The Women's Issue

FEBRUARY 2021 | VOL. 15 • ISSUE 2 | POVHOUMA.COM

FREE

The Women s Issue

CONTENTS |

FEBRUARY 2021 • VOLUME 15 • ISSUE 2

CONT HOME + LIVING

Page 12

12 CHATEAU CHIC All in the Details

FOOD + FUN

Page 20

MIND + BODY

Page 30

20 FINDING YOUR PURPOSE

30 REMEMBERING RHODA

26 BON APPETIT

36 WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE

Allison Cazenave embraces her purpose through Oncology Nutrtion.

Valentine’s Dinner for the Family

The Rhoda Ann Guillot Rau Foundation gives back.

Take Control of your Heart Health

February 2021 2 povhouma.com

ENTS EXTRAS

ON THE COVER

WORD, YA HEARD

CORDATE [ kawr-deyt ] adjective Heart-shaped.

WORD ON THE STREET The children crafted cordate cards for their mothers.

The cordate cake topped with chocolate dipped strawberries was the most beautiful dessert!

06 EDITOR’S NOTE

Rhoda Rau’s grandchildren share a moment at St. Francis with one another.

08 INTERVUE

Photo: Keely Diebold

Be the Light

Say What?

37 FAST FACTS

Five sweet facts about Valentine’s Day that you probably didn’t know!

38 UNDER THE SCOPE The Irony Awards

40 FAST FACTS

You Can’t Cancel King Cake

42 LOOK TWICE

Sponsored by Synergy Bank

February 2021 3 povhouma.com

VISIT US ONLINE: povhouma.com

Live in luxury with the services you need and the amenities you want!

Chocolate, flowers or a card?

PUBLISHER

Brian Rushing EDITORIAL

Providing quality care to the elderly population of our community Since 2004 24 Hour Staff Available • Restaurant Style Dining • Weekly Housekeeping • Beauty/Barber Salon • Library, Crafts & Exercise and so much more!

Mary Downer Ditch EDITORIAL DIRECTOR I suppose I’m Drew Miller ASSOCIATE EDITOR high maintenance...

I prefer all three!

ADVERTISING

Beth Tabor MARKETING CONSULTANT Flowers.. but think hydrangeas, tulips or peonies, not roses

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Michelle Ortego

CREATIVE

Lauren Pontiff GRAPHIC DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Misty Leigh McElroy Keely Diebold CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Doucet Cards! Getting notes from Bonnie Rushing friends and family is so special to me!

Keely Diebold

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Point of Vue magazine is published monthly.

Subscriptions are available for $36 for 12 issues.

For more information, email mail@rushing-media.com or visit rushing-media.com/subscriptions.

CONTACT

Publisher: publisher@rushing-media.com Editorial: mary@rushing-media.com Creative: graphics@rushing-media.com Sales: sales@rushing-media.com

Copyright ©2021 Rushing Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of editorial and/or graphic content is strictly prohibited.

CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY! 985.223.4663 1132 Cottage Dr. Houma, LA

Business address: Rushing Media, P.O. Box 5013, Houma, LA 70361 • 985.868.7515 Point of Vue 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. The opinions expressed in Point of Vue magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Rushing Media, our employees or any of our advertisers. No employee or family member(s) of employees of Rushing Media are permitted to partake in any contests, giveaways or sweepstakes.

February 2021 4 povhouma.com

CARDIOVASCULAR CARE For more than 37 years, CIS and TGMC have

As dedicated partners, we are at the forefront of the

been committed to exceptional cardiovascular

diagnosis and treatment of coronary and peripheral

care in our community. February is American

artery diseases. Our team offers the latest technology

Heart Month and now more than ever, your

and innovative procedures to bring the best possible

heart health should be a priority.

outcomes to our patients and their families.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TG M C .CO M | CA R D I O.CO M

EDITOR’S NOTE |

MARY DOWNER DITCH • EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF POV

BE THE LIGHT

February 2021 6 povhouma.com

Spinal Implant Procedures including:

• INTRATHECAL PUMP IMPLANT • SPINAL CORD STIMULATOR IMPLANT • VERTIFLEX - (MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT FOR SPINAL STENOSIS) DR. HAYDEL IS 1 OF ONLY 3 PHYSICIANS IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA & IS 1 OF ONLY 20 PHYSICIANS IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY THAT HAS EXCEEDED OVER 100 VERTIFLEX PROCEDURES

Interventional Pain Procedures including:

• EPIDURAL STEROID AND OTHER SPINE INJECTIONS • PERCUTANEOUS DISC DECOMPRESSION • RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION • KYPHOPLASTY FOR COMPRESSION FRACTURES • DISCOGRAM

Wellness/Osteoporosis Clinic

Michael S. Haydel, M.D., FIPP, ABIPP Fellow of Interventional Pain Practice American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians American Board of Anesthesiology

Lafayette Location:

Houma Location:

Thibodaux Location:

1101 S. College Road, Suite 202 Lafayette, LA 70503

1022 Belanger St. Houma, LA 70360 Phone: (985) 223-3132

2100 Audubon Avenue Thibodaux 70301 Phone: (985) 223-3132

Phone: (337) 233-2504

www.painspecialty.net

INTERVUE |

SAY WHAT?

The Best Choice

IN SHORT TERM

REHAB

What are you most excited or passionate about in your life right now?

ALISON

Whether recovering from a stroke, fall, or other medical condition, our customized rehab program helps you recover quickly so you can get back home. If you’re getting ready for long-term living, we make the transition from home to our community as rewarding as possible. A variety of spacious resident suites offer the ultimate in privacy and comfort.

I am most excited and passionate about faith, family, life and breast cancer awareness. My faith and family have gotten me through one of the most difficult years of my life and I am excited to begin this year cancer free and enjoy life again.

GRANT I’m most passionate about reconnecting with my loved ones.

Without those family gatherings, nights out with friends, and other special events, the past year has crawled by tediously. I can’t wait for the extra sparks of joy that come from spending moments both large and small with the ones we love that we used to take for granted.

AMENITIES INCLUDE: •MUSIC & MEMORY •KITCHEN THERAPY •LIVE & LOCAL •IN-HOUSE THERAPY DOG •NOVEL EXCURSIONS •GAMES & CRAFTS Fast track to a comeback program, a state of the art short term skilled therapy.

MALLORY I am passionate about building my career, working towards improving my skills, and reaching the goals that I’ve set for myself!

HUGH I’d have to say I’m the most passionate about my family and friends.

I’ve always felt that the people that you surround yourself with should be a direct reflection of who you are. This past year especially has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such genuine and caring people in my life, both professionally and personally. They are some of the best supporters and motivators, and I don’t know what I’d do without them.

(985) 532-1011 7534 Hwy. 1 Lockport, LA 70374 www.thebroadwayelderliving.org

February 2021 8 povhouma.com

HOME + LIVING

CHATEAU CHIC | 12 All in the Details

February 2021 10 povhouma.com

More

O

HPS QSJNBSZ DBSF SJHIU IFSF for JO ZPVS OFJHICPSIPPE primary care

More options right here in your neighborhood.

ptions

Ochsnerfor Family Doctor Clinic – Mathews primary care right

here in your neighborhood.

1EJUPGT (COKN[ &QEVQT %NKPKE s /CVJGYU|

Michael Marcello, MD

Jack Heidenreich, MD

Andre Duplantis, MD

Megan Hartman, MD

Michael Bacon, MD

Jo Foret, NP

"U 0DITOFS PVS QSJNBSZ DBSF UFBN EFMJWFST UIF BUUFOUJPO ZPV OFFE UP HFU XFMM BOE Ochsner Health Center – Raceland Ochsner Health Center – Lockport

Michael Marcello, MD

Jack Heidenreich, MD Andre Duplantis, MD .FHBO .BUIFSOF )BSUNBO .% +P 'PSFU /1 TUBZ XFMM 0VS QIZTJDJBOT BSF EFEJDBUFE UP QSPWJEJOH RVBMJUZ DBSF UP NFFU ZPVS FYBDU IFBMUI OFFET JODMVEJOH BOOVBM DIFDL VQT JNNVOJ[BUJPOT BOE DBSF GPS BDVUF Ochsner Health Center – 3BDFMBOE Ochsner Health Center – Lockport BOE DISPOJD DPOEJUJPOT

Convenient locations near you: 0DITOFS )FBMUI $FOUFS o %FTUSFIBO 'BNJMZ )FBMUI 0DITOFS )FBMUI $FOUFS o ,FOOFS 159 Longview Drive, Suite C1 200 W. Esplanade Avenue, Suite 210 Michelle Lindsey, NP Angelique Torres, APRN Melissa Marcombe, NP Linsey Daigle, NP Mohammad Nawaz, MD Sarah Knight, MD Destrehan, LA 70047 Kenner, LA 70065 4BSBI ,OJHIU .% Mohammad Nawaz, MD Angelique Torres, /1 Casie Trosclair, NP Lindsay Daigle, NP 504.443.9500 985.764.7669 "WBJMBCMF JO -PDLQPSU 3BDFMBOE

At Ochsner St. Anne, our providers are dedicated to providing quality care to meet your 0DITOFS )FBMUI $FOUFS o 3JWFS 1BSJTIFT 0DITOFS )FBMUI $FOUFS o %SJGUXPPE At Ochsner St. Anne, our physicians are dedicated to providing quality care to meet your personalized health needs, including annual check-ups, immunizations and care for acute and 502 Rue de Sante, Suite 308 2120 Driftwood Boulevard QFSTPOBMJ[FE IFBMUI OFFET JODMVEJOH BOOVBM DIFDL VQT JNNVOJ[BUJPOT BOE DBSF GPS BDVUF BOE chronic conditions.

LaPlace, LA 70068 Kenner, LA 70065 DISPOJD DPOEJUJPOT 504.443.9500 985.652.3500 0VS UFBN JT HSPXJOH UP CFUUFS TFSWF ZPV 8F XPVME MJLF UP XFMDPNF %S 4BSBI Our team is growing to better serve you. We would like to 0DITOFS )FBMUI $FOUFS o -VMJOH 0DITOFS )FBMUI $FOUFS o -B1MBDF .FEJDBM ,OJHIU BOE %S .FHBO .BUIFSOF )BSUNBO welcome Michael Bacon, MD. 1057 Paul Maillard Road 735 W. 5th Street Luling, LA 70070 LaPlace, LA 70068 1EJUPGT (COKN[ &QEVQT %NKPKE s /CVJGYU| Ochsner Health Center – Lockport 985.785.3740 Ochsner Family Doctor Clinic – Mathews 985.652.9504 Ochsner Health Center – Lockport 111 AcadiaPark ParkDr.Dr. 111 Acadia Raceland, Raceland, LA LA 70394 70394 985.537.7575 985-537-7575

1015 CrescentAve. Ave. 1015 Crescent Lockport, Lockport, LA LA 70374 70374 985.532.1620 985-532-1620

1EJUPGT )FBMUI $FOUFS s 3BDFMBOE Ochsner Health Center – Raceland 1 $ZQSFTT 4U 106 Cypress St. Raceland, Raceland, LA LA 70394 70394 985.537.

985-537-2273 February 2021 11 povhouma.com

HOME + LIVING |

CHATEAU CHIC

ALL IN THE DETAILS

BY MARY DITCH | PHOTOS BY MISTY LEIGH MCELROY

1

In a peaceful and serene area of Thibodaux, on a tranquil pond, rests the home of Quinn and Renee Strander. The southern traditional home welcomes you in with warm tones and an open floor plan, perfect for entertaining.

brick flooring throughout the entire first floor, exposed wood beams, a large laundry room with heated floors, a stunning back patio and pool area overlooking the pond and a detached sports room for entertaining.

After taking their time to consider everything they might wish for in their new living space, the couple and their children moved into their home in November 2018.

“With an idea of what we wanted, we worked with Mike Bourgeois for a year to draw our custom plan,” shared Renee. “After getting bids from several contractors, we went with Pelican Builders. The house took almost a year and a half to build, but Pelican and their then designer Gretchen Talbot were great to work with!”

The couple’s love for horseracing can be found in the details around the home. A large commissioned portrait in the entryway features several horses that are important to Quinn, all racing at Churchill Downs. Subtle touches from Renee’s family also find their place in the home, including a picture of Rienzi Plantation from her grandmother and a set of dishes for entertaining from her other grandmother. The exterior sports room includes wall to wall televisions for watching sporting events, surrounded by framed saddle cloths from Quinn’s horses.

The five bedroom, four bath custom home features

February 2021 12 povhouma.com

Specializing in Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

THE SUITES AT SUGAR MILL POINT WELCOMES NEW RESIDENTS! Schedule an appointment to meet our Experienced Leadership Team and learn about our Community.

2

Paula, Amanda, Jay, Shannon and Emma 220 Valhi Blvd. in Houma 985.601.2994

13 February 2021 13 povhouma.com

www.SugarMillPoint.net

4

5

February 2021 14 povhouma.com

Good news.

Rates just got lower.

We’re excited to announce auto insurance rates just went down. We can help you find coverage that works for you.

LET’S TALK TODAY.

Call today to schedule your appointment at our new location at the corner of HWY 311 & Polk St.

985-868-5699 Rene Carreker Ins Agcy Inc Rene Carreker, Agent 1221 Museum Drive Houma, LA 70360 rene@renecarreker.com

From your first tooth... to your last.

Houma Family

Dental

Mark Andrepont, Agent 5947 W Main Street Houma, LA 70360 Bus: 985-876-5815 markandrepont.com

Darryl M Brue, Agent 1950 Prospect Blvd Houma, LA 70363 Bus: 985-851-2584 darrylbrue.com

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, 1901156 Richardson, TX

6

February 2021 15 povhouma.com

www.houmafamilydental.com

7

No. 1 Kitchen No. 2 Dining Room No. 3 Sitting Area No. 4 Living Room No. 5 Master Bathroom No. 6 Master Bedroom No.7 Outdoor Living No. 8 Entryway See more photos online at povhouma.com.

8

Whether the couple is sharing a quiet breakfast in the nook in front of the fireplace or opening their home up to watch the next exciting race, it’s the little details throughout the space that welcome you home. POV

Our strength is in providing the highest quality care and most innovative treatment options unique to each patient. The expert team at Mary Bird Perkins TGMC Cancer Center uses state-of-the-art imaging technology to pinpoint and diagnose cancer at the highest level of accuracy possible. And with the use of precise radiation therapy, we are able to treat cancer while preserving healthy tissue and lessening side effects.

Cancer can be a challenging diagnosis, but our strong combination of leading-edge technology, comprehensive resources and compassionate care ensure the highest quality care, right here at home.

Visit MBPTGMC.ORG/STRENGTH or call (985) 866-9045 to schedule an appointment.

February 2021 17 povhouma.com

FOOD + FUN

FINDING YOUR PURPOSE | 20

Allison Cazenave embraces her purpose through Oncology Nutrtion.

BON APPETIT | 26

Valentine’s Dinner for the Family

February 2021 18 povhouma.com

WE CARRY EACH OTHER It’s how we do things in Louisiana during times of challenge.

We’re stronger together and we know our strength lies in the helping hands of our neighbors. So let’s wear a mask and 01MK7496 12/20

protect one another. And protect the life we love.

TOUGHER THAN BEFORE. SMARTER THAN EVER.

WWW.ROBICHAUXFORD.NET February 2021 19 povhouma.com

Purpose FINDING YOUR

BY DREW MILLER PHOTOS SUBMITTED

February 2021 20 povhouma.com

e

FALL IN WITH YOUR

A & H PAINT, INC.

FLOOR COVERING

751 W. BAYOU RD. 985.448.1148 THIBODAUX, LA 70301 February 2021 21 povhouma.com

5619 LA-311 Suite C Houma, LA 70360 Call 985-709-0467 to schedule an appointment today www.rauplastics.com

Revealing beauty, restoring confidence “These patients become a part of your family. There is nothing more heartwarming and job fulfilling than that...�

February 2021 22 povhouma.com

985.872.1431 1000 BARATARIA @ TUNNEL BLVD., HOUMA WWW.VALLEYSUPPLYCO.COM FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/VALLEY-SUPPLY-CO

TFAE TERREBONNE FOUNDATION

t FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 3 0 Ye a r s o f E d u c a t i o n & Achievement

TFAE is proud to celebrate 30 years of education and achievement with our local educators and community.

tfae.org/30-years February 2021 23 povhouma.com

ENROLLING NOW

www.StMattsSchool.com St. Matthew’s Episcopal School does not discriminate in regard to race, creed, color, sex, or national origin

IT’S TIME TO GET ONLINE NO PAYWALL. NO SUBSCRIPTION.

HOUMATIMES.COM February 2021 24 povhouma.com

SCARE UP SOME

! #1 IN NOLA AND HERE ON THE BAYOU! #1 PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER Gooey Butter Snickerdoodle Cake

FEDEX A KING CAKE NATIONWIDE FOR MARDI GRAS! ORDER YOURS TODAY !

SCAN THE CODE OR VISIT WWW.CANNATASKINGCAKES.COM • 985-873-9118

SPINE | NECK | BACK Headache & GRAY

NEW IBERIA

Adolfo J. Cuadra, MD

Jimmy N. Ponder, Jr., MD

www.theheadacheandpaincenter.com February 2021 25 povhouma.com

Mimi Wilson OT, PA-C

985.580.1200

FOOD + FUN |

BON APPETIT

VALENTINE’S DINNER FOR THE FAMILY Cooking for kids can get challenging. It’s hard to remember what random food group they have decided they are not eating this week. My son went on an anti-green food strike recently. Prior to said strike, he loved green beans, peas, broccoli and so on. Then suddenly, BAM. He is no longer a fan of green foods and acts like you are trying to poison him if you dare suggest a green veggie even be purchased at the store.

to elbow macaroni, even lasagna. In my quest to add more vegetables to his diet, I discovered this recipe for a spaghetti sauce that is made from butternut squash. This light but so creamy butternut squash sauce just perfectly coats the noodles and makes for a funcolored sauce too. You can even cook the squash and refrigerate it for later since you throw everything in a blender at the end.

The one thing I know I can always count If you are looking to add a little something on him to devour is any kind of pasta. He to the pasta, you can always toss in some loves all types of noodles, from spaghetti grilled chicken or even shrimp.

CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH PASTA Directions 1. On a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the butternut

squash, shallots, garlic and drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer into a 425-degree oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until the squash is fork tender.

2. While the butternut squash is roasting, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain,

reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.

3. Once the squash is tender, remove and transfer to a blender with the garlic

and shallots with chicken stock. Blend until smooth. Add the cream, nutmeg and reserved cooking liquid and continue to blender. Once smooth, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Transfer the liquid to a medium pot and keep over low heat to keep warm.

4. Add a few large spoonfuls of the sauce to the pasta and toss to combine.

Continuing adding sauce until it’s as saucy as you want. Serve with pecorino, herbs and freshly cracked black pepper.

February 2021 26 povhouma.com

Ingredients • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes • 2 shallots, halved • 4 cloves garlic, peeled • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 1/2 cup chicken stock • 1 lb spaghetti • 1/2 cup heavy cream • Pinch of ground nutmeg • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

GET YOUR

Valentine

THE GIFT THEY REALLY WANT THIS YEAR

PRIMARY CARE 985-262-1639

GENERAL SURGERY 985-868-4890

ENDOCRINOLOGY 985-360-3755

Serve with: • Grated pecorino • Fresh herbs like thyme basil, chives

PODIATRY PODI

985-868-4890

or parsley

TRACTOR

www.slma.cc

beauty from the inside out 360 CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY MARTINI Happy Valentine’s Day! Get creative this February and enjoy a new kind of chocolate covered strawberry. This one is strictly for the adults!

2 oz 360 Double Chocolate Flavored Vodka 0.5 oz Simple Syrup 1.5 oz Tequila Rose 3 oz Milk

- HOW TO MIX Add ice, 360 Double Chocolate Flavored Vodka, Tequila Rose, simple syrup, and milk to a shaker. Shake and strain into a glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a strawberry slice. POV

802 HWY 182 Houma, LA 70364 (985) 851-1242 www.spehouma.com February 2021 27 povhouma.com

181 Corporate Drive Houma, LA 70360

985-219-7546 (SKIN)

MIND + BODY

REMEMBERING RHODA | 30

The Rhoda Ann Guillot Rau Foundation gives back.

WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE | 36 Take Control of your Heart Health

February 2021 28 povhouma.com

205 Venture Boulevard Houma, LA 70360 Tel: 985-868-0430 Mon-Fri 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM www.fleetsupplywhse.com

LOCALLY OWNED SINCE 1974

WE OFFER:

IS YOUR WEBSITE

CUSTOMER SERVICE

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION

EFFECTIVE WEB DESIGN

EASE OF EDITING

RESPONSIVE LAYOUTS

SECURITY

Up to date?

Unsecured?

Missing from search results?

Put these tools to work for you

www.reimagine-marketing.com 986.868.7515 February 2021 29 povhouma.com

REAL TIME STATS

Remembering

Rhoda February 2021 30 povhouma.com

g

a

BY KEELY DIEBOLD “Be who you are and be that well,” St. Francis de Sales, namesake of Houma’s beloved cathedral once said.

Born in 1567, St. Francis de Sales became known in the Catholic Church for his patience and zeal in spreading the word of God to others through his actions and teachings.

It seems fitting, then, that a woman with such deep ties to St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School and whose legacy continues to leave an impact even beyond her death would embody the same characteristics that St. Francis possessed.

“Giving-wise, she never held anything back. She made it a point to always give to the veterans, the Wounded Warrior project was very important to her, to St. Jude...St. Louis Children’s Center,” Lori Rau, daughter-in-law of Rhoda Rau, says. “She lived [a Christian life] every day through friendships.”

Rhoda Rau, her family says, was a mother figure to just about everyone she encountered in her life, from her five sons, to her many grandchildren, to even the staff at businesses she frequented. “[She was] kind of like the ‘general,’ in a sense,” Rhoda’s son Nick laughs. “From my dad, to every single one of us...she was mom to a lot of people. Not just us, but to our friends.”

Designer Smiles

Dr. Catherine Schwab • 7845 Main Street Houma, LA 70360 • 985.360.3588

FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH

Words like “vivacious,” “generous” and “welcoming” paint a picture of the kind of characteristics Rhoda emanated to those around her.

MADE MADE IN IN THE THE USA USA

To her family, she was the axis – the person that kept in touch with everyone, that kept everyone informed and whose passing in October of 2019, following a battle with cancer, left a void in the hearts of both her family and community.

1539 MLK Blvd • Houma 985.851.1559 Mon - Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-4

The Rau family knew that Rhoda’s legacy of generosity needed to live on one way or another. At a celebration of her life held at son Jeffrey’s house for

(Closed Sundays) February 2021 31 povhouma.com

the one-year anniversary of her passing, the Raus envisioned a way to honor Rhoda in giving back to the community and landed on one that involved her grandson, Bradley.

“We threw around a few ideas of how we could raise money and maybe donate it to the community...and nothing really felt right. Nothing hit our hearts, didn’t really describe Mrs. Rhoda...Cancer didn’t define Mrs. Rhoda. It was a very small piece of her life,” Lori says. “[Bradley’s] situation just fell with perfect timing, to where we said, ‘Well, let’s do this. This is lacking in our area.’”

Bradley, the son of Nick and his wife Jenny, was diagnosed with autism in 2017 at 18 months of age, after Jenny and Nick had begun to notice a decline in Bradley’s functioning around a year old.

Rhoda, Jenny says, was one of the first

people to notice what was going on with Bradley and to assure her that his situation was something to look into.

Nick and Jenny knew they wanted Bradley to be able to attend a Catholic elementary school, particularly St. Francis. However, Bradley, who partakes in applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, would require an ABA therapist in the classroom to be able to get the one-on-one help he needed.

Bradley attended St. Francis for a year with an ABA therapist, but Jenny said the situation did not entirely feel like the right fit. While an ABA therapist can control Bradley’s behavior, speech and sensory disorders, there are no resources in place to spearhead his education, Jenny says.

Determined to find a way for Bradley to attend a local Catholic school, the Raus came up with the idea of beginning a program under the Rhoda Ann Guillot

February 2021 32 povhouma.com

Rau Foundation that would create a pathway for children with special needs to receive the one-on-one attention needed to thrive at St. Francis.

The GIFT program, Jenny says, will put a special education-trained teacher in St. Francis that will oversee the curriculum and extracurricular participation of around four or five students with special needs. Students will attend extracurricular classes like physical education and religion with their peers, but core learning will take place in a specialized environment geared toward each child’s specific needs. “[The teacher], throughout their whole time at St. Francis, will be in charge of their curriculum, so if they’re in second grade, but they’re doing kindergarten reading and third grade math, that’s fine. She handles that,” Jenny says.

Students will also learn life skills

Auto - Home - Flood - Commercial 985-262-1435 • trinitycoverage.com

2021 TRAINING DATES: April 13 • July 13 October 5

CHANGE A CHILD’S STORY Volunteer

www.casaofterrebonne.org 402 Canal St. Houma, LA | 985-876-0250 February 2021 33 povhouma.com

CALL TODAY & SCHEDULE A TOUR! Offering 3 levels of home-based education for students in grades K-12, as well as on-campus learning

LEVEL 1 Parent-directed homeschooling LEVEL 2 Teacher-directed homeschooling with accreditation LEVEL 3H eLearning Academy: Home-Based with Teacher Instruction and Assistance

eLearning Academy is a nationally accredited, BESE approved, and NCAA approved private school.

Thibodaux: 985-447-5994 806 N. Acadia Rd. Houma: 985-223-9077 220 Civic Center Blvd. ntoups@elearningk12.com

that are beneficial to them, as well as have access to a separate classroom that provides an area for one-on-one learning or simply a place to go if a student is having a bad day. Paraprofessionals will also be present to accompany GIFT program students in their classes.

Starting the GIFT program at St. Francis in Rhoda’s honor was a perfect fit, given her deep devotion to both the school and cathedral. Her name is well-known at St. Francis, Nick says, and currently, 10 of her grandchildren are students there.

Additionally, Lori says that Rhoda was known for the way she welcomed everyone into her life, treating them as if they were a friend she had known for years. The GIFT program will strive to do the same for its students by welcoming them into the St. Francis community.

“That’s what we kind of want to do for these kids, is just give them a place and welcome them into this school, welcome them into our community and make them feel like Mrs. Rhoda made so many people February 2021 34 povhouma.com

feel – like they’re supposed to be there,” Lori says.

Rhoda’s daughter-in-law Teri came up with the name for the program, drawing from the gift that the students in the program will be to St. Francis, as well as Rhoda’s love of gifting.

“It helped us create another bond with her that extends beyond her death, to carry on her generosity and giving that always made us so happy and everyone else so happy.

We can continue that in her name,” Teri says.

The Rhoda Rau Foundation has set an initial goal to raise $250,000 to fund the GIFT program at St. Francis for the next five years, with an immediate goal of $50,000 set to fund the program for the 2021-2022 school year.

Rhoda’s light will live on through the GIFT program, and through the Rau family, as well. To her children, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, she serves as a model for living life to the fullest.

“...even though Nana’s gone, we can continue her spunk for life and for helping and just helping them know that we can take something like this...this tragedy for our family, and redirect it and make it into something that everybody can benefit from...”

A note written in her husband Fritz’s yearbook during their senior year of high school in response to where she saw herself in 10 years sums it up.

“It said, “I’m gonna graduate, gonna work for a few years, marry F.R. – which is Fritz Rau – have plenty of children and enjoy the finer things in life,’ and that’s exactly what she did,” Nick says.

Lori says that the Rau family can already see traces of Rhoda’s spirit in her grandchildren, through their compassion toward Bradley and friendliness to those around them.

Celebrating

YEARS

40

of Community Banking

CHECK YOUR HEATING AND A/C TODAY! SCHEDULE YOUR HVAC TUNE-UP TODAY TO ENSURE YOUR SYSTEM IS RUNNING EFFICIENTLY TOMORROW.

To learn how to donate to the Rhoda Rau Foundation in support of the GIFT program, visit rhodaraufoundation.com. POV

Though much in the world has changed since we began, our commitment to delivering personal, customer-focused service has never wavered.

Stop in or call and one of our personal banking team members can match you with the perfect account or service to meet your needs.

“I guess we kind of hope that we can show them that, even though Nana’s gone, we can continue her spunk for life and for helping and just helping them know that we can take something like this...this tragedy for our family, and redirect it and make it into something that everybody can benefit from,” Lori says.

As the GIFT program gets up and running at St. Francis, Rhoda’s legacy will live through it – a shining reminder to “be who you are and be that well.”

South Louisiana Bank is proud to celebrate FORTY YEARS of banking in our community.

1309 st. patrick st.

446-6256 • Thibodaux 868-4421 • Houma February 2021 35 povhouma.com

ayeee.com • 985-851-3434

WE SUPPORT A HEALTHIER FUTURE |

BY THIBODAUX REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEART HEALTH

Despite almost two million deaths worldwide from COVID, heart disease, along with stroke, is the leading cause of death globally. A heart attack, which occurs when blood flow from the heart is either severely restricted or cut off completely, strikes about every 43 seconds. Heart failure affects some 6.2 million adults in the United States alone.

cholesterol can cause more stress on the managed with lifestyle changes: heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular • Eat a healthy diet—lean meats, fruits disease. The American Heart Association and vegetables, controlled portions, advises us to be aware of warning signs for limited sugar intake; a heart attack and not delay care: • Maintain a healthy weight; • Chest discomfort that lasts for more than a few minutes and feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain;

Unfortunately, coronavirus has been particularly severe for people with underlying heart conditions. They are not only at higher risk, but patients with heart disease including high blood pressure and congenital heart defects have suffered increased complications from COVID-19.

Ignoring symptoms and delaying routine care for heart conditions can potentially lead to dire consequences. When in doubt about any symptom you may be experiencing, call 9-1-1. Every minute counts in an emergency involving the organ that keeps your body pumping.

• Stay physically active—walking just 30 minutes a day can lower risk;

• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach;

• Do not smoke;

• Shortness of breath;

• Get enough sleep.

• Cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness.

The warning signals of heart attack for a woman may be somewhat different from a man. The most common symptom is also chest pain or discomfort, but she is more likely to have nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath and back or jaw pain.

Even though heart attack is the number one killer of women, they often ignore the symptoms assuming it is acid reflux, the flu or aging pains.

• Limit alcohol consumption;

Thibodaux Regional Health System provides comprehensive, nationally recognized heart and vascular care to help patients keep their hearts healthy. Combining expertise and advanced technology, the heart team at Thibodaux Regional provides the best possible care in the fight against heart disease and other cardiovascular ailments.

For the second year in a row, Thibodaux Regional is the only hospital in Louisiana to be named one of the nation’s 50 Top What Are the Risks and Symptoms?

Cardiovascular Hospitals by IBM Watson Being overweight or obese, chronic lung Health for high performance in delivering conditions such as asthma, COPD and How Do I Lower My Risks? the best quality and most efficient, cost emphysema, and hypertension or high Most heart disease can be prevented or effective heart and vascular care.

