For years he was known as Mister Joe who served ice cream to the children of Webster Parish, the man who helped grieving families at Benevolent Funeral Home and the one who helped start Black History observations locally.
But he’s also been known as Councilman Cornelius in two districts and City of Minden Mayor Cornelius, as well as Deputy Cornelius with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Department. Over the past 5 years, he has been Deputy Ward Marshal Cornelius.
Now, he will be known as Joe Cornelius, retired.
“Of all those jobs, this is my favorite one,” Cornelius said of the Marshal’s office. “After Randy Shelley left and Danny (Weaver) came in, well, he’s the best boss you could ever have.”
Cornelius was hired by former Marshal Shelley.
“Do you remember our phone call that night, after the election?” Shelley asked Cornelius. “I had to twist your arm a little bit, but it was the best decision I ever made.”
When Shelley retired, Cornelius continued to work under Weaver.
“When I came to work as Marshal in 2019, Joe had no idea what to expect from me, and I had no idea what to expect from him or how he was going to handle the job,” Weaver said. “Joe has been more than a deputy employee. He’s been a friend and like part of our family.”
Weaver said Cornelius helped him considerably when he first became Marshal.
“He’s just a super nice person,” Weaver said. “He’s polite to everyone he comes in contact with. He was just what I was looking for when I came over here.”
Cornelius worked not only with Shelley, but he followed 17-year veteran deputy marshal Billy Hawkins.
“Joe is a super nice person,” Hawkins said. “We went to school together. He left and went to New York City but came back home. We’ve been in a lot of activities together. I’ve been knowing him a long time.”
The public servant always had a heart for young people and spearheaded an organization called Concerned Citizens of Minden that planned and executed activities designed to keep young people off the streets.
That was more than 27 years ago.
“I love kids, you know?” Cornelius said. “We started out with 600 kids. We took them to the lake to swim and fish.”
By charging $1 per person to enter sponsored dances, Concerned Citizens was able to award college scholarships to a number of local youth.
Cornelius recently lost his wife, Jacqueline, and his decision to retire was partially based on that.
“But I can’t just stay at home,” Cornelius said. “I want to kick off Concerned Citizens again. It’s an important need in our community.”
Weaver said he will also be calling on Cornelius when the other deputy marshals are out for illness or vacation.
“He’ll still be around,” Weaver said.
Cornelius said he may go fishing, but Weaver said he’s doubtful.
“He couldn’t catch a fish in a stocked pond,” Weaver said of Cornelius. “So fishing when he retires is out of the question.”
He will continue his work at Mt. Zion CME Church.
And he even might start selling ice cream again.
A retirement party was held at the Marshal’s Office Wednesday. Cornelius’ son, daughter-in-law, sister, great-nephew and dear friend (who is like a sibling) stopped in to surprise him.
Weaver presented Cornelius with a plaque and the office held a large sit-down dinner party for him.
Cornelius’ sister greets him at the party.
Cornelius (from left) with retired Ward Marshal Randy Shelley and current Ward Marshal Dan Weaver.
First-time faces almost all around will be on the dais for the first Minden City Council of 2023 next week.
Along with mayor, four of the five city councilpersons will be new.
Among the first orders of business will be to elect a Mayor Pro Tempore for 2023, appoint a city clerk and a city attorney.
Other housekeeping items include giving credit card signatory power to Mayor Nick Cox and Administrative Assistant Ashlee Drake and removing Mahala Hutto as Main Street Program/Downtown Development Director from the same. Hutto reportedly intends to retire in January.
Cox will be added to signatory power over checks, along with the named Mayor Pro Tem, Michael Fluhr as City Clerk and Melaney Langford as assistant City Clerk.
The City of Minden currently has an intergovernmental agreement with the Webster Parish Sheriff for inmate labor litter abatement. Renewal of that agreement is on the agenda, as well.
Other items include the following:
A resolution for municipal water pollution prevention;
Budget/Financial report for November 2022;
Police Report for November 2022; and
Annual Fire Report for 2022.
The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 3 in Council Chambers, Minden City Hall. The public is invited to attend.
A soon-to-be Happy New Year to all, friends and neighbors. Your obedient messenger took a temporary breather to get in some last minute shopping and check on the status of some of our holiday traditions. Happy to say most are doing well.
Although there’s still a few days to go, we thought it might be appropriate to mention a couple of resolutions your humble rocker is considering. We do, however, reserve the right to change our mind when the woman who promised to love, honor and feed our furbabies five times a day tells us to do so.
Rocker’s first resolution could be better described as irresolute. It could be harder to keep than our system can bear. I would like to resolve to be less critical of my fellow inhabitants of this planet, especially those seeking public office on any level.
As that thought formed, the images of Beto O’Rourke, Stacey Abrams, Mitch McConnell, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, The Donald and a directory of Congress did smite the brain. This collection of intellectually deformedis more than reason to search the WWW for nonflatteratory adjectives.
To quote Charlie Brown on just about any occasion: Rats.
Rocker annually tries to resolve to be tolerant of the views of others, but that usually vanishes before the imaginary ink dries on the mental parchment. Considering these upheaving societal times, it is most difficult to remain tolerant when airwaves and social media brings us the latest Wokeisms from a myriad of untellectuals.
We are amused that these ideas are called woke. One of our progressive friends tells us that term defines millions across America who have “woke up” to our countless failures as a country. These suddenly enlightened awakened are showing us how we can be better; that by destroying the current system we create Utopia. All we unlightened must do is shut up, pay up and do what wokers tell us.
To learn more about what it means to be woke, it may help to check out the works of Engels and Marx (not the brothers) or Alinsky. One may find the philosophies remarkably similar.
Another resolution that may prove hard to keep is the promise to give Republicans credit when they deserve it. A few Congresses ago, Republicans held the majority in both House and Senate. To put it mildly, they got their heads handed to them daily by the minority Democrats. As my ol’ Daddy used to say, they could screw up a two-car parade.
Today, the Elephants are barely a majority in the House only. If the Biden Democrats are as smart as their media hypemeisters would have us believe, there won’t be a lot of credit to be given. Republicans seem quite capable of mucking up their own stuff without help from the friendly opposition. The Red Wave is proof.
This isn’t a resolution, but it is resolved that occasionally we poke a little fun at some of those who love to give us insignificants a poke. For example:
What has 12 arms, 12 legs and an IQ of 50? The Kardashian/Jenner women.
What do you get when you breed a ground hog and Stephen Colbert? Six more weeks of bad monologues.
Do you know what you have if you find Whoopi Goldberg buried up to her neck in cement? Not enough cement.
Do you know why Donald Trump loves to Tweet? It’s the best communication venue for a birdbrain.
Here’s hoping you make no resolutions, but are resolute to make this little planet a little better.And don’t listen to those who claim to know what’s best for us because they believe they’re smarter. Remember, there are lots of people who are educated far beyond their intelligence.
Threatening to harm an infant and then resisting police officers landed a local woman in jail.
Kiara Sims, 23, of the 300 block of Lee St., Minden, was arrested by Minden Police and charged with resisting by force or violence, cruelty to juveniles and seven active bench warrants.
Police Chief Elect Jared McIver said Off. Matthew Hicks was dispatched to the Lee Street address around noon last Wednesday.
“The caller advised that Sims was present at the residence, making threats to harm a four-month-old infant,” McIver said. When the officer arrived, he asked the complainant if Sims was still present, and she nodded. She then allowed Hicks inside the residence where he discovered Sims hiding under a bed.”
The officer reportedly ordered Sims to stand up and put her hands behind her back.
“She replied that she did not want to do that, and when the officer tried to assist her, she wrapped her arms around the bedpost,” McIver said. “Sims continued to resist and then informed the officer that she is five months pregnant.”
Sims was reportedly handcuffed and escorted to the patrol vehicle. Off. Hicks returned to the residence where he talked with the complainant. She told the officer that Sims was arguing with her cousin who is the father of the infant. She then began making threats toward the infant and they began to scuffle over the child.
The caller was able to maintain possession of the infant.
“There were several people present during this time, one of whom is the apartment’s tenant,” McIver said. “They concurred with everything the complainant reported.”
Emergency medical service was dispatched to tend to possible injuries to the child.
“Off. Hicks noticed mild redness to the infant’s right cheek but no other swelling,” said McIver. “The child did not require any medical care.”
Sims was also transported to Minden Medical Center after complaining of lower abdominal pain. She was observed and released, then booked at the Minden Police Department.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Many people enjoy the booming sounds and flashing lights of fireworks, but they can be terrifying and overwhelming for Fido and Fluffy.
During the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, pets can become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks they run from otherwise familiar environments and people, and sadly become lost.
Joe Scroggs, DVM, of Trinity Animal Hospital in Minden, said there are ways to keep your pet calm during fireworks.
“One way is to be near them,” Dr. Scroggs said. “Pets like feeling the security of companionship.”
He recommends a product called a “Thundershirt” that mimics the pet being held by the owner, if the owner has to be away from the home during a fireworks display.
“Covering the windows so pets can’t see the flashes from the fireworks may also be helpful,” he said.
Being aware the New Year’s holiday is coming up allows the owner time to bring an outside pet indoors. Dr. Scroggs recommends keeping them inside as long as possible.
“I believe that having the pet inside provides them a sense of security,” he said. “You have to be careful leaving dogs inside unattended that normally live outside, considering they may damage household goods in reaction to the fireworks. I recommend all pets kept inside be attended while fireworks are being enjoyed by others outside.
Medication can be helpful.
“There are several drugs that your local veterinarian may prescribe your pet for anxiety,” the veterinarian said. “My personal favorite drug for controlling anxiety in dogs is Trazadone. The nice thing about this drug is that is has little to no side effects, doesn’t have to be tapered down and it has a wide range for dosing to properly tailor the need for each pet.”
He recommends Fluoxetine for cats.
Some other pet recommendations include the following:
• Close the curtains or blinds and turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction.
• Treat toys such as Kongs filled with their favorite food may help keep their minds busy and distract them from the fireworks.
• A quiet place, such as a carrier or crate may provide your pet with a sense of security and comfort.
• Use a leash or carrier if you must go outside with your pet to keep them from running off which is a common response to stress and fear.
• Take pets for a walk before the fireworks begin. Some pets are too frightened to go out once the fireworks are popping, and this may lead to an “accident” later on.
• Make sure your pet’s ID is current. Your pets should always have proper identification tags, with current information, in case they get lost. Micro-chipping is strongly recommend
Returning to the scene of past alleged crimes has resulted in the arrest of a Princeton woman in Minden.
Masalyn Harper, 56, of the 1600 block of Winfield Rd., is charged with felony theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, entry after forbidden, fugitive from Probation & Parole and fugitive from Minden Police.
Police Chief Elect Jared McIver said Lt. Joel Kendrick, Ofc. Reece Tewell and Off. Heather Feeback discovered Harper on the premises of a Sibley Road business.
“She was stealing donated clothing and had been verbally banned from the property by the owner on a previous date,” McIver said. “During a search, officers discovered a glass tube commonly used for smoking crack cocaine on Ms. Harper’s person.”
According to records, Harper was convicted for simple burglary in 1990 and 2000. She has 2 arrests for thefts in 1999, 2 burglaries in 2000, burglary in 2004, robbery in 2012, theft in 2018 and burglary in 2019.
She has 2 outstanding warrants through MPD and is wanted by Probation & Parole.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
(Editor’s Note: This is the second of two parts on strange and interesting New Year’s traditions from around the world.)
Eating grapes, wearing polka dots, or burning scarecrows might be weird New Year’s Eve traditions to some, but centuries-old customs to others.
As the old year comes to a close, we have a look at some of the most interesting traditions to welcome the new year. While some customs like popping champagne, fireworks and counting down the last few seconds seem universal, many countries have their own unique ways to celebrate. Follow us around the world with these New Year’s Eve traditions, make a wish, and have a happy new year!
First Footing
In Scottish folklore, the “first-foot,” also known as quaaltagh or qualtagh, is the first person crossing the threshold after midnight. A tall, dark-haired male with gifts like coins, coal, bread, salt, and a “wee dram” of whiskey, is thought to bring the best luck for the house. The tradition probably dates back to the Viking days when big, blond strangers (commonly armed with axes and swords) at the door meant trouble, and in some places, first footing by a fair-haired male is still regarded as unlucky.
Tossing Furniture
“Out with the old” is the motto in Naples, where people toss everything from toasters to fridges off their balconies. Getting rid of old possessions symbolizes a fresh start in the new year. To prevent serious injuries, most locals stick to small and soft objects for their throwing tradition, though it’s still a good idea to watch your head should you travel to Naples (or Johannesburg, South Africa, where this custom is also practiced).
Animal Spirits
Romania is a country steeped in tradition. Especially in rural areas, New Year’s Eve highlights include mask dances and ceremonies about death and rebirth. Dancers dress up in furs and wooden masks depicting goats, horses, or bears, then dance from house to house to ward off evil spirits. The dance of the bear is the most popular. According to pre-Christian folklore, if a bear enters somebody’s house, it brings prosperity, health, and good fortune.
Mass Kissing
Venice is a romantic place any time of the year but on New Year’s Eve in Piazza San Marco, tens of thousands of locals and tourists gather for fireworks, a light show (which sees “hearts” raining down), and “a kiss in Venice.” The evening is all about love and your loved ones, so celebrate with a proper smooch and welcome the new year with happiness in your heart.
Potato Drop
With less tradition but more high-tech, for the fifth year running the people of downtown Boise will welcome the new year by dropping a giant spud from the sky. More than 40,000 spectators turn up to see the internally lit, 400-pound “GlowTato.” Other New Year’s Eve drop-sites in the US include Brasstown, N.C. (a possum), Bethlehem, Penn. (Peep – a 200-pound local marshmallow candy) and Port Clinton, Ohio (a giant fish called Wylie the Walleye).
108 Rings
At midnight, Buddhist temples all over Japan ring their bells 108 times to dispell the 108 evil passions all human beings have, according to Buddhism. Japanese believe that joyanokane, the ringing of the bells, will cleanse them from their sins of the previous year. Traditionally, 107 bells are rung on the last day of the year and the 108th in the new year. Many people eat buckwheat noodles called toshikoshi soba on New Year’s Eve to symbolize the wish for a long life.
As 2022 is drawing to a close, I cannot help but reminisce on the experiences I was able to partake in, the trials I was able to overcome, the joys I got to experience and the life lessons I was able to take from each of those.
I would say this year was a year of opportunity for me. I had the opportunity to begin a job at a local church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, where I have been warmly welcomed by all. It was not but a couple of weeks after beginning this new job that I truly felt like I was meant to be there- that God led me to this position to serve and worship. Upon welcoming me they also welcomed my family. Getting to see my children really engage in service for the first time is an experience I will never forget and always treasure.
This year, I was also able to get back into my passion for writing. Mrs. Bonnie Culverhouse believed in me and allowed me to join her at the Webster Parish Journal to report on newsworthy events across the parish and share my thoughts and feelings on a personal level here with you in my column, “If it’s Not One Thing, it’s a Mother.”
This has provided me with a space that I always dreamt about- a space where I can share all those experiences, trials, joys and important life lessons, most of which come from parenting my three girls, Emerson, Ashton and Kameron. As you well know, if you read my column weekly, it is not always me teaching them, it is usually the other way around, them teaching me.
They have taught me to find joy in the simple things, to love without conditions, to forgive quickly, not to hold back my emotions and to live in the moment. Most importantly they have taught me that I definitely do not know everything and sometimes I may not even know best, like I usually claim that I do.
I was curious what they might say if I asked them what important life lessons they learned over the past year, so of course I asked them.
“It’s easier to get what you want if you are nice and not mean.” Emerson, 9
“One day I’ll be old enough that if I don’t want to wear socks, then I won’t have to.” Ashton, 4
“My mom is the best.” Kameron, 1
Okay, I made up Kameron’s, but when I asked her, she did say, “Momma.” So, I am sure that is what she meant. Ashton clearly hates socks, and I am not too sure how I feel about Emerson’s life lesson, but she isn’t wrong.
I also asked some of my friends what important life lessons they learned.
“Believe the adults when they tell you, don’t try to grow up to fast” April Smith, 26
“Learning to appreciate privacy. You don’t owe anyone explanations for the decisions you make for your life or family.” Merri Gonzalez, 29
“Working overtime isn’t worth the time away from home. Dependable people (and businesses) are rare. Hard work doesn’t make you successful and the corporate ladder is more like a tree. More limbs at the bottom (entry level positions) and a harder fall from the top.” Charles Linder, 33
“The older I get, the less I know. I am always learning.” Elaine Eaton, 37
“You spend years wishing your parents would get off your back, only to realize they are really the ones that have your back.” Maggie Braunscheidel, late 20s
“Not everyone is going to love you. Some people aren’t even going to like you. But none of that matters when you love yourself.” Jessica Holley, 26
“When you find what you are passionate about, be fearless, be brave and be persistent. It does pay off.” Christine Broussard, 71
“Life is daily. Things happen out of our control. Give it to the Lord and roll on!” Malea Geis, 61
“At some point you have to downgrade your lifestyle in order to upgrade your future. The opportunity of a lifetime only lasts the lifetime of the opportunity.” Franky Despino, 32
“Putting yourself first isn’t selfish. You can’t help anyone if you aren’t helping yourself.” Megan Rambin, 32
“Don’t stay because it’s familiar and change is scary; change can be good. This is personal or professional. Surround yourself with people who are good for you; shed the others. Sink 10% of your salary in a retirement fund when you’re 2 and don’t touch it.” Claudine Adams-Thomas, 55
“Never be afraid or feel embarrassed to ask for help. This life can get too heavy for one person to carry alone.” Kassi Wallace, 31
“You teach people how to treat you.” Briana Gardner, 31
What are some lessons you have learned this year? Whatever they may be I hope that you can apply them in your life in 2023 and remain open to learning new ones as I am sure this year will be ready to teach them.
(Paige Nash is a wife, the best momma and a digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal.)
The following arrests were made by local law enforcement agencies. Minden Police Department (MPD), Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO), Louisiana State Police (LSP) and others which are named.
Dec. 22
Gerald Beene, 66, of the 100 block of Fuller St., Minden, was arrested by MPD for unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.
Dec. 27
Hannah Sims, 29, of the 200 block of Stephens St., Natchitoches, was arrested by Minden Police for possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and obstruction of justice.
Theus D. Jenkins, 39, of Cotton Valley, was arrested by Cotton Valley police on active warrants for possession of narcotics and Probation & Parole.
Dec. 28
Celeste Marie Wilson, 42, of the 4900 block of Dixie Garden Dr., Shreveport, was arrested by WPSO for possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Edward Scott Jr., 45, of the 600 block of Hope for the Hungry St., Belton, Texas, was arrested by MPD for possession of methamphetamine, no driver’s license and no license plate lights.
Treveon Jashon Allums, 25, of the 300 block of Linn Rd., Ringgold, was arrested for a probation violation.
Bravion L. Shine, 28, of the 400 block of Ray St., Shreveport, was arrested on warrants for 2 counts of driving under suspension and failure to yield.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 at Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.
Graveside service: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 at State Line Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Corkey Wayne Parkerson
Oct. 17, 1972 – Dec. 26, 2022
Benton, La.
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 at Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.
Graveside service: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery, Shongaloo, La., under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill, La.
Carol Sinclair
June 7, 1940 – Dec. 20, 2022
Cotton Valley, La.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, Cotton Valley Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Springhill.
Ruby Mae Bailey
July 31, 1926 – Dec. 9, 2022
Minden, La.
Graveside service: 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, Minden Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.
Lori Lewis Maddry
May 11, 1958 – Nov. 16, 2022
Minden, La.
Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Minden, La.
Webster Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or wpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are free of charge.)
A party turned shoot-out made December 25 a not-so-silent night.
Three subjects were shot and three others arrested following an event on Pearl Street that moved from inside the venue to the middle of the street around midnight. There were approximately 100 attendees, according to officials.
Minden Police Chief Elect Jared McIver said the three men arrested were connected to the party but not the actual shooters.
“We have some good leads on the shooters, and there are more arrests pending,” McIver said. “The ones arrested were on warrants based off the shooting.”
Nicholas Lebob Aaron Vantrez, Jones, 34, of the 200 block of Azalea Street, Minden, and Tyquan Trevor Edwards, 22, of the 800 block of Harris Street, Minden, are charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Anterio McClendon, 22, of the 500 block of Theus Street, Minden, was the only party attendee of the three. He is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and illegal carrying of a weapon.
McIver said Lt. Spencer Tippen responded to Minden Medical Center just after midnight in reference to 2 gunshot victims. Det. Shane Griffith, Det. Keith King Jr. and Sgt. Shawn Griffith were called out to assist.
“The victims told Det. Griffith they were attending a party on Pearl Street when a fight broke out,” McIver said. “During the fight, shots were fired. The two fled on foot and were shot in the legs. Both also tested positive for gunshot residue.”
The third victim was reportedly taken to Bienville Medical Center by private vehicle and transferred to Ocshner’s LSU Health Center in Shreveport.
Because one of the victims admitted to having a firearm in his vehicle, a warrant was obtained for the Theus Street address where the vehicle was located.
“McClendon was found in one of the bedrooms,” McIver said. “A search of the room revealed a lockbox containing 112.4 grams of marijuana.”
Also located were a set of digital scales, a .40 caliber Glock, a .40 caliber Taurus and a .22 handgun.
“McClendon admitted to possessing the marijuana and stated he removed the firearms from his brother’s vehicle,” McIver said. “He also said he and his brother had the firearms at the scene of the shooting.”
Jones and Edwards were also at the Theus Street residence.
“They were both convicted felons in possession of firearms,” said McIver. “That’s why they were arrested.”
Police reportedly seized 6 guns, the marijuana and more than $2,000 in cash.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Countries around the world celebrate the New Year in similar fashions. The more popular traditions include making lots of noise, eating loads of food to bring luck, exchanging thoughtful gifts and making an effort to put your best foot forward as you step into a brand-new year. Although almost every country across the globe shares in these traditions, they each have their own unique ways and reasons.
For instance, in the United States the most popular event is watching the ball drop in New York’s Times Square, whether in person or on television. As the ball drops and the countdown begins, people across the country make toasts, cheer and exchange a kiss as the clock strikes midnight.
Although the ancient saying is not “ball drop into the New Year.” It is, “ring in the New Year.” That is because decades before people began congregating in downtown New York to watch the ball drop, they would gather outside the churches to wait for the church bells to do exactly that- “ring in the New Year.”
If you live in the United States, at least once in your lifetime, you may have eaten cabbage and black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day in hopes of a year full of good health and fortune. Many traditional meals take place on this day around the world. In Ireland households enjoy bannocks and countries like India and Pakistan believe eating rice on this day promises prosperity to come.
Webster Parish local Melissa Young who is originally from Ciudad Mante Tamaulipas, Mexico said that New Year is a huge celebration in Mexico.
“Family and friends gather to eat a big dinner and pop fireworks. We eat 12 grapes before midnight. One grape with each chime of the clock’s bell for good luck,” said Young. “We eat lentils for good fortune for the coming year. We also grab a suitcase and walk it around at midnight that is supposed to bring you good travels.
In the United States it is not highly popular to exchange gifts, but in countries like Rome or Egypt this is a way to mark the start of the New Year. In Persia, eggs are gifted to others as a symbol of fertility, while in Scotland, people may exchange coal or silverware for good luck.
Another highly popular tradition is making resolutions as a way of reflecting on the year that has passed and making plans for the year ahead. Common resolutions for people in the states usually revolve around health and include getting in shape, eating healthier or being more active. The Japanese and Australians tend to focus their goals on romance like finding a significant other or bettering their relationships, while the majority of people in Russia make resolutions regarding furthering their education or careers.
Studies have shown that only 25 percent of people are still working toward their New Year goals after the first 30 days. Many people may not follow through on their resolutions, but it probably will not stop people from making them. Perhaps that is why when asked what her New Year resolution for 2023 is, Minden local Sharlene Warren said, “To not make any.”
