By: Carissa Hebert

The holidays are just around the corner, and the season can be very busy for everyone as they prepare for meals, gifts, work, etc. Just remember to take time and enjoy the moment. I know Santa is at the top of every child’s list, but the meaning of this holiday is so special. This is the time to reflect on religion, family, helping others, etc. It’s one of those holidays that can mean so many things to a family, so just take time to enjoy the holidays.

For my family, we’re hoping all of my siblings will be under one roof for the first time in about 10 years. I can’t wait to spend time with sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, my parents, grandparents and family friends. My sisters are already planning how we’ll pass our time together, because its rare that all nine of us come home at one time since everyone lives out of state. I can’t wait to reminisce, share gifts and enjoy being with my family.

From us to you, Season’s Greetings.

Here are a couple of emails we received this week.

Medicare

Seniors have only a short time left to take advantage of the opportunity to switch plans with their Medicare prescription drug benefit. The enrollment period ends December 31, and it is wise for everyone enrolled in the program to check their options and make sure they’re in the best and most affordable plan for them. So if you’re over the age of 65 and haven’t done so already, head to www.Medicare.gov to check your options.

If you don’t have web access, you can always call 1-800-Medicare and speak with a customer service representative. Over the phone, a Medicare representative can talk you through your choices.

Recycling Tips

Louisiana, like the rest of the nation, produces more garbage in December than any other month. However, all this extra garbage doesn’t have to go to the curb; you can make the holidays easier and take care of the environment too. DEQ suggests a few simple tips to help:

•“Pre-Cycle” your Christmas tree

•Gift-wrapping innovations and buying recycled: Save and reuse gift bags or use Christmas or Hanukah-themed fabric with Velcro fasteners instead of standard wrapping paper. Since many more products are being made with recycled content, use decorative gift boxes in lieu of wrapping paper.

•Foam Peanuts are recyclable: Most local mailbox or postal shipping stores will take your foam peanuts for recycling. For locations, call The Peanut Hotline at 800-828-2214.

•Recycling holiday toys and batteries: When possible, use rechargeable batteries for toys, cameras and gadgets. When those batteries no longer hold a charge, call the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation at 800-8-battery or go to their website at www.rbrc.org for the nearest battery-recycling drop off point.

Have a safe holiday season. Remember to never burn wrapping paper or Christmas trees in the fireplace. For more recycling ideas, go to www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/87/Default.aspx.

Mayor’s Gala

Opelousas Mayor Donald Cravins wil host his third annual New Years Charity Gala, which raises funds to assist the elderly and disabled throughout St. Landry Parish cope with high, unbearable energy bills, Saturday, Dec. 27th, at the Opelousas Yambilee Building from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight.

This year’s festivities will include entertainment by the R&B group, BRW, a delicious catered meal, silent auction and cash bar. There will be a dance contest. Tickets for the Charity Gala are $30 per person. For tickets and general information, please contact Eva Noel at 331-0700.

Hunters cited

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited three men for allegedly hunting migratory game birds over bait Dec. 13, in Vermilion Parish.

Agents cited William Monfort, 43, of Lafayette, John Herton, 39, of Breaux Bridge, and Gregory Lindsly, 40, of Opelousas, for hunting ducks and geese over an area baited with corn, milo and rice bran. Monfort was also cited for placement of bait for the purpose of hunting migratory game birds.

Agents seized and donated to charity three teal and one snow goose.

The penalty for hunting migratory game birds over a baited area is a fine up to $15,000, or six months in jail or both. The fine for placement of bait for the purpose of hunting migratory game birds is a fine up to $100,000, or one year in jail or both.

Agents participating in the cases were Lt. Robert Buatt, Sgt. Keith Delahoussaye, Senior Agents Lonnie Campbell and Myron Verret, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Philip Siragusa.