maximum potential as a human being. My vision for the office is that each person attending a school in the Rapides Parish School District will receive the same quality of education regardless of the school they attend.
Candidate Cynthia Perry did not respond to The Light’s questionnaire.
Rapides Parish School Board, District I
Candidate Sandra V. Franklin did not respond to The Light’s questionnaire.
Name: Fredell Scott Griffin Political Party: Democrat Age: 47 Address: P. O. Box 13192, Alexandria, LA 71315 Email Address: fredellsc@yahoo.com Vocation: Office Manager Experience: Tax Professional for 10 years and owner of Griffin’s Consultant Service Education: Graduate of Peabody Magnet High School, 1982, and Northwestern State University. Family: Daughter of the late Fred “Arock” Scott and Barbara Polk; wife of Tommy Griffin, 22 years; mother of two children, Tokyrie Griffin and C.C. Griffin; and foster mother of three children, Cortez Bouges, Nyasis Howard and Jarrett Howard and grandmother of four children, TaKyrien, Ja’Kyrien, Jalen, and Jaleah. The most pressing issue facing the office is a lack of attendance by the incumbent. Four nine years straight, I’ve attended every school board meeting. The incumbent has served 3 ½ years with poor attendance and little or no contribution to the welfare of the children or the constituents of Rapides Parish. My vision for the office is to bring innovated programs, grants, and other funding that will give our schools the extra funding needed to succeed. I currently serve as the president of the Parent Advisory Council for the Rapides Parish School District. Parental involvement is the key to the success of our children. Through our children’s eyes we can see the future. Where there is hope, we see the need for change.
The light –September 15-30, 2010
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Rapides Parish School Board, District I Name: Pam Webb Political Party: Republican Age: 50 Address:1420 South City Park, Alexandria 71301 Email address: pwebb40@aol.com Vocation: Registered Nurse Experience: Rapides Parish School Board since 2007, member of the state Safe and Drug Free Schools Board, past volunteer/ board member of the Hope House, Rapides Symphony Orchestra, Junior League of Alexandria, Volunteers of America, Louisiana Junior Tennis Program Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, graduated from LSUMC (1982) Family: Husband, Dr. Renick Webb, and three children, Renick Webb Jr., 27, and wife Lauren; James Webb, 24, and Lillian Webb, 22 The most pressing issues facing this office are: Looking to the future we need to continue searching for innovative ways to educate our students. We also need to continue using new ideas to promote learning. Considering the state budget cuts, we need to work to keep a balanced budget without affecting the education of our students. My vision for this office is to provide a quality education for every student in Rapides Parish in a safe, effective learning environment. The School Board needs to work as a team with our superintendent and function as a liaison with parents and other community leaders. HELPING PEOPLE BUILD COMMUNITIES IN CENTRAL LOUISIANA
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Mature Nonprofits &UND $EVELOPMENT 2AISING -ONEY FROM )NDIVIDUALS Speaker: Gerald Duhon Date: Friday, Sept. 3 Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Speaker: Tiya Scroggins Date: Wednesday, Sept. 29 Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
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Faith-Based Series
Speaker: Carol Fleischman Date: Thursday, Sept. 23 Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
CELEBRATION — Shown are members of the 1958 Class of Peabody High School at the celebration of their 52nd year of leaving their alma mater. The reunion was held July 2-4 with various events that included a banquet, picnic and worship service.
5SING THE &OUNDATION #ENTER $IRECTORY Speaker: Felicia Walker Date: Friday, Sept. 10 Time: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.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 Central Louisiana residents. s 4HERE IS NO COST FOR #$7 Training. s #LASS SIZE IS LIMITED AND registration is required.
COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENTWORKS ORG
Community Development Works Funded by
52 years and counting
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s 4O REGISTER FOR COURSES please call 318.443.7880 or 800.803.8075, or register online at:
Speaker: Jan Eastman Date: Wednesday, Sept. 15 Time: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Peabody’s Class of 1958 marks
MONEY EDUCATION — Sophomore Kayla Davis cuts the ribbon at the grand opening celebration for the Peabody Branch of Pelican State Credit Unit. Among others with Davis are teacher Sandra Eldridge to her left and Jeffrey K. Conrad, Pelican CEO, to her right. Having the branch at the school allows students to make deposits or withdrawals to their savings accounts while they are at school. Also, Eldridge will use the activities as teaching tools in business education classes. Pelican’s credit counselor Rhoda Hundley will teach topics such as handling a checking account, paying for college and establishing good credit.
October is
National Pastor’s Month
Here's a chance to send a special message of recognition to your pastor, priest, minister, or spiritual advisor in The Light. Deadline: 5 p.m. Sunday, October 10, 2010
Call (318) 487-9254 for more information, or e-mail The Light at cenlalight@gmail.com for more information. Mail forms, along with payment, to The Light, 1429 Third St., Alexandria, LA 71301
Clergyperson's Name: ___________________________________________________________ Your Last Name:________________________________________________________________ Main Contact Phone: ____________________________________________________________ Choose your tribute box type: _____ $20 - Single Box with photo & 25 words _____ $30 - Double Box with photo (for wider photo) & 45 words _____ $13 - Single Box without photo & 40 words Photos must be good quality. The may be color or black and white. The Light will not return photos but you may pick them up. Your Message: