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St. James Parish Hospital Welcomes provide general urology services. He also looks interdisciplinary changes for healthcare and will
DR. CLAY N. BOYD, UROLOGIST
forward to expanding his services to include
lithotripsy and laser endoscopy in the future.
ST. JAMES UROLOGY CLINIC
As a hospital-employed physician, Dr. Boyd will now offer our community expanded
St.for appointments James Urology Clinic, a options and procedures through the
Department of St. Urology JamesClinic—a Parish Hospital, is Parish now Hospital. serving the St. James department of St. James River Parishes. Dr. Clay Boyd, urologist, brings nearly 30 years of experience to our community. Dr. Boyd has a professional background in clinical urology with practical experience in practice management
Starting January 2015 SPECIALIZES IN:
and the training of physicians. He received his undergraduate Bachelor of Science Degree as a 1978 summa cum laude graduate from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette and under United States Air Force Sponsorship, he was awarded his Medical Degree in 1982 from Louisiana State University Medical
• General Urology • Cancer Screen & Hospital • Urolithiasis Center in New Orleans. He completed his Urologic Residency at Charity in New Orleans, fulfilled Services Exams Management his Active Duty Service Commitment inSurveillance the USAF Medical Corps as Urology Section Chief 92nd Strategic Hospital Fairchild Air Force Base and departed under Honorable Discharge with • Evaluation of
• Endoscopies • Vasectomies Commendation in 1991 at the rank of Major to enter private urologic practice in the Greater New Orleans Area. In 2007, he joined LSU
Sexual Dysfunction
• Treatment of Urinary Infections program following Hurricane Katrina and completed Health Sciences Center as part of the faculty rebuilding his Healthcare MBA through George Washington University in 2009.
Dr. Boyd will see patients on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Medical Plaza located on Dr. Boyd has an applied interest in the same campus as St. James Parish Hospital. To schedule an appointment, call interdisciplinary changes for healthcare and will 1645 Lutcher Ave. | Lutcher, LA | www.sjph.org
provide general urology services. He also looks Follow Us on Facebook forward to expanding his services to include This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
lithotripsy and laser endoscopy in the future. 2 ~ c’est la vie
225.258.2070.
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Table of Contents Editor’s welcome -------------------------------- 5 Eliza Eugene gives back to her roots --------- 8 7 Questions with Christopher Bergeron Jr. -- 11 Aunt delivers kidney, hope for holidays ----- 13 Learn to make Easter Bird’s Nest Cake ------ 16 ‘How To’ dominate in softball ---------------- 20 7 Questions with Chermaine Roybiskie ----- 26 Find healthy center despite life’s needs ---- 28 Scene it: Chamber Banquet --------------------- 31 Dining --------------------------------------------- 35 Parting Shot -------------------------------------- 38
The River Parishes Magazine, C’est La Vie General Manager/Editor ~ Stephen Hemelt Advertising ~ Monique Narcisse • Christine Browning • Regina Burrell • Jennifer Glidden • Richard Fry Contributing Writers ~ Ryan Arena • Monique Roth • Kristen Higdon Graphic Designer ~ Christine Browning 116 Newspaper Dr., LaPlace, LA 70068 • 985-652-9545
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Much to gain from sharing our stories Thank you for picking up and reading a copy of our spring C’EST LA VIE. Our personality profile spotlights Eliza Eugene, a mainstay in the River Parishes known for her non-profit Blessed to be a Blessing, which helps others succeed beyond expectations. She captures her remarkably, special relationship with the River Parishes and beyond by saying, “I’m truly a product of the community, and because of that, I know what can happen when people outside of your family get involved.” STEPHEN Our new feature “7 Questions HEMELT With ....” has been expanded this issue to include insights from Editor one youth and one adult, something we will continue going forward. St. Charles Catholic High School sophomore Christopher Bergeron Jr. — who recently scored a 30 on the ACT — and Chermaine Roybiskie — president of the West Bank Civic Association — share what drives them in their endeavors and why they are successful. A recipe for a delicious and beautiful Easter cake is included, as well as a photo collage from the River Region Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Annual Banquet
and Officer Installation. Also, we owe a thank you to Courtney Western, a 2008 SCC softball state champion, who took a break from her final year in college to share with our readers some tips to finding success as a softball pitcher. As a dyed-in-the-wool newspaper man, I’ve recently become a magazine fan because of the story and picture presentation that can’t be duplicated. Magazines simply allow a sweet story to be told at the right pace, and this C’EST LA VIE won’t disappoint. There are two extra special stories inside which fit this format perfectly. First, there is the story of 13-year-old Donta Martin, who received the greatest gift of all from his aunt Tasha: a new kidney, and along with it, a far improved quality of life. The second is that of Wendy Dew, who with the help of local gym owner and trainer Brandi Leblanc, found her definition of “fitness” as one that has given her the physical strength and emotional endurance to make healthy living a priority. Their stories — those of our special River Parishes residents — give us all motivation to reach for something greater. Stephen Hemelt is general manager and editor of C’EST LA VIE and L’OBSERVATEUR. He can be reached at 985-652-9545 or stephen.hemelt@lobservateur.com.
October 16-18, 2015
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Bienvenue!
It is my pleasure to present to you St. John the Baptist Parish, a community located in the heart of the River Parishes alongside the east and west banks of the Mississippi River. St. John is home to nearly 46,000 residents living in Edgard, Garyville, Mount Airy, LaPlace, Lucy, Pleasure Bend, Reserve, and Wallace. In this issue you will learn about life in the River Parishes and the many organizations and businesses proudly located in this rich and diverse community. In coordination with our partners, the Port of South Louisiana, the River Parishes Tourist Commission, GNO, Inc., Louisiana Economic Development and the River Region Chamber of Commerce, our work toward promoting and enhancing our community is coming to fruition. It is a great time to be in St. John the Baptist Parish where billions of dollars of new investments are on the horizon. These new investments will complement existing business and industry throughout the region. As Parish President, I am committed to restoring and improving St. John the Baptist Parish beyond its pre-Isaac status. Community Development Block Grant funds are available to residents to complete repairs to their homes and businesses, while critical infrastructure improvements are in design with the expectations of construction later this year. These important projects are funded through a 2014 Bond Issue, as well as state and federal grants. In addition to our partnerships with other organizations, we are located in a major corridor with various means of transportation that makes St. John Parish an ideal location for industrial sites and new businesses. However, the beauty and uniqueness of our communities along River Road continue to draw tourists from around the world. Locations such as San Francisco Plantation, Evergreen Plantation, Cajun Swamp Tours, Historic Riverlands, Woodville Cemetery, and others deliver the story of St. John’s rich history and culture to tourists from near and far. Please take time to read this special issue and share in the pride of our community and our people. We ask that you support our local newspaper, as it features important news and community events. Be a part of something great and help make St. John the Baptist Parish the best that it can be. Please visit the parish website at www.sjbparish.com to view our latest news and upcoming events in the community. St. John the Baptist Parish is the best place to live, work, and raise a family, and we invite you to take part in all that we have to offer.
– Natalie Robottom St. John the Baptist Parish President
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“My desire is to be a face of hope. I’m proud of who I am today, but also proud of where I came from. I don’t hide from my past.”
ELIZA EUGENE St. John the Baptist Parish community leader
A Community’s Blessing Eliza Eugene uses humble beginnings as driving force in helping those from similar backgrounds
“W
hat can I do to make it better?” Eliza Eugene says that question guides her as she surveys the challenges St. John the Baptist Parish faces in the areas of public housing, unemployment, education and crime. “If you’re not willing to be a part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem,” she said. “Born, raised and bred” in Reserve public housing, Eugene was the oldest of five children raised by a single mom. With very humble beginnings, she said she has achieved notable accomplishments because of “my faith in God and determination to embrace my untapped potential.” Eugene learned valuable lessons from her mom, who worked as a janitor at Weber’s Supermarket for
$3.35 an hour. “I had an example in front of me on how to work hard,” Eugene said. Married with two children by the age of 18, Eugene said she feels blessed to be raised by a woman who instilled a strong work ethic in her, and taught her to never quit. “Sometimes you have to encourage yourself,” she said. “You have to remind yourself of the people who came before you and paved the way for you. You can’t quit.” Eugene’s marriage didn’t last, and she used the principles her mom taught her to work hard and put herself through school so she could provide for her children. At 27, Eugene lost her mother in a car wreck. It meant that while in school and working as a cosmetologist, she was left to raise her two children, two foster children and her siblings. “So many people in this commu-
nity embraced me,” she said. “I’m truly a product of the community, and because of that, I know what can happen when people outside of your family get involved.” Encouragement and hard work led to success. From 2000-2007, Eugene was a top realtor in the River Region, winning several national awards and ranking in the top six percent of Prudential Gardner realtors nationwide. In 2007 she started her own real estate company under Eliza Eugene Enterprises LLC named Eugene Colston Realty, in which her business partner is Marques Colston of the New Orleans Saints. She eventually worked herself into the consulting side of real estate transactions, establishing EME Consulting Group LLC in 2009. Eugene has worked with developers to rebuild public housing and with private entities to help rebuild
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the lives of people in the community. With offices in LaPlace, Metairie and Atlanta, Eugene has established herself as a force in the real estate and consulting world. Aside from the success and the hard work it entailed, Eugene said she strived to focus just as much energy on the community that helped shape her. She established non-profit organization, Blessed to be a Blessing, with a motto of “helping others to succeed beyond expectations” in 2001 with the aim of improving the well being of the community, from children to the elderly, through community initiative programs. The organization is helping people with an annual Back 2 School Extravaganza held before every school year, which gives out school supplies and health and community engagement information to under privileged children. “To whom much is given, much is required,” Eugene said. “It’s my obligation to give back.” During the various events Eugene hosts throughout the year for children and families living in poverty, Eugene said one thing is clear: she sees herself in the children she’s helping. “My desire is to be a face of hope,”
she said. “I’m proud of who I am today, but also proud of where I came from. I don’t hide from my past.” Who she is today, she said, “is a servant of God first.” She is a graduate of East St. John High School, Mollere Beauty College, Southeastern Louisiana University and Kauffman. She manages the St. John Parish Ambassador Small Business Program and the St. John and Jefferson Parishes re-entry programs, as well as partners with the St. John Parish School District on several projects. As a board member for numerous organizations — including Dress for Success New Orleans, Raintree Family Services, New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, St. John Parish Economic Development Board and the River Region Arts and Humanities Council — Eugene said she believes her mission is about the least, the last and the lost. Pastor Neil Bernard of New Wine Christian Fellowship in LaPlace pastors Eugene, as well as works with her on several community projects, and said she has used her difficult upbringing as a motivation to influence the lives of others in a positive way. “Her greatest tests have now become
her testimony,” Bernard said. He said Eugene works tirelessly on behalf of the needy and believes she will be remembered as a servant. “Jesus said the secret to greatness is being a servant,” Bernard said. “It is my prayer that Eliza (Eugene) will continue to use her influence to serve the needy in our community.” Eugene said true leadership is when someone takes personal responsibility for those they serve. God puts people in unique positions in order to help others, according to Eugene. “Most people confuse notoriety with celebrity and celebrity with importance, and that’s where we can’t allow ourselves to get caught up when we find ourselves in certain leadership positions,” she said. Eugene is excited about future opportunities, especially a partnership with St. John Parish public housing and Columbus Residential, where she is a development partner to research and guide future decisions for the communities, including rebuilding and relocating the units and establishing a place “where neighbors embrace neighbors.” “It gives me the opportunity to be a part of the restoration,” Eugene said.
