Home Care In Bunkie, LA

BUNKIE, La. (KALB) - Friendships can be made anywhere with anyone, but what if that friendship was much deeper than surface level - with a 57-year age difference? TODAY.com shared one intergenerational friendship between a Bunkie man and a writer.

The national morning show’s blog highlighted the friendship in its health and wellness section, and it was published on Friday, July 28. The story is about Olivia Savoie, a family heritage biographer for grandparents, describing how her job connection with Fred Vollman, an 85-year-old man from Bunkie, evolved into a deep friendship.

When Vollman lost his son around the time Savoie and her husband had their first child, she was able to offer him a gift like no other, a letter from his son. Savoie had been emailing his children about the interviews when Vollman could not remember certain details about his past. One of the emails came from the son that had passed. She printed it out and gave it to Vollman.

Vollman would then return the sentiment by giving Savoie’s child an engraved cup, similar to one he used as a baby.

“It’s neat that I’m working with people at a totally different season of life,” said Savoie. “Most of my subjects are 50 or more years older than me, so it’s really beautiful when parts of their story almost parallel where I’m at in my life. Whenever, for instance, they share with me about having their first children and those joys and challenges – and then I walk through that same season nearly two years ago of having my first child, it’s wonderful because I already have a little guidebook – I already know what to expect.”

Savoie said she is really blessed by the people she has met in her time as a writer, and that she and Vollman still talk about life from time to time.

So, whether you are grabbing a bite to eat and someone holds the door for you, or if you take a walk outside and strike up a conversation with a complete stranger, there is no one way to make a friend - and you never know where a conversation can take you.

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Ronald Kay Smith, a Nitrogen Specialist for Extreme Nitrogen, LLC., affectionately known as, “Round Ball” received his wings and entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 1, 2023, at the age of fifty-six. A native of Bunkie, LA and a resident of Harvey, LA, Ronald was a proud graduate of Cottonport, High of Cottonport, LA and Nicholls State University of Thibodaux, LA, where he dominated on the basketball court as an all- time, standout ball player and record-breaking scorer. During his early adult years, Ronald made a choice to serve his country for seven years as an Army National Guardsman. His gift and talent as a star Basketball player afforded him the opportunity to play professional basketball for five years in Portugal and Chile, so he honorably separated from his military service. In 1991, Ronald married his college sweetheart, Carol L. Watson. They began a family, and he pursued a career in the Oil Industry, where he worked as a high performing Nitrogen Specialist and a dedicated employee, until his passing. Ronald is the son of the late Columbus Smith, Sr., and Katherine Drummer Smith. Devoted husband of Carol W. Smith and an All time, Greatest Father to three sons; Jeremy Smith, Sr., (Ashlyn), Kyron Smith and Jourdan Smith. One beloved daughter, who he cherished, Kylar Smith. Grandfather to the apple of his eye, Jeremy Smith, Jr. Five brothers, Columbus Smith, Jr. (Mary), Earl Smith (Sandra), Alfred Smith (Gloria), the late Dennis Ray Smith and Rev. Raymond Smith, Sr. (Sheryl). One sister, Gilder Jackson (Birthrim). Two aunts, Deloris Cotton and Willow Lee Hurts. Brother-in-law, Barry Watson (Shewayn), and Sister-in-law, Pamela Watson. Special great nephew, Kade McGrew. Son-in-law to the late Harold Watson and the late Emma Alexander Watson. His godchildren, nieces, and nephews, whom he held remarkably close relationships, and a host of other relatives, neighbors, friends, and co-workers.

Relatives, friends of the family and members of Abram Temple COGIC and employees of Extreme Nitrogen, LLC., are all invited to Celebrate the Life of Ronald Kay Smith on Friday, May 12, 2023, Abram Temple COGIC, 519 Pershing Avenue, Bunkie, LA 71322. Bishop Alphonso Denson, Sr., Officiant. Viewing, 9:00 am-11:00 am, Services will begin, at 11:00 am. Interment- Spring Bluff Baptist Church, 272 Spring Bluff Rd, Morrow, LA, 71356. Final care and professional services entrusted to Treasures of Life Center Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy, Gramercy, LA 70052. a Nitrogen Specialist for Extreme Nitrogen, LLC., affectionately known as, “Round Ball” received his wings and entered into eternal rest on Monday, May 1, 2023, at the age of fifty-six. A native of Bunkie, LA and a resident of Harvey, LA, Ronald was a proud graduate of Cottonport, High of Cottonport, LA and Nicholls State University of Thibodaux, LA, where he dominated on the basketball court as an all- time, standout ball player and record-breaking scorer. During his early adult years, Ronald made a choice to serve his country for seven years as an Army National Guardsman. His gift and talent as a star Basketball player afforded him the opportunity to play professional basketball for five years in Portugal and Chile, so he honorably separated from his military service. In 1991, Ronald married his college sweetheart, Carol L. Watson. They began a family, and he pursued a career in the Oil Industry, where he worked as a high performing Nitrogen Specialist and a dedicated employee, until his passing. Ronald is the son of the late Columbus Smith, Sr., and Katherine Drummer Smith. Devoted husband of Carol W. Smith and an All time, Greatest Father to three sons; Jeremy Smith, Sr., (Ashlyn), Kyron Smith and Jourdan Smith. One beloved daughter, who he cherished, Kylar Smith. Grandfather to the apple of his eye, Jeremy Smith, Jr. Five brothers, Columbus Smith, Jr. (Mary), Earl Smith (Sandra), Alfred Smith (Gloria), the late Dennis Ray Smith and Rev. Raymond Smith, Sr. (Sheryl). One sister, Gilder Jackson (Birthrim). Two aunts, Deloris Cotton and Willow Lee Hurts. Brother-in-law, Barry Watson (Shewayn), and Sister-in-law, Pamela Watson. Special great nephew, Kade McGrew. Son-in-law to the late Harold Watson and the late Emma Alexander Watson. His godchildren, nieces, and nephews, whom he held remarkably close relationships, and a host of other relatives, neighbors, friends, and co-workers.

