JUNE 2015
LIMITLESS - 12 FISHIN’ FOR THE FUTURE - 20 TIGHT LINE - 51
THE CAJUN MUSIC PRESERVATION SOCIETY A new society strives to promote traditional Cajun music within the southeast region of Louisiana - 22
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WHAT NOW | June 2015
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JUNE 2015
VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 6
PUBLISHERS/EDITORS Ben Jones Jr Cody J. Blanchard
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Celeste Roberts Bergeron, Brittney Courteaux
CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS
EDITOR’S NOTE
Lauren Bordelon, Ginger Gaubert, Todd Kennedy, Niki Landry, Jeffery Markel, Scott Silverii, Kate Theriot, Katherine Toups,
Summer on the Bayous
Whether you’re looking to beat the heat or enjoy the sun, there’s plenty to go around in June 2015. For instance, The Nicholls State University Archives has the Evangeline Baseball League display set up over the next couple of weeks. Why not take some time to explore the past at this treasured exhibit - which is also air conditioned! If you’d like to experience Louisiana culture even further, then check out our feature on the Cajun Music Preservation Society and mark your calendars on the dates that they are playing their fine Cajun music. There’s music you don’t want to miss! There are plenty of events, places to visit, and things to do and learn in this issue - so be sure to check it out! You’ll also notice that this month we’ve decided to include our sister publication, Parent Talk Magazine, in the mix. Due to the schools being out during the summer months, you’ll be seeing Parent Talk updates included in this issue and the next. Even if you aren’t a parent, it’s a
Laura Valenti, Kalon Johnson
great tool for raising children in South Louisiana these days and it wouldn’t hurt to sneak a peek at what’s going on in the world of children’s education. We are always looking for interesting people, places, and events to introduce to our readers! Do you have a unique place or person you’d like to share with over 10,000 monthly readers? If so, email me at benj@fathomla.com and we’ll see what we can do for you! Don’t forget to submit your “Flashback” photos to info@fathomla. com for a chance to be featured, and don’t forget to play the What Saying Game sponsored by Synergy Bank for a chance to win a $50 VISA gift card. We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of What Now. Check out all of the exciting people, places, and events happening in June! Keep your A/C running and your sunscreen on!
MARKETING AMBASSADORS Kara Domangue Leon Hutchinson
PHOTOGRAPHY
Lawrence Chatagnier, Kaye Constant, Misty McElroy, Juliana Pennison, Brian Waitz
GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Kathryn Johnson
Copyright © 2015 by Fathom Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.
BUSINESS ADDRESS Fathom Media, LLC 985.414.7073 P.O. Box 5702 | 1214 Canal Boulevard Thibodaux, LA 70302 What Now Magazine cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material such as manuscripts or photographs, with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed.
Ben Jones Jr, Editor @sirbenjaminjr 4
WHAT NOW | June 2015
The opinions expressed in What Now Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Fathom Media, our employees or any of our advertisers.
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FEATURES 12 LIMITLESS
Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic Youth Conference BY BRITTNEY COURTEAUX
20 FISHIN’ FOR THE FUTURE E. D. White Hosts its Annual Fishing Rodeo in Grand Isle BY BEN JONES JR
22 THE CAJUN MUSIC PRESERVATION SOCIETY A new society strives to promote traditional Cajun music within the southeast region of LA BY CELESTE ROBERTS BERGERON
25 THE AREA SELLS ITSELF— LAFOURCHE PARISH AND BAYOU LAFOURCHE
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What now? Meet Timothy Bush BY BRITTNEY COURTEAUX
IN EVERY ISSUE 12
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9 FLASHBACK
A look at your submitted photos from May.
15 SNIPPETS
Highlights of upcoming events in June.
17 JUNE CALENDAR
Check out the events going on this month.
18 STAYING IN
Take a look at our top picks this month!
53 WHAT SAYING?
Solve the puzzles to win a $50 Visa gift card sponsored by Synergy Bank.
54 FLASHFORWARD
A look at upcoming events for July.
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WHAT NOW | June 2015
Cover Photography by Misty McElroy
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COLUMNS 42 BOTTOMS UP
Please Sir, Mai-Tai have another? BY JEFFERY MARKEL
43 DUTY CALLS
We All Scream for Ice Cream BY CHIEF SCOTT SILVERII, PH.D.
44 HEALTH & WELLNESS
Sunscreen: Harmful or Beneficial? BY KATHERINE TOUPS
45 HOUSE TO HOME
DIY Tips for New Homeowners BY NIKI LANDRY
46 LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! Birdman
BY TODD KENNEDY, PH.D.
47 ONE TANK TRIP
Jean Lafitte: A World Apart BY GINGER GAUBERT
48 UP IN YOUR BUSINESS Do Your Time
BY LAURA VALENTI
49 THE PAGE TURNER
How To Raise a Wild Child by Scott D. Samson BY LAUREN BORDELON
50 YOU’RE WORTH IT The Heat’s On!
BY KATE THERIOT
51 TIGHT LINE
Rising Temps Means Hungry Fish BY KALON JOHNSON
JUNE 2015
LIMITLESS - 12 FISHIN’ FOR THE FUTURE - 20 TIGHT LINE - 51
THE CAJUN MUSIC TY PRESERVATION SOCIE Cajun to promote traditional A new society strives - 22 st region of Louisiana music within the southea
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View this month’s issue online at
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WHAT NOW | June 2015
FLASHBACK
May 2015 PHOTOS A NICHOLLS FOUNTAIN REDEDICATED
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Nicholls State University administrators, faculty, staff, students and supporters gather for a rededication ceremony held April 23 at the iconic campus fountain along Highway 1 in Thibodaux. The fountain, which had dried up after several months of being inoperable, was repaired following a monthlong crowdfunding campaign that procured $25,000 to make initial repairs and establish an endowment fund for future maintenance.
B-D LEMONADE DAY Synergy Bank was proud to sponsor local events for Louisiana Lemonade Day on May 2. In Houma, more than 35 children participated in Lemonade Day by showcasing their lemonade stands in conjunction with the Houma Downtown Market, while 15 children participated in Thibodaux at The Market.
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SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS info@fathomla.com
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FLASHBACK PHOTOS E WEAVING IN LAOS What Now Columnist, Niki Landry, learns weaving in Luang Prabang, Laos during her journey through Asia the past couple of months.
F TFAE RUN FOR EXCELLENCE Staff from Koko FitClub in Thibodaux participated in the TFAE Run for Excellence in Houma by cooking the famed crawfish beignets with their favorite cook, David Weimer.
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WHAT NOW | June 2015
May 2015
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER
LIMITLESS
Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic Youth Conference WRITTEN BY BRITTNEY COURTEAUX
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came that you might have life and have it abundantly,” John talks, dynamic worship, and profound encounters with Christ in 10:10. Youth will encounter and exchange experiences about the Eucharist and Reconciliation.” The goal is to awaken the faith the limitlessness of Jesus Christ during a weekend of prayer, praise, in teens through a profound encounter with Jesus Christ. and worship this month. Interestingly, the first conference held off the campus of Franciscan University was held in Alexandria, Louisiana in 1995. Steubenville Conference The Steubenville Catholic Youth conference opens the event to In Steubenville, Ohio at the Franciscan University of youth currently in grades 8th through 12th. This year marks the Steubenville is where the faith conferences began. The university decade anniversary for the conference held here on the Bayou. has been hosting youth conferences since 1975. The mission of the Steubenville conferences is, “In the spirit of St. Francis, our Steubenville on the Bayou mission is “Go, Rebuild My Church.” Steubenville Conferences In part of a nationwide conference series, Steubenville on the invite youth […] into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ, Bayou is co-sponsored by Franciscan University in Steubenville, empower them for discipleship, and equip them for the work of Ohio and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Conference office. the New Evangelization. Each summer, tens of thousands accept Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic Youth conference is one of this invitation to grow in their Catholic faith through inspiring the 21 Steubenville youth conferences held throughout the United
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WHAT NOW | June 2015
States and Canada. There will be approximately three thousand people traveling from all over the south to attend the conference. About one-third of the participants are members of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, another one-third are from other dioceses in Louisiana, and the final one-third comes from Texas, Mississippi, Florida, Arkansas and not so south Wisconsin. The creation of Steubenville on the Bayou resulted from an “overflow” from Steubenville South. Originally, the church parishes that attend Steubenville on the Bayou attended Steubenville South in Alexandria, Louisiana. The conference had more interested parties for the event than the capacity limits could hold. Having the capacity limit issue, the Steubenville Conference committee gave birth to Steubenville on the Bayou. The first year, the event was held at Nicholls State University in 2006. Steubenville on the Bayou hosts many different sessions of praise and worship during the summer weekend of June 26-28, 2015. There will be music by “More than Sunday” featuring Lonnie Lapeyrouse, Matt Bourgeois, Mark Duplantis, Doug Hamilton, and Kayla Leblanc. The vibrant speakers and guest list includes Chris Stefanick; the founder and president of Real Life Catholic. Megan Mastroianna is a graduate of Franciscan university and a prolife and chastity speaker. Brian Greenfield “is one of the few African American Catholic evangelists in the United States.” Paul Kim is an international youth speaker. Also, Bishop Shelton Fabre and
Bishop Sam Jacobs, Emertius will be guests at the conference. The youth will have an opportunity to listen to these dynamic speakers express their experience with faith and how they strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ. It can be expected that the speakers will coordinate their talks to the theme of the conference “Limitless.”