In good ol’ 2022, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Love Languages, a lady named Amy earned $1 million-plus and made theJeopardy! TV game show cry “Uncle!”, LSU’s football team won more games than even the Tigers’ most loyal and optimistic fan thought possible, and Port-O-Lets again made their presence known during Mardi Gras as one of the best inventions since indoor plumbing — which turned out to be heavy plastic outdoor plumbing.
Good times.
These were just some of the more light-hearted and trivial happenings of a somewhat gray 2022, a year that had this One Big Thing going for it: it wasn’t 2021 or, Lord help us all, 2020, when our leaders didn’t.
I was born at night, but not last night.
Actually, I was born at 8:15 in the morning, just in time to clock in, and have been carrying my little tool box and lunch pail since. Like you, the past two years have beaten all I’ve ever seen and have tried, overly hard, to beat us down.
But here we are, still flying the flag, like the old man in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, a little thinner and gaunt, showing some deep wrinkles and splotches, some deep-creased scars, but our eyes are bright and cheerful and undefeated.
We can hardly afford to buy the toot off a whistle if they were selling for a nickel apiece, but we soldier on. The world keeps spinning and we’re happy to be along for the ride into what we trust will be a more upbeat 2023.
2022 was the year that brought us Wordle. Remember last year this time when everybody was Wordleing? The fad has worn off a bit, but last spring, Wordle was almost as popular as Taylor Swift.
2022 was also the year when Top Gun: Maverick became required viewing. Is it the best sequel since The Godfather Part II?
Fair Grounds Field was demolished in 2022 — until it wasn’t. Red tape and bat poop sort of sums up the year; the higher-ups don’t want to admit a mistake and get things back on greased grooves.
Closer to home, we became grandparents in July 2022, a definite highlight. She’s a healthy five months old. Because we are good grandparents, we took her to see Top Gun: Maverick five times and sold all we have except our toothbrushes to get her a Taylor Swift concert ticket. She’ll have to go alone because one is all we could afford but the kid has got to learn to stand on her own at some point.
We did not get her a ticket to Monday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando when 9-4 LSU takes on 8-5 Purdue/Purdon’t because although we love Chees-Its, one of the highest quality dairy foods you can eat, who knew LSU could threaten a 10-win season? This is a team that started a receiver at quarterback and had 38 players on scholarship in last year’s bowl game, something called the TaxAct Texas Bowl when Kansas State beat what was left of the Tigers, 42-20.
Hat tippage to new coach Brian Kelly and Tiger fans everywhere for their expectation-exceeding results this fall.
Since this is the first time ever the two programs have met and since the only alum of Purdue people in these parts might know is New Orleans Saints forever-hero Drew Brees, you might find it of interest that the nice lady who invented Stovetop Stuffing, Ruth Siems, went to Purdue, as did Orville Redenbacher, the popcorn magnate. Doubtful that either of those things will come into play during Monday’s game — unless the Boilermakers have Stovetop Stuffing and popcorn for pregame. Then we really like LSU to cover the two-touchdown spread. Kick is at noon Monday, Jan. 2.
In my articles I try to begin with some sort of historical reference or pithy thought, but to cover the most ground I’ll get right to it since this is a continuation of the previous article.
Last week I mentioned the elusive 100-yard game for Minden receivers and that it has happened only seventy-nine times in Minden’s history.Out of those seventy-nine instances, only seventeen of them occurred before 2005.However, the highly exclusive 200 receiving yard game deserves a bit more fanfare considering it has occurred only three times, involving only two players.When you contemplate Minden’s 113 years, 1,069 known games, and probably more than 1,000 total football players, this accomplishment is truly remarkable.Receivers don’t just “put on a clinic”; it usually involved a bit of desperation for Minden to throw the ball like that.
In 2012, Elgin Moore broke Greg Booker’s 2006 single game receiving record (183) with an incredible 221 receiving yard performance.Minden was having an abysmal year with an 0-5 record coming into that game, and the starting QB, Turner Francis, had missed a few games due to injury.Unfortunately, Minden lost that game, too, but Moore put on a show setting two records – receiving yards and catches (14).Just two weeks later, he posted 173 receiving yards in Minden’s only win that year.
Currently, the most popular MHS product is NFL Pro-Bowl candidate, L’Jarius Sneed.At Minden, Sneed split time on both sides of the ball and returned kicks, but he’s the other player to snag 200-yard’s worth of receiving.He did it TWICE in one season.In 2015, Sneed paired with record holding QB, Antonio Rivette, to put on an absolute show for the folks in attendance.In the back-and-forth contest, Rivette, on his way to a record 417 passing yards, hooked up with Sneed for a whopping 278 yards.It took Sneed just eight catches.If you’re doing the math at home, that’s almost thirty-five yards per reception.Did I mention that he also tied the school record with four receiving TDs that game?Three of those four TDs were dialing long distance – 78, 53, and 49 yards.Then in a playoff game, attempting to avoid elimination in yet another barn burner, Sneed was responsible for 250 of Rivette’s 279 passing yards.Sneed was certainly a big playmaker for the Tide.In his tenure at Minden, observing all phases of the game, Sneed scored a TD (31) every six times he touched the ball.I’ll let that one sink in a moment.
As I mentioned in the previous article, David Lee’s 1960 records of forty-six receptions and 685 receiving yards lasted all the way until Greg Booker’s head-turning product in 2006.Booker was the first Tide player to be named first team All-State since 1986.David Lee, Elgin Moore and L’Jarius Sneed all played in tandem with some of the most influential Minden QBs.Booker was no different tag teaming with T.Q. Mims to set records for receiving yards (1,191) and receiving TDs in a season (13).Although Booker tied David Lee’s reception total that year, he nearly doubled Lee’s receiving yards.
Like the frequency with which the passing records were broken upon the ramped-up Tide passing attack, so too went the receiving records.Just two years after Booker’s record-setting season, Jarome Walton set the new high-water mark for receptions in a season (50) in 2008 and then pushed his own record to sixty-two the very next year.
