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Pocket-sized seed packets speak volumes

Thu, 01/04/2018 - 12:21pm

By DEAN FOSDICK, The Associated Press

A seed packet may be small, but it speaks volumes.
While seed catalogs promote thousands of types of plants, seed packets tell gardeners how to grow one. All the information is printed on the back of a paper pouch slightly larger than the size of your wallet, and at prices that won’t empty it.
Although the cost of seeds has risen over the past few years, they’re still an economical way to garden, said Elsa Sanchez, a commercial vegetable crops specialist at Penn State University Extension.
“The other option would be to buy transplants, which is generally more expensive,” Sanchez said. “You also find a lot more options for types and cultivars when you start from seed.”
Seed packages have been a gardening staple in the United States for well over a century, although their look is frequently changed.
W. Atlee Burpee & Co., for example, has begun shipping re-designed packets for the 2018 growing season.
“We made the picture (of the plant) virtually the entire front of the packet, so there’s a very strong shout-out of what it is,” said Burpee chairman and chief executive officer George Ball. “We have just a few things on the front — the name, price and weight, such as we need to have.
“But turn it over and you’ll see that we’ve amped up the type of gardening information you’re going to get — the what, the how, the where and the when. The most important is the when,” Ball said. “We use USDA (hardiness) zones and maps for that.”
Company founder Washington Atlee Burpee used to call seed packets his “silent salesmen,” Ball said.
“It’s important that the seed packets be seen from 15 feet for in-store sales rather than 15 inches for a catalog. So we go for a more varnished look to make a good first impression,” he said.
The kind of information to expect from these miniature reference guides:
—Days to seed germination and maturity. Expect those to vary somewhat, though, based on sun exposure, soil temperature, fertility and moisture.
—Seed count and packing date. “Seed longevity is dependent on the type of seed and also storage conditions,” Sanchez said, recommending that any leftovers be kept cool and dry until another planting season rolls around. “Over time, viability and germination rates will decline.”
—Plant profile and size: whether it’s a hybrid, open pollinated or an heirloom, an annual, biennial or perennial.
—Planting instructions, including seed spacing and soil depth, light conditions and moisture requirements.
Then there’s the bonus information available through “QR” or quick-response coding, those usually square, artistic designs appearing more frequently on the flip side of seed packets. Download a free QR code reader app into your smart phone or tablet so you can read links and find information online.
“You can use smart phones to scan QR readers for a great many plant-particular details — information that just wouldn’t fit on the back of seed packets,” Sanchez said.
“It is a good idea to hang onto the seed packages after sowing as references for future care and harvesting,” she added.
—Online:
For more about how to read seed packets, see this fact sheet from University of Vermont Extension: http://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/seedpkt.html