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Functional & Art Pottery Besides leading several of her own ventures, Eliza Eugene serves as a board member for Dress for Success New Orleans, Raintree Family Services, New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, St. John Parish Economic Development and the River Region Arts and Humanities Council.
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“Everyone deserves to have a clean, healthy place to live that’s safe.” After Eugene’s brother Frank Lewis was gunned down in June 2011 in Reserve, she challenged people to get involved and take the community back. “I challenged myself to do more,” she said. “A Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote that guides my life is “the greatest travesty is not by those who committed the act, but by those who stood by and did nothing.’” Birthed from her commitment to do more, Eugene established the Homework Hut in collaboration with the late Tom Daley, then the St. John Parish district attorney, and the St. John Parish School District. The Homework Hut tutoring program began at Emily C. Watkins Elementary in LaPlace. The free tutoring program, which started with 20 participants, has grown to a six-site offering that services over 300 children after school Monday through Thursday. “God has a way of taking misery and turning it into ministry,” Eugene said of Homework Hut’s origin. “It’s all been a part of my healing. I need (the students) as much as they need me.” Whatever the future brings, Eugene said she will continue to do whatever she can to make St. John Parish better and the future brighter for those who may need help seeing their potential. “The greatest joy is being a blessing,” she said. — by Monique Roth Eliza Eugene, right, hands out school supplies to children.
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7 Questions With .... A Rising Academic Star St. Charles Catholic High School in LaPlace recently welcomed the YOUNGEST MEMBER of its ACT 30 PLUS CLUB when 15-year-old sophomore CHRISTOPHER BERGERON JR., the son of Christopher Sr. and Deidre Bergeron of LaPlace, scored a 30 composite on the December 2014 test. Bergeron, a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society at SCC, earned his 30 on his second try at the test. The first time he took it, he said, he was a seventh grader at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic School in LaPlace participating in the Duke University Talent Search. When he took it then, he scored a 23. “I was surprised and excited,” Bergeron said of his December score. “I didn’t think I did that good.” Bergeron said his highest individual score was 35, which he achieved on the test’s English portion. Bergeron’s hobbies include playing video games and watching movies. Also, he’s never taken an ACT prep course. 1. What did you do to prepare for the ACT? I went over notes with my sister Emily the night before the test. 2. What is your goal score to achieve on the ACT before you graduate high school? Anything higher than a 30 … I’ll take it again next year. 3. What is your favorite subject in school and why? My favorite subject is chemistry, because I like learning about chemical reactions and how the world works. 4. How did your sister convince you to take the ACT? My little brother (Gregory) was taking it as part of the Duke program, and so was she, so she told me I should take it too. 5. What would you like to pursue in college? I’m not sure yet … maybe something to do with English or chemical engineering. 6. Who is the smartest person in your family? Probably me or my dad. He’s an electrical engineer. 7. What is the last good movie you saw and why? The last good movie I saw was “Big Hero 6.” I liked it because it had good animation and superheroes.
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Aunt delivers kidney, hope for holidays
F
There are a lot more smiles for Donta Martin, right, this spring as the LaPlace 13-year-old enjoys the days in better health, thanks to a kidney donation from aunt Tasha, left.
or those with aspirations to find the best Christmas gift ever for a loved one, you can set your sights a bit lower from here on out. That top spot is taken in the eyes of Donta Martin, a local 13-year-old who received the greatest gift of all from his aunt Tasha: a new kidney and, along with it, a far improved quality of life. Donta was born with prune belly syndrome, a rare birth defect resulting in an absence of the abdominal muscles. After mother Jamie gave birth to Donta, he was in intensive care for the next six months. “He was on tons of medicines after that,” Jamie said. “It took him awhile to start walking, two years in fact. They told me at the time he may one day need a kidney transplant.” That was the case in September when some blood tests showed Donta’s kidneys were failing and he needed a transplant to survive. “He had to go on dialysis,” Jamie said. “We were going for treatment Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week, for four hours a day. “One day, my sister went to the doctor and learned she and Donta were a (kidney) match.” Tasha Martin said she didn’t have to think long about the decision to help her nephew.
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Moreover, she pushed for the surgery to be done as soon as possible. “I didn’t want him to have to wait any longer,” Tasha said. “I wanted him to be able to go to school, to finally be able to live a normal life, a better life. I love my nephew. I told the doctor I wanted it done before the year was through. I didn’t want him to have to keep doing this, and the sooner we got it done, the sooner he could get back to school, and we could each recover.” Aunt and nephew have been recovering at the LaPlace home of Tasha and Jamie’s parents. Donta returned to school in February. “It’s the best Christmas gift I could have ever asked for,” Jamie said. “What my sister’s done for us, for Donta, it’s just such a blessing. “There are a lot of people out there who are still on that waiting list. She came through in such an amazing way for us.”
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Tasha, Donta and Jamie Martin are a true family thanks, in part, to a special gift from aunt to nephew.
Donta concurred. “It makes me feel good,” Donta said. “(The dialysis) made me feel so tired. I’m really thankful.” The Donta walking around today with a bright smile on his face wasn’t always the most likely outcome, said Jamie. After she gave birth
to Donta at the age of 19, she was first told not of potential kidney trouble, but of issues with her son’s lungs. “They told me he’d probably die of lung failure,” she said. “My mother, my father, my sister, they kept me strong. They helped with everything we needed.