Limitless The theme of this year’s Steubenville Catholic Youth conferences is limitless. The conference’s focus is for the youth to allow their faith to be limitless and to understand that Jesus Christ has no limits either. The faith that they will praise and worship on the weekend of June 26-28 will be expressed as absolutely limitless. The university expresses the idea behind the conference theme “limitless” as such, “We have no limits in our life in Christ; it is beyond what we can even imagine for ourselves. His Love is limitless. His Mercy is limitless. His Generosity is limitless. His Power is limitless. His Goodness is Limitless, etc. We cannot put limits on God. Knowledge of God’s limitlessness can change the way we view God, ourselves, and the world – a view of hope.” The youth will hear from the speakers and their experiences of what it is like to have no limits on personal, spiritual faith. Participating youth will also hear testimony of when God’s presence and grace were limitless at different times of fellow participants’ lives. Youth attending can expect to share times when they recognized or experienced God’s grace as immeasurable. The speakers will
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be sharing their stories and the youth are encouraged to share theirs as well. The limitless idea aligns with John’s Gospel, where Christ tells us, “I came that you might have life and have it abundantly,” (10:10). Franciscan University states, “His words encourage us to live life fully, to love life in the here and now. We are made for abundant life not only here on this earth, but also forever in heaven. We want the youth to begin to see, anticipate, and live for this eternal goal as well.” The statement made by the University expresses the goal the conference is aiming to achieve. The Steubenville conference wants the youth to fully understand and appreciate the limitlessness of Jesus Christ.
What Now? Do you know a youth looking for an opportunity to grow in faith and share her/ his knowledge on the limitlessness of Jesus Christ? Please inform her/him of this powerful spiritual event coming to town. Adults are needed as well, so please feel free to inquire
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WHAT NOW | June 2015
about more information on the event. Any youth currently in grades 8th through 12th interested in attending Steubenville on the Bayou at the HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center on June 26-28, 2015 is encouraged to contact their Church Parish office or the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux Conference Office. Adults are also needed to volunteer to work different areas of the event. Adults are needed in areas such as Ushers, Prayer Ministers, security, food service, stage crew, etc. The organization asks that volunteers are in compliance with the USCCB policy of the Protection of Children and Young people. Anyone interested in more information is encouraged to contact the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Conference Office. The phone number is 985-850-3171. More information about the Steubenville Conference can be found on the website www.SteubenvilleOnTheBayou.come. Also, everyone is invited to watch the conference via live feed by going to the website
or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ SteubieBayou). The opportunity to watch the conference via live feed is a great way to experience the conference and partake in the youth’s experience while the participants encounter the knowledge and power this wonderful event has to offer. WN
SNIPPETS THURS 11TH
RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY® PRESENTS BUILT TO AMAZE!® Thursday, June 11 – Sunday, June 14
HOUMA-TERREBONNE CIVIC CENTER, HOUMA
Experience all the things you know and love and be amazed by things you’ve never seen before! Witness superhuman stunts so close you can FEEL it! Astonishing performers, awe-inspiring athletes, and amazing animals from around the globe have been assembled in one place providing a riveting display of unimaginable proportions that is Engineered for Excitement and Custom Built for Family Fun! This year Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey are building amazement with an all-new show coming to the HoumaTerrebonne arena, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Built To Amaze!® The international cast of circus artists and world-famous clowns will build The Greatest Show On Earth® right before the audience’s eyes. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Built To Amaze! is a comedic, highenergy production featuring horsepower and spark with amazing acts you can only see this year, like a one-of-a-kind trick riding performance on horseback that includes handstands, jumps, and flips on top of
SUN 14TH
June 2015 Events
galloping horses and an electrifying single trapeze routine. The show is engineered for excitement and custom built for family fun. The show is fun for children of all ages! Family traditions start at Ringling! Don’t blink or you will miss an insanely accurate crossbow presentation. Crossbow Casanova, Ovidiu, will shoot an arrow through a thin piece of paper, balloon strings, and an apple on top of his head. You’ll be amazed by a comedy unicycle basketball routine performed by the legendary King Charles Troupe. They split into two teams and play the wackiest game of one-wheeled b-ball, creating excitement and comedy blended with NBA-quality skill. An aerial act will stun audiences as they toss and flip through the air by only the catch and release of each other’s hands. It’s like the trapeze, but without the bar. Audiences will get the best of both worlds this year, when they come out to see The Greatest Show On Earth®. They have April, our 4-year-old elephant performing alongside Asia, who is 47. Swinging into the show lights you will see a stunningly-
high single trapeze act this year. Kaely, also known as Electra, will perform numerous high-flying release moves that will have you cheering for her upon each catch. See equestrian riders flip, jump, twist and build pyramids on top of galloping horses. Ringmaster and Master of Construction Andre McClain works alongside awardwinning comedic clown Davis Vassallo to create an up-close and interactive family experience that will keep you laughing and on the edge of your seats this year in Ringling Bros. Presents Built To Amaze! Kid’s Tickets start at $10 to all performances (not valid in VIP price levels, while inventory permits). Tickets start at $10 to the Thursday, June 11 performance at 7:00 PM (not valid in VIP price levels, while inventory permits). Arrive 1 hour early for the All-Access Preshow. Go down on the floor, go back stage, meet the performers and try on costumes - free to all ticket holders. For more information about the show, visit Ringling.com. WN
LOUISIANA GIRLS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Sunday, June 14 – Wednesday June 17 NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY, THIBODAUX
The Louisiana Center for Women and government, a nonpartisan support and resource center that encourages and promotes the leadership of women, will be sponsoring their annual Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy. This year’s academy will be held at Nicholls State University and will follow the theme Light the Torn and Lead. The Center is committed to promoting women in government and public service, to cultivating economic opportunities for women, to acknowledging achievements of women and to teaching all citizens about the importance of public service and responsible citizenship.
Featured speakers at this year’s event are to include Anne Beller, founder of Auntie Anne’s Inc., the world’s largest pretzel franchise and Alexis Jones, author of I Am that Girl. Bear Badeaux, an improve veteran and improve teacher at Dan Velez Acting Studio in Hollywood will also make appearance along with Crystal Rivers, cofounder of Southern Rivers Production and improve performer on I-Intern and CATSBY. Special guests are to include Former Louisiana Governor, Kathleen Babineaux Blanco; Rep Karen St. Germain; Eric Frederick Skrmetta; Former Lt. Governor,
Melinda Schwegmann; Retired U.S. Army Colonel, Jean Picariello Murphy; Lafourche Parish President, Charlotte Randolph; Past President BESE, Glenny Lee Buquet; President LCWBG, Sandra Herman; Lafourche Parish Councilman, Daniel Lorraine; Director, Louisiana Center for Women and Government, Dr. Laura Badeaux; President, Nicholls State Univeristy, Dr. Bruce T. Murphy; and Chair, Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy, Brandie M. Toups. Those interested in more information should visit www.nicholls.edu/lcwg or call 985.448.4444. WN WHATNOWMAG.com
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WHAT NOW | June 2015
CALENDAR
June Events at a glance *Fees associated with event
WEEK 1 (JUNE 1 - 6) 3
BEACH DAY STORYTIME FOR CHILDREN
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
WED, JUNE 3 | 10:30AM
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SPIDERMAN VISIT!
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux THURS, JUNE 4 | 11AM
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DAISY THE PIG READING
Terrebonne Parish Main Library, Houma FRI, JUNE 5 | 10AM
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WEEK 2 (JUNE 7 - 13)
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GARDENING TIPS FOR SENIORS
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Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
RINGLING BROS BARNUM AND BAILEY CIRCUS THURS, JUNE 11 - SUN, JUNE 14
ZUMBA
MEN’S HEALTH TALK FRI, JUNE 12 | 3PM
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BALLOON ART WORKSHOP
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
MON, JUNE 8 | 10AM
8
STICK TOGETHER AGAINST BULLYING SAT, JUNE 13 | 2PM
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WEEK 3 (JUNE 14 - 20) THURS, JUNE 11 - SUN, JUNE 14
MON, JUNE 15 - FRI, JUNE 19 SUN, JUNE 21 - FRI, JUNE 26
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
LEGO MANIA
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TRUE BEAUTY STORYTIME FOR CHILDREN
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Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
CAR SEAT SAFETY DEMO
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
WED, JUNE 10 | 11:30 AM
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ANIMAL HEROES STORYTIME FOR CHILDREN
COOKIES & MILK LAPTIME FOR INFANTS & TODDLERS
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Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux FRI, JUNE 19 | 11AM
SUPERHEROES STORYTIME
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
LEGO ROBOTICS AGES 8-18
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
WED, JUNE 24 | 4PM
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CELEBRATE SUMMER LAPTIME FOR INFANTS AND TODLERS Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
THURS, JUNE 25 | 10:30AM
RHYTHM & SOUL READING 26 Terrebonne Parish Main Library, Houma FRI, JUNE 26 | 10AM
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ZUMBA
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
FRI, JUNE 26 | 11AM
26
WII DANCE PARTY
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
FRI, JUNE 26 | 2PM
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LIVE AFTER 5
Downtown Houma Courthouse Square, Houma FRI, JUNE 26
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STEUBENVILLE ON THE BAYOU CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE
Houma-Terrebonna Civic Center, Houma
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
HIP HOP ABS!
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
WED, JUNE 24 | 10:30AM
FRI, JUNE 26 - SUN, JUNE 28
THURS, JUNE 18 | 10:30AM
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K’NEX ACTIVITY AGES 8-13 MON, JUNE 22 | 1PM
WED, JUNE 17 | 10:30AM
WED, JUNE 10 | 10:30 AM
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WEEK 4 (JUNE 21 - 27)
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
TUES, JUNE 9 | 11AM
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CHILDREN’S SUMMER ART CAMP 2015*
Downtown Art Gallery 630, Houma
BEST FRIEND DAY MON, JUNE 8 | 1PM
SAT, JUNE 20 | 2PM
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
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DIDGERIDOO DOWN UNDER READING
Terrebonne Parish Main Library, Houma
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum, Houma
MON, JUNE 15 - FRI, JUNE 19
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Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
FRI, JUNE 12 | 11AM
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Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
GARDENING TIPS FOR SENIORS
Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma
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FATHER’S DAY KID’S CRAFT SAT, JUNE 20 | 1PM
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
THURS, JUNE 11 | 2PM
WORKING COAST & WETLANDS EXPLORER SUMMER CAMP* MON, JUNE 8 - FRI, JUNE12
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THURS, JUNE 11 | 2PM
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux SAT, JUNE 6 | 10AM
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THURS, JUNE 11 | 10:30AM
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
LEGO ROBOTICS AGES 8-18
FAIRYTALE LAPTIME FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS
Lafourche Parish Library, Thibodaux
HIP HOP ABS!
