Take a child to a museum and invest in their future.

When was the last time you visited a museum with your family? Months? Years? Ever? The new year is always full of resolutions, goals and excitement for a fresh start. Make 2014 the year you devote time and energy into investing in your child's future, in more than just the obvious ways. 

While reviewing various travel articles earlier in the month, I came across an interesting piece on traveleffect.com about the benefits of taking children to museums and historical monuments. According to a survey done by the Wagner Group, educational travel has a clear impact on children’s academic performance and career growth. The research showed that adults who traveled in their youth were more likely to graduate from high school and 63% of that group goes on to graduate college.

"The best part of this survey is that regardless of ethnicity, family income, age and gender, travel’s benefits to education and future success is universal,” says Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

Museums can be an important and enriching part of everyone’s life. They offer pleasant, positive learning opportunities for adults and children of all ages. Especially during the impressionable years in children, it’s necessary to empower them key skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, imagination and observation and understanding.  For kids and young adults both, the educational benefits go beyond simply re-enforcing classroom lessons. These experiences add insight and understanding, but also open their minds to new ideas and new interests.

Suggest visiting a museum to your family soon… and prepare for the whining and complaining that will commence. Explain that you aren’t punishing them with boring school activities outside of school hours, but investing in their education and their future.

 “This research shows that simple educational additions to your itinerary whether it’s local culture, history or nature can have major impacts on future career success,” says Dow. 

The study showed students who traveled in their youth make nearly 12% more (around $5,000) annually later in their careers than those who did not travel. Also, among those who traveled, 86% believed the educational trips made them more intellectually curious inside and out of the classroom, and 90% said their travels were actually fun and inspiring.

The kids still aren’t convinced? Check out these six ways provided by traveleffect.com to make trips to a museum more fun for the family. 

1. Let the kids help plan the itinerary, starting with taking a virtual tour before you leave home. 


2. Stage a scavenger hunt in a museum. Buy post cards when you arrive and look for the “real thing” as you make your way through the exhibit. 


3. Don’t try to see it all!  That’s impossible in a major museum—or city.  Focus on the kids’ interests and a couple of museum exhibits. 


4. Divide and conquer, especially if the kids are different ages and have different interests. 


5. Seek out interactive family discovery zones. 


6. Leave when the kids have had enough!    

Granted, not every city has extensive, national museums within driving distance. Exploit the local! Ruston and Lincoln Parish offer a variety of museums rich with culture and history. Stop by the Lincoln Parish Museum, the Autrey House, the Eddie G. Robinson Museum and the Louisiana Military Museum where admission is free. Or the kids can explore scientific phenomena and wonders of the world at the Idea Place for $4 per student. 

          

Meet the Staff: Part 1

At the Ruston Lincoln Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau, our team is busy every day developing and promoting the tourism economy of Lincoln Parish. In the last year there have been some changes and additions to the office so we would like to take to take this opportunity to introduce our staff to you!

Travis Napper, President and CEO

Travis joined the CVB staff in May of 2012. As President and CEO, Travis is responsible for leading sales and marketing efforts to promote Ruston and Lincoln Parish and oversees all administrative functions of the bureau.

Travis came to the CVB from Louisiana Tech University where he served as the Director of Orientation and Special Programs for six years. During his time with the university, Travis was responsible for administering all the orientation sessions for students and parents, as well as training and development of the orientation staff.

“I’m not originally from here, but I’ve always had ties to Ruston. Since moving here over a decade ago, I feel like I’ve been accepted into this family; and it’s a pleasure to be able to serve the area.”

Travis is also an active member of the community. He serves as Vice President of the Ruston Civic Symphony Society, sits on the board of the Dixie Center for the Arts and is a member of the Rotary Club of Lincoln Parish

Travis has been married to his college sweetheart Brittany Schimmel Napper for almost six years. They have two children, Emory, who is four years old and Stover, who will be one on Wednesday.

Q&A

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Any time that I get to hear the feedback from our visitors' experiences, and how much they enjoy our authentic community. 

Where is the best place to take the kids in Lincoln Parish?

Lincoln Parish Park or any LA Tech sporting event. My kids always have a great time!

What was the last app you downloaded?

Goodreads. I like it because it helps me keep up with all the books I have read, but more importantly all the books that I would like to read at sometime in the future.

You must like to read. What was the last book you read?

Death by Meetings by Patrick Lencioni.