He’d have to go to the doctor every six months, then it was every three months. It would have been so difficult without my family’s support.” Now, Donta, whose favorite athlete is LeBron James, has plans to play football and basketball, something unthinkable not too long ago. While he remains on a special diet, it doesn’t have the strict limitations as imposed upon him before. “It’s incredible,” Jamie said. “The doctor told him he received the perfect kidney.” Donta smiled and nodded “yes” when asked if the kidney was, indeed, perfect. And there’s no doubt it was the perfect gift — one that’s provided great rewards to child, mother and even the giving aunt herself. “To be that kind of blessing for them and do a good deed makes me feel good,” Tasha said. — By Ryan Arena
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Recipe For You: Easter Bird’s Nest Cake Last spring, Missy Bordelon Loupe scrolled through Pinterest — a popular social networking website used to find ideas for DIY projects — and spotted what she knew would be her Easter dessert: an Easter Bird’s Nest Cake. Loupe said she immediately started searching for the perfect bird figure to perch on top of her planned delicacy, and after spending some time decorating the cake with an audience of family members looking on, the outcome of the dessert was deemed a success. So much so, in fact, it will grace her family’s Easter spread again this year. While cakes don’t necessarily have to be pretty to be delicious, Loupe said it doesn’t hurt and adds a little fun to create something festively themed for a holiday. While she utilized box cake mix for the foundational component of this springtime treat, Loupe said her special homemade icing and intricate decorating make it something special and noteworthy. Loupe has used the same buttercream icing recipe for nearly 20 years, and said the addition of chocolate to the delicious base recipe made it a perfect covering for the bird’s nest cake. BUTTERCREAM ICING RECIPE 1/3 cup solid, regular shortening 1/3 cup butter 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups sifted confectioners sugar 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of milk Mix above ingredients. Melt 1 cup of melted semi-sweet chocolate morsels into the icing 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until it is fully melted and integrated into the icing. *Note: Loupe said the above recipe makes two cups of icing, and she typically whips up at least a double batch to execute the bird’s nest cake. Also, the icing is best used immediately after it is made and will become
When Missy Bordelon Loupe decided to make Easter Bird’s Nest Cake, her next step was finding the perfect bird figure to perch on top of the delicious delicacy.
too hard to use for decorating if it is refrigerated. Once two round cakes are baked and the icing is made, the decorating fun gets started. Place the first cake down and spread icing over it before stacking the second cake on top. Then cut out a shallow divot in the center of the top layer, which creates the “nest.” Once the stacking and nest building is complete, the entire cake should be
lightly coated in icing. Then, using a No. 7 decorating tip, Loupe fills a piping bag with icing and begins piping lines in random directions and random lengths over the cake, with the lines intersecting and creating the twig-like effect covering the cake. Once the entire cake is covered, Loupe fills the “nest” with egg-shaped chocolate candies and perches the bird on top for an Easter treat that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Missy Bordelon Loupe, at left, goes through the steps of making Bird’s Nest Cake, a perfect dessert for this or any season.
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Former St. Charles Catholic softball standout and 2008 state champion Courtney Western delivers a devastating pitch.
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How To For You: Become the best softball pitcher With the arrival of spring comes softball season, something the River Region embraces like few other areas. Multiple prep teams from our area have annually advanced to the Fast Pitch 56 state championship tournament in Sulphur, with teams like St. Charles Catholic, Riverside, Lutcher and Hahnville all making recent appearances in the state championship game, with SCC, LHS and HHS each earn“Especially for younger ing a championship pitchers, don’t win among those appearances. even worry about In SCC’s 2008 strikeouts, just hit championship vicyour spots and let tory, then-sophomore pitcher Courtney your teammates Western tossed a help you out.” two-hitter, struck out 10 and drove in the game-winning COURTNEY WESTERN run during the 2008 SCC state champion Comets’ dramatic 2-1 win over Parkview Baptist in the Class 3A state final. Western went on to be a three-time L’OBSERVATEUR St. John Parish softball MVP and multi-time All-State selection. So we asked Courtney — who is set to graduate this year from Southeastern Louisiana University, where she is studying to become an athletic trainer — to give some advice to the young, up-and-coming softball pitchers in our area, and she graciously obliged. • Before game day begins, focus on preparation. Knowing your opponent can go a long way, and that often comes down to listening to a coach’s scouting report. “Coach Ty (Monica) would scout other teams,” Western said, “and he made us familiar with batters and how they’d react to different pitches.” • It’s not all on you: be aware of your defense. “I’d keep my mind focused, trust my defense behind me and throw a pitch I know it can handle,” she said. “Especially for younger pitchers, don’t even worry about strikeouts, just hit your spots and let your
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Courtney Western tossed a two hitter, struck out 10 and drove in the game-winning run during the Comets’ dramatic 2-1 win over Parkview Baptist in the Class 3A state final in 2008.