FRI, JUNE 5 | 11AM
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KREWE OF HOUMAS INVITATIONAL SALTWATER FISHING TOURNAMENT Coco Marina, Cocadrie
FRI, JUNE 26 - SUN, JUNE 28
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STAYING IN
What to do at home
BOOK
MUSIC
ALL THE SINGLE LADIES
DOPAMINE
AVAILABLE JUNE 9
AVAILABLE JUNE 16
Dorothea Benton Frank
Third Eye Blind
Lisa, Carrie, and Suzanne power walk the beaches of the Isle of Palms with Pickle, Lisa’s adorable Westie. Gradually they uncover the truth of Kathy’s life and unfurl plans to secure their own futures, as fate steps in to help them discover that being single doesn’t have to mean being alone. Dorothea Benton Frank shows us that friendship is as powerful as the turning tide and that love is about more than just finding the right person. You’ll fall under the magical spell of the Lowcountry and of all the single ladies who have a whole lot of living to do.
BOARD GAME WHAT’S YOURS LIKE? Be clever, be witty, or be outrageous when describing your swimsuit, neighbor, closet, hair or whatever Guess Word is picked. But, best of all, be creative so you don’t reveal the word to the player in the Hot Seat. Get ready for some side-splitting laughs as players answer What’s Yours Like?
Dopamine is the fifth studio album by American rock band Third Eye Blind. It is scheduled for release on June 16. It will be the band’s first studio album in six years, after 2009’s Ursa Major. The first single will be “Everything is Easy”. WN
MOVIE FOCUS
AVAILABLE JUNE 2
Focus tells the story of Nicky Spurgeon, a con-man who compromises his craft through a romantic connection. When he first meets Jess Barrett, he lets her into his heart and into his trade. However, when they become too emotionally intimate, Nicky decides to break up. Unfortunately, when he takes a new job in Buenos Aires three years later, he finds that he is not alone. Jess is now a con-woman in her own right, and they are working on different sides of the same case. Only time will tell if Nicky can retain his edge and hold onto his heart.
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WHAT NOW | June 2015
WHAT DO YOU DO
WHEN YOU STAY IN? info@fathomla.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYE CONSTANT
E.D. WHITE FISHING RODEO E. D. White Hosts its Annual Fishing Rodeo in Grand Isle WRITTEN BY BEN JONES JR
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ollow me and I will make you fishers of men.” - Matthew 4:10 Edward Douglas White Catholic High School in Thibodaux is proud to bring back the annual E. D. White Cardinal Classic Fishing Rodeo to raise funds for the school’s athletic programs. “This event is all about raising money for athletics,” said Steve Pitre, E. D. White graduate and supporter of the school. “This event will feature great fishing, lots of fun, prizes, good food, and great music.” The event has been very successful in the past and Pitre hopes to continue the annual tradition to help support his school. “My children attend E. D. White and I am a very proud alumni. Managing this event has been my way of supporting and giving back to my Alma Mater.”
A Brief History Lesson
The mission of Edward Douglas White Catholic High School, a Houma-Thibodaux Diocesan co-education institution serving Thibodaux and the surrounding areas, is to impart the Catholic faith, promote academic excellence, and enhance 20
WHAT NOW | June 2015
self-esteem. The Diocesan high school builds upon a strong tradition of Catholic education begun by the Sisters of Mount Carmel in 1855 and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in 1891. Dedicated lay men and women who staff E. D. White have taken up the mission of passing on this tradition which emphasizes a values-oriented curriculum, respect for the family, and promotion of the total growth of the individual. In addition, it strives to promote a sense of Church, which will be lived out through involvement in local church parishes. The school serves students in grades 8 through 12 and offers a strong college preparatory curriculum as well as a general curriculum. The school is committed to serving the Catholic communities of Thibodaux and the surrounding areas. E. D. White Catholic High School is open to all students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, or national origin. Edward Douglas White Catholic High School has roots that extend deep into the soil of Bayou Lafourche. Two religious communities, the Sisters of Mount Carmel and the Brothers of the
Sacred Heart, came to the Thibodaux area in the middle 1800’s and established Mount Carmel Academy and Thibodaux College. These two schools existed as separate institutions until plans were made for consolidation in the middle 1960’s. In 1965, Hurricane Betsy severely damaged Mount Carmel Academy and Thibodaux College and forced the new school, which was under construction, to be occupied earlier than planned. Parents, students, faculty, and friends pitched in to make the new building ready for use. During the first year, the school was known as Thibodaux Central Catholic High School. In the spring of 1966, newly appointed Archbishop Philip M. Hannan announced that the school was to have a new name, Edward Douglas White Catholic High School. This was to honor Lafourche native Edward Douglas White, a former Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court and a devout Catholic. During the past 47 years, the school has experienced growth in its student body, with a current enrollment of approximately 754. The staff includes Brothers of the Sacred Heart, a Sister of Mount Carmel, and dedicated lay women and men. The curriculum of the school is college preparatory with a core of 20 required credits supplemented with carefully chosen electives. There are honors courses in English, science, mathematics, and social studies. A special program is offered for one period a day to students who have been diagnosed with learning differences by a schoolapproved diagnostician. A complete religion program is offered, with each student having a full year of religious instruction every year. Additionally, each student is required to furnish a required number of service hours to the community each year.
Bring on the Trophies
“There are numerous categories for awards at this year’s fishing rodeo,” said Pitre, “and it gets pretty competitive out there on the water.” With an adult category and children’s category, prizes are awarded to 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place for the following: Rat red fish, bull red fish, speckled trout, mangrove snapper, and lemon fish. There is also a kayak division with awards for rat red fish, bull red fish, flounder, and speckled trout. There will also be an award for the biggest crab, which goes to children seven years and younger.
What Now?
If you’re looking to throw a line, the E. D. White Cardinal Classic Fishing Rodeo will take place on Saturday, June 13 at Bridgeside Marina in Grand Isle. It will cost $30 for adults to join in on the rodeo and $15 for children, 15 years old and under. “This event is an open tournament and anyone is invited to attend,” said Pitre. Deadline to register for the event is Saturday, June 13 at Bridgeside Marina. Kayakers are also welcome to participate in a separate category. For more information regarding the E. D. White Fishing Rodeo you can contact Steve Pitre at 985-859-8665 or Scott Robichaux at 985-991-6339. “It’s great fun for the entire family, so come on down to Grand Isle and experience some good fishin’!” WN WHATNOWMAG.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MISTY MCELROY
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WHAT NOW | June 2015
FROM THE COVER
THE CAJUN MUSIC PRESERVATION SOCIETY A new society strives to promote traditional Cajun music within the southeast region of Louisiana WRITTEN BY CELESTE ROBERTS BERGERON
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when I was about seventeen or eighteen, I began to listen to Cajun music more and grew fond of it. I worked on my doctorate at Clemson University in South Carolina, and I would play my Cajun music for my friends. I would tell them, ‘This is nothing compared to a live performance; there is so much energy and so much passion.’ I knew I had made my mark when I would walk into a bar and hear zydeco music playing from a CD I had given them.” Homesickness caused Quenton to fall in love with Cajun music and its roots. “I would play the music on Sunday Fais Do-Do mornings while preparing my coffee,” he The Cajun Music Preservation Society says. “Sometimes a Cajun band would be intends to preserve this crucial aspect performing in Atlanta, so I’d drive two of Louisiana’s culture. Founded by Dr. hours to go and listen to a live performance. Quenton Fontenot, his wife Dr. Allyse I loved just to go out there and have fun.” Ferrara, Misty McElroy, and Tysman Allyse Ferrara had a project with Charpientier, the group’s mission is “to alligator gar when she was working on her promote, preserve, and enhance the doctorate at Auburn University. Since she awareness and appreciation of traditional and Quenton were both in the fisheries Cajun music within the southeast region departments at their respective universities of Louisiana.” Traditional Cajun music and their advisors were good friends, they typically has only a handful of instruments, eventually met up at fisheries and wildlife like the Cajun fiddle, the accordion, and the meetings. They soon married, and Allyse triangle. A basic rhythm and staccato notes accepted a position at Nicholls State create the familiar sound. University, with Quenton following a “I grew up in Denham Springs, and my semester later. Allyse’s fondness for Cajun dad would always play Cajun music. As a music grew immediately. kid, I hated it!” Quenton laughs. “Then,
f you grew up in southern Louisiana or have lived here for some time, you definitely have heard the soft crooning of Cajun music and the fast-paced rhythms of zydeco blasting from a radio, on a Mardi Gras float, at a local Louisiana restaurant, or at an outdoor music festival. This music has transcended time as it made its way from Acadia in Canada to pop culture and media around the world. Whether pining about a lost love or simply reveling in a good time, this area’s music reflects the cherished history and celebrated Cajun lifestyle.