What is the most special gift you've been given?

My wedding ring. It symbolizes the covenant that we have made to each other and reminds me of how thankful I am to have such a wonderful wife and mother to my kids.

---

Check back Wednesday, October 2nd for Meet the Staff: Part 2!

Holiday Travel Tips

  Oh, sweet Christmas time! For some, this means pleasant evenings at home with loved ones, and for some others, it means packing up the crew and hitting the road (or sky) to visit friends and family. As you prepare for your holiday travels, keep in mind these few tips for a safe and enjoyable trip!

Plan ahead. Make sure your vehicle maintenance is up to date and ready for traveling in winter conditions. Map your route in advance and be prepared for busy roads. Do research and find alternative routes if intense traffic will make your trip too overwhelming. Scheduling ahead is also the best way to ensure better air fares when flying.

Give yourself plenty of time. Be flexible to avoid stress. Leave before peak traffic hours. If you travel with children, take into consideration the necessary pit stops. If you’re flying, give yourself a good 2 hour window for baggage checks and security lines.

Stay fresh and alert. Take plenty of breaks and DO NOT push yourself to meet an unrealistic schedule. Share the driving responsibility, when possible. If you get tired, pull to a rest area and nap or stretch your legs. Driving requires your full attention so pull off the road to use your GPS or cell phone.

Keep your speed down. Especially in winter conditions, you’ll need a proper amount of time and distance to react to the traffic around you. Stay in control and let the impatient, aggressive drivers go around you. Unlike them, you gave yourself plenty of time.

Stay connected. Download the latest travel apps before your leave home. Flight Status and GateGuru are perfect for keeping up with airport delays, security line lengths and more. GasBuddy finds the cheapest place to stop for gas, and SitOrSquat locates the cleanest restrooms.

Pack light. Make sure there is extra room in the trunk for the Christmas gifts your family will be bringing home. Flying? Avoid even checking a bag if you can and ship gifts ahead of time to avoid TSA rifling through your neatly wrapped gifts and packages. Also, if you can’t afford to lose it, don’t even bring it with you.

Bring earplugs. Pack some for yourself; pack some for the kids. It’s the best way to escape stressful surroundings whether you’re in a busy airport or sitting through Kidz Bop renditions of Justin Bieber and Katy Perry songs.

Don’t go hungry. When you’re hungry, you’re irritable and can’t think properly. Eat before you hit the road or board the plan. And don’t forget to pack snacks for later. Nuts and dried fruits are perfect.

And here are a few from my personal experience. 
You’re welcome.

• TSA agents do not speak sarcasm. Don’t be a smartypants. 


• If you feel sick on the plane, ask for a drink that’s half ginger and half club soda to relieve nausea.


• Keep in mind that budget hotels almost always offer free wi-fi. And luxury hotels almost always charge you for it.


• Ladies, decide to either wear black or brown, and then plan your outfits around one pair of shoes. Yes, you read that correctly. And make sure they’re comfortable shoes. This makes packing so much easier.


• I do not have children, but I have traveled with them. Don’t forget the DVDs, CDs, puzzles, coloring books, etc for constant entertainment.


• If you’re traveling alone (or with someone who shares your taste), go to your local library and check out some books on CD. A good “read” is perfect for a few hours on the road.


• Did you pack your cell phone charger? Go check again.

Any tips you'd like to share? Post them in the comments!

Traveling to Ruston? Check out experienceruston.com 

Take a child to a museum and invest in their future.

When was the last time you visited a museum with your family? Months? Years? Ever? The new year is always full of resolutions, goals and excitement for a fresh start. Make 2014 the year you devote time and energy into investing in your child's future, in more than just the obvious ways. 

While reviewing various travel articles earlier in the month, I came across an interesting piece on traveleffect.com about the benefits of taking children to museums and historical monuments. According to a survey done by the Wagner Group, educational travel has a clear impact on children’s academic performance and career growth. The research showed that adults who traveled in their youth were more likely to graduate from high school and 63% of that group goes on to graduate college.

"The best part of this survey is that regardless of ethnicity, family income, age and gender, travel’s benefits to education and future success is universal,” says Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

Museums can be an important and enriching part of everyone’s life. They offer pleasant, positive learning opportunities for adults and children of all ages. Especially during the impressionable years in children, it’s necessary to empower them key skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, imagination and observation and understanding.  For kids and young adults both, the educational benefits go beyond simply re-enforcing classroom lessons. These experiences add insight and understanding, but also open their minds to new ideas and new interests.