teammates help you out.” • Speaking of strikeouts … striking out a dozen batters is fun, but shouldn’t be the primary objective. Control comes first. “I wouldn’t say I was overpowering in terms of speed, so control was always something I focused on. When I’d practice in the backyard with my dad, I couldn’t finish until I hit this spot, that spot … especially when you’re facing batters in high school, you’re going to face people who can really hit. You’ve got to be able to control your location.” • Develop a variety of pitches. When you’re first starting out, you might be able to rely on one pitch. But as you advance levels of competition, a steady diet of only fastballs will only lead to a quick 10-run rule exit against a quality hitting team. Western counted on a fastball, curveball, rise ball, two different changeups and a drop ball. “It’s how you keep batters off balance,” she said. “Once they get used to your speed, you can throw the changeup
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and make them back off.” • Of those pitches, figure out your go-to pitch to finish batters. “That’s essential,” she said. “Having that one pitch I know I throw best that I can utilize when I really need it.” • When fatigue sets in, focus on maintaining proper technique. “I focused on not allowing my tiredness to let my technique become sloppy,” Western said. “That’s an area a coach can really help. They can point out when something’s off in your mechanics and straighten it out.” • Most importantly, never allow yourself to lose confidence. Western said she had been extremely nervous before the first pitch of SCC’s state championship win, but it quickly subsided once that pitch was thrown. “Don’t question yourself,” she said. “All of the work you’ve done prepares you for those moments. You can’t question if you can do it. You have to know it.” — By Ryan Arena
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7 Questions With .... A True West Bank Volunteer CHERMAINE ROYBISKIE is president of the WEST BANK CIVIC ASSOCIATION, an organization that sets out to be a positive influence in the West Bank community. She is a retired teacher and an alumna of Southern University and Second Ward High School. 1. What makes living on the West Bank so special? Living on the West Bank is special because our community is more like a family. Just about everyone knows everyone, and we get along very well. As a former teacher at West St. John High, I am still given that respect that my students and parents gave me when I worked there. 2. What inspires you about your role as executive president of the West Bank Civic Association? I am inspired by the desire I see in the organization’s members to try to do whatever they can to make life better for the people of our community. Their love for their community is very evident in the efforts they make to insure that whatever project or activity we become involved in is done with the greatest possible success. 3. What’s the most fun thing the association puts on each year, and why? I can’t choose just one activity; I enjoy them all, which includes our Easter Egg Hunt for the young kids, the Dr. King Birthday celebration, the Honor Roll banquet to celebrate those students who have achieved excellence in the studies, the Holiday Extravaganza which is our lone fundraiser, and our support of the schools on the West Bank, just to name a few. I feel these activities help pull the community together and allow the members of our community to see the need to cooperate with each other to improve our quality of life.
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West Bank Civic Association executive president Chermaine Roybiskie sits in one of her favorite places, Roland Borne Sr. Memorial Library in Edgard. 4. Who would you consider a personal hero of yours, and why? Not to be specific, I feel that my personal hero would be someone who puts others first in their times of need. Specifically, my personal heroes were my parents, because they instilled in me the those qualities that are necessary to become the best person I can be, to take care of the needs of others and to just be there when I am needed. 5. How did community service become important to you? I have always felt if my life was to be worthwhile, then I needed to be of service to others. I enjoy doing for others and seeing them enjoy the fruits of my labor. 6. Living or dead, if you had your
choice of any three people to have dinner with, who would they be and why? I would enjoy having dinner with my first grade teacher, Mrs. Payne; my high school English teacher, Mrs. Albertine Johnson; and my first boss, Mr. Cleveland Farlough, who was the principal of Second Ward High School when I first began teaching. These three instilled in me good work ethics. 7. What is your favorite hobby and why is it so? My favorite hobby is reading because I can live vicariously through the lives of the characters I read about. I have traveled the world through the pages of a book and have enjoyed every place I have visited.
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Wendy Dew and trainer Brandi Leblanc celebrate after completing a six-week challenge program at nDurance Fitness at Hill Heights.
Area professional finds healthy center despite life’s family, work needs
T
oday, being “fit” is commonly thought of as being a certain single digit pants size or weighing an amount that sounds ideal when spoken out loud. How one feels about oneself or the amount of energy they have on a day-to-day basis is often left out of the conversation. For Wendy Dew of Destrehan, being fit is about more than a thin appearance, and with the help of local gym owner and trainer Brandi Leblanc, her new definition of “fitness” is one that has given her the physical strength and emotional endurance to make healthy living a priority. Growing up, Wendy was always naturally thin. She was on her school’s dance team but was never one to go to the gym or diet. In fact, she never started working out until she started dating her husband, Ben Dew. “He was really into working out at the time, so when we started dating, I would go to the gym with him about three days a week,” Wendy said. She would mainly do cardio machines and never ventured into the weight area for strength training. After the couple got married and Wendy became pregnant with their first child, all working out fell to the wayside. She was so busy with her work as a CPA and family life, she never thought about going to the gym and eating properly.
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She would even buy work out videos but wouldn’t find the time to do them. But then she turned 40, and things started to change. “At a certain point, your body starts to react to food differently,” Wendy said. “Whenever I would complain about my weight, people would always say, ‘you have nothing to worry about; you are so thin.’” Most would take this as a compliment, but for Wendy it was about more than her appearance. It was about the way she was feeling and how her clothes fit. Her lack of energy and overall self-perception needed a change. Wendy heard nDurance Fitness at Hill Heights was offering a six-week challenge program consisting of five, small personal training groups that met two hours a week. Trainers offered nutritional guidance, health and wellness coaching and cardio and strength training, all in a team environment. The groups competed as to which team averaged the most body fat percentage lost. Measurements were taken in the beginning of the six-week training and then again at the end. Wendy put off the decision to sign up for the challenge as long as she could, but on the last day of registration, she bit the bullet and made what she knew was the right decision.
The winning team was given this bracelet to remind them of all their hard work and to continue what they started.