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Cajun Jam Nights got bigger and bigger! Soon we moved to The Venetian Bar. With no traditional Cajun music in Thibodaux, it was Quenton and Allyse have worked with the Louisiana Swamp so great to see so many people come out.” In just over a year, over Stomp Festival at Nicholls State since its beginning, and that has seventy musicians have joined the society at its jam nights. People allowed them to meet several musicians. “It’s nothing to lecture to are encouraged to bring whatever instruments they like and join a crowd of 150 biology students, but being right next to a musician in. “Even if you don’t play, one of us will be able to guide you,” you have listened to since your childhood and getting to introduce Quenton says. them is something completely different!” Quenton says. The Cajun Music Preservation Society has played at and helped Quenton soon learned something startling: many festivals to organize commemorative events, including the Donner-Peltier around the Houma-Thibodaux area do not hire many traditional Distillery and Mudbug Brewery. The society also has a goal to raise Cajun bands to perform. “I was shocked,” he says. “The musicians $10,000 for a scholarship for a minor in Bayou Studies through the would thank me for letting them play and say that not many people Nicholls Foundation. hire them around here. I looked into it and researched all of the “We want to establish ourselves at festivals around here. Out of all a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation of the festivals I researched, not so that people can make taxone had a traditional Cajun band! “WE WANT TO INCREASE THE PRESENCE deductible donations that will help Plenty of combinations of country OF TRADITIONAL CAJUN MUSIC IN THE our mission,” Quenton adds. “It’s with zydeco or Cajun, swamp pop, LAFOURCHE-TERREBONNE REGION.” amazing how fast our dream has or a hybrid, but there was not one -DR. QUENTON FONTENOT come alive already.” actual Cajun band. I love the other types of music, but I wanted to What Now? give Cajun music exposure.” On July 30th, the Cajun Quenton spoke with fellow Cajun music enthusiast Misty Music Preservation Society is receiving a Gulf Guardian Award McElroy, who mentioned Tysman Charpientier, an avid fiddler from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its work who shared Quenton’s idea and passion for south Louisiana’s in “Environmental Justice/Culture.” The federal government has culture. The three of them and Allyse met and voiced their dream recognized the importance of the group’s efforts to help southern to make sure Cajun music prevails. “We want to increase the Louisiana, which tells Quenton, “We were right all along in our mission.” presence of traditional Cajun music in the Lafourche-Terrebonne Follow the society’s Facebook page (The Cajun Music region,” Quenton explains. “We want to create opportunities for Preservation Society) or send the members an e-mail people who want to learn the instruments to be able to learn from (welovecajunmusic@gmail.com). The group meets every other experts. Misty created a Facebook page in April 2014, and within Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Venetian Bar in an hour, we had 100 likes! Now we have over 1,000 fans who keep Thibodaux (401 Jackson Street) for a Cajun Jam Night. Feel free to up with us.” bring an instrument of your choice and join in on the fun! Check Shortly before The Cajun Music Society was formed, Ryan the group’s Facebook page for reminders about the jams and any Brunet, a Nicholls student, contacted Quenton about his new changes in locations. You can also learn about events in which handmade accordions, and Quenton bought one right away. the society participates or hosts. If you are interested in booking a “Allyse, Misty, Tysman, and I gathered to play in downtown traditional Cajun Band, you can contact the group, and the members Thibodaux for our first Cajun Jam Night one evening, and about will work to find a perfect fit for your event for a fee. WN twelve people showed up to listen to us. I had my accordion, Tysman had his fiddle, and Misty had her triangle,” he says. “Soon we had regular jam nights at The Foundry on the Bayou, and our
Keeping Up with the Culture
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WHAT NOW | June 2015
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIANA PENNSION
THE AREA SELLS ITSELF—LAFOURCHE PARISH AND BAYOU LAFOURCHE What Now? Meet Timothy Bush WRITTEN BY BRITTNEY COURTEAUX
AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE BAYOU LAFOURCHE AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU, HOW DOES THIS POSITION FIT WELL WITH YOU? Timothy Bush has been in the tourism industry for 11 years. Bush describes his job as, “[The position is] not just a job or a career, it is a passion for me.” As a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a concentration in Public Relations, Bush knows that one must believe in what s/he is selling in order for it to succeed. He says, “The assets of Lafourche Parish and Bayou Lafourche sell itself.” Bush describes his job as “so much fun, [I] love the position”. Another aspect of Bush that allows the position to fit well with him is his previous experience as the executive director of the tourist center in Beauregard Parish.
CONSIDERING YOU ARE FAIRLY NEW IN THE POSITION, DO YOU HAVE ANY GOALS FOR THE TOURIST CENTER? “First, the primary goal and job is to be the chief advocate for Lafourche Parish.” By doing so, Bush plans to be out and about. He attends many events and happening around town and is constantly learning about the culture/heritage and the different events the Parish hosts. Secondly, the Executive Director plans to improve the quality of tourism through organizations with the help of the Board of Directors. He wants to establish a platform to be successful and measure the success. Finally, He would like to create a relationship with Nicholls State University. After attending the cook-off recently, Bush would like to have the culinary students post food blogs on the visitor’s center website. WHATNOWMAG.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIANA PENNISON
WHAT IS A DAY LIKE AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TOURIST CENTER HERE IN LAFOURCHE PARISH? “Every day is different,” is the way Bush would describe an average day in his position. However, he does have a daily routine that he follows. Bush says every morning he reads something on tourism, whether it is a magazine article, an article published on the internet, a brochure, etc. This way he gets his creative marketing juices flowing.
MORE PRECISELY, HOW DO YOU PLAN TO INCREASE TOURISM AND ESTABLISH THE PLATFORM OF SUCCESS? ALSO, HOW WILL THE SUCCESS BE MEASURED? The measurement of advanced tourism can be assessed in a number of different ways. “Website traffic, sign-ups for e-newsletters, visitor spending, and hotel/motel tax rates,” Bush says are ways the tourist center measures tourist interest.
ULTIMATELY, WHAT SHOULD THE VISITORS EXPERIENCE WHEN THEY VISIT BAYOU LAFOURCHE AND LAFOURCHE PARISH IN GENERAL? “[We have a campaign known as] Live the Bayou Life.” What this campaign aims to do is “inspire visitors to live the way we live every day of [the visitors] lives.” By doing so, the visitors can engage in “eating crawfish and having a beer.” These gatherings are a familiar Louisiana Saturday night during the spring season. Going saltwater fishing is another way of living the bayou life that visitors can engage in. Bush wants visitors to experience the food and culture Lafourche Parish has to offer. “We offer an authentic experience.” The way he would describe the area and people is, “What you see, is what you get.” WN 26
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parenttalk June 2015
Reasons for Reading The Benefits of Books During the Summer- 34
Knowledge is Power Discussing STEM - 39
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PARENT TALK MAGAZINE | June 2015
parenttalk JUNE 2015
VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 8
Dear Parents Although we’ve had a heavy focus on outdoor summer activities, sports, and being physically fit and active last month, we also want to promote a healthy mind! During the summer, it’s a great idea to keep your child’s young mind on the move by participating in summer reading. Whether it’s through a local program or local library, or you as a parent asking your child to read a little each day, active reading during the summer months will keep your child in tip-top shape when it comes time for school to start up again.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Parent Talk. If you ever have any ideas or input, please email them to info@fathomla.com. We welcome any input from local parents looking to spread their message of raising children in South Louisiana.
Ben Jones Jr Cody J. Blanchard
MANAGING EDITOR Kara Domangue
CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Jasmine Richard, Joni Bascle, Anne Marie Naquin, Kim Thompson, Katherine Toups
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In This Issue 32 33 34 37 38 39 40
Publishers
The Toy Box The ABC's of Healthy Habits Reasons for Reading Principal's List: Blaise Pellegrin Let’s Get Fit Knowledge Is Power Insight From The Inside
Kathryn Johnson
Copyright © 2015 by Fathom Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.
Business Address Fathom Media, LLC P.O. Box 5702 | 1214 Canal Boulevard Thibodaux, LA 70302 985.441.7073 Parent Talk Magazine cannot be responsible for the
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COVER PHOTO: JULIANA PENNISON
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The
Toy Box
JASMINE is a Technology and Media Librarian at the Lafourche Parish Public Library. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English and Psychology and a Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS). You can contact her at:
jrichard@lafourche.org (985) 446-1163
JASMINE RICHARD, SOCIAL MEDIA LIBRARIAN
Lafourche Parish Library 314 St. Mary Street Thibodaux, LA 70301
Toy of the Month ToyMail Free Voice Messaging For Kids
Book of the Month Pip Bartlett’s Guide to Magical Creatures by Jackson Pearce
Grade Level: 3rd–7th Grade Age Range: 8-12 years From bestselling authors Maggie Stiefvater and Jackson Pearce comes an exciting new series full of magical creatures, whimsical adventures, and quirky illustrations. Includes action and mystery at school with magical creatures.
Age Range: 3+ Price: $45 Available: Amazon Toymail is a secured message toy for kids that lets you send voice messages from your phone to the ToyMail toy and lets the kids reply using the toy as well. Messages are delivered between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Contacts on the toy are secure and private. All the toy needs to work is Wi-Fi. Toymail will snort, whine, howl, or growl when a new message is available. Comes in a variety of animals.
App of the Month Hoopla Digital
Free; All content is free with your Lafourche Library card. Ages: 4+; available on Google, Apple. Download the app and use your library card to get instant access to thousands of hit movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and music, which can be streamed on your computer, mobile devices, or web-connected TV. Hoopla has content for children, teens, and adults so the whole family can use it. https://www.hoopladigital.com
Statistics from doh.wa.gov 32
PARENT TALK MAGAZINE | June 2015
The ABC’s of
Healthy Habits! F is for FISH
BY KATHERINE TOUPS, THIBODAUX
Should I be eating fish in my diet? Yes! Here’s why you should! — Fish have lots of fatty acids, called Omega-3’s, that help protect our heart from heart disease and stroke. — They can also help boost your brain development and improve your mood! — Fish have healthy fat that can help your hair and skin look healthy too! — Regular consumption of fish can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. — Fish have protein to help build our muscles to be big and strong!
Here are some ideas to help you fit fish into your diet…(you should be eating fish two times a week to keep your body healthy!) — Try putting a spoon of tuna fish on wheat crackers for a healthy snack! You can also put some on a wheat wrap for a healthy lunch or dinner. — Ask your mom or dad to make tacos with fish rather than beef. — You can also ask them to make you baked fish sticks!