Then five years after Booker’s record-setting season, Jared Johnson made his contribution to the record books becoming the all-time leading receiver in Minden history.In 2011, Johnson set the current record for receptions (81), receiving yards (1,318) and receiving TDs (15) in a season.Jared Johnson made his on-field contributions mostly in two seasons, but it was enough for him to be the undisputed king of the pass-catchers.Johnson is the career leader in those major categories logging 142 catches for 2,444 yards and twenty-six TDs.He is the only Tide receiver to have 2,000+ career receiving yards and 25+ career receiving TDs respectively.He is almost 500 yards ahead of second place in career receiving yards.
Speaking of second place, ironically wearing jersey #2, Tavarius Edwards is the second leading receiver in most categories behind Johnson.Consistency was key in Edwards’ game.He’s the only player in Minden history to log 35+ catches and 600+ receiving yards in three consecutive years.His receptions and yardage totals from season to season might not yield shock and awe, but what is most shocking was his big play ability.Also hauling in passes from Rivette, Edwards had more receptions of forty-plus yards than any other receiver with fourteen.Booker had thirteen, Sneed had twelve, and Johnson had ten.So much for being number two.
This concludes our look at the who’s who in Minden receivers.For all the holes in receiving stats over the years, the next player group I’ll cover had the greatest lack of information available, and it’s for an entire side of the football:the Defense.
Attempting to choke his girlfriend is one reason a local man is behind bars.
Jara D. Weston, 31, of the 600 block of Midland St., Minden, was arrested for domestic abuse with strangulation and resisting an officer.
According to Minden Police Chief Elect Jared McIver, Sgt. Jeremy Sitter and Off. Heather Feeback were dispatched to the Midland Street address in reference to a physical disturbance.
“Ofc. Reece Tewell was already on scene and when the others arrived, they found Tewell with his duty weapon drawn and pointed at the basement door,” McIver said. “The officer said Weston was barricaded in the basement.”
McIver said Feeback also drew her service weapon and Sgt. Sitter drew his department-issued taser.
“After officers gave several loud verbal commands, Weston opened the basement door and walked out,” McIver said. “He refused to put up his hands, and his body language was aggressive, with teeth clinched, nostrils flaring and hands clinched.”
Sitter tased Weston one time to no avail. It required two more taser discharges to put Weston on the ground, however he reportedly refused to follow instructions to roll onto his stomach to be handcuffed.
“It took a fourth time before Weston complied,” McIver said. “While on scene, it was determined Weston choked his girlfriend to the point of almost becoming unresponsive several times during an altercation. He choked her with his barehands in front and then placed her in a rear choke.”
Weston was booked and transported to Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Eating grapes, wearing polka dots or burning scarecrows might be weird New Year’s Eve traditions to some, but centuries-old customs to others.
(Editor’s Note: This is part one of two describing strange and interesting traditions from around the world.)
As the old year comes to a close, we have a look at some of the most interesting traditions to welcome the new year. While some customs like popping champagne, fireworks and counting down the last few seconds seem universal, many countries have their own unique ways to celebrate. Follow us around the world with these New Year’s Eve traditions, make a wish, and have a happy new year!
12 Grapes of Luck
In Spain and some Latin American countries, one New Year’s tradition is to eat 12 grapes, one for each month of the coming year, to secure prosperity. Sounds easy? Here’s the challenge: you need to eat one grape with each bell strike at midnight. The favored way is to take a bite, then swallow the grape halves whole. A glass of bubbly afterward might help to flush it all down. The tradition dates back to 1909 when vine growers in Alicante came up with this idea in order to sell more grapes after an exceptional harvest.
Wear Colorful Undies
In Latin American countries like Mexico, Bolivia, and Brazil, the color of your panties will determine what kind of year you’ll have, so choose carefully! Tradition holds that red will bring love and romance, and yellow leads to wealth and success. White stands for peace and harmony, while green signifies well-being and nature. In Turkey, red panties are also handed out as gifts for good luck and the promise of a fruitful new year.
Pouring Lead
Who doesn’t want to know what the next year might bring? In Germany, people melt small pieces of lead in a spoon over a candle, then pour the liquid into cold water. The bizarre shapes from the Bleigießen (lead pouring) are supposed to reveal what the year ahead will bring. If the lead forms a ball, luck will roll one’s way, while the shape of a crown means wealth; a cross signifies death and a star will bring happiness.
Break a Plate (or Two)
A Danish New Year’s Eve tradition is to throw plates and dishes against friend’s and neighbor’s front doors. It’s a bit of a popularity contest as the bigger the pile of broken china is the next morning, the more friends and good luck you’ll have in the coming year. In times of apartment and urban living though, it’s a dying tradition, but smashing fun for those who still practice it. Another custom in Denmark is the jumping off chairs at midnight, symbolizing the leap into the New Year when the clock strikes 12.
Scarecrow Burning
In Ecuador, people build scarecrow-like dolls of politicians, pop stars, or other notable figures to set them alight. Burning the año viejo (old year) is meant to destroy all the bad things from the last year and cleanse for the new. The scarecrows are made from old clothes stuffed with newspaper or sawdust and a mask is fitted at the end. The Ecuadorian tradition possibly originated in Guayaquil in 1895 when a yellow fever epidemic hit the town, and coffins packed with clothes of the deceased were burnt for purification.
Round Food, Round Clothes, Round Everything
In the Philipines, the start of the new year is all about the money. The locals believe that surrounding themselves with round things (to represent coins) will bring money or fortune. As a result, clothes with polka dots are worn and round food is eaten. To really push Fortuna, coins are kept in pockets and constantly jangled, believed to keep the money flowing.
The St. John’s, Harrison, Jill, Holleman and Robert
For the 22 years I have written in this space, I have always reserved the final column inches of the year to list my top ten meals of the previous 12 months. Here’s this year’s list.
10.) Trattoria Mario, Florence— I first ate at Mario in 2011 with my wife, 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. We broke one of my typical travel rules which is to not revisit a restaurant twice on the same trip. In that Florence stay over we ate lunch at Mario three times. Not a rare feat as we met locals who had eaten there every day for almost 20 years.
These days I bring groups to Mario for lunch while we’re in Florence. Their lasagna— and the one at Leonida in Bologna— are the best examples of Italian lasagna I know. They make it special for us as it’s not on the menu. The kitchen at Mario is very small for the volume they do. Actually, almost all of the kitchens I frequent in that part of the world are very small. They get a lot done in small spaces.