“I knew I needed a structured program because I am not a morning person and I have no problem repeatedly hitting the snooze button,” she said. If structure is what Wendy needed, it sure is what she received as Leblanc’s team met at 5 a.m. two days a week. However, she never thought she would end up being the overall individual winner. Leblanc’s winning team averaged a 3.6 percent loss in body fat and a total of 34 lbs., with Dew losing 6 percent body fat. The first two weeks were the hardest. “The day after the first session was pretty rough; I am not going to lie,” she joked. “Brandi (Leblanc) loves squats.” The program was much more than simply working out two days a week. Leblanc would also give her team homework, which included exercises to do on the days the team was not meeting. The challenge was the first time Wendy had done strength training. She often worried if she was pulling her own weight within the team, and the physical challenge began to take a toll on her body. During the second week of training, Wendy came down with a severe cold and missed one of the team’s sessions. The following week, she was still under the weather but decided to attempt working out. Leblanc could tell Wendy was struggling and advised her to sit down and rest. “I could tell that the training was taking a toll on her body, which is normal considering we were doing things she had never done before,” Leblanc said. Later that night Dew emailed Leblanc saying she was having a difficult time and felt as if she was lagging behind the other team members. Leblanc’s supportive response is the only reason she continued in the program. “Her email was so encouraging and meant so much,” Wendy said. “It included a weekly meal plan as well as helpful tips and personal inspiration.” As far as the mental challenge of the program, Wendy said the hardest thing was the planning involved in eating healthy. According to Wendy, Leblanc would text her team asking what they were eating for dinner in order to make sure they were staying on track. “The biggest thing Brandi (Leblanc) and the challenge taught me was to focus on what I was putting in my mouth,” Wendy said. The aim of the program was to change what you eat and to
• Field Trips • Bayou Boutique gift shop • Birthday Parties • Summer Camps • Memberships • Early Childhood Programs • Picnic Areas April 11th – 6th annual Play it Forward Casino Night & Auction. Enjoy blackjack, poker, craps & roulette on professionally run gaming tables. Exciting live & silent auction all to benefit the Bayou Country Children’s Museum! $50 per person. Tickets available at www.bccm.info or 985-446-2200
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eat appropriate portions. Along with Leblanc’s constant support, Wendy swears the team environment was crucial in her own success. She was held accountable for showing up to training sessions, and as someone who hates mornings, she needed that structure. The team setting also offered everyone a laid back atmosphere where they could have fun and laugh (mostly at Leblanc’s physically demanding exercises they deemed impossible) all while encouraging one another along the way. “The team was motivation because I saw what they could do, and I pushed myself to do the same,” she said. Wendy’s main goal going into the six-week program was to feel better by gaining muscle definition and to become aware of what she eats in order to fuel her body. Well, those pants that were too tight before are now a bit too big. According to Wendy, nDurance Fitness’ challenge program was the perfect venue to give her a jump-start. So now that the challenge is over, where does Dew go from here? She is continuing her healthy eating habits. As for those work out tapes collecting dust, they will now be part of her daily early morning routine. Just like the baseball games and dance competitions for her children, working out is on the calendar. Wendy and her family will be joining nDurance Fitness in Destrehan this summer, and she, along with her husband, plan on doing the challenge again when it is offered in May. Now, when she passes the candy jar at work, her mentality is completely different. “Before I would tell myself, ‘oh that looks good; I want some,’ then I would eat it, but now I tell myself, ‘the calories in that are so not worth it,’” she said.
The winning Team includes, from left, top, Stacey Kreller, Allison Conravey, Wendy Dew, Janette Goertz, kneeling, Collette Srubar, and, lying, nDurance trainer Brandi Leblanc.
Most importantly, she feels better than she has in quite sometime. “She was a busy mom who was trying to juggle work and (family life,) but because she chose to put in the work, she is now a better busy mom,” Leblanc said. Satisfaction does not have to come in huge measures. Smaller incremental improvements can make all the difference, especially if they are like Dew’s — small changes that yield lifestyle-altering results. — By Kristen Higdon
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30 Years
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The River Region Chamber of Commerce held its 2015 Annual Banquet and Officer Installation at Destrehan’s Ormond Plantation. Event sponsors included Dow, Valero, Marathon, the Port of South Louisiana, Entergy, International Matex Tank Terminals, Louisiana Federal Credit Union, Mosaic, Postlethwaite & Netterville, Norco Manufacturing Complex, Cox, Nalco, Atmos, Louisiana Landscape Company LLC, Echo Ventures Inc., Zen-Noh Grain Corporation, Reserve Telecommunications, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Lamar Advertising, N P Stein CPA and Fauntleroy, Latham, Weldon, Barre’ Architects, APC.
Chassity McComack, executive director of the River Region Chamber of Commerce and Michelle Nailor-Octave, St. James Parish’s chief administrative officer
Cathryn Giff and Nicole Dubuclet of Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport Hotel
St. John Parish Chief Administrative Officer Michael Coburn and Penelope Freeman, department head of business at South Central Louisiana Technical College
Jane Landry and Barbara Dixon of Valero
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Ormond Plantation
Annette Wray, Jude Marino and Bradley Pipes of Cox Business
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St. Charles Parish Councilwoman Wendy Benedetto and St. Charles Parish Chief Administrative Officer Buddy Boe
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St. John the Baptist Parish Councilman Lucien J. Gauff III and St. James Parish President Timmy Roussel
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Tour all along the Historic River Road to find memorable moments all year long,
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LAPLACE, LA 70068 Phone 985-652-4917 • Fax 985-652-4995 Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm www.allstateagencies.com/CharlieHeineJr c’est la vie ~ 33
21430 La. Hwy 20 Vacherie, LA 70090 (225) 265-2191 Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Saturday 8:30 am – 12 noon Fast, Friendly Service Since 1976 Visit our gift department! Order Refills at: www.weststjamespharmacy.com
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Dining St. John Parish Aloisio’s Bakery 504-430-1194 • 504-858-8432
Athena Greek & Lebanese Restaurant 1502 W Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-653-3336
Chinese King 1036 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-651-7888
Churches Chicken 1601 W Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-652-2089
Chung’s Havenely Sweets 607 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-359-7987
Main Street Grill
107 Carrollwood Dr, LaPlace, LA 70068
985.651.9991
509 Main St, LaPlace, LA 70068
(985) 359-5555 Frenier Landing Restaurant & Oyster Bar 113 Dottie Lane, LaPlace 985-224-2178
Madea’s Kitchen 975 Cambridge Dr., Ste. B, LaPlace 985-359-1929
McDonalds 4297 U.S. Hwy. 51, LaPlace 985-652-5171
McDonalds 1608 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-652-2600
1468 River Rd. • Reserve, LA
Bailey’s Andouille
McDonald’s
513 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-9090
5387 W Airline, Hwy, Garyville
Belle Terre Country Club
Frostop Drive-In Restaurant
111 Fairway Drive, LaPlace 985-652-5000
Beasmaw Cafe 1400 W Airline Hwy, Laplace 985-359-6120
Best Wok Chinese Restaurant 530 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-9989
Buddy B’s
Dragon Garden 140 Belle Terre Blvd., Ste E., LaPlace 985-652-7250
El Mexicano 1036 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-4250
411 E. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-6361
1338 W. Airline Hwy., Ste. 7A, LaPlace 985-653-6731
Gator’s Den
Petra
Old Highway 51 South, Manchac 985-386-7902
10363 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace 985-359-8888
Hibachi Supreme Grill
Pier 51 Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar
1721 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace 985-652-5233
Huddle House 4325 Hwy. 51, LaPlace 985-651-1800
2788 River Road, Garyville 985-535-3663
IHop
Cajun Persuasion
220 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-4468
502 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-359-1988
Jacob’s Andouille
THE RIVER PARISHES BEST KEPT SECRET
IS NOW BEING REVEALED!!