Some FUN FACTS about Fish… — Starfish are not considered fish. Neither are jellyfish! — Most brands of lipstick contain fish scales. — Seahorses are the only fish that swim upright. — Most fish have taste buds all over their body. — Most fish cannot swim backwards. Those that can are most likely members of the eel family! Don’t forget to EAT your FISH today! pt KATHERINE is Owner and Creator of Fusion Wellness. She is a Certified Wellness Coach, Personal Trainer and Exercise Group Instructor. You can contact her at:
ktoups@wellwithfusion.com
Or visit her website at:
www.wellwithfusion.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY: JULIANA PENNISON
REASONS FOR READING
THE BENEFIT OF BOOKS DURING THE SUMMER BY BEN JONES JR, THIBODAUX
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hat’s the most important trait you’d like to develop in your child? If you’re like most parents, intelligence is probably at the top of your list. Everyone wants bright, smart children, which is why there is so much time spent choosing the right schools and making sure teachers are exceeding expectations. But remember: as a parent, you have the power to boost your children’s learning potential simply by making books an integral part of their lives, especially during the summer months. The benefits of reading start with the first book a baby hears and continues into childhood and throughout the child’s life. Here are some benefits of reading and reasons why reading is important and why children, as well as adults, should read often and widely. Kids who read often and widely get better at it. This is pretty much just common sense. After all, practice makes perfect in almost everything we humans do and reading is no different from anything else. Reading exercises our brains. Reading is a much more complex task for the human brain than, say, watching TV is. Reading strengthens brain connections and actually builds new connections. 34
PARENT TALK MAGAZINE | June 2015
Reading improves concentration. Again, this is a bit of a nobrainer. Children have to sit still and quietly so they can focus on the story when they’re reading. If they read regularly, they develop the ability to do this for longer periods. Reading teaches children about the world around them. Through reading, children learn about people, places and events outside their own experience. They are exposed to ways of life, ideas, and beliefs about the world, which may be different from those that surround them. This learning is important for its own sake however it also builds a store of background knowledge, which helps younger children learn to read confidently and well. Reading improves a child’s vocabulary and leads to more highly developed language skills. This is because children learn new words as they read but also because they unconsciously absorb information as they read about things like how to structure sentences and how to use words and language effectively. Reading develops a child’s imagination. This is because when we read, our brains translate the descriptions we read of people,
places and things into pictures. When we’re engaged in a story, we’re also imagining how the characters are feeling. We use our own experiences to imagine how we would feel in the same situation. Reading helps kids develop empathy. A person reading and getting involved in a book can identify with the character in the story so you’re feeling what he’s feeling. Children who read do better at school. And they don’t just do better at subjects like reading, English, and history. They do better at all subjects and they do better all the way through school. Reading is a great form of entertainment. A paperback book or an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle doesn’t take up much space so you can take it anywhere and you’ll never be lonely or bored if you have a book in your bag. You can read while waiting in a queue, while waiting for a friend who’s running late, or during a flight delay at an airport. Reading relaxes the body and calms the mind. This is an important point because these days we seem to have forgotten how to relax and especially how to be silent. The constant movement, flashing lights, and noise which bombard our senses when we’re watching TV, looking at a computer, or playing an electronic game are actually quite stressful for our brains. When we read, we read in silence and the black print on a white page is much less stressful for our eyes and brains. Reading is the key to opening doors in your young child’s mind. Through imagination and understanding new words, reading will boost your child’s learning potential with the turn of each page. pt
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PARENT TALK MAGAZINE | June 2015
PHOTO: BRIAN WAITZ
, Principal s List Blaise Pellegrin, Ellender Memorial High School BY BEN JONES JR
What made you decide to join the school system? I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people by educating them and creating an environment filled with positive experiences. I know what made me who I am are the experiences I had in school.
grades 8-9 and fed into South Terrebonne. In August of 1988 it became a 9-12 High School and now has just under 1000 (954) students on average. We are the most culturally diverse in the area with a population of 35% African American, 35% Caucasian, 17% Native American, 8% Hispanic, and 3% Asian.
What has been your greatest joy in being a part of an elementary school? Seeing students who both excel and struggle receive a high school diploma, and realizing the future opportunities that this opens for them brings me joy.
What was your favorite book or favorite characters as a child and why? I remember being in 8th grade reading George Orwells 1984 when I was in Junior High (actually here at Ellender). The events of that book and the description of a society controlled and monitored by “Big Brother” fascinated me and sparked my interest in the political influences behind the story. pt
Tell me about your school (It’s history, number of students and grades, etc.) Ellender was originally a Junior High built in 1976. It housed
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Let s Get Fit Fit and Fun Summer BY JONI BASCLE, THIBODAUX
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une is the official start of summer! The year may be getting away from us, but that doesn’t mean that our children’s fitness has to do the same. Summer time is a great time to try new things and help your child(dren) stay fit. Check with the local recreation department for fun team sports like baseball and softball and let your little one make new friends while getting more than his or her fair share of exercise as they run the bases and swing those bats! While they might only play once or twice a week, this gives you a reason to get outside with your little slugger at home and practice. You can help them practice something that they have fun doing, while sneaking in some exercise during the lazy days of summer. Be sure to keep lots of fruits on hand as a healthy
snack and keep them hydrated with lots of water. If your child is not a fan of baseball, you have plenty of other options to choose from! Does your athlete prefer to participate in sports that don’t require a team all of the time? There’s lots to choose from there too! Martial Arts is a great way for kids to get physically active and learn on their own level. The school free days of summer might be the perfect time to work on their next belt in Karate! With no homework to keep them busy, they might just enjoy the extra attention they can give to improving and moving up! No matter what you and your fit kid decide to do this summer, keep lots of water and sunscreen handy and use them both often! pt
JONI is Manager and Certified Trainer of Koko FitClub, Advocare Distributor, Nationally Certified Personal Trainer and Master Certified Koko FitCoach. She is the mother of 1 son. Or visit these websites: YYY MQMQƂVNEWD EQO You can contact her at:
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PARENT TALK MAGAZINE | June 2015
Knowledge is Power Discussing STEM BY ANNE MARIE NAQUIN, HOUMA
S
TEM is becoming a more and more prominent topic in the mainstream and is something that should be considered by all parents.
What is STEM? The topic of STEM seems to appear often in discussions about education in the recent news. Are you curious what STEM is? STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education. Major US companies are showing a growing interest in STEM. But why? One of the main reasons to focus on these areas is that the skills and knowledge in these subjects are essential for student success. In addition, these fields will play a part in the real world, influencing a child’s potential future jobs. There is growing concern that the students of today are not prepared for the jobs of tomorrow unless we put more focus and resources towards STEM education at an early age. “The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) will grow 17 percent by 2018—nearly double the growth for non-STEM fields. By 2018, the U.S. will have more than 1.2 million unfilled STEM jobs because there will not be enough qualified workers to fill them. STEM is where jobs are today and where the job growth will be in the future.” (Source Forbes)
employees with the knowledge and skillset they will require in the future roles our children will play in their companies. What do STEM programs mean as a Parent? As a parent, knowing that major companies are investing in STEM for my child, it’s clear that we need to be proactive for our children to provide them with these opportunities at school and outside of school to help prepare them for future careers. Let’s ignite their interest at an early age and give the right opportunities for them to build on. pt ANNE MARIE is Director of the Sylvan Learning Center. She is the mother of 2 children and has a Bachelor's Degree in English and Math from LSU. You can contact her at:
annemarie@sylvanhouma.com (985) 233-3798
Or visit Sylvan's website at:
www.sylvanlearning.com
The White House Focus on STEM To address this concern President Obama helped launch Change the Equation, a non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of STEM education in the United States. Change the Equation works at the intersection of business and education to ensure that all students are STEM literate by collaborating with schools, communities, and states to adopt and implement excellent STEM policies and programs. Part of the focus is to empower teachers and parents with STEM resources. STEM Integration in K-12 Education shares the latest National Research Council. Major Companies Focus on STEM STEM is growing and it’s important for some major companies. The White House and The Department of Education are supporting the need to emphasize STEM for students and asking for companies to do the same. Clearly the research shows that the demand for STEM is high, which is why companies like Google, Nascar, Chevron and more are creating programs for teachers and parents to help support students. Companies want to help to prepare future WHATNOWMAG.com
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Insight from the Inside Detecting and Preventing Disordered Eating Behaviors BY KIM THOPMSON, THIBODAUX
P
re-adolescence is that awkward stage in everyone’s life that is ripe with change. These are called the formative years for a reason: the way we experience and perceive the world during these crucial years helps us to shape our self-worth and learn the skills needed to navigate the wonderful world full of twists and turns. Girls are experiencing a surge in estrogen; and boys testosterone. Bodies are changing, and body image, as well. Our little birdies go from sheltered and dependent to peering over the nest as they dream about those independent days of flight up ahead. This can be very exciting; but it can also be unnerving for them (and for parents, too). When our children face challenges at this stage, their former coping skills may be inadequate. This is why we sometimes begin to see strange and seemingly dysfunctional ways of dealing with stress like disordered eating and self-injury (addressing the latter in a later column). Fortunately, early detection is the best way to head these potentially dangerous concerns off before they become serious. Here are a few things to look for if you are concerned about your child’s eating habits. — Drastic change in eating habits. He may make excuses for not eating, push his food around on his plate, or may eat large portions of food. Some children begin to hide when they eat. — Visiting the bathroom after meals. People who engage in vomiting or use of laxatives create distractions and often hide their purging activity long before others notice. — Sudden and unexplained weight loss. — Preoccupation with body image and food. She may need lots of validation about her beauty or spend inordinate amounts of time in the mirror (above and beyond normal teenage admiration). She shows anxiety around food or becomes obsessed with counting calories. — Over exercising. Pushing their bodies to the limits of physical exertion is another way teens can disguise purging activity. — Significant mood swings and negative thoughts. Often, the types of children who develop eating disorders may be perfectionistic or may have low self-esteem. They may think “it” is never good enough, including their body and their weight. They say things like, “If only I could be as skinny as her, I would feel happy.” — Social activity change. These kids are often people pleasers. When “everybody” doesn’t like him, or so he perceives, he may withdraw
from typical social activities and relationships because he feels lonely and inadequate. Here are some things you can do to model appropriate eating behaviors and body image in your home: — Keep the lines of communication wide open. When kids come to you with issues that may shock you, be sure to listen and respond in a way that keeps them coming back again and again. — MODEL appropriate and healthy self-esteem and body image – in WORDS and in ACTION. This means LOVE your body, no matter the imperfections you see. If your child witnesses a parent constantly poking their imperfect areas in the mirror or hears a parent constantly complaining of their love handles, the child could put a lot of emphasis on body perfection, as well. — MODEL appropriate eating habits also. If a child sees a parent engage in extreme eating – meaning either binging or restricting – then the child may potentially develop disordered eating ideals, too. Likewise, if a parent repeatedly talks about dieting or the scale around her daughter, for example, it will likely make an impression on the girl that her weight is a value of her worth. Now, I am not saying that if your child likes to look in the mirror, loves sports, is eating cleaner, and has lost her baby fat means that she has an eating disorder. Lots of these behaviors, in MODERATION, are normal for a teen who is growing into his or her own body. If you are concerned about your child’s eating behaviors, don’t delay in addressing the issue. You never want to force it out of your child. Many people with eating disorders will deny it because it is shameful, and they don’t understand it themselves. You can say something like, “I’m concerned about you because I see that you have been unhappy and not attending school functions. I also notice that you haven’t been eating supper with us lately. I’d like to help.” Do not let them make excuses if you believe your child is truly struggling. Seek professional help such as a counselor or an eating disorder clinic if you need a professional assessment or treatment. It may be a struggle for cooperation in that tense moment, but, in the end, it will be relief to all to get the truth out and to find a better path. Lastly, I refer to the National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) website for more information on issues like these. pt
KIM is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Counselor, Nicholls State University Instructor and has her MSW, LCSW, and LLC. She is the mother of 3 sons. You can contact her at:
kimthompson.lcsw@live.com 40
PARENT TALK MAGAZINE | June 2015
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BOTTOMS UP
Please Sir, Mai-Tai have another? BY JEFFERY MARKEL
I
was recently asked to do a presentation for a local club in which I would teach the attendees to make some cocktails. Since we are in the beginning of another of our long, hot summers I decided on some drinks that would be appropriate to the season. One of the drinks I picked was the Mai-Tai. The Mai-Tai is a rumbased cocktail that features fresh juice and an almond syrup known as orgeat. I chose it because it is one of the most misunderstood and incorrectly made cocktails out there. It’s funny because it’s a drink that has been around for decades and yet every bartender seems
JEFFERY is the bar manager at Flanagan’s Creative Food and Drink in Thibodaux.