Cooking on Deadline: Rib-Eye Steaks with Thyme-Garlic Butter

Thu, 01/04/2018 - 12:11pm

By KATIE WORKMAN, The Associated Press

A perfectly cooked steak is what many people — with good reason — think of as a perfect meal.
This is a classy take on a restaurant-quality steak dinner, and other than remembering to salt the steak ahead of time (not a deal breaker, but recommended), it’s only 30 minutes from start to finish.
Note these instructions are for a thick steak, at least 1½-inches thick. Thinner steaks don’t need the additional oven-roasting time, and will likely be overdone if they go into the oven after they are seared on both sides.
Here are five things that help make a good steak great, and a great steak marvelous:
1) Salting the meat a day before cooking it draws out excess liquid, concentrating and developing the flavor, and allows the meat to form a nice caramelized exterior. You can salt it an hour ahead too, but the longer time allows the seasoning to get past the surface into the middle of the meat.
2) Let meat come to room temperature before cooking, or the inside will take significantly longer to warm up and cook, and by that time the outside of the steak will be overcooked.
3) Pat meat dry before putting it in the pan. If the meat is wet, it won’t sear well.
4) Use an oil with a high smoking point, like canola or vegetable, to cook steaks on the stove. Butter or oil with a lower smoking point will burn, and cause the steak to have a burnt taste, even if it is not overcooked itself. Butter is a lovely thought, but add it at the end and just allow it to melt in the hot pan.
5) This doesn’t affect the quality of the steak, but turn on the exhaust fan! Odds are there will be a lot of smoke, so prepare by turning on the fan, opening windows and doors as you can, and thinking of this as a test to see if your smoke alarm batteries are still working.
And there you have it. Roast some potatoes once the oven is preheated, add a little sautéed spinach (cooked up while the steak is in the oven) or a green salad, and you’ve got that perfect steak dinner in your own home.
RIB EYE STEAKS WITH THYME-GARLIC BUTTER
Start to finish:
30 minutes
2 rib-eye steaks, about 1½-inches thick, and 1- to 1¼-pounds each
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. canola or vegetable oil
4 Tbsp. (½ stick) unsalted butter
1 tsp. finely minced garlic
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
The night before cooking the steaks, salt and pepper them liberally, and put them on a plate (if you have a wire rack, place them on the rack over a plate). Refrigerate uncovered overnight.
One hour before cooking the steaks, take them out of the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Heat oil in a large skillet (big enough to hold both steaks) over high heat. Pat meat dry and add steaks to the pan.
Sear for 4 to 5 minutes, until the bottom is nicely browned, and then flip steaks and brown for another 3 minutes. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for another 5 to 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 120 to 125 degrees F for rare, 125 to 130 degrees F for medium rare.
Remove steak from the pan to a cutting board, pour off any fat that has accumulated in the pan, and place pan over medium low heat. Add butter, garlic and thyme, and stir just until the butter has melted and you can smell the garlic (this will be quick, about 30 seconds, as the pan will be hot). Brush half of the seasoned butter over the resting steak and pour the rest of the butter into a small bowl. Let the steak sit for 10 minutes.
Slice the steak with a large, sharp knife, and fan out the slices on a serving platter. Brush the slices of meat with the remaining melted butter.
Serves 4, generously
—Nutrition information per serving: 596 calories; 397 calories from fat; 44 g fat (17 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 237 mg cholesterol; 880 mg sodium; 1 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 0 g sugar; 46 g protein.
—Katie Workman has written two cookbooks focused on easy, family-friendly cooking, “Dinner Solved!” and “The Mom 100 Cookbook.”

Two on Tap will take stage Tuesday

Thu, 01/04/2018 - 11:56am

Broadway veterans Melissa Giattino and Ron DeStefano are bringing their vocals, choreography and unique musical arrangements to Morgan City Municipal Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Additionally, local dance students will be joining then onstage for a brief performance as part of their student outreach program, “Tea for Two.”
Single event tickets are available for $25 for adults and $5 students K-12. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Call 985-385-2307 for more information.
Since its debut in February 2010, Two On Tap has entertained tens of thousands.
The Community Concert Association of Morgan City has announced a new partnership with the St. Mary Council on Aging, which is offering free transportation to and from concerts for senior citizens 60 and over who live in St. Mary Parish.
Please call at least 24 hours prior to concert to arrange.