For more information about heart health and Thibodaux Regional Health System visit www.thibodaux.com.

Thibodaux Regional ONE OF THE NATION’S

50 TOP

The only hospital in Louisiana to earn this recognition two years in a row for high performance in delivering the best quality and most cost effective heart and vascular care.

CARDIOVASCULAR

HOSPITALS

thibodaux.com/about-us/awards

By IBM Watson Health™

February 2021 36 povhouma.com

FUN FACTS

282 Corporate Drive Houma, LA 70360

FIVE SWEET FACTS ABOUT VALENTINE’S DAY THAT PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW

Auto•Home•Life Real Service. Real People.

Chocolate or flowers?

Men and women prefer candy to flowers

OUTH

OUISIANA

Phone:985.876.2876 Fax: 985.851.5392 lafarmbureau.com

INANCIAL

ERVICES, LLC

GROUP & INDIVIDUAL INSURANCE BENEFITS What is the number one flavor in boxes of mixed chocolates?

Caramel

Medical • Disability Life • Dental

COMMERCIAL

Property • Liability Workers’ Comp

Not A Deposit • Not FDIC Insured No Bank Guarantee

315 South Hollywood Rd • Houma, LA 70360

www.slfsllc.com • 985-851-4281

How many cocoa beans to make one pound of chocolate?

400

LESS EXPOSURE. QUICK AND CONVENIENT.

TOOT & SCOOT CURB SERVICE ON PRESCRIPTIONS

Looking for the perfect paring with a chocolate treat?

Pair red wine with dark chocolate and a sweet bubbly with white chocolate.

SOUTHLAND DRUGS

1117 1117 Audubon Audubon Ave. Ave. •• Thibodaux Thibodaux •• 985-447-5852 985-447-5852

ALL THE NEWS ALL

How sweet is the impact of confections on our economy?

A total of 607,660 jobs are supported by the confectionary industry in the US. *According to the National Confectioners Association

NO PAYWALL. NO SUBSCRIPTION.

HOUMATIMES.COM

February 2021 37 povhouma.com

UNDER THE SCOPE |

BY JOHN DOUCET

THE IRONY AWARDS The annual awards season is upon us.

In a few weeks, the Grammys will be held in celebration of the music recording industry’s best from 2020. Soon after, we’ll see the Oscars, the Tonys, and the Emmys celebrate 2020’s best in cinema, theater, and television. It was certainly a challenging year for entertainment industries, as studios and companies struggled to finance projects, find home audiences, and keep set workers employed during the pandemic. These challenges were recently exemplified on the set of Mission Impossible 7, where actor-director Tom Cruise reminded his socially-undistanced crew how hard it’s been to keep moviemaking afloat. “!!#*&^@*%&%@&!” he explained.

Other major awards face challenges as well—not because of industry downturns but because there are too many worthy candidates for top prizes. Perhaps the most challenged in this regard are the 2020 Irony Awards. The Irony Awards are presented to those happenings that are the most incongruous with reality— phenomena that are not only stunningly unexpected but are often completely opposite of what is. More than Alanis Morrisette’s “rain on your wedding day” (from her Grammy-nominated song, “Ironic,” by the way), winners of the Irony Awards represent startling and often unforeseen challenges to our collective human experience. And in a calendar year wholly incongruous with reality, the judges had their hands full. So, let’s look at their results and survey the top ironic phenomena of 2020.

8167 Redfish St. Chauvin, LA 70344

(985) 637-0896 (985) 594-2067

Happy VALENTINE’S DAY

In third place, we find a new, ironic usage of a simple, three-letter word. When people in PoV country hear the word “rig,” the usage that comes to mind most is in the form of a noun that refers to a drilling derrick. Such rigs represent a historical regional industry and one that gave our fishing and farming forebears in the early 20th century both job security and their first regular paycheck. Another common usage is that of a verb when referring to sports outcomes, like officiating calls against the Saints or LSU or our favorite high school football team. Unfortunately, this verbal usage of our little word has snuck its way into political rhetoric. Here, in the nation where elections are universal models of security and accuracy, we face our little word’s newly weaponized use in challenging outcomes. In 2020’s landmark case, a candidate has selectively used this term to criticize an election he won in 2016 and one he lost in 2020 and then selectively for only those electoral districts where he lost the popular vote. Those of us who’ve worked in oil and gas know well the miasma that can blow from a pressurized well, but this 2020 political sulfur reeks worse.

In second place, we find broadcasts of Stanley Kubrick’s classic 1968 film, 2001: A Space Odyssey across multiple networks in 2020. It’s odd to see such an odd movie play so frequently as it did, and it’s certainly interesting 19 years hence to see how far we’ve ironically not come—no moonbase, no interstellar travel, not even an AI-computer commensurate with Hal. The film’s iconic symbol—the

February 2021 38 povhouma.com

alien monolith—was re-popularized in late 2020, as similar structures seem to have popped up across the globe— first in Utah’s Red Rock Country and then around the U.S. and Europe. The award-winning irony derives from the movie’s first scenes: When the alien monolith discovered on the moon causes a communication blackout between the moonbase and Earth, space officials react in an effort to hide discovery of alien intelligence.

Their solution was to invent the idea of an epidemic as the reason why communication is lost. So, there in fictional 2001 officials faked the presence of an epidemic, and here in nonfictional 2020 some officials faked the absence of an epidemic. And, not too ironically, no one dies because of the fictional deception of 2001.

