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Wed
02
Jan

Speaking Out for Louisiana Citizens

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BEWARE OF THE

SITUATION

Wed
02
Jan

Social Security Matters

Dear Rusty: I am 58 years old. My spouse passed away last year, and I am entitled to survivor benefits. I am trying to plan for when I can retire from working, but don’t know if I should take my widow’s benefit or my own Social Security. I called Social Security twice and have received two different answers. If I claim Social Security at 62, will I receive 70 or 80% of the full amount? This makes a huge difference in deciding when I should retire. Signed: Widowed Worker

Dear Widowed Worker: There are two different types of Social Security benefits that you need to be concerned with – your benefit as a survivor; and your own SS retirement benefit which you have earned from working all your life. The thing to keep in mind is that any time any Social Security benefit is taken earlier than one’s full retirement age, it is reduced (born in 1960 your normal full retirement age (FRA) is age 67).

Wed
26
Dec

Patchwork

Way back in 1977 Randy Newman sang a song called “Short People”. He sang that “Short people had no reason to live”!! I feel obligated to stand up for all of us short people. How short is short, anyway?? The lyrics of the song are lyrically constructed as a prejudiced attack on all of us shorties. If it were produced in this day and time, someone would be “offended.” (I’m not!) Newman sings about short-tempered little people with stubby little fingers and nasty little feet. Nobody loves this song like Dean Lambert and nobody loves to sing it like Mike Morris!! I know because they always point me and every other short person at Bayou Crawfish when Mikey starts to sing the song. I really don’t mind… .I’ve been short my entire life. Mother used to say, “If you are short, you can dance with the short boys and the tall boys!” Worked for me and I danced away with them all!! I am proud to be a short person. I graduated fourth in my high school class of 129.

Wed
19
Dec

Patchwork

20th anniversary celebrated

by Sabine’s “A Christmas Carol”

The Sabine Parish Players, along with the talented Mary Bozeman, director and her husband, Bill Osborn, producer, presented Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” at the Many Community Center again this holiday season. It was their 20th year.

The story of Ebeneezer Scrooge came to life once again and the audience went through his transformation from a lonely old man into a gracious and giving man, following visits from three ghosts. It’s the age-old story of redemption.

Through the years, many talented local thespians have appeared in the production. Who can forget Jim Quayhagen as Scrooge? Or what about Dean Crittenden as Scrooge’s old friend, long deceased, Marley. And remember the tears that were shed when little Denver McLendon limped onstage as Tiny Tim?

Wed
12
Dec

Speaking Out for Louisiana Citizens

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WHOOPS!

It was announced this week that United States John Kennedy was not going to run for governor. This certainly changes the lay of the land in regard to that race this coming year. Gov. John Bel Edwards is circulating around doing the Democrat thing, which is to offer school teacher raises, hustle up the labor unions and alert all trial lawyers to get their support lined up. His stock has improved since his tax and spend bills were passed.

New candidates are stepping up including Congressman Ralph Abraham, who represents Northwest Louisiana. He is a doctor, farmer, volunteer and helps out in many ways to be of service to his community. In addition, Baton Rouge business and education advocate Eddie Rispone has thrown his name in the ring. He pledges to put up $4 million of personal wealth into his campaign. So, things are shaping up.

 

 

Wed
12
Dec

Health and Fitness: When An accurate second opinion should have been first option

OPINION

Can’t find a physician who can tell you why you hurt or help you find relief for your ongoing pain? Recently had surgery to relieve your back pain, but your condition seems worse than before? The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies’ reports that 100 million Americans suffer from pain that will not go away, and 12 million Americans who seek outpatient medical care are misdiagnosed each year. A second opinion can be the front line of defense against misdiagnosis, but how do you make the decision which physician you are going to contact for that 2nd opinion, and do you feel as if you have to go to Houston, Cleveland, Baltimore or Rochester to find someone who can help?

Wed
28
Nov

Patchwork

I hesitate to write this, but………Christmas is a mere 26 days away!! That’s 624 hours or 37,440 minutes or 2,246,400 seconds. It’s time to get busy!! The countdown has begun. 26-25-24-23…you get the picture! I sat down and began making a list of everything I have to do in those few, short days. First and foremost, I have to finish my Christmas shopping. I need to put up my tree and decorate the mantle. My tiny granddaughter, Darby, will be celebrating her fourth birthday on December 4…so I must get a gift in the mail. Upcoming at First United Methodist Church is our Hanging of the Greens service, which I am really looking forward to! Secondly, on Thursday, December 6, the Christmas Choir will be presenting our annual cantata. Again, I am narrating with my friend, Randy Martin. One major chore is getting the upstairs ready for Davy, Kt and their three (my beautiful grands) and Paul and Lexie.

Tue
20
Nov

Looking Back

50 Years Ago

Week of Nov. 28, 1968

INDEX Publisher Robert Gentry wrote in Observations: “Say, did you realize the lady who mans the fire telephone for the Town of Many is named “Sparks”?”

Good one, Mr. G.

According to the Louisiana Legislature, Sheriffs can no longer void tickets issued by the Louisiana State Police.

The 1968 Miss Merry Christmas Pageant has been slated. The 1967 Miss Merry Christmas Patricia Brandon will crown the winner on December 8. Twenty-five contestants from Zwolle, Many and Converse are competing for the title.

E.B. Malmay of Zwolle captured a crippled pelican on Toledo Bend Lake. He named him Elmer.

 

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition http://www.etypeservices.com/Sabine%20IndexID378/

 

Wed
07
Nov

Patchwork

By Donna Smith Ammons

Several weeks ago, a large flat package was delivered to the back door by the postwoman.

“What did you order?” hubby-dear asked.

”Nothing,” I replied. “Anyway, it’s addressed to you.” He got a puzzled look on his face and after I gave him the scissors, he proceeded to open it.

He pulled out a metal white sign trimmed in green. It read “Ammons Airport 5LS9”.

Ammons Airport was founded by his father, Cliff Ammons and is still in operation on the lake.

Hubby is chairman of the Many Hart Airport committee and is a former pilot. He takes his job seriously and has been instrumental in making the airport better.

 

 

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition http://www.etypeservices.com/Sabine%20IndexID378/

Wed
07
Nov

WHAT HAPPENED?

By Pete Abington

At the stage of this edition of the paper, we know that decisions have been made with this election. It has been repeated many times as James Carville stated “It’s the economy, stupid..” If that is true, our Republican Congress and President’s policies should meet everyone’s favor. The economy has hardly ever been better than it is today and unemployment is lower than we would have ever dreamed. Black unemployment is low and we’ve had much regulation stopped. They are trying to control illegal immigration. Our nation is doing well. Finally, certainly our next move is to get our deficit down but income up is more than ever before in this nation and we should be able to deal with that soon. Nevertheless, social issues seem to be what is bothering people, according to the media.

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