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to make it in a different way and every patron has a different idea of what goes into it. I myself have made the drink numerous ways using recipes from cocktail books and I’ve even seen up to three different recipes in the same book! Fortunately all the experts agree that the creator of the Mai-Tai was Trader Vic, and I just happen to have a revised copy of his 1947 bartender’s guide. I will admit to you that after years of making this drink incorrectly I was somewhat embarrassed to find out how simple and elegant the original recipe was. You should also know that the absolute original version of this drink is not really possible because the specific brand of rum is no longer available. When Trader Vic revised his book in 1972 he advised a combination of dark Jamaican rum and Martinique (golden) Rhum Agricole which is what I used in my version. I wanted to reproduce this drink as authentically as I could so I had to use several different
resources to acquire my ingredients. I recommend that you see what is available locally and work from there. I also ended up making my own orgeat syrup since I was under a time constraint but there are some good brands available online. I will give you Trader Vic’s recipe and Trader Jeff’s (my) recipe so you can see the original and what I was able to reproduce. I plan on offering my upscale version of the Mai-Tai at Flanagan’s this summer for a limited time. So if you just want to see what all the fuss is about stop by and try one!
Trader Vic’s Mai-Tai
Trader Jeff’s Mai-Tai
Juice of one lime ½ oz. orange curaçao ¼ oz. rock candy syrup ¼ oz. orgeat syrup 1 oz. dark Jamaican rum 1 oz. Martinique rum
Juice of 1 lime ½ oz. Cointreau ½ oz. simple syrup ½ oz. orgeat syrup 1 oz. Myers Dark rum 1 oz. Rhum Clement VSOP
Shake all ingredients over ice and garnish with a mint sprig. Enjoy! WN
DUTY CALLS
We all Scream for Ice Cream BY SCOTT SILVERII
I
t’s summer, and what do bulletproof vested police officers in navy colored uniforms love more than shined shoes melting into asphalt while directing traffic in the early afternoon sun? We love ice cream—or at least I do. So now the trick is to transition that deliciously cold fact into my tips for summer time safety. Here it goes: ice cream makes people happy, but you still have to be careful not to drop the cone or spill the bowl. These same principles apply to increasing your security over the sun-soaked break. It’s easy to pre-occupy your better judgment, when stress abounds
about what to do with homebored kids, where and how long to vacation, and what projects will you get around to by Fall. Here’s how to prevent dropping the triple scoop from your cone: 1. Kids are home. Actually, kids are running in and out of many homes. Unlocked doors are not only invitations to neighborhood kids, but to crooks watching your homes. 2. While sharing your ice cream is a tough decision, being a cool neighbor isn’t. Call the police if you see or suspect unusual activity in your neighborhood. It’s our job—
please don’t think your concerns aren’t important. 3. If you must post to social media PLEASE have a home security plan. Simple things like leaving a light on, asking someone to pick up newspaper, mail, or trash, and hiring a lawn service to maintain your yard will go a long way to ensure your grumpy return home isn’t met by police cars and broken glass. Insider tips: 1. Law enforcement agencies usually ramp up traffic safety efforts, bicycle patrols, and juvenile curfew enforcement during the summer months.
2. Your Chief of Police loves ice cream – especially homemade. WN
SCOTT is the Chief of Police for the City of Thibodaux. He is a national subject matter expert in policing with data and mapping, and has authored several books on cop culture. Connect with Scott on Twitter at @ThibodauxChief.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS Sunscreen: Harmful or Beneficial? BY KATHERINE TOUPS
W
e have all been taught to lather up before we go out in the sun to help protect our skin from sunburn, and more importantly, skin cancer. We all know that too much sun can lead to these harmful things and that sunscreen will help prevent it, but is sunscreen harmful to us as well? Continue reading to find out why both the sun, as well as sunscreen, can be both beneficial and harmful! Also, read tips on how to spend your time outdoors the safe way! One of the biggest benefits from natural sun exposure is vitamin D, and one of the biggest benefits from this vitamin is to strengthen our immune system. This vitamin also helps regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which decreases the risk of developing bone abnormalities, such as osteoporosis. Many people like to “get their vitamin D” by staying out in the sun for hours
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WHAT NOW | June 2015
at a time, but in reality, you only need direct sun exposure for about ten minutes to reap the benefits. Anything more than that can be harmful. Sunscreen is one of the reasons why some people are deficient in vitamin D, because they are not getting direct sunlight. But can sunscreen be harmful as well? Studies are showing that it can be. But why? One of the biggest issues now with sunscreens is their level of chemical filters. Some of the effects of this are skin allergies, disruption of the hormone system, toxic breakdown in the body, penetration of the skin, and more. The big question is: what do we do if too much sun is harmful to us, but sunscreen can be harmful to us as well? Ideally, you should try to spend only ten minutes in the sun without any protection. After that, go for the mineral sunscreens! These contain ingredients that don’t have
quite as high of a toxicity level than others. Try to stay away from the chemical sunscreens, which contain Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, and have higher toxicity concerns. Whether or not sunscreen is that harmful to us, we all know that too much direct sun exposure, or tanning beds, can be very harmful for our skin. So remember, wear hats and sunglasses, get under the umbrella, and try not to go outside during the hottest parts of the day (10:00 AM and 4:00 PM). Also, you can increase your vitamin D through some foods such as salmon, egg yolk, shrimp, milk, yogurt, and orange juice. When you feel like you aren’t getting enough vitamin D, try to add these foods to your diet. WN Statistics from www.ewg.org
KATHERINE is the owner and creator of Fusion Wellness Solutions. She is a certified wellness coach, personal trainer, and exercise class instructor. For more information on her wellness services or exercise classes, Contact Katherine at ktoups@wellwithfusion.com.
HOUSE TO HOME DIY Tips for New Homeowners BY NIKI LANDRY
A
s a first time homeowner, many people will run into unfamiliar situations or problems with their new purchase. Below are a few tips to make your interior projects easier to tackle.
Painting Properly A pet peeve of mine is homeowners that paint walls, windows, and doors without removing hardware, nails, and cleaning the surface. Many people new to interior projects sometimes take the easy route, and just want to get the paint up quickly. It’s much harder to remove paint after the fact, so avoid this issue by simply prepping your surface to be painted beforehand. Also, sanding and removing all dust and grime is necessary for proper paint adhesion. No one wants to stripe a freshly painted surface because the paint is peeling. Take the time necessary before you paint to achieve good results and save time later.
Simple Plumbing Fixes Hiring a professional can be costly and should be avoided if you can solve simple issues on your own. You don’t want to have to call for help every time you have a leak, clog, or running toilet. Many of these fixes are simple and require little research and skill. Know the location of your water valves, and how to properly turn it off before you have a problem. Keep tools like plungers, drain snakes, and inexpensive parts in easily accessible areas for quick and straightforward fixes.