Central Catholic Hall of Fame will induct new members Sunday

Thu, 01/04/2018 - 11:51am

Staff Report
Central Catholic High School will induct seven graduates and five benefactors into the school’s Hall of Fame during a ceremony at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Yvonne Adams Life Center at Holy Cross Church.
Hall of Fame inductees receiving the Central Catholic High School Lifetime Meritorious Service Award are Cedric LaFleur, Kenneth “Kenny” Duval, Burt and Jodi Adams and the Ed Patterson family.
Hall of Fame inductees receiving the Central Catholic High School Athletic Achievement Award are Shane Beaudean, Greg Bergeron, David Burch Jr., Michelle Hensgens, Joseph “Buzzy” Joy, and Curtis Randall.
Cedric LaFleur
LaFleur was a 1948 graduate of Sacred Heart of Ville Platte. He served as councilman and as mayor for the City of Morgan City. He sent six children, fourteen grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren through Central Catholic. He has assisted with several building projects and supported the tuition assistance program which helps keep tuition affordable for all students.
Kenneth “Kenny” Duval
Duval was a graduate of Morgan City High School and has been involved with Central Catholic High School for the past 20 years. He has been responsible for security at home football games, greeting the visiting teams to the stadium, and escorting various athletic teams to their away games. During this time, he has also served as the score keeper for boys and girls basketball. He has served Holy Cross Church as a Eucharistic Minister and as a Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus.
Burt and Jodi Adams
Burt Adams is a graduate of Central Catholic High School. For the past 20 years, he has served on the advisory council and the Eagle Club, been a charter member of the Eagle Foundation, chairperson of the CCHS Annual Appeal Committee, and chairperson of the Vision 2012 Campaign. He has also volunteered his time as a educator by teaching classes at CCHS and tutored students. Jodi has served as co-chairperson of the Vision 2012 Campaign and as chairperson of the Central Catholic Auction for several years. She was responsible for the remodel of the CCHS Mall and initiating the CCHS Project Graduation program.
Ed Patterson family
Ed Patterson serves as the chairman of the Patterson Family Foundation. He has personally guided and assisted the foundation in all of its projects that support the Central Catholic Community. He served as a major part in the success of the Vision 2012 Campaign.
Shane Beaudean
Beaudean graduated from Central Catholic in 1998 where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, golf, and track. He was awarded All-District honors in football, basketball, baseball, and he was MVP of the district in basketball in 1997-1998. He was a member of the 1997 State Runner-up football team. He was awarded Academic All-District honors in all sports as well. He was a four time letterman in basketball at Nicholls State University. He began as a preferred walk-on, but he earned a full scholarship during his tenure at Nicholls and was named captain of the basketball team for the 2001-2002 season.
Greg Bergeron
Bergeron was a 1972 graduate of Central Catholic. He was award All-District, District MVP and All-State honors in football for his junior and senior seasons. He led all rushers in the state in 1971 when he amassed over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns in 10 games. He also ran track his senior year and was a part of the regional championship track team.
David Burch Jr.
Burch was a 2005 graduate which he lettered in football, baseball, and golf. For football, he was a four time member of the All-District team and Offensive District MVP and first-team All-State in 2004. For baseball, he was a four time All-District honoree, two time District MVP, three time All-State honoree, two time State MVP and member of the state championship teams in 2002, 2004 and 2005. He participated in the sState golf tournament in each year. He lettered in baseball at Nicholls State University his freshman year and then earned three letters from the University of New Orleans during his college career. He led the team in saves in 2009, and he is 2nd all-time in pitching appearances for UNO.
Michelle Hensgens
Hensgens was a 2004 graduate of Central Catholic where she lettered in volleyball, basketball, and softball. She was selected to the all-district and all-parish teams all four years in volleyball and was a member of the 2003 Division V State Championship team. She earned All-State honors as a senior and was selected to the Louisiana High School All-Star team. She lettered in volleyball for four years at Louisiana State University where was selected to the SEC Academic Honor Roll each year.
Joseph “Buzzy” Joy
Joy was a 1967 graduate of Central Catholic. He played football for two years and ran track. He was a member of the 1966 state runner-up team. He set the school record in 1967 for the 100 yard dash at 9.8 seconds and the 220 yard dash at 21.3 seconds. He signed a full scholarship to play football at Mississippi State University. He was the tailback on the freshman team and red-shirted his sophomore year. He played defensive back and special teams for two years.
Curtis Randall
Randall was a 1998 graduate of Central Catholic. He played football, basketball, and ran track. He was a member of the 1997 State Runner-up team. He was a four year letterman at Louisiana Tech in Football. He was a member of All-WAC team his senior year and ranked second on the team in tackles. He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and was allocated to NFL Europe. He later signed with the Carolina Panthers and then with the Seattle Seahawks. He was a member of the Seahawks practice squad in 2004 before being placed on the active roster for the final 5 games of the season. He participated in four NFL games of those games. His football jersey number is currently retired by Central Catholic.

BRENDAN VERRETT

Thu, 01/04/2018 - 11:46am

The world lost a beautiful soul for us to gain a Heavenly Angel … Brendan was a beautiful soul called to his Heavenly home on Jan. 1, 2018. He blessed the lives of everyone he encountered and was loved by all. What Brendan was not able to do on earth has been made whole in Heaven with God. He is truly dancing and singing with the Angels to now watch over us until the day we meet again.
Brendan is survived by his parents, Alaina and Chris Black; his father, Shane Verrett; his sister, Olivia Black; brothers, Talen and Tyler Black, Brennan Black and his wife Lacie, and Michael Black and his wife Cherie; and niece and nephew, Kimley and Saven Black. Brendan is also survived by his beloved grandparents, Douglas and Katrina Leftwich, Monica and David Acosta, Frank and Betty Black, and Howard and Diana Verrett, as well as his aunts and uncles, Peyton Acosta, Laura Leftwich, and Jeremy and Amy Leftwich. Great-grandparents include Cedric LaFleur and Ovay and Dianne Rogers. Brendan will also be missed by many other aunts, uncles, and cousins too numerous to name.
Brendan was welcomed into Heaven by his great-grandmother, Rowena LaFleur; great-aunt, Patience LaFleur; great-uncles, Michael LaFleur, Gary Acosta and Anthony Blanco; and great-grandfathers, Paul Sheehan and Willard “Billy” Leftwich.
The family would like to acknowledge the help and support of all of the many caregivers who gave so selflessly and lovingly of their time to Brendan during his life. This includes most especially his aunt and primary caregiver, Maria Leftwich.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Brendan’s life at a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, Jan. 5, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morgan City. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Brendan’s name to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.