9.) Trattoria Del Pesce, Bargino, Tuscany— For a long time I stayed away from seafood in Tuscany. I always preferred the seafood I grew up with from the Gulf of Mexico. It took me a while but I have now become a huge fan of the seafood that comes from the Mediterranean, especially in Tuscany. They prepare it so simply. Trattoria Del Pesce’s sauteed mussels and pasta with clams are unmatched in my opinion. Trattoria Del Pesce is a very nice restaurant in the middle of nowhere, in the very small Tuscan country town of Bargino. Most people would pass this place 99 times out of 100. It would be their loss.
8.) Restaurante Las Bellotas, Jabugo, Spain— If you ask me where to find the greatest ham in America, I can easily say that my friend Alan Benton in Tennessee cures the best country hams. If you ask me where the best overseas ham comes from, that’s an easy one, too. The Jamon Iberico in Jabugo, Spain is unmatched. This past spring I led 25 people through Spain. While some of my guests toured Seville, I took a dozen people out into the countryside to see how the black pigs are raised. We walked among them as they ate acorns under the cork trees. From there we had an excellent lunch and the best pork dishes I’ve ever eaten.
7.) Piccolo Buco, Rome— I have been eating at this restaurant since 2011. My all-time favorite pizza in Tuscany comes from a place called Vecchia Piazza. My all-time pizza anywhere comes from Piccolo Buco. Luca Issa is a master of pizza. His buffalo mozzarella is shipped from a small farm South of the city every morning. During this meal in October my wife Jill and I sat with our friends Jesse and Marina. It was great catching up, just the four of us. The fact that we were eating world-class pizza during the visit made it that much better.
6.) Tapeo, Barcelona— It looks like 2022 was a year for me to revisit several of my all-time favorites across the world. I fell in love with Tapeo over a decade ago. During my first visit to Barcelona I met chef Daniel Rueda and dined with him several times. Since then, I have sent hundreds of people to that restaurant. It’s my favorite tapas bar in a country filled with tapas bars. His patatas bravas is among the best. But the way he cooks pork ribs is outstanding. I’ve lived in the South all my life. People take pride cooking ribs in this part of the world. To my taste, no one can match what Daniel does in a small space off a small street in Barcelona.
5.) Osteria Le Logge, Siena— As I was reviewing the notes in my 2022 food journal, the note under this restaurant read, “This braised beef cheek might be the single best dish I have eaten in Italy. Ever.” Le Logge is a restaurant my friend Marina has been trying to introduce me to for five years. I had a favorite in Siena, and I couldn’t quite let go. My mistake. I should have listened to her much earlier. This meal was made special since my travel groups had gone home, and a group of our close friends had flown over to spend a week with us. We shared this meal at lunch, and it was outstanding.
4.) Alla Vecchia Bettola, Florence— Before heading off to culinary school this fall, my son moved to Florence and spent several months cooking in the kitchen of one of my friends. While my wife and I were over there hosting tours we met our son for lunch at Bettola. It’s a locals-only restaurant just outside the old city walls in Florence. It is also the birthplace of penne alla vodka. It is outstanding and has quickly become my favorite restaurant in Florence. He had already been there a month when we arrived and had discovered Bettola on his own. There’s something special about us sitting there with him enjoying world class pasta in a real, authentic, environment.
3.) Enzo, Ridgeland— Due to schedules it had been a while since my wife, son, and daughter had all eaten together, just the four of us. I cherish those times. A few days before Thanksgiving my son flew home from culinary school and my daughter and wife drove up to Jackson where I was already working at the new Italian restaurant. They picked him up at the airport and brought him to Enzo where the four of us shared a meal. It was the first time we had all dined together in that space.
2.) Pre-Welcome-Conference Dinner, An Apartment Somewhere in Chelsea, Manhattan, New York— In any other year this would, by far, top my list of favorite meals of the year. Though there’s another entry ahead of this one. Actually, there should probably be a 1A and 1B.
I was asked to speak at Will Guidara’s Welcome Conference in September. It was a huge honor, and I took a quick break between opening a new restaurant and getting ready to leave to work overseas for six weeks to share my “One Thing” concept with an international audience at Lincoln Center. I really knew nothing of the Welcome Conference before I was invited to speak and flew up a little naive as to the scale and scope of the event.
Speaking at Lincoln Center was a great experience. Though the dinner the night before was one of the more memorable moments of my 60 years on the planet. Those who were scheduled to speak the next day were there, along with those who would introduce us, a couple of sponsors and the four organizers of the conference. The gifts they gave out to the speakers were the most unique and well-thought-out personalized gifts in the history of speaker gifts, each distinctive with a unique backstory. The dinner was marvelous, the desserts were excellent, but Guidara’s heartfelt presentation in announcing each gift will be something I will never forget and almost too personal to share in this space.
1.) Per Se, New York—My wife, daughter and I flew up to New York last week. My son had just finished his first semester of culinary school upriver in Hyde Park. He took the train down to meet us in Manhattan. We spent the next five days and four nights— just the four of us— eating our way through Manhattan and enjoying each other’s company. The highlight of that week— more accurately the highlight of the year— was dinner at Thomas Keller’s Per Se. I had eaten there before and have eaten at the French Laundry several times. But never with my wife and two kids. We are a restaurant family. We dine out together all the time. This meal was next-level good. Actually, it was at the top level of all levels. It truly doesn’t get any better. The evening finished with a tour of the kitchen. Perfection.
Bring on 2023
Onward!
Spinach Soufflé
1/3 cup Butter
1/4 cup Shallot, minced
2 tsp Garlic, minced
1/3 cup Flour
1/2 tsp Creole Seasoning
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
1/8 tsp Ground Nutmeg
1 1/3 cup Milk, heated
2 tsp Hot Sauce
4 large Eggs, separated
2-10 packages Frozen Spinach, thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible
1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar
2 Tbl Unsalted Butter, softened
Preheat oven to 350
Heat butter in a two-quart sauce pot over medium heat. Cook shallots and garlic for three minutes. Blend in flour and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Add Creole Seasoning, salt, pepper and nutmeg, blend well. Gradually add in the heated milk, stirring constantly with a wire whisk. Remove from the heat. Stir in the hot sauce.