Suggest visiting a museum to your family soon… and prepare for the whining and complaining that will commence. Explain that you aren’t punishing them with boring school activities outside of school hours, but investing in their education and their future.

 “This research shows that simple educational additions to your itinerary whether it’s local culture, history or nature can have major impacts on future career success,” says Dow. 

The study showed students who traveled in their youth make nearly 12% more (around $5,000) annually later in their careers than those who did not travel. Also, among those who traveled, 86% believed the educational trips made them more intellectually curious inside and out of the classroom, and 90% said their travels were actually fun and inspiring.

The kids still aren’t convinced? Check out these six ways provided by traveleffect.com to make trips to a museum more fun for the family. 

1. Let the kids help plan the itinerary, starting with taking a virtual tour before you leave home. 


2. Stage a scavenger hunt in a museum. Buy post cards when you arrive and look for the “real thing” as you make your way through the exhibit. 


3. Don’t try to see it all!  That’s impossible in a major museum—or city.  Focus on the kids’ interests and a couple of museum exhibits. 


4. Divide and conquer, especially if the kids are different ages and have different interests. 


5. Seek out interactive family discovery zones. 


6. Leave when the kids have had enough!    

Granted, not every city has extensive, national museums within driving distance. Exploit the local! Ruston and Lincoln Parish offer a variety of museums rich with culture and history. Stop by the Lincoln Parish Museum, the Autrey House, the Eddie G. Robinson Museum and the Louisiana Military Museum where admission is free. Or the kids can explore scientific phenomena and wonders of the world at the Idea Place for $4 per student. 

          

Tourism Development Grants Available

We all love our town and want to see it thrive. Have you ever had an idea that could improve Ruston - Lincoln Parish, but didn't know where to start? The Ruston Lincoln Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau is ready to create partnerships and draw visitors into the area!

The Ruston Lincoln Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau is now accepting applications for the 2014 Tourism Development Grant Program. This program is a matching grants program geared toward generating increased travel and overnight visits to the area by assisting with the growth and promotion of the events. To be considered for funding under the program, projects must target markets beyond the local area and demonstrate the potential to make or have a record of making an economic impact in Ruston and Lincoln Parish. 

“These matching grant dollars can provide vital assistance to our local organizations to bring tourism dollars to our community,” said CVB President/CEO Travis Napper.

There have been a few updates to the application process. Groups and organizations who have received grants in the past will need to make an appointment to pick up an application and review new guidelines. First time applicants will need to first attend the Tourism Development Grant workshop and follow up with a one-on-one appointment to go over the application prior to be eligible to receive the grant. 

The workshop will be held on November 12th at 10:00 a.m. at the CVB, located at 2111 North Trenton Street.

“Our end goal is to create a cycle of new events that need help getting started, and grow them into successful, self-sustainable events. As those events become self-sustainable, we’ll be able to assist with new projects, continually adding to the quality of life of our community and truly showcasing what this area has to offer to visitors,” says Travis. 

Travis says the CVB has increased its grant budget for 2014 to encourage new applicants and provide more opportunities. During 2013, the CVB awarded numerous grants to various tourism related projects. Those funds were used to support a variety of events such races, tournaments, rodeos and festivals. 

Applications must be submitted to the Ruston Lincoln Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau no later than December 9, 2013. If there are any remaining funds, grants will be offered throughout the year as new partnership opportunities arise, but will be on a first-come, first served basis.

For questions or to set up a one-on-one appointment with Travis Napper or Amanda Quimby, please call 318-255-2031.

Lewis & Company – Past and Present

   Lewis & Company has a superior record of 148 years of uninterrupted operation. Older than Ruston itself, the firm was organized at Trenton, Louisiana (present day West Monroe), on the banks for the Ouachita River in 1865 under the name of "Kidd & Lewis." The founders and original stockholders were W.A.J. Lewis, L.M. Kidd and M.B. Kidd. Today, it is believed to be the oldest continuously operating family owned and operated retail business in North Louisiana! 

Both the Kidd and Lewis families were originally from Virginia. Following the traditional migration southward by moving to North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, they finally arrived at Vernon, Louisiana (Jackson Parish) in 1858.