Hanging Wall Storage and Decor Many people have had the experience of hanging a mirror securely to a wall, only to have it fall a few days later. Affixing artwork, mirrors, shelves, and wall cabinets can be tricky if you are in-between two studs, and especially if the item is heavier than normal. Using the proper anchor is important, but often adding blocking or a cleat may be necessary. These small additions and planning will ensure your wall décor and storage stays put. Lots of home repairs or tasks can be tackled without bringing in a professional. Knowing your own limitations and a quick Internet search can give you the guidance necessary for simple interior projects. WN
NIKI is the owner of Niki Landry Designs, LLC specializing in Residential Interior Design. For more information or samples of her work please visit www.nikilandry.com. WHATNOWMAG.com
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LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION! Birdman
BY DR. TODD KENNEDY
L
et me begin by saying that Alejandro Gonzáles Iñárritu’s Birdman has amazing cinematography, some of the best acting I’ve seen, it brazenly dares to take chances with both plot and editing, and the film’s final scene is iconic and groundbreaking. Yet, I also have to say, almost without a doubt, that Oscar got it wrong. Birdman just isn’t that good of a film. The Mexican-born Iñárritu has seemed like an important director on the verge of something big since the millenium. Amores Peros (2000) was an original and promising first feature. 21 Grams (2003) was almost poetic. And even as his films began to miss more than they hit—think of Babel (2006) and Biutiful (2010)— they always had something interesting and inventive to say. It felt like Iñárritu was just one film shy of putting together his masterwork. And with all of the buzz surrounding Birdman, it really seemed like it was about to happen. It really did. Anthony Bourdain compared Birdman’s cinematography to seeing Hendrix for the first time. It is an apt comparison. The cinematography will quite literally make you re-think cinema. Meanwhile, Michael Keaton delivers the performance of a lifetime (Oscar robbed him) and the entire cast is superb. The movie dares to be weird (and make weird work) while having a lot to say about contemporary
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culture, art, and the state of theater in the new century. The film has a lot going for it. For years I’ve thought about films that seem special, important, and that feel like they have something to say. Films that end up resonating more than they should if one were to just talk about the different components of film. Richard Linklater’s bare-bones Before Midnight (2013) is just such a film. Simple, nothing massively innovative, yet a delightful treatise on relationships, the human experience, and the future of cinema. Birdman is the opposite. It is a rare film that actually amounts to less than the sum of its parts. There is nothing really “wrong” with Birdman per say. But if this is Iñárritu’s masterwork, then his career will have come up short. Twenty years from now we’ll probably remember the cinematography, not the film. I don’t want the two hours back I spent watching it, but I want those two hours to have meant more. Iñárritu seems capable. I want him to deliver. In the meantime, I want Oscar to stop patting himself on the back for simply loving a film about acting. Selfaggrandizement isn’t pretty. And Hollywood can also stop patting itself on the back for awarding a Latino director an Oscar. If they really wanted to take a stand about diversity, Alfonso Cuarón would have swept the year before. Or America would have
at least heard of Julio Medem. Or a woman (Sofia Coppola anybody?) would have won an Oscar by now (and no Kathryn Bigelow’s made-for-boys Hurt Locker doesn’t count). In the meantime Birdman is what Birdman is. A good film, but not a transcendent one. WN TODD is the chair of the Film Studies Program at Nicholls State University. He has published scholarly articles on Sofia Coppola, Ang Lee, Robert Altman, and Bob Dylan.
ONE TANK TRIP Jean Lafitte: A World Apart BY GINGER GAUBERT
H
ello, What Now readers! It’s hard to believe that it is already June and 2015 is almost halfway over. When I was thinking about ideas for this month’s “one-tank” trip, my May/June issue of Louisiana Cookin’ came in, and as luck would have it, it is their annual travel issue! Bingo! So, we are travelling “off the beaten path” to the town of Jean Lafitte this month. Nestled among the swamps and bayous of the Mississippi Delta lies the historic fishing village of Jean Lafitte. The small town is about an hour and half drive from Thibodaux and is literally a one-way-in, one-wayout community. Did you know that the name “Barataria” first appeared on French maps in 1729 and means “dishonesty at sea”? So, I guess that shady reputation is fitting since the pirate Jean Lafitte made his fortune and fame as he smuggled goods throughout the region. Town of Jean Lafitte Visitor Center & Pirate
Museum—As you enter the town, stop first at the Visitor Center and meet Miss Claudette, the local historian and travel authority. She will provide you with brochures and tips on everything you should see while visiting the town. The Pirate Museum features an animated puppet exhibit that recounts the story of the pirate Jean Lafitte and the Battle of New Orleans. Lafitte’s Barataria Museum and Wetland Trace—The museum features a multimedia theatre presentation, an animated museum exhibition, and a nature study trail, which lead visitors on a journey through the life of the pirate Jean Lafitte, the stories and folk traditions of wetland dwellers, and the realities of coastal erosion and natural and manmade disasters. At the end of the exhibit, visitors emerge to a mile-and-half cypress swamp trail leading to a bayou, rookery, and marsh area, filled with alligators, snakes, spiders, and exotic birds. No trip to Jean Lafitte
would be complete without exploring the bayous, swamps, and wetlands. If you are more of the adventurous type, you can rent a canoe or kayak and take to the waters yourself. However, to get the most out of the experience, take a boat tour with an experienced guide. Adventures of Jean Lafitte, Airboat Adventures, Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours, and LA Swamp Tours all offer a glimpse of the mysterious terrain of the swamps and wetlands. Dining—Jean Lafitte is one of the most biologically productive estuaries in the world, and its wetlands and bays are a mecca for the freshest seafood. So, while you are there, visit one of its dining establishments— Boutte’s Bayou Restaurant, Restaurant des Familles, or Voleo’s Seafood Restaurant. So, What Now readers, fill up your tank, take a trip to the community of Jean Lafitte, and experience “a world apart.” One-tank trip, y’all! WN
GINGER is a retired high school teacher. She is a travel enthusiast who enjoys food and wine and experiencing new sights and tastes.
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UP IN YOUR BUSINESS Do Your Time BY LAURA VALENTI
T
he college graduate urges that their newly acclaimed degree has a price tag and that even in today’s market will warrant them a starting salary of $50,000 or higher. The seasoned Vice President of any big to-do corporation will argue differently, and suggest somewhere around $30,000 with a business degree (commission optional). And in-between we have the support systems of the twenty something hopefuls and corporate America urging these future leaders to become more grounded, get experience, and maximize potential by doing their time so that over many years a higher salary is earned.
Get grounded A college degree is still valuable. In 2014, Huffington Post published a headline suggesting that skipping out on college could be an $800,000 mistake over a lifetime. And while a college degree is valuable, the landscape around earning the degree is changing. A Masters degree may be the
minimum now in business, which means more time in school, possibly more student loans, displacing the eagerness to be in the real world full time (though I say get experience then an MBA), and a deeper understanding of learning material. Understanding what companies are looking for and paying to get are it the only ways to really make oneself marketable and more grounded
dilemma? Get the experience you need for your future.
Maximize your potential
It is said that each generation gets worse with [whatever used to be done in the past]. This isn’t necessarily true. Today’s twenty something grew up on computers, smart phones, social media, products and services that can do just about anything, and an economy in expectations. that is ever-changing; they’re a dynamic individual. The Get experience product of this environment Make money or sacrifice for the six month internship? It’s a produces a creative, intuitive true dilemma to many of today’s and authoritative young professional….if they’ve college students. However, maximized their potential. the six months of learning in And this is the part that hasn’t a real world setting has more payoffs: it’ll be a true indication of changed over time. The after-college work, showing future person who does the work will celebrate in victory. So employers that you immersed find those extra learning yourself in your future career and opportunities to maximize quite simply – you’ll have some your potential. After all, you’re experience. Not to knock the bartenders and waiters – they have competing in a market that’s fair game to anyone who can outa purpose – but how do these perform you and has maximized jobs enable your future beyond their time and resources. the temporary “paying your bills”
SHWEIKI
WHAT NOW | June 2015
LAURA is an opinionated marketing professor at Nicholls State University and Jill-of-all-trades. She finds time to write about and teach workshops on personal selling and marketing skills though her nonprofit organization, SHE-Selling: Selling Her Everyday. For more information, go to www.SHE-Selling.com.
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The true message is to do your time. It takes hard work, being resourceful, dedication to goals, follow through on objectives, and a lifetime of learning to be successful. And if you’re lucky, a higher salary will be rewarded for work performed. Celebrate the small victories, but persevere and humbly embrace the present so you can have an amazing future. Cheers to all the Spring 2015 graduates and young professional hopefuls! May your futures be so bright that you have to wear shades. WN
THE PAGE TURNER
How To Raise a Wild Child by Scott D. Samson BY LAUREN BORDELON
I
t seems today that parenting books are a dime a dozen. Sections of book stores are devoted to them, and libraries are providing copies in print form, as well as digital downloads. Attitudes toward these books can vary. Some new or expecting parents often feel if you’ve read one, you’ve read them all, while other parents even feel they are a waste of time; where is the fun in having someone figure it out for you? Many parents feel overwhelmed by the information in them; tossing them into one big parenting book heap in living rooms across America. Still, there are enough parents out there who find particular parenting books genuinely useful that these books continue to be written and published. Weeding out the “good” from the “bad” is often simply matter of opinion; however, in Scott D. Samson’s How to Raise a Wild Child, readers are given statistics, evidence, and anecdotes that get even the most hardened
LAUREN is a native of Thibodaux and works as a librarian in Houma. She loves reading, cooking new recipes, and wilderness adventures with her husband and son.
parenting philosopher something to consider. Samson, a paleontologist and scientific author by profession, provides his readers with compelling evidence and information on the current “lackof-being-outside” from which today’s children are suffering. In fact, Samson provides statistics showing that today’s children are raised spending nearly ninety percent less time outside and in nature than their own parents did. He follows this with equally as convincing evidence and research of the benefits provided to children and their parents who spend time exploring, enjoying, and just plain being in nature. Included in these benefits are families who as a whole are more knowledgeable, considerate, and empathetic, and who function more harmoniously as a family unit. After all this sort of evidence is presented, Samson does what so many parents want and look for in a parenting book yet often find themselves not getting: he gives solutions, ideas, and realistic advice. For example, rather than placing the blame on technology, what most readers would think the obvious hindrance to physically being outside, Samson enlists it to bring parents and children closer to nature. Next, he provides realistic ideas that even the busiest of parents (and their equally as busy kids) can undertake. Neighborhood nature walks, backyard mock
excavations, and weekend adventure ideas are presented to readers in a realistic and genuine fashion. Even the notion of just moving a daily necessity like homework or eating supper outside makes for considerable nature time in Samson’s opinion. Nothing too over-the-top or extravagant is suggested, while readers truly get the feel that the sky is the limit on spending time with your child in nature. Truly standing out in Samson’s book is his evident passion for children and their parents learning and growing in nature. While at times the text does take on a “soap-box speech” feel, overall
readers will find it refreshing that Samson neither wrote this book based entirely on his feelings and opinions, nor did he write it just to throw his hat in the parenting book ring. Thought, consideration, research, and honestly clearly went into writing this book. This book is highly recommended, especially with the summer bearing down on us. You can pick up a copy at three of the Terrebonne Parish Library System’s branches, or you can place it on hold to be delivered to your neighborhood branch. WN
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YOU’RE WORTH IT The Heat’s On!