HIGHLY ATTENTIVE. HIGHLY REWARDING. We believe commercial banking should be personal. So whether it’s a flexible business loan or high-tech treasury management services, b1BANK has the expert guidance you need.

BE UNCOMPLICATED

BE UNCOMPLICATED

BE UNCOMPLICATED

BE UNCOMPLICATED

And the top Irony Award of 2020 goes to a little mammal named Centurio senex, otherwise known as the wrinkle-faced bat. Bats are more notorious than normal these days, as scientists have demonstrated that coronaviruses, like Covid-19 which has caused the current pandemic and which is the reason we urge people to wear masks, originate in bat species. In a November 2020 scientific report, certain behaviors of Centurio are described for the first time. Apparently, on special bat occasions, Centurio will use its tiny, webbed fingers to unfurl a layer of skin from its neck and lift it over its face and nostrils—like a miniature gaiter sock permanently attached.

Yes, that’s right: A bat that masks!

If the irony is too hard to believe, we got it on film. With all Shakespearean irony, however, we should come to praise Centurio and not bury him: At a time when we find ourselves donning masks just to survive, we should praise those infectious mammals on Earth that are actually masking-up. POV

February 2021 39 povhouma.com

FUN FACTS YOU CAN’T CANCEL KING CAKE

Even though our parades and tableaux have been canceled for this year, the spirit of Mardi Gras lives on in our traditions.

HOUMA’S LARGEST SELECTION OF

WINE, LIQUOR & BEER

Carnival season officially begins on January 6th or the “Twelfth Night,” also known to Christians as the “Epiphany.” The end of Carnival season is Mardi Gras Day. In 1857, a secret society of New Orleans businessmen called the Mistick Krewe of Comus organized a torch-lit Mardi Gras procession with marching bands and rolling floats, setting the tone for future public celebrations in the city.

CASE TS DISCOUN !

AVAILABLE SHOP ONLINE AT:

WWW.CANNATAS.COM

Rex, one of the oldest Mardi Gras krewes in New Orleans parading since 1872, established the iconic Mardi Gras colors. The colors of Mardi Gras represent: purple – justice, gold – power, and green – faith.

The King Cake tradition is thought to have been brought to New Orleans from France in 1870. The oval-shaped dessert is a cross between a coffee cake and a French pastry.

Scan QR Code to Learn More or Join Today!

Celebrate At Home

GET BEER, WINE & LIQUOR DELIVERED IN AS LITTLE AS 1 HOUR.

Epiphany comes from a Greek word that means “to show.” Jesus first showed himself to the three wisemen and to the world on this day.

As a symbol of this Holy Day, a tiny plastic baby is placed inside each King Cake.

The first Mardi Gras parade in Houma was the Krewe of Houmas on Mardi Gras day in 1947. King Houmas I was John Foolkes and Queen Houmas I was Gloria Babin.

QUESTIONS? CALL: 985-873-9189 FOR INQUIRIES & ORDERS CONTACT:

LANE BATES

985-209-9762 lanebates@cannatas.com

The first carnival floats were shipped to Houma from New Orleans by barge on the Intracoastal Waterway.

February 2021 40 povhouma.com

AN ELEGANT MARBLE FLOOR IN THIS POWDER BATHROOM MAKES ALL THE GUESTS IMPRESSED.

CALL TODAY!

is website bigger and move it to the top all images are fine just wants us to move them around you know how he do

WWW.BILLYSTVANDSTEREO.COM

NEW STOCK DAILY Call for Inventory

authorized dealer Uverse • directv • phone

Samsung, whirlpool, Frigidaire, Maytag

SAVE NOW ON A WASHER & DRIER PAIR

Queen Sets Starting at $359.90

NEW ARRIVAL Z GRILLS-10002E

5805 West Main St., Houma, LA 70360

868-2765

82” LG TV ON SPECIAL

NOW IN STOCK! CHEST & UPRIGHT FREEZERS

CHARGE

“TV, Stereo & Appliance Specialists” Great Brands, Low Prices, Nice Folks™ NOW SET UP FOR BILLY’S CHARGE CARD *With Approved Credit. See store for details.

MON-FRI 9AM-6PM • SAT 9AM-5PM • FIND US ON FACEBOOK: BILLYSTVANDSTEREO February 2021 41 povhouma.com

CARD

LOOK TWICE |

WIN A $50

COURTESY OF SYNERGY BANK

GIFT CARD

Find the six differences in this photo from our feature on page 30. Email your answers to us at looktwice@povhouma.com or drop it in the mail: Rushing Media, P.O. Box 5013, Houma, LA, 70361.

A winner will be picked by random drawing January 20.

The winner will receive a $50 Visa® gift card courtesy of Synergy Bank.

Participants must be 18 years or older.

Congratulations to Betty Marcel for winning last month’s contest.

February 2021 42 povhouma.com

ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S CONTEST 1 Changed the color on the blanket 2 Removed necklace 3 Removed handle from drawer 4 Changed color of boat in painting 5 Removed color swatch from palette 6 Removed basket from painting

Treat your Valentine to a Sweet New Ride

6161 WEST PARK AVE., HOUMA, LA | 876-1817

February 2021 43 povhouma.com www.southlanddodgechryslerjeep.com