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks until light and frothy, fold the yolks into the sauce mixture. Add the spinach to the sauce mixture.
Using the whip attachment on an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Stir one quarter of the stiff egg whites into the spinach mixture. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites.
Butter a two-quart round Pyrex baking dish. Pour the spinach mixture into prepared baking dish.
Place the Pyrex dish in a water bath with 2 inches of water. Bake for one hour and serve immediately.
Yield: 8-10 servings
(Robert St. John is a chef, restaurateur and cookbook author who lives in Hattiesburg, Miss.)
The Webster Parish Journal (WPJ) will publish paid engagement and wedding announcements, as well as anniversaries, for couples who reside in the parish, who have relatives in the parish or who are getting married in the parish. (Fees apply.)
This move by the Journal allows couples to showcase their announcement.
Information for engagement announcements include:
Digital photograph of the couple
The couple’s names
The couple’s hometowns
High school and/or college of the couple
Parents’ names and/or grandparents’ names
Ties to the parish
Wedding time, date, and place
An interesting fact about the couple
Information for the wedding announcements include:
Digital photograph of the couple
The couple’s names
The couple’s hometowns
High school and/or college of the couple
Parents’ names and/or grandparents’ names
Officiant
Attendants
Ties to the parish
Wedding time, date, and place
For engagement and wedding announcement fees and/or to submit information for publication, please email wpjnewsla@gmail.com.
The following arrests were made by local law enforcement agencies. Minden Police Department (MPD), Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO), Louisiana State Police (LSP) and others which are named.
Dec. 21
Hayden Lee Bidlack, 19, of the 200 block of Gill Street, Homer, was arrested by Springhill Police for simple burglary.
Dec. 22
Kelly Doyle Yancey, 51, of the 5500 block of Hwy. 532, Minden, was arrested by LSP Troop G for driving while intoxicated second offense, careless operation and open container.
Dec. 23
Brian W. Jackson, 47, of the 500 block of Central School Rd., Dubberly, was arrested by Sibley Police on a warrant for failure to appear in court.
Dec. 24
Deterick Termaine Walker, 42, of the 100 block of Country Lane, Minden, was arrested by MPD on an active bench warrant, driving under suspension, stop sign violation and operating an illegal taxi service.
Jeffrey Lee Moore, 66, of the 100 block of Trailer Park Dr., Sibley, was arrested by WPSO for simple battery, no seatbelt and operating a vehicle with no license.
Ladarius Lamar Walker, 25, of the 600 block of Watts Circle, Minden, was arrested by WPSO on two active warrants for speeding and failure to appear in court.
Dec. 25
Jaquadric Wilson, 34, of the 200 block of Taylor, Springhill, was arrested by Cullen Police on warrants for domestic abuse with child endangerment, domestic abuse battery and criminal trespassing.
Dec. 26
Ronnie Don Fish Jr., 32, of the 3300 block of Walnut Rd., Sarepta, was arrested by WPSO and Sarepta Police for driving while intoxicated second offense, stop sign violation and driving on the shoulder of the road.
Myron Javon Sumlin, 38, of Bossier City, was arrested by Dixie Inn Police on 2 counts as a fugitive from Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office, flight from an officer, restrictions on lamps and following an authorized emergency vehicle.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The coming of a new year brings hope for us all. It is a chance to wipe the slate clean and start anew. Many of us will set goals that we could never achieve, but we must believe that we can achieve anything. We must believe in ourselves. No matter what happens this coming year, don’t stop believing in yourself.
In the early 1970s, Jonathan moved from his hometown of Chicago to Los Angeles, California. The only being Jonathan knew in “the City of Angels” was his beloved dog that he brought with him from Chicago. Jonathan, a talented musician, hoped to “make it big” in the music industry. At eight years old, Jonathan began taking accordion lessons. As a teenager, he made extra money playing accordion and piano in clubs and at parties. Following high school, Jonathan attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music. His parents, teachers, and friends all thought he had the talent required to “make it,” and encouraged him to give it a shot.
Jonathan was hopeful when he arrived in Los Angeles, but he quickly began to struggle just to survive. There were opportunities for up-and-coming musicians to play, but the market was saturated with fine musicians who often played for little or no pay. More often than not, Jonathan’s income from playing music was too little to allow him to pay his bills and eat, too. He became one of Los Angeles’s many starving artists. When he became desperate, which happened often, Jonathan ashamedly called his father and asked for a small loan. His father always sent Jonathan what money he could and reassured him that one-day things would be better.
Then, an event happened which brought Jonathan to the point of giving up on his dream, his beloved dog was hit by a car and severely injured. He had no money to pay the vet. Once again, he called his father for another loan. His father could hear the discouragement in his voice more than any other time that Jonathan had called. “Dad,” Jonathan asked in a dispirited voice, “should I just give up on this thing and come home?” His father reassured him as he always had. “No. Don’t come home,” his father said. Always full of encouragement, his father gave him another piece of advice which Jonathan thought important enough to jot down in his notebook.
With his father’s reassurance, Jonathan kept searching for the right opportunity. He thought that opportunity had finally arrived in 1976 when he recorded a solo album which he named after his hometown, “Windy City Breakdown.” The album failed to chart, and Jonathan’s struggle continued. In 1978, Jonathan joined a British rock group called The Babys. Jonathan recorded two albums with The Babys, but the band failed to achieve the level of success they had hoped for and, in 1980, the group disbanded. In that same year, Jonathan joined another band and began working on an album with them. The band needed two more songs to complete the album, and the band’s lead singer asked Jonathan if he had any song ideas. Jonathan flipped through his notebook and read again the advice his father had given him several years earlier. Those three simple words of encouragement became the inspiration of and title of one of Jonathan’s band’s biggest hits. It has been described as the “perfect rock song” which featured Jonathan playing “one of the best opening keyboard riffs in rock.” The song was the best-selling digital track from the 20th century. The band was Journey. The name of the song and the advice his father gave Jonathan Cain was,… “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Those three words were good advice from Jonathan’s father then and have remained good advice to listeners for over forty years. If we “Don’t Stop Believin’” in ourselves, we can accomplish anything in the coming new year.