505 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-9080
OPEN NOW IGHT AT N
Jenny’s Overstuffed Poboy & Chicken Shop 136 W 1oth St., Reserve 985-536-0019
135 Belle Terre Blvd, LaPlace 985-359-4745 Monday - Friday 11:00am-2pm & 5pm-9pm
LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO EAT BAD FOOD!
Chili’s Grill & Bar 1820 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-1227
Restaurant & Bar, Seafood Market & Catering
New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Co.
Kobe Japanese Steak and Sushi 506 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-8880/652-8853
3017 U.S. 51, LaPlace 985-651-0300
PJ’s Coffee 1808 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-764-7573
Pirogue’s Cafe Home cooked food everyday! BREAKFAST • SEAFOOD • SALADS • GUMBOS • PO BOYS • BURGERS • MORE 719 West 10th Street, Reserve, LA 70084 · Ph: 985-479-7800 · Fx: 985-479-7802 Open: Mon - Fri 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Popeye’s Fried Chicken 1603 W Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-3030
Raising Cane’s 123 West Airline Hwy, Laplace 985-652-4701
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Rotolo’s Pizzera 406 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-359-1032
Rotolo’s Pizzeria 3503 W. Airline Hwy., Ste. B, Reserve 985-536-3503
St. James Parish
Oak Alley Restaurant
Bei Jing
Aunt Ellies
3645 La. Hwy. 18, Vacherie 225-265-2151
12895 U.S. 90, Ste. D, Boutte 985-331-8885
1934 Main St., Lutcher 225-869-4088
Paradise Smoothie
Breeze Cafe
10850 Hwy. 3125, Ste. C, Gramercy 225-258-4448
124 Longview Drive, Destrehan 985-764-8800
Ruby Garden Chinese Restaurant
Pizza Hut
Buster’s Grill
Popeye’s
10405 Airline Hwy., St. Rose 504-472-0771
982 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy 225-869-6060
Cafe Ormond
Rajun Cajun Grill
1974 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan 985-725-0741
234 East Main St., Gramercy 225-869-1774
22170 Louisiana Hwy. 20, Vacherie 225-265-3161
Cajun Kitchen
China King
Sandwich World
Sam’s Southern Eatery 1173 E. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-359-1677
214 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-7010
Sonic Drive Inn 100 Ormond Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-3168
Subway 357 Belle Terre Blvd., LaPlace 985-652-8700
Subway 1616 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-652-4822
Café Perique
849 N. Pine St., Gramercy 225-869-2000
Chuck Lee’s Chinese Kitchen 10560 Hwy. 70 W., St. James 225-473-3050
Creole House Cafe 3409 Hwy. 3125, Grand Point 225-869-3333
Subway
DJ’s Grille
2701 W. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 1900 Hwy. 51, Ste. B, LaPlace 985-479-7827 985-652-9699
21060 La. Hwy. 20, Vacherie 225-265-7600
The Loop Wingery & Sports Co 2430 Hwy 18, Edgard 985-267-1005
The Point Bar & Grill 1421 W Airline Hwy, Ste B Laplace
Turn Arounds 1107 E. Airline Hwy., LaPlace 985-224-2818
Waffle House 4304 Hwy. 51, LaPlace 985-651-6111
Cashio’s Food Villa and Deli
Sonic Drive In
13572 River Road, Destrehan 985-764-9389
852 N. Pine St., Gramercy 225-869-5666
Spectacular Tubers 1665 Hwy. 3125, Gramercy 225-869-5600
3415 La. Hwy. 3125, Paulina 225-869-6960
Hymel’s Seafood Restaurant 8740 La. Hwy. 44, Convent 225-562-7031
Jenny’s Overstuffed Poboy & Chicken Shop 114 N. Airline Hwy., Gramercy 225-869-0899
2082 W. Main, Lutcher 225-869-8900
Chow’s Garden 1974 Ormond Blvd., Ste. I, Destrehan 985-725-2469 / 985-725-2488
Cucina Bon Creole At Cypress Lakes Country Club 10 Villere Dr., Destrehan 985-764-6868
Daddy’s Fried Chicken 15683 River Road, Hahnville 985-783-6743
935 La. Hwy. 641, Gramercy 225-869-1212
Grand Point Truck Stop & Casino
13322 U.S. 90, Boutte, Ste. Q 985-785-2405
10800 Hwy. 3125, Gramercy 225-869-3894
Golden Grove Restaurant
Nobile’s Restaurant & Bar
Destrehan Donuts Taylor’s Express Truck Stop 964 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy 225-869-1734
Tod’s Catering
1974 Ormond, Ste. D, Destrehan 985-764-0050
Dot’s Diner 12179 U.S. Hwy. 90, Luling 985-785-6836
2180 S. Albert St., Lutcher 225-869-7000
El Gato Negro
St. Charles Parish
El Mexicano
Anita’s Smokin’ Steak Burgers
12715 U.S. Hwy. 90, Ste. 140, Luling 985-785-7694
13145 U.S. 90 Ste. B, Boutte 985-785-2220
El Paso Mexican Grill
Bamboo Garden
12895 U.S. Hwy. 90, Ste. A, Luling 985-331-1984