Relatives, friends of the family and members of Abram Temple COGIC and employees of Extreme Nitrogen, LLC., are all invited to Celebrate the Life of Ronald Kay Smith on Friday, May 12, 2023, Abram Temple COGIC, 519 Pershing Avenue, Bunkie, LA 71322. Bishop Alphonso Denson, Sr., Officiant. Viewing, 9:00 am-11:00 am, Services will begin, at 11:00 am. Interment- Spring Bluff Baptist Church, 272 Spring Bluff Rd, Morrow, LA, 71356. Final care and professional services entrusted to Treasures of Life Center Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy, Gramercy, LA 70052.

Logan Blood remembers how alive Bunkie used to be.

“I used to work in Bunkie when I was a teenager, and Bunkie used to be alive and well, and then places started closing,” Blood said in a phone interview.

Main Street is coming to life once more. And Blood and his husband Josh wanted to give back to the community and fill one of the empty buildings.

The Bloods opened LoLo’s Naturals at 1221 NW Main Street No. 2. It's next to Anytime Fitness in a building that used to house Bunkie Nail.

The Bloods used to have a booth in Griffin’s Antique & Main Street Market until they moved to their new location seven months ago.

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“We had a good response from the people with crystals and such and so we decided to give it a go and put something different in Bunkie that’s affordable and that people don’t have access to unless they go to Lafayette or Alexandria,” he said.

The shop carries metaphysical items like spiritual supplies, sage, crystals, natural soaps, candles and natural stone jewelry. It also stocks CBD and THC products and nicotine vapes.

“We have CBD oils and topicals and gummies that people can use. Some people can use them for pain and anxiety or use them to help the sleep and relax,” Blood said. “The THC is also from the hemp plant and it produces euphoric feelings and some people use it for pain and relaxation. All of our products are third-party tested and approved by the Louisiana Department of Health.”

No prescription is needed to purchase CBD, THC or nicotine products, Blood said, but customers must be 21 and over to purchase. There is no age limit for entering the store.

Since they opened their own store, the response has been outstanding and they have been welcomed with open arms, Blood said.

“We still have people who come in and they are surprised that they can buy the stuff that they can here in Bunkie. And we have people from out of town who come just to come to our shop,” he said.

LoLo’s Naturals is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

BUNKIE, La. (KALB) - The Bunkie Panthers enter 2023 with a new head coach and a talented roster to make noise and get back into the postseason.

Jimmie Hillman takes over the Panthers’ team that went 4-6 a year ago, but finished the year winning three of their last four games and even took the eventual district champs, Jena Giants, down to the wire in a one-score game.

Coach Hillman said he knows for Bunkie to win its first district title since 2009, it starts with getting past Jena.

“We feel like we have the chance to compete for a district championship this year,” said Hillman. “We talk about it every day, and it is definitely something that is on the forefront of our minds as we go through non-district. It is about understanding the goals we are working towards.”

The Panthers enter the season with one of the most underrated athletes in the Cenla area, Kyle Johnson. The junior wide receiver and defensive back has garnered plenty of D1 attention picking up offers from ULM and Northwestern State after an explosive sophomore season. Johnson scored five touchdowns in 2022 as a receiver, four on special teams and also tallied six interceptions.

“It really excites me so much,” said Johnson. “My whole life, I’ve been wanting this opportunity. I’m happy for myself and making myself proud.”

Johnson still has two years remaining in high school, but his head coach is already handing out high praise for the Bunkie star.

“In my opinion. I think he is the best athlete in Cenla, and it shows every day when he comes into work,” said Hillman. “Offense, defense, special teams, he affects the game in all three phases.”

The Panthers have multiple weapons on the offensive side of the ball to line up next to Johnson. Tanner Lemoine was featured in CenlaPrep’s top five returning running backs for 2023. Lemoine had nearly 1,200 yards on the ground with eight touchdowns while standing at just five-foot-six.

Bunkie also returns a dynamic dual-threat quarterback in Dillon Compton. The junior QB started playing football just one year ago, but quickly turned the heads of coaches at practice. He started the first few games for the Panthers last year before getting injured, but he said he is back and healthy for 2023.

“Our potential is through the roof,” said Compton. “Everybody tells us that, but it’s about what we do in practice and on the field that is what counts.”

Bunkie will open up the season on Thursday, August 31, at home against Catholic P.C.

KALB’s Cenla Summer Camp Series 2023 is presented by La. Farm Bureau.

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