(UPDATED) DAVID J. AUCOIN JR.

Thu, 01/04/2018 - 11:44am

David J. Aucoin Jr., 46, a resident of Morgan City, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Teche Regional Medical Center.

David was born on January 31, 1971 in Morgan City the son of David J. Aucoin Sr. and Janice Wiggins Aucoin.

David was an avid sports fan who loved the New Orleans Saints and the LSU Tigers.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his parents, David “DJ” and Janice Wiggins Aucoin; one brother, Dwayne “Peanut” Aucoin and wife Michelle of Berwick; two nephews Wyatt Aucoin and Winston Aucoin; grandfather, Earl J. Wiggins.

David was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Hillary Aucoin Sr. and Enola Blanco Aucoin; maternal grandmother, Gloria Morrison Wiggins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Holy Cross Catholic Church with Father Danny Poche celebrating Mass. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until Mass time. Following Mass David will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in David's name to the Epilepsy Foundation Louisiana, 4137 Sherwood Forest Blvd., Suite 210 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9908

ROSLYN ANN DOIRON

Thu, 01/04/2018 - 11:42am

August 30, 1944 - December 30, 2017
Roslyn Falgout Doiron, 73, a native of Berwick, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017.
Roslyn is survived by her husband, Jimmy Doiron; her children, Dayna Brown and her husband, Jeff, and Denice Brinson and her husband, Troy; three grandchildren, J.P. Doiron, Kaylie Brinson and Desi Duke; and four grandchildren, Zach, Drew, Rhett and Raylee.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jimmy Doiron Jr.; a grandson, Kamen Brown; her parents, Sidney Falgout Sr. and Vester Dufrene Falgout; and her sister, Marilyn Tidwell.
According to her wishes, services will be held privately at a later date.

Wheel House for Jan. 4

Thu, 01/04/2018 - 11:34am

FEEDING PROGRAM
At Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, 113 Federal Ave., Morgan City, for needy and senior citizens, at noon Saturday, Jan. 6. For more info, 384-6800.

MLK CELEBRATION
Patterson Civic Organization’s 2018 Annual MLK Celebration 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, St. Luke Baptist Church, 1709 Harry D St., Patterson. The Rev. Keith Verret Sr. officiating. Theme “Community: The Art of Coming Together!” Arlanda Williams, Terrebonne Parish councilwoman and owner of Rosemary’s Soul Food Kitchen is speaker. A march and parade of church vans will immediately follow the service to Cherry Street Park. Churches across St. Mary Parish asked to enter its church van as a sign of unity in the community.

WOMEN MISSION
Ministry at New Salem Baptist Church, 1412 Cherry St., Patterson, 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. Speaker Dorothy Stewart. Another Women Mission Ministry held at 10 a.m. Feb. 24. Speaker Debra Calhoun.

FISH PO’BOYS
At New Salem Baptist Church, 1412 Cherry St., Patterson, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. Menu includes fried fish po’boys, potato salad, dessert and cold drink. Cost $7.

BLACK HISTORY
Program at New Salem Baptist Church, 1412 Cherry St., Patterson, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. Speaker Mayor Rodney Grogan.

MEN’S DAY
Program at New Salem Baptist Church, 1412 Cherry St., Patterson, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 25.

RICHARD CORTEZ SR.

Thu, 01/04/2018 - 11:30am

Ricardo Cortez Sr., 80, a native and resident of Morgan City, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, at Teche Regional Medical Center.
He is survived by five children, Ricky Cortez Jr., Richard Cortez, Stephen Cortez and Daniel Cortez, all of Morgan City, and Charity Williams of Baton Rouge; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Deanna Cortez of Morgan City.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a son.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in Morgan City Cemetery.

10 years of service

Thu, 01/04/2018 - 11:23am

Submitted Photo
Jeremy Callais, center, M C Bank's executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer, was recently recognized by the bank for 10 years of service. He's shown with President and CEO Larry Callais, left, and Barton Blanco, executive vice president/chef lending officer. Jeremy Callais joined M C Bank in 2007. He is a Patterson High School graduate who received a bachelor's degree from Nicholls State University. His master’s degree is from Northwestern State University. He completed the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking from the Stonier School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.