13491 U.S. 90, Ste. 6, Boutte 985-785-9929
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1950 Ormond, Ste. B, Destrehan
1665 La. Hwy. 3125, Gramercy 225-869-6151
3101 U.S. 51, LaPlace 985-653-8700
Sicily’s Pizza
Boulevard Bistro
3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. 1, Destrehan 985-307-0460
Frostop 3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. H, Destrehan 985-725-1116
Grand Café 500 Willowdale Blvd., Luling 985-308-1640
Grumpy’s 14984 U.S. 90, Paradis 985-785-2083
Happy Gardens II
Mizu Japanese Restaurant
Sailfish Food and Spirits
Subway
12715 Hwy. 90, Ste. 190, Luling 985-785-8168
12287 U.S. 90, Luling 985-308-0712
12715 U.S. 90, Ste. 120, Luling 985-785-3999
Mrs. Snowman
Subway
110A Lakewood Dr., Luling 985-331-1411
12609 Airline Drive, Destrehan 985-725-1108
Ormond Plantation Restaurant
Subway 1955 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan 985-725-9444
13786 River Road, Destrehan 985-764-8544
Subway
15264 U.S. 90, Paradis 985-785-3888
Southern Latte Cafe
15632 River Rd., Norco 504-469-8864
Hong Kong
50 Wade St., Ste. 1, Luling 985-308-1472
3001 Ormond Blvd., Ste. D, Destrehan 985-725-9099
Sushi Cafe
Sonic Drive In
13899 River Road, Ste. A, Luling 985-308-1003
12557 U.S. 90, Luling 985-331-0099
Take Away Donuts
The Howling Pepper 109 St. Rose Ave., St. Rose 504-466-1944
IHOP 14099 Hwy. 90, Boutte 985-308-0013
Iron Gate 13299 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-308-0013
Jas Café 307 Paul Maillard Rd., Luling 985-785-0200
Julie’s Restaurant
10405 Airline Hwy, St. Rose, LA 70087
504-472-0771
14620 River Road, Destrehan 985-764-3112
12439 Hwy. 90, Luling 985-331-8380
P.J.’s Coffee of New Orleans 150 Ormond Center Court, Ste. T, Destrehan 985-764-7573
116 Longivew Drive, Destrehan 985-764-1231
Mariano’s Italian Eatery 12371 Highway 90, Ste. A, Luling 985-785-7777
McDonalds 3009 Ormond Blvd., Destrehan 985-725-1021
PUB & GRILL
3001 Ormond Blvd # B Destrehan, LA 70047 (985) 764-1100
St. Rose Driving Range & Sports Bar 10362 Airline Dr., St. Rose 504-466-0411
St Rose Tavern
Little Tokyo
29 Apple St., Norco 985-725-5683
Happy Hour Everyday 4pm-7pm
Pizza Hut
Popeye’s Famous Fried Chicken
Lovecchio’s Deli
Daily Lunch Specials Sun- Thurs 11am-12am Fri & Sat 11am-2am
Pam and Dale’s
15805 River Road, Hahnville 985-783-6349
13371 U.S. 90, Ste. A, Boutte 985-331-0887
HAMBURGERS, PO-BOYS, SALADS
Popeye’s Famous Fried Chicken 13210 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-785-1377
Portside Restaurant 11698 River Road, St. Rose 504-5469-3111
Rotolo’s Pizzeria 150 Ormond Center Court, Destrehan 985-725-2411
14466 River Rd, Destrehan 504-469-8864 /985-725-3133
Sub Express 26 Apple St., Norco 985-764-9922
Subway 613 Paul Maillard Road, Ste. 200, Luling 985-331-2257
13441 Hwy. 90, Boutte 985-785-6499
Taste of Tokyo 1972 Ormond Blvd., Ste. E-2, Destrehan 985-764-1818
Trey Wah (Chinese) 124 Longview Drive, Destrehan 985-764-1147
Two Sisters Bakery 100 Melonie St., Ste. E, Boutte 985-308-0280
Voodoo Grill 100 James Drive East, St. Rose 504-464-1880
Waffle House 14173 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-758-6499
Waffle House 10384 E. Airline Hwy., St. Rose 504-467-1522
Subway
Wingzzz
14130 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-785-9818
613 Paul Maillard Road, Ste. 400, Luling 985-308-0743
Subway (located inside Walmart) 13001 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-331-1786
Zydeco’s II 13228 U.S. 90, Boutte 985-308-1058
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C’ EST LA VIE Parting Shots
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif., taken by LaPlace resident Beth Hitt.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, taken by LaPlace resident Eddie Hitt.
Red Rock Canyon in Colorado Springs, Colo., taken by LaPlace resident Elise Michel.
38 ~ c’est la vie
To include your favorite pictures for publication from the River Parishes or beyond, please email them to stephen.hemelt@lobservateur.com or monique.roth@lobservateur.com
COVERS • SCREEN ROOMS • ROOM ENCLOSURES WINDOWS • SOFFIT • SIDING • ALUMINUM GUTTERS
• ROOFING • DOORS • COLUMNS • HAND RAILS • CEMENT • PRESSURE WASHING • SHEETROCK WORK
c’est la vie ~ 39
Cajun Pride Swamp Tours A Fun Adventure for Everyone
our r t i Vis ite fo t bs we terne s In cial spe
504-467-0758
www.cajunprideswamptours.com 40 ~ c’est la vie