Founder of Lewis & Company
W.A.J. Lewis

In 1861 business was interrupted by the Civil War. At the end of the war, they went to Trenton and established a furnishing store, handling everything of a general mercantile nature, food, wagons, farm supplies, and firearms, nearly everything that was needed by the growing agriculturally oriented community. Merchandise was received by river boat primarily from St. Louis and New Orleans. Trenton, at that time, was a thriving little river port and served as a forwarding point for shipment by ox wagons to such inland towns as Winnfield, Vienna, Homer and Athens.

 The firm moved to Ruston at the town’s beginning in the fall of  1883, and business was interrupted only long enough for the  stock and counters to be moved by wagons from Trenton to a  wood frame building in Ruston, which served until a new brick  building could be constructed on present day Park Ave. The store in now located on North Vienna Street.

An interesting story is how the original lots were allotted to the new business establishments coming into Ruston. The choice lots were considered to be those facing the railroad and park. The merchants who would agree to construct buildings of brick were given the privilege of purchasing one of these lots. The location of the lot was determined by  the drawing of numbers from a hat. For many years the row of  stores facing the park was referred to as “brick row.”

Front of main store before remodel.
1945

The years following the turn of the century dictated and saw many changes in the physical operation of the business. The crisis resulting from the advent of the boll weevil, which destroyed the cotton crop in 1913, caused a major change in the business from a general store type of operation to one specializing more in the supplying of the clothing needs of the family. Mr. William A.J. Lewis, the founder, died in 1916 and his son, William J Lewis, took over to guide the store through the many problems that plagued the community as a result of the panic after World War I, the great depression of the 1930’s and the shortages of World War II.

Grand Opening after a remodel.
May 30, 1958

For almost 90 years, Lewis & Company and the family continued to serve the community until January of 2005 when the family announced that they would be closing their doors. Competition with national chains and regional shopping centers was making life very difficult for many locally owned retailers. However, owners William Lewis and Richard Lewis quickly realized to exist in a small town, they should “young up” their department store by downsizing it into a specialty boutique and better serve consumers. And what a fantastic idea it was! This year Lewis & Company celebrated 148 years of uninterrupted operation!

Lewis & Company
110 North Vienna Street - Ruston, LA

Still with trends quickly changing and internet sales booming, all retailers are finding it hard to rely solely on their brick and mortar. Savvy businessmen Richard and William Lewis recognize this and are ready to change with the times, with a little help from “the girls.” Rebecca M. Lewis and Lindsey Lewis, representing the fifth generation, launched Lewis & Company’s Facebook boutique Lemons & Limes in April 2013. Check out their selection here. All items are $50 and under!

So currently in the hands of the fourth generation and the fifth spearheading online sales, Lewis & Company continues to thrive by successfully meeting the needs of a constantly changing society. 

Vera Bradley

Clinique

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Lewis & Company offers gifts for every lady on your list! Don’t forget the importance of shopping local and keeping your dollars in your community! 

Be among the first to visit this new exhibit!

What exciting news! Lincoln Parish Library will be the premiere location for this new, interactive exhibit from the Anne Frank Center in Amsterdam! Not only the premiere location in the country, but in North America! 

Starting Thursday, April 3, the library will host this exhibit showcasing Anne Frank's writings, as well as the books she read while she was in hiding during the Holocaust. Truly a once in a lifetime chance, come out and explore this unique exhibit and be among the first in the United States to do so!

"Most people don't realize that in addition to her diary, she wrote many short stories and a sentence book," says Emily Arnold, program coordinator for the library. 

The exhibit runs from April 3 until May 17 and is free to the public. Visitors and residents alike are encouraged to come out and tour this amazing exhibit! I'm sure you'll walk away inspired! 

"For such a young girl, her ability to remain positive and share her thoughts and dreams in her journal is quite remarkable. I am sure at the time, she did not realize that years later, millions would read her thoughts, her words, her stories. It is such an honor to be able to showcase an exhibit about an extraordinary girl under extraordinary circumstances," Emily also says.  

We can't wait to check this out! We're also excited for the library and applaud Ms. Arnold on working to bring such unique exhibits to the area. Stay tuned for special events centered around the exhibit!

The Lincoln Parish Library is open from 9am-8pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-pm Friday and Saturday, and 1pm-5pm on Sunday. For more information, give them a call at 318-255-5030 or visit www.mylpl.org.

For more information or help planning your trip to Ruston and Lincoln Parish, check out www.experienceruston.com. See you soon!