BY KATHLEEN “KATE” THERIOT
“M
y child, treat yourself well, according to your means . . . . Do not deprive yourself of the day’s enjoyment” (Sir 14:11, 14). The heat is on and even though it can be uncomfortable there is an element of invigoration. We have the desire to get up and get moving. Let’s do something fun! True Joy and fun is inspired from our Soul and nourishes a lifestyle of peace.
5 ways to nourish your Joy this summer: 1. Make homemade ice cream in a bag *DWKHU \RXU LQJUHGLHQWV DQG VXSSOLHV - 2 zip style plastic bags – one large and one small - ½ cup of milk - 1 ½ tablespoons sugar - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups (trays) of ice - 6 tablespoons salt Mix it Up - Put milk & sugar and vanilla in a small bag and seal and shake it to mix it well. - Put the ice and salt in the large bag then place the small bag inside the large bag and seal. - Shake, Shake, Shake – put on some music and shake for 10 minutes or until the liquid starts to thicken. - Add sprinkles, syrup or topping and eat it up! 2. Plan a dinner and movie night with friends and family Pick your movie Set your menu to the theme of the movie Invite your friends and family 3. Bring your blanket and pillows outside after dark and stargaze! Light your citronella candles first to shoo away the mosquitos.
KATE is a board certified coach, spiritual director and a certified CDC work@health trainer and the owner of Coaching for Change, LLC. For more information please visit her website at www.asthyself. com or call 985.804.2903.
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4. After lunch on Sunday – set up a Kick Croquet Game Gather 3 or more hula hoops 2 bouncy balls Cut the hula hoops and stick each in the ground around the yard Mark the beginning and ending sites of the game Have each player kick the bouncy ball through the hoops The first one to reach the end with the least number of kicks wins!!! 5. And my favorite – plant a sunflower fort. Plant sunflowers in a semi-circle in the yard Once they’ve grown, place a chair in the center and enjoy reading a good book The sunflowers will shade you from the sun and keep you cool. No matter which way you choose, just remember to do something fun and bring a little joy into your summer because You’re Worth It! WN
TIGHT LINE
Rising Temps Means Hungry Fish BY KALON JOHNSON
T
he heat is really starting to kick in down here in south Louisiana. Besides that, so is the fun. Houma has a countless number of charter fishing adventures, swamp tours deep in the marsh, and bird watching expeditions. This time of the year is very active for Houma. You can’t go wrong with any activity that you choose while on your visit. I can ensure you that it will be filled with some Cajun tradition! I, on the other hand, will be out on the water as always enjoying some of the best fishing in the world. In the summer, the air and water temperatures get pretty hot. Depending on how hot the water temperatures are in the middle of the day, it can really be an issue for the fish. Speckled Trout don’t like very hot or cold temperatures. Water temperatures in the low
80’s or to about 77 degrees are primetime for Speckled Trout because their metabolisms are high and they are digesting food very fast, which causes them to feed more often during the day. This time of the year and later in the summer, the early morning and late evening bite is very critical to your success in catching Speckled Trout. You can start of the morning with a top water lure which normally produces the larger fish. Once the sun comes up you can switch to your favorite soft plastic swimbait or to a suspending lure. Larger lures will get you the larger fish. Using a plastic or hard body lure that imitates pogys, mullet and croakers are a big plus when fishing for larger Trout. Don’t get me wrong, the larger Trout enjoy shrimp as well but the really favor the different
types of finfish. Shell pads around old gas and oil wells anywhere from 4 to 9 feet of water are good places to find and catch specks during the summer. Channels and around jetties will also be a good place to start looking for trout hiding out from the summer heat. Just keep in mind that the early mornings and late evenings are the times your trout bite will be most productive. Night fishing around the rigs are a great way to catch them too. I find that I catch a lot more fish in the evening when everything is cooling off. Check out some of our many charter guides in the area and they will be more than happy to give you a trip of a life time. Until Next time, Tight Lines and God Bless. WN
KALON is a Saltwater Angler from Thibodaux and college graduate of Nicholls State University. He is an outdoor writer/social media manager for Coastal Angler Magazine “NOLA” and Elite Pro Staff/Sales Representative for Standard Mapping, so fishing is a business for him.
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ADVERTISERS’ DIRECTORY 46 ADVANCED EYE INSTITUTE
268 Corporate Drive, Houma 1101 Audubon Ave, Thibodaux www.friendlyeyecare.com
51 AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES 613 Canal Blvd, Thibodaux 985.446.1968
7 ASSURANCE FINANCIAL 1011 Verret St, Houma 985.868.7554 www.lendtheway.com
30 BARKER BUICK GMC 6444 W. Main St., Houma
985.868.4400 www.barkerbuickgmc.com
8 BRIAN WAITZ PHOTOGRAPHY 7837 Park Ave., Houma
985.855.9400 www.bwaitzphoto.com
30 BRUSHWORKS ART & MUSIC ACADEMY 615 S. Hollywood Rd., Houma 985.868.0580 www.burshworksacademy.com
47 CRAIG LANDRY, ATTORNEY AT LAW 7825 Park Ave, Houma
985.857.9111 www.craiglandry.com
13 HOUMA DOWNTOWN COURTHOUSE SQUARE 7856 W Main St., Houma www.houmamainstreet.org
38 ELEARNING
806 N. Acadia Rd., Thibodaux 985.447.5994 www.elearningk12.com
45 EMILE’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCES 609 St. Mary St., Thibodaux 985.446.7555 www.emilesfurniture.net
39 HEAVENLY SCENT 1437 St. Charles St., Houma 985.868.2216
11 JONES DERMATOLOGY 404 N. Acadia Rd., Thibodaux 985.447.3889 www.jonesderm.com
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27 JONES INSURANCE SERVICES 605 E. First St., Thibodaux 985.447.4007 www.jonesinsurance.net
35 LAFOURCHE PARISH PUBLIC LIBRARY 314 St. Mary St., Thibodaux 985.446.1163 www.lafourche.org
19 LAHAYE ORTHODONTICS 100 Pecan Street, Thibodaux 985.446.0988 www.lahayeortho.com
33 LIVE 4 SPORTS
500 Corporate Dr., Houma 985.851.1266 www.livefoursports.com
54 MAJOR LEAGUE LAWN SERVICE 985.226.4487
16 OFF THE HOOK
604 N. Canal Blvd., Thibodaux
985.493.5352
21 THE OLD ESTATE 202 E. 7th St., Thibodaux 985.447.5413
5 PEONY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY 985.397.0494 www.peonyweddingphotography.com
14 PERQUE FLOORS 6146 W. Park Ave., Houma
985.868.1026 www.perquefloors.com
44 THE PRENTICE FIRM 269 Gabasse St., Houma
985.868.3106 www.prenticefirm.com
33 PRIDE FINANCIAL
209 Bayou Gardens Blvd., Houma 107 Peltier Plaza, Thibodaux 985.665.2200
26 QUEENY’S BOUTIQUE 407 W. 4th St., Thibodaux 985.449.1080
36 RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY
Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma 800.745.3000 www.ticketmaster.com
3 ROUSES MARKETS
1301 St. Mary Hwy., Thibodaux
985.447.5998 www.rouses.com
19 SHOE-SHI
416 N. Canal Blvd, Thibodaux
985.446.7336 www.shoeshishoes.com
48 SHWEIKI MEDIA www.shweiki.com
14 SOUTHERN SIGNS AND DESIGNS 634 Hwy. 308, Thibodaux 985.448.0866 southerntrailerworks.com
19 SOUTHLAND DODGE 6161 W. Park Ave., Houma 985.876.1817 www.southlanddodge.com
56 SOUTHLAND MALL 5953 W. Park Ave., Houma 985.876.4765 www.southlandmallonline.com
41 SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER 657 Corporate Dr., Houma 985.223.3798 www.sylvanlearning.com
53 SYNERGY BANK
210 Synergy Center Blvd. Houma
985.851.3341 www.banksynergy.com
43 THIBODAUX GLASS 523 St. Mary St, Thibodaux
985.449.1945 www.thibodauxglass.com
2 TRAPP CADILLAC 42 CHEVROLET
200 S. Hollywood Dr., Houma 985.876.6570 www.trappauto.com
24 TRINITY INSURANCE AGENCY
588 Corporate Dr., Suite C, Houma 985.262.1435 www.trinitycoverage.com
21 WOODY FALGOUST, ATTORNEY AT LAW 1050 Canal Blvd., Thibodaux 985.447.6665 www.woodyfalgoust.com
WHAT SAYING ® WIN A $50 GIFT CARD
Mind Workout WHAT NOW? Figure out the puzzles on this page and e-mail your answers to info@fathomla.com. A winner will be randomly selected June 16th and will receive a $50 Visa® Gift Card.
courtesy of
MAY WINNER: Ellis Braud
WHERE WHERE WHERE WHERE RAINBOW
POL
4 ICY
_________ ____
_______
___ _______
______
UR MIND
DO
12” OR
+
DRESS DRESS DRESS
_________
TEN
UR MIND UR MIND
GOOD TIONS
____ __
___ ___ ______
____
___ ____
__ __ ____
__________
MAY ANSWERS: Mayflower, walking on sunshine, beach ball, fun in the sun, school’s out for summer, working overtime
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FLASHFORWARD WEEK 1 (JULY 1 - 4) 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Location varies
SAT, JULY 4
WEEK 2 (JULY 5 - 11) 6
CHILDREN’S SUMMER ART CAMP
Downtown Art Gallery 630, Houma MON, JULY 6 - FRI, JULY 10 MON, JULY 13 - FRI, JULY 17
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THURS, JUNE 11 - SUN, JUNE 14 WEEK 3 (JULY 12 - 18)
18
SUMMER FUN KID’S CAMP Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma SAT, JULY 18 | 10AM - 4PM
What to expect in July
WEEK 5 (JULY 26 - 31) 31
LIVE AFTER 5
Downtown Courthouse Square, Houma FRI, JULY 31 | 5:30PM - TIL
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