Community

Louisiana Tech University alumni Jeremy Davis (left) and Clay Johnson, former Tech Jazz Ensemble members, brought their Fabulous Equinox Orchestra to campus last weekend. Entitled “Home for the Holidays,” the free concert offered the group’s fiery hot and soulful Southern big band sound while inspiring the spirit of the season through its high- energy show.

Travel is a common component of celebrating the holiday season. In 2022, AAA estimated that 112.7 million people would journey 50 miles or more away from home between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2. It stands to reason that a similar number of people will find themselves on the road, rails or in the sky this year as well.

Each year, the National Garden Bureau designates a specific plant to celebrate each year. The goal is to promote awareness, education and appreciation for that particular plant — and this year, one of the selections is amaryllis.

Above, Ruston Police Department Deputy Chief Chad Hamlin helps Mary Jane Cano, 5, pick out pick out toys during Wednesday evening’s Shop with A Cop event. RPD was one of several agencies participating in the shopping spree designed to give selected youngsters a brighter Christmas. The event, coordinated by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office in partnership with Walmart, was the resumption of a program started more than a decade ago but had gone on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. Right, Dubach Police Officer John McCullin helps his young shopping companion, Samuel, with a special gift during Wednesday evening’s Shop with A Cop event. In addition to DPD, officers from Ruston police, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Grambling State University police, Louisiana Tech University police, and Choudrant police helped more than 60 youngsters shop for toys, clothes, and snacks. Ruston’s Junior Auxiliary compiles a list of eligible